Receptacle Interior Communicable With Exterior With Closure In Applied Position (e.g., Vented) Patents (Class 215/307)
  • Patent number: 5497892
    Abstract: A filler cap for use with an insulated urn or thermal container. The filler cap comprises a filling port and a cover for receiving the filling port. When combined the cover and filling port form the filler cap which contains no moving parts when in use. A venting through the filler cap is also provided within the filler cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Zojirushi Corporation
    Inventors: Toyohiko Takatsuki, Nobutaka Kiriu
  • Patent number: 5462185
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for fluid containers having an externally threaded neck. The dispensing closure has a tubular cap, a closure lid, and an elongated connecting strip between the tubular cap and the closure lid. A pair of finger gripping arms extend transversely from opposite sides of the tubular cap and each has a pair of radially spaced slots therein for detachably receiving the opposite ends of a carrying strap. An interior wall extends transversely within the bore hole of the tubular cap and it has an aperture that is aligned with and connected to the top end of a vent tube that extends a predetermined distance below the bottom edge of the tubular cap. The interior wall has a fluid passage aperture through which a person using the dispensing closure would drink. The closure lid is easily and quickly snapped on and off the top of the tubular cap. The tubular cap has internal threads adjacent its bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: Clifford M. Walker, III
  • Patent number: 5431280
    Abstract: A closure cap for protecting a capillary tube incorporates a hollow body member is dimensioned to fit within a container. The container and closure cap are used in shipping micropipets in a impact absorbing, sterile environment. An elongated tube retaining portion is centrally positioned within the hollow body member and extends at least a substantial portion of the length of the body. The tube retaining portion has a centrally disposed channel with at least one open end for receiving and retaining a tube in a friction fit. The air tight seal allows for sterility. A plurality of radially extending, equally spaced, retaining webs connect the tube retaining portion and the body along at least a major portion of the length of the tube retaining portion. The closure cap is air impermeable, flexible and formed of an inert material which is heat and radiation resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Humagen Fertility Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventor: Debra L. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5407087
    Abstract: A closure accommodating internal pressure build-up in a container. The closure includes a cover, the top wall of which which is provided with a small orifice. A flexible plastic film lid or patch is sealed over the orifice by sealant such as adhesive or heat-seal. The patch may also be sealed by welding. The sealant may be pressure sensitive. When pressure within the container reaches a predetermined level, a small channel will form in the patch and gases will be released. The orifice may include pre-formed V-shaped venting notches in its top edge to direct gas pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Giblin, Dominic Marazita
  • Patent number: 5395590
    Abstract: A cover for placement on a container to allow transfer of fluid from the container to a second container comprising a lid having a skirt at its outer edge for liquid-tight attachment to the liquid filled container, a valved region centrally located on the lid, a connector located within the valve portion, and normally closed ports located within the connector. After the second container is attached to the connector the liquid-filled container with the lid attached is inverted and the lid is flexed causing the port to open and the fluid to flow from the first liquid filled container into the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: James R. Swaniger, Edward E. Elson
  • Patent number: 5377854
    Abstract: A stopper assembly for a test tube or similar article comprised of an inner elastomeric stopper and an outer semi-rigid cap member that protects the inner elastomeric stopper and assists in the manual manipulation of the inner elastomeric stopper and provides enhanced visible color coding through the combination of colored stoppers and caps. The elastomeric stopper is dimensioned to fit within the open end of a test tube with an interference fit. The lower end of the elastomeric stopper has grooves disposed across its outer surface. When the lower end of the stopper is inserted into the open end of the test tube, gases are permitted to pass through the grooves, and the test tube is vented to its surrounding environment. The upper end of the elastomeric stopper does not include venting grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: International Technidyne Corp.
