Patents by Inventor Justin A. Howell

Justin A. Howell 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: 11912459
    Abstract: Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion, the intermediate surface including a linear portion and an intermediate radiused portion, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: CO2PAC LIMITED
    Inventors: Justin A. Howell, John E. Denner, Shannon K. Sprenkle, Robert Waltemyer
  • Publication number: 20210316894
    Abstract: Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion, the intermediate surface including a linear portion and an intermediate radiused portion, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Justin A. Howell, John E. Denner, Shannon K. Sprenkle, Robert Waltemyer
  • Patent number: 11136159
    Abstract: Container having a body portion with sidewall defining outer perimeter and hollow interior. The body portion includes a plurality of continuous ribs extending about the outer perimeter of the sidewall, each rib having alternating horizontal segments and branched segments. Each branched segment includes a top branch and bottom branch joined at either end to define a bounded area therebetween. The plurality of continuous ribs includes at least a first continuous rib and second continuous rib spaced vertically from the first continuous rib. A midpoint of each branched segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding horizontal segment of the second continuous rib, and a midpoint of each horizontal segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding branched segment of the second continuous rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Waltemyer, Shannon K. Sprenkle, Justin A. Howell, Michael (MT) T. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20210039825
    Abstract: Refillable plastic container includes a top portion, a sidewall portion defining an interior and a longitudinal axis and a base portion extending downwardly of the sidewall portion and defining a closed bottom. The base portion has a heel extending downwardly and inwardly of the sidewall portion at an angle relative the longitudinal axis and having a substantially frustoconical shape. A standing ring extends from heel and defines a support surface of the container. A central dome projects upwardly of the standing ring toward the interior. The central dome portion has a convex surface relative the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Justin HOWELL, Jr., Robert WALTEMYER, Travis A. HUNTER
  • Publication number: 20200024022
    Abstract: Container having a body portion with sidewall defining outer perimeter and hollow interior. The body portion includes a plurality of continuous ribs extending about the outer perimeter of the sidewall, each rib having alternating horizontal segments and branched segments. Each branched segment includes a top branch and bottom branch joined at either end to define a bounded area therebetween. The plurality of continuous ribs includes at least a first continuous rib and second continuous rib spaced vertically from the first continuous rib. A midpoint of each branched segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding horizontal segment of the second continuous rib, and a midpoint of each horizontal segment of the first continuous rib is aligned along a vertical axis with a midpoint of a corresponding branched segment of the second continuous rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert WALTEMYER, Shannon K. SPRENKLE, Justin A. HOWELL, Michael (MT) T. KELLY
  • Patent number: 10513364
    Abstract: Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion, the intermediate surface including a linear portion and an intermediate radiused portion, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Justin A. Howell, John E. Denner, Shannon K. Sprenkle, Robert Waltemyer
  • Publication number: 20190193924
    Abstract: Plastic pressure container including a main body portion, a finish portion, and a closure assembly. The main body portion defines an interior space. The finish portion is unitary with the main body portion and defines a mouth in communication with the interior space. The finish portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an upper rim proximate the mouth. The inner surface has an inner undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The outer surface has an outer undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The closure assembly is mounted to the finish portion in engagement with both the inner undercut and the outer undercut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Tapan Y. Patel, John E. Denner, Scott E. Bysick, Justin A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20190111591
    Abstract: Methods and devices for manufacturing plastic preforms and plastic containers are provided. Methods of manufacturing a plastic preform having an inner undercut include forming a preform of plastic in amorphous state and inserting a plug within the mouth of the preform. The plug includes an upper plug member and an expandable element, the expandable element having an initial outer diameter in plan view with the plug in an initial condition and a deployed outer diameter in plan view with the plug in a deployed condition. Methods further include deploying the plug to the deployed condition with the expandable element positioned to engage a side wall proximate the inner undercut and crystallizing the plastic of the preform along the finish portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott E. Bysick, John E. Denner, Justin A. Howell
  • Patent number: 10259644
