Patents by Inventor Timothy J. May
Timothy J. May 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).
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Patent number: 5733636Abstract: A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag with first and second opposing films comprises first and second opposing base strips, a first peelable strip of a first color, and a second peelable strip of a second color. An outer surface of the first base strip is attached to an inner surface of the first film. An outer surface of the second base strip is attached to an inner surface of the second film. The first peelable strip is attached to the inner surface of the first base strip, and the second peelable strip is attached to the inner surface of the second base strip. The first and second peelable strips are disposed between the first and second base strips. The second peelable strip is generally parallel to and opposes the first peelable strip. The second color of the second peelable strip is lighter than the first color of the first peelable strip.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Reynolds Metals CompanyInventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5725312Abstract: A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag has a pair of opposing films joined at a fold line and perforated along the fold line. The arrangement includes a base strip, a pair of heat-resistant strips, and a peelable strip composed of peelable material. The base strip has opposing inner and outer surfaces, and the outer surface of the base strip is securably arranged with respect to one of the pair of opposing films of the polymeric bag. The pair of heat-resistant strips are securably arranged to the inner surface of the base strip, and are spaced from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. The peelable strip includes a first portion having opposing first and second surfaces and a stem portion extending perpendicular to the first surface of the top portion. The stem portion extends into the gap between the pair of heat-resistant strips and is arranged with respect to the inner surface of the base strip. Various other closure arrangements are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5664296Abstract: A closure arrangement includes a reclosable profile with a female profile and a male profile. The male profile has a rounded outer surface and includes a portion for attaching to the polymeric bag. The female profile includes a base also having a portion for attaching to the polymeric bag, and also has a locking member having opposite surfaces constructed and arranged to engage by friction and removably secure the male profile about its rounded outer surface. The female profile may include a break-away portion, or anti-seal portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5660479Abstract: A package header arrangement includes a header with first and second opposing films, a tear bead and a support member. The support member is attached to the first film below the tear bead. The tear bead is disposed between the first and second films. When heat and pressure are applied to the first and second films in proximity to the tear bead, the tear bead scores the first and second films creating a breakable tear bead line. When heat and pressure are applied, the tear bead pushes aside the inner layer of the first and second films, weakening the film along the breakable tear bead line without harming the hermetic seal provided by the films. The breakable tear bead line tears easily because it does not have the tough, flexible inner layer of the films to aid in tear resistance. The breakable tear bead line also provides an even tear along a straight line. The support member provides support while tearing along the breakable tear bead line.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. May, Richard G. Custer, Catherine E. Kettner, Wendy S. Nichols
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Patent number: 5655273Abstract: The present invention sets forth a profile sealing strip having a lateral flange and a sealant layer. The lateral flange includes a first section, a second section, and a middle section being disposed between and connected to the first and second sections. The closure portion has a base connected to the middle sections and protruding beyond the upper surfaces of the first and second sections. The structure of the sealant layer and the lateral flange are modified so as to reduce the curl experienced during the cooling process after the lateral flange and the sealant layer are attached to one another.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.Inventors: Mladomir Tomic, Timothy J. May, Catherine E. Kettner, Gregory L. Petkovsek
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Patent number: 5647671Abstract: A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag having a pair of opposing films which comprises first and second, opposing base strips each having inner outer surfaces with the outer surfaces adapted for attachment to the films. The inner surface of the first base strip includes a plurality of low-temperature sealant ribs which are connected to a peelable strip on the inner surface of the second base strip. The connection of the plurality of low-temperature sealant ribs and peelable strip form one-time peelable seals.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5617770Abstract: A zipper for a reclosable bag includes an elongated male and female profile. The female profile has first and second legs parallel to each other to form a channel there between. The first leg has a plurality of portions removed to form a series of breaks in the first leg along the length, and the second leg is substantially continuous in dimension along the length. The male profile is constructed for engaging the channel and interlocking with the first and second legs. The zipper is made by a rotary punching mechanism having L-shaped punches insertable in between the first and second legs.