    Inventor: Robert Cusack
  • Patent number: 5374557
    Abstract: A closure device for fermentation test tubes or flasks (vessels) comprises a cylindrical cap which is either molded integrally with the vessel as one piece or is molded separately and is snugly fitted over the neck of the vessel, in a fashion which not only allows for free gaseous flow between the contents of the vessel and the ambient atmosphere but also facilitates easy access to the contents of the vessel without having to detach the closure from the vessel. Particular features of the cover permit manipulation with the fingers of the hand holding the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Kuldeep Verma
  • Patent number: 5372300
    Abstract: Opening device for a packaging container with an unbroken, liquid-tight pouring spout (31, 33) and a closure part (3) enclosing this. A method of manufacturing the opening device entails forming the pouring spout (21, 33) with the closure part (3) as a mould, with a heated, thermoplastic material layer being forced into the closure part through a pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Ulf Nedstedt
  • Patent number: 5372275
    Abstract: A mug and lid combination comprises a lid having a cylindrical wall and a plurality of retaining means. Each retaining means comprises two longitudinal slits provided along the cylindrical wall and extending from a bottom edge of the cylindrical wall to a mid-section of the cylindrical wall, the two slits defining a portion of the cylindrical wall therebetween. The retaining means further comprises a protrusion provided on the external surface of the portion of the cylindrical wall between the slits. The combination further comprises a mug comprising a hollow section for holding liquids, and a lip section at the mouth of the mug. The mug further includes a concave ring section connected to the lip section of the mug at a neck, the concave ring section having a central diameter greater than the diameter of the neck. The concave ring section is adapted to receive the protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Frank Yeh
  • Patent number: 5335801
    Abstract: A stopper sealing for an injectable fluid bottle suitable for protection of an upper surface of a rubber stopper of the bottle from contamination. The sealing cap comprises a sealing member for sealing the upper surface of the rubber stopper to prevent contaminant infiltration onto the upper surface of the stopper, an aluminum cap member engaging with the sealing member and covering the uppermost part of the bottle, and a synthetic resin cap member covering the aluminum cap member and engaging with the sealing member. The aluminum cap member has a center opening for receiving the sealing member and remains on the upper section of the bottle when the sealing member is removed from the bottle. The resin cap member is removed together with the sealing member from the bottle and has a center opening for receiving the sealing member, and a plurality of vertical slots; on its side inner surface for providing spaces between it and the aluminum cap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Yong-Hak Lee
  • Patent number: 5325977
    Abstract: A vented cap and capillary tube assembly is disclosed together with a method of use of such assembly. The assembly includes a capillary tube having a bore extending therethrough and a cap slidably mounted to one end of the tube. The cap includes one or more vent grooves therein which allow air to escape therethrough when the cap is in a first slidable position. The walls of the capillary tube prevent air from escaping through the vent when the cap is more fully inserted within the tube. The method provided herein includes the steps of providing such a pre-assembled capillary tube and vented cap assembly, maintaining the cap in the first position while the opposite end of the capillary tube is inserted within a liquid sample, allowing the liquid to enter the tube through capillary action, thereby displacing air within the tube through the vent, and sliding the cap to the fully inserted position, thereby sealing the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: John L. Haynes, Stephen C. Wardlaw, Edward Williamson
  • Patent number: 5314084
    Abstract: A closure device for use with a container having an open neck finish, including an inner cap having a skirt terminating in an open end which engages the outside diameter of the finish. The inner cap is sized to initially engage the finish. The skirt has circumferentially spaced slits extending, which may function as lyophilization ports, which permit the inner cap to expand upon an axial closing force and engage the bottom of the finish. A liner is positioned in the inner cap proximate the closed end and is compressed against the finish when the cap is moved to alignment with the bottom of the finish. An outer cap is locked on to the inner cap in pre-assembly which then encloses the inner cap after complete assembly to seal and compress the liner between the finish and the inside face of the inner cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: The West Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher M. Folta, John M. Anes, Homer J. Brown
  • Patent number: 5305900
    Abstract: An improved bottle cap device formed so as to have a positive sealing arrangement for use with bottles that store gaseous fluid such as soda water and like beverages, wherein the bottle cap device includes a threaded cap body and a hinged cover or lid that is formed having a sealing annular structure which compresses an annular gasket against the mouth of the bottle by a depending convex wall that engages a gasket mounted when the cover is locked in a close sealed position and a pressure release latch for limiting the movement of the hinged cover after it is unlocked from the cap body to relieve pressure within the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventors: Paul R. Maguire, John M. Lown
  • Patent number: 5297599
