Including Drinking Vessel Patents (Class 206/217)
  • Patent number: 7631781
    Abstract: A double-layered rotary cup includes an outer receptacle in which an inner container is received. The container has an open top along which a circumferential lip carrying a seal ring in an underside thereof is formed to be slidably positioned on a top rim of the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle forms a hole through which a bolt extends to engage an internally-threaded projection formed on the bottom of the container thereby forming a relatively rotatable configuration between the receptacle and the container. A spring biased positioner is arranged between the bottoms of the container and the receptacle for setting the relative angular position therebetween. Films on which patterns are printed are attached to an outside surface of the container and an inside surface of the receptacle and the film of the receptacle forms windows for exposing the patterns of the film of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Tsan-Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 7614512
    Abstract: A beverage bottle consisting of a body portion for containing a liquid beverage, the body portion having a sidewall portion extending between a neck portion and a base portion, a storage compartment forming a cavity within the body portion, the cavity extending from the base portion vertically towards the neck portion of the body portion, and one or more promotional products disposed and stored within the cavity of the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Nowzari Nader
  • Publication number: 20090206089
    Abstract: A lid for removable attachment to a cup having an upper rim defining an opening includes a generally horizontal portion configured to cover the opening. The horizontal portion includes upper and lower faces and is generally circular. The horizontal portion includes a pour opening and a secondary opening to equalize internal air pressure. The lid further includes a connection portion extending downwardly from the generally horizontal portion, the connection portion having a circumference with a configuration complementary to a configuration of the upper rim so as to selectively couple the generally horizontal portion to the upper rim. The includes an enclosed compartment configured to house a breath freshening device, the compartment being accessible when the connection portion couples the generally horizontal portion to the upper rim. The enclosed compartment includes a removable flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 7571830
    Abstract: A beverage shaker (10) consists of an insulated container (20) which is configured to hold the ingredients for protein supplement drinks. The shaker permits manual mixing by shaking to and fro and retains any large pieces of the remaining ice within the container. The shaker has a removable top member (32) that is attached to the container which includes a smooth peripheral lip (26) surrounding the container suitable for drinking. A strainer (50) is supported internally by the top member and is configured for holding back large sized pieces of ice. A lid (60) internally interfaces with the top member in a leak proof manner permitting protein supplement drink ingredients to be mixed and consumed directly from the shaker when the lid is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 7562769
    Abstract: A medicament package comprises a vessel adapted to hold a quantity of a liquid vehicle. The vessel has an opening formed therein. The opening engages a deformable enclosure which receives a medicament container that contains a unit dose of a medicament. The entire medicament package is sterile and is arranged such that by deformation of the enclosure the container may be dislodged from the enclosure into the vessel whereby the medicament may escape from the container and mix with the liquid vehicle. The medicament container is formed with one or more dispensing apertures through which the medicament may exit the container and/or liquid can enter the container. The medicament container may be formed as two or more components, the integrity of the container being maintained by its engagement with the enclosure and that integrity being lost once the container is released from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Brintech International Limited
    Inventor: Brindra Paul Singh Chawla
  • Patent number: 7546919
    Abstract: A cap containing a secondary material includes a fixing member fixed on a container, the fixing member having a hollow main body and a supporting tube extending downward from an inner surface of the hollow main body, the supporting tube having a material exhausting portion and a seal member formed on the lower end of the supporting tube, and a movable member coupled to the fixing member, the movable member having a main body coupled on the main body of the fixing member and a tube extending downward from the main body to define a storage chamber for the secondary material, the tube being provided with an opened lower end through which the secondary material can be filled in the storage chamber, the opened lower end of the tube being tightly interlocked with the seal member formed on the supporting tube of the fixing member after the secondary material is filled in the storage chamber and the movable member is coupled to the fixing member and being released from the seal member so that the secondary material c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Inventor: Jung Min Lee
  • Patent number: 7533860
    Abstract: A beverage cup holder. The beverage cup holder has a housing with a top and bottom, and includes first and second opposing arms for gripping the sidewalls of a cup or beverage container. The first and second opposing arms each comprise a plurality of telescoping chain-links. A retractable bottom support arm extends from the bottom of the housing for supporting the base of a beverage container. A retractable cup holder support arm extends from the top of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Eddie Somuah
  • Publication number: 20090114554
