Patents by Inventor Lars Wihlborg

Lars Wihlborg 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: 11858693
    Abstract: A hinged zipper assembly includes first and second zipper members each having a facing side, an opposite side, an upper edge, and an opposite lower edge. Each of the zipper members has a profile protrusion that extends from the facing sides and are located between the upper and lower edges. The profile protrusions mesh with each other to interlock with each other. A living hinge is formed in the first zipper member and/or the second zipper member between the lower edge and the profile protrusion. The zipper members are formed with flanges that extend from the lower edges. The flanges are configured to be affixed to panels of an enclosure that is closed by meshing of the profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Lars Wihlborg, Jose Septien, Clifton Howell, Marion Johnson, Marco Aguilar
  • Patent number: 11845587
    Abstract: A resealable bag enclosure may be provided that includes a film having an opposing first side and second side coupled with each other, and a resealable zipper assembly coupled with the first side and the second side of the film. The first side and the second side of the film together may form a pattern at an opening stop location disposed between the first and second edges of the film and adjacent to an end of the zipper assembly. The pattern of the first side and the second side of the film may also resist opening of the resealable bag enclosure beyond the end of the zipper assembly when the first side and the second side of the film are pulled apart to prevent the peel seal from extending beyond the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Wihlborg, David Matthews
  • Publication number: 20230128908
    Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable bag includes a first interlocking element, and a second interlocking element. The first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are configured to cooperate to selectively open and close the zipper. One or both of the first interlocking element and the second interlocking element are formed of at least 85% repulpable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Septien Rojas, Eric Plourde, Kevin Olechowski, Marion Johnson, Clifton Howell, Lars Wihlborg, David Galley
  • Publication number: 20220055799
    Abstract: A hinged zipper assembly includes first and second zipper members each having a facing side, an opposite side, an upper edge, and an opposite lower edge. Each of the zipper members has a profile protrusion that extends from the facing sides and are located between the upper and lower edges. The profile protrusions mesh with each other to interlock with each other. A living hinge is formed in the first zipper member and/or the second zipper member between the lower edge and the profile protrusion. The zipper members are formed with flanges that extend from the lower edges. The flanges are configured to be affixed to panels of an enclosure that is closed by meshing of the profile protrusions of the first and second zipper members with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Wihlborg, Jose Septien, Clifton Howell, Marion Johnson, Marco Aguilar
  • Publication number: 20210354880
    Abstract: A resealable bag enclosure may be provided that includes a film having an opposing first side and second side coupled with each other, and a resealable zipper assembly coupled with the first side and the second side of the film. The first side and the second side of the film together may form a pattern at an opening stop location disposed between the first and second edges of the film and adjacent to an end of the zipper assembly. The pattern of the first side and the second side of the film may also resist opening of the resealable bag enclosure beyond the end of the zipper assembly when the first side and the second side of the film are pulled apart to prevent the peel seal from extending beyond the pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Wihlborg, David Matthews
  • Publication number: 20210107718
    Abstract: Enclosure assembly includes an outer box enclosure and a flexible, resealable enclosure that is disposed within the outer box enclosure. The resealable enclosure has a resealer formed by a single intermeshable closure member that is affixed to and wraps from a front side of the outer box enclosure, around at least one of side edge of the outer box enclosure, and onto a back side of the resealable enclosure. Prior to initially opening the resealable enclosure, the intermeshable closure member is uncoupled with itself. The intermeshable closure member is configured to couple with itself at a first area of the intermeshable closure member that is on the front side of the resealable enclosure and at a different, second area of the intermeshable closure member that is on the back side of the resealable enclosure to close the resealable enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Komal Singh, Lars Wihlborg, Jose Septien, Eric Plourde
  • Patent number: 10351306
    Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a child deterrent closure with multiple interlocking elements on each zipper profile. The lower interlocking element of one of the profiles includes an interior flange which is unsealed thereby causing opening forces on that profile to be directed to a lower seal rather than to the lower interlocked elements. The interior flange must be moved to expose the lower interlocked elements and to direct opening forces to the lower interlocked elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Septien Rojas, Lars Wihlborg
  • Patent number: 10287063
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to plastic or polymeric container with reclosable zippers which make the package child-resistant. In one typical embodiment, this is achieved by a zipper with a high internal opening force and a low external opening force, wherein three flanges are sealed to the bag walls, and one external flange is left unsealed. In order to encounter the low external opening force, the user must grab the unsealed external flange while applying an external opening force to the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Septien Rojas, Lars Wihlborg, Charles Greco, Jeffry Mauro, Glyn Russell
  • Patent number: 10118737
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to plastic or polymeric container with reclosable zippers which make the package child-resistant. In one typical embodiment, this is achieved by a zipper with a high internal opening force and a low external opening force, wherein three flanges are sealed to the bag walls, and one external flange is left unsealed. In order to encounter the low external opening force, the user must grab the unsealed external flange while applying an external opening force to the zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Septien Rojas, Lars Wihlborg, Charles Greco, Jeffry Mauro, Glyn Russell
