Specified Valve Structure Provides A Diverse Function (e.g., Leakage Preventing, Lock Releasing) Patents (Class 220/203.19)
  • Patent number: 11311094
    Abstract: A cup (12) or container assembly (10) having a lip (13, 15) activated input feature. The lip (13, 15) activated feature permits removal of the contents from the cup (12) or container (12) while mitigating against leaks and/or spills. The lid (12, 14) includes a movable member (48, 58) and a baffle (54, 59). The cup assembly (10) is constructed to have streamlined assembly method due to a reduced number of parts needing separation and/or improved connecting features. The improved geometry of lid (12, 14) components lends to heightened ease of cleaning. A cup (12) or container assembly (10) having a lip (13, 15) activated input feature. The lip (13, 15) activated feature permits removal of the contents from the cup (12) or container (12) while mitigating against leaks and/or spills. The lid (12, 14) includes a movable member (48, 58) and a baffle (54, 59).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ANGELCARE FEEDING USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Chung, Patrick Thrailkill, Robert F. Rosasco, III
  • Patent number: 11148853
    Abstract: An automatic opening and closing device for a container comprises a closure flap within the container and a pivot arm with a weighted portion. When the container is in a first position, the centre of mass of the weighted portion is offset horizontally and vertically from the pivot point of the pivot arm and acts to bias the closure flap to close an opening in the container. When the container is rotated in a first direction to a second position, the weighted portion causes the pivot arm and closure flap to rotate relative to the container in a second direction opposite to the first direction, to bias the closure flap away from the opening. In the first position, the weighted portion is offset vertically by a greater distance than it is offset horizontally. A locking mechanism may also be provided, which is operable to the user to keep the container closed even when tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Murray
  • Publication number: 20150135967
    Abstract: An improved single-serve cartridge with a one-way gas pressure relief valve for beverage brewing, preferably in an automatic single-serve beverage brewer device such as the Keurig® Single Cup Brewing System, and cartridge components are described. In embodiments, the improved cartridge contains ground coffee or other particulate beverage medium. A one-way gas pressure relief valve permits gas produced by the ground coffee to escape from the cartridge before use of the cartridge in a brewer, thereby avoiding certain disadvantages associated with excessive pressure within the cartridge. The one-way gas pressure relief valve is also essentially liquid-tight to liquid injected into the cartridge by the brewer avoiding problems associated with liquid leakage and allowing the cartridge to function in the brewer in the same manner as an unmodified cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, John Ozcomert, Robert C. Larsen
  • Patent number: 9010568
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly. When not in use, an opening in the flexible material rests against a blocking element, sealing off the opening against the flow of liquid. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills, such as by turning the cup upside down, are ineffective. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the flexible material, lifting the opening off of the blocking element, and unblocking that opening. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Admar International, Inc.
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Publication number: 20150096985
    Abstract: A snack container for holding food items. The container includes a main body and a lid coupled to the main body. The lid includes a first section having an interior rim defining an opening. The lid further includes a second section coupled to both the main body and the first section. The second section is affixed to the main body along a first portion of the second section and not affixed to the main body along a second portion of the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Mike Bargiel, Joshua Nelson, Stephen Lambert, Casey Moore, Alexandra Busch
  • Patent number: 8925756
    Abstract: A gasket for a compressed gas cylinder arranged to operate with a gas cylinder having a neck with a top surface around a gas outlet and a side surface extending downwardly from the top surface. The gasket may include an upper portion arranged for positioning on the top surface of the cylinder and for making a seal with the top surface, and a lower portion extending downwardly from the upper portion and around the side surface of the neck of the cylinder, such that the lower portion is arranged to make a seal with the side surface of the gas cylinder. Face and gland seals may be established by the gasket with an opening that receives the gasket and an associated cylinder neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Coravin, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Tarapata, Terrence K. Jones, Gregory Lambrecht
  • Patent number: 8869845
