Foam Patents (Class 220/902)
  • Patent number: 5054640
    Abstract: A protective cap for canned soft drinks and the like is disclosed. The cap comprises an outer periphery configured to receive and snap over the upper surface of a conventional soft drink beverage can. A lip guard extends axially downward from the cap to provide a sanitary drinking surface. A grate is positioned to cover the opening in the top of the can through which the beverage may be consumed. The grate is formed as an integral portion of the molded cap. A hinged cover can rotate between opened and closed positions to permit consumption of the soft drink when in the opened position and to seal the container to prevent contamination from airborne debris and small insects when in the closed position. A detent formed upon the lower surface of the cover is received between adjacent bars of the grate to latch the cover in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Terence Tucker
  • Patent number: 5052575
    Abstract: A holder for an aseptic package including a container, a removable cover, and a stopper disposed beneath the cover when it is positioned in a straw hole on the upper surface of the package, so that the cover holds the stopper securely within the straw hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Up & Adam, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Ravreby
  • Patent number: 5052614
    Abstract: A modified drinking straw having one end with ear-shaped extrados or expanded portion insertable into a modified straw hole on a beverage-containing package consisting of an outer paperboard carrier layer and an inner foil sealing layer to generate necessary air exchange passages between said straw and said sealing layer after inserting said straw into said beverage package, to avoid unexpected and undesired spewing or spraying of drink fluid from the straw by allowing air out when the package compressed under holding finger force. This invention also allows easier drinking due to less sucking effort with the help of the entry air pressure when sucking the beverage. The modification of the straw and the straw hole structure can be easily implemented using the current package manufacturing method and process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Jialuo Xuan
  • Patent number: 5050759
    Abstract: A combination drinking cup and lid for liquid. A cup has a continuous, substantially cylindrical wall and a substantially circular opening at a longitudinal end of the cylindrical wall. A removable lid for closure of the opening has an edge mating with the circular opening of the cup. A spout is located near the circumferential edge of the lid and a weight is located near the circumferential edge radially opposed from the spout. When the cylindrical wall rests on a surface, the force of gravity will radially rotate the cup and the lid so that the weight will rotate towards the surface and the spout will rotate away from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Alan D. Marble
  • Patent number: 5050758
    Abstract: A spill-proof closure for containers used in dispensing liquid beverages. The closure contains an opening for delivery of a contained beverage. The closure also includes a sealing member and a deflectable member. Together these parts form a flow control valve which is normally closed, but opens when external lip pressure is applied during normal drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventors: Mark A. Freeman, Timothy K. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5048709
    Abstract: A straw-containing universal type cover assembly for a beverage container which includes a lid adapted to be snap fitted on an annular rim of the beverage container and is operative to simultaneously prevent spillage of and minimize decarbonation rates within the beverage once the container has been opened. The lid also includes a pull tab joined to the periphery thereof for both removing the lid from the beverage container and holding a straw in an upright position. The assembly further includes a multifunctional plug member attached to the straw by means of a flexible strap and having a stem portion operative to be inserted into an opening in the lid in one orientation, with the lid opening being generally aligned with a sealed or previously sealed opening in the top of the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Robert M. Alverson
  • Patent number: 5048705
    Abstract: A bottle and drinking tube assembly is provided for dispensing of liquids. The bottle has an open top body formed from a resilient plastic material and is adapted to be collapsed upon application of moderate hand pressure and a cap for closing the top through which the bottle is filled. An aperture is formed in the cap for receiving an elongated drinking tube that extends to the bottom of the bottle and has an end exterior of the bottle from which the liquid is discharged. A fluid seal is formed between the cap and tube. A selectively operable venting valve is also provided in the cap to alternatively permit airflow into the bottle enabling the user to sip the liquid through the tube or to prevent fluid outflow from the bottle when the bottle is collapsed to forcibly expel liquid through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Lynd Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: L. Grant Lynd, Paul G. Bordner
  • Patent number: 5044512
