Patents by Inventor Lawrence Share

Lawrence Share 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: 20060029299
    Abstract: A reclosable bag that can be hermetically sealed. The bag comprises a pair of zipper strips that are joined in respective zones without substantial deformation of the longitudinal profiled closure elements. These zones of zipper strip joinder assist in providing a leakproof transition from the openable section of the zipper to the corner seals, where the longitudinal profiled closure elements are either substantially deformed (e.g., crushed) or absent. The method of manufacture involves the steps of ultrasonically welding a wide area and then thermally crushing a narrower area overlapping the wide welded area to form leakproof zipper joints. This method can be applied to string (flangeless) zippers as well as flanged zippers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: February 9, 2006
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, David Matthews, Donald Crevier
  • Patent number: 6842973
    Abstract: A keeper (12), a clamp (14), a heater strip (16) and a heated air diffuser (18) are provided for a slider insertion apparatus (10) which inserts sliders (28) on the interlocked profiles (20, 22) of a zipper (23). The heater strip (16) and/or the diffuser (18) heat the zipper (23) to a predetermined temperature prior to slider insertion. The keeper (12) aligns the slider (32) within the insertion area (34) with the activator with pusher (26) of the slider insertion apparatus (10). By changing the mounting of the zipper guide (28) and by actuating the clamp (14) during slider insertion, the zipper (32) indexes to the slider insertion apparatus (10) in alternate directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, Michael Pollack, Stanley Piotrowski, Michael McMahon
  • Patent number: 6799890
    Abstract: A reclosable package has a first wall and a second wall opposite to the front wall A first zipper profile including a first interlocking member is attached to the first wall and a second profile having a second interlocking member, engageable with the first interlocking member, is attached to the second wall. A slider is positioned on the profiles for movement along the profiles from side to side of the package. Package material is provided which must be removed or ruptured to permit operation of the slider or to provide access to the package contents. In either event, the steps needed to permit the initial access to the package contents leave clear evidence for a consumer that the package has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Lawrence Share, Eric P. Plourde, Robert E. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20040188000
    Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a horn, an anvil and an anvil cover. The horn comprises a generally T-shaped flattening surface and a rail projecting forward of the flattening surface. The rail is shaped to serve as a dam for flowing thermoplastic zipper material during stomping of slider end stops. The horn further comprises a plurality of vertical energy directors designed to direct ultrasonic energy into the mass of zipper material and deflect flowing zipper material toward the dam. The horn further comprises first and second recesses located on opposite sides of a stem of the T-shaped flattening surface. The anvil cover overlies opposing portions of the anvil and comprises a T-shaped cutout. The T-shaped flattening surface of the horn fits in the T-shaped cutout of the anvil cover. The resulting zipper has slider end stops located at opposing ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Lawrence Share, Michael A. Pollack, Donald L. Crevier, Nigel D. Knight, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 6733622
    Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a horn, an anvil and an anvil cover. The horn comprises a generally T-shaped flattening surface and a rail projecting forward of the flattening surface. The rail is shaped to serve as a dam for flowing thermoplastic zipper material during stomping of slider end stops. The horn further comprises a plurality of vertical energy directors designed to direct ultrasonic energy into the mass of zipper material and deflect flowing zipper material toward the dam. The horn further comprises first and second recesses located on opposite sides of a stem of the T-shaped flattening surface. The anvil cover overlies opposing portions of the anvil and comprises a T-shaped cutout. The T-shaped flattening surface of the horn fits in the T-shaped cutout of the anvil cover. The resulting zipper has slider end stops located at opposing ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Lawrence Share, Michael A. Pollack, Donald L. Crevier, Nigel D. Knight, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20030183314
    Abstract: A keeper (12), a clamp (14), a heater strip (16) and a heated air diffuser (18) are provided for a slider insertion apparatus (10) which inserts sliders (28) on the interlocked profiles (20, 22) of a zipper (23). The heater strip (16) and/or the diffuser (18) heat the zipper (23) to a predetermined temperature prior to slider insertion. The keeper (12) aligns the slider (32) within the insertion area (34) with the activator with pusher (26) of the slider insertion apparatus (10). By changing the mounting of the zipper guide (28) and by actuating the clamp (14) during slider insertion, the zipper (32) indexes to the slider insertion apparatus (10) in alternate directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, Michael Pollack, Stanley Piotrowski, Michael McMahon
  • Publication number: 20030183315
