Having Structure To Stack Or Nest When Not In Use Patents (Class 220/380)
  • Publication number: 20090120939
    Abstract: A cover for a container fits with a sliding air tight fit over the container body. A cover air release valve allows escape of air from the container when removing and installing the cover to create a vacuum seal fit. A handle positioned adjacent to the air release valve enables a user to remove and install the cover with a single hand gripping the handle and pressing the air release valve. Protrusions extending from opposite sides of the container sleeve engage mating L-shaped openings in a bottom edge of the cover to lock the cover in place. Special dual sided cradles engage a top of a vacuum sealed container below each cradle and a bottom of a vacuum sealed container above each cradle so that a series of cradles are used to vertically stack a number of vacuum sealed containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Jui-Te Wang, Jordan S. Tarlow
  • Publication number: 20090095754
    Abstract: A stackable cover for a container includes a central portion, a peripheral portion, at two recesses, and an opening. The peripheral portion is formed on a peripheral of the central portion. Each of the recess is formed on a top surface of the central portion with a corresponding protruding part formed on a bottom surface of the central portion. At least one protrusion is formed on a side wall of the recess. The opening is formed on a side edge of the peripheral portion and the central portion. The bottom surface of a stackable cover matches the top surface of another stackable cover, wherein the protruding part of the former stackable cover is engaged into the recess of the later the stackable cover, two or more stackable are capable of being stacked and conveniently stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: THUNDER GROUP INC.
    Inventor: Jin-Fung Ralph Liu
  • Patent number: 7510096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-layered container, including a cover (10), with a plurality of first locking projections (15), and a plurality of container bodies (20) having a plurality of locking flaps (23). Each of the plurality of locking flaps (23) rotatably extends from each of predetermined portions of the circumferential outer surface of the container body (20), with a locking hole (24) provided on the locking flap (23). The multi-layered container further includes an intermediate lid (30) provided between the cover (10) and an uppermost container body (20) or between the container bodies (20). The intermediate lid (30) has a plate-shaped part (31), a coupling part (32) bent into a channel-shape while extending from an edge of the plate-shaped part (31), and a plurality of coupling flanges (35) extending downward from predetermined portions of the coupling part (32), with a second locking projection (25) provided on an end of each of the plurality of coupling flanges (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Korea Alphaline Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soo Chang Wang
  • Publication number: 20090045209
    Abstract: A universal lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers, has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The boxed perimeter may have a predetermined height such as approximately one inch, and the lid is provided with hinge lugs having a vertical extent substantially more but not more than twice than said predetermined height. In addition, the lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions. With this type of lid, the advantages of both single layer and double layer lid constructions may be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20090020531
    Abstract: A lid includes a grip member (3) capable of being at least in a stacked state wherein it does not prevent stacking of the lid with another similar lid, and a gripping state wherein it has a released surface for gripping the lid. The lid includes at least one elastic member (14) moving the grip member (3) from its stacked state to its gripping state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SEB SA
    Inventor: Pascal Cuillery
  • Publication number: 20090008393
    Abstract: A pair of nestable caps are disclosed, each of the caps being sized and shaped to provide a protective union about a separated medical connector. The pair comprises a male cap and a female cap, each of which is configured to be adjoined to a complimentary cap to form a nested pair. The nested pair is sealed until separated for use, thereby maintaining sterility of the internal surfaces of the nested pair. One of the caps may have a fluid chamber joined thereto filled with medicine or antiseptic. The cap can have a channel extending therethrough to provide fluid communication between the fluid chamber and a fluid pathway. The fluid chamber can be adapted to diffuse the fluid into the fluid pathway over time, or the fluid chamber can be adapted to evacuate the fluid out of the fluid chamber without reflux.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Michael W. Howlett, James V. Mercer
  • Patent number: 7413100
    Abstract: A universal lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers, has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The boxed perimeter may have a predetermined height such as approximately one inch, and the lid is provided with hinge lugs having a vertical extent substantially more but not more than twice than said predetermined height. In addition, the lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions. With this type of lid, the advantages of both single layer and double layer lid constructions may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7380685