    Abstract: A sport bottle includes a container for a liquid and a cover which seals to the container and which includes an aperture through which a straw extends. The straw extends outwardly from the cover to allow the user to drink from the container. A flexible handle element is secured to the cover and is disposed over the straw to allow the user to hold both the container and the straw. The handle element includes a cap for the straw so that the straw may be covered or closed when the sports bottle is not being used for drinking purposes. The cap prevents the liquid from sloshing out of the bottle and also prevents dirt, or the like, from entering through the straw and keeps the end of the straw or the portion of the straw which contacts the users lips, from accumulating dust, dirt, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventors: Joseph C. Giancaspro, Robert F. Sassman
  • Patent number: 5042712
    Abstract: A combination food container and utensil for prepared food, by way of example, frozen dinners and restaurant carryouts. The food container has a partitioned body which is adapted for storing food and utensils, a cover attached to the upper portion of the body and at least one utensil, such as, a knife, fork or spoon inside of the body. The body has a bottom wall, a side wall extending upwardly from the outer edge of the bottom wall and a flange extending outwardly from the upper edge of the side wall. A vertical pocket is formed by the cover and an inner wall which extends upwardly from the bottom wall and joins the side walls of the body. The utensil inside of the pocket is accessible when the cover is detached from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Robert F. DeRoseau
  • Patent number: 5040719
    Abstract: A combination drinking vessel and cup holder having a chamber at one end of said vessel, said chamber having a bottom at an intermediate point of said vessel and an open end with a lip at one end of said vessel; a cavity at the other end of said vessel on the other side of the bottom of the chamber, said cavity having an open end with a lip at the other end of said vessel; an insert that fits in the bottom of said chamber for supporting a cup, and in said cavity for storage thereof; complementary holders in said cavity and in said insert for removably retaining the insert; and a cap that snaps over the lip of the chamber to serve as a cover, and that snaps over the lip of said cavity to serve as a coaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Inventor: John A. Ballway
  • Patent number: 5036993
    Abstract: A self-sealing closure for sealing a receptacle is disclosed. The closure has a lid having a depressed area, at least one orifice within the depressed area, and a shutter matching the orifice. The shutter contains at least two different means for removably attaching the shutter to said lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Douglas P. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5029719
    Abstract: An improved cap assembly is provided for use with a water bottle or the like. The cap assembly includes a lid member adapted to fit over the open mouth of the bottle, and to support a drinking straw which extends from the lid member to a lower end substantially adjacent to a bottom wall of the bottle. An apertured cylindrical stem is carried by the lid member and may include a poppet valve or the like to selectively permit delivery of the bottle contents through the straw and stem to the exterior of the bottle. A protective closure cap fits removably over the apertured stem in sealing relation therewith to prevent leakage of the bottle contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Inventor: Stanley B. Solomon
  • Patent number: 5025947
    Abstract: A beverage cup has a cover or a wall therethrough a substantially rectangular cross-section straw can be threaded in a tight manner, the cover or wall being formed with breakage-facilitating weakened lines and the straw including a plurality of longitudinal suction ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Marcello Leone
  • Patent number: 5018635
    Abstract: A fluid containment and access device for use with a beverage container having an upper, beaded rim and an opening for flow of the fluid contents from within the volume of the container includes a flexible lid, an integral straw and a vent with closure. The lid fits securely upon the top of the beverage container to form a fluid-tight seal. The straw has a first end extending above the lid and a second end that extends through the opening substantially to the bottom of the container. The vent closure is moveable between a first position to permit the flow of air into the container and a second position to prevent the flow of air into the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Michael T. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 5018623
    Abstract: A molded plastic overwrap tray is disclosed having a base and sidewalls. The sidewalls are outwardly bowed and connected to one another through integrally formed radius corners. A thick, wide bead is integrally formed to the sidewalls adjacent the open end tray to form a lip for the tray. A plurality of reinforcing ribs also are integrally formed in the corner or junctures connecting the sidewalls to the base. The tray is adapted to be sealed with a tightly stretched overwrap film which exerts compressive forces to provide the tray with relatively straight or slightly bowed upper side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex Inc.
    Inventor: John Hrenyo
  • Patent number: 5014869
    Abstract: A can sealing organization including an elongate central web with a downwardly depending skirt formed about a matrix of cylindrical beverage containers. The beverage containers each include an individual cap member heat sealed in a surrounding relationship to each upper end of each can, wherein each cap is integrally formed to the central web. Additionally, each cap member includes an antiseptically saturated sponge member mounted between an upper surface of the can and the cap captured therebetween, wherein each sponge member may further be formed of a doughnut-like configuration defining a central cylindrical opening containing a rupturable anti-bacterial fluid contained therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: David W. Hammond
  • Patent number: 5005717
    Abstract: A thermally insulated, spill-resistant bevarage container and dispenser having a resealable threaded lid at the top end thereof, and an internal straw receiver and drinking spout. The annular sidewall and bottom end of the container are comprised of an interior and exterior layer of liquid impervious thermoplastic, housing therebetween a single layer of lightweight thermal insulation material. The insulation material maintains the temperature of the contained beverage, whether hot or cold, for an extended period of time. The straw receiver is comprised of a tubular passageway extending from the top of the cup downward outside the thermal insulation of the sidewall to open into the bottom interior of the beverage containment chamber of the container. The non-insulated straw receiver allows hot beverages to cool slightly before being drank. Affixed to the top of the container and aligned over the straw receiver is a tubular extension structured to serve as a drinking spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Clayton Dale Oilar
    Inventor: Clayton D. Oilar
  • Patent number: 5002184
    Abstract: A soft case which encloses a portable device such as a hand held computer has a top cover portion which overlies a large screen at the front or top of the computer. This cover portion has a flat, soft foam pad which engages against the glass screen to cushion the screen and spread the force of any impact against the closed case at the screen. Further, there may be included in the screen cover a rigid member captured within the injection molded foam and spanning across the screen, providing further protection against impact to the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: GRiD Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Graham P. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 5000337
    Abstract: A drinking container organization is provided to ensure sanitary transmission of fluid from within the container to a user thereof. The container includes a removable tab member, wherein the tab member is mounted to a grasp ring, the grasp ring includes a tether line, with the tether line directed through the container secured to an inverted funnel member, wherein upon lifting of the tab member, the inverted funnel member is oriented for use by an individual through the container opening. A further modification of the instant invention includes a removable tape, including an underlying straw mounted within a recess underlying the tape. A further container organization includes a pour spout positioned adjacent a recess to permit access to a forward end of the pour spout to enable ease of pivotment of the pour spout relative to a lid of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Margaret Im
  • Patent number: 4998641
    Abstract: A top member for a beverage container which includes a scored portion which can be displaced to provide an access opening, in which the improvement relates to the provision of raised portions adjacent the access opening area to reduce or prevent spillage when drinking from the container. The raised portions can be integral with the top member and can be continuous along two side edges and the front edge of the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: D. Dean Willoughby
  • Patent number: 4986437
    Abstract: A spill resistant lid is adapted to be removably and securely attached to an open-topped beverage container. The lid is formed with a generally cylindrical wall and floor which define a closure member over the beverage container when the lid is placed thereon. The floor of the closure member includes a liquid dispensing hole located in or adjacent the cylindrical wall, and a pressure equalization hole diagonally opposite the liquid dispensing hole. In order to aid a user in locating the liquid dispensing hole solely by feel, as in total darkness, the lid includes a generally semi-funnel shaped dispensing spout formed in the generally cylindrical wall in radial alignment with, and adjacent, the liquid dispensing hole. The floor defining the closure member of the lid is inclined downwardly toward the liquid dispensing hole, so that any residual liquid left in the reservoir will gravity drain back into the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Herbert B. Farmer
  • Patent number: 4984707
    Abstract: The invention features a thermally insulated beverage mug having a hollow internal walled section for retarding thermal conductivity between inner and outer vessel walls. The beverage mug also features a hinge mechanism and domed lid for closing the mouth of the vessel when the vessel is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Frederick Fierthaler
  • Patent number: 4982854
