Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Zelinski

Thomas W. Zelinski 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: 9833088
    Abstract: Products and methods of increasing the Rigidity and Rim Stiffness of disposable containers are provided. The containers have an outer flange portion extending outwardly with a brim portion sloping downwardly defining a declivity angle ? with respect to a horizontal generally parallel to the bottom portion and generally include an outward turn at the periphery of the container. A preferred method of improving rigidity includes press-forming: (i) a brim transition portion adjoining the downwardly sloping brim portion of the container and (ii) an outwardly extending annular evert portion adjoining the brim transition portion extending outwardly at an eversion angle ? of at least about 25 degrees with respect to the downwardly sloping brim portion of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Gerald J. Van Handel, Thomas W. Zelinski, Michael A. Breining, Albert D. Johns
  • Publication number: 20170112304
    Abstract: Products and methods of increasing the Rigidity and Rim Stiffness of disposable containers are provided. The containers have an outer flange portion extending outwardly with a brim portion sloping downwardly defining a declivity angle ? with respect to a horizontal generally parallel to the bottom portion and generally include an outward turn at the periphery of the container. A preferred method of improving rigidity includes press-forming: (i) a brim transition portion adjoining the downwardly sloping brim portion of the container and (ii) an outwardly extending annular evert portion adjoining the brim transition portion extending outwardly at an eversion angle ? of at least about 25 degrees with respect to the downwardly sloping brim portion of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Gerald J. Van Handel, Thomas W. Zelinski, Michael A. Breining, Albert D. Johns
  • Patent number: 9538870
    Abstract: Products and methods of increasing the Rigidity and Rim Stiffness of disposable containers are provided. The containers have an outer flange portion extending outwardly with a brim portion sloping downwardly defining a declivity angle ? with respect to a horizontal generally parallel to the bottom portion and generally include an outward turn at the periphery of the container. A preferred method of improving rigidity includes press-forming: (i) a brim transition portion adjoining the downwardly sloping brim portion of the container and (ii) an outwardly extending annular evert portion adjoining the brim transition portion extending outwardly at an eversion angle ? of at least about 25 degrees with respect to the downwardly sloping brim portion of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Gerald J. Van Handel, Thomas W. Zelinski, Michael A. Breining, Albert D. Johns
  • Patent number: 8967941
    Abstract: Pressware stacking systems and methods for using same. The system can include a conveyor for moving pressware in a first direction; a stop ramp at least partially disposed on the conveyor; and a lifter in communication with the stop ramp. The lifter is adapted to move at least a portion of the stop ramp to an inclined position above the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Eric J. Berg, Thomas W. Zelinski, Mircea T. Sofronie
  • Patent number: 8894403
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pressware forming apparatus. At least one of die pairs used in the apparatus can be narrowed in a cross-direction as compared to the cross-directional width of pressware forming tools used in prior an apparatus. The present invention allows addition of at least one additional die pair in the pressware forming tool when used in a standard sized pressware forming apparatus. The present invention also provides components for use in such apparatus and methods of making pressware from the apparatus herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Jones, Mark B. Littlejohn, Thomas W. Zelinski, Kenneth J. Zirbel, Luke G. Stumpf
  • Publication number: 20140076905
    Abstract: Products and methods of increasing the Rigidity and Rim Stiffness of disposable containers are provided. The containers have an outer flange portion extending outwardly with a brim portion sloping downwardly defining a declivity angle ? with respect to a horizontal generally parallel to the bottom portion and generally include an outward turn at the periphery of the container. A preferred method of improving rigidity includes press-forming: (i) a brim transition portion adjoining the downwardly sloping brim portion of the container and (ii) an outwardly extending annular evert portion adjoining the brim transition portion extending outwardly at an eversion angle ? of at least about 25 degrees with respect to the downwardly sloping brim portion of the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Gerald J. Van Handel, Thomas W. Zelinski, Michael A. Breining, Albert D. Johns
  • Patent number: 8430660
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pressware forming apparatus. At least one of die pairs used in the apparatus can be narrowed in a cross-direction as compared to the cross-directional width of pressware forming tools used in prior an apparatus. The present invention allows addition of at least one additional die pair in the pressware forming tool when used in a standard sized pressware forming apparatus. The present invention also provides components for use in such apparatus and methods of making pressware from the apparatus herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Johns, Mark B. Littlejohn, Thomas W. Zelinski, Kenneth J. Zirbel, Luke G. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 8414464
