Pivotable Secondary Closure Patents (Class 220/254.3)
  • Patent number: 7546930
    Abstract: A hermetic storage system for storing wipes is provided. The hermetic storage system may include a flexible container, a first member, a second member, and a third member configured for holding the wipes. The flexible container is disposed between the first member and the second member. The third member is releasably coupled to the second member and covers an aperture defined by the second member. The hermetic storage system is configured to provide a hermetic seal when the third member is releasably engaged with the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Rexam Beauty and Closures, Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Banik, Jon C. Alexander, Tarry P. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 7540392
    Abstract: The present invention provides a permeable containment apparatus for a receptacle having a vertical containment wall, an open end, and an upper wall region terminating at a peripheral edge, including a securing portion having an annular biasing mechanism adapted to maintain said securing portion in contacting relationship with the upper wall region of said receptacle, a substantially permeable cover portion attached to said securing portion and covering the open end of said receptacle, and wherein said permeable cover portion is adapted to contain receptacle content while allowing for substantial aeration of said receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventors: Keith Anthony Cipra, Marion Cipra
  • Patent number: 7537137
    Abstract: A substantially moisture tight container and lid assembly for storing and packaging moisture-sensitive items comprising an assembly with a container and a lid, the lid is attached by a hinge to an upper housing portion of the container, the lid includes a lip seal member that extends downwardly from the lid, the lip seal member is configured to abut at least a portion of the interior side of the container when the lid is in the closed position resulting in a substantially moisture tight seal between the lid and the lid, and the container assembly further comprising a base portion and an upper housing portion, the upper housing portion is capable of being snap-fit into the base portion by employing a lip seal mechanism to form a substantially moisture-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Giraud
  • Patent number: 7530466
    Abstract: A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Spinelli, Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Publication number: 20090107998
    Abstract: A plurality of containers and system and method for making a plurality of different containers from a minimum number of molds, with some inserts, provides multiple container sizes from the same mold utilizing inserts to reduce the size of the mold. In one embodiment, to accommodate various lid designs, a rim is connected to the upper edge of the container. The rim can be formed in various configurations from a single mold using mold inserts. The various rim configurations accommodate different lids. Providing the mold inserts on the rim (which is a very shallow part) is much simpler than providing such inserts on the container itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Cynthia R. Meissen
  • Patent number: 7513382
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid for a beverage container. The lid has a mounting portion configured to connect the lid to the container and an annular side wall extending upward from the mounting portion. The lid also includes a top wall extending radially inward from the side wall, wherein the top wall has both a circular outer periphery and a circular inner periphery. An upwardly extending protrusion is pivotally connected to the top wall by a hinge. A central portion is positioned radially inward of the top wall, wherein the central portion has a circular outer periphery. The central portion is vertically positioned between the mounting portion and the top wall. The protrusion is pivotable about the hinge between a sealed position and an open position to define a drink opening residing entirely within the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Norman Clarke, Peter Robert Wills, Nigel Frank Taylor
  • Patent number: 7510095
    Abstract: A system includes a container including a sidewall and a closure plane attached to the side wall and including an opening, a neck region on the sidewall being adjacent to the closure plane. The system also includes a closure including a cap closure with a fitment adapted to fit in the opening, a circumferentially depending outer skirt adapted to secure the closure to the neck region of the container, and a hinge attached to the cap closure and the circumferentially depending outer skirt. A method for sealing a closure on a container includes pivoting the closure about a hinge towards a closure plane and engaging a fitment with an opening to provide a friction fit. A method for opening a container having a closure includes disengaging a fitment from an opening and pivoting the closure about a hinge away from a closure plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Comeau, Drew McNary
  • Patent number: 7475788
    Abstract: A molded plastic container and closure combination in which the closure is provided with a manually removable tear band between upper and lower locking structures. Once the tear band has been removed, it is possible to hinge the closure open while allowing it to remain attached to the container. Various features adding hoop strength and stacking strength are provided. A bail and bottom handle facilitate pouring from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Letica Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan H. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20080314904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing device for a food product container, more particularly a drink container, comprising a wall part provided with an opening and a shield member sealing the opening. The invention also relates to a cover of a food product container, more particularly a drink container, with such a closing device and to a food product container of which such a cover forms part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Revocan B.V.
    Inventor: Nicola Perra
  • Patent number: 7458479
    Abstract: A disclosed apparatus mounts to a wall over a standard electrical outlet and decoratively conceals electrical receptacles of the outlet with a cover that can hingedly connect to the base. The base has a number of holes that conform to the outlines of a standard electrical outlet's receptacles, which can permit electrical plugs to access the receptacles' sockets when the base is mounted to the outlet. The cover can open away from the base to expose the receptacles, through the holes in the base, and can close against the base to conceal the receptacles. Together with the base, the cover establishes a decorative theme that is visually distinct from the electrical outlet and its receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Kimberly A. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080277020
    Abstract: A bottle assembly is provided and includes a body portion defining a cavity therein; a top lid assembly selectively connectable to an upper end of the body portion, the top lid assembly includes a selectively deployable and retractable spout, wherein when the spout is in a deployed condition a fluid path is opened into the cavity of the body portion and when the spout is in a retracted condition the fluid path into the cavity of the body portion is closed; a trigger assembly operatively associated with the top lid assembly for selectively moving the spout between a deployed and a retracted condition; and a bottom lid assembly selectively connectable to a bottom end of the body portion, the bottom lid assembly including a valve assembly configured and adapted to open and close a fluid path into the cavity of the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: David Mitchell Windmiller
  • Patent number: 7445116
    Abstract: A sharps disposable container (10) comprises a base (12) having a bottom wall (23) and a sidewall extending upwardly therefrom defining a receptacle. A top having an aperture (42) therethrough is connected to an upper portion (16) of the sidewall. A closure (48) is hingedly connected to the top and capable of moving from an open position which allows access to the aperture and a closed position wherein the closure releasably engages the top. A gripping tab (54) is hingedly connected to the closure and projects upwardly from the closure when the closure is in the closed position and releasably engages the top. The closure can be permanently locked to the top by pivoting the gripping tab in a downwardly position and moving the closure to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: John Dansaert, Ken Stark
  • Publication number: 20080246196
    Abstract: [SUMMARY] [Object] To provide a container that, even when an openable lid is made larger, can be easily opened and closed in high safety level. [Means for Solving] A container includes a container main body that has a first opening in an upper portion and can store a molten metal, a first lid that can cover the first opening and is rotatably disposed in a horizontal direction against the first opening, a pressurized gas introducing port for introducing a pressurized gas into the container main body and a flow path that supplies the molten metal stored inside of the container main body outside thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Hoei Shokai Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20080245792
    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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Shin-Jai Chou
  • Publication number: 20080230543
    Abstract: A closure for a container having a mouth wherein the closure is adapted for sealable connection to the mouth of the container and includes an end wall at the upper end of the skirt for closing the mouth when the closure is mounted to the container. The closure includes an opening in the end wall for dispensing a product held by the container and a first flap that has at least one flap aperture that is smaller than the opening. The first flap is adapted for selectively opening and closing the opening. A second flap is adapted for overlaying the first flap and includes a first state wherein one or more of the flap apertures in the first flap are open and a second state wherein the flap apertures in the first flap are sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: C.A.P.S.
    Inventor: James Kick
  • Publication number: 20080217334
    Abstract: A closure having a spout, and a container using such a closure are disclosed. The closure is formed of a paperboard panel surrounded by a plastic resin skirt formed around the panel in a mold. The spout is integrally molded with the skirt and is attached to an interior surface of the panel by a hinge. The spout has a floor and sides connected to the floor by hinges. The floor is positioned adjacent to a separable portion of the panel defined by perforations. Separation of the separable portion from the panel creates an opening. The floor of the spout is pivoted through the opening. The panel edges defining the opening contact the sides and force them to pivot toward the floor and form the spout. The container may be closed by pivoting the floor back toward the opening, the sides entering the interior of the container beneath the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Double "H" Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Harp, Thomas M. Whitlock, Thomas J. Ballock
  • Patent number: 7416093
    Abstract: A container having a controlled-opening lid includes a container body with an open end providing access to an interior space configured and dimensioned for receiving user-supplied contents, and a lid member configured and dimensioned to cover the open end of the container body when in a first position and permit access to the interior space when in a second position. A hinge is configured to move the lid member from the first position to the second position, the hinge including at least one damping mechanism for damping a biasing force provided by the hinge when the lid member moves from the first position to the second position. The container may be a beverage container or a physician's desk container for storing medical implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Punch Products USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Yvonne Song Lin, Douglas Bruce Winner
  • Publication number: 20080142520
    Abstract: A dual compartment container, such as a drink bottle, including a container body as a primary compartment for receiving and storing matter, having a mouth, a base and a side wall. The sidewall is substantially cylindrical except for a portion of the side wall that is indented into the container body that forms a recess on the outer surface of the container body. The dual compartment container also has an arcuate rotating cover structured and arranged to rotate from an open position, overlying an arcuate portion of the side wall, to a closed position, overlying the recessed portion of the side wall. The auxiliary side compartment is formed in the recess on the outside of the side wall between the side wall and the rotating cover. The rotating cover is guided in its rotation between the open and closed positions by a channel and following member. Preferably, a locking mechanism is included to lock the rotating cover in open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Linda S. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7387216
    Abstract: A wiping cap closure device used for removing the non-calibrated residue fluid attached to the outside surface of a pipette tip during the fluid transfer from a container. The wiping cap is constructed using a conical shaped resilient wiper section extending to a conical tip. The conical shaped wiper section is configured to include at least one helical formed slot extending from said conical tip forming at least one wiping finger. The wiping finger is resiliently held against the outside surface of the pipette tip inserted therethrough during the fluid transfer. The wiping finger provides squeegee like means to remove all of the non-calibrated residue fluid inadvertently attached to the outside surface of the tip as the pipette tip is withdrawn from the container leaving the non-calibrated residue fluid within the container for further evaluations or tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Patent number: 7374053
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating dispensing closure includes a closure body, and an associated flip-top lid pivotally connected to the closure body for movement between a closed position and an open position. The flip-top lid includes a tamper-indicating flange frangibly connected thereto, with the closure body including a pocket-like retention cavity within which the tamper-indicating flange is received during initial closing movement of the flip-top lid. During initial opening movement of the lid, the tamper-indicating flange is broken away from the flip-top lid, and thereafter permanently retained within the retention cavity to provide a clear, visual indication that the flip-top lid of the closure has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Coy M. Herald, Ramesh Kamath, David A. Szasz
  • Publication number: 20080110887
    Abstract: A plastic resealable closure includes a base plate affixed to a can, a middle plate having a plug, and a top plate having a support ring. The support ring expands or supports the plug to enhance sealing. The top plate includes prongs that are insertable into recesses on the base plate to enhance closing. The closure is applied without heating of the tool or the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Alexandre Paris
  • Publication number: 20080110942
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) is provided with a peripheral wall or closure body (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) for extending from a container. In one form of the system, at least one lid (61 or 62/61A or 62A/61B or 62B/61D or 62D) includes a latch post (130D) for being received in a latch aperture (120D) in a rim (44D) of the peripheral wall (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) to increase the opening resistance of the lid. In another form of the system, two lids (61 and 62/61A and 62A/61B and 62B/61D and 62D) are molded with the body (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) as a unitary structure, and the lids are closable over two openings (51, 52/51A, 52A/51B, 52B/51C,52C/51D,52D).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Cori M. Blomdahl, Nicholas J. Jelich, James W. Hammond, Travis J. Hoepner
  • Publication number: 20080078763
    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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Robert T. Auer
  • Publication number: 20080073311
    Abstract: A closure is provided for a container opening. The closure includes a body for mounting to the container and a lid movable between a closed position and an open position. The rear end of the lid and body are connected by a hinge. The lid is disposed in a recess defined in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Jelich, Alan P. Hickok, Kurt N. Behrendt, John Ryan Kenny
  • Publication number: 20080073346
    Abstract: A unitary splash-proof beverage lid for engagement with a cup rim having a well with a drinking hole, a plug, optionally with a drinking hole, whereby said plug is rotatably connected by a pair of support arms to the lid in a friction fit relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Zuares, Robert M. Schwartz, Tony Licari
  • Publication number: 20080053997
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing food product containers, in particular drink containers, comprising: a sealing element adapted to engage on a wall of a food product 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 food product container provided with such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: BOUND2B B.V.
