Internal Anti-splash Or Anti-spill Device Patents (Class 220/719)
  • Patent number: 11857100
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a food elevating platform with adjustable elements to selectively engage the walls of a container. The food elevating platform includes a mesh screen to allow liquids from food to pass through and collect in the bottom of the container. The food elevating platform includes one or more engaging surfaces about the edge of the platform that also may engage the surface of the container. One or more logos and/or text may be incorporated into the food elevating platform and/or its components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventor: Jeffery Baron Lesperance
  • Patent number: 11787607
    Abstract: A drinking cup includes a container and a detachable closure. The closure has a connection end for connection to the container, the connection end being open for receipt of liquid from within the container. The closure has a closed end opposite the connection end and a drinking rim formed at the peripheral edge of the closed end. The closure has a side wall extending between the connection end and the closed end, and at least one opening that facilitates the passage of liquid from within the container to the drinking rim. A seal is supported by the closure and extends around an outside surface of the side wall, sealing the drinking rim against the passage of liquid through the drinking rim. The seal is flexible and responsive to pressure to lift away from the drinking rim to allow passage of liquid through the drinking rim for drinking from the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: b.box for kids developments Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mayer Charles William Jung, Lisa Edlund Tjernberg, Sylvain Jacques Amatoury, Ty Gerard Hermans, Navin Chandrakanth Chandrasekaran
  • Patent number: 11369574
    Abstract: Self-righting articles, such as self-righting capsules for administration to a subject, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may be configured such that the article may orient itself relative to a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). The self-righting articles described herein may comprise one or more tissue engaging surfaces configured to engage (e.g., interface with, inject into, anchor) with a surface (e.g., a surface of a tissue of a subject). In some embodiments, the self-righting article may have a particular shape and/or distribution of density (or mass) which, for example, enables the self-righting behavior of the article. In some embodiments, the self-righting article may comprise a tissue interfacing component and/or a pharmaceutical agent (e.g., for delivery of the active pharmaceutical agent to a location internal of the subject).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Novo Nordisk A/S, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlo Giovanni Traverso, Alex G. Abramson, Ester Caffarel Salvador, Niclas Roxhed, Minsoo Khang, Taylor Bensel, Robert S. Langer, Jorrit Jeroen Water, Morten Revsgaard Frederiksen, Bo Uldall Kristiansen, Mikkel Oliver Jespersen, Mette Poulsen, Peter Herskind, Brian Jensen
  • Patent number: 10863840
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of anti-sloshing liquid-retaining bottles. Embodiments include anti-sloshing liquid-retaining bottles that comprise an internal bladder configured to expand in volumetric proportion to the liquid expelled from the liquid containing bottle thereby eliminating air and, by extension, space in which the water could slosh. Anti-sloshing liquid-retaining bottles disclosed herein can rely on various mechanisms for volumetrically expanding the bladder against liquid retained in the bottle, mechanisms include pneumatic modulation of the bladder using a regulator configured to introduce pressure from a high pressure reservoir to inflate or expand the bladder and valves to release the pressure and deflate the bladder, as well as mechanisms for spring actuation to expand or inflate the bladder. Additional embodiments of anti-sloshing liquid-retaining bottles include bottles comprising wave breakers for passively preventing sloshing by dampening the motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE DRIVE
    Inventors: Matthew Byrnes Newell, Luke Clauson, Curt LaBelle, Michael Raye
  • Patent number: 10631676
    Abstract: A two-piece spill proof open cup is disclosed comprising a container suitable for holding liquids, such as a beverage, and a lid. The container has a sidewall, a neck adjacent the sidewall and an opening defined by the neck. The neck has a flange along an edge of the neck and a plurality of posts adjacent the flange. The lid is adapted to fasten to the container. The lid has an upper surface external to the two-piece spill proof open cup and a lower surface internal to the two-piece spill proof open cup. The lid also has a flap, a lid body with a vent, a hinge connecting the flap to the lid body, a handle on the upper surface and a bead having channels. The bead is integrated into the lower surface. The lid flap is adapted to form a liquid tight seal between the lid and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventor: Jack Allen Hakim
  • Patent number: 10414554
    Abstract: An insert made from reticulated foam has a first profile in which an outer perimeter of the insert has a size and a shape that substantially corresponds to an inner surface of a portable container. The insert also has a second profile in which the outer perimeter of the insert has a size and a shape that substantially corresponds to an opening of the portable container. The reticulated foam has a cell density that prevents sloshing noises resulting from jostling movement of the portable container from exceeding 50 db while enabling liquid to exit the portable container at a consumable rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew Scott Robinson
  • Patent number: 10278543
    Abstract: A shaker container, including a body to house content therein, a plurality of beams to extend inwardly from an inner surface of the body, and a lid to close an opening of the body at a top portion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Denver McClure
  • Patent number: 10266337
    Abstract: A fruit arrangement system including a cutter and a storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: EDIBLE IP, LLC
    Inventor: Tariq Farid
  • Patent number: 9650183
    Abstract: A lid assembly for a drink container includes a cap, a wall and a valve member. The cap fits onto a drink container and includes a spout defining a drink passage and a vent opening offset from the drink passage. The wall depends downwardly from a lower surface of the cap and surrounds the drink passage and the vent opening. The valve member is selectively receivable within a cavity defined by the wall. With the valve member received in the cavity and the cap fit onto the drink container, a first seal isolates the vent opening from the drink passage, a second seal is movable with respect to the wall and selectively contacts the wall to selectively isolate the vent opening from liquid in the drink container, and a third seal selectively isolates the drink passage from liquid in the drink container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Tiffany Chang Chen, Troy Hunter Phipps, Thomas Chia Hanson, Joshua Wiesman
  • Patent number: 9457948
    Abstract: An insert assembly is outfitted upon a lidded beverage container for enabling the user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage so as to prevent scalding prior to consumption. The insert assembly preferably comprises a damming structure. The damming structure is formed from a semi-rigid material and is sized and shaped for receipt adjacent the upper rim perimeter of a container structure for defining beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments. The insert structure comprises first and second apertures for outletting beverage and inletting air intermediate the beverage-containing and beverage-cooling compartments. The beverage-cooling compartment receives heat from the beverage received therewithin and thereby enables the beverage to cool before being outlet via a primary outlet of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Pavel Savenok
  • Patent number: 9321551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (1) comprising a wall (2) having a closed base (4) at one end and a generally circular or oval rim (5) of at an opposite end, the rim defining a top opening (6) of the container. The container (1) further comprises an arrangement of flaps (70, 80) whereby the counteracting forces between a rim of a first flap (70) and the inner face of a second flap (80) are sufficient to push the respective rim and the inner face together into a tight contact. A closure arrangement (300a, 300b) is provided to restrict flap openings (100a, 100b) formed at or below the rim (5) of the container between the flaps (70, 80) to prevent splashing and reduce the rate of spillage if the container is knocked over. The present invention thus improves the spill-resistant properties for the container (1), while, if required for drinking or pouring, permitting the container to allow the passage of a liquid when tilted for drinking and pouring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: HANPAK LIMITED
    Inventors: Wei Lu, Kenneth Duggan
  • Patent number: 9149138
    Abstract: A drinking vessel comprises a generally cylindrical container (10) for containing liquid, and a lid (20). The lid comprises a generally cylindrical inner member (21) and a generally cylindrical sealing element (30) which surrounds the inner member (21). The container 10 further comprises a rim (14) and an inner circumferential sealing surface (15). The lid (20) is fixedly insertable into the container 10 in order, when the lid (20) is inserted, to cause the sealing element (30) to lie against the sealing surface so as normally to form a seal with the sealing surface (15). The seal is deformable by suction at the rim (14) such that under the action of the suction liquid within the container (10) is caused to flow from a chamber (13) inside the container out past the rim (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: OZ10 Limited
    Inventor: Austen Miller
  • Patent number: 9144259