    Abstract: A beverage container made of synthetic resin and having a beverage-pouring inlet at a concave section of the container bottom and a sipping tube connected to the container body at the bottom. A middle portion of the sipping tube is provided with a flexional bellows. This beverage container can replace the conventional can because the sipping tube is fitted into a longitudinal groove formed on the container body and the container is totally covered with a thermal-shrinking bag which allows no projections over the container profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Matumotoya Shokuhin
    Inventor: Tuyoshi Ichimiya
  • 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: 4974744
    Abstract: A holder for a drink carton, which holder includes a main housing, a lid member coupled to the main housing, and a stopper member coupled to the lid. The lid includes a first aperture that receives a first end of the stopper member and a second aperture that provides access to a drink box container in the holder so that the opening of the drink box can be punctured and stoppered by means of the second end of the stopper member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: TDJ, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Shanklin, William J. Segal, Martin A. Spiegel, William Kovensky
  • Patent number: 4966300
    Abstract: An insulated drinking container having an insulated cup and an insulated lid which is shreadably engagable over the open upper end of the cup. The lid includes an integrally formed grasping handle and an elongated centrally disposed, downwardly extending straw housing. The straw housing includes a stationary straw which extends downward to the bottom of the cup and a removable straw slidably translatable up and down in the stationary housing adjacent the stationary straw between a downward stored position fully within the straw housing and an upward sipping position extended above the lid. Only when in its sipping position is the removable straw, having an aperture formed through its wall for this purpose, in fluid communication with the stationary straw so that liquid in the container may be removed. Pressurizing and suction features which automatically urge the removable straw upward to its sipping position and downward to its stored position are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Robert A. Coonradt
  • Patent number: 4953725
    Abstract: A drinking vessel which contains a pipe integrally formed within its surface to serve as a drinking straw. The vessel may include a downwardly sloping ramp on the floor of the vessel, the ramp downwardly sloping toward the end of the pipe to allow the liquid contents to be directed toward the bottom of the pipe. The pipe extends upwardly above the entrance opening of the vessel and serves as a drinking straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Elena M. D. M. D. Gil Buj
  • Patent number: 4949865
    Abstract: A lid to cover a liquid holding container includes a circular rim portion for engaging the container rim and a cover opening for permitting liquid to pass in and out of the container. A support is centrally situated in the cover, the support having an upper margin situated at least as high as the circular rim portion. A closure member is formed unitarily with the cover and configured to seal the cover opening. A hinge permits the closure member to be pivoted between a position where the closure member is engaged in the cover opening and a position where the closure member is displaced from the cover opening. The hinge is molded unitarily to the upper margin of the central support in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Williams Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Turner
  • Patent number: 4948008
    Abstract: A can has two closed can ends, one of which is provided with a pull tab having a pull-up member connected to the pull tab. The pull tab can be torn away from the associated can end to form an opening by pulling up the pull-up member which is connected to the pull tab. The pull-up member includes a bottom portion and a tapered insert portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. After the pull tab is detached from the can, the pull tab can be broken off from the pull-up member and the tapered insert portion can be used to snugly seal the opening in the can end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventors: Jaw-Shyong Wu, Yun-Terng Wang, Hann-Chang Wu, Jiin-Tsong Shieh
  • 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: 4938379
    Abstract: The protective one piece circular dish shaped synthetic plastic beverage can top cover having an upstanding integral loop-shaped radially outer rim for nested engagement with a raised circular can edge of a beverage can. The loop-shaped outer cover rim defines an axially inwardly opening annular groove for receiving a raised circular edge of the beverage can when the cover is mounted upon an upper open end of a beverage can. The cover has a dish shaped depressed area that has a meshed area alignable with the can opening in an upper end of the beverage can to allow beverage fluids to flow from the beverage can through the meshed area of the cover. The cover and the meshed area are cooperable with the loop-shaped outer cover rim when mounted upon the beverage can to prevent bees and the like from entering the can opening in the top of the beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Louis W. Kellner
  • Patent number: 4938411
    Abstract: A drip catching device is provided for use with ice cream cones, comprising a planar member formed from a liquid absorbing material. The planar member has a plurality of intersecting slits formed therein for receiving a cylindrical or tapered ice cream cone. When the drip catching device is fitted around the ice cream cone, stresses which are set up in the drip catching device cause the planar member to take a substantially sinusoidal form and thereby fit snugly to the outer surface of the ice cream cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Apix International, Division of Worzalla Publishing Co.
    Inventor: Peppino Rizzuto
  • Patent number: 4934553
    Abstract: An above ground tank for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids consisting of an outer vessel of fiberglass construction and an inner vessel of similar construction eccentrically mounted within the outer vessel. The outer surface of the inner vessel and the underside of the cover is provided with an intumescent coating to foam up as a thermal barrier upon reaching a critical elevated temperature to resist the increase in temperature of the contents of the tank. The tank is supplied with a fiberglass filler funnel and a manway with a cover on which is mounted all of the pipe fittings required for the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: ThetaCorporation
    Inventor: Walton McCarthy
  • Patent number: 4930652
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for a container. The container includes a tubular body having a closed end, an open end and a longitudinal axis. A lid is secured to the open end and having an orifice. A closure tab is pivotally connected to the lid and temporarily closes the orifice. An actuating member is pivotally secured to the lid and is being manually actuated for moving the closure tab into the interior of the body to open the orifice in the lid. The device includes a conduit disposed within the body. A means is disposed within the body and adapted to engage the body for supporting the conduit substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Another means forms a float for elevating the conduit through the orifice in the lid when liquid is present within the body and the tab is deflected into the interior of the body to open the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Assignee: MK Industries
    Inventors: Peter F. Murphy, James H. Kurtz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4930654
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a resealable flip-top beverage can having a rotatable sealing top mounted above the can top of the beverage can, and the sealing top is rotated into a first position to open a hole in the top of the beverage can and through which the contents of the can are dispensed, and is rotated into a second position where the sealing top seals the hole. Sealing means are provided on the top of the can top and on the underside of the sealing top that cooperate to seal the beverage can. A separate actuating means may be snapped onto the top of the beverage can and is coupled to the sealing top so that as the actuating means is rotated the sealing top is rotated. Alternatively, the sealing top may have a downturned, knurled edge extending over the side of the beverage can, and the edge is grasped and rotated to open and close the beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventors: Richard A. Thibeault, Deborah M. Thibeault
  • Patent number: 4928848
    Abstract: A combination drinking vessel, and cup holder includes a cylindrically shaped outer container enclosing a truncated conically shaped inner container, the inner container being for holding fluid or for holding a drinking cup with the lip thereof juxtaposed to a rolled over lip about the mouth of the outer container; a rolled over lip being provided about the bottom of the outer container; a cap serving as a cover by snapping over the lip at the mouth of the outer container, or as a coaster by snapping over the lip at the bottom of the outer container; inserts for placement within the inner container for accommodating different size cups therein; and thermal insulation filling the space within said outer container not occupied by the inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: John A. Ballway
  • Patent number: 4927048
    Abstract: A protective covering for the closure lid of a beverage can has a tear-away access strip which exposes the pull-tab and pouring aperture. The access strip remains attached to the protective covering even after tearing to expose the pouring aperture. The covering is adhered to the can in a closely conforming manner so as not to interfere with the normal 6-pack clustering and stacking of the cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: Roy T. Howard
  • Patent number: 4927047
    Abstract: An inexpensive reusable insulated jacket for removably receiving an open beverage can therewith, and to maintain its contents in refrigerated condition, having a cover for preventing windblown sand and other foreign materials from entering the can and thereby contaminating its contents. The jacket is designed so that it is comprised of only two separate molded pieces of insulating material, a cylindrical cup-like member and a cover, the cover being secured to the cup-like member solely by a small elastic band anchored upon the cup-like member and extending over the cover while urging same toward closed protecting position.A bearing surface is molded into the cover and cooperates with a bearing surface molded into the cup-like member, so as to obviate the need for a fixed hinge member, the latter being difficult to secure and maintain in molded insulating material and relatively expensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Cantainer Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Stuber, Charles E. Effertz