    Inventor: Antonio Giuseppe Perra
  • Publication number: 20080041809
    Abstract: A closure device for use at the opening of a drinking vessel, comprises a body for connection to the drinking vessel at the opening, and a valve comprising a valve member supported by the body for movement relative to the body, between an inner open position allowing flow of liquid from inside to outside of the drinking vessel through the opening and an outer closed position sealing the opening. A spring resiliently biases the valve member towards the closed position. The valve member has an internal passage through which liquid from inside the drinking vessel may flow out of the drinking vessel when the valve member is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Tat Kit Shek
  • Publication number: 20070295726
    Abstract: My invention is an improvement on a two piece can end that will not have a pull Tab on it; on like the ones being used today on beverage cans such as beer, pop or any other product that my improvement can be applied to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond J. Collins
  • Publication number: 20070289936
    Abstract: A closure includes a shell of relatively rigid plastic material having a deck and a peripheral skirt, at least one recessed shoulder in the deck adjacent to the skirt, and a plurality of angularly spaced external channels extending along the skirt from the recess. An external feature of flexible resilient second plastic material different from the first plastic material is integrally molded onto the shell within the recessed shoulder and the channels. By way of example only, the shell may be of polypropylene material and the external feature may be of thermoplastic elastomer material. Lock elements, such as openings in the deck recessed shoulder and/or pegs in the skirt channels, cooperate with the external feature molded onto the shell to retain the external feature on the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Darin M. Pugne
  • Patent number: 7299940
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is open and alterable such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Patent number: 7278546
    Abstract: A removable cover assembly for a refuse container has a frame with pivotable plastic covers and retractable hoisting pins, which can be utilized using the same hoisting apparatus as is used for the refuse container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Williams
  • Patent number: 7258255
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes a base having a first end configured for mounting on a container and a second end enclosed by a top portion. The container includes a first projection extending from an outside wall. The top portion includes a platform having at least one opening for dispensing material from the container. At least one flap is coupled to the top portion and movable between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. A second projection extends from an inside wall of the base toward the top portion and is configured to coact with the first projection on the outside of the container, so that the closure is configured to resist separation from the container once the closure has been attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Vogel, Terrence M. Parve
  • Patent number: 7258233
    Abstract: This invention relates to a package for packing a wiper blade for a vehicle. The package is constituted of upper and lower cases, in which the upper case is partly opened from and closed again to the lower case. Thus, the package can be conveniently used again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byoung-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 7255241
    Abstract: A straw adapter 2 is removably disposed in the opening of a beverage container 1, and a straw 22 is attached to the straw adapter 2. A straw cap 12 is mounted on the straw adapter 2, for covering the straw attached to the straw adapter 2. Operations of the straw cap 12 opens and closes an air hole opening/closing valve 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yoneoka, Kazunao Ogura, Momoe Kigushi
  • Publication number: 20070170191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for solids or liquid and a method of opening a container. The container comprises a hollow body which holds the contents and a closure which cooperates with the body to close the container. The closure comprises an opening member which is movable from a retracted position to an opening position in which the closure can be opened. The container further comprises a locking member for securing the opening member, the locking member being movable between a locking position in which the opening member is kept secured in the retracted position and an unlocked position in which the opening member is movable into the opening position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Lars Arvidsson, Lena Axelson-Larsson, Maria Benktzon, Thomas Nilsson, Ulrika Vejbrink
  • Patent number: 7246716