    Abstract: A adhesive holding system comprises: a fixed component set in a destined place and a reservoir pedestal having a reservoir well for filling adhesive; it is characterized thereby: at the top of the reservoir well where there is at least one groove; because of the notch, it is easy for user to remove excess adhesive after coating lashes with adhesive. A second and smaller reservoir disk which has a narrower well surface area which prevents the adhesive coming in contact with natural air and atmosphere, therefore eliminating unnecessary waste of adhesive filling, reducing excessive evaporation of the adhesive and resulting in material and quality preservation of adhesive within the reservoir disk. Air flow into the reservoir disk is actually minimized, therefore the reservoir disk will hold the adhesive inside of the disk reservoir without allowing the adhesive to spill out, thus promoting safety and eliminating potential safety hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Inventor: Lin Shu-Hui McKinstry
  • Patent number: 9055832
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage container or travel mug is provided that has one or more visual indicators to identify the location of the pour spout opening of the container or mug in low light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Inventor: Colin Regan
  • Patent number: 9022250
    Abstract: A tilted sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a fluid container having a rim and a base. The base is parallel to and in contact with a surface when the fluid container is placed on the surface. The rim and the base lie on intersecting planes. The apparatus further includes a fluid barrier having an opening. The fluid barrier is in contact with the fluid container and extends into the fluid container. The opening is configured to allow an aroma of a fluid in the fluid container to escape through the opening. The aroma glass allows consumers to view and smell the liquid contents of the aroma glass, but prevents consumers from consuming the liquid contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: E. & J. Gallo Winery
    Inventors: Lewis Stern, Meara Kelley, Tim Ryan
  • Publication number: 20150102046
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser and dispensing valve are described, and wherein the dispensing valve includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; a valve control element is provided and which has a deformable sidewall which is placed within the valve housing in one of a plurality of possible configurations. At least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as to facilitate the controllable delivery of a fluid into the valve housing. The sidewall of the valve control element has a variable thickness dimension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: ZAK DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventor: Jeff Steininger
  • Patent number: 8931654
    Abstract: A closure device (2) for a fluid vessel (1) comprises a bistable valve arrangement which includes first and second valve rim portions (4, 5) and a valve member (3) engageable with either of the rim portions (4, 5) respectively to define an open position in which fluid (9) can exit the vessel (1) and a closed position in which fluid (9) is substantially prevented from exiting the vessel (1). The valve is arranged to close automatically when an impulse is exerted against the valve member (3). This can occur for example when the vessel (1) is knocked over and the fluid (9) therein exerts pressure against the valve member (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Magicup Marketing Limited
    Inventors: Steven Le Masurier, Stewart Humphrey, Darren Parsons
  • Publication number: 20150001232
    Abstract: A beverage container lid is disclosed that includes an overflow chamber for liquid displaced when a straw is inserted through the lid's straw hole. The beverage container lid includes a top layer and a bottom layer that define an overflow chamber between the top and bottom layer. The top layer has a top opening and the bottom layer has a bottom opening, that are aligned along the vertical axis and through which a straw may be inserted into a beverage container to which the beverage container lid is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: David B. Chasin
  • Patent number: 8857644
    Abstract: Containers comprising a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure element are disclosed. The containers may be constructed to be resealable and improve sanitary conditions of the dispensing portion and allow for easier opening with the ability to be reclosed, over a conventional container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: B.E. Inventive, LLC
    Inventor: Evan Ira Phillips
  • Patent number: 8851325
    Abstract: A lid of a disposable beverage cup, which has at least one drinking hole provided for a consumer to drink the beverage stored in the beverage cup, and at least one vent hole provided for maintaining the pressure equivalence between an inner side and an outer side of the beverage cup, includes at least one drinking hole plug arranged for detachably coupling with the drinking hole to seal and close the drinking hole so as to prevent the beverage from leaking out of the beverage cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Charles N. Chiang, Benjamin H. Chiang
  • Patent number: 8794479
    Abstract: A drinking container includes a main reservoir for containing a quantity of beverage; a cooling reservoir releasably sealingly secured to the main reservoir and including a passage on an inner surface, the passage having one end open to bottom and the other end open to interior of the cooling reservoir, and a spill opening defined by the passage; and a releasable enclosure releasably sealingly secured to the cooling reservoir and including at least one lid; wherein the quantity of beverage in the main reservoir can transfer to the cooling reservoir through the passage by tipping the main reservoir; and wherein each of the at least one lid can be opened by pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Jer Hong Lin
  • Publication number: 20140203032
    Abstract: A container lid for placement on the mouth of a container is designed to prevent the unwanted removal of fluids from the container. The container lid includes a beverage dispensing chamber having an open first chamber end, a closed second chamber end and at least one chamber sidewall extending from the first chamber end to the second chamber end. The beverage dispensing chamber includes a spout chamber which includes an open end and a closed end connected by a wall. The wall includes a valve slit which forms a valve flap having a memory closure mechanism to render the valve slit effectively impermeable to fluid absent force upon the valve slit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Steven C. Prescott, Dawn M. Prescott
  • Patent number: 8733578
    Abstract: A dual-chambered beverage container in the form of a shot glass. The interior of the glass is bisected via a hinged divider flap, creating two separate chambers within the glass. The upper chamber holds a first beverage, preferably a shot of hard liquor, while the bottom chamber holds a volume of a second beverage, such as soda or juice. When the shot glass is in a resting position, the divider flap is closed, segregating the beverages in their respective chambers. A user begins to drink the first beverage, the hinged diver flap will slowly swing open, allowing the second beverage to flow out of the bottom chamber, through the upper chamber, and into the user's mouth. Thus the user experiences the taste of the shot of hard liquor only briefly before consuming the chaser beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Michaels
  • Patent number: 8709518
    Abstract: A system for managing the fluid intake of a person is disclosed. The system consists of multiple containers of various volumes, a common lid configured to incorporate a flow control valve, multiple flow control valves having varying flow rates, a date indicator ring incorporated circumferentially on said containers, a content indicator disposed on said lid, a chiller insert, and an optional slip on handle. The user selects a container based on the fluid needs of a person and a flow control valve based on the drinking ability of the person. The user fills the container with a drinkable fluid, and indicates the nature of the contents with the content indicator and the date of filling with the date indicator ring. The chiller insert allows the user to cool the contents without the possibility of dilution as with standard ice cubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Diane Young Jones
  • Patent number: 8695829
    Abstract: A spill inhibitor for a container includes a spill inhibitor body configured to be releasably secured to or integral with a container. The spill inhibitor body defines an opening therethrough and has a plurality of compliant finger projections extending from the spill inhibitor body. The finger projections are arranged to impede movement of an item through the opening of the spill inhibitor body for controlling passage of the item through a mouth of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Brad D. Krueger, Katie L. Krueger, Brett A. Krueger, Thomas A. Krueger
  • Patent number: 8684221
    Abstract: A pastry tray includes a body having an outer region and an inner region. The inner region includes at least one aperture extending therethrough. The pastry tray also typically includes at least one leg extending at least partially vertically downward from the body. When the pastry tray is arranged on a container containing a heated liquid, heat and steam from the heated liquid pass through the at least one aperture. When a pastry is arranged on the pastry tray, the heat and steam act to warm, and in some cases soften, the pastry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Keith Edward Wallace
  • Patent number: 8684205
    Abstract: A device that assists with equalizing air pressure within a bottle with the atmospheric air pressure as liquid is being poured from the bottle and includes one or more relatively short air tubes. The air tubes are situated with an upper inlet rim of the air tubes located flush with or relatively near the bottle rim. Whether an insert or integrated into the manufacture of a container, the one or more air tubes that extend partially into the container allow air to pass into the container as the liquid exits the container. The pressure equalizer not only minimizes or prevents the common glugging effect, but it allows liquid from a bottle to be poured smoothly at any angle and orientation. A cap incorporating a detachable pressure equalizer is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Paha Designs, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Meager
  • Patent number: 8678228
