Patents by Inventor David Downing

David Downing 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: 10968006
    Abstract: A container including a finish defining an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume defined by the container. A base portion of the container includes a diaphragm that is concave relative to an exterior of the container. The diaphragm extends from a standing surface of the container to a center push-up portion of the base portion. The standing surface is at a second end of the container opposite to the first end. The diaphragm is configured to move from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end as compared to the first configuration in order to reduce residual vacuum within the container. The diaphragm is generally hemispherical in cross-section when in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: AMCOR RIGID PACKAGING USA, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Woloszyk, Omkar Dole, David Downing, Kirk Edward Maki, Bradley S. Philip, James Stelzer, Luke A. Mast, Richard J. Steih
  • Publication number: 20200095008
    Abstract: A container including a finish defining an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume defined by the container. A base portion of the container includes a diaphragm that is concave relative to an exterior of the container. The diaphragm extends from a standing surface of the container to a center push-up portion of the base portion. The standing surface is at a second end of the container opposite to the first end. The diaphragm is configured to move from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end as compared to the first configuration in order to reduce residual vacuum within the container. The diaphragm is generally hemispherical in cross-section when in the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Publication date: March 26, 2020
    Inventors: Mark WOLOSZYK, Omkar DOLE, David DOWNING, Kirk Edward MAKI, Bradley S. PHILIP, James STELZER, Luke A. MAST, Richard J. STEIH
  • Patent number: 10518924
    Abstract: A container including a finish defining an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume defined by the container. A base portion of the container includes a diaphragm that is concave relative to an exterior of the container. The diaphragm extends from a standing surface of the container to a center push-up portion of the base portion. The standing surface is at a second end of the container opposite to the first end. The diagram is configured to move from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end as compared to the first configuration in order to reduce residual vacuum within the container. The diaphragm is generally hemispherical in cross-section when in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: AMCOR RIGID PLASTICS USA, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Woloszyk, Omkar Dole, David Downing, Kirk Edward Maki, Bradley S. Philip, James Stelzer, Luke A. Mast, Richard J. Steih
  • Patent number: 10370161
    Abstract: A child resistant closure for use on a container that include an inner closure member having a threaded portion and an outer closure member coupled to the inner closure member for axial translation there between. A series of engagement features extend between the inner and outer closure to permit selective engagement of the outer closure to the inner closure to effect removal of the child resistant closure. The outer closure includes a diaphragm member disposed along the distal end surface of the outer closure. The diaphragm member is inwardly directed and contacts the inner closure member thereby biasing the outer closure member into an operationally disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Amcor Rigid Plastics USA, LLC
    Inventors: Don F. Yeager, Todd Mastic, Bradley S. Philip, David Downing, James Mierzwiak
  • Patent number: 10059482
    Abstract: A blow-molded container including a finish and a base. The finish defines an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume. The base includes a diaphragm and a standing surface. The diaphragm extends radially outward from a central push-up portion. The standing surface of the container is at a second end of the container. In response to an internal vacuum caused by hot-filling and closing the container, the diaphragm is configured to move passively from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end of the container as compared to the as-blown first configuration. The diaphragm is configured to move from the second configuration to an activated third configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end of the container in response to the diaphragm being externally actuated by a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Luke A. Mast, Richard Steih, Kirk Edward Maki, Omkar Dole, Mark Woloszyk, David Downing
  • Patent number: 10046890
    Abstract: A child resistant closure for use on a container that include an inner closure member having a threaded portion and an inclined surface, and an outer closure member coupled to the inner closure member for axial translation therebetween. A series of engagement features extend between the inner and outer closure to permit selective engagement of the outer closure to the inner closure to effect removal of the child resistant closure. The outer closure includes at least one finger spring member being inwardly directed and contacting the inclined surface of the inner closure member, thereby biasing the outer closure member into an operationally disengaged position. The finger spring member T-shaped in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Amcor Group GmbH