    Abstract: Containers, lids, and sleeve structures are disclosed. Particularly, sleeve structures configured for insulating, stabilizing, or both insulating and stabilizing a container are disclosed. Further, a sleeve structure including a plurality of circumferentially adjacent, longitudinally extending sections and a sleeve structure including one or more frustoconical regions are disclosed. Containers, lids, and sleeve structures including at least one stabilizing feature are disclosed. Assemblies including a lower container, associated lid and sleeve structure, wherein at least one of the lower container, the lid, or the sleeve structure includes at least one stabilizing feature for engaging at least a portion of a sleeve structure associated with an upper container, wherein the upper container is positioned longitudinally above and is substantially aligned or centered with respect to a lower container, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Simmons, Jack Simmons, John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7337917
    Abstract: A seal for a container, the seal having a base panel with multiple upwardly projecting protuberances on the base panel spaced so as to define recesses complementary to the protuberances for reception of the protuberances within the recesses of a duplicate inverted seal and for selective interlocking engagement of the seals to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Hanno Kortleven
  • Patent number: 7314148
    Abstract: Containers, lids, and sleeve structures are disclosed. Particularly, sleeve structures configured for insulating, stabilizing, or both insulating and stabilizing a container are disclosed. Further, a sleeve structure including a plurality of circumferentially adjacent, longitudinally extending sections and a sleeve structure including one or more frustoconical regions are disclosed. Containers, lids, and sleeve structures including at least one stabilizing feature are disclosed. Assemblies including a lower container, associated lid and sleeve structure, wherein at least one of the lower container, the lid, or the sleeve structure includes at least one stabilizing feature for engaging at least a portion of a sleeve structure associated with an upper container, wherein the upper container is positioned longitudinally above and is substantially aligned or centered with respect to a lower container, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Simmons, Jack Simmons, John M. Simmons, Tom M. Simmons, David M. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7311218
    Abstract: There is provided a re-closable closure for a container, wherein the re-closable closure includes a tamper-evident band that provides a stacking surface and stacking step for the stacking of another container and that provides clearance for a membrane lid to seal the opening of the container. The tamper-evident band is connected to a central portion of the closure by a frangible connecting member. The tamper-evident band engages a top edge of the container to connect the closure to the container. After the band has been removed from the central portion and the membrane lid has been removed from the container, the central portion may be connected to the container to re-close the opening of the container. The central portion includes a plug portion that fits into the opening to reseal the container after the initial opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Krishnaraju Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 7100791
    Abstract: A trash container with a lid is emptied by a mechanical lifting device. A latch bar is provided that is engaged by the lift when the container is inverted. The latch bar is mounted in openings on both sides of a wide recess on the front wall of the container. The outer ends of the latch bar extend through the openings into the inside of the container and are accommodated with a clearance portion of a lower stacked container when the containers are stacked together for shipment. The lid is initially assembled in an open position with the lid hanging down vertically. After closing the lid for the first time by rotation of the lid through 270°, a hinge stop prevents the lid from being rotated back to the original position. The hinge stop supports the lid in an open position that is rotated about 110° from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Buckhorn, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Berger
  • Patent number: 7097063
    Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Edward Tucker, Al Savicki
  • Patent number: 7097066
    Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Edward Tucker, Al Savicki
  • Patent number: 7059476
    Abstract: A first construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention is provided with an engaging cut-out corner portion which is formed by cutting a corner portion of a table-like flat portion which is arranged diagonally with respect to a-cut-out corner portion. A second construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention is provided with a pawl engaging protruding portion which is formed on a step-like peripheral edge portion above a cut-out portion. In a third construction of a tray for electronic parts according to the present invention, when two trays are stacked up so that the top faces thereof face each other, an engaging first-shaped protrusion which is formed around a predetermined pocket of one tray engages an engaging second-shaped protrusion which is formed around a predetermined pocket of the other tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Kunii, Koji Koga, Reikichi Hatori
  • Patent number: 7017775
    Abstract: A selectively detachable container lid includes a center panel and a peripheral sealing lip surrounding the panel. The peripheral sealing lip has a generally inverted U-shaped cross section so as to define a channel into which a bowl rim fits. The lid also includes at least one ridge formed between the panel and the peripheral sealing lip. The ridge is interrupted by at least one gap. The ridge and the peripheral sealing lip partially overlap when viewed in a direction substantially normal to the panel. The ridge also abuts the bowl when the lid is placed loosely on the bowl. Also disclosed is a container that includes such a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Zettle, David A. Smith, Donald E. Hodge, Eric Schaper, Peter T. Evers
  • Patent number: 6968972
    Abstract: A universal lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers, has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The boxed perimeter may have a predetermined height such as approximately one inch, and the lid is provided with hinge lugs having a vertical extent substantially more but not more than twice than said predetermined height. In addition, the lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions. With this type of lid, the advantages of both single layer and double layer lid constructions may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6883678
    Abstract: A food container sealing structure is constructed to include a container body having a peripheral coupling flange, and a cover having a peripheral coupling flange coupled to the coupling flange of the container body to seal the container body, the coupling flange of the container body having endless concave portions respectively formed in horizontal section and vertical section thereof, the coupling flange of the cover having endless convex portions respectively formed in horizontal section and vertical section thereof and respectively engaged into the endless concave portions of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Hsin-Hung Chou
  • Patent number: 6840398
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic receptacle having a lid (1). The receptacle includes an upper edge and the lid (1) includes an area (2) encompassing the upper edge. The area (2) includes a side (3) which radially faces inwards. The lid also includes a middle area (4) surrounded by the first area (2) and an outer area (5) extending downwards. Furthermore, the lid (1) is provided with box-shaped projections (6) on its side (3) which radially faces inwards. The aim of the invention is to achieve better centering and better stability of the stacked-up receptacles having lids (1) by maintaining a low stack height of the lids (1). To this end, the side (3) of the lid (1) which faces radially inwards has a surrounding terracing (7) which has approximately the same width as the projections (6) and the projections (6) are arranged on the terracing (7) and extend to the upper edge of the encompassing area (2) of the lid (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Jokey Plastik Wipperfurth GmbH
    Inventor: Marcus Blumenschein
  • Patent number: 6685049
    Abstract: An injection molded closure is provided for containers that can hold cold products or the like, such as dairy products. The closure is made with a thin wall construction of 0.020 inch or less to provide a lightweight, inexpensive closure. The preferred closure is made of polypropylene with flared skirt walls that are not toed-in. The closures are supported in the stack by radially inner and outer stacking surfaces. The skirt walls are spaced slightly apart, when the closures are stacked, for example, with a 0.002 inch air gap between the skirt walls when perfectly centered with the skirt walls aiding in self-centering of the closures within the stack. An air vent may be provided to allow escape of air between nested, adjacent closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Landis Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Joseph Paladino
  • Publication number: 20030209557
    Abstract: A universal lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers, has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The boxed perimeter may have a predetermined height such as approximately one inch, and the lid is provided with hinge lugs having a vertical extent substantially more but not more than twice than said predetermined height. In addition, the lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions. With this type of lid, the advantages of both single layer and double layer lid constructions may be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6604647
    Abstract: A container includes first and second intersecting surfaces, and has at least one tearstrip opening to permit access to the contents of the container. The opening is positioned substantially at the intersection of those surfaces to permit drainage of substantially all of the contents of the container through the opening formed upon tearing of the tearstrip. Where the intersection is formed by a lid and a container wall, the lid has an outermost edge and the opening is positioned sufficiently near to the outermost edge to permit the desired drainage but also either does not tear the outermost edge (because the opening is sufficiently inwardly from the outermost edge) or does not destroy the hoop strength of a downwardly-depending hoop flange formed at the outermost edge. A plurality of such tearstrips may be provided and may be spaced from each other to provide pouring and/or venting in a variety of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 6523713
