Patents by Inventor Michael P. Wurster

Michael P. Wurster 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: 10710765
    Abstract: A base structure for a blow-molded container having an annular sidewall and a central longitudinal axis, the base structure comprising: a bottom portion; an annular support heel positioned between the sidewall and the bottom portion, wherein the annular support heel is angled inwardly at an angle ? of from about 15° to about 65° relative a plane extending from the sidewall; and a plurality of partial sphere structures on the annular support heel and extending beyond the bottom portion thus forming a contact surface supporting the container, and wherein the blow-molded container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael P. Wurster
  • Patent number: 10577158
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closure for a hot-fill container comprising: a cap member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a wall portion having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface comprises threads to mate with a threaded neck finish of a hot-fill container; a flexible diaphragm member comprising: at least one flexible portion in a first position and a sealing lip portion to seal a liquid in the container thus preventing the liquid from traveling to the threaded neck finish of the container; and a disc member interposed between the cap member and the diaphragm member, wherein the disc member comprises: a hydrophobic filter membrane and at least one vent providing a path for air to travel from an area near the threads to the hydrophobic filter member, wherein the flexible diaphragm member flexes to compensate for a change in pressure within the container by transitioning downwards in response to a decrease in pressure and/or by transitioning upwards in response to an in
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick, Robert Waltemyer, Paul Kelley
  • Patent number: 10189596
    Abstract: Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. In particular, the disclosed subject matter involves container base configurations having particular up-stand geometries that can assist or facilitate elevated temperature processing and/or cooling processing of plastic containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick
  • Patent number: 9994378
    Abstract: Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. Plastic containers have base portions constructed and operative to accommodate internal pressures within the container due to elevated temperature processing, such as hot-filling, pasteurization, and/or retort processing. Plastic containers can also be constructed and operative to accommodate internal pressures within the filled container resulting from subjecting the filled plastic container to cooling or cool-down processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick
  • Publication number: 20150375883
    Abstract: Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. In particular, the disclosed subject matter involves container base configurations having particular up-stand geometries that can assist or facilitate elevated temperature processing and/or cooling processing of plastic containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick
  • Patent number: 9150320
    Abstract: Base configurations for plastic containers having an inner wall and up-stand wall geometries to accommodate internal container pressures after hot-filling and sealing, corresponding plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. In some embodiments, the up-stand wall geometries include a plurality of stacked rings. The inner wall and up-stand wall geometries can be co-operatively operative to accommodate pressure variations within the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick
  • Patent number: 8991643
    Abstract: A closure for a container comprising: a cap member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a wall portion having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface comprises threads to mate with a threaded neck finish of a container; and a composite disc member comprising: an outer vent ring portion comprising a plurality of vents wherein the vents provide a path for air to travel from an area near the threads to an area between the bottom surface of the cap member and the composite disc member, wherein the vent ring portion functions to seal liquid in the container thus preventing the liquid from traveling to the threaded neck finish of the container; and an inner flexible diaphragm portion in a first position, wherein the flexible diaphragm portion flexes to compensate for a change in pressure within the container by transitioning downwards in response to a decrease in pressure and/or by transitioning upwards in response to an increase in pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Paul V. Kelley, Scott E. Bysick
  • Patent number: 8991628
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Robert Waltemyer, Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Michael T. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20150028041
    Abstract: A base structure for a blow-molded container having an annular sidewall and a central longitudinal axis, the base structure comprising: a bottom portion; an annular support heel positioned between the sidewall and the bottom portion, wherein the annular support heel is angled inwardly at an angle ? of from about 15° to about 65° relative a plane extending from the sidewall; and a plurality of partial sphere structures on the annular support heel and extending beyond the bottom portion thus forming a contact surface supporting the container, and wherein the blow-molded container comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and polypropylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Michael P. Wurster
  • Patent number: 8662332
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8602237
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20130043209
    Abstract: Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. In particular, the disclosed subject matter involves container base configurations having particular up-stand geometries that can assist or facilitate elevated temperature processing and/or cooling processing of plastic containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick
  • Publication number: 20130043202
    Abstract: Plastic containers, base configurations for plastic containers, and systems, methods, and base molds thereof. Plastic containers have base portions constructed and operative to accommodate internal pressures within the container due to elevated temperature processing, such as hot-filling, pasteurization, and/or retort processing. Plastic containers can also be constructed and operative to accommodate internal pressures within the filled container resulting from subjecting the filled plastic container to cooling or cool-down processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick
  • Publication number: 20120248127
    Abstract: A closure for a container comprising: a cap member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a wall portion having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface comprises threads to mate with a threaded neck finish of a container; and a composite disc member comprising: an outer vent ring portion comprising a plurality of vents wherein the vents provide a path for air to travel from an area near the threads to an area between the bottom surface of the cap member and the composite disc member, wherein the vent ring portion functions to seal liquid in the container thus preventing the liquid from traveling to the threaded neck finish of the container; and an inner flexible diaphragm portion in a first position, wherein the flexible diaphragm portion flexes to compensate for a change in pressure within the container by transitioning downwards in response to a decrease in pressure and/or by transitioning upwards in response to an increase in pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Paul V. Kelley, Scott E. Bysick
  • Publication number: 20120118899
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Robert Waltemyer, Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Michael T. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20110186536
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closure for a hot-fill container comprising: a cap member having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a wall portion having an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface comprises threads to mate with a threaded neck finish of a hot-fill container; a flexible diaphragm member comprising: at least one flexible portion in a first position and a sealing lip portion to seal a liquid in the container thus preventing the liquid from traveling to the threaded neck finish of the container; and a disc member interposed between the cap member and the diaphragm member, wherein the disc member comprises: a hydrophobic filter membrane and at least one vent providing a path for air to travel from an area near the threads to the hydrophobic filter member, wherein the flexible diaphragm member flexes to compensate for a change in pressure within the container by transitioning downwards in response to a decrease in pressure and/or by transitioning upwards in response to an in
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Scott E. Bysick, Robert Waltemyer, Paul Kelley
  • Patent number: 7976767
    Abstract: A preform for use in blow molding a plastic container is disclosed herein. The preform has an open end and closed end, and a body adapted to form a body of the container when the container is blow molded. The preform further includes a finish having a top surface, an inner wall having circumferentially-spaced thin segments alternating with thick segments, and an outer wall wherein the thin segments exist entirely in the finish and extend towards the open end of the body of the preform. The thick segments do not extend to the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Eric B. Ungrady, Sunil S. Shah, Michael P. Wurster
  • Publication number: 20110079574
    Abstract: 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 a plurality of 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 defined therein to provide structural reinforcement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110079575
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Justin A. Howell, Michael T. Kelly, Robert Waltemyer, Benton A. Lewis
  • Patent number: D650677
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Michael P. Wurster, Robert Waltemyer, Justin A. Howell, Benton A. Lewis, Michael T. Kelly