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for making pressware features a vacuum belt feeder which accelerates and decelerates a feed blank for controlled insertion into a forming die as well as retainers to limit bounce back of the blank off of forward stops. A pneumatic ejector on the forming ram facilitates product removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Grigory I. Grischenko, Paul J. England, Thomas W. Zelinski, Alois A. Schmidtner, Albert D. Johns
  • Patent number: 7980450
    Abstract: A disposable servingware container press-formed from paperboard includes (a) a bottom panel; (b) an annular transition portion; and (c) an outer portion extending upwardly and outwardly with respect to the transition portion, the container having an outer surface and an inner surface distal to the outer surface, the inner surface being adapted as a serving surface. The paperboard is infused with a wax composition on one side thereof in an amount of at least 3 lbs of wax per 3000 ft2 ream such that the paperboard is partially saturated with wax and has a wax-enriched layer proximate one side thereof and a layer undersaturated with wax proximate the other side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Dean P. Swoboda, Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Publication number: 20110150620
    Abstract: Pressware stacking systems and methods for using same. The system can include a conveyor for moving pressware in a first direction; a stop ramp at least partially disposed on the conveyor; and a lifter in communication with the stop ramp. The lifter is adapted to move at least a portion of the stop ramp to an inclined position above the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Mark B. Littlejohn, Eric J. Berg, Thomas W. Zelinski, Mircea T. Sofronie
  • Publication number: 20110143900
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for making disposable pressware features a pneumatic feeding system which accelerates a paperboard blank into a forming die. In a typical embodiment, a pair of adjustable air knives propel a paperboard blank into the forming cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Patent number: 7914432
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for making disposable pressware features a pneumatic feeding system which accelerates a paperboard blank into a forming die. In a typical embodiment, a pair of adjustable air knives propel a paperboard blank into the forming cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Publication number: 20110015051
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for making pressware features a vacuum belt feeder which accelerates and decelerates a feed blank for controlled insertion into a forming die as well as retainers to limit bounce back of the blank off of forward stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Grigory I. Grischenko, Alois A. Schmidtner, Paul J. England, Albert D. Johns, Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Patent number: 7819790
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for making pressware features a vacuum belt feeder which accelerates and decelerates a feed blank for controlled insertion into a forming die as well as retainers to limit bounce back of the blank off of forward stops. A pneumatic ejector on the forming ram facilitates product removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Grigory I. Grischenko, Alois A. Schmidtner, Paul J. England, Albert D. Johns, Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Publication number: 20090215599
    Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Johns, Mark B. Littlejohn, Jay S. Lester, Mircea Sofronie, Thomas W. Zelinski, William R. Pucci, Richard J. Rogers, Erik J. Sjogren
  • Publication number: 20090173776
    Abstract: A disposable servingware container press-formed from paperboard includes (a) a bottom panel; (b) an annular transition portion; and (c) an outer portion extending upwardly and outwardly with respect to the transition portion, the container having an outer surface and an inner surface distal to the outer surface, the inner surface being adapted as a serving surface. The paperboard is infused with a wax composition on one side thereof in an amount of at least 3 lbs of wax per 3000 ft2 ream such that the paperboard is partially saturated with wax and has a wax-enriched layer proximate one side thereof and a layer undersaturated with wax proximate the other side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Dean P. Swoboda, Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Patent number: 7540833
    Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Johns, Mark B. Littlejohn, Jay S. Lester, Mircea Sofronie, Thomas W. Zelinski, William R. Pucci, Richard J. Rogers, Erik J. Sjogren
  • Publication number: 20080251574
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for making disposable pressware features a pneumatic feeding system which accelerates a paperboard blank into a forming die. In a typical embodiment, a pair of adjustable air knives propel a paperboard blank into the forming cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Patent number: 7419462
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for making disposable pressware features a pneumatic feeding system which accelerates a paperboard blank into a forming die. In a typical embodiment, a pair of adjustable air knives propel a paperboard blank into the forming cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Patent number: 7337943
    Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Johns, Mark B. Littlejohn, Jay S. Lester, Mircea Sofronie, Thomas W. Zelinski, William R. Pucci, Richard J. Rogers, Erik J. Sjogren