    Abstract: A lid and a container using the lid are disclosed, the lid having a central panel of paperboard with a resilient plastic skirt joined about its perimeter. A metal foil membrane having heat activated adhesive layers is attached to the lid and the rim of the container by inductive heating. Detents project from an inside surface of the skirt and cooperate with the rim on the container to hold the lid in an open position. A stacking lip extends from the skirt and interfits within an identical lid to allow the lids to be stacked for shipment. A hinge extends transversely across the central panel and divides the lid into movable and fixed portions. Weakened regions on the skirt separate when the lid is opened and provide evidence of potential tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Double “H” Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Helms
  • Patent number: 6478183
    Abstract: A lightweight overcap for a cylindrical container that requires substantially less material. The material savings is realized by the use of thinner walls and intermittent closure, nesting and stacking structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bacon, Adrienne N. Lynn, Lawrence E. Renck
  • Patent number: 6467681
    Abstract: A transportation container used for transportation of products includes a generally box-shaped body and a lid attached to the body. The body has a plurality of side walls and a bottom. The body has an open upper end with two pairs of corners. The side walls are inclined downwardly inward so that a cross-sectional area of the container is gradually decreased from the upper end to the bottom. The lid of one container is placed inside the body so as to support the bottom of another container and so as to define a space between the bottoms of the one and another containers when the another container is fitted into the one container to be put one upon the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Tsusho Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoyoshi Mori
  • Publication number: 20020148845
    Abstract: A selectively detachable container lid includes a center panel and a peripheral sealing lip surrounding the panel. The peripheral sealing lip has a generally inverted U-shaped cross section so as to define a channel into which a bowl rim fits. The lid also includes at least one ridge formed between the panel and the peripheral sealing lip. The ridge is interrupted by at least one gap. The ridge and the peripheral sealing lip partially overlap when viewed in a direction substantially normal to the panel. The ridge also abuts the bowl when the lid is placed loosely on the bowl. Also disclosed is a container that includes such a lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: JEFFREY J. ZETTLE, DAVID A. SMITH, DONALD E. HODGE, ERIC SCHAPER, PETER T. EVERS
  • Patent number: 6454118
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a pile-up lid each having an upper wall (1) and an element (2) arranged around the perimeter of said upper wall (1) and which forms a lip (3) protruding above said upper wall (1), and skirt (4) extending below said upper wall. The lid is made by a process of bringing together in a synchronous manner external sector elements (9) and internal sector element (10) in radially opposite directions so that, owing to the forced approach of the contact surfaces of the external and internal sector elements (9, 10) with said upper lip (3) of said lid interposed between them, a reeding pressure-moulding is obtained on both the inner and the outer surfaces of said upper lip (3), giving said lip (3) an outline apt to allow piling up on other similar lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Gianfranco D'Amato
  • Patent number: 6325213
    Abstract: A two part plastic container for food products is provided having a main body and a base for being attached to the bottom of the body. The body has a frustoconical sidewall with a radial bottom rim and the base has a shorter frustoconical sidewall with a radial bottom rim. The rims are advantageous in that they allow stacks of the container bodies and bases to be processed with container feeding equipment presently in use as the rims provide distinct structure for being fed by the mechanical devices of the equipment. An energy director area is provided between the rims for ultrasonically attaching the container body and base. The container body has a smooth sidewall over substantially its entire extent without indentations or bumps for maximizing the printing area thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry J. Landis, II
  • Patent number: 6308853
    Abstract: Lids (10) of a substrate material (5) having a plastic film, featuring printing (6) on the outside, with respect to a container (1) on which the lid (10) is employed, and an inward facing sealing layer (8,9), for closing the container (1) which has a shoulder region (4). The inward facing side of the substrate material (5) features the sealing layer (8,9) in the form of a printed image, and the printed image corresponds with the shoulder region (4) of the container (1) and is in the form of a series of points (12). The printed image (12) which forms the sealing layer (8,9) and the printed pattern (12) may be deposited in the same printing machine in which the printing (6) on the substrate layer takes place. The printed image (11) enables easy removal of the lids (10) individually from a stack of lids in the packaging machine without having to depend on embossing of the lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management, Ltd.
