Patents Assigned to Acorn Bay, LLC
  • Patent number: 6631823
    Abstract: Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Acorn Bay, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Donald J. Panec
  • Patent number: 6629624
    Abstract: Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Acorn Bay, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Donald J. Panec
  • Patent number: 6598757
    Abstract: Drink spout systems for use with drink containers. The drink spout systems are configured to easily pierce a drink container or a seal across an opening in the drink container to access the drink fluid contained within the drink container. The drink spout system may include a valve assembly to regulate the flow of the drink fluid through the drink spout. The drink spout system may additionally or alternatively include a valve assembly that is configured to prevent drink fluid from being unintentionally dispensed from the drink container, such as when the drink container is pierced by the drink spout system or when the drink container is tipped over or dropped. The drink spout system is particularly useful on aseptic drink pouches, aseptic drink boxes, drink bottles and other similar drink containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Acorn Bay, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Donald J. Panec
  • Publication number: 20020121525
    Abstract: Drink spout systems and drink containers that include a drink spout system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes an air return system to permit improved dispensing from the drink container. In some embodiments, the drink spout system is actuated by a user sucking on the system. In others, the system is actuated by a user depressing or bending at least a portion of the system. In still others, the system is actuated by other user-imparted forces to the system. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes a biasing system adapted to preload the system's valve assembly to a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the drink spout system includes components formed from different materials via two-shot molding or a similar process, and in some embodiments, the materials used are selected to provide improved opening of the systems' valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Acorn Bay, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Donald J. Panec
  • Publication number: 20020017528
    Abstract: Drink spout systems for use with drink containers. The drink spout systems are configured to easily pierce a drink container or a seal across an opening in the drink container to access the drink fluid contained within the drink container. The drink spout system may include a valve assembly to regulate the flow of the drink fluid through the drink spout. The drink spout system may additionally or alternatively include a valve assembly that is configured to prevent drink fluid from being unintentionally dispensed from the drink container, such as when the drink container is pierced by the drink spout system or when the drink container is tipped over or dropped. The drink spout system is particularly useful on aseptic drink pouches, aseptic drink boxes, drink bottles and other similar drink containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: Acorn Bay, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Donald J. Panec
  • Patent number: 6135311
    Abstract: A drink valve for use with a drink container is disclosed. The valve includes a straw structure with a gate structure or plug at one end. The gate structure opens and closes to regulate the flow of liquid. The gate structure is opened upon movement of the straw structure. The gate structure may include members which spread apart upon movement of the straw structure, and which come together when the straw structure is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Acorn Bay, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Panec, Scott H. Stillinger