    Abstract: A liquid metering assembly is described and which includes a container for enclosing a source of a liquid to be dispensed; a container cap defining a dispensing aperture and a vent aperture which is releasably affixed to the container; a moveable diaphragm releasably cooperating with the container cap, and coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the dispensing aperture, and wherein the moveable diaphragm has a valve member; and a moveable liquid volume control member which cooperates with the moveable diaphragm, and wherein, when a predetermined suction is applied to the dispensing aperture of the container cap, a user may withdraw a given volume of liquid from the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Zak Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Steininger
  • Patent number: 8640904
    Abstract: A flow control valve is described and which includes a first portion, and a second portion, and wherein the first portion rotates relative to the second portion and wherein the invention further includes a rigid locking member which cooperates with a resilient sealing and biasing member which is carried to positions which, on the one hand, either seals the vessel to prevent the escape of fluid from the vessel, or which allows the convenient dispensing of fluid from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Zak Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Steininger, Nick Malara
  • Publication number: 20140021211
    Abstract: A tilted sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a fluid container having a rim and a base. The base is parallel to and in contact with a surface when the fluid container is placed on the surface. The rim and the base lie on intersecting planes. The apparatus further includes a fluid barrier having an opening. The fluid barrier is in contact with the fluid container and extends into the fluid container. The opening is configured to allow an aroma of a fluid in the fluid container to escape through the opening. The aroma glass allows consumers to view and smell the liquid contents of the aroma glass, but prevents consumers from consuming the liquid contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: E. & J. Gallo Winery
    Inventors: Lewis Stern, Meara Kelley, Tim Ryan
  • Publication number: 20140001192
    Abstract: A liquid metering assembly is described and which includes a container for enclosing a source of a liquid to be dispensed; a container cap defining a dispensing aperture and a vent aperture which is releasably affixed to the container; a moveable diaphragm releasably cooperating with the container cap, and coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the dispensing aperture, and wherein the moveable diaphragm has a valve member; and a moveable liquid volume control member which cooperates with the moveable diaphragm, and wherein, when a predetermined suction is applied to the dispensing aperture of the container cap, a user may withdraw a given volume of liquid from the beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Jeff Steininger
  • Publication number: 20130313271
    Abstract: A training drinking cup is provided having a sipping rim that is configured to prevent spillage when drinking contents from the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Frank Speciale
  • Publication number: 20130277379
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to disposable beverage lids which may be used in conjunction with beverage containers. In one embodiment, a disposable beverage lid is generally circular and configured to removeably couple to a beverage container. The lid may include an elevated rim in-set and about the periphery thereof with a dome within a recess defined by the elevated rim. A plurality of apertures may be located within a channel defined by an inner wall of the elevated rim and an outer periphery of the dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Green Bean Packaging, LLC
  • Patent number: 8561833
    Abstract: A device particularly suitable for feeding premature newborns consists of a cup with a raised colored graded scale placed on the cup side for easy visualization, a flow reducer composed of folds, a round spout formed from the cup rim facilitating contact with the mouth of the baby, and a lid of the cup rim which fits using pressure to avoid food contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz
    Inventor: Nadia Rodrigues Mallet
  • Publication number: 20130233870
    Abstract: A drinking vessel comprises a generally cylindrical container (10) for containing liquid, and a lid (20). The lid comprises a generally cylindrical inner member (21) and a generally cylindrical sealing element (30) which surrounds the inner member (21). The contained 10 further comprises a rim (14) and an inner circumferential sealing surface (15). The lid (20) is fixedly insertable into the container 10 in order, when the lid (20) is inserted, to cause the sealing element (30) to lie against the sealing surface so as normally to form a seal with the sealing surface (15). The seal is deformable by suction at the rim (14) such that under the action of the suction liquid within the container (10) is caused to flow from a chamber (13) inside the container out past the rim (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: OZ10 LIMITED
    Inventor: Austen Miller
  • Patent number: 8490814
    Abstract: A spill inhibitor for a container includes a spill inhibitor body configured to be releasably secured to or integral with a container. The spill inhibitor body defines an opening therethrough and has a plurality of compliant finger projections extending from the spill inhibitor body. The finger projections are arranged to impede movement of an item through the opening of the spill inhibitor body for controlling passage of the item through a mouth of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Brad D. Krueger, Brett A. Krueger, Katie L. Krueger, Thomas A. Krueger
  • Patent number: 8469227
    Abstract: A device for a cup and lid providing a thermal shield to keep the cup's liquid contents hot and facilitating the interval transfer, temporary storage, and cooling of a small amount of liquid prior to drinking. The conservation of heat energy within the cup allows the preservation of aroma and taste, a definite must for a prolonged and enjoyable drinking experience, while a controlled volume of the beverage cools down to a palatable temperature. Also, when the device is used in conjunction with a disposable cup and lid assembly, it improves the stiffness characteristics of the containment assembly, thereby preventing potential spillage or discharge of the hot contents due to accidental or improper handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Laxaros C. Tripsiznes
  • Patent number: 8453870
    Abstract: A device by a drinking cup (1) comprising a container (2) and a valve element (4), the valve element (4) being provided with, on at least a portion of its free edge portion (12), an abutment (14) for a sealing, actuable gasket (8), and wherein a user's lip is resting against the gasket (8) when the drinking cup (1) is in its operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Anne May Berg, Heidi Berg
  • Patent number: 8453864
    Abstract: A spill inhibitor for a container includes a spill inhibitor body configured to be releasably secured to or integral with a container. The spill inhibitor body defines an opening therethrough and has a plurality of compliant finger projections extending from the spill inhibitor body. The finger projections are arranged to impede movement of an item through the opening of the spill inhibitor body for controlling passage of the item through a mouth of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Brad D. Krueger, Brett A. Krueger, Katie L. Krueger, Thomas A. Krueger
  • Patent number: 8444004
    Abstract: A drink cup baffle device and system are configured to control fluid from a drink cup to a drinker. The baffle device may include a first baffle insertable into the cup making first contact with fluid in the cup. The first baffle forms a seal against the inside wall of the cup and defines a first plurality of openings. The baffle device further includes a channel formed adjacent to the first baffle around the full perimeter of the first baffle to receive fluid from the openings of the first baffle. The baffle device also includes a second baffle configured adjacent to the channel forming a seal against the inside wall of the cup and defining a second plurality of openings having a total area greater than a total area of the first openings to control fluid flow by discharging fluid via a portion of the second openings and preventing spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Anthony Draganic
  • Patent number: 8424711
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to disposable beverage lids which may be used in conjunction with beverage containers. In one embodiment, a disposable beverage lid is generally circular and configured to removeably couple to a beverage container. The lid may include an elevated rim in-set and about the periphery thereof with a dome within a recess defined by the elevated rim. A plurality of apertures may be located within a channel defined by an inner wall of the elevated rim and an outer periphery of the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jonathan Charbonnet, Tricia Charbonnet, Nicholas Charbonnet
  • Patent number: 8418877
    Abstract: An improved spill-proof cup, such as a “sippy cup.” The sippy cup has an internal partition that is angled toward the mouth of the sippy cup to decrease the amount of tilt required to dispense the entirety of the liquid from the sippy cup, thus improving comfort for the infant using the sippy cup while also teaching good drinking habits that can be applied to an adult type cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Shandley K. Phillips, Allyson L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8333299
    Abstract: A leak resistant drinking cup has a container with an open top and a lid assembly for removable attachment to the container for selectively closing the open top. The lid assembly includes a liquid discharge member for allowing liquid in the container to exit the cup. A closure member is adapted for placement adjacent the open top of the container when the lid assembly is attached to the container. A flexible diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The diaphragm is moveable from the sealed position to the unsealed portion by a vacuum being applied to the diaphragm by a user sucking on the liquid discharge member. The vacuum causes the diaphragm to flex toward the container and at least in part away from the closure member and thereby move the diaphragm from the sealed position to the unsealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Handi-Craft Company