    Abstract: A drinking mug with detachable speakers and audio player docking station including: a mug adapted to retain and dispense liquids disposed therein, and further adapted to removably retain thereupon each of at least one speaker housing, a portable audio player dock, a base, and a lid; at least one speaker adapted to provide sound in response to signals received thereby; at least one speaker housing adapted to receive and retain at least one speaker in secure mechanical engagement therein; a portable audio player dock adapted to receive and retain a portable audio player thereupon in secure removable mechanical engagement; a mug base adapted to be selectively coupled or decoupled from the mug and including at least one compartment; and a lid adapted to be placed in secure removable mechanical engagement with the mug, whereby the lid operates to retain a liquid disposed within the mug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Vincent Robert Earnest
  • Publication number: 20090107859
    Abstract: A container is disclosed that can hold and dispense a beverage while at the same time storing and dispensing drinking cups for consuming the beverage, thereby enhancing the availability of drinking cups, by making them readily available for use with the container. The container includes a cup storage and dispensing portion formed into the bottom, the side, or some other surface of the container, with a cup retaining element capable of resisting removal of a cup from the portion. The cup storage and dispensing portion can be sealed by a removable cover, and can be shaped to accommodate a plurality of cups while maximizing the beverage volume of the container. In another aspect of the invention, the container includes a storage portion that can be used to store other items, such as beverage additives or promotional items, in addition to, or instead of, cups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Kai Hui Cai
  • Publication number: 20090107860
    Abstract: A shaped Styrofoam insulated sheet for shading a beverage container has fold lines thereacross to define a bottom coaster portion for resting on flat surface and shaped for supporting a base of the beverage container, an upstanding piece along one side of the beverage container shaped to follow a side elevation of the beverage container to act as a shade the beverage container and an upwardly inclined top cover piece extending over the beverage. The upstanding piece is bottle or glass shaped and carries advertising printed on the outside surface or inserted as a sheet into a transparent envelope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Cory Dewinetz
  • Publication number: 20090095645
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a beverage cup that comprises a cup body, and a lid. The lid comprises a hinged plug insert, which covers the drinking port in the lid, a window and a counter means. The counter means comprises a disc that protrudes through the outer circumference of the lid in such a way that the user can rotate the disc. The disc is printed with symbols or numbers, one of which is visible at a time through the window in the lid. Different symbols or numbers on the disc are visible through the window as the disc is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Carlos A. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20090084692
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of methods, devices, and kits for preparation of a baby bottle, cup, mug, or the like containing a heated liquid having a proper temperature for infants, and particularly to methods and devices including a thermochromatic ink that changes color above the comfort zone of the infant. The present invention is particularly adaptable as an addition to any baby bottle of evaluation of the temperature of the heated liquid inside the baby bottle before feeding the infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Melissa J. Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20090078594
    Abstract: A drinking cup and a method for supporting tapered, disposable beverage cups on a variety of surfaces and means for making such cups more stable and less susceptible to accidental upset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Theodore W. Lookholder
  • Patent number: 7506756
    Abstract: A container lid for a cup-type beverage which includes within the lid a disc-shaped media in which the lid is adapted to be releasably affixed to the beverage container and where the lid is protected from the beverage within the container and wherein the disc may be removed from the lid and utilized for entertainment purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignees: The GARR Group, L.L.C.
    Inventor: John O. Bosworth, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090065377
    Abstract: A cup assembly with an upper concavity and a lower concavity, a means located on the inside of the upper concavity for detachably attaching the cup assembly to a container, and a means located on the inside of the lower concavity for detachably attaching the cup assembly to a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Kayvon Olomi, William Bull
  • Patent number: 7500579
    Abstract: A drinking cup having an interior pill shelf with passages to allow liquid in the cup when drunk, to flow through the shelf and carry the pill with it into the mouth. A separate pill box is attached to the outside of the cup wall for carrying pills to be taken at a later time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: David W. Crossley
  • Patent number: 7501933
    Abstract: A cup assembly is provided. The cup assembly is interactive by providing stimuli when the cup body is pressed by a user. The cup can provide sound emitted from an electronics module in a bottom cap. The cup body can use conductive ink to create a circuit for actuation of the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Playtex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Rousso, Charles J. Renz
  • Publication number: 20090050495
    Abstract: A Combination Water Dose and Medication Container is disclosed. The device provides a single, pocket-sized, disposable unit that separately contains water and pills. The water chamber is foil-sealed to prevent tampering. The pill container is available pre-loaded with pills and foil-sealed, as well as empty so that the user can add his or her own pills. Five different versions of the combination container are enumerated in order to optimize flexibility to meet user tastes and manufacturing constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Marcus, Tracy Francis
  • Patent number: 7485831