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid for placement onto the rim of a drinking cup has a cover portion having a drinking access port and a condiment opening, a rim portion, a reclosable and tearable fold-back condiment tab, a hinge, a post and a recess. The cup lid is structured in such a manner that when the condiment opening is not in use, the condiment opening is reclosable by the condiment tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Amhil Enterprises
    Inventor: Terry Durdon
  • Patent number: 7195137
    Abstract: A self-return teeter tauter lid assembly (10) includes a cap (12), a release lever (14) and a spring (16) operatively coupled thereto. The cap (12) has a self-gripping handle (18), a top face (20), a sip and vent ports (22), (24) integrally formed in the top face (20). The release lever (14) is detachably and pivotally coupled to the cap (12) about pivot points (28), (29) and is moveable between a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. The release lever (14) has a thumb pad (26) on first side of the pivot point (28), (29) and a sip and vent plugs (30), (32) on a second side of the pivot points (28), (29). The sip and vent plugs (30), (32) seal the sip and vent ports (22), (24) in the sealed configuration. The spring (16) urges the release lever (14) to the sealed configuration, whereby a user applying force between the thumb pad (26) and the self-gripping handle (18) achieves the unsealed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Niko Designs, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 7175042
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid for placement onto the rim of a drinking cup is provided. The cup lid comprises a cover portion having a drinking access port and a condiment opening, a rim portion, and a flexible arm having a sealing member. The cup lid is structured in such a manner that when the condiment opening is not in use, the condiment opening is sealably closed by the sealing member of the flexible arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Amhill Enterprises
    Inventor: Terry Durdon
  • Patent number: 7165695
    Abstract: A container is specially configured to enable a user to withdraw stored fasteners such as nails, screws, bolts, and the like. The device includes a receptacle base having a bottom wall and a continuous side wall that can be somewhat squared in shape. The receptacle base could be cylindrically shaped, oval shaped, or any other selected shape in plan view. A lid removably attaches to the side wall at the wall upper edge, the lid including a lid front section and a lid rear section. A hinge enables the front lid section to rotate about a hinge axis of rotation between closed an open positions. Each lid section has a raised portion that includes a plurality of inclined surfaces that define frictionally engaging correspondingly shaped socket and projecting portions that interlock when the front lid section is opened. An interference fit or frictional fit generated by the engaged socket and projecting portions holds the front lid section in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Primesource Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Kwang Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 7134566
    Abstract: A lid for a container holding a flowable substance has an annular top wall. A side wall depends from the top wall, and has a mounting portion for connecting the lid on the container. The top wall has an opening that is adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid. The top wall also has a retaining member. The lid further has a closure member positioned on the mounting portion. The closure member is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the closure member is received in the opening in the first position and at least a portion of the closure member is received in the retaining member in the second position. The opening and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the opening. The retaining member and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Dawn Ellen Huston, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Stephen William Sullivan, Rich Matthiew Chin, Mohammed Maqsood Ahmed, John Stewart Gitschlag, David Raymond Langelan, Rajendra Ranjitbhai Chauhan, William Edward Hurst, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Brian Norman Clarke
  • Patent number: 7134569
    Abstract: A tear-back drink-through lid for a drinking cup sealingly engages the drinking cup at an annular mounting portion with a downwardly extending annular skirt. The tear-back section extends from the inner skirt to a hinge and has an outwardly extending raised protrusion. When the tear-back section is torn away from the lid and pivoted about the hinge, the raised protrusion is frictionally engaged by the end walls of the recess and retained within the recess. The recess further includes a straw slot formed therein defined by two sloping converging sidewalls extending from the upper surface the lid at different angles to form a frangible juncture at the deepest portion of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Freek, Michael G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7131551
