Pail Or Bucket Of Flexible Or Flaccid Material (e.g., Fabric, Rubber, Etc.) Patents (Class 220/904)
  • Patent number: 11602247
    Abstract: A foldable foot bath device includes a support rod, an upper frame, a base, and a basin wall connected between the upper frame and the base. A cover plate is arranged on the upper frame. The basin wall is made of flexible material and foldable. When the basin wall is unfolded to form a foot bath area, the basin wall is supported by the support rod. The support rod is located in the space surrounded by the basin wall, and an upper end of the support rod is rotatably connected to the cover plate. The support rod is supported between the cover plate and the bottom side of the base after the basin wall is unfolded, thereby forming the support for the basin wall. The support rod is flipped and then approaches the cover plate after the basin wall is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: HUAIAN MIMIR ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Ge, Sucheng Cao, Jianguo Chen
  • Patent number: 10646762
    Abstract: Described herein are game devices for use in individual and/or group play. These game devices can compose a base and an intermediate structure comprising an opening which a user can attempt to throw a ball or other object into. The base can be configured such that it can connect to a substantially planar surface such as a wall or ceiling. The intermediate structure can be flexible like a basketball net or can be rigid. In some embodiments, the opening in the intermediate structure can be connected to a rim that hold the opening in an “open” position. In some embodiments, the rim can further comprise bristle-like protrusion structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Bowers
  • Patent number: 10104941
    Abstract: A steaming apparatus for an article of footwear includes a steaming chamber adjoined to a plurality of wing portions. The steaming apparatus is configured to accommodate a steam source. The apparatus also includes provisions for securing the article of footwear within the steaming chamber such that a majority of the upper is subjected to steam. Articles of footwear may be placed in the steaming system to help customize the articles of apparel for a user's fit and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Dieter
  • Patent number: 10021867
    Abstract: A bag for conveniently holding fish in water safely and for weighing the fish during a fishing tournament. The bag comprises a polymeric material which is water tight but allows oxygen to pass into the bag and carbon dioxide to pass out of the bag. The bag is fold-able but when filled with water, the bag has no right angle corners where fish tend to congregate and crowd one another. An optional hoop is provided which integrates with the side wall of the bag and will force the shape of the bag to remain in a preferred more rounded configuration. One embodiment includes a sealable closure at the top to fixedly contain the water and fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Judy L. Tipton
  • Patent number: 8636178
    Abstract: A container or pitcher is provided having a flexible side wall portion and rim portion of the container which can conform to the shape of an object to which the pitcher is applied to thereby direct fluid flow from the pitcher over a broader area and to prevent fluid from flowing from the pitcher and underneath the rim of the pitcher and onto portions of the object to which it is not desirable to apply the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Michael L. McGinley, Brian Lau
  • Patent number: 7815069
    Abstract: A collapsible, soft-sided, insulated cooler or other container having a top, a sidewall having a sidewall top connected to the rim of the top and a bottom connected at a sidewall bottom, opposite the top. The top includes a zipper or other closure that extends from a first point to a second point on the rim of the top in a line along a radial segment, traversing a central region of the top. The sidewall comprises an inner layer, an outer shell and an insulating material disposed therebetween. The sidewall further includes a spring wire that extends between the bottom and top of the container that biases the cooler to a fully expanded configuration for use and that is compressible for storage by pressing down on the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Gemline
    Inventors: Richard C. Bellofatto, Mark T. Salander
  • Patent number: 7757895
    Abstract: A container or pitcher is provided having a flexible side wall portion and rim portion of the container which can conform to the shape of an object to which the pitcher is applied to thereby direct fluid flow from the pitcher over a broader area and to prevent fluid from flowing from the pitcher and underneath the rim of the pitcher and onto portions of the object to which it is not desirable to apply the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Michael L. McGinley, Brian Lau
  • Patent number: 7458480
    Abstract: A collapsible container having a sealed bottom and a sealable top. The sealable top having a peelable ring peelably adhering to a top ring. The top ring affixed to the container top at a perimeter. The peelable ring removable allowing a top lid to be affixed to the adhesive at the top ring. The adhesive containing a pleasant fragrance. The expanded container receiving a soiled diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Thuan Thien Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7441675
    Abstract: A container or pitcher is provided having a flexible side wall portion and rim portion of the container which can conform to the shape of an object to which the pitcher is applied to thereby direct fluid flow from the pitcher over a broader area and to prevent fluid from flowing from the pitcher and underneath the rim of the pitcher and onto portions of the object to which it is not desirable to apply the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventors: Michael L. McGinley, Brian Lau
  • Patent number: 7036676
    Abstract: A foldable water tank comprises a foldable receptacle having a bottom wall and vertical sidewalls, the sidewalls being inclined inwardly; and a plurality of support structures connected to the sidewalls to support the sidewalls in the inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Eldred Corporation
    Inventor: Jan Christensen
  • Patent number: 6616004