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressurized gas dispensing device such as a tap, which includes a first end, to be placed in the opening of a pressurized gas storage tank, and a second end, including a connection interface selectively connectable to a device for controlling the filling and/or withdrawal of gas from the tank, the dispensing device including an internal gas circuit having an upstream end connecting inside the tank and a downstream end to be connected to said filling and/or withdrawal control device, the internal circuit including in series, upstream to downstream, a pressure regulator and a downstream insulation valve, the portion of the internal circuit located between the pressure regulator and the downstream insulation valve defining a so-called low-pressure chamber, the dispensing device; being characterized in that the connection interface includes at least one safety lock selectively movable between a first rest position, wherein the lock shapes the connection interface into a first configurat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alessandro Moretti, Philippe Pisot
  • Patent number: 8863973
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a sealing structure which enables an insertion member to be removed easily from an inserted member. The sealing structure includes valve body, a mouth ring, an O-ring that is accommodated in an accommodation region formed by an inner peripheral surface of the mouth ring and an outer peripheral surface of the valve body, and prevents the fluid from leaking, and backup rings which are accommodated on both sides of the O-ring in the accommodation region, and restrict a movement of the O-ring. The valve body and the mouth ring are formed with screw parts to be fitted or screwed to each other when they are assembled, and first pressure release grooves are formed in the axial direction so as to extend at least on the inner peripheral surface of the mouth ring between the screw parts and the accommodation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Kato, Koichi Takaku, Hiroyasu Ozaki, Taneaki Miura, Hikaru Okada
  • Patent number: 8777038
    Abstract: In an air relief valve structure of a pressure cooker, the pressure cooker includes a cooker body and a lid. The lid has a containing trough and an air relief valve. The air relief valve includes a middle column, an airtight column, an elastic element and a gravity valve. The middle column has a containing space and air relief and through holes formed on an outer wall of the middle column and interconnected with the containing space. In the containing space, an airtight column is installed. An end column is defined at an end of the airtight column and is disposed adjacent to an inner wall of the middle column, and the end column has a diameter equal to the diameter of the containing space of the middle column. The air relief hole allows food material to be discharged easily to reduce pressure and enhance the overall safety of the pressure cooker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Zao An Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Heng Wen
  • Patent number: 8777051
    Abstract: Venting systems for use with fuel tank systems are described. An example venting system includes a membrane disposed within a vent line or an emission control component to form a passageway through the venting system. The membrane is coated with a hydrophobic material to substantially prevent the flow of liquid and permit the flow of vapors or gases through the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Sean Whelan
  • Patent number: 8763828
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting and compressing a fluid. The apparatus comprising a valve having a vent and a compressible element attached to the vent. The vent and the compressible element define a flow-through channel therein. The compressible element has an internal space adapted to be elastically compressed and expanded. The valve is further adapted to regulate a pressure in a container when a predetermined pressure is applied to the compressible element of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan Dunn, Kevin Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 8701928
    Abstract: A spout for a spill-proof beverage container has a side wall defining an outer surface and an inner surface defining a discharge passage. A valve in the discharge passage includes two flanks formed integrally with the side wall and projecting from opposite sides of the inner surface of the spout. The front end faces of the flanks mate with one another along a slit that extends generally parallel to the longer axis of the spout. At least the front portions of the flanks are inclined away from the mouth of the spout such that pressure within the container acts to urge the flanks against one another so as to maintain the slit closed. Deformation of the side wall when the spout is held between the lips of a drinker acts to open the slit and create an opening between the flanks to allow the beverage to be discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Ilan Zadik Samson
  • Patent number: 8695841
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Luv n' care, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 8689994
    Abstract: A safety device for a fluid storage tank having a first port for filling the tank with fuel oil and a second port for allowing airflow therethrough is disclosed. The safety device includes a tubular body having a first open end and a second open end connectable to the second port, and a flow check valve contained within the tubular body and configured to remain open when air flows through the safety device and configured to close based on a predetermined fluid force of the fuel oil through the safety device. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Milton Pashcow
  • Patent number: 8678228