  • Patent number: 4925508
    Abstract: Moldless process for manufacturing foamed articles is disclosed wherein a trim cover is first prepared as having a composite structure of an outer facing material such as fabric and an inner backing material of low melting point such as a thin foam of polystyrene and having a shape substantially corresponding to a final contour of the finished article; the trim cover is heated and forced to form a pre-shaped cover conforming to the final contour of the finished article preferably by means of a restraining frame such as basket or plastic cage configured to the final contour of the finished article; highly reactive polyurethane composition foamable at low internal pressure is poured inside the pre-shaped cover and allowed to foam and expand to fill substantially an entire volume within the pre-shaped cover; and then the pre-shaped cover is externally heated to around the melting temperature of the backing material so as to significantly shrink and virtually dissipate the backing material interposed between the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Namba Press Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Goto, Taro Ogawa
  • Patent number: 4925050
    Abstract: The invention relates to beverage can which have mouth-fit upper portion, clean and hygienical upper portion, novel and attracting appearance, slippery preventing and easy to grasp body shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Zhou Yu
  • Patent number: 4925040
    Abstract: A child's canteen having a latched pivotally mounted cap on its top which when closed engages a spring-loaded tubular member which extends into the interior of the canteen. The cap normally holds the tubular member in a retracted position. However, when the latched cap is released, the tubular member pops up through the top of the canteen and causes the cap to swing open. The contents of the canteen may now be sucked through the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Paul S. Wang
  • Patent number: 4923084
    Abstract: A beverage container having a metallic lid with a bend down panel on the lid to define an opening for the lid. A rupturable score line separates the panel from the lid and facilitates detachment of the panel from the lid and bending of the panel downwardly to provide the opening while a portion of the panel remains hingedly attached to the lid. A non-detachable pull tab is secured to the top of the lid for applying a manual force for rupturing the score line and bending the lid downwardly. A rotatable straw delivery mechanism holding a straw is secured to the underside of the lid. The straw delivery mechanism is positioned to permit the panel to bend downwardly to provide straw-free drinking access through the opening when the panel is depressed to a first position. When the panel is then depressed further to a second position, the panel comes into contact with a contact elbow on the straw delivery mechanism. This contact rotates the straw delivery mechanism to provide a pop-up straw through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Raymond Forbes
  • Patent number: 4923083
    Abstract: A beverage container having a metallic lid with a bend down panel on the lid to define an opening for the lid. A rupturable score line separates the panel from the lid and facilitates detachment of the panel from the lid and bending of the panel downwardly to provide the opening while a portion of the panel remains hingedly attached to the lid. A non-detachable pull tab is secured to the top of the lid for applying a manual force for rupturing the score line and bending the lid downwardly. A rotatable straw delivery mechanism holding a straw is secured to the underside of the lid. The straw delivery mechanism is positioned to permit the panel to bend downwardly to provide straw-free drinking access through the opening when the panel is depressed to a first position. When the panel is then depressed further to a second position, the panel comes into contact with a contact elbow on the straw delivery mechanism. This contact rotates the straw delivery mechanism to provide a pop-up straw through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Raymond Forbes
  • Patent number: 4921112