    Abstract: A compressible waste receptacle for easily setting up and disposing waste-receiving members. The compressible waste receptacle includes a bag member having an open top, a closed bottom, and a rim disposed along an outer edge at the open top thereof; and also includes a biasedly-extended coiled spring member capable of being compressed onto itself and also being removably disposed in the bag member; and further includes an assembly for fastening the bag member to the biasedly-extended coiled spring member; and also includes an assembly to retain the biasedly-extended coiled spring member in a compressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Bradley E. Erickson, Brian L. Riley
  • Patent number: 6520365
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes a cylindrical sidewall extending between a top and a bottom of the container. The sidewall is formed of a flexible material which enables the container to be opened to an expanded configuration or closed to a collapsed configuration. A coil spring biases the container to the open configuration. The coil spring has a top coil adjacent the top of the container and a bottom coil adjacent the bottom of the container. A durable bottom layer is affixed to the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Aquapore Moisture Systems
    Inventor: Paul A. Schneider
  • Patent number: 6315143
    Abstract: A disposable standing trash bag including a flexible container supported by a foldable frame. The frame includes at least one pair of vertically stacked horizontal hoops and a plurality of vertical supports. The supports are pivotally connected to the hoops and fold radially inwardly when the trash bag is folded. A slider restrains folding of the vertical supports when the trash bag is standing but can be released by turning the frame upside down so that the trash bag can be folded for storage, shipment or reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Antionette R. Dotts
  • Patent number: 5669525
    Abstract: A collapsible bucket having a flexible, rectangular body for containing horse feed, grain or the like and having a pair of support straps with skirts engaging the side walls of the body and further having an adjustable carrying strap attached to the support strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Rachel Theora Sapyta
  • Patent number: 5429437
    Abstract: A liquid container especially suited for use in the capture of liquid hazardous materials is disclosed, the container comprising a bottom, preferably circular, and a generally vertical wall, preferably annular or conical, attached to the perimeter of the bottom to form a container with a large open top. The bottom and wall are composed of a flexible, liquid impermeable material, preferably a material that is also chemical resistant and wear resistant. The container may further comprise a liner. The top edge of the wall incorporates a semi-rigid floating member which completely encircles the opening, the floating member being collapsible or foldable for storage purposes. The perimeter portion of the bottom incorporates a structural or frame member which is composed of a flexible, resilient material which provides rigidity to the perimeter and acts to spread the bottom to its maximum size. The frame member is collapsible on itself such that the device can be collapsed into a small size for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: UltraTech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce, Dorian T. True, III, Marion L. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5379862
    Abstract: An expandable pan for trapping and directing oil from a boat's engine in an ecologically safe manner. The pan comprises a bottom with a sloped false bottom to an outlet having a hose connection. The pan is provided with collapsible side walls and a top member with with an upwardly extending extension to receive the oil from the engine oil pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventors: Barry Schmidt, Larry Metzler
  • Patent number: 5221016
    Abstract: A new insulated container, includes a hollow bottle being composed of pliable resilient material, and an insulation sleeve disposed over a portion of the outer surface of the bottle and being contracted frictionally thereabout. The sleeve has a mouth portion for receiving the bottle. The sleeve is composed of a pliable resilient material and includes an outer insulation sleeve portion and an inner pliable sleeve portion having a smooth inner surface to facilitate the insertion of the bottle into the sleeve. The method includes forming the two-part sleeve, and then inserting the bottle into the sleeve by first moving them together telescopically until a portion of the bottle disposed within the sleeve. Thereafter, the axially directed bottle-contracting impacts are applied abruptly to the bottle and the sleeve at opposite ends thereof to cause them to move axially relative to one another until the bottle is free to expand outwardly within the sleeve for gripping the bottle frictionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Inventor: David Karpal
  • Patent number: 5209364
    Abstract: A collapsible container that incorporates the features of a rigid free-standing container with the flexibility and collapsibility of a bulk bag. Stiffening members are placed into pockets created by sewing together two pieces of woven polypropylene. The members may be removed and placed inside the bag for shipping and then installed in the sewn pockets to create a collapsible container suitable for containment and shipment of bulk materials of up to 70% liquid composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: John LaPoint, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5129238
    Abstract: A drinking container having a cylindrical side wall attached along threads at an external top portion to a screw on cap member sealed to the side wall to prevent leakage of fluid from the container. The cap member is integral with a freezable insert containing an aqueous solution with a downwardly descending freezable insert containing an aqueous solution with a freezing point below the freezing point of water. The freezable insert can have its contents frozen and then returned to a position within the cylindrical side wall of the container to cool a liquid placed within the container. Alternatively, the freezable insert is separate from the cap and is screwed into a central bore of the cap after being frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventors: James A. Schwartz, Lawrence Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5086917
    Abstract: A utility caddy is provided which can be used for transporting cleaning supplies and the like. The caddy includes a pair of triangular compartments separated by a double-walled partition. A handle formed integrally with the partition allows the caddy to be easily carried. The caddy is preferably provided as part of an assembly including a similarly configured bucket. The caddy can be inserted within the bucket so that both items can be stored in a minimal amount of space, or carried together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Dziersk, Melissa Rader, A. Stanley Tucker, Walter Wilsford