    Abstract: An ultrasonic welding assembly comprising a horn, an anvil and an anvil cover. The horn comprises a generally T-shaped flattening surface and a rail projecting forward of the flattening surface. The rail is shaped to serve as a dam for flowing thermoplastic zipper material during stomping of slider end stops. The horn further comprises a plurality of vertical energy directors designed to direct ultrasonic energy into the mass of zipper material and deflect flowing zipper material toward the dam. The horn further comprises first and second recesses located on opposite sides of a stem of the T-shaped flattening surface. The anvil cover overlies opposing portions of the anvil and comprises a T-shaped cutout. The T-shaped flattening surface of the horn fits in the T-shaped cutout of the anvil cover. The resulting zipper has slider end stops located at opposing ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Lawrence Share, Michael A. Pollack, Donald L. Crevier, Nigel D. Knight, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20030103687
    Abstract: A reclosable package has a first wall and a second wall opposite to the front wall. A first zipper profile including a first interlocking member is attached to the first wall and a second profile having a second interlocking member, engageable with the first interlocking member, is attached to the second wall. A slider is positioned on the profiles for movement along the profiles from side to side of the package. Package material is provided which must be removed or ruptured to permit operation of the slider or to provide access to the package contents. In either event, the steps needed to permit the initial access to the package contents leave clear evidence for a consumer that the package has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Lawrence Share, Eric P. Plourde, Robert E. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20030103689
    Abstract: A reclosable package has a first wall and a second wall opposite to the front wall. A first zipper profile including a first interlocking member is attached to the first wall and a second profile having a second interlocking member, engageable with the first interlocking member, is attached to the second wall. A slider is positioned on the profiles for movement along the profiles from side to side of the package. Package material is provided which must be removed or ruptured to permit operation of the slider or to provide access to the package contents. In either event, the steps needed to permit the initial access to the package contents leave clear evidence for a consumer that the package has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Lawrence Share, Eric P. Plourde, Robert E. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20030103690
    Abstract: A reclosable package has a first wall and a second wall opposite to the front wall A first zipper profile including a first interlocking member is attached to the first wall and a second profile having a second interlocking member, engageable with the first interlocking member, is attached to the second wall. A slider is positioned on the profiles for movement along the profiles from side to side of the package. Package material is provided which must be removed or ruptured to permit operation of the slider or to provide access to the package contents. In either event, the steps needed to permit the initial access to the package contents leave clear evidence for a consumer that the package has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Lawrence Share, Eric P. Plourde, Robert E. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20030103688
    Abstract: A reclosable package has a first wall and a second wall opposite to the front wall. A first zipper profile including a first interlocking member is attached to the first wall and a second profile having a second interlocking member, engageable with the first interlocking member, is attached to the second wall. A slider is positioned on the profiles for movement along the profiles from side to side of the package. Package material is provided which must be removed or ruptured to permit operation of the slider or to provide access to the package contents. In either event, the steps needed to permit the initial access to the package contents leave clear evidence for a consumer that the package has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Lawrence Share, Eric P. Plourde, Robert E. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20030099412
    Abstract: A reclosable package has a first wall and a second wall opposite to the front wall A first zipper profile including a first interlocking member is attached to the first wall and a second profile having a second interlocking member, engageable with the first interlocking member, is attached to the second wall. A slider is positioned on the profiles for movement along the profiles from side to side of the package. Package material is provided which must be removed or ruptured to permit operation of the slider or to provide access to the package contents. In either event, the steps needed to permit the initial access to the package contents leave clear evidence for a consumer that the package has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Lawrence Share, Eric P. Plourde, Robert E. Hogan
  • Publication number: 20020094137
    Abstract: A reclosable package has a first wall and a second wall opposite to the front wall. A first zipper profile including a first interlocking member is attached to the first wall and a second profile having a second interlocking member, engageable with the first interlocking member, is attached to the second wall. A slider is positioned on the profiles for movement along the profiles from side to side of the package. Package material is provided which must be removed or ruptured to permit operation of the slider or to provide access to the package contents. In either event, the steps needed to permit the initial access to the package contents leave clear evidence for a consumer that the package has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Donald L. Crevier, Steven Ausnit, Michael McMahon, Lawrence Share, Eric P. Plourde, Robert E. Hogan