    Abstract: A closure or cap for a reagent container for use in an analysis system in which an automatic pipetting device is used for transferring small quantities of reagent from the reagent container to reaction cells. In order to simplify the process of handling the reagent container in an automatic analysis system, the closure is characterized in that it is formed in one piece from a plastic and it has a cylindrical side wall and an annular top wall adjacent the side wall and merging into a conical wall which extends inwards from the inner circle of the top wall and ends in a piercable tip situated on the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Hoffmann-LaRoche Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf Bucheli
  • Patent number: 5282874
    Abstract: A cultivation vessel for fungi has a wide-mouthed upper opening and a lower opening, each of which is detachably covered by a respective top and bottom end cap. One or more such vessels are prepared, sawdust and rice barn are packed as the culture medium therein, and a mushroom spawn is inoculated thereon to spread and culture the hypha. After culturing for about 20 days, the culture mediums are taken out and further successively cultured for about 3 to 30 days in contact with each other to develop the fruit bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Tsukagoshi
  • Patent number: 5280809
    Abstract: A breather cap for protecting the ends of tubing and barbed connectors during sterilization and until use in which interference is at a detent spaced from the conduit end, or a positive stop is provided for the conduit end, or a flat handle is provided to facilitate removal of cap from conduit, or two or all of these features are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Tive
  • Patent number: 5265747
    Abstract: A plastic beverage closure comprising a base wall, a peripheral skirt and a plurality of threads on the inner surface of the skirt for engagement with the threads of a container which may be made of glass or plastic. The plastic closure includes a compression molded seal extending about the periphery of the inner surface of the base wall and the juncture of the base wall to the peripheral skirt. The closure includes a central axially thickened portion; a channel surrounding the thickened portion and extending radially to an annular radially thickened portion on the skirt at the juncture with the base wall. A concave surface extends from the base of the channel and merges with the surface of the annular portion. A compression molded liner is provided on the thickened portion, channel and concave surface of the closure and defines a planar sealing surface for contact with the end surface of the finish of a container and an arcuate surface for engaging the arcuate surface of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gregory, Dennis J. Burzynski, Bruce J. Rote, Frank L. Sprowl
  • Patent number: 5259367
    Abstract: Method for placing a guide wire through a gastrostomy tube which has a plug through which only the guide wire can pass in slidable communication. The plug prevents air from escaping from the stomach, thus, preventing the collapse of the stomach during the guide wire placement. The plug may comprise a substantially cylindrical member having a longitudinal bore for receiving the guide wire in slidable communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Sandoz Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald F. Kirby, Lester D. Michels, Frederick K. Reuning
  • Patent number: 5259522
    Abstract: A linerless plastic closure is configured for side-sealing engagement with an associated container. The closure includes a circular top wall portion, and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion, and including an internal thread formation. A two-component side-seal arrangement is provided which includes a relatively rigid support annulus, and a relatively flexible sealing lip. The sealing lip is movable into a position for sealingly engaging a generally outwardly facing surface of an associated container, with the relatively rigid support annulus desirably acting to enhance the sealing effect of the sealing lip. Notably, the relatively rigid sealing annulus further desirably acts to provide a self-centering action for the closure during application to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: H-C Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh V. Morton
  • Patent number: 5251770
    Abstract: A container and pressure sealing closure combination in which the closure includes a rim portion engaging the mouth of the container, a substantially rigid central portion and an annular toggle portion pivotally connected to and interconnecting the rim portion and central portion, whereby upward movement of the central portion in response to internal pressure of the contents of the container pivots the toggle portion to urge the rim portion substantially radially outwardly against the mouth, thereby effecting a seal. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the container mouth includes a plurality of axially-extending channels for conducting pressurized gaseous contents of the container between the closure and the container to the ambient. The outer surface of the mouth includes an annular recess which receives a plurality of radially inwardly projecting ribs on the rim portion, thereby effecting engagement between the closure and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Broadway Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold D. Bartley, William R. Gaiser
  • Patent number: 5251776
    Abstract: A pressure vessel including a lid with integral fixed lock tabs engageable with notches in the housing side wall to secure the lid to the housing. The housing includes a vent opening formed through the side wall. The lower edge of the lid is substantially bevelled and has a flattened portion to seal the vent when the lid is in its closed position. On opening of the lid, the seal between the vent and lid is broken before the fingers disengage the housing to vent residual pressure from within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: H. William Morgan, Jr.
    Inventors: H. William Morgan, Jr., James D. Hall
  • Patent number: 5248056
    Abstract: A covered reservoir is disclosed comprising a reservoir body, a holder for the body, a cover, a retainer for the cover, and a seal fitted onto the cover to seal off leak paths between the cover and the reservoir body. The cover is constructed to raise the seal into a frusto-conical position, preferably via a frusto-conical surface on which the seal, which is a flexible annular ring, is seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: James D. Shaw
  • Patent number: 5217129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vial for storing a substance in a condition in which it is excludeded from the ambient air, comprising a reservoir having a closed end and an open end, the open end communicating with a closable tubular member via a neck portion. The vial comprises a cap having a central aperture which is sealingly but detachably connected to the neck portion of the reservoir, while the tubular member constitutes a separate component of the vial and is proportioned so that it can be connected in the aperture of the cap in a circumferentially sealing manner, a rear end portion of the tubular member extending within the neck portion of the reservoir and a front portion which comprises a sealing means extending beyond the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Duphar International Research B.V.
    Inventor: Arnoldus Portengen
  • Patent number: 5215717
    Abstract: A boiler having an improved plastic closure having a plastic and/or plastic-glass joint for connecting laboratory ware made of a material having different thermal expansion. The plastic joint includes a tubular plastic section having a compression ring secured at its end which recesses the labware of lower thermal expansion. The plastic-glass joint further includes a shorter standard tapered glass joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Intertec Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis A. Conant, Wilbur M. Bolton, James E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5213224
    Abstract: A tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure is used with a specially shaped container neck. The neck has double lead external threads and, below the threads, a conical wall having external ratchet teeth. The closure has an upper skirt having internal threads mating with the neck threads. A conical lower skirt is connected to the upper skirt by a plurality of frangible bridges. The lower skirt has internal ratchet teeth to mate with the neck ratchet teeth. The cap skirt threads are double pitch and slightly over 360.degree. in length. When the cap is applied to the neck it snaps on in two stages. The lower skirt has a tear tab which, when pulled, fractures the lower skirt on a vertical line. Continued pulling on the tab sequentially fractures the bridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5197620
    Abstract: A plastic venting closure comprising a base wall, a peripheral skirt having internal threads adapted to engage the threads of a container and wherein the threads are interrupted at circumferentially spaced points to define axial venting passages for dissipating pressure of the contents as the closure is unthreaded from a container. At least some of the passages have an integral rib thereon spaced from the threads and extending axially. The radial thickness of each rib is less than that of the threads and preferably is arcuate in a radial direction and arcuate in a axial direction and preferably has an axial length greater than a transverse width such that it may span and engage several threads at the same time. The closure can be used with a glass container having a continuous thread and a plastic container having continuous thread or an interrupted thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Gregory
  • Patent number: 5180073
    Abstract: A cap for a flask includes a top portion; an inner collar extending downwardly from the top portion for insertion into the mouth of the flask; an outer collar spaced from the inner collar and extending downwardly from the top portion for covering the lip of the flask; detent means on the inner surface of the outer collar extending inwardly to positively engage the lip of the flask and sealingly engage the cap with the mouth of the flask; and a permeable section in the top portion within said inner collar for enabling exchange of gases in the flask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Assignee: Biomedical Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Fay, Michael T. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 5169602
    Abstract: A resealable conduit is used to remove or add fluid to a closed system without coring or contamination of the fluid. The conduit can include funnel-shaped guide means, duck bill valve means and beveled tip puncturing means. A conduit resting angle of less than about five degrees can be achieved. A tip bevel angle between about ten and twenty degrees is preferred. The beveled tip can have a rotated or twisted blade surface extension. A blade surface extension formed with a ninety degree rotation of the blade surface is preferred. Alternately, the puncturing means can include a needle point or a flat cutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Wing S. Pang, Thomas L. Kraft, James W. Meador
  • Patent number: 5156813
    Abstract: A fluid cup is provided for use with a cup support having a cup-receiving receptacle and a drain. The cup is adapted for use with a pipette probe which may introduce contaminants into the fluid, for example a dilutant fluid, in the cup. The cup has a lower cup portion and a cap, with a notch or other overflow element being provided near the top of the lower cup portion. Diluent fluid is introduced near the bottom of the lower cup portion after each probe entry, creating a fluid flow pattern which flushes any contaminant from the cup through the notch without requiring the use of a large fluid volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Medical Laboratory Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Calhoun
  • Patent number: 5152419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap for reserve tanks, wherein said cap has a vent path. The cap consists of an upper member and a lower member, wherein an annular rib is defined in the upper surface of the lower member. The annular rib is forced into abutment with the lower surface of said upper member so as to form an inner chamber and an outer chamber between said upper and lower members. A portion of said annular rib is extended in the central direction of the annular rib, and a groove or a hole is formed in the extention of the annular rib, said groove or hole allowing communication between said inner and outer chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Yanagi
  • Patent number: 5150803
    Abstract: A lid assembly for attachment to a decanter for varying the overall height of the decanter comprising a mounting sleeve which is attachable to the open upper end of the decanter and a lid dimensioned to be attached to the mounting sleeve. The sleeve includes an opening extending therethrough communicating with the interior of the decanter, and at least one column of vertically aligned, horizontally oriented slots. Each of the slots has a side communicating with the opening through the sleeve. A recess is formed in the sleeve adjacent the column of slots, the recess being in communication with the opening through the sleeve and communicating with each of the slots. The lid is dimensioned to be telescopically received within the opening in the sleeve and be rotatable within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Mr. Coffee, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Cartellone
  • Patent number: 5139490
    Abstract: A hypodermic-syringe assembly comprises a hard tubular body centered on an axis and having an axial front end formed with a radially inwardly projecting annular ridge and an axial rear end, a piston axially slidable in the body and normally adjacent the rear end, and a soft plug fitted in the front end in tight engagement with the ridge. The plug is formed with an axially rearwardly open blind passage having a front floor, and a front face defining with the passage floor a relatively thin membrane. Thus a needle can be poked through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co.
    Inventors: Helmut Vetter, Peter Geprags
  • Patent number: 5135124
    Abstract: A carbonated beverage container having a cap which remains connected to the body of the container during the venting. Interlocking tabs are provided, two sets on the cap and one set on the container body, in a manner which allows the cap to be sufficiently opened to vent the internal pressure of the container. One set of tabs maintain the cap in a sealed relation with the container body while the second set of tabs prevents the cap further rotating during venting. Once the internal pressure has been sufficiently released, the second set of tabs can be disengaged and the cap removed from the container body. The cap is fully engaged and disengaged less than one full rotation of the cap relative to the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Wobser
  • Patent number: 5036992
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a vial cap is provided which has two openings, one for receiving the neck of a syringe and allowing medicine to flow into the syringe, and another for allowing air to flow into the vial as medicine is extracted. A safety lid to the vial cap is preferably provided for assuring sterility. A membrane may also be provided to cover the interior surface of the vial cap so that no medicine leaks into the region between the vial cap and its safety lid while the medicine is being transported and stored.The shape and size of the two openings may be varied according to the application, in particular according to the material used for the cap and the medicine being stored in the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventors: Marvin L. Mouchawar, Alan E. Mouchawar
  • Patent number: 5018636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for liquid which is able to retain the liquid therein for drinking purposes at a temperature close to its original temperature for a period of time. The design of the top makes it easy to insert, reduces vents to one drink hole, and the addition of an interior shelf or speed bump will add additional important insurance against spills or splashes while improving the heat retention. The improved shape will allow a mechanical channel for an add on handle which will reduce breakage and add marketing options. The improved shape will also allow the possibility of the jiggering of the mug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Gary Ross
  • Patent number: 5009325
    Abstract: A cap for vent nozzles comprises a main cap part turnably mountable on a lower nozzle member to adjust a passage through the vent nozzle, the main cap part having an inlet opening formed to communicate with an ambient atmosphere and allow air to come into the lower nozzle member and then into an interior of a device to be vented, an auxiliary cap part connected with the main cap part and provided with a passage and an outlet opening communicating with the passage, the auxiliary part being formed so that it is fittable on the main cap part so that in a fitted condition the passage communicates with the inlet opening of the main cap part and the outlet opening of the auxiliary cap part faces toward an interior of the vent nozzle in a direction opposite to the inlet opening of the main cap part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: KB Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter K. Weber
