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).
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Patent number: 9296539Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Paul Lee Wright, Justin A. Howell, Travis A. Hunter, Romauld M. Philippe, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer
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Patent number: 9162807Abstract: An improved blow molded plastic container having generally rounded sidewalls that are adapted for hot-fill applications has two adjacent sides and two pairs of controlled deflection panels, each pair reacting to vacuum pressure at differing rates of movement, whereby one pair inverts under vacuum pressure and the other pair remains available for increased squeezability or extreme vacuum extraction. The opposing sidewalls are symmetric relative to vacuum panel and rib shape and placement. The ribs and controlled deflection panels cooperate to retain container shape upon filling and cooling and also improves bumper denting resistance, decreases vacuum pressure within the container, and increases light weight capability.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignees: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: David Melrose, Paul Kelley, Scott Bysick, Justin Howell
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Patent number: 9139327Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes includes a container body defining an internal space and having a main body portion that defines a longitudinal axis and an outer diameter. The main body portion is substantially cylindrical at its outer diameter, and includes first and second recessed flexible vacuum uptake panels, each of which is constructed and arranged to flex inwardly to provide vacuum uptake when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space relative to ambient external pressure. The main body portion further includes a front side defining a first curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels and a rear side defining a second curved sidewall portion between the first and second recessed panels. The first curved sidewall portion has a length L1 as viewed in horizontal cross-section that is less than a length L2 of the second curved sidewall portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Benton A. Lewis, Justin A. Howell, Sunil S. Shah, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer
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Patent number: 9102434Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that occur as a result of internal pressure and temperature changes during the hot-fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body has at least one flexible panel defined therein, which includes an outer flexible panel portion and an inner flexible panel portion. The outer flexible panel portion has a shape when a pressure equilibrium exists between the internal space and ambient external pressure, and is further constructed and arranged to assume a shape of increased concavity when a sufficient underpressure exists in the internal space. The inner flexible panel portion is constructed and arranged to flex relative to the outer flexible panel portion in order to accommodate internal pressure changes within the container body. The inner and outer flexible panel portions accordingly work in tandem to permit efficient vacuum uptake in a hot-fill type container.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Eric B. Ungrady, Sunil S. Shah
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Patent number: 8991628Abstract: A container base comprising recessed ribs. The curved recessed ribs permit lighter base weights than traditional bases. The base further permits a larger process window and improved product evacuation. Hot-fill performance of a container is also maintained and/or improved when using the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Robert Waltemyer, Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Michael T. Kelly
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Patent number: 8919587Abstract: A plastic container, sidewall portions, and method of same are described. The sidewall portion can accommodate a vacuum in a filled and sealed container and includes a plurality of columns extending between upper and lower ends of the sidewall portion, and a plurality of vacuum panels oriented vertically between respective adjacent ones of the columns, each vacuum panel including an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section, a first hinge connecting the upper and middle sections, and a second hinge connecting the middle and lower sections. The vacuum panels can move radially inward toward a container central axis such that the container vacuum is accommodated. As the vacuum panel moves radially inward, the middle section can maintain a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the central axis, and the upper and lower sections rotate about first and second hinges, respectively, and incline away from the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Justin A. Howell, Mark O. Borger, Raymond A. Pritchett, Jr.
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Patent number: 8881922Abstract: A hot fill type plastic container includes a finish portion that defines an opening and a main body portion having a sidewall that defines a plurality of vacuum panels and a plurality of creased wall portions. Each of the creased wall portions is positioned between two adjacent vacuum panels. At least one of the creased wall portions has an axis of longitudinal orientation when viewed in side elevation that has a vertical component and a circumferential component. The creased wall portions further preferably are substantially non-curved when viewed in side elevation and also preferably have a compound curvature to increase stiffness.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Anthony J. Schlies, Justin A. Howell
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Publication number: 20140209558Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Paul Lee Wright, Justin A. Howell, Travis A. Hunter, Romuald M. Philippe, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer
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Patent number: 8662332Abstract: A blow molded plastic container for hot fill and pasteurization uses includes a main body portion that is shaped so as to be substantially round in horizontal cross-section and a base portion. The base portion is shaped to define a generally circular standing ring and an elevated push-up portion that is positioned radially inward of the standing ring. The push-up portion includes a central region, an annular, substantially straight and substantially vertical rise portion that is positioned immediately radially inward of the standing ring and a plurality of radially oriented waves. Each of the waves extends radially outwardly from the central region to the vertical rise portion and is preferably shaped so as to subtend a substantially constant angle along its length.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
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Patent number: 8602237Abstract: A blow molded plastic container for hot fill and pasteurization uses includes a main body portion that is shaped so as to be substantially rectangular in horizontal cross-section and a base portion. The base portion is shaped to define a generally rectangular standing ring and an elevated push-up portion that is positioned radially inward of the standing ring. The push-up portion includes a central region, an annular, substantially straight and substantially vertical rise portion that is positioned immediately radially inward of the standing ring and a plurality of radially oriented waves. Each of the waves extends radially outwardly from the central region to the vertical rise portion. The main body portion is shaped so as to have sidewall portions that are bounded by a plurality of vertically extending edge portions. In one embodiment, at least one of the vertically extending edge portions may have at least one inwardly extending gusset.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