    Abstract: A plastic pressure container including a main body portion and a finish portion defining a mouth, the finish portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an upper rim proximate the mouth. The inner surface has an inner undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim, and the inner undercut has a curved shape in cross-section. The outer surface has an outer undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim, and the outer undercut has a polygonal shape in cross-section. The inner undercut defines a first depth relative to an inner diameter D2 proximate the mouth and the outer undercut defines a second depth relative to an outer diameter D3 proximate the mouth. The second depth is different than the first depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Tapan Y. Patel, John E. Denner, Scott E. Bysick, Justin A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20180327133
    Abstract: Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion, the intermediate surface including a linear portion and an intermediate radiused portion, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Justin A. Howell, John E. Denner, Shannon K. Sprenkle, Robert Waltemyer
  • Patent number: 10029817
    Abstract: Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Lee Wright, Justin A. Howell, Travis A. Hunter, Romauld M. Philippe, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer
  • Publication number: 20180029780
    Abstract: A plastic pressure container including a main body portion and a finish portion defining a mouth, the finish portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an upper rim proximate the mouth. The inner surface has an inner undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim, and the inner undercut has a curved shape in cross-section. The outer surface has an outer undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim, and the outer undercut has a polygonal shape in cross-section. The inner undercut defines a first depth relative to an inner diameter D2 proximate the mouth and the outer undercut defines a second depth relative to an outer diameter D3 proximate the mouth. The second depth is different than the first depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Tapan Y. Patel, John E. Denner, Scott E. Bysick, Justin A. Howell
  • Patent number: 9862518
    Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space and having a sidewall. The container body has a maximum lateral dimension and a plurality of flexible panels and posts defined in the sidewall. The posts are respectively interposed between the flexible panels around the outer circumference of the sidewall. Each of the plurality of posts has a minimum width and a maximum width, and a ratio of the minimum width to maximum width is preferably within a range of about 0.3 to about 0.7. A ratio of the minimum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.05 to about 0.30. In addition, a ratio of the maximum width to the maximum lateral dimension is preferably within a range of about 0.15 to about 0.45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Gill, Justin A. Howell, Anthony J. Schlies
  • Patent number: 9845186
    Abstract: Plastic pressure container including a main body portion, a finish portion, and a closure assembly. The main body portion defines an interior space. The finish portion is unitary with the main body portion and defines a mouth in communication with the interior space. The finish portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an upper rim proximate the mouth. The inner surface has an inner undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The outer surface has an outer undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The closure assembly is mounted to the finish portion in engagement with both the inner undercut and the outer undercut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Tapan Y. Patel, John E. Denner, Scott E. Bysick, Justin A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20160288986
    Abstract: Plastic pressure container including a main body portion, a finish portion, and a closure assembly. The main body portion defines an interior space. The finish portion is unitary with the main body portion and defines a mouth in communication with the interior space. The finish portion has an inner surface, an outer surface and an upper rim proximate the mouth. The inner surface has an inner undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The outer surface has an outer undercut defined therein proximate the upper rim. The closure assembly is mounted to the finish portion in engagement with both the inner undercut and the outer undercut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Tapan Y. Patel, John E. Denner, Scott E. Bysick, Justin A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20160167824
    Abstract: Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Paul Lee Wright, Justin A. Howell, Travis A. Hunter, Romauld M. Philippe, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer
  • Patent number: 9296539
    Abstract: Base includes an outer support wall, a support surface extending inwardly from the outer support wall and defining a reference plane, an inner support wall extending upwardly from the support surface, a first radiused portion extending radially inward from the inner support wall and concave relative to the reference plane, a second radiused portion extending radially inward from the first radiused portion and convex relative to the reference plane, an intermediate surface extending radially inward from the second radiused portion and substantially parallel to the reference plane, a third radiused portion extending radially inward from the intermediate surface and convex relative to the reference plane, and a central portion disposed proximate the third radiused portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Lee Wright, Justin A. Howell, Travis A. Hunter, Romauld M. Philippe, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer
  • Patent number: D766722
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Schlies, Justin A. Howell
  • Patent number: D767998
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: April M. Peacock, Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Sheldon E. Yourist, Seung Hong
  • Patent number: D871221
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Waltemyer, Shannon K. Sprenkle, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly