Having Structure To Stack Or Nest When Not In Use Patents (Class 220/380)
  • Patent number: 5335808
    Abstract: A pop-top can lid is easier to open than conventional lids, and includes a generally horizontally extending can cover plate having a peripheral rim. It also has a scored area medial of the rim. An elongated generally horizontally extending lift tab is pivotally secured to the upper surface of the plate at a pivot point medial of the rim by a rivet or the like. The tab is divided into an elongated lift arm with finger-receiving opening on one side of the rivet and a shorter drive arm on the opposite side of the rivet. The drive arm is directly over the medial portion of the scored area. A bubble integral with the plate extends upwardly therefrom in the scored area and is capable of being inverted by downward finger pressure. Then the drive arm is able to be easily rotated down thereinto, thus automatically raising the lift arm well above the plate surface so that it can easily be grasped by the fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Robert W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5294016
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved cover for a waste container composed of multiple formed cover sections, the cover sections interlock to fluid proof seal. The cover sections have a cross section which induces fluids to flow outwardly off of the cover sections, thereby preventing fluids from leaking into the material within the container. The cover sections are secured on the container by their own weight and are stackable, providing for compact storage when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: The Modern Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Will B. Crenshaw
  • Patent number: 5265752
    Abstract: A flange disc for protecting a flange having an inner annular machined surface surrounded by an outer surface with bolt holes extending through the outer surface and opening to a back surface opposing the outer surface, includes: a disc of flexible material having a size corresponding to a size of the outer surface of the flange to selectively cover the inner surface, outer surface and bolt holes, the disc defining a disc plane; and a plurality of connectors symmetrically located about a periphery of the disc at locations corresponding to at least some of the bolt holes, the connectors being integral with the disc and having, at one end, a resilient hinge portion and, at an opposite end, an engagement portion for engaging the corresponding bolt hole, the connectors rotating about the hinge portion between a transport position in which the engagement portion is in the disc plane and an engagement position in which the engagement portion is angled with respect to the disc plane for engaging the bolt hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Alliance Plastics
    Inventor: Donald C. Olson
  • Patent number: 5253758
    Abstract: A stackable device is disclosed comprising a cooking vessel with tapered sidewalls, lid halves and a handle, whereby the lid halves slidably mount to the cookware vessel and contain apertures for draining and pouring excess liquid therefrom, and whereby the lid halves contain locking channels which interlock and mate with stacking leg projections depending downwardly from the bottom surface. Whereby once the lid halves are attached to the projections of the bottom surface, one unit may be placed within the cavity of another unit for stacking to accommodate convenient packaging, storage and display. In addition, by attaching the lid halves to the bottom surface of the cooking container, lids are prevented from being lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Irving J. Bissell, II
  • Patent number: 5253781
    Abstract: A disposable volume-extending drink-through lid for hot and cold beverages that extends beyond the upper edge of a drinking cup is provided. The lid may be integrally formed by conventional thermoforming processes to include a cup engaging section, a raised volume-extending section and a drink-through section above the upper surface of the volume-extending section to allow a consumer to drink without leakage or spills beverages such as whipped cream-topped cappuccino, ice cream sodas and the like while moving or in a moving vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: James River Corporation of Virginia
    Inventors: Hubert Van Melle, Terrance N. Durdon
  • Patent number: 5248057
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a versatile double actuation lid assembly for commercial trash containers of the type having a main rear generally rectangular volume and a slanted front opening making a predetermined acute angle with respect to the horizontal. The front and rear sections of this lid have aligned lower edge surfaces for resting on the edges of the containers front openings. Each of the lid sections is formed of two spaced layers of plastic material. A means for pivotally actuating the lid sections together, including hinge lugs on each lid section extending towards the other, a pivot bar extending through openings in these hinge lugs, and an actuating lever for pivotally actuating the lid sections together. The clearance angle between the upper surfaces of the front and rear lid sections is sufficient so that the lid may be opened to a stable position slightly beyond the vertical while the rear lid section remains fully closed, for the deposit of small items of trash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5213230
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing the surface of contents of a container comprises a disc-like member having a central portion and a flexible perimeter and having a centrally located upstanding hollow handle having a purge valve at the upper end thereof. The purge valve has a closed position for preventing egress of air upwardly through said hollow handle and an open position to permit free passage of air therethrough. The disc-like member is contoured to correspond with the shape of the interior plan of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventor: Dean Kral
  • Patent number: 5184720