  • 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: 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: 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: 5018636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for liquid which is able to retain the liquid therein for drinking purposes at a temperature close to its original temperature for a period of time. The design of the top makes it easy to insert, reduces vents to one drink hole, and the addition of an interior shelf or speed bump will add additional important insurance against spills or splashes while improving the heat retention. The improved shape will allow a mechanical channel for an add on handle which will reduce breakage and add marketing options. The improved shape will also allow the possibility of the jiggering of the mug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Inventor: Gary Ross
  • 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: 5000338
    Abstract: A cup is described which can be mounted on a can, for directly drinking a liquid contained in the can. The cup is suitable for covering and protection of the can top during storage, and for containing illustrative material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: Michael Wolman
  • Patent number: 4989746
    Abstract: A resealable closure system for use on a container comprising an insert and a removable plug to seal an opening in the insert; the plug has a soft, hollow bottom that is shaped to fill the insert opening and which functions to provide one or more sealing opportunities; and, in the preferred embodiment, this plug is linked to the insert at one end by a pair of hinge arms which serve to guide the plug through a proscribed range of motion as it is inserted into or removed from the insert opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas W. Pierce
  • 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: 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: 4961510
    Abstract: A spill-proof auxiliary top for a conventional metallic beverage container comprises a unitary molded piece of resilient material that includes a base and a pedestal-like mouthpiece. The mouthpiece is of generally-arcuate shape to conform closely to a consumer's lips. A skirt extends from the base to encircle the can. Tapered sections of the interior of the skirt are arranged for interlocking the upstanding ridge conventionally formed at the top of a beverage can to thereby maintain a secure relationship between the auxiliary top and the can through otherwise-critical tipping angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Inventor: Frank Dvoracek
  • Patent number: 4953737
    Abstract: A vessel which is self-righting and stable without the need for a weighted base is comprised of a planar base and sides whose cross section is an arc of an involute defined by a circle inside the cup. The most extended point on the involute is at or adjacent to the rim of the cup while the least extended point is the point where the side joins the planar base. In preferred embodiments, the vessel includes both a cup portion and a lid which retains liquids in the cup portion such that the overall center of gravity remains on the side of the reaction force vector at the point of contact between the cup and the surface on which it is placed, toward the center of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Gerber Products Company
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Meyers
  • Patent number: 4953743
    Abstract: A lid for use on a drinking cup is provided having a central horizontal cover portion which has a vent means provided therein. The vent means comprise a circular, horizontal top portion having a vent opening therethrough. The top portion has a downwardly depending first wall which has terminal end below the surface of the cover portion. An upwardly extending second wall merges with the terminal end of the first wall and extends upwardly therefrom in an outwardly spaced apart position respect thereto so as to merge with the cover portion of the lid. A plurality of spaced apart ribs connect the first wall and the second wall so as to cooperate therewith the form downwardly depending arcuate wave dampening baffle means which encircle the vent means beneath the surface of the cover portion so as to prevent accidental spillage of the cup contents through the vent means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Dart Container Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Dart, John R. Darras
  • 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: 4948009
    Abstract: Disclosed in a straw-insertable lid for a paper cup which is placed on an upper end of a paper cup in which a beverage such as tea, coffe, a soft drink, fruit juice, or the like, a sherbert-like beverage of any of these beverages, or the like is accommodated singly or together with crushed ice so as to allow the beverage to be drunk by inserting a straw through the straw-inserting slit provided in the top plate portion. The upper lid is formed of natural rubber, and a protruding outer ring is provided on the top plate portion around the slit. As a result, when the lids are disposed of by being dumped as rubbish after use, the lids easily decompose, thereby preventing the dumped lids from constituting a source of environmental destruction. At the same time, when the straw is inserted through the slit, the protruding annuular ring prevents the slit from becoming easily being ripped large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventor: Takashi Sawatani
  • 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: 4938373
    Abstract: A serving device including a plate and a liquid container. The plate is molded with a central area configured to grasp and support the container. The container bottom can be inserted into the central area on the upper surface of the plate or the upper open surface of the container can be inserted into the central area on the bottom surface of the plate. An aperture is provided through the central area whereby when the serving device is supported by the container a straw can be inserted through the aperture into the liquid for its removal while the liquid container is inserted into the central area on the bottom of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Dennis McKee
  • Patent number: 4938375
    Abstract: The Ice Trap comprises a trapping device and beverage cup combination, the trapping device having a plurality of openings, a conical shaped side section, a rim, compresssion gap, and compression tabs for inserting, locking in, and removing the device, and also having a bