Pivotable Secondary Closure Patents (Class 220/254.3)
  • Publication number: 20110036838
    Abstract: A cap for a consumable liquid container, comprising an inner member having a top portion with a peripheral wall extending downwardly for covering the mouth of the container and defining an opening, the peripheral wall of the inner member having means for retaining the cap onto the container, the inner member further comprising a first aperture for facing the interior of the container and a second aperture defined by a spout extending upwardly from the top portion, the first and second apertures being in liquid communication for allowing passage of the consumable liquid; an outer member having a top portion, an inner peripheral wall defining an inner aperture, and an external peripheral wall extending downwardly from the top portion of the outer member for covering at least partially the peripheral wall of the inner member; and a seal made of a flexible material and comprising a top section having a depressible portion and a flange portion at least partially surrounding the depressible portion for overlapping
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Pierre TARDIF
  • Patent number: 7886927
    Abstract: A container cover comprises a central dome, a peripheral rim portion surrounding the central dome, wherein the central dome extends upwardly from the peripheral rim portion, a skirt extending downwardly from an outer edge of the peripheral rim portion, and a plurality of grippers. Each gripper comprises a flange extending downwardly from a lower surface of the peripheral rim portion and at least two gripping fingers extending downwardly from the flange. The skirt and the grippers form a space for receiving an edge protrusion, for example a curled edge, of a container body. Each of the at least two fingers has a protrusion extending toward the skirt and the fingers are adapted to provide a gripping force to an edge protrusion of a container received in the space. The plurality of grippers are spaced from one another around the peripheral rim portion. The container cover may be combined with a container body having an edge protrusion at its opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Frey, Hartmut K. Geisselbrecht
  • Patent number: 7874446
    Abstract: A trash container has a flexible, corrugated baffle attached to or integrated into the lid of the container. The baffle may have a handle and a compacting plate attached to it, and it allows a user to compact trash inside the trash container. Specifically, the flexible design of the baffle allows the compacting plate to compact trash inside the container when the baffle is extended into the container. After the trash inside the container is compacted, the baffle may spring back into its original shape. The lid structure, including the baffle, may be incorporated into the container, which may have other features, such as a foot pedal to raise and lower the lid. The baffle allows trash in the trash container to be reduced in size, allowing more trash to be placed in the container, while maintaining a simple design and keeping the user clean and safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Base Brands, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Spivey, Kenneth C. Kreafle
  • Publication number: 20110011863
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Weston S. Koennecke, John R. Geer, III
  • Patent number: 7857155
    Abstract: A closure that can be threadingly screwed onto an associated container includes a body having a thread form for engaging a thread form on the container. The body has a wall with projecting hook-like ribs. By the provision of the hook-like ribs, the closure exhibits an enhanced capability for being gripped by the rollers of an automatic capping machine, to accommodate a relatively high torque installation without slipping in an automatic capping machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles E. Roberts, Stacy L. Beilke
  • Patent number: 7845653
    Abstract: A container assembly is provided that includes a base container that has an upper opening and an upper container mounted in covering relation over the upper opening of the base container. A linkage connects the upper container to the base container in a manner that allows the upper container to be displaced from the covering relation over the upper opening of the base container, so as to permit access into the base container through the upper opening. A support assembly is spaced from the base container when the upper container is displaced from the covering relation over the upper opening of the base container and wheels are disposed toward a lower portion of the container assembly. A handle is provided for rollingly transporting the container assembly on the wheels in a tilted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: ZAG Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Amir Katz
  • Patent number: 7845519
    Abstract: Tamper-resistance of spice container closures and containers is provided through use of tamper-evident and tamper-resistant elements. A spice container package includes a container, a closure and a tear strip, with the tear strip being joined to the closure by a first hinge, and joined to the container by a second hinge. The container includes a side wall. The closure includes a base and a cover, with the base including at least one dispensing port and the cover including at least one flap removably covering the at least one dispensing port. The first hinge connects the tear strip to the cover of the closure. The closure and the container may be integrally molded together as a single plastic component piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Newberry, Joseph P. Valley, III
  • Patent number: 7845514
    Abstract: The invention relates to tear-back thermoformed high impact polystyrene lids having from at least 10% to about 15% of filler and the specified configuration of the tear-back portion. In particular, the tear back lid comprises a tear back portion defined by two sets of tear back indentations and a left and a right notch cut into a skirt defined by the outer diameter of the lid. The combination of the filler amount and tear-back configuration allows an improved tearability for the filled polystyrene lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Rush, Trung Tran, Virginia Lam, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7823740
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing foodstuff containers, in particular drink containers, comprising: a sealing element adapted to engage on a wall of a foodstuff container around a wall opening arranged in the wall, and an operating element adapted to co-act with the sealing element for displacing the sealing element between an opened position leaving the wall opening clear and a closed position sealing the wall opening. The invention also relates to a foodstuff container provided with such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Bound2B B.V.
    Inventor: Antonio Giuseppe Perra
  • Patent number: 7823736
    Abstract: A plastic closure for receipt on a container includes a plastic ring having an internal recess adapted to be received by snap fit over an external crown or bead on the container neck finish such that the ring is retained against axial movement on the container neck finish. A plastic lid is coupled by a hinge to the ring, with the ring, the lid and the hinge being of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction. The lid has a skirt that is adapted releasably to be snapped to the ring in a closed position of the lid over the ring. The lid skirt may have an external bead that is adapted to be received by snap-fit within an internal channel on the ring in the closed position of the lid over the ring, and a conical internal surface on the ring may be provided to guide the bead on the lid into the channel on the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Darin M. Pugne, Edward A. Grant, Leonora M. Brozell
  • Patent number: 7819267
    Abstract: A closure for a container is disclosed having an end wall with one or more product dispensing openings therein. The closure has a flip open lid hingedly connected to the outer edge of the end wall and movable between a closed and an open position. The end wall has stiffening shoulders on opposite sides of the hinge and extending proximate the edges of the lid so as to stiffen the end wall against deformation upon application of the closure to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: C.A.P.S., Inc.
    Inventor: James Kick
  • Patent number: 7819271
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Weston S. Koennecke, John R. Geer, III
  • Publication number: 20100264143
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a lid may include a valve chamber comprising a hollow chamber, a valve flap and a hinge. The hollow chamber may be defined by one or more sidewalls and have a first opening at a first longitudinal end and a second opening at an opposing, second longitudinal end. The valve flap may be positioned at least proximate to the second longitudinal end and have a shape and size substantially the same as a shape and size of the second opening. The hinge may couple the valve flap to a sidewall of the one or more sidewalls and may be sized and configured to enable the rotation of the valve flap from an open position to a substantially closed position. Container assemblies and methods of forming lids are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Joel Chrisman
  • Patent number: 7810663
    Abstract: A bottle cap includes a mouthpiece having a dispensing orifice, a collar which extends downward from the mouthpiece to engage the bottle, a cover connected to the collar by a hinge and movable between open position and closed position covering the orifice, and a tamper-evident strap connecting the closed cover to the collar. The strap is hingeably joined to the collar by a lower portion of the strap and connected to the cover by a barbed upper portion. The upper portion cooperates with the cover to retain the strap to prevent manipulation of the strap to open the cover without severing the strap. The strap has a severable mid point which severs when the cover is first opened. When the cover is opened, both portions of the strap remain attached to the bottle and the lower portion swings away from the collar providing visible evidence of prior opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: John Young
  • Publication number: 20100243653
    Abstract: A container and a lid for a container or container is provided. The container includes a lid and container body to which the lid is attached. The container may further include a storage compartment attached to the end of the container body. The lid includes a lid body defining a drinking aperture providing access to a central cavity of the container. The lid includes a snap closure pivoting relative to the lid body between an open position permitting fluid to pass through the drinking aperture, a first closed position with a portion of the snap closure is only biased against, but not engaged with, the lid body to prevent fluid to pass through the drinking aperture and a second closed position wherein the snap closure is engaged with the lid body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: J.L. CLARK, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Jones
  • Patent number: 7789260
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Weston S. Koennecke, John R. Geer, III
  • Patent number: 7784641
    Abstract: A beverage cup lid with a pull back type sipping hole includes a tab that is disposed at a predetermined position of a sipping hole. The tab has a substantially ?-shaped perforated portion extending from the top rim of a wall side to the center of a top side and a turnover portion formed after pulling off the ?-shaped perforated portion. A raised inclined plane is extended from the external side to the center. A straight rib is formed at the external side of the turnover portion beyond the ?-shaped perforated portion in such a manner that the turnover portion may be swiveled forward and downward at 270° and engaged in place, thereby forming a double layered structure on the wall side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Shin-Jai Chou
