Patents by Inventor Matthew W. Waldron

Matthew W. Waldron 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: 20250083881
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually distinct contact areas, including a continuous contact area spanning a width of the structure. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and the continuous contact area forms a hem seal near a top opening of the thermoplastic bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2024
    Publication date: March 13, 2025
    Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Karen McAffry, Edward B. Tucker, Shaun T. Broering
  • Patent number: 12187511
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually distinct contact areas, including a continuous contact area spanning a width of the structure. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and the continuous contact area forms a hem seal near a top opening of the thermoplastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Karen McAffry, Edward B. Tucker, Shaun T. Broering
  • Publication number: 20240367864
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually-distinct contact areas. Wherein the one or more visually-distinct contact areas, cause the first film to take on the second appearance of the second film. The visually-distinct contact areas being of a uniform gauge and configured to separate before either of the first film or the second film fails when subjected to peel forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Sarah Steenblock, Matthew W. WALDRON, Shaun T. Broering, Lehai Minh Pham Vu
  • Patent number: 12084230
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually-distinct contact areas. Wherein the one or more visually-distinct contact areas, cause the first film to take on the second appearance of the second film. The visually-distinct contact areas being of a uniform gauge and configured to separate before either of the first film or the second film fails when subjected to peel forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Sarah Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Lehai Minh Pham Vu
  • Publication number: 20240262571
    Abstract: Thermoplastic bags with phased deformation patterns are described. In particular, one or more implementations comprise thermoplastic bags with ring rolling, SELFing, or other deformation patterns phased or aligned relative to the sides of the bags. The phased deformation patterns can allow for reducing or eliminating deformation patterns in areas of the thermoplastic bag in which side seals or other seals are formed. Additionally or alternatively, the phased deformation patterns can provide for zones that provide differing properties (e.g., functional or aesthetic). Such zones can vary aligned along a width of the thermoplastic bag and optionally also vary along a height of the thermoplastic bag. The differing zones can provide the thermoplastic bags with phased deformations that provide leak prevention, liquid containment, and other benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2024
    Publication date: August 8, 2024
    Inventors: Shaun T. BROERING, Matthew W. WALDRON, Jason R. MAXWELL, Robert T. DORSEY, Michael G. BORCHARDT, Edward B. TUCKER, Jack F. MELVAN, Richard D. PALMER, Deborah K. FIX
  • Publication number: 20240253864
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a grab zone of contact areas positioned in a high-touch area of the bag. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes one or more regions of a first film in contact with a second film at one or more contact areas. The grab zone regions of one or more contact areas are located in visible and high-touch areas to provide visual and tactile cues of strength and durability. Moreover, the grab zone regions of one or more contact areas serve to distribute pull and lift forces across a wider area in order to avoid common failures in high-touch areas such as over stretching, punctures, tears, and rips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2024
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Inventors: Sarah J. Steensblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Justin Zickus, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker
  • Patent number: 12043451
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a conjoined hem channel. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes a multi-film hem channel. Bonds secure the layers of the hem channel together so as to prevent a drawtape from inverting or bunching an inner layer of the hem channel during cinching. The bonds are thus located in a hem channel of a multi-film thermoplastic bag so as to reduce an amount of mechanical engagement between the films of the multi-film thermoplastic bag and another thermoplastic film such as a drawtape. In one or more implementations, a grab zone of the multi-film thermoplastic bag also includes bonds in the form of contact areas to provide tactile and visual cues of strength in the grab zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Sarah J Steenblock, Edward B Tucker, Matthew W Waldron, Lehai Minh Pham Vu, John Prusinski, Shaun T Broering, Deborah K Fix, Justin Zickus, David A Bailey, Jason R Maxwell, Michael G Borchardt
  • Publication number: 20240166415
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag including a zone of contact areas between adjacent films with varying lamination. The contact areas comprise areas in which at least first and second thermoplastic films of the multi-film thermoplastic bag are in intimate contact and bonded together by heat and pressure. The contact areas help reinforce the bag due to increased stiffness provided by the contact areas, as well as distribute stresses/stain over more material, and thereby, help reduce tearing or other damage by stresses/strain from grasping fingers (e.g., during a grabbing motion to lift or carry) or objects being placed inside the bag. Additionally, the increased stiffness can provide a tactile feel that connotes strength to a user grasping the grab zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Edward B. Tucker, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, David A. Bailey
  • Publication number: 20240140650
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reinforced thermoplastic bag with lofted regions. In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a reinforced portion with lofted regions at a top-of-bag area where users often apply an external force to lift or carry the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, a reinforcing strip is positioned across one or both of a hem channel region and a grab zone along an outer surface, an inner surface, or between layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In one or more embodiments, the lofted regions increase the loft of the reinforced thermoplastic bag, improve the feel of the reinforced thermoplastic bag, and/or modify a look of the reinforced thermoplastic bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Edward B. Tucker, Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron
  • Patent number: 11970310
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a grab zone of contact areas positioned in a high-touch area of the bag. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes one or more regions of a first film in contact with a second film at one or more contact areas. The grab zone regions of one or more contact areas are located in visible and high-touch areas to provide visual and tactile cues of strength and durability. Moreover, the grab zone regions of one or more contact areas serve to distribute pull and lift forces across a wider area in order to avoid common failures in high-touch areas such as over stretching, punctures, tears, and rips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Justin Zickus, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker
  • Publication number: 20240124196
    Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes duplicative seals. In particular, in one or more implementations, a thermoplastic bag includes a first seal and at least a second seal reinforcing the same area of the thermoplastic bag. For instance, in one or more implementations, the thermoplastic bag includes multiple seals along each side edge or along the hem. If one seal fails, the other seal(s) can remain in place to prevent leaks. Thus, the duplicative seals of the thermoplastic bag can provide reinforced strength and desired aesthetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Jason R. MAXWELL, Robert T. DORSEY, Michael G. BORCHARDT, Edward B. TUCKER, Jack F. MELVAN, Shaun T. BROERING, Matthew W. WALDRON, Richard D. PALMER, Deborah K. FIX, Zeljko VIDOVIC
  • Patent number: 11958660
    Abstract: Thermoplastic bags with phased deformation patterns are described. In particular, one or more implementations comprise thermoplastic bags with ring rolling, SELFing, or other deformation patterns phased or aligned relative to the sides of the bags. The phased deformation patterns can allow for reducing or eliminating deformation patterns in areas of the thermoplastic bag in which side seals or other seals are formed. Additionally or alternatively, the phased deformation patterns can provide for zones that provide differing properties (e.g., functional or aesthetic). Such zones can vary aligned along a width of the thermoplastic bag and optionally also vary along a height of the thermoplastic bag. The differing zones can provide the thermoplastic bags with phased deformations that provide leak prevention, liquid containment, and other benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Shaun T. Broering, Matthew W. Waldron, Jason R. Maxwell, Robert T. Dorsey, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker, Jack F. Melvan, Richard D. Palmer, Deborah K. Fix
  • Publication number: 20240043190
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually-distinct contact areas arranged into a text. Wherein the one or more visually-distinct contact areas, cause the first film to take on the second appearance of the second film. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and text comprises a suffocation warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew W. Waldron, Sarah J. Steenblock, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Edward B. Tucker, Jeffrey S. Stiglic
  • Patent number: 11891213
    Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes duplicative seals. In particular, in one or more implementations, a thermoplastic bag includes a first seal and at least a second seal reinforcing the same area of the thermoplastic bag. For instance, in one or more implementations, the thermoplastic bag includes multiple seals along each side edge or along the hem. If one seal fails, the other seal(s) can remain in place to prevent leaks. Thus, the duplicative seals of the thermoplastic bag can provide reinforced strength and desired aesthetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Jason R. Maxwell, Robert T. Dorsey, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker, Jack F. Melvan, Shaun T. Broering, Matthew W. Waldron, Richard D. Palmer, Deborah K. Fix, Zeljko Vidovic
  • Patent number: 11814225
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually-distinct contact areas arranged into a text. Wherein the one or more visually-distinct contact areas, cause the first film to take on the second appearance of the second film. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and text comprises a suffocation warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Matthew W Waldron, Sarah J Steenblock, Shaun T Broering, Deborah K Fix, Edward B Tucker, Jeffrey S Stiglic
  • Patent number: 11807422
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reinforced thermoplastic bag (e.g., comprising a bag-in-bag). In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a reinforced portion at a top-of-bag area where users often apply an external force to lift or carry the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, a grab-zone reinforcement insert is positioned across one or both of a hem channel region and a grab-zone along an outer surface, an inner surface, or between layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In one or more embodiments, the grab-zone reinforcement insert comprises multiple layers (e.g., of a non-woven material). For example, the grab-zone reinforcement insert includes a first and second layer formed by a fold. In other implementations, the grab-zone reinforcement insert includes separate, discrete layers. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the grab-zone reinforcement insert is positionally affixed via a hem seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Edward B. Tucker, Mark D. Pszczolkowski, Abhishek Dutta, Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Nancy M. Mack-Roble, Rebecca S. Reuhs, Robert T. Dorsey, Kyle T. Diehl
  • Publication number: 20230312201
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually distinct contact areas, including a continuous contact area spanning a width of the structure. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and the continuous contact area forms a hem seal near a top opening of the thermoplastic bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Karen McAffry, Edward B. Tucker, Shaun T. Broering
  • Publication number: 20220324616
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reinforced thermoplastic bag (e.g., comprising a bag-in-bag). In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a reinforced portion at a top-of-bag area where users often apply an external force to lift or carry the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, a grab-zone reinforcement insert is positioned across one or both of a hem channel region and a grab-zone along an outer surface, an inner surface, or between layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In one or more embodiments, the grab-zone reinforcement insert comprises multiple layers (e.g., of a non-woven material). For example, the grab-zone reinforcement insert includes a first and second layer formed by a fold. In other implementations, the grab-zone reinforcement insert includes separate, discrete layers. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the grab-zone reinforcement insert is positionally affixed via a hem seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Edward B. Tucker, Mark D. Pszczolkowski, Abhishek Dutta, Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Nancy M. Mack-Roble, Rebecca S. Reuhs, Robert T. Dorsey, Kyle T. Diehl
  • Publication number: 20220219864
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a conjoined hem channel. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes a multi-film hem channel. Bonds secure the layers of the hem channel together so as to prevent a drawtape from inverting or bunching an inner layer of the hem channel during cinching. The bonds are thus located in a hem channel of a multi-film thermoplastic bag so as to reduce an amount of mechanical engagement between the films of the multi-film thermoplastic bag and another thermoplastic film such as a drawtape. In one or more implementations, a grab zone of the multi-film thermoplastic bag also includes bonds in the form of contact areas to provide tactile and visual cues of strength in the grab zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Edward B. Tucker, Matthew W. Waldron, Lehai Minh Pham Vu, John Prusinski, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Justin Zickus, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt
  • Publication number: 20220161979
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually-distinct contact areas. Wherein the one or more visually-distinct contact areas, cause the first film to take on the second appearance of the second film. The visually-distinct contact areas being of a uniform gauge and configured to separate before either of the first film or the second film fails when subjected to peel forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Sarah Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Lehai Minh Pham Vu