    Inventors: Bradley S. Philip, David Downing, Todd Mastic, Don F. Yeager, James Mierzwiak
  • Publication number: 20170267391
    Abstract: A blow-molded container including a finish and a base. The finish defines an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume. The base includes a diaphragm and a standing surface. The diaphragm extends radially outward from a central push-up portion. The standing surface of the container is at a second end of the container. In response to an internal vacuum caused by hot-filling and closing the container, the diaphragm is configured to move passively from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end of the container as compared to the as-blown first configuration. The diaphragm is configured to move from the second configuration to an activated third configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end of the container in response to the diaphragm being externally actuated by a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Luke A. MAST, Richard STEIH, Kirk Edward MAKI, Omkar DOLE, Mark WOLOSZYK, David DOWNING
  • Publication number: 20170267392
    Abstract: A container including a finish defining an opening at a first end of the container that provides access to an internal volume defined by the container. A base portion of the container includes a diaphragm that is concave relative to an exterior of the container. The diaphragm extends from a standing surface of the container to a center push-up portion of the base portion. The standing surface is at a second end of the container opposite to the first end. The diagram is configured to move from an as-blown first configuration to a second configuration in which the diaphragm is closer to the first end as compared to the first configuration in order to reduce residual vacuum within the container. The diaphragm is generally hemispherical in cross-section when in the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Mark WOLOSZYK, Omkar DOLE, David DOWNING, Kirk Edward MAKI, Bradley S. PHILIP, James STELZER
  • Publication number: 20160288965
    Abstract: A child resistant closure for use on a container that include an inner closure member having a threaded portion and an outer closure member coupled to the inner closure member for axial translation there between. A series of engagement features extend between the inner and outer closure to permit selective engagement of the outer closure to the inner closure to effect removal of the child resistant closure. The outer closure includes a diaphragm member disposed along the distal end surface of the outer closure. The diaphragm member is inwardly directed and contacts the inner closure member thereby biasing the outer closure member into an operationally disengaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Don F. YEAGER, Todd MASTIC, Bradley S. PHILIP, David DOWNING, James MIERZWIAK
  • Publication number: 20160280428
    Abstract: A child resistant closure for use on a container that include an inner closure member having a threaded portion and an inclined surface, and an outer closure member coupled to the inner closure member for axial translation therebetween. A series of engagement features extend between the inner and outer closure to permit selective engagement of the outer closure to the inner closure to effect removal of the child resistant closure. The outer closure includes at least one finger spring member being inwardly directed and contacting the inclined surface of the inner closure member, thereby biasing the outer closure member into an operationally disengaged position. The finger spring member T-shaped in cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: Bradley S. PHILIP, David DOWNING, Todd MASTIC, Don F. YEAGER, James MIERZWIAK
  • Patent number: 9394072
    Abstract: A plastic container including an upper portion, a base, a plurality of surface features, and a substantially cylindrical portion. The upper portion has a mouth defining an opening into the container. The base is movable to accommodate vacuum forces generated within the container thereby decreasing the volume of the container. The plurality of surface features are included with the base and are configured to accommodate vacuum forces. The substantially cylindrical portion extends between the upper portion and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Terry D. Patcheak, David Downing, Frederick C. Beuerle, Walter J. Strasser, Christopher Howe, Luke A. Mast
  • Patent number: 8833579
    Abstract: A plastic container has a base adapted for vacuum pressure absorption. The base portion includes a chime extending from a body portion to a contact ring which defines a surface upon which the container is supported. The base further includes a central portion defined in at least part by a pushup having a generally truncated cone shape in cross section located on a longitudinal axis of the container, and an inversion ring having a generally S shaped geometry in cross section and hinge means formed therein, and circumscribing the pushup. The truncated cone has an overall general diameter that is at most 30% of an overall general diameter of the base and a top surface generally parallel to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Terry D. Patcheak, David Downing, G. David Lisch, Kerry W. Silvers, Dwayne G. Vailliencourt, Brian L. Pieszchala, Richard J. Steih
  • Publication number: 20140061211