    Abstract: A liquid metering assembly is described and which includes a container for enclosing a source of a liquid to be dispensed; a container cap defining a dispensing aperture and a vent aperture which is releasably affixed to the container; a moveable diaphragm releasably cooperating with the container cap, and coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the dispensing aperture, and wherein the moveable diaphragm has a valve member; and a moveable liquid volume control member which cooperates with the moveable diaphragm, and wherein, when a predetermined suction is applied to the dispensing aperture of the container cap, a user may withdraw a given volume of liquid from the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Zak Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Steininger
  • Publication number: 20140076894
    Abstract: An airtight cover aims to cover an opening edge of a container and includes an upper rigid lid and an airtight flexible plate located below the upper rigid lid. The airtight flexible plate includes a sealing rim in contact with the opening edge and a central portion and a peripheral portion located respectively on an inner side and an outer side of the sealing rim. The sealing rim and upper rigid lid are interposed by a gap. When the airtight flexible plate contacts with the opening edge through the sealing rim to make the central portion continuously move downward, the peripheral portion is forced to warp upward, and the upper rigid lid presses the peripheral portion to bend downward. Hence the contact area between the sealing rim and opening edge increases, which can securely seal the container to meet requirements of usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: KATTOE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wei Ling CHEN
  • Patent number: 8596481
    Abstract: A clutch oil reservoir cap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a head and a body may include an exhaust opening formed in the head for exhausting air, an intake hole formed in the head for inflow of air, and an operation valve disposed in the head, wherein the operation valve selectively opens or closes the exhaust opening and the intake hole according to fluctuation of pressure in a part below the operation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Haksung Lee
  • Publication number: 20130306632
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting and compressing a fluid. The apparatus comprising a valve having a vent and a compressible element attached to the vent. The vent and the compressible element define a flow-through channel therein. The compressible element has an internal space adapted to be elastically compressed and expanded. The valve is further adapted to regulate a pressure in a container when a predetermined pressure is applied to the compressible element of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Bryan DUNN, Kevin Douglas Johnson
  • Patent number: 8567628
    Abstract: A fuel cap includes a filler-neck closure including a pressure-relief valve and a vacuum-relief valve and a handle arranged to overlie the filler-neck closure. The fuel cap also includes a torque-transmission ring arranged to lie between the handle and the filler-neck closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: Gary L. Dunkle, Louis T. Frank
  • Patent number: 8505767
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a leak proof drinking cup including a valve assembly and a removable lid with a drinking spout and a vent. The valve assembly includes a drinking valve, a venting valve, or both. When in use, the valve assembly engages with the lid to prevent leaks or spills and to permit the flow of air into the cup. When not in use, the valve assembly disengages from the lid and the valve is open to facilitate proper cleaning of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka
  • Patent number: 8499948
    Abstract: A suction type bottle cap has a bottle cap and a suction device. The suction device comprises a vacuum draw bar, a liquid suction cavity, a piston and at least one suction pipe (5). The liquid suction cavity is connected with the bottle cap, the upper end of the suction pipe communicates with the liquid suction cavity, the lower end of the vacuum draw bar is placed in the liquid suction cavity, and the piston is arranged at the lower end of the vacuum draw bar. The suction type bottle cap can prevent liquid from polluting the bottle mouth so as to avoid unnecessary waste, is convenient for liquid suction and accurate in measurement, and is suitable for the suction of various liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Yuxiang Chen
  • Patent number: 8403164
    Abstract: A cap is described for closing a liquid beverage container for allowing the beverage to be sucked out of the container through a spout, while preventing spillage when no suction takes place. A demand valve is incorporated into the cap, which has an inlet port communicating with the interior of the container, a discharge port communicating with the spout and a control port communicating with the ambient atmosphere through a hole in the cap. The valve has a valve seat and a closure element controlling the flow from the inlet port to the discharge port urged to move into an opening position in dependence on the excess of the control pressures over that in the discharge ports, this movement being in the direction opposed to the flow and urged by the pressure in the container in a direction to seal against the valve seat. In the invention, the demand valve is formed by two members that are mounted on the inner surface of the cap. The first member is rigid and defines the valve inlet port and the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Ilan Samson