  • Patent number: 4997097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a screw closure of plastics material for bottles which are under pressure, comprising a cap (1) having a cap end portion (2) and a substantially cylindrical peripheral cap portion (3) with internal screwthread (7), and a circumferentially extending, inwardly projecting bead (5) at the transition between the cap end portion (2) and the peripheral cap portion (3), wherein a sealing disc (9) which is movable relative to the cap bears against the inward side of the cap end portion (2) and the projecting bead (5). In order, in regard to such a pressure-tight closure, to limit the maximum pressure up to which the closure remains pressure-tight, to a value which is noticeably below the pressure at which a bottle explodes, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the bead has a segment-like interruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Jacob Berg GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gunter J. Krautkramer
  • Patent number: 4971219
    Abstract: A removable cap for closing the filler neck of a fuel tank for an internal combustion engine. The cap includes a one piece gasket and baffle member which not only provides a fluid seal between the cap and the filler neck, but also permits venting of the fuel tank through the gasket. The one piece member includes an annular flat gasket portion integrally formed on the outer periphery of a dome-shaped baffle member projecting downwardly from the inner surface of the cap. Venting is accomplished by means of at least one vent opening extending through the dome-shaped baffle member which in turn communicates via a vent chamber to a passageway formed through the gasket. The passageway in turn communicates with a non-sealing threaded interconnection between the cap and filler neck. A splash guard is also located beneath the baffle member to aid in preventing fuel from splashing through the vent openings in the baffle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne L. Dombeck, Heinz Gund
  • Patent number: 4960206
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a container having a closure therefore. A vacuum or gas pressure is provided within the container during the packaging process. The container also includes an aperture and a sealing member for the aperture, the latter being designed so that an audible puff of air can be noticed by the consumer when the sealing member is removed from the aperture. The system of the present invention may include a separate package sealing lid or a child-proof lid selected from a variety of such lids known to the art. Unlike prior art packaging systems which claim to be "tamper-proof," the system of the present invention provides an audible warning sound which will forewarn the consumer if package tampering or a package manufacturing failure has occurred. Inner liner or double container systems using a similar aperture and sealing system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Vac-Puff Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne N. Johannes
  • Patent number: 4934548
    Abstract: A container designed so that after pouring out a liquid therefrom, any liquid inadvertently remaining on and running down the outside surface of the container opening can be returned to the inside of the container so that the container and its storage place will not be dirtied by the liquid and other foreign material. The container includes a guiding piece having a tubular piece and a drain hole, a cap, and a stopping annulus having a ring which passes through the tubular piece, has a diameter smaller than that of the open top of the container body but larger than that of the tubular piece, and includes an upper end lower than that of the tubular piece and a lower end higher than a bottom portion of the open top. A liquid guiding device is provided for guiding out of the container the liquid contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Yung C. Hsu
  • Patent number: 4915529
    Abstract: A sealing cap for a writing, drawing or painting instrument includes an axially extending tubular member open at one end to receive the instrument. An interior space extends axially within the tubular member from the open end and is closed at the opposite end. An axially extending air channel, open at both ends, is located within tubular member. One open end of the air channel opens to an at least partially laterally closed space which is open outwardly from the closed end of the interior space. The other open end of the air channel is open to the interior space. The air channel does not interfere with the sealing effect of the interior space when an instrument is inserted into the space. Accordingly, whether the cap is fitted on the instrument or is removed from it, there is a continuous open path for the flow of air through the air channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: J. S. Staedtler GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Holger List
  • Patent number: 4909408
    Abstract: A venting structure (14) for an enclosed fluid container (10) includes a tubular shank (16) projecting through an aperture in the cover (11) of the container (10). A baffle wall (26) closes the upper end of the shank (16) and has a central vent hole (27) therein. A cap (30) is removeably secured to the upper portion of the shank (16) and has interior walls forming an expansion chamber (34) with a slotted bottom wall. The upper portion of the shank (16) is provided with exterior longitudinal channels (29) which extend below the bottom of the cap so that the expansion chamber may communicate with the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Commerical Products Inc.