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5613934Abstract: A tear guide arrangement for opening a package from a sealed form, the package having first and second opposing films, comprises first and second opposing base strips, first and second opposing tear guide strips, and sealant material. The first and second base strips are disposed between the first and second films and are adapted for attachment to the respective first and second films. The first base strip has upper and lower sides and the second base strip has upper and lower sides. The first and second base strips are composed of a first polymeric material. The first and second tear guide strips are disposed generally parallel to and co-planar with the respective first and second base strips. The first and second tear guide strips are detachably connected to the upper sides of the respective first and second base strips to form respective breakable bonds. The first and second tear guide strips are composed of a second polymeric material which is stiffer than the first polymeric material.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5605594Abstract: A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag comprises first and second opposing base panels and first and second closure profiles extending inwardly toward an interior of the bag from the respective first and second base panels. The first closure profile includes a first locking member, and the second closure profile includes a second locking member releasably engageable with the first locking member. The second closure profile further includes a post laterally spaced from the second locking member by a lateral distance sufficient to receive the first locking member between the second locking member and the post while providing a gap between the first locking member and the post. A peelable strip is disposed in the gap to create a peelable seal between the first locking member and the post.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5604000Abstract: This invention provides a heat-sealable, peelable composition comprising ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene based wax and polypropylene. The composition can further comprise a dye or an ink. The composition can be heat-sealed onto a surface of a polymeric bag to provide a peelable seal.A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag with first and second opposing films comprises first and second opposing base strips, a first peelable strip of a first color, and a second peelable strip of a second color. An outer surface of the first base strip is attached to an inner surface of the first film. An outer surface of the second base strip is attached to an inner surface of the second film. The first peelable strip is attached to the inner surface of the first base strip, and the second peelable strip is attached to the inner surface of the second base strip. The first and second peelable strips are disposed between the first and second base strips.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5551127Abstract: In one embodiment, a closure arrangement for a polymeric bag having a pair of opposing films comprises a wide base strip, a pair of narrow heat-resistant strips composed of heat-resistant material, and a T-shaped peelable strip composed of peelable material. The base strip has opposing inner and outer surfaces, and the outer surface of the base strip is adapted for attachment to one of the pair of opposing films of the polymeric bag. The pair of heat-resistant strips are attached to the inner surface of the base strip, and are positioned generally parallel to each other and spaced from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. The peelable strip includes a top portion having opposing first and second surfaces and a stem portion extending perpendicular to the first surface of the top portion. The stem portion extends into the gap between the pair of heat-resistant strips and is attached to the inner surface of the base strip.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5552202Abstract: A tear guide arrangement for opening a package from a sealed form, the package having first and second opposing films, comprises first and second opposing base strips, first and second opposing tear guide strips, and sealant material. The first and second base strips are disposed between the first and second films and are adapted for attachment to the respective first and second films. The first base strip has upper and lower sides and the second base strip has upper and lower sides. The first and second base strips are composed of a first polymeric material. The first and second tear guide strips are disposed generally parallel to and co-planar with the respective first and second base strips. The first and second tear guide strips are detachably connected to the upper sides of the respective first and second base strips to form respective breakable bonds. The first and second tear guide strips are composed of a second polymeric material which is stiffer than the first polymeric material.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1995Date of Patent: September 3, 1996Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5513915Abstract: A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag having first and second opposing films comprises first and second opposing base strips, a post, and an L-shaped breakaway member. The first base strip has an inner and outer surface, and the outer surface of the first base strip is adapted for attachment to the first film. The second base strip has an inner and outer surface, and the outer surface of the second base strip is adapted for attachment to the second film. The post is generally perpendicular to the first base strip. The L-shaped breakaway member has first and second legs. The first leg is generally parallel to and substantially co-planar with the first base strip. The first leg has opposing inner and outer surfaces and opposing upper and lower sides extending between the inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the first leg is adapted for attachment to the second film.