    Inventor: Wilfried Jud
  • Patent number: 6284966
    Abstract: A power sphere preferably used as part of a nanosatellite is formed using a plurality of flat panels solar arrays interconnected together by rotating hinges to approximate a spherical shape for use as an enclosure of a payload. The solar array panels are supported by an extending internal strut. The spherical shape provides attitude insensitive solar energy collection and heat radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Simburger, David A. Hinkley, Ernest Y. Robinson, David G. Gilmore, Jon V. Osborn
  • Patent number: 6213329
    Abstract: A container lid including for holding a painting implement suspended above or in a liquid such as paint. The container lid includes a container engaging periphery for engaging the periphery of the container. A lid web extends between the container engaging periphery and an handle receiving aperture which passes through the lid web. The handle of the painting implement is gripped from above the handle receiving aperture. The handle of the painting implement is gripped between two opposed walls extending upwardly of the lid web which are held in a substantially fixed position relative to one another by sides, the opposed walls are spaced apart to an extent that they exert a clamping effect on the handle of the painting implement when inserted therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Dobson
  • Patent number: 6209748
    Abstract: A device for positioning a plurality of objects on a cup is provided comprising a lid having a top surface wherein the lid is adapted to be removably attached to the cup and a region integrally molded with the top surface so as to removably confine the objects to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Lee Wayne Dunbar
  • Patent number: 6200663
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a packaging element comprising a supporting material fitted, on its face turned opposite the package, with a layer presenting a marking area and, on its face turned to the package, with a rough surface coating. The coating roughness has a depth of 1 to 100 &mgr;m, which can be obtained by using granulous filling material. The rough surface packaging element is suited as a covering element, including for yoghurt, as well as in the production of labels for bottle finishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Teich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wilhelm Zuser, Lambert Nekula, Franz Reiterer
  • Patent number: 6119890
    Abstract: A cylindrical can cover to be mounted onto an opening of the can is disclosed, which includes a top plate and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the peripheral margin of the top plate. The top plate is divided into two parts, one part being stationary on the opening of the can and including a scraper extending across the top plate and extending downwardly from the underside of the top plate, and the other part being swingable up and down and including a folding line extending along the scraper across the top plate. The peripheral wall includes a sealing band connected at a thinner wall portion and having its bottom end extending laterally, and a detachable part extending vertically at each of positions corresponding to opposite ends of the folding line extending to the peripheral edge of the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Nihon Seikan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seizi Kawamata
  • Patent number: 5996837
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a lid having an annular mounting portion, an annular trough region positioned radially inward of the annular mounting portion, an annular side wall extending upwardly from an inner periphery of the annular trough region to an annular ridge adjacent said annular side wall, and a crown region is set forth. The apparatus includes a forming die having an upper surface of a configuration conforming to the configuration of the lid, a forming ring for aiding in the forming of the lid, a positioning device for positioning the thermoformable sheet material adjacent the upper surface of the forming die between the forming die and the forming ring and a drive mechanism for lowering the forming ring into contact with the sheet material. The method includes contacting that portion of the sheet material which forms a lowermost region of the lid with the forming ring so as to carry the material down into the lowermost region of the forming die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Alan Freek, Scott Goodyear, Jack Patel
  • Patent number: 5881880
    Abstract: A container lid has a top wall with a series of recessed areas that include therewithin a plurality of geometrical projections and a bottom wall that displays a plurality of recesses complementary in shape to the projections of the top wall whereby identically shaped lids may be stacked or cross-stacked in nested condition with the projections of one lid being received in the corresponding recesses of a superposed lid. The lid is adapted to be affixed to a container having four side pieces and a bottom piece, the configuration of the lid allowing a stacking or cross-stacking arrangement of lid-covered containers with their side pieces in the erected position as well as the stacking or cross-stacking of lid-covered containers with their side pieces in an inwardly folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: IPL, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Jacques, Roch Nolet
  • Patent number: 5875915