    Abstract: A substantially closed nursing mug having an upper discharge nipple (31) and a vertically extending dosing chamber (18) adjacent to a side wall portion (3a) of the mug, the volume of the dosing chamber corresponding to a predetermined liquid volume to be drunk at a time. Upper and lower valves (11, 12) are disposed at the upper and lower ends, respectively, of the dosing chamber (18). The upper valve (11) is adapted to automatically switch from a closing position to an opening position when the mug is tilted beyond a first tilting angle, and the lower valve (12) is adapted to automatically switch from an opening position to a closing position when the mug is tilted beyond a second tilting angle being less than or substantially equal to the first tilting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventors: Sven-Eric Juhlin, Hakan Bergkvist, Astrid Norberg, Bengt Winblad
  • Patent number: 4921117
    Abstract: A tumbler for consumption of beverage and food is prepared by removing the metal top from a standard aluminum can and fitting a thin plastic sleeve over the exterior side walls thereof. Said tumbler is reuseable, extremely strong and unbreakable, and has a glass-like feel. The can is easily replaced by slipping it out of the plastic sleeve and inserting a new can therein. The invention unexpectedly permits the reuse of empty, discarded aluminum cans but still allows recycling of the cans after being replaced in the plastic sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Domenick Mucciarone
  • Patent number: 4910977
    Abstract: A cooler for drink cans comprises a simple thin walled sleeve of tubular plastics material which is closed at one end and has a removable lid at the other end. The inside dimension of the sleeve is arranged so that it can receive a number of cans in stacked axially along the sleeve in end to end relationship biased by a spring presenting the cans gently one at a time at the upper end of the sleeve for removal. Between each can and the next adjacent can is a disc shaped body formed by a molded plastic defining a hollow interior for a refrigerant material. The discs have domed surfaces to improve contact with the adjacent cans. The discs can be readily stored within a freezer for charging of the refrigerant. The narrow dimensions of the sleeve enable it to be readily stored within a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Daniel Knight
    Inventor: Richard J. Hilton
  • Patent number: 4911315
    Abstract: A beverage container and dispensing cap is set forth including an elongate polymeric container for receiving a lid thereon. The lid includes an integral straw formed with an accordion hinge spaced above an upper surface of the lid with a cap removable therefrom. The cap is positionable upon a rigid boss formed integrally and orthogonally relative to an upper surface of the lid. The boss includes deformable arcuate serrations for enhancing frictional engagement with the cap and the boss. The cap is positioned on the boss for use of the integral straw by an individual and allowing securement of the cap on the boss avoiding loss and abuse of the cap when removed from the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Lawanda F. Shrum
  • Patent number: 4898298
    Abstract: A flying insect container guard is set forth comprising an annular guard formed with a downwardly extending skirt and an orthogonally upwardly positioned rim including a screen matrix of predetermined openings tapering downwardly into orifices to meter flow of fluid from an associated beverage container through the openings. A guard removal leg extends downwardly from the skirt for removal of the lid subsequent to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventor: Annie B. Norris
  • Patent number: 4892187
    Abstract: A pop-up straw having an upper buoyant section and a lower flexible section is mounted within a container. When the container is opened, the upper end of the pop-up straw rises through the opening. The straw is particularly useful with a push in tab easy open end container. A collar which holds the upper portion of the straw is mounted below the opening and just below the downward extension of the tab. Opening the tab pushes downward against the upper end of the straw until the tab clears the upper end of the straw. The upper end of the straws then pops up through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: Peter Stein
  • Patent number: 4886183
    Abstract: A holder for canned or bottled beverages which thermally insulates the beverage and provides a message display in lamps visible on the outer surface of the holder at the election of the user of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventor: Keith A. Fleming