    Abstract: A lid for a container holding a flowable substance wherein the lid has a body with a top wall, a side wall, and a mounting portion for connecting the lid on the container. The body has a drink opening and at least one retaining member positioned in the top wall in various positions with respect to the drink opening. The lid further has a closure member that is movable between a first position wherein a portion of the closure member is received in the opening, and a second position wherein a portion of the closure member is received in the retaining member. The opening and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the opening. The retaining member and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    Inventor: Stephen Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 7131550
    Abstract: A lid for a food storage container includes a lid body with a vacuum sense opening and a vent opening extending through the lid body, a releasable cover disposed over the vent opening, and a pressure-indicating protrusion. The cover impedes air flow into the container through the vent opening until the cover is released. The pressure-indicating protrusion, which has a cavity in it, is in hydraulic communication with the container through the vacuum sense opening. The pressure-indicating protrusion contracts toward the vacuum sense opening in response to negative container pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Montserrat Vilalta, Jose Millan, Juan Carlos Coronado, Mariano Penaranda, Antonio Rebordosa, Sergi Gili, Robert Rafols
  • Patent number: 7100806
    Abstract: A condiment shaker includes a flip top lid having pins configured to travel through dispensing openings in the shaker top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sure Shake, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Schuster, Daniel J. Reed
  • Patent number: 7097065
    Abstract: A straw adapter 2 is removably disposed in the opening of a beverage container 1, and a straw 22 is attached to the straw adapter 2. A straw cap 12 is mounted on the straw adapter 2, for covering the straw attached to the straw adapter 2. Operations of the straw cap 12 opens and closes an air hole opening/closing valve 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yoneoka, Kazunao Ogura, Momoe Kigushi
  • Patent number: 7083103
    Abstract: A device and method for collecting data from a beverage container. The device is comprised of a drink sleeve or beverage container with at least one question and answer cell, the question and answer cell having a question and response portion. When a user is given the device, he or she responds to at least one question presented and returns the device for data analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Mark D. Hull
  • Patent number: 7063224
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid for a beverage cup. The lid has a generally annular side wall, a rib depending from the side wall, and a top wall extending radially inward from the side wall. The lid further includes a central region positioned radially inward of the top wall. The central region has a well with a notched portion. The lid also includes a projection extending from a portion of the side wall. A living hinge formed by a line of weakness at the base of the projection permits the projection to pivot between an open position and a closed position. The central region has a shoulder portion that engages the tip of the projection to secure the projection in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Norman Clarke, Peter Robert Wills, Nigel Frank Taylor
  • Patent number: 7059490
    Abstract: A beverage can lid (10) is provided with an articulated neck (15) which can be lifted after partly tearing a closure seal (13) to drink the beverage contained in the can and which can be then folded down together with the seal so as to close hermetically the can to preserve the remaining part of the beverage for subsequent consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Son
  • Patent number: 7051772
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel filler warning indicator for warning or reminding a user about to add fuel to a tank that only a particular type of fuel is to be used. It includes a flap portion or panel, which may include indicia, that is normally biased or disposed into a position that requires it to be manually displaced before the fuel filler cap can be removed or a fuel nozzle inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Richard J. Dillon
  • Patent number: 7051894
    Abstract: A dispensing container is formed from a toroidal-shaped body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposing outer and inner sidewalls defining a hollow interior and a central void. A lid having a tab portion hinged to an actuator portion covers part of the top surface of the body and is dimensioned to cover the aperture. The actuator is depressable to cause the tab portion to pivot away from the aperture, thereby allowing one to dispense the contents present in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Robert Cregg Barnes, Scott Lee Fisher, Donald Allan Scott, David John Jochem