    Inventors: Bernard J. Kemper, Charles H. Miller
  • Patent number: 8281954
    Abstract: A sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a fluid barrier; and a fluid container designed for containing a fluid. The fluid barrier is in contact with the rim or internal or external sidewall of the fluid container. The fluid barrier extends into the fluid container. The fluid barrier has an opening that allows aroma of the fluid to escape from the fluid container without allowing the fluid to escape from the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: E. & J. Gallo Winery
    Inventors: Lewis Stern, Meara Kelley, Tim Ryan
  • Patent number: 8267275
    Abstract: A beverage cooling container top apparatus includes a bottom reservoir wall portion which includes a cooling reservoir fill channel. A top reservoir wall portion includes a cooling reservoir access channel. The top reservoir wall provides a closed top. A side wall portion extends between the bottom reservoir wall portion and the top reservoir wall portion. A container-reception portion is connected to the side wall portion. The bottom reservoir wall portion, the top reservoir wall portion, and the side wall portion define a cooling reservoir. Preferably, cooling fins are located on the top reservoir wall portion. A main reservoir access channel can be provided to bypass the cooling reservoir when the contents of the beverage cup are no longer hot. The apparatus of the invention holds and cools a portion of the hot contents of a beverage cup to prevent a user from a very unpleasant burning of the lips and tongue from the hot beverage in the beverage cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Stig E. Peitersen
  • Patent number: 8235236
    Abstract: A cup lid for attachment to a disposable drinking cup having a center portion with an opening therein, a peripheral edge surrounding the center portion for engaging the drinking cup, a plug disposed outside the peripheral edge of the cup lid and connected to the peripheral edge of the cup by two flexible support arms for allowing the plug to be repositioned at the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel J. Zuares, Robert M. Schwartz, Tony Licari
  • Patent number: 8157121
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable container of liquid food products or a cap thereof, having two independent round straw holes to be inserted by two ends of one bent drinking tube, wherein one of the straw holes is provided on a raised block which is on the top surface of the container or cap. The diameters of the straw holes tightly match the diameters of the drinking tube at its two ends, so that the drinking tube can be inserted into the container and pulled out repeatedly. The drinking tube used in the present invention is both for the purpose of drinking and closing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Pakman Hau
  • Patent number: 8157114
    Abstract: An adjustable container is disclosed, wherein a plunger assembly disposed the container body cooperates with a support formed on an interior of the body to force the contents of the container upwardly towards a top thereof and to militate against the downward movement of said plunger assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Vickie L. Baylous, Donald L. Baylous, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8074827
    Abstract: A beverage cup comprised by an open top and at least one channel defined by a corner with an acute angle so placed that the channel runs along the cup side from the cup bottom to the cup rim. In the absence of significant gravitational force as found in microgravity, weightless or weightlessness of spacecraft or the International Space Station, capillary forces between the beverage and the cup wall allow the beverage to creep along the channel and be in near proximity to the open cup rim. Lips placed at or near the channel at the rim can readily sip, drink, and consume the beverage without the need for a straw and without undue spillage for normal drinking motions including toasting. The channel conducts the beverage via capillary forces from the bottom of the cup to the rim until the beverage has been consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventors: Donald Roy Pettit, Mark Milton Weislogel, Paul Concus, Robert Finn
  • Patent number: 8033420
    Abstract: An anti-splash device for use in a cup or other container can help prevent or minimize sloshing, splashing and other undesirable movement of fluids. In some embodiments, the device includes a main body portion having a plurality of openings. The device can also include one or more features that are configured to engage an interior wall of the cup or other container. In other embodiments, the anti-splash device can attach to the brim of a cup or to a lid. In other embodiments, an anti-splash device, a cup lid or any other components related to a beverage or food container comprises one or more finger guides that provide targeted points of contact when manipulating such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: HTSS Capital LLC
    Inventors: Dan Roseblade, Richard Anderson