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Publication number: 20130153531Abstract: A hot fill type plastic container includes a finish portion that defines an opening and a main body portion having a sidewall that defines a plurality of vacuum panels and a plurality of creased wall portions. Each of the creased wall portions is positioned between two adjacent vacuum panels. At least one of the creased wall portions has an axis of longitudinal orientation when viewed in side elevation that has a vertical component and a circumferential component. The creased wall portions further preferably are substantially non-curved when viewed in side elevation and also preferably have a compound curvature to increase stiffness.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Inventors: Anthony J. Schlies, Justin A. Howell
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Patent number: 8443995Abstract: A hot fill type plastic container includes a bottom portion and a main body having a vacuum uptake portion that is bounded by upper and lower horizontal grooves. The vacuum uptake portion has four side panel portions, and each of the side panel portions has at least one vertical groove defined therein. The vertical grooves are substantially centered with respect to the side panel portions. No surface features other than the vertical grooves are included on the side panel portions. The main body further includes upper and lower round portions that are respectively positioned above and below the vacuum uptake portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Eric B. Ungrady, Michael T. Kelly, Justin A. Howell, Raymond A. Pritchett, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130082024Abstract: A plastic container, sidewall portions, and method of same are described. The sidewall portion can accommodate a vacuum in a filled and sealed container and includes a plurality of columns extending between upper and lower ends of the sidewall portion, and a plurality of vacuum panels oriented vertically between respective adjacent ones of the columns, each vacuum panel including an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section, a first hinge connecting the upper and middle sections, and a second hinge connecting the middle and lower sections. The vacuum panels can move radially inward toward a container central axis such that the container vacuum is accommodated. As the vacuum panel moves radially inward, the middle section can maintain a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the central axis, and the upper and lower sections rotate about first and second hinges, respectively, and incline away from the central axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2011Publication date: April 4, 2013Inventors: Justin A. Howell, Mark O. Borger, Raymond A. Pritchett, JR.
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Publication number: 20120160857Abstract: An improved blow molded plastic container having generally rounded sidewalls that are adapted for hot-fill applications has two adjacent sides and two pairs of controlled deflection panels, each pair reacting to vacuum pressure at differing rates of movement, whereby one pair inverts under vacuum pressure and the other pair remains available for increased squeezability or extreme vacuum extraction. The opposing sidewalls are symmetric relative to vacuum panel and rib shape and placement. The ribs and controlled deflection panels cooperate to retain container shape upon filling and cooling and also improves bumper denting resistance, decreases vacuum pressure within the container, and increases light weight capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Graham Packaging, LPInventors: David MELROSE, Paul Kelley, Scott Bysick, Justin Howell
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Patent number: 8186528Abstract: An improved blow molded plastic container having generally rounded sidewalls that are adapted for hot-fill applications has two adjacent sides and two pairs of controlled deflection panels, each pair reacting to vacuum pressure at differing rates of movement, whereby one pair inverts under vacuum pressure and the other pair remains available for increased squeezability or extreme vacuum extraction. The opposing sidewalls are symmetric relative to vacuum panel and rib shape and placement. The ribs and controlled deflection panels cooperate to retain container shape upon filling and cooling and also improves bumper denting resistance, decreases vacuum pressure within the container, and increases light weight capability.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignees: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: David Melrose, Paul Kelley, Scott Bysick, Justin Howell
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Publication number: 20120118899Abstract: A container base comprising recessed ribs. The curved recessed ribs permit lighter base weights than traditional bases. The base further permits a larger process window and improved product evacuation. Hot-fill performance of a container is also maintained and/or improved when using the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Robert Waltemyer, Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Michael T. Kelly
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Publication number: 20120111824Abstract: A hot fill type plastic container includes a bottom portion and a main body having a vacuum uptake portion that is bounded by upper and lower horizontal grooves. The vacuum uptake portion has four side panel portions, and each of the side panel portions has at least one vertical groove defined therein. The vertical grooves are substantially centered with respect to the side panel portions. No surface features other than the vertical grooves are included on the side panel portions. The main body further includes upper and lower round portions that are respectively positioned above and below the vacuum uptake portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.Inventors: Eric B. Ungrady, Michael T. Kelly, Justin A. Howell, Raymond A. Pritchett, JR.
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Patent number: 8109398Abstract: A plastic container that particularly adapted for hot-fill applications includes a bottom portion; and a sidewall portion that is unitary with the bottom portion. The sidewall portion has a maximum outer diameter, and includes first and second pairs of opposing first and second vacuum panels, respectively. At least one of the second vacuum panels includes gripping structure. The first and second vacuum panels respectively have first and second substantially constant radii of curvature as measured in a horizontal plane that are substantially constant from upper to lower ends of the vacuum panels. At least one of the second vacuum panels may be asymmetric about a central vertical axis as viewed in side elevation.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Benton A. Lewis, Luis Carvallo, Justin A. Howell
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Patent number: D652731Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Raymond A. Pritchett, Jr., Eric B. Ungrady, Michael T. Kelly, Justin A. Howell
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Patent number: D711238Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.Inventors: Anthony J. Schlies, Justin A. Howell