  • Publication number: 20120318795
    Abstract: Provided is a sealing gasket for a utensil for cooking food under pressure, the utensil includes a vessel on which a lid is designed to be mounted; a sealing gasket interposed between the vessel and the lid for sealing the utensil in operation; and centering means designed to center the gasket relative to the vessel and to the lid. The sealing gasket includes a peripheral band and a peripheral under-band extending under the peripheral band and extending it, and centering means provided in or disposed in the gasket in such a manner that said centering means can come to be interposed between the lid and the vessel while the lid is being put into place on the vessel so as to form a centering abutment. The centering means being formed by a plurality of local extra-thickness zones, situated on the inside face of said peripheral under-band and designed to come into contact with the vessel. The utensil is a pressure cooker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Chameroy, Michel Pierre Cartigny
  • Publication number: 20120175378
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 8177088
    Abstract: An adjustable sealing device for a storage container is disclosed that has a compressible sealing ball to provide a seal with the inner surface of containers having a variety of sizes and shapes. The device's valve ball for its vent is normally biased closed by a tensioner, and is selectively opened by a flexible lead. The lead passes through a container lid and compression washer(s) located between the sealing ball and lid. To insert the sealing ball into the container the lead is tensioned, to orient the longitudinal axis of the washer(s) perpendicular to the lid and sealing ball, so that pressure on the lid will be transmitted to the sealing ball through the compression washer(s). Releasing the lead's tension enables the lid to be placed on the container, and the lead and compression washers to be compactly draped over the sealing ball inside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Rebecca L. Williams
  • Patent number: 8096436
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure cooking appliance (1) having: a bowl (2) with a side wall (2B), a lid (3), a sealing gasket (4) interposed between the side wall (2B) and the lid (3), said appliance (1) being designed so that, when the pressure inside the chamber reaches a predetermined safety value, the gasket (4) moves up to reach a safety position, said appliance (1) being characterized in that the side wall (2B) comprises a geometrical irregularity (10) intended to interact with the gasket (4) when the latter is located at the predetermined safety position thereof so as to interrupt the contact between the gasket (4) and the side wall (2B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Jacques Rhetat, Nathalie Bouye
  • Patent number: 8087529
    Abstract: A safety closure for steam-pressurized containers of household appliances, such as steam irons, steam cleaners and the like. The safety closure is provided with an inner part that can be screwed onto the filling hole of the container, and with an outer part in the shape of a grip cap. A coupling element is provided between the inner part and the outer part and can be axially displaced against the effect of a spring by a drive controlled by the internal container pressure in such a manner that the outer part and the inner part are interconnected in a rotationally fixed manner when the container is not pressurized The connection being neutralized when the container is pressurized. The aim of the invention is to provide a safety closure whose components that are exposed to the pressure are more solid and therefore function more reliably and whose drive at the same time serves as a protection from an inadmissibly high excess pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Reutter Metallwarenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: René Koerber
  • Publication number: 20110198349
    Abstract: A leak proof/resistant drinking lid (10) is provided for use with beverage container. The lid (10) includes a housing (14) to mount the lid (10) to the beverage container, a manually actuated valve stem (16) mounted to the housing (14) to translate relative to the housing (14), a drinking port (18) extending through the housing (14), a drinking valve head (20) carried on the stem (16) for movement relative to the housing (14) between a closed position closing the drinking port (18) and an open position wherein the beverage can flow through the drinking port (18), a pressure relief port (22) extending through the drinking valve head (20) to allow equalization of pressure across the head 20 with the head 20 in the closed position, and a pressure relief valve head (24) mounted to the stem 16 for movement relative to the drinking valve head (20) between a closed position closing the pressure relief port (22) and an open position wherein air can pass through the pressure relief port (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Publication number: 20110000910
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly. When not in use, an opening in the flexible material rests against a blocking element, sealing off the opening against the flow of liquid. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills, such as by turning the cup upside down, are ineffective. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the flexible material, lifting the opening off of the blocking element, and unblocking that opening. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 7861900