    Abstract: A sharps collector comprising a container for holding, storing, and disposing syringes. The sharps collector includes a disposable receptacle and a decorative cover. The receptacle preferably has two elongated apertures and chutes associated with each aperture. The chutes are designed to guide syringes into the receptacle once the syringes pass through an aperture. The chutes also obstruct syringes which are already contained in the receptacle from protruding or re-emerging out of the receptacle. The decorative cover is reusable and fits over and attaches to the receptacle. When the cover is attached to the receptacle, it conceals the apertures and chutes of the receptacle. The cover includes an elongated aperture through which a shuttle is accessed. The shuttle directs syringes to the concealed apertures and chutes of the receptacle. The syringes to be disposed are placed in the shuttle and the shuttle is manually shifted such that a syringe is pushed towards an aperture and chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Med-Safe Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Packer, Rex O. Bare, Richard Shillington
  • Patent number: 5150804
    Abstract: In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a rotationally resistive pail, pail support and coupling. The apparatus includes a pail, and a lid for closing the pail in a closing position, and for supporting the pail in a supporting and locking position. The pail has notches in the base of the pail. The lid has corresponding lugs for vertical interlocking and rotationally resistive engagement with the notches when the lid is in the supporting position. When the lid is in the supporting position, the lid supports the pail vertically and laterally, and the mating engagement of the lid and pail resists relative rotation between the lid and the pail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventors: Oscar Blanchet, Donald Mills
  • Patent number: 5096083
    Abstract: A polyethylene shipping drum especially suited for shipping hazardous materials is disclosed. The drum comprises a molded container and closure which are threadably connected to each other to form a seal therebetween. A thread lock is provided for the threaded connection between the container and closure. The container has a plurality of indentations in the side wall thereof to provide ledges for stacking the containers one inside the other in a stable, nested relationship. An annular rim is provided on the closure with an inclined annular surface for retaining the sealing gasket in a groove without adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Essef Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 5048714
    Abstract: A cover for an open-topped receptacle, which receptacle is generally rectangular and has a peripheral prominence. In its preferred embodiment, the cover comprises a substantially planar central web bounded by an integral channel which is generally registrable with the peripheral prominence of the receptacle. The channel is configured to effect nested reception of the peripheral prominence within the channel. The channel has a width and comprises four channel segments and four corners. Each of the corners is established substantially at an intersection of a respective two of the channel segments and each of the corners is truncated at least the width of the channel athwart each of the respective two channel segments intersecting at the corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5046632
    Abstract: A closure assembly for use with fiber containers of a generally cylindrical shape which includes an integrally molded lid having a top portion which extends to a periphery which incorporates a seating channel and a skirt assembly within which primary and secondary latching components are retained. The lid is associated for multi-mode closure upon the container through the use of a plurality of spaced fasteners which are attached to the container outer sidewall in a predetermined spaced relationship adjacent the top edge thereof. Primary latching components within the skirt assembly are of limited extent and are removable from the lid through the use of a pull tab and parting groove architecture. Thus, the lid may be removably secured to the container with the secondary latching feature within the upper portion of the skirt assembly without damaging and without engaging the primary latching structure for pre-filling shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: Paul G. Bordner
  • Patent number: 4991610
    Abstract: The present application is directed to new and improved apparatus for use in analytical instruments which includes an elongated dosing tube having a tip at one end which is constructed and arranged to move between a sample vessel, a rinsing vessel and an analytical instrument; the other end of the dosing tube being connected in fluid flow communication to a rinsing liquid supply vessel through a sample pump assembly and a rinsing liquid pump assembly; the liquid pump assembly including a pump cylinder having an inlet and an outlet; a pump piston arranged for reciprocal movement in the pump cylinder between a first end position in the discharge direction and an opposite second end position in the intake direction; a first check valve mounted on the inlet of the pump cylinder and a second check valve mounted on the outlet of the pump cylinder; a seal mounted adjacent the outlet which cooperates with the pump piston to sealingly close the outlet when the pump piston is positioned in its first end position in the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventors: Bernhard Huber, Toma Tomoff
  • Patent number: 4978024
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a lid for a drinking cup, which comprises a base portion having an upstanding collar formed around the periphery thereof, the collar having an inner wall terminating in a rim provided with at least one orifice adapted, in use, for a beverage to be drunk therethrough, and having a skirt extending downwardly from the rim which, in use, is adapted to frictionally engage the rim of a cup containing the beverage, and the base portions being provided with a hole adapted, in use, for the introduction of the beverage and/or beverage making ingredients therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: General Foods Limited
    Inventors: Alec T. Newman, John Zeller
  • Patent number: 4976368
    Abstract: A beverage can end of drawn metal is provided with a lipped opening upstanding from the expansion panel of the end. The expansion panel may be convex, flat or concave. The lipped opening is proportioned to facilitate drinking and pouring from a can. A height of the lip of 0.25 inches is sufficient for this purpose. The lip is formed as a circular wall with a pushdown gate positioned within the lip, the gate being mounted on a seating and hinging means which preferably is a triplefold of drawn metal. The hinging and seating means within the lip is of a smaller diameter than the lip wall, and is supported by a bridging means connecting with the top of the lip wall. The bridging means includes a circular panel and may include an inner wall portion. In a first embodiment, the circular panel is the top of the lipped opening and the seating and hinging means is at the base of an inner wall, whose top is at the inner edge of the circular panel to space the inner wall from the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Gerald B. Klein
  • Patent number: 4946062
    Abstract: A container closure lid having a valved spout is disclosed. The valve is normally closed so as to prevent spillage from the container. In use, the valve is opened by the application of force laterally to the edge of the valve. In addition, a valved spout which is particularly adapted to permit close stacking of the lids is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Peter Coy
  • Patent number: 4886184
    Abstract: A plastic container lid is formed by injection molding and comprises a sheet-like main body portion with a downwardly-open hollow upwardly-extending annular projection extending around the periphery of the body portion, the annular projection having an inner wall extending upwardly from the periphery of the body portion, a top wall extending radially outwardly from the top of the inner wall and an outer wall extending downwardly from the outer periphery of the top wall, with the inner and outer walls being substantially equal in height. An annular skirt portion which extends outwardly from the lower end of the outer wall and curves to extend downwardly to a lower annular edge. The skirt portion has an internal annular rib extending around and projecting inwardly from the inner surface of the skirt portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Hamelin Group Inc.
    Inventor: Arto Chamourian
  • Patent number: 4872586
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic injection molded container and closure assembly wherein the closure has a plug-like section and an outer skirt. The plug-like section includes a vertical cylindrical wall having upper and lower annular nesting surfaces for nesting closures in a stack. An annular top wall outwardly extends from the vertical cylindrical wall upper end and a skirt depends downwardly from the outer periphery of the outer top wall. The lower free end of the skirt includes a bead defining a thick cross-sectional area on the skirt for engaging the upper flange of a container when mated therewith. The container upper flange extends outwardly and downwardly from the open end of the container and has a free end engaging the bead on the closure skirt. The container has a sealing lip of increased cross-sectional thickness at the container rim projecting radially inwardly into sealing engagement with the vertical cylindrical wall on the plug-like section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Landis Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Richard Landis
  • Patent number: 4863058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a food packaging cover for use with a compatible tray. The cover includes a top section, a wall section, a shoulder section interconnecting the top section and the wall section and a bottom peripheral edge formation designed to lockably engage the tray. The wall section is formed from a repeating pattern of furrows which enhance the strength of the cover. The interconnecting shoulder section is formed from triangular flats interspaced by gusset members to effect substantial uniform distribution to the wall section of a load placed on the top section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventors: Patricia A. Antoni, Theodore R. Arneson, Thomas J. Hayes, Timothy J. Nolan, Marilyn Stapleton
  • Patent number: 4856674
    Abstract: A container has a mouth with a peripheral lip and a membrane seal extending across the mouth of the container and sealed to the top of the lip. A lid for the container has a flat central panel positioned above the membrane, an intermediate panel extending upwardly from the periphery of the central panel to an outer panel that slopes downwardly to the outside where it meets a peripheral flange at an inside corner resting on the upper outer corner of the container lip. A snap-on flange is provided on the inside of the peripheral flange at a distance normally providing a gap between the bottom of the lip and the top of the snap-on flange. The lid is useful for large size containers that are intended to be stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Reliance Products, Division of Larson Mardon Group Limited
    Inventor: Sheldon Berney
  • Patent number: 4830214
    Abstract: A one-piece molded end closure has a pull ring spaced from a main panel having an annular flange extending therefrom. When the end closure is frangible through having score lines formed in the main panel, the pull ring is connected by a tenon adjacent a score point, which is the junction of two score lines and inside of the inner diameter of the pull ring, so that pulling on the pull ring, which is substantially parallel to the main panel, starts rupturing of the two score lines. The end closure also may be a plug type having a friction fit within a container whereby there are no score lines; the pull ring is still used to remove the end closure from the open end of the container. The method and apparatus for molding enable production of the end closure as one piece without any tearing of the pull ring or rupturing of the score lines when the end closure is removed from the molding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Mt. Vernon Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Danny R. Curliss, Dwight E. Looney
  • Patent number: 4828141
    Abstract: A container closure lid having a valved spout is disclosed. The valve is normally closed so as to prevent spillage from the container. In use, the valve is opened by the application of force laterally to the edge of the valve. In addition, a valved spout which is particularly adapted to permit close stacking of the lids is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Peter Coy
  • Patent number: 4826039
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic injection molded closure having a plug-like section and an outer skirt. The plug-like section includes a vertical cylindrical wall having upper and lower annular nesting surfaces for nesting containers in a stack. An annular top wall outwardly extends from the vertical cylindrical wall upper end and a skirt depends downwardly from the outer periphery of the outer top wall. The lower free end of the skirt includes a bead defining a thick cross-sectional area on the skirt for engaging the upper flange of a container when mated therewith. The container upper flange extends outwardly and downwardly from the open end of the container and has a free end engaging the bead on the closure skirt. A plurality of radially inwardly directed ribs extend from the cylindrical wall and present upper surfaces to a superimposed closure that may be stacked therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Landis Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: H. Richard Landis
  • Patent number: 4817801
    Abstract: A two-piece package for paper baking cups of conventional manufacture includes a plastic container having a base provided by a planar annular section with outer circumference and a recessed, circular inner portion and a shaped sidewall extending generally axially from the base outer circumference. The planar annular section which is at least 1/8 and preferably about 1/4 inch in radial width strengthens the base. The sidewall includes a first frustoconical portion having a height 80% or less and preferably 2/3 or less than the nominal height of paper baking cups received in the container. The sidewall further includes a circumferential lip at the mouth. A cover is provided with a plurality of regularly spaced indentations which are sharply radiused to mechanically engage with the lip of the container. Both the container and cover are provided with denesting structures for automated handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventor: William E. Schwaikert
  • Patent number: 4811860
    Abstract: A straw is combined with a cup or cup lid to form a nestable and disposable liquid refreshment receptacle or cover therefor. The straw and cup or cup lid are integrally molded to form a one-piece member therefore do not require separate dispensing or subsequent assembly. The straw/lid and straw/cup combinations are made nestable for high density distribution and storage as required for high volume or fast food applications. The straw/lid includes a dual-taper upper drinking extension and a single taper lower liquid engaging member. A recess is formed between cylindrical walls forming the drinking extension into which the drinking extension of an adjacent straw/lid is matingly received or nested during stacking. Further, respective lower liquid engaging members are received with one-another to permit nesting. In similar manner the straw/cups are nestable. Each cup defines a longitudinal recess along its outer side to receive the integrally formed straw of an adjacent cup during stacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: SCCS, Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl C. Sorenson, Scott W. Clausen
  • Patent number: 4772418
    Abstract: A container comprising a top cover for placement on a base support. The top cover may be placed in a first position on the base support to allow steam or gas to enter within the container and a second position for providing a seal between the cover and base support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Nalge Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Leoncavallo
  • Patent number: 4753365
    Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup having a removable tab which includes a horizontal wall and a vertical wall extending downwardly from the horizontal wall at the inner end of the horizontal portion. A recess is disposed immediately inward of the removable tab to permit engagement of the vertical portion by the finger of a user. The recess preferably includes a bottom wall which slopes downwardly and outwardly from the center of the lid to the vertical portion of the tab and is separated by a slit from the bottom of the vertical wall of the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    Inventor: Eino E. Seppala
  • Patent number: 4747510
    Abstract: A disposable plastic lid including a depending skirt formed with stacking, sealing and snap rings, and a pull tab at the lowermost edge of the skirt. The lid is formed such that the plastic is uniaxially oriented in a first direction and the tab is located to initiate a tear in a second direction transverse to the first direction. Tearing is also facilitated by notching the pull tab at either end thereof, and by providing a surface projection interrupting the snap ring in an area immediately adjacent the pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Fort Howard Cup Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony C. Mack
  • Patent number: 4718571
    Abstract: A lid for use with containers such as drums, pails, tubs and cups which is formed as a singular unit from molded plastic and which incorporates a peripherally disposed skirt configured along with a rim structure to provide primary and secondary latching features. A parting groove is positioned within the skirt assembly in conjunction with a tear ring which functions to remove the primary latching assembly following the initial closure of the container with the lid. Prior to such removal, the primary latching assembly includes an interference lug having a compression section which engages the upwardly disposed surface of an engaging groove formed within the rim structure of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: Paul G. Bordner
  • Patent number: 4705172
    Abstract: An improved stackable lid design for placement onto a container by automated processing machinery is disclosed. The design includes an alignment notch extending into a rim portion of the lid. The notch serves to keep individual lids in a stack of such lids in proper rotational alignment. The notch also enables a user to properly orient a stack of such lids within the processing machinery. The notch can be sized to receive an end user's finger for effecting removal of the lid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Gage Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Gage
  • Patent number: 4703857
    Abstract: The invention provides a stackable thermoplastic container lid having a U-section sealing rib receivable in a container opening. An outer circular flange on the lid has a depending snap rim provided with bevelled detent elements that can cammingly engage the flange of an identical underlying lid in response to transaxial forces applied to the underlying lid, thereby to lift the sealing rib of the upper lid out of the underlying lid so as to enable lateral bottom-feed of lids from a stack of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Bellaplast GmbH
    Inventors: Ludwig Jahnen, Manfred Dahler
  • Patent number: 4697972
    Abstract: A method of seaming a preformed end closure to a preformed container body of a drum or the like for forming a seam of reduced radial projection relative to the sidewall of the container body. At the start of seaming the end closure is in driving engagement with a rotating chuck and flanges of the end closure and container body are in overlying relation. The skirt of the end closure is radially spaced from the sidewall of the chuck and driving engagement therebetween is effected in the annular curved connecting zone between the skirt and recessed transverse central portion of the end closure. The skirt flares from the central portion to the flange thereof and is preferably at least in part frustoconical or has an annular step. The sidewall of the container body is centered on the skirt of the end closure and is spaced a radial distance from the chuck sidewall substantially greater than the thickness of the sheet metal of the end closure of the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Gallay S.A.
    Inventors: Lucien F. Le Bret, Robert Saada
  • Patent number: 4589569
    Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup includes an annular mounting portion for engaging the lip of the cup, an annular side wall extending upwardly from the mounting portion, and a top wall having a drinking opening formed in it. In the preferred embodiment, the top wall of the lid has a recess formed in it adjacent the drinking opening to accommodate the upper lid of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    Inventor: Jack D. Clements
  • Patent number: 4582447
    Abstract: An adaptor structure for connecting a plurality of beverage cans together in selected configurations comprising a base plate with connector members on a first side thereof, a can-receiving socket on the opposite side thereof and spacer members within said socket. The cans have end recesses in which the spacer members seat when an adaptor is coupled to a can to form a strong, stable connection. Cans are assembled end-to-end with back-to-back adaptors at the end interfaces, the adaptors being connected to each other by the connector members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Seiji Itoh
  • Patent number: 4574975
    Abstract: A resealable closure device for use on metallic cans is disclosed. The closure device comprises a metallic end including a flanged opening therein and a molded rubber or plastic element which is molded in an "inverted umbrella" position and which is capable of being inverted upon itself to seal onto the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Taylor, Danny R. Sink, Daniel F. Cudzik
  • Patent number: 4552282
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tank cap retaining structure which may be applied to a machine in which a plurality of tanks, such as a fuel tank and an oil tank, are disposed side by side. The respective outer surfaces of the associated caps of the tanks are formed such as to be capable of detachably engaging each other. Thus, at the time of supply of fuel or oil, there is no possibility that the tank cap in question may be lost or contaminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1985
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nishida
  • Patent number: 4518097
    Abstract: A container assembly having a cylindrical container body and a substantially circular container lid is provided with inwardly extending annular reinforcing ribs on an inner surface of the container body in the region of the mouth thereof and with angularly equispaced radially extending reinforcing ribs on the container lid extending from a V-shaped annular channel at the periphery of the lid substantially to an indented circular area at the center thereof. Closure of the lid to the body is effectuated by means of a pair of longitudinally spaced annular shoulders on an inside surface of the container body and a pair of complementary annular lips on the container lid, as well as a third annular shoulder on an outside surface of the container body and a corresponding annular lip on the container lid. One of the inner shoulder surfaces on the container body is disposed in substantially the same transverse plane as the annular shoulder located on the outer surface of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Van Dorn Co.
    Inventors: James W. Milton, Robert W. Boig
  • Patent number: 4512493
    Abstract: A molded bucket comprises a bucket lip defining an enlarged annular projection at the mouth of the bucket; an inwardly positioned annular shelf facing the mouth adjacent the lip; and an outwardly positioned annular flange joined to said bucket adjacent the annular shelf to provide extra hoop strength to the area of the shelf. The lid for the bucket defines an annular recess receiving the annular projection of the bucket lip in locking relation and an annular straight wall which extends radially inwardly from the recess, at an angle of essentially 10.degree. to 60.degree. from the axis of the bucket, with the inner edge extending outwardly toward the mouth relative to the outer edge. The angled annular straight wall serves as a cantilever beam to transmit stacking force to the annular shelf, so that the bucket does not distort or collapse under conditions of high stacking, the bucket being preferably a tapered bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Inventor: John W. Von Holdt
  • Patent number: 4428498
    Abstract: A travel lid for a disposable coffee cup useful in place for drinking coffee while the user is moving. The lid has a continuous rim adapted to grip the upper rim of a disposable coffee cup and a top closing surface. On one side of the closing surface there is an expansible coffee-sipping port element shaped and positioned to be received by the mouth. On the opposite side of the closing surface there is a vent formation. The expansible coffee sipping port element, in the condition supplied to the server of coffee, is of vertically collapsed configuration with its upper end disposed below the upper edge of the continuous rim. The sipping port element in the collapsed position provides clearance sufficient to enable the lid to be compactly stacked with other lids of identical form for shipment and dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1984
    Inventor: Richard P. Obey
  • Patent number: 4422559
    Abstract: A plastic container and closure are provided which may be repeatedly snapped together. The closure has an outer skirt and an inner concentric flange providing a channel to receive a container rim. A plurality of ribs having lower edges extending inward from the inner flange and at depth to contact and cam the container rim toward the channel and prevent the container rim from catching on the closure flange during an automatic capping operation. A tear strip on the container sidewall is located adjacent the lower edge of the closure skirt thereby preventing access to the lower edge of the closure skirt without destructive removal of the tear strip. A radially outwardly extending strip at the lower end of the container spaces the outer surface of the container sidewall, which may bear a label, from any flat supporting surface when the container is laid on its side to prevent damage to the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Landis Plastics Inc.
    Inventor: H. Richard Landis
  • Patent number: 4421244
    Abstract: A lid for containers, usually beverage cups which may be for hot beverages or cold beverages, is provided, having a cavity adapted for seating against the bead of the container. A skirt extends downwardly from the cavity, having a number of outwardly extending projections formed in it, each of the projections having a substantially rectangular appearance with a vertical face and vertical side walls. The portions of the skirt between the outwardly extending projections extend inwardly to form a discontinued waist having an undercut which defines the cavity in the waist portion; the cavity being defined by a higher and less inwardly extending undercut over the top portion of each of the outwardly extending projections. Beneath the projections and the waist portions between them there extends outwardly and downwardly a lower band portion; below which may be a vertically extending wall, and which may have an outwardly turned lip at its bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Assignee: Amhil Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Hubert Van Melle
  • Patent number: 4407426
    Abstract: A closure for a cylindrically shaped ice cream carton or the like includes a unitary circular shaped plastic lid provided with a depending skirt portion. The top surface of the lid includes an upwardly and inwardly extending concentric bead inwardly tapered on its outer surface to enhance retaining a plurality of similar lids in stacked relation. The bead rigidifies the lid, enhances nested stacking of lid-carton assemblies and provides a locking and protective recess for labels containing printed indicia. The skirt of the lid includes a lower outwardly tapered inner surface portion for mating with the outer surface of the bead to enhance nested stacking of the lids and to enable the lid to be grasped and readily removed from tight fitting engagement with an ice cream carton. An upper, inner annular recessed portion of the lid skirt accommodates expansion of the ice cream carton without the lid popping off the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1983
    Assignee: Champion International Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin C. McLaren, David J. Adamek