  • Patent number: 7753240
    Abstract: A closure for a liquid container includes a spout and a loop member extending upwardly from an end wall of the closure. The loop may be sized to receive a user's finger or attachment hardware such as a clip, hook or strap extending through the loop. A flip cap is supported for rotational movement on the loop and is movable between a closed position in which the spout is covered and an open position in which the spout is exposed. The flip cap includes a plug seal that is configured to engage and seal with a top edge of the spout when the cap is moved to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Nalge Nunc International Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Leoncavallo, John D. DeLorme
  • Patent number: 7740147
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a beverage container includes a ball and socket assembly having a ball member and a corresponding socket member. The socket member includes extendable arms that engage the ball member. The ball and socket assembly permits the cover to be polyaxially rotated with respect to the beverage container. The cover is rotatable from a closed position, where the cover is seated against the beverage container, to a variety of open positions, where the cover can be rotated out of view from a user drinking from the beverage container. The ball and socket assembly, in addition, may be configured to maintain the cover in a variety of open positions relative to the beverage container without auxiliary support or assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventor: Tyler Sean Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20100140266
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a closure for attachment to a container. The closure includes a base having an orifice and a skirt depending from the base. A lid is provided and is joined to the base through an integral hinge. The lid has a plug depending from an underside section of the lid. The plug is preferably sized to fit within the orifice when the lid is closed. The closure further includes rails projecting upwardly from a top portion of the base and rails projecting downwardly from the underside section of the lid. The rails further include at least one bead projecting (radially inwardly from each of the first rails) and (radially outwardly from each of the second rails). The beads are positioned to interfere with each other to form a snap fit when the lid is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: PORTOLA PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Lohrman, Mike Xiaoli Ma
  • Patent number: 7731047
    Abstract: A reclosable lid (10) for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover (12) having an opening (28) and a moveable element (850) connected to the cover (12). The moveable element (850) is moveable between at least one open position, wherein the flowable substance may flow through the opening, and at least one closed position, wherein the opening is obstructed. In some embodiments, the lid (10) may include an overlay (250) moveable between at least one open position and at least one closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Ishimitsu
  • Patent number: 7721907
    Abstract: A child-resistant closure includes a base, and a lid integrally molded and coupled to the base by a hinge. The lid has a latch arm resiliently extending from a periphery opposite the hinge and having oppositely extending tabs adjacent to a free end of the latch arm. The base has an external recess for receiving the latch arm and spaced ledges in the recess for engagement by the tabs to lock the lid in a closed position. The latch arm is engageable by a user to pivot the latch arm radially inwardly within the passage and release the tabs from the ledges so the lid can be pivoted toward an open position. The tabs and the ledges are recessed radially inwardly from the outer surface of the latch arm in the closed position of the lid with the tabs engaged beneath the ledges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Wing-Kwong Keung
  • Patent number: 7721909
    Abstract: A tank for an agricultural field sprayer having a fill region and a first closure. To avoid costly connections for lines at the tank and to reduce the cost of manufacture of the tank, the first closure can be rigidly connected to the tank and provided with an opening uncovered by a second closure. The connections of the first closure are arranged on a region configured as a connecting region, so that an access to the fill region is made possible by the second closure, even if the sprayer is in operation, particularly in a washing-in operation or in a circulating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: John Deere Fabriek Horst B. V.
