Patents by Inventor Thomas Wetsch

Thomas Wetsch 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: 10258111
    Abstract: Provided is an inflatable shoe insert for inserting in a shoe. The insert comprises first and second web plies that are sealed together at a plurality of seals that define an air chamber. The air chamber includes a front region having a toe expansion region uninterrupted by seals over an area so that when fully inflated, the front region expands to a height and medial-lateral width to support the shoe upper against collapsing. The air chamber further includes a retention portion having a region in which the seals are spaced closer together than in the toe expansion region so that when fully inflated, the retention portion expands to a medial-lateral width that is smaller than that in the toe expansion region, the retention portion having an anterior-posterior length that reaches the heel of the shoe to retain the front region in the toe box by pressure against the heel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Kark Katsuhiko Yoshifusa
  • Publication number: 20170095991
    Abstract: A conversion apparatus is provided herein. The conversion apparatus includes a cutting member having an edge configured for cutting the dunnage material. The conversion apparatus also includes a biasing member that is located adjacent to the cutting member such that the dunnage material passes between the biasing member and the cutting member. The biasing member operably contacts the dunnage material thereby biasing the dunnage material against the cutting member. The position of the biasing member relative to the cutting member is such that in response to the dunnage material being retracted back into the conversion apparatus the cutting member begins to sever the dunnage material, but in response to the dunnage material traveling in the dispensing direction the cutting member does not begin to sever the dunnage material due to the relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: THOMAS WETSCH, ROBERT TEGEL
  • Patent number: 8360949
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system provides for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding sheeting material, a first roller connected to a drive mechanism, a second roller disposed adjacent said first roller wherein said sheeting material travels between the first roller and the second roller and further wherein the second roller pushes said sheeting material against said first roller to engage the sheeting material with the first roller, and a third roller connected to the drive mechanism for directing said sheeting material out of said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Publication number: 20110319245
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system provides for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding sheeting material, a first roller connected to a drive mechanism, a second roller disposed adjacent said first roller wherein said sheeting material travels between the first roller and the second roller and further wherein the second roller pushes said sheeting material against said first roller to engage the sheeting material with the first roller, and a third roller connected to the drive mechanism for directing said sheeting material out of said apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Patent number: 8016735
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system provides for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding sheeting material, a first roller connected to a drive mechanism, a second roller disposed adjacent said first roller wherein said sheeting material travels between the first roller and the second roller and further wherein the second roller pushes said sheeting material against said first roller to engage the sheeting material with the first roller, and a third roller connected to the drive mechanism for directing said sheeting material out of said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Publication number: 20110192490
    Abstract: An inflation nozzle for inflating an inflatable structure. The inflation nozzle includes a nozzle body, a probe, and a connection portion. The nozzle body defines a nozzle channel therethrough, and the channel has a channel outlet for expelling a fluid therefrom. The probe extends from the nozzle body adjacent and beyond the channel outlet, and is configured and dimensioned to facilitate positioning an inflation aperture of the flexible structure onto the nozzle body for directing fluid into the inflation aperture. The connection portion associates with the nozzle body for fluidly connecting the channel to a fluid source for delivering fluid through the channel to inflate the flexible structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Thomas McNellis
  • Patent number: 7926507
    Abstract: An inflation nozzle for inflating an inflatable structure. The inflation nozzle includes a nozzle body, a probe, and a connection portion. The nozzle body defines a nozzle channel therethrough, and the channel has a channel outlet for expelling a fluid therefrom. The probe extends from the nozzle body adjacent and beyond the channel outlet, and is configured and dimensioned to facilitate positioning an inflation aperture of the flexible structure onto the nozzle body for directing fluid into the inflation aperture. The connection portion associates with the nozzle body for fluidly connecting the channel to a fluid source for delivering fluid through the channel to inflate the flexible structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Thomas McNellis
  • Publication number: 20100331161
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system provides for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding sheeting material, a first roller connected to a drive mechanism, a second roller disposed adjacent said first roller wherein said sheeting material travels between the first roller and the second roller and further wherein the second roller pushes said sheeting material against said first roller to engage the sheeting material with the first roller, and a third roller connected to the drive mechanism for directing said sheeting material out of said apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Patent number: 7771338
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system provides for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding sheeting material, a first roller connected to a drive mechanism, a second roller disposed adjacent said first roller wherein said sheeting material travels between the first roller and the second roller and further wherein the second roller pushes said sheeting material against said first roller to engage the sheeting material with the first roller, and a third roller connected to the drive mechanism for directing said sheeting material out of said apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Patent number: 7744519
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to a system and a method for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system and method provide for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The system comprises, generally, a paper crumpling machine having a braking mechanism for preventing uncontrolled rolling of a paper roll, a rake for effectively guiding paper sheeting into the paper crumpling machine, and a disengagement mechanism for easily disengaging the paper sheeting from the apparatus if necessary, and an automatic tensioning device for providing even distribution of tension on the paper sheeting. In addition, the apparatus comprises a cutting mechanism and/or a clamping mechanism for allowing cutting and/or clamping of the crumpled paper substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Pregis Innovative Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Publication number: 20080207421
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system provides for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding sheeting material, a first roller connected to a drive mechanism, a second roller disposed adjacent said first roller wherein said sheeting material travels between the first roller and the second roller and further wherein the second roller pushes said sheeting material against said first roller to engage the sheeting material with the first roller, and a third roller connected to the drive mechanism for directing said sheeting material out of said apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Publication number: 20080070773
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to a system and a method for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system and method provide for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The system comprises, generally, a paper crumpling machine having a braking mechanism for preventing uncontrolled rolling of a paper roll, a rake for effectively guiding paper sheeting into the paper crumpling machine, and a disengagement mechanism for easily disengaging the paper sheeting from the apparatus if necessary, and an automatic tensioning device for providing even distribution of tension on the paper sheeting. In addition, the apparatus comprises a cutting mechanism and/or a clamping mechanism for allowing cutting and/or clamping of the crumpled paper substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Robert Tegel
  • Publication number: 20080029162
    Abstract: An inflation nozzle for inflating an inflatable structure. The inflation nozzle includes a nozzle body, a probe, and a connection portion. The nozzle body defines a nozzle channel therethrough, and the channel has a channel outlet for expelling a fluid therefrom. The probe extends from the nozzle body adjacent and beyond the channel outlet, and is configured and dimensioned to facilitate positioning an inflation aperture of the flexible structure onto the nozzle body for directing fluid into the inflation aperture. The connection portion associates with the nozzle body for fluidly connecting the channel to a fluid source for delivering fluid through the channel to inflate the flexible structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Wetsch, Thomas McNellis