Patents by Inventor John W. Tobias

John W. Tobias 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).

  • Publication number: 20170057725
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P
    Inventors: Gregory A. Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Patent number: 9522749
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Patent number: 8839972
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Patent number: 8529975
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Patent number: 8381496
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company LP
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20130000259
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: GREG TRUDE, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20120132611
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wail is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Greg TRUDE, John W. TOBIAS, Richard K. OGG
  • Patent number: 7980404
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20110147392
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20100237083
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Greg TRUDE, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20090178996
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Patent number: 7543713
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company L.P.
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20090092720
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20090090728
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Greg Trude, John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg
  • Publication number: 20090091067
    Abstract: A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Greg TRUDE, John W. TOBIAS, Richard K. OGG
  • Publication number: 20080054524
    Abstract: A tool, an apparatus, and a method are provided for reforming a portion of a plastic container such as, for example, a trimmed neck finish end portion of an extrusion blow molded plastic container, after molding and trimming, to eliminate or reduce sharp edges on an inner end surface of the finish end portion. The tool includes a heated portion, a substantially unheated portion, and an insulating portion disposed between the heated portion and the unheated portion. The heated portion has a higher temperature than the unheated portion and is configured to contact and heat the finish portion to at least a glass transition temperature of the plastic container. The unheated portion is also configured to contact the finish portion of the container. The tool is tapered along a longitudinal axis defined by the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Brian J. Chisholm, John W. Tobias, Robert J. Stoolmaker
  • Publication number: 20040173565
    Abstract: A wide-mouth blow-molded plastic container capable of accommodating, without undesirable distortion, super-baric pressures when filled with volatile food products and pasteurized, and sub-baric pressures after cooling to ambient temperatures. A method of packaging a food product in the container is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Semersky, John W. Tobias, Robert A. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6749780
    Abstract: A preform and method used to make a container which has a blown wide-mouth finish and a multilayer wall structure. The injection molded preform has a multi-layer container body forming portion, a mono-layer moil forming portion and a blown finish forming portion located between the container body forming portion and the moil forming portion. The preform is blown into an intermediate article consisting of a blown finish wide-mouth multi-layer container and a mono-layer moil portion which is severed from the intermediate article and recycled. The multilayer wall structure can include at least one layer of a gas barrier material, a cost-effective recycled material, or a material which strengthens and/or lightweights the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventor: John W. Tobias
  • Publication number: 20030211256
    Abstract: A preform (32) and method used to make a container (10, 110) which has a blown wide-mouth finish (20, 120) and a multilayer wall structure. The injection molded preform (32) has a multi-layer container body forming portion (54), a mono-layer moil forming portion (52) and a blown finish forming portion (56) located between the container body forming portion (54) and the moil forming portion (52). The preform (32) is blown into an intermediate article (36) consisting of a blown finish wide-mouth multi-layer container (10, 110) and a mono-layer moil portion (38) which is severed from the intermediate article (36) and recycled. The multilayer wall structure can include at least one layer (22) of a gas barrier material, a cost-effective recycled material, or a material which strengthens and/or lightweights the container (10, 110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: John W Tobias
  • Publication number: 20030196926
    Abstract: A blow molded container having a multi-functional base which enables use of the container in both hot-fill operations and pasteurization/retort operations and enables efficient vertical stacking of like containers. To this end, a portion of the base is capable of flexing upwardly and/or downwardly in response to variations in pressures in a filled and sealed container. Structurally, the base has a continuous or discontinuous concave outer annular wall forming a continuous or discontinuous standing ring and an inner annular wall functioning as a flex panel. The inner annular wall connects outwardly to a plurality of radial webs extending at an elevation above the standing ring and connects inwardly to a central dimple. Preferably, the inner periphery of the annular wall is heat-set and biaxially oriented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: John W. Tobias, Richard K. Ogg, Greg Trude