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for efficiently rapidly dispensing fluid for a user to drink. The fluid dispensing system generally includes a container including an upper end, a lower end, a cavity and an upper opening, wherein the upper end is opposite the lower end, wherein the upper opening extends within the upper end and wherein the cavity extends from the upper opening of the upper end toward the lower end. A release valve extends within the container, wherein the release valve includes a channel extending through the release valve and wherein the release valve selectively seals the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin A. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7789263
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly. When not in use, an opening in the flexible material rests against a blocking element, sealing off the opening against the flow of liquid. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills, such as by turning the cup upside down, are ineffective. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the flexible material, lifting the opening off of the blocking element, and unblocking that opening. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Luv n' care, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nouri Edward Hakim
  • Patent number: 7789264
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. An initially blocked opening in a flexible material moves up along a protruding member until the opening is unblocked, so as to allow fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Luv n' care, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 7753225
    Abstract: A valve assembly for an elastic mouthpiece for drinking from a liquid container. The valve assembly comprises a flexible membrane, having at least one valve opening, and a rigid membrane supporting element, which has at least one valve opening. The invention also relates to a mouthpiece for drinking from a liquid container that is provided with an inventive valve assembly, which is placed on a cap with an opening for the passage of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: BAMED AG
    Inventor: Peter Röhrig
  • Patent number: 7703629
    Abstract: A fuel cap having a cap member with an internal chamber and a downward extending hollow tube in open communication with the internal chamber and in sealing communication with a lower hub bore; vents on side walls of the internal chamber; an absorption media inside the internal chamber below the vents and above the hollow tube; a hub rotatably and slidably connected to the cap member with the hub having a lower hub bore into which the hollow tube is translatable for releasing vapors from the fuel tank as necessary before re-fueling whereby the vapors pass through the absorption media where they are cleansed before being release out the vents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Eric A. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100018971
    Abstract: An anti-leak device for a tube container is disclosed, to have a predetermined amount of contents in the tube container be continuously extruded and then prevent more extrusion, and to prevent infiltration of external air. The anti-leak device includes a main body having a head with a tube outlets and a connection groove, and a leakage prevention unit having an opening and closing part, an insertion part and a fixed part. The opening and closing part is inserted in an inlet path of the insertion part. The insertion part is inserted in the fixed part having a discharge hole and engaged with the connection groove, thereby forming a movement space for the opening and closing part to reciprocate between the tube outlet and the insertion part. The opening and closing part directly opens and closes the tube outlet not to allow external air into the main body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: IPACK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong Su LIM
  • Patent number: 7527165
    Abstract: A container for beverages and the like is provided with a lid having a spout through which the beverage can be dispensed and a seal with a closed position in which the seal blocks the spout and an open position in which the spout is open. An actuator is provided that automatically moves the seal between the open and closed positions as the beverage is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Brain Box Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. DiDato
  • Publication number: 20090090713
    Abstract: The invention concerns a container for storing and delivering fluid to viscous products. The container comprises a container body (1) having an opening (4) which is suitable for filling and the diameter (d4) of which is smaller than the diameter (d5) of the container body, and a lid (8) which serves to close the opening (4). The lid has a central lid opening (9) in which a delivery valve (10) which has a valve portion is sealingly fitted by means of a shaped portion (11). It is an advantage that the container can be very easily, quickly and inexpensively manufactured, filled and closed. At the same time the arrangement provides for easy controllable delivery of the filling product and reliable sealing closure of the product in the container after each product removal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: BALL PACKAGING EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Rainer Berkefeld
  • Publication number: 20090057309
