Neenah, WI, United States of America

Gerald John Van Handel

This inventor holds 29 USPTO granted patents, plus 7 CIPO patents and 1 EPO patent, primarily in Disposable Container Design. Top assignees: Dixie Consumer Products LLC, Fort James Corporation, James River-dixie/northern, Inc.. Active years: 1979-2017.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Gerald John Van Handel. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/gerald-john-van-handel

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

Calculating rank

% Patents Active = 55.2



Average Co-Inventor Count = 2.2

ph-index = 18

Forward Citations = 961(Granted Patents)


Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1979-2017

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Areas of Expertise:
Thermal Insulation
Rigid Paperboard
Sealable Containers
Disposable Bowls
Comfort Band
Interchangeable Lids
Stacking Features
Food Containers
Lidded Containers
Insulating Stock Material
Crush-Resistant Lids
Paperboard Servingware
29 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Gerald John Van Handel: Innovator in Disposable Container Technology

Introduction

Gerald John Van Handel, based in Neenah, Wisconsin, is a notable inventor with a prolific output of 29 patents. His innovative contributions have significantly impacted the field of disposable servingware, notably enhancing the rigidity and structural integrity of paperboard containers.

Latest Patents

One of Gerald's latest patents focuses on "Pressed paperboard servingware with improved rigidity and rim stiffness." This patent outlines products and methods designed to increase the rigidity and rim stiffness of disposable containers. The design features an outer flange that extends outwardly, with a brim that slopes downward, thereby defining a declivity angle with respect to a horizontal plane parallel to the container's bottom. A key element of this innovation includes press-forming techniques that enhance the container's structural stability. The method involves creating a brim transition portion that connects to the downward-sloping brim and an outwardly extending annular evert portion, which is positioned at a specific eversion angle.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Gerald has worked with several prominent companies, including Dixie Consumer Products LLC and Fort James Corporation. His work at these organizations has allowed him to hone his skills and contribute to the development of improved disposable servingware, catering to the growing demand for more environmentally friendly and durable products.

Collaborations

In his innovative endeavors, Gerald has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Mark B Littlejohn and Rebecca E Whitmore. Their teamwork has likely been instrumental in refining existing designs and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in disposable container technology.

Conclusion

Gerald John Van Handel stands out as a key innovator in the field of disposable servingware. With his extensive patent portfolio and impactful career, he has made significant strides in improving the functionality and sustainability of foodservice products. His ongoing contributions continue to inspire advancements in the industry, highlighting the importance of innovation in everyday items.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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