    Abstract: A slow cooker for heating of food stuffs includes a housing having a base and a side wall extending therefrom to define a heating cavity within the housing. A heating element is disposed within the housing to heat the heating cavity. A container has a generally hollow interior and a container rim defining an opening for accessing the interior. The interior is capable of retaining the food stuffs therein. The container is shaped and sized to fit within the heating cavity of the housing for heating thereof by the heating element. A lid is sized and shaped to at least partially cover the opening of the container when placed on the container rim. The lid includes a handle. A utensil is included for manipulating the food stuffs. The utensil is removably engageable with the handle of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Tynes, John D. Barnes, Guoyao Ye
  • Publication number: 20080296181
    Abstract: A pill dispensing liquid container comprising: a liquid container; a liquid container cap removably attached to the liquid container; a pill dispenser attached to the liquid container, the pill dispenser comprising: a plurality of pill compartments; a plurality of doors, each door attached to the pill dispenser, and each door openable and closeable with respect to one of the plurality of pill compartments; and a distinguishing marking on each door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Carlisle Stephens, Mary Ann Stephens
  • Publication number: 20080283423
    Abstract: Consist of metal and plastic. It could be constructed using a variety of materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jesse E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7426994
    Abstract: A personal hygiene article comprises an individually packaged sanitizing wipe, a second package, a graspable member and means for attaching the second package to a different article. The individually packaged sanitizing wipe includes a first package having a sanitizing wipe contained therein. The second package has the individually packaged sanitizing wipe contained therein. The graspable member is attached to a surface of the package in a manner enabling grasping and pulling of the graspable member to at least one of open the package and detach the package from the different article. The means for attaching the second package to a different article is attached to the second package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: David Odell Simmons
  • Publication number: 20080223739
    Abstract: An improved compartmentalized beverage container device is disclosed including a cup member having an open chamber with a handle attached thereto, a lid cover formed having a dome-like surface and a rim adapted to engage the top of the open chamber of the cup member together with a lid insert adapted to engage the rim of the lid cover beneath the dome-like surface to provide a first storage compartment above the cup member, and a base chamber integrally formed beneath the cup member with an access opening in the bottom thereof to provide a second storage compartment below the cup member. The lid cover is further formed having a hole and separate slot made through the dome-like surface and the lid insert provided with a convex surface made to be directed toward the dome-like surface with a tubular member further extending from the insert to engage the hole in the surface of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080202948
    Abstract: The invention includes a container secured to a canteen body forming a bowl, with the container being selectively movable between a position in which water will flow and another position in which water will not flow from the container. Moving the container thereby allows water to fill the attached bowl for consumption by a pet. In one example of the invention, an additional dish is attached to the main dish body, with the additional dish being removable and useful as a flying disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Progressive International Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Young
  • Patent number: 7416078
    Abstract: A pocket flask to be carried within the user's pocket having a hollow housing provided with a curved side wall and a bottom wall connected to the sidewall. A first partition wall divides the housing into a first liquid chamber and a second chamber. A second partition wall divides the second chamber into a tobacco chamber and a pipe housing chamber. A pipe is telescopically receivable within the pipe housing chamber and a first cover, which is pivotally connected to the housing functions to move pipe inwardly of the pipe housing chamber against the urging of a spring. The first cover is movable between a first open position and a second closed position to gain access to the pipe and to the tobacco. A closure wall which has a pouring opening, is connected to the housing for substantially closing the first liquid chamber. A cap removably closes the pouring opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Phillip Willis
  • Publication number: 20080156672
    Abstract: This invention is a method and device for treating beverages, particularly wine, with negative ions and thereby enhancing the flavor of the beverages. The invention is preferably a container designed to enclose the beverage where the inside of the container is coated with a substance (such as a powder) that emits or generates negative ions. The treatment process will take place over several hours to several days depending on the desired strength of the treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: John Shih
  • Publication number: 20080142394
    Abstract: Improved cup containers for products, especially single serve products, are provided for. The novel containers comprise a cup accommodating a product and lidding for the cup. The lidding comprises one or more imprintable substrate sheets which collectively provide a lid section and a message section connected to the lid section. The lid section is sealed to the cup and thereby defines a sealed volume accommodating the product therein. The message section provides a substrate on which a message may be imprinted. The lid section is provided on one of the lidding substrate sheets. The message section is provided either on the same substrate sheet as the lid section or on a separate substrate sheet. Although connected to the lid section, the message section is separable therefrom so that the message, such as an advertising message, may be removed from the container and viewed by a consumer. Preferably, the message section is separable from said lid section without compromising the integrity of the sealed volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Marcus L. Thuesen, Lejo C. Brana