  • Publication number: 20180312302
    Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a child deterrent closure with multiple interlocking elements on each zipper profile. The lower interlocking element of one of the profiles includes an interior flange which is unsealed thereby causing opening forces on that profile to be directed to a lower seal rather than to the lower interlocked elements. The interior flange must be moved to expose the lower interlocked elements and to direct opening forces to the lower interlocked elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jose Manuel SEPTIEN ROJAS, Lars WIHLBORG
  • Publication number: 20170152085
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to plastic or polymeric container with reclosable zippers which make the package child-resistant. In one typical embodiment, this is achieved by a zipper with a high internal opening force and a low external opening force, wherein three flanges are sealed to the bag walls, and one external flange is left unsealed. In order to encounter the low external opening force, the user must grab the unsealed external flange while applying an external opening force to the zipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventors: Jose Manuel SEPTIEN ROJAS, Lars WIHLBORG, Charles GRECO, Jeffry MAURO, Glyn RUSSELL
  • Patent number: 9238526
    Abstract: The disclosure pertains to various embodiments of zippers with a tear flange for use in a reclosable flexible package or bag. A line of weakness can be introduced into the tear flange by application of a peel seal polymer resin or of a foaming agent. The disclosure includes further embodiments wherein lines of weakness are introduced into the flange of zippers in reclosable packages or bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Lars Wihlborg, Rusty Koenigkramer, Glyn Russell, Eric P. Plourde, David J. Matthews
  • Patent number: 9027310
    Abstract: The method and apparatus relates to providing a slit, perforation, line of weakness or similar structure in a flange of a zipper for a reclosable package or bag, including a high-capacity zipper. The slit, perforation, line of weakness or similar structure provides an opening for filling the reclosable package or bag without the need to separate the zipper profiles from each other. After filling, the opening is sealed and the cosmetic appearance of the reclosable package or bag is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Glyn Russell, Charles Greco, Lars Wihlborg, Robert J. Coulton, David Anzini, Brian Ehrhardt, Francis Olajide, Jr., Eric Plourde, David Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20140161374
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to plastic or polymeric container with reclosable zippers which make the package child-resistant. In one typical embodiment, this is achieved by a zipper with a high internal opening force and a low external opening force, wherein three flanges are sealed to the bag walls, and one external flange is left unsealed. In order to encounter the low external opening force, the user must grab the unsealed external flange while applying an external opening force to the zipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Jose Manuel SEPTIEN ROJAS, Lars WIHLBORG, Charles GRECO, Jeffry MAURO, Glyn RUSSELL
  • Publication number: 20130047553
    Abstract: The method and apparatus relates to providing a slit, perforation, line of weakness or similar structure in a flange of a zipper for a reclosable package or bag, including a high-capacity zipper. The slit, perforation, line of weakness or similar structure provides an opening for filling the reclosable package or bag without the need to separate the zipper profiles from each other. After filling, the opening is sealed and the cosmetic appearance of the reclosable package or bag is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Glyn Russell, Charles Greco, Lars Wihlborg, Robert J. Coulton, David Anzini, Brian Ehrhardt, Francis Olajide, JR., Eric Plourde, David Pritchard
  • Patent number: 8245365
    Abstract: The disclosure pertains to a sleeve cover for a slider clip which is used for such applications as high pressure pasteurization wherein high pressure is applied to a reclosable bag, including a zipper and slider, which typically includes foodstuffs such as meat products. The sleeve cover is molded, glued or otherwise attached, to the slider to prevent the film of the bag from pressing against and entering the interstices between the slider and the zipper profile and subsequently deforming, pinching or rupturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Lars Wihlborg
  • Publication number: 20120202667
    Abstract: The disclosure pertains to method for manufacturing reclosable packages, bags or pouches wherein, typically, a unisex zipper is looped and sealed inside of the package. The formation of the looped zipper segment causes the package to have a wide open mouth, and a natural tendency toward the open configuration. Both transverse and machine direction methods are disclosed, as well as resulting packages which may include a spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Charles G. GRECO, David J. ANZINI, Lars WIHLBORG, Rusty KOENIGKRAMER
  • Publication number: 20120189232
    Abstract: The disclosure pertains to various embodiments of zippers with a tear flange for use in a reclosable flexible package or bag. A line of weakness can be introduced into the tear flange by application of a peel seal polymer resin or of a foaming agent. The disclosure includes further embodiments wherein lines of weakness are introduced into the flanges of zippers in reclosable packages or bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: David J. ANZINI, Lars Wihlborg, Rusty Koenigkramer, Glyn Russell, Eric Plourde, David J. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20110185680
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Charles Greco, David Keith, Glyn Russell, Eric P. Plourde, Kenny E. McCracken, Lars Wihlborg
  • Patent number: 7524110
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a semi-soft cap or patch which is secured by adhesive to a slider on a zipper in a reclosable package. This cap or patch prevents the slider from puncturing the web or film of the bag during high pressure pasteurization. Further, the cap or patch is secured to a tear-away header which is formed as a shroud over the zipper. This allows the user to tear off the header which likewise removes the cap or patch from the slider. The header, with the cap or patch still attached thereto, can thereafter be disposed of as a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Steven Ausnit, Michael J. Lasofsky, Lars Wihlborg, Per Bentsen, Robert G. Kobetsky