    Inventors: Joseph M. H. Beeren, Willy Peeters
  • Patent number: 7717284
    Abstract: A cap is provided for a laboratory vessel. The cap includes a lid that can be rotated relative to the laboratory vessel from a closed position to an open position. The lid includes at least one tab dimensioned and disposed for receiving manual digital pressure for opening and/or closing the lid. The tab is in an offset position to prevent a thumb or forefinger from passing over and in contact with the opening to the vessel. Additionally, the lid includes a shield inwardly from the tab for further preventing contact between a finger and the open top of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: David C. Giusti
  • Patent number: 7712618
    Abstract: A cap intended to be mounted on a container includes a base, a lid with a stopper, structure articulating the lid with respect to the base, with a hinge, a structure for locking the lid on the base, and structure for unlocking the locking structure. The lid is arranged to resist any relative movement between the lid and the base and to store mechanical energy by plastic deformation of at least one of the lid and the base and the unlocking structure is arranged in the form of a detent allowing the stored mechanical energy to be released in order to propel the lid to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Zebra Company
    Inventors: Bertrand Barre, Xavier Gibert, Francis Lepage
  • Publication number: 20100108675
    Abstract: In one example of the present invention, a medical waste container assembly includes a container having a base portion and an upper edge and a secondary lid located adjacent the upper edge of the container having a door hingeably attached to the secondary lid with the door being trimmed from a portion of the secondary lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Cynthia R. Meissen, Kyle L. Baltz
  • Patent number: 7703621
    Abstract: Provided is a moisture retention seal for use with a package. The moisture retention seal includes an opened-ended canister having a plurality of canister sealing surfaces. Snap-fitted with spatial interference to the canister at its opened-end, is a moisture retention closure having a plurality of closure sealing surfaces. Each canister sealing surface cooperates with a corresponding one of the closure sealing surfaces to form a plurality of partial seals. At least one of the partial seals includes a micro-bead surface comprising one or more small, inwardly directed, narrowly spaced-apart, micro-bead elements. The package that includes a moisture retention seal of the present invention employs only molded parts and does not require gaskets or secondary seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Union Street Brand Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Evans, Christopher Gieda, Kristin S. Speck, Jose M. Arevalo
  • Publication number: 20100089921
    Abstract: A closure assembly for a container includes a closure cap having an open ended body with a peripheral wall and a top wall provided with a dispensing passage which is defined by a collar arranged to the top wall. A self closing valve is arranged in the closure cap. The valve includes a slit central portion and a skirt extending downwardly from the central portion, which has an outwardly extending flange. The skirt is arranged in the collar and the flange is located below the collar and extends radially outwardly beyond it. On a lower surface of the top wall, a plurality of lips is formed outward from the collar. The lips are folded over the flange such that the latter is partly enveloped between the lips and the top wall so as to secure the valve in the closure cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Lenny Marita Ellenkamp-Van Olst, Sebastiaan Wilhelmus Josephus Den Boer, Gerrit Jan Stegeman, Jan Van Alfen
  • Patent number: 7694845
    Abstract: A lid for a jar and a jar and lid combination for a product is provided. The lid is configured to be selectively removable from the jar. The lid is also configured to be selectively openable when attached to the jar in order to permit access to the interior and any contents of the jar. The lid has a non-continuous bead that is positioned to engage a protuberance on a rim of the jar to secure the lid relative to the rim of the jar while permitting selective removal of the lid from the rim of the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Thomas Tilton
  • Patent number: 7691302
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Weston S. Koennecke, John R. Geer, III
  • Patent number: 7690524
    Abstract: A bottle includes a container and a closure device. The closure device includes a threaded cap for closing up the container, a slidable spout for opening and closing the fluid flow path from the container by means of two sealing elements on the spout, a vent check valve for permitting air to rapidly enter the container without passing through the spout and a multi-fold protective cover and, more particularly, to a two-fold protective cover for achieving the leak-proof by forcing the spout to a close position and closing up the vent check valve by a projection extended from the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Yiu Chau Chau
  • Publication number: 20100072205
    Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention relates to a diaphragm (2) for sealing an access opening (5) of a container body (6), the diaphragm being semi-rigid and formed with a shaped cavity (10). The present invention is particularly (but not exclusively) suitable for use with metal cans for packaging foodstuffs. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a reinforcing support (14) for locating over the diaphragm when used to seal an access opening of a container body. A third aspect of the present invention relates to a spoon (26) suitable for use with a container comprising the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Iain Charles Edward Stuart
  • Patent number: 7677406
    Abstract: An insulation container includes a flexible exterior container and a rigid interior container for maintaining stored items at a cool temperature. The exterior housing includes a lid for selectively sealing the entire open top thereof for selectively inserting or removing large or multiple items, the lid having an auxiliary door for quickly removing small or single items from the internal storage area. Opening only the auxiliary door also helps to maintain the internal temperature for a longer time than is possible if the entire lid is opened. The interior housing may be constructed of stainless steel for enhanced insulation with an intermediate housing sandwiched between interior and exterior housings. The intermediate housing may include a rubber material for preventing condensation from forming on the exterior housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Floyd S. Maxson
  • Patent number: 7673769
    Abstract: A storage bin comprises a cover panel and a scoop. The cover panel may be slidably or rotatably moved to expose the interior of the storage bin. The scoop is stored internally in the storage bin and is exposed when the cover panel is open. The design of the cover panel provides advantages to consumers by providing a durable and versatile method of access to the contents of the storage bin. The storage of the scoop within the storage bin limits contamination of the scoop during storage and provides easy access to the scoop when the cover panel is open. A reusable labeling surface allows the consumer to conveniently identify a variety of stored items over the storage bin's lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert G. McRorie, III
  • Patent number: 7648043
    Abstract: A waterproof cover for an audio system includes a frame and a shield pivotally connected to the frame. The flame has two elongated recesses respectively defined in two opposed sides defining the through hole and an inclined trough sandwiched by the two elongated recesses and defined in a bottom side defining the through hole. The shield has two rails formed on two opposed sides thereof to correspond to and be movably received in the two elongated recesses, a water blocking flange sandwiched by the two rails and formed on a bottom side of the shield to correspond to and be received in the inclined trough and a flange formed on a top side of the shield to abut a top side defining the through hole such that a full coverage of the through hole by the shield is completed and water seeping from engagement between the shield and the frame is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Kuan-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 7641070
    Abstract: The improved low cost Spill-Resistant Cup for storing and dispensing liquids resists spilling when shaken or vibrated suddenly. The improved cup has a scoop-like-baffle and a push tab that separates the body of the cup with the mouthpiece of the cover. An opening is created when the push tab is pressed and the push tab springs back to close the opening when the pressure is released. When the improved cup is tilted and the tab pushed down for pouring, such that the liquid level inside the storage chamber of the cup chamber is higher than the liquid level at the opening, no liquid pours out of the cup. The liquid starts to flow out of the mouth opening after the cup is tilted beyond a start-to-pour angle. The start-to-pour angle is reached when the cup is tilted permitting the outside air to pass through the opening of the scoop-like-baffle and into the storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Edison Nation, LLC
    Inventor: I-Chung Ho
  • Patent number: 7628297
    Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a closure shell of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction having a base for securement to a container neck finish and a lid coupled by a hinge to the base. The base has a deck, a recess extending across the deck from a point adjacent to the hinge, and a dispensing opening in the recess. The lid has a base portion for receipt in the recess in the closed position of the lid and a tongue at an end of the lid remote from the hinge. A latch on the base in the recess engages the tongue on the lid releasably to hold the lid in the closed position. The latch preferably comprises a snap latch that includes an internal bead on the tongue and an external latch element in the recess over which the internal bead is received in the closed position of the lid. The base preferably includes a ledge in the recess against which the tongue abuts, and a pair of ribs for frictionally holding the tongue against the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Darin M. Pugne
  • Publication number: 20090294445