    Inventor: Chester M. Kos
  • Patent number: 4883641
    Abstract: A closure and container assembly biological sterility indicator having a container, a closure, test spores, growth and indicator media, and a frangible barrier for separating the growth medium from the test spores is shown. The closure is moveable in the container between open and closed positions. When in the open position, sterilant may flow into and out of the container via a tortuous pathway defined by the interior surface of the container or the exterior surface of the closure. The tortuous pathway may also include one or more openings in the wall of the closure. When the closure is in the closed position, the container is sealed. The sterility indicator may be assembled with the test spores impregnated on a spore strip which is placed in close proximity to the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James H. Wicks, William E. Foltz
  • Patent number: 4880127
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composite vessel lid comprising an outer lid of a plastic material to be engage with a neck of a vessel and an inner lid of a thin metal sheet held within the outer lid. Fine projections are formed at predetermined intervals in the abutting portion between the outer and inner lids, and a gas-releasing path is formed among the fine projections.Since the gas-releasing path is not formed in a portion engaging with a vessel, such as a screwed portion of the outer lid, the engaging force is not reduced and the strength of the outer lid is not reduced, and release of gas is promptly accomplished effectively at the initial stage of opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouichi Doi
  • Patent number: 4872572
    Abstract: A lyophilization stopper made of a rubber elastic material is composed of a shank (1) and a circular disc shaped flange (2) made in one piece with the shank. The shank includes a cavity (4) which surrounds the longitudinal axis (A) of the shank and is open toward the free end face (3) of the shank, while extending toward a central closed wall portion (2b) of the flange. A first section (Z.sub.1) of the shank disposed between a first transverse plane (Q.sub.1) and a second transverse plane (Q.sub.2) has a closed outer circumferential face which has a maximum diameter (D). A subsequent second section (Z.sub.2) includes a passage which communicates with the cavity as well as a plurality of projecting blocking elements (14a-14c). The inner wall surface (19) which laterally delimits the cavity (4) and has an increasing diameter with increasing approach to the free shank end face lies completely outside a cone (K) whose axis is the longitudinal axis (A) of the shank, whose tip (K.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Helvoet Pharma N.V.
    Inventor: Rik Schrooten
  • Patent number: 4871077
    Abstract: A tamper resistant, tamper evident container is formed of a vial having a barb or hook formed inside the open upper end, a cap adapted for insertion into the vial having a mating hook formed about the lower edge, and sealing rings formed on the outer surface thereof for providing tamper-resistant, leak-proof sealing between the enclosure and the vial. The enclosure or cap also includes a spout which may extend inwardly into the enclosure or outwardly, away from the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the spout has an integral seal member defined at the top or bottom thereof by a circumferential parting line of reduced thickness for facilitating separation of the seal member from the spout. Removable or locking plugs may be used to seal the spout following opening thereof. Preferably, a liquid-proof identification label is used which is placed inside the vial prior to closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Doxtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley D. Ogden, William C. Dixon
  • Patent number: 4858758
    Abstract: A transparent, durable container for housing and delivering a free-flowing granular dry oxidant bleach composition, the container being constructed of a heteropolymeric plastic which maximizes transmission of water vapor for minimum decomposition of the oxidant bleach stored within the container. The selected plastic has a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 2 g/day/100 in..sup.2 /mil. thickness. The container may include a fragrancing means located remote from the container. The fragrancing means is isolated from the bleach composition by an apertured barrier which allows the fragrance to contact the bleach composition but does not allow the bleach composition to contact the fragrancing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Frances E. Mitchell, G. Edward Campbell, Dale S. Steichen
  • Patent number: 4844271
    Abstract: A deep-drawn screw cap of aluminum for glass bottles under internal pressure, where the transition area between the upper end face 1 to the lateral thread face 2 up to now was always evenly deep-drawn, now is to have at least one undeformed partial area 8. Because of this, sealing against the lateral edge 7 of the mouth is partially disrupted and a chance for the escape of gas is purposely provided in case the internal pressure in the glass bottle should rise too high. If required, a plurality of such partial areas 8 may be provided. In the deep-drawing device for a sealing head for the production of such screw caps the inner recess 12 should provide at least one partial enlargement 14 oriented towards the center axis 13 and extending approximately to the diameter of the preceding recess 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Henri Haist
  • Patent number: 4808381
    Abstract: A fluid transfer device having a cannula for piercing a stopper and a surrounding shroud to guide the cannula during piercing. The cannula is positioned parallel to and off-center from the shroud axis in a position opposite to the direction of the taper of the point of the cannula to compensate for the sideways movement created during the piercing of the closure and to cause the cannula tip to be located approximately on the receptacle axis after piercing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Gordon L. McGregor, David A. White
  • Patent number: RE35167
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a vial cap is provided which has two openings, one for receiving the neck of a syringe and allowing medicine to flow into the syringe, and another for allowing air to flow into the vial as medicine is extracted. A safety lid to the vial cap is preferably provided for assuring sterility. A membrane may also be provided to cover the interior surface of the vial cap so that no medicine leaks into the region between the vial cap and its safety lid while the medicine is being transported and stored.The shape and size of the two openings may be varied according to the application, in particular according to the material used for the cap and the medicine being stored in the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventors: Marvin L. Mouchawar, Alan E. Mouchawar