    Abstract: A baffle device, configured to be disposed near an outlet of a fuel tank, includes a fitting having an aperture therethrough and a first baffle. The first baffle includes a passageway in fluid communication with the aperture and a first baffle aperture configured to permit entry of fuel vapor into the passageway and exit of fuel vapor from the passageway. The baffle device also includes a second baffle overlying at least a portion of the first baffle aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter D. Shears
  • Publication number: 20080257853
    Abstract: A stopper (1, 100, 200) for sealing bottles (3), particularly for sealing bottles of wine for ageing, comprises:—a main body (2) shaped in such a way as to be removably housed in engagement in an aperture (3a) of the bottles,—a first surface (5) and a second surface (6) formed on the main body and facing, respectively, the outside and the inside of the bottles when en the main body is received in engagement in the aperture,—at least one passage (4) extending between the first and second surfaces and capable of making the inside of said bottles communicate with the environment outside the bottles,—a permeable element (16, 101, 201) which is impermeable to liquids and permeable to oxygen, the said permeable element being extended to seal the said passage in order to regulate the flow of oxygen between the inside and the outside of the bottle, and having an oxygen permeability, measured at 2O° C., in the range from 10?5 to 10?11 (Ncm3*cm/cm2*cmHg*s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Giovanni Cappello
  • Patent number: 7228789
    Abstract: A beverage container for a carbonated beverage includes a floating hollow insert (1) comprising an upper moulding (2) and a lower moulding (3) defining a chamber for containing gas, a first one-way duck-bill type valve (4) integrally formed with the upper moulding (2) at the bottom of a down pipe (6) and arranged to allow gas to enter the chamber and a second duckbill valve (5) integrally formed with the lower moulding (3) and arranged to allow gas to exit the chamber and be jetted into the beverage upon opening the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignees: Whitbread PLC, Lawson Marden Packaging UK Limited, Heineken Technical Services BV
    Inventors: Karl Mondszein, Mark Philip Radford, Sian Bronwyn Gastall
  • Patent number: 6968870
    Abstract: A vacuum container includes an automatic suction structure mounted in a cap of the vacuum container for drawing air out of the hollow interior of a container body. The suction structure includes an electric suction device, a detecting device, a monitoring device, and a releasing device. The suction device is used to create a vacuum in the hollow interior of the container body. The detecting device is used to detect the leak between the cap and the container body. The monitoring device is intended to monitor the vacuum state in the hollow interior of the container body. The releasing device is used to enable the cap and the container body to be separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Shiu-Chu Tsay
  • Patent number: 6913036
    Abstract: A device for a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus of a fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The device includes a seal that is deformable between a substantially symmetrically deformed configuration, a generally asymmetrically deformed configuration, and an undeformed configuration. The seal is adapted to cooperatively engage a poppet such that a first arrangement that includes the seal in the substantially symmetrically deformed configuration and the poppet engaging the seal, a second arrangement that includes the seal in the generally asymmetrically deformed configuration and the poppet engaging the seal, and a third arrangement that includes the seal in an undeformed configuration and the poppet being disengaged from the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: 6830081
    Abstract: A vacuum box comprises a lower box; an upper cover; an isolating layer; a pump unit; a motor; a battery; a control button. The isolating layer is installed with a pressure display unit. The pressure display unit is formed by a pressure button installed in a pressure hole of the isolating layer by an airtight ring, and a spring below the pressure button. A sealed airbag installed at a top cover of the pressure button and a periphery of the spring; and a display mask connected to the pressure button. The display mask is pivotally installed to ears of the isolating layer; a top of the display mask is mounted with at least two color indicators. The pressure button is installed with a sensing switch which sense the rising or descending of the pressure button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Fu-Lung Su Chen
  • Patent number: 6786352
    Abstract: A self-sealing drinking container includes a cup body having a hollow interior for holding and dispensing a liquid, and a lid assembly which fits sealingly on the cup body. The lid assembly has an inlet passage with an inlet value in communication with an outlet value in communication therewith, each of the values including a resilient flexible diaphragm member. Each of the inlet and outlet valves includes a cage having an open top and an open bottom to allow fluid passage therethrough, the cage having a seat formed therein for receiving a diaphragm member. The diaphragm member is located seatably into the seat so as to selectively seal thereagainst and thereby prevent fluid flow therepast. A locator post in each cage is secured to the diaphragm member thereof to ensure its sealing. A predetermined level of fluid pressure differential across each diaphragm member courses, respectively, the diaphragm members to concavely bend away from their respective seat and thereby allow fluid flow through the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Publication number: 20040123916