  • Patent number: 6308498
    Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and an integral web which defines a leading flange. The leading flanges are sealed to thermoplastic film material which is used to make the reclosable packages and to each other. A perforation extends along the length of the zipper strip so that the profiles can be readily separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Art Malin, Lawrence Share, Donald L. Van Erden
  • Patent number: 6115892
    Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and an integral web which defines a leading flange. The leading flanges are sealed to thermoplastic film material which is used to make the reclosable packages and to each other. One of leading flanges is provided with a perforation along its length so that it can be separated by pulling the profiles apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Art Malin, Lawrence Share, Donald L. Van Erden
  • Patent number: 6088998
    Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and an integral web which defines a trailing flange. One or both of the profiles are provided with high compression members which allow one or both of the interlocking members to be sealed to thermoplastic film without being crushed or distorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Art Malin, Ronald L. Ramsey, Lawrence Share, Richmond M. Scott
  • Patent number: 6030122
    Abstract: A reclosable package for a consumer product includes a zipper strip having male and female interlocking profiles. The former has a male interlocking member having a cross section in the shape of an asymmetric arrowhead. The latter has a female interlocking member in the form of two mutually curving members defining a channel therebetween. The male interlocking member is snappingly engaged into the channel to reclose the package. The asymmetric male interlocking member has an acute edge outward of the interior of the package, and a rounded edge facing the inside of the package. This asymmetry makes the package easier to open from within than from without.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ramsey, Arthur Malin, Robert Hogan, Lawrence Share, Richmond M. Scott
  • Patent number: 6017412
    Abstract: A method for attaching reclosable zipper strips transversely to thermoplastic film material which may be used to make reclosable bags or packages in a form-fill-seal machine is claimed. The zipper strip includes a male profile and a female profile. The male profile includes a male interlocking member and an integral web comprising a trailing flange and, optionally, a leading flange. Likewise, the female profile includes a female interlocking member and an integral web comprising a trailing flange and, optionally, a leading flange. As the film material is advanced into the form-fill-seal machine in bag length increments, the interlocked zipper strip is disposed on the film material transversely thereto with the trailing flange oriented in a direction opposite to the motion of the film material. The zipper strip is then sealed to the film material at its extremities. In this manner the male and female profiles are sealed to each other and to the film material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Van Erden, Art Malin, Michael J. McMahon, Lawrence Share
  • Patent number: 5930877
    Abstract: A peel seal zipper tape for reclosable plastic bags or packages includes a first and a second mutually interlocking zipper profile disposed on a top surface of a laminated film strip. The top surface is formed by a layer of a sealant material. The laminated film strip also has a middle layer, or core, of a material stiffer than the first and second mutually interlocking zipper profiles, and may also have a bottom layer of a sealant material. In use, the laminated film strip is folded over, and the zipper profiles are interlocked with one another. In doing so, portions of the top surface of the laminated film strip face inwardly, so that the folded film strip may be closed with a heat seal. The outside of the folded peel seal zipper tape, that is, the bottom layer of sealant material is bonded to plastic sheet material from which reclosable plastic bags or packages are made. In the production of the bags or packages, the mutually facing portions of the laminated film strip are sealed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Thorpe, Gregory J. Pagnier, Lawrence Share
  • Patent number: 5832570
    Abstract: A peel seal zipper tape for reclosable plastic bags or packages includes a first and a second mutually interlocking zipper profile disposed on a top surface of a laminated film strip. The top surface is formed by a layer of a sealant material. The laminated film strip also has a middle layer, or core, of a material stiffer than the first and second mutually interlocking zipper profiles, and may also have a bottom layer of a sealant material. In use, the laminated film strip is folded over, and the zipper profiles are interlocked with one another. In doing so, portions of the top surface of the laminated film strip face inwardly, so that the folded film strip may be closed with a heat seal. The outside of the folded peel seal zipper tape, that is, the bottom layer of sealant material is bonded to plastic sheet material from which reclosable plastic bags or packages are made. In the production of the bags or packages, the mutually facing portions of the laminated film strip are sealed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Thorpe, Gregory J. Pagnier, Lawrence Share