    Abstract: A closure for a container is provided, including a first closure member with a male feature protruding from a first interface surface thereof. A retaining ring is configured to mate with and thereby attach the first closure member to the first flap. A second closure member has a female feature configured to receive the male feature defined through a second interface surface thereof. The second closure member also has retention tangs configured to mate with and thereby attach the second container flap to the second closure member. The male feature includes a stem with two flexible tabs extending acutely outward from the stem on opposing sides thereof. The flexible tabs are configured to snap fit into the female feature. The first and second closure members are respectively oriented such that the male feature mates with and releasably locks to the female feature when the first and second flaps are closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., POLY FLEX PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael R. Carleton, Les J. Dow, David A. Biggie
  • Publication number: 20090289064
    Abstract: A cover for a medical waste disposal receptacle and a method of manufacturing a cover for a medical waste disposal receptacle. The cover generally comprises a body portion configured to substantially close an open end of the receptacle and a lid portion hingedly interconnected to the body portion via an integrally formed hinge extending between the lid portion and a portion of the body portion. The body portion includes a covering surface with an access opening therethrough and at least a first, fixed sloped slide surface depending from the covering surface configured to provide a fixed tortuous path extending from the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: M. Brian Finnestad
  • Patent number: 7621417
    Abstract: A container having an openable lid includes a body and a lid. The body includes a base, at least one wall extending upwardly from the base, and a first surface disposed near a top of the at least one wall. The lid is adapted to engage a top of the at least one wall when the container is in a closed position, and includes a second surface disposed near a bottom of the lid. A foam gasket is permanently attached to and located on one of the first and second surfaces, and provides a seal between the lid and the body when the container is in a closed position. The gasket is attached to the surface while in fluid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Peterson, Leighann Sturgin, Amanda K. Plakosh-Angeles
  • Publication number: 20090277904
    Abstract: A universal box top lid is adapted to be attached to the opened top of a variety of different sizes of food packaging boxes. The lid is designed to fit over the opened box top with an opened bag containing the food product inside the box being held open by an apron formed on an inner wall of the lid. The lid is provided with a cap closure that can be opened when it is desired to dispense the food product contained in the packaging box and bag, and can be closed to preserve the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Buddeez, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Hall, William A. Hall, Steven C. Hall, Michael J. Reddy
  • Cap
    Patent number: 7611024
    Abstract: A cap is provided which can be smaller in number of constituent elements, easy to manufacture with simple assembly operation, and of which cap cover can be smoothly opened with one hand for a long period of time. In the cap configured so that a pressing portion presses an opening/closing hinge of the cap cover backward to swing the cap cover in an open direction when a manipulation portion is pressed, a manipulation body includes an elastic connection rod arranged on a side of an outlet below a support, the manipulation portion is provided on a front end of the elastic connection rod, the pressing portion is provided on a rear end of the elastic connection rod, and the manipulation body is connected to the support via a deformable connection piece so as to allow a longitudinal movement of the manipulation body relative to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: M.F.V. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Yamanaka, Takahiro Fujita
  • Patent number: 7611025
    Abstract: The invention concerns a closure comprising a base portion and a cap forming portion including a top articulated to a ring through a hinge. The strap enables the cap forming portion to be moulded in closing position of the top, tamperproof means being provided between the ring and the top. When the cover is closed, the sensitive zones of the cap are either located in a sealed closed space, or capable of being in contact with a liquid (in solution or spray) and capable of being treated so as to eliminate said liquid, so as to sanitize the closure. Furthermore, the tamperproof means are deformed and ruptured when the top is first opened such that the resulting free ends are sufficiently spaced apart from each other, thus easily revealing to a user whether it has been tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bericap
    Inventors: Philippe Nusbaum, Yannick Celerier, Jeremy Le Cam
  • Patent number: 7594587
    Abstract: A container cover for use with a container having a neck with a rim. The cover includes a lid with a spout hole, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, a concentric plug seal extending downward from the lid inside the skirt, a spout hole door hingeably connected to the lid, and at least one non-flexing lock and one flexing lock, each having an inwardly projecting wedge, which lock the cover in place on the container by engaging the bead ring. The nonflexing lock wedge is preferably shaped as a truncated teardrop and positioned so as to facilitate removing the lid. When the cover is locked on the container, the plug seal provides a seal against the inside of the container neck. The spout door seals the spout hole when closed and prevents unlatching of the flex lock when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Stull Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Auer