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1995Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5509735Abstract: In one embodiment, a closure arrangement for a polymeric bag having a pair of opposing films comprises a wide base strip, a pair of narrow heat-resistant strips composed of heat-resistant material, and a T-shaped peelable strip composed of peelable material. The base strip has opposing inner and outer surfaces, and the outer surface of the base strip is adapted for attachment to one of the pair of opposing films of the polymeric bag. The pair of heat-resistant strips are attached to the inner surface of the base strip, and are positioned generally parallel to each other and spaced from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. The peelable strip includes a top portion having opposing first and second surfaces and a stem portion extending perpendicular to the first surface of the top portion. The stem portion extends into the gap between the pair of heat-resistant strips and is attached to the inner surface of the base strip.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5492411Abstract: A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag with first and second opposing films comprises first and second opposing base strips, a first peelable strip of a first color, and a second peelable strip of a second color. An outer surface of the first base strip is attached to an inner surface of the first film. An outer surface of the second base strip is attached to an inner surface of the second film. The first peelable strip is attached to the inner surface of the first base strip, and the second peelable strip is attached to the inner surface of the second base strip. The first and second peelable strips are disposed between the first and second base strips. The second peelable strip is generally parallel to and opposes the first peelable strip. The second color of the second peelable strip is lighter than the first color of the first peelable strip.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1995Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5489252Abstract: In one embodiment, a closure arrangement for a polymeric bag having a pair of opposing films comprises a wide base strip, a pair of narrow heat-resistant strips composed of heat-resistant material, and a T-shaped peelable strip composed of peelable material. The base strip has opposing inner and outer surfaces, and the outer surface of the base strip is adapted for attachment to one of the pair of opposing films of the polymeric bag. The-pair of heat-resistant strips are attached to the inner surface of the base strip, and are positioned generally parallel to each other and spaced from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. The peelable strip includes a top portion having opposing first and second surfaces and a stem portion extending perpendicular to the first surface of the top portion. The stem portion extends into the gap between the pair of heat-resistant strips and is attached to the inner surface of the base strip.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1995Date of Patent: February 6, 1996Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5486051Abstract: A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag having a pair of opposing films, comprises a plurality of base strips and a breakaway strip. First and optional second base strips are generally parallel to each other, substantially co-planar with each other, and laterally spaced from each other. The outer surface of each of the first and second base strips is adapted for attachment to one of the pair of opposing films. A third base strip opposes a flange portion of the first base strip. An outer surface of the third base strip is adapted for attachment to the other of the pair of opposing films. The flange portion and the third base strip have respective interlocking closure profiles attached thereto so that the bag is reclosable. The breakaway strip is disposed generally parallel to and substantially co-planar with the first and second base strips.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5480230Abstract: A packaging arrangement providing greater area for the incorporation of graphics without unduly increasing the package size and for optionally providing a structure for hanging the package without interfering with the ability to gain access to the contents of the package comprising a primary header, a secondary header, a containment section, a tear bead located within said secondary header to assist in opening the packaging arrangement, a recloseable system to permit the packaging arrangement to be reclosed after it has been opened, and optionally a hang hole located in the primary header.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5474382Abstract: A closure arrangement for a polymeric bag comprises first and second opposing base panels and first and second closure profiles extending inwardly toward an interior of the bag from the respective first and second base panels. The first closure profile includes a first locking member, and the second closure profile includes a second locking member releasably engageable with the first locking member. The second closure profile further includes a post laterally spaced from the second locking member by a lateral distance sufficient to receive the first locking member between the second locking member and the post while providing a gap between the first locking member and the post. A peelable strip is disposed in the gap to create a peelable seal between the first locking member and the post.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1995Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May
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Patent number: 5470156Abstract: In one embodiment, a closure arrangement for a polymeric bag having a pair of opposing films comprises a wide base strip, a pair of narrow heat-resistant strips composed of heat-resistant material, and a T-shaped peelable strip composed of peelable material. The base strip has opposing inner and outer surfaces, and the outer surface of the base strip is adapted for attachment to one of the pair of opposing films of the polymeric bag. The pair of heat-resistant strips are attached to the inner surface of the base strip, and are positioned generally parallel to each other and spaced from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. The peelable strip includes a top portion having opposing first and second surfaces and a stem portion extending perpendicular to the first surface of the top portion. The stem portion extends into the gap between the pair of heat-resistant strips and is attached to the inner surface of the base strip.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. May