  • Patent number: 7387063
    Abstract: A beverage brewing system is adapted to have a brewing configuration, in which, a brewing chamber has a brewing substance therein, a bottle initially has a fluid therein, a lid is located over a cup, the bottle is removably attached to the lid and located over the lid, the brewing chamber is located between the bottle and the cup, and a blow-out valve is located between the bottle and the brewing chamber so that the blow-out valve initially hinders a flow of the fluid from the bottle to the brewing chamber. The blow-out valve is adapted to be breached at a predetermined pressure when the fluid is heated to allow the fluid to pass through the brewing chamber into the cup to form a brewed fluid. The entire system is preferably disposable and microwavable. Preferably, the system has a compact storage configuration and a portable drinking configuration as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: JavaVoo, LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Vu, Jacqueline Y. Vu, Tuan “Peter” Anh Dieu
  • Patent number: 7387202
    Abstract: A convenient, portable, “all-in-one” kit that contains all of the feeding accessories that a child would require for a meal, and also provides a sanitary environment for eating the meal. The kit is comprised of members including a container member, which is a cup; and closing member, which is a lid with a controlled-flow drinking spout. The cup fitted with the lid is commonly known as a sippy cup. The lidded cup serves as an enclosure for the other members of the kit. The kit also includes a utensil member, such as a spoon or fork or both. The entire kit is inexpensive and therefore disposable after a single usage. A unique feature about the kit is the inclusion of a protective member that is a specialized sheet that can be adhesively fastened to a table or highchair and, as such, provides a sanitary zone for eating the meal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Neat Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Beaty
  • Publication number: 20080128427
    Abstract: A fluid drinking system utilizes a straw member with a central, tubular straw element with a flexible mouthpiece, connected to multiple tubular straw elements which extend and branch out from the central straw element. Upon application of a suction force, i.e. sucking action, to any of the distal open ends of the straw elements, fluid flows through the open passages of the elements which are interconnecting and open to each other. The drinking system also includes a container with partitioned, compartmentalized sections, with each section being configured to hold a different consumable fluid or pureed food. The straw elements of the straw member are inserted into and positioned within different compartments of the container. When so positioned, there may be simultaneous, multi-fluid consumption. When the central straw element of the straw member is inserted into any fluid carrying container, multiple users may drink fluid from the container simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Mark N. Friedman
  • Publication number: 20080099352
    Abstract: A combination of a drinking container and a liquid dispenser comprises a drinking container defining an interior containment space for a beverage for human consumption and a liquid dispenser, which comprises a body defining an interior containment space and a structure by which the body of the liquid dispenser is mounted onto the drinking container such that the liquid dispenser does not obstruct drinking from a rim of the drinking container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: YO! BRANDS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Jamison, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Publication number: 20080099351
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser comprises a body defining an interior containment space for containing a liquid to be dispensed and a structure configured to mount the liquid dispenser onto a drinking container. The structure comprises an elongate opening formed in the body of the liquid dispenser that generally divides the liquid dispenser into two portions. Approximately half of the volume of the interior containment space is located in the first portion of the body of the liquid dispenser. Alternatively, substantially all of the volume of the interior containment space is located in the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: YO! BRANDS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Jamison, Daniel Lee Bizzell
  • Patent number: 7341754
    Abstract: A dispenser for condiments mountable on a container for a beverage wherein the container is any of a bottle and cups of several standard sizes. The dispenser comprises a circular base with a small inner cone having its largest rim integrally joined to the edge of a circular opening in the base. An outer cone formed as a series of steps is mounted on the base with the edge of the outer cone integrally joined to the edge of the base. The rim of a container for beverage supports any one of the steps depending on the size of the container. Alternatively, the dispenser is supported by a bottle container having a neck extending into the inner cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventors: Bill Loh, Robert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7328791
    Abstract: A lid for a container that includes a first element adapted to releasably engage the container and has first and second raised seals extending from a surface of the first element. The first raised seal has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the second raised seal. An opening is centrally disposed in the first element. A second element is engageable with the first element. The second element includes first and second raised seals extending from a surface of the second element and an opening is centrally disposed therein. The first and second raised seals are aligned with and receive the first and second seals of the first element, respectively. A chamber is defined between the surfaces of the first and second elements and between the first raised seals and the second raised seals of the first and second elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: John O. Bosworth
  • Publication number: 20080023347
    Abstract: Arrangement and packaging for pre-filled cocktail glasses of the type which includes a stem base, a stem connected at a first end to the stem base, and a bowl portion connected to a second end of the stem and being constructed to hold a cocktail. The bowl portion has an open mouth defined by a rim from which a person drinks the cocktail. The pre-filled cocktail glass further includes a removable seal member that extends across the bowl portion and is attached to the rim to sealingly contain the liquid within the bowl portion, and a cover that is removably coupled to the rim. The cover has a recessed platform for receiving a stem base of another cocktail glass to permit stacking of two cocktail glasses. The recessed platform has a floor that can be spaced from the seal member, and the cover can be constructed such that the floor remains spaced from the seal member when a load equal to the weight of another pre-filled cocktail glass is received in the recessed platform and supported by the floor thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Mystique Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Wahl, Mordechai Herzog
  • Publication number: 20080023348
    Abstract: Arrangements and packaging for pre-filled cocktail glasses of the type which include a stem base, a stem connected at a first end to the stem base, and a bowl portion connected to a second end of the stem and being constructed to hold a cocktail. The bowl portion has an open mouth defined by a rim from which a person drinks the cocktail. The cocktail glass has a removable seal member that extends across the bowl portion and is attached to the rim. The attachment between the seal member and the rim is defined by a bond strength. The bond strength is sufficient to form a seal with the rim to sealingly contain the liquid within the bowl portion but is insufficient to cause formation of a fracture between the stem and bowl portion upon removal of the seal member from the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Mystique Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Mordechai Herzog, Andrew Wahl
  • Patent number: 7322466
    Abstract: The present application refers to a container comprising a cup, a joint and a base, wherein the latter defines a cavity where a lid is coupled to form a cavity, allowing the placement of an object that may be a decorative figure, a toy or a promotional means. In another embodiment, the base of the container is shaped to represent an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Armando Diaz Alonso
  • Publication number: 20080000786
    Abstract: A combination package for both an ingestible product, such as a medication, and a beverage, such as water, is of a unitary, single-use design. The medication and the beverage, of which only a small amount is provided, can be stored in separate sealed cavities defined by the package. The combination package can be designed so as to be easily and conveniently hung from a display rack in a store. A consumer can open the package to gain access to each cavity and can then orally consume the medication and then wash it down with the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Steven Collotta, Samuel L. Millen
  • Patent number: 7286059
    Abstract: A talking tool holder provides an audio message in response to a user selection that indicates the size of the tool the user has selected. The talking tool holder includes a housing with multiple uniquely-sized tool-receiving locations, with a corresponding sensor for each tool-receiving location. The unique size of each tool-receiving location aids a user in putting the corresponding tools back in their proper locations. When a user needs a tool, the user actuates with a finger a sensor in proximity to a tool-receiving location. In response, an audio mechanism plays an audio message corresponding to the tool-receiving location selected by the user, such as an indication of size or type of tool for the selected tool-receiving location. In this manner, a user may receive audio messages for selected tools in the tool holder that indicate size or type of the tool corresponding to the tool-receiving location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Earl Clifton Drake
  • Patent number: 7273146
    Abstract: A container having a shrinkwrap layer. The tapered container side wall includes a surface discontinuity which maintains the shrinkwrap in place against the container side wall(s) after the shrinkwrap has been substantially separated from the lid and rim of the container. Whether the shrinkwrap layer minimally hangs over the lid of the unopened container, or whether it entirely covers the lid, the shrinkwrap nonetheless clings to the side wall(s) after the shrinkwrap is torn and separated from the lid and rim of the container. Various configurations of the surface discontinuity are disclosed, such as a ridge extending around the lower periphery of the side wall, a bulge extending around the side wall, a series of indentations or a series of protuberances disposed about the side wall of the container. Further, the inventive surface discontinuity can be employed in a variety of container shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: PWP Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Dean R. Brown
  • Patent number: 7232055
    Abstract: An apparatus for containing a food and beverage includes a substantially flat stock, for example, cardboard or fiberboard that is folded into a three-dimensional apparatus. When formed, the apparatus includes a first compartment for holding a food and a beverage extension section adapted for holding a beverage. Certain of the sections include panels that interlock. A reinforcing member is provided to add strength to the beverage extension portion. A pair of thumbholes are provided in two of the sections and a pair of slots are provided for securing a pair of eating utensils, for example, a fork and spoon. The unused thumbhole is adapted to receive a napkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Edmond Heng Lim
  • Patent number: 7219813