    Abstract: A composite closure for a container having a ring shaped cap with a ring shaped top and an annular skirt depending downwardly from the outer periphery of the top. The skirt is provided with internal threads for engaging external threads on the container neck. A disk shaped lid insert has its outer peripheral edge annularly received in an annular internal lid retaining groove in the cap which permits relative rotation between the lid insert and the threaded cap. An elastic annular seal is received in an annular groove provided in the bottom side of the lid insert for sealing the upper edge of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Lobo Containers, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Gary Bradshaw, Thomas Triner
  • Patent number: 5839603
    Abstract: The present invention provides a peel-top flexible plastic closure to be formed by injection molding. The closure of the present invention is of reduced weight by incorporating a plurality of tapered-wall sections about the top surface of the closure. The closure of the present invention can be manufactured utilizing an injection mold having a single center gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Erie County Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Smith, Jay C. Fidorra
  • Patent number: 5794807
    Abstract: A protective cover adapted to be placed over an article of physical evidence or other object has a dome-shaped body open at one end encircled by a peripheral flange. The flange is provided with retainers operable to restrain inadvertent movement of the cover once it has been placed on a substrate in overlying relation to the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas W. Kabat
  • Patent number: 5791509
    Abstract: A thin walled lid formed of a thermoplastic material having a generally circular center portion and an outer rim portion which fits over the cup bead and includes an integral peripheral skirt which makes up the outer side wall of the lid is disclosed. Located between the rim portion and the center portion is a recess or annular trough with an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall is separated into two shelves and three vertical sections. The lower shelf serves as a receiver ring upon which the lid above rests. The short vertical section located above the receiver ring effectively prevents any lateral movement of the lid above, while the lowest wall section forms the stacking ring and generally has a negative slope toward the lid skirt. Spaced periodically around the circumference of the stacking ring are positive draft flutes which have a positive slope away from the skirt and toward the center of the lid. The recess has a generally flat bottom which connects the stacking ring to the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: James River Corporation of Virginia
    Inventors: Jonathan Edward Rush, Margaret Virginia Graver, Michael Thomas Grolemund
  • Patent number: 5692617
    Abstract: The present invention is a storable system of containers. Structurally, the present invention includes a series of vessels and corresponding covers. Each vessel is partially insertable into another vessel to configure the vessels as a vessel stack. Each cover is attachable to another cover to configure the covers as a cover stack. The cover stack and vessel stack are attachable to form a storage stack. An individual container is removable from the storage stack by removing a single vessel and the corresponding cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Kathleen Adams
  • Patent number: 5664597
    Abstract: A cover is provided for placing over an article fixed to a surface. The cover is particularly useful for covering a fire hydrant and identifying the fire hydrant in the winter months in a climate accustomed to great depths of snow which normally would cover or otherwise conceal the fire hydrant. The cover has an open end and a closed end with an interior volume formed therebetween for enclosing the fire hydrant. The cover includes a strap or the like for securing the cover to the article being covered to prevent the cover from being removed from covering the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: William A. Miskiewicz
  • Patent number: 5624053
    Abstract: A disposable drink-thru lid for a drinking cup including an annular mounting portion for sealingly engaging the drinking cup, an annular trough provided about an inner periphery of the annular mounting portion as well as an annular side wall extending upwardly from the trough to a top land in the form of an annular ridge adjacent an uppermost extremity of the annular side wall is disclosed. The top portion of the lid includes a crown region having a periphery adjacent the annular ridge wherein the annular ridge is asymmetrical having a widened region accommodating a drink-thru opening and a narrowed region diametrically opposed to the widened region of the annular ridge. Further, the periphery of the crown region lies in a first substantially horizonal plane while the annular ridge includes a substantially planar surface with this surface lying in a plane above the planed defined by the periphery of the crown region thereby forming a retaining wall for retaining a container placed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: James River Corporation of Virginia
    Inventors: Mike Freek, Raya Berkovich
  • Patent number: 5540350
    Abstract: A guard for preventing splashing or sloshing of hot or cold liquids from a drinking container with which the guard is used. The guard includes a lower disk having an outer circular rim for engaging the inner face of the side wall of the drinking container, an upper disk having an outer rim spaced from the drinking container to provide an annular passage between the upper disk and the inner face of the side wall of the drinking container with which the guard is used, a baffle interposed between the lower disk and the upper disk for functioning to baffle the beverage when the drinking container is in motion and to act as a support for supporting the upper disk from the lower disk, and a passageway is provided through the lower disk to allow passage of the beverage through the lower disk to a position above the lower disk. An upstanding handle is provided on the upper disk and a receptacle is provided on the lower disk to removably receive the handle and permit stacking of the guards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Mallory Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Daryl J. Lansky