    Abstract: A plastic container including an upper portion, a base, a plurality of surface features, and a substantially cylindrical portion. The upper portion has a mouth defining an opening into the container. The base is movable to accommodate vacuum forces generated within the container thereby decreasing the volume of the container. The plurality of surface features are included with the base and are configured to accommodate vacuum forces. The substantially cylindrical portion extends between the upper portion and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Terry D. Patcheak, David Downing, Frederick C. Beuerle, Walter J. Strasser, Christopher Howe, Luke A. Mast
  • Patent number: 8616395
    Abstract: A container body and base being lightweight structures designed to accommodate vacuum forces either simultaneously or in sequence. The container body and base each absorb a significant percentage of the vacuum. By utilizing a lightweight base design to absorb a portion of the vacuum forces enables an overall light-weighting, design flexibility, and effective utilization of alternative vacuum absorbing capabilities on the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Terry D. Patcheak, David Downing, Frederick C. Beuerle, Walter J. Strasser, Christopher Howe, Luke A. Mast
  • Patent number: 8556097
    Abstract: A container having a finish, a sidewall portion extending from the finish, a base portion extending from the sidewall portion and enclosing the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity, and a panel area disposed in the sidewall portion. The panel area includes a belt land portion and a pair of inset portions in mirrored arrangement relative to the belt land portion, and a generally oval boundary area surrounding and containing the belt land portion and inset portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Luke A. Mast, Bradley S. Philip, Pankaj Kumar, David Downing
  • Publication number: 20130001235
    Abstract: A plastic container has a base adapted for vacuum pressure absorption. The base portion includes a chime extending from a body portion to a contact ring which defines a surface upon which the container is supported. The base further includes a central portion defined in at least part by a pushup having a generally truncated cone shape in cross section located on a longitudinal axis of the container, and an inversion ring having a generally S shaped geometry in cross section and hinge means formed therein, and circumscribing the pushup. The truncated cone has an overall general diameter that is at most 30% of an overall general diameter of the base and a top surface generally parallel to a support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Terry D. Patcheak, David Downing, G. David Lisch, Kerry W. Silvers, Dwayne G. Vailliencourt, Brian L. Pieszchala, Richard J. Steih
  • Patent number: 8276774
    Abstract: A plastic container has a base adapted for vacuum pressure absorption. The base portion includes a chime extending from a body portion to a contact ring which defines a surface upon which the container is supported. The base further includes a central portion defined in at least part by a pushup having a generally truncated cone shape in cross section located on a longitudinal axis of the container, and an inversion ring having a generally S shaped geometry in cross section and hinge means formed therein, and circumscribing the pushup. The truncated cone has an overall general diameter that is at most 30% of an overall general diameter of the base and a top surface generally parallel to a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Terry D. Patcheak, David Downing, G. David Lisch, Kerry W. Silvers, Dwayne G. Vailliencourt, Brian L. Pieszchala, Richard J. Steih
  • Publication number: 20120205341
    Abstract: A container comprising a finish, a sidewall portion extending from the finish, a base portion extending from the sidewall portion and enclosing the sidewall portion to form a volume therein for retaining a commodity, and a panel area disposed in the sidewall portion. The panel area having a belt land portion and a pair of inset portions in mirrored arrangement relative to the belt land portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Luke A. Mast, Bradley S. Philip, Pankaj Kumar, David Downing
  • Patent number: 8113369
    Abstract: A blow molded container has a neck portion defining a mouth. The neck portion leads into a shoulder portion and a bottom portion forms a container base. A sidewall portion connects the shoulder portion and the bottom portion and employs a first pair of opposing convex vacuum panels and a second pair of opposing convex vacuum panels. The first pair of opposing convex vacuum panels is larger in surface area than the second pair of opposing convex vacuum panels. A vertical column at each corner of the container joins the first pair of opposing vacuum panels to the second pair of opposing vacuum panels. A structural convex arch resides above and below each convex vacuum panel. Each of the vertical columns are molded into the structural convex arches. Vacuum initiator grooves may be molded into the first and second pair of opposing vacuum panels to control vacuum panel movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Amcor Limited
    Inventors: Luke A. Mast, Walter J. Strasser, David Downing, Frederick C. Beuerle
  • Patent number: D712270
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge Manuel Maquita Nakano, Rainer Strauss Escobedo, David Downing, Carlos E. Londono, Ricardo Sandoval, Richard Steih