  • Patent number: 4364476
    Abstract: A flexible, plastic lid of the type used for closing commodity containers is provided with protrusion segments on the inside surface of its side wall to provide vent openings between adjacent, stacked lids. A stacking shoulder around the periphery of the top wall of the lid is also provided with raised ribs for further holding stacked lids in spaced apart relation. Vent passages formed between stacked lids by the protrusion segments and the ribs lessen the suction effect which normally tends to hold such lids together when stacked for handling and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1982
    Assignee: Shamrock Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Weller, James V. Ostrum
  • Patent number: 4360119
    Abstract: A cover for sealing the open mouth of a container has a top member and a cylindrical skirt depending from the top member. The top member has a convex-concave shape to provide an arrangement for retaining substances or devices on the interior surface of the top member for treating the contents of the container. In this manner, the cover may seal the container and treat the container contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Inventor: Amando D. Olivo
  • Patent number: 4296871
    Abstract: A receptacle having an integral ring-shaped lock for engaging the depending rim of a cover. In order to prevent an undesirable opening said ring-shaped lock is reinforced by depending tips in a first weakened portion and supported by stays in a second weakened portion. The rim and the ring-shaped lock have interengaging conical surfaces. The cover has a depressed central area with an outer wall for engagement with the inner side of the receptacle wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Ring Lock Container S. A.
    Inventor: Poul G. Andersson
  • Patent number: 4289252
    Abstract: A container body and lid arrangement wherein the body rim is of harder less flexible material than that of the lid and has a sharp peripheral edge adapted to bite into the material of the lid and effect a seal therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Assignee: Container Corporation of America
    Inventor: Charles R. Helms
  • Patent number: 4286713
    Abstract: A cover (1) for a standard container (2), has a substantially rectangular bottom (3) and a substantially rectangular opening (4) at the top. The cover (1) includes lower rib portions (6) which are disposed in a substantially rectangular configuration with rounded corners which fit into the opening (4) of the container (2) and upper rib portions (8) which are disposed in a rectangular configuration dimensioned almost similar to those of the set of lower rib portions (6). The rib portions (6,8) are separated by gaps (7,9) which allow easy washing, and the gaps (7) of one set of rib portions (6) are not adjacent to the gaps (9) of the other set of rib portions (8). To make it easier to grip the cover (1), a portion of its edge is raised to form a handle (10) adjacent to a rib portion (8) of the upper set. Stacking of containers on covers and stacking of covers one on another is thereby greatly facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: CIDELCEM
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Marchais
  • Patent number: 4262815
    Abstract: This invention concerns a conical can end wherein the central panel of the end is drawn to form a conical frustum with a ring-shaped aperture at its apex end. A recessed panel closes this aperture. A scoreline in this aperture panel defines a gate therein and an opening tab is connected to the gate and placed in the aperture. The tab is pulled or lifted to rupture the score line to open the can end. The tab may be used to remove the gate from the panel or push the gate inwardly with the gate being hinged to the aperture panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Inventor: Gerald B. Klein
  • Patent number: 4254891
    Abstract: A stackable cover member for a container is provided which includes a countersunk central lid portion and a circumferential peripheral edge portion surrounding the lid portion. The edge portion of the cover member includes a flexible peripheral collar member, which is adapted to be sealed to the external sidewall of a container, and also includes an internal edge to be disposed internally within the container and which is integrally formed with the collar member. A groove is formed in the peripheral edge portion between the collar member and the internal edge for receiving an end edge of the container to which the cover member is to be sealed to. The internal edge has a transverse thickness greater than the collar member and forms the circumferential stacking edge of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: AB Akerlund & Rausing
    Inventor: Jan-Bertil Jeppsson
  • Patent number: RE32927
    Abstract: A resealable closure device for use on metallic cans is disclosed. The closure device comprises a metallic end including a flanged opening therein and a molded rubber or plastic element which is molded in an "inverted umbrella" position and which is capable of being inverted upon itself to seal onto the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Taylor, Danny R. Sink, Daniel F. Cudzik