    Abstract: A beverage container (1) includes a cup-type compartment (2) having an opening (3) and a cover (4) to be placed on the opening (3), the cover (4) having an inner component (5) and an outer component (6) detachably connected to the inner component (5), between the inner component (5) and the outer component (6) connected to the inner component (5) a cavity (7) being formed for receiving at least one object (8), the cavity (7) includes two main surfaces (9, 10) being parallel to one another. It is characterized by that the two main surfaces (9, 10) of the cavity (7) are at an angle of 0°<?<90° to an opening plane (11) formed by the opening (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: DOCdata Germany Berlin Optical Disc GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Weiss, Juergen Gaspar
  • Patent number: 7217434
    Abstract: A container for condiments, e.g., nuts and nuggets of chocolates, comprising a cylinder with a bottom side mountable on the top of a standard cup/can. In one version, a bottom side is displaced from the bottom edge of the cylinder to form a skirt on the bottom edge of the cylinder. The skirt has an interior lip dimensioned such that the container “snaps” onto the rim of a beverage can or cup. In another version, the cylinder and cup/can are telescoped into a sleeve. The top edge of cap/cup is adhered to a cover that is peeled back for access to the condiments. In another version, a partial lid is interposed between the cover and top rim of the cylinder. A drinking straw is inserted from the above the cover, through the container into the cup/can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Bill Loh, Robert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7210577
    Abstract: A lid assembly for a container with a top portion that defines a container opening area includes a bottom lid member sized to fit over the top portion of the container. The bottom lid member includes an extension portion configured to mechanically engage the bottom lid member with the top portion of the container and to provide a peripheral structure with a peripheral structure area larger than the container opening area. The lid assembly also includes a top lid member configured to mechanically engage with the bottom lid member such that a premium storage space is provided therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: East End, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Swayne
  • Patent number: 7182242
    Abstract: A food container includes an upper portion having a generally frusto-conicle upwardly tapered food containing portion which is adapted to be superimposed on a cover of a beverage container with the cover serving as a base. The food container also includes an integral lower portion for encircling a beverage container below its cover and wherein the upper portion includes a cover engaging portion which extends over only a portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dopaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Liming Cai
  • Patent number: 7178667
    Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device comprises a first member having a first chamber and a first opening providing access thereto, said first chamber including means to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, and a second member for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media, said second member including a second chamber and a second opening providing access thereto. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Patent number: 7156229
    Abstract: A packaging device is provided for retaining a disc-shaped media. In its preferred form the device comprises a lid for a container having an interior and an exterior surface, wherein the lid may be repeatedly attached to and removed from the container, preferably by means of a compression fit, and wherein the exterior surface of the lid includes a recess within which a disc-shaped media, such as a digital media disk, may be stored. In one embodiment, the disc-shaped media is first placed within a protective envelope, which envelope is then inserted into or applied to the recess and retained therein. Various means for retaining the envelope in or on the recess are contemplated, including adhesives such as fugitive glue or double-side tape, or sealing members. In an alternate embodiment, the protective envelope is not necessary, and the disc-shaped media is inserted in or applied to the recess and held therein by the same retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Avecmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandra Gordon, Charles W. Grimes
  • Patent number: 7115294
    Abstract: A container for bulk items of food, particularly hot dogs, comprising a box with a bottom side mountable on the top of a standard cup/can holding a beverage. A drinking straw is inserted through a side sleeve in the container and an opening in the top of the cup/can into the beverage. A lid is provided which, in one version, is attached along one edge to an edge of the tray. In one position, the lid covers the contents in the tray and in another position, the lid is laid open so that sauces are available for dipping an end of the hot dog in the sauce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Bill Loh, Robert S. Smith
  • Patent number: 7100787
    Abstract: Beverage container lid assemblies provide a combined premium display area and cooling/insulating structure for the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: East End, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Farnsworth, John Nava
  • Patent number: 7097069
    Abstract: A vendable prize delivery mechanism contains a premium that is to be delivered via a vending machine. The vendable prize delivery mechanism has a currency slot to allow for the insertion of differing local currencies in the amount that the local vending machines require in the country in which the promotion is being done. The vendable prize delivery mechanism has a size and shape of a primary product container that is customarily delivered to a consumer by a vending machine. The vendable prize delivery mechanism has an opening to an interior region for insertion of the premium and a removable bottom or snap-apart capability to allow the consumer to access premium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Cavanagh Group International, Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Cavanagh