  • Patent number: 5540349
    Abstract: A closure or lid for use with a container having an open end and a rim extending along the perimeter of the open end. The closure comprises a center portion which covers the container and an integral wall structure extending along the periphery of the center portion, the wall structure designed to attach the closure to the rim. The wall portion includes an inner wall adjacent the center portion, an outer wall spaced from the rim and a joining wall connecting the inner wall and the outer wall and forming a cavity therebetween, the rim being received into the cavity. The inner surface of the outer wall includes an inwardly extending projection which interlocks with a projection on the container rim and holds the lid onto the container. The outer wall is further provided with a plurality of slots which divide the outer wall into a plurality of separate and individual sections to allow for easy removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Bennett Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry M. Philips
  • Patent number: 5385255
    Abstract: A disposable biodegradable snap-on lid for a recappable annular walled paper container having an annular rim around its upper open end. The lid has a top wall and a depending annular skirt formed by the downward extension of the top wall. The lower portion of the skirt is turned inwardly and upwardly and defines an annular locking ring within the skirt spaced upwardly from the lower end of the downwardly open skirt. The locking ring is sized for snap-over engagement with the rim on the container to releasably secure the lid in capping relation to the container. The annular opening at the lower end of the skirt is sized to receive therein and complement the upper end portion of another lid of like kind to facilitate stacking for dispensing and packaging concepts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Sherwood Tool, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Varano, Donald Kramer
  • Patent number: 5377861
    Abstract: An injection molded closure and a container has a closure with external ribs for preventing jamming together of adjacent closures in stacked relation, and facilitating self-alignment of stacked closures. The closure has a central circular panel and a sidewall extending generally upwardly therefrom. The sidewall has upper and lower vertical portions with a lateral offset portion extending therebetween, which define a plug-like portion of the closure. Upon engagement of the closure with a container, the plug-like section is inserted into the container opening. The ribs are spaced peripherally about the outside of the closure and include an upper closure-engaging surface for contact with the rim of another closure stacked therebelow, and a lower closure-engaging surface for contact with the lateral offset portion of the other closure stacked therebelow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Landis Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Richard Landis
  • Patent number: 5366109
    Abstract: A cap for detachably enclosing an upper open end of a hollow vertical disposable container with liquid therein employs a flat horizontal disc having first and second openings disposed in spaced apart positions therein. The first opening is a pin hole. The second opening is relatively large. The disc has a peripheral socket adapted to engage the periphery of the upper end of the container in such manner that liquid cannot flow out therebetween. A hollow vertical hollow spout tapers upwardly and outwardly from the disc and has an open lower end coincident with the second opening. The spout has an upper open end defining a first slot therein, the upper end being smaller in area than the lower end. A hollow member is disposed within the spout with an upper open end coincident with the upper end of the spout, the member extending downwardly and inwardly from the upper end of the spout to a lower end horizontally aligned with the lower end of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Mary-Elizabeth Proshan
  • Patent number: 5363983
    Abstract: A cap for detachably enclosing an upper open end of a hollow vertical disposable container with liquid therein employs a flat horizontal disc having first and second openings disposed in spaced apart positions therein. The first opening is a pin hole. The second opening is relatively large. The disc has a peripheral socket adapted to engage the periphery of the upper end of the container in such manner that liquid cannot flow out. A hollow vertical hollow spout tapers upwardly from the disc with an open lower end coincident with the second opening. An open upper of the spout is smaller in area than its lower end. A member is disposed within the spout with an upper open end coincident with the upper end of the spout and extends downwardly and inwardly from the upper end of the spout. A lower end of the spout has at least one hole therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Mary-Elizabeth Proshan
  • Patent number: 5361919
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination bottle cap and stackable toy which allows the bottle caps to be accumulated and then affixed together to form various shapes and configurations, thus providing an incentive for the user to purchase a bottle having the stackable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Jorge Montalva