  • Patent number: 7594588
    Abstract: A container cover for use with a container having a neck with a rim. The cover includes a lid, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, a concentric plug seal extending downward from the lid inside the skirt, a hinged lock and at least one non-hinged lock, each lock having an inwardly projecting wedge, which lock the cover in place on the container by engaging the bead ring. The non-hinged lock preferably includes a slot through the skirt and the locking wedge, to provide flexion and facilitate removing the lid. When the cover is locked on the container, the plug seal provides a seal against the inside of the container neck. An optional spout hole and spout door can be provided, wherein the spout door seals the spout hole when closed and prevents unlatching of the hinged lock when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Stull Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Auer
  • Publication number: 20090194535
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes a cover plate adapted to be removably secured to a top end portion of the container and a sip hole configured within the cover plate and adapted to be positioned on a dispensing opening configured in the top end portion of the container. The closure further includes a reclosable lid comprising a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the reclosable lid is hinged to the cover plate for enabling a pivotal motion of the reclosable lid. The pivotal motion enables the reclosable lid to assume at least one of an open position and a closed position. The closure also includes a rubber seal configured on the second end portion of the reclosable lid, the rubber seal adapted to be received in the sip hole for sealing the sip hole in the closed position of the reclosable lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Russell Reed, Donna Reed
  • Patent number: 7568590
    Abstract: A container provides sealed storage for contents. The container includes a composite top member formed of a panel and a frame. The panel includes an opening for providing access to the contents of the package. The frame includes a closure member that is molded in an open position, and which can be moved to a closed position for closing the opening in the panel. The container is formed of a container body in the form of a tubular member formed to a desired shape. The container body is closed using the top member that closes a top opening of the container body, and a bottom member that closes a bottom opening of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Arrow Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Dieter F. Lay, Robert W. Fox
  • Patent number: 7549559
    Abstract: Resealable caps and tops for directional pour spout containers currently available for liquid and semi-solid products are either a spout and cap design, in which the tip is cut off to pour or squeeze out the container contents, or a non-spout, hinged top-and-bottom design, which defines a flat surface with an opening. These designs have many limitations. For example, the closure portion of a conventional spout closure can become detached, leading to production line delays, lost tips in transit, product recall at the store level, loss of shelf life and potential chocking hazards to children and pets. The non-spout hinged, top-and-bottom design does not offer the directional dispensing capabilities. This invention addresses the shortcomings of conventional caps and tops by providing a one-piece directional pour spout container cap in which the base has an upwardly directed spout and a hinged flip top cap is attached to the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Conroy Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslee Ann Conroy, James Lawrence Conroy, William Patrick Conroy
  • CAP
    Publication number: 20090152269
    Abstract: A cap comprises a body suitable for being associated with a container neck and provided with a dispensing arrangement, a lid arranged for closing said dispensing arrangement, an opening indicating device connected to the lid through a breakable arrangement and comprises a hooking arrangement arranged for engaging with a corresponding further hooking arrangement of the body, wherein with the further hooking arrangement there is associated a guide arrangement arranged for limiting deformations of the opening indicating device when the hooking arrangement interacts with the further hooking arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICI IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERA
    Inventor: Fabrizio Pucci
  • Patent number: 7546931
    Abstract: A cap is provided for a laboratory vessel. The cap includes a lid that can be rotated relative to the laboratory vessel from a closed position to an open position. The lid includes a shield for at least partly surrounding the open top of the laboratory vessel. Ribs are disposed on outer surfaces of the shield for receiving manual digital pressure for opening and/or closing the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: David C. Giusti