    Abstract: A vacuum storage device includes a can, a cap for closing the can, an inflatable seal for better sealing a gap between the can and the cap and a pump for pumping air from the can to the exterior and into the seal. The cap includes a collar and a disk formed on an internal face of the collar, thus defining an upper space in the collar above the disk for receiving the pump and a lower space in the collar under the disk for receiving the seal. The cap may include an annular rib formed on a lower side of the disk, and the seal may be installed between the collar and the annular rib. The annular rib may include an annular flange for retaining the seal in position. The pump may include a first duct and a second duct. The first duct extends through an orifice defined in the disk within the annular rib so that air can be pumped from the can through the duct when the cap is mounted on the can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Jen-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6732878
    Abstract: A lid apparatus for a tank opening that retains fluid within the tank while allowing air to vent into or out of the tank. An air manifold is provided, preferably as part of an installation ring of the apparatus which is mounted to the tank around the tank opening. The air manifold has an outer radial wall and an inner radial wall spanned by an annular base surface. A plurality of angularly spaced openings in the outer radial wall are angularly offset from a plurality of openings in the inner radial wall to be out of angular alignment therewith, and the space above the annular base surface between the outer radial wall openings and the inner radial wall openings provides a plurality of air flow passageways. A cap of the apparatus has a cover portion and a depending mounting member adapted to insert within the installation ring and engage a cap mounting portion of that ring to detachably mount the cap to the installation ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Banjo Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Gillen
  • Patent number: 6702136
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved reservoir cap for a braking fluid reservoir including a cylindrical skirt for surrounding an opening of the reservoir body, a disc portion having a hard stop formed unitarily with the cylindrical skirt for closing the reservoir fill opening, and a plurality of teeth formed unitarily about the hard stop for securing an elastic member. The elastic member is disposed about the teeth of the reservoir cap and secured thereto. The elastic member defines ridges disposed circumferentially about its center. Between the ridges and the center of the elastic member is a channel, which in turn defines a pair of openings which permit the flow of excess fluid through the elastic member, thereby reducing the possibility of fluid overflow, and thus preventing excess brake fluid from permeating the reservoir cap and leaking into the engine compartment of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Saygan, Jim Tottingham, Dennis Downen, Dale May
  • Patent number: 6688336
    Abstract: A sealing terminal for an installations duct of tubular shape is provided. The sealing terminal includes a plug having a threaded frustoconical part which can be screwed into one end of the duct, a manipulating head with a peripheral shoulder in a continuation of the plug, where the peripheral shoulder is designed to face an edge face of a border around an opening of the duct, and an annular seal arranged against the peripheral shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Novaplastic
    Inventor: Claud Trichard
  • Patent number: 6662831
    Abstract: A depression container comprises a vessel including a compartment and a cover for enclosing and thus sealing the compartment. An air pump draws air out of the compartment and a pressure-activated switch controls on/off of the air pump. The pressure-activated switch detects an internal pressure in the compartment. The air pump is turned on when the internal pressure is higher than a predetermined first pressure value. The air pump is turned off when the internal pressure is lower than a predetermined second pressure value. In an alternative embodiment, the pressure-activated switch detects a pressure difference resulting from a closing motion of the cover on the vessel and turns the air pump on to thereby draw air out of the compartment of the vessel. The air pump is turned off when an internal pressure in the compartment detected by the pressure-activated switch is lower than a predetermined pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Jen-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6652704
    Abstract: An aerosol solvent weld cement composition for joining ends of plastic pipe. The composition contains at least one polymer capable of welding the plastic pipes to each other, at least one solvent for the polymer, and at least one propellant for the polymer/solvent solution. The composition is maintained under pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in an aerosol container. A female omnidirectional valve is disclosed for use in the aerosol container. This valve comprises a valve body having an omnidirectional attachment which contains a check valve container made up of a constricted lower end, a top surface, a lateral opening, and a check ball for opening and closing passageways. This valve allows the solvent weld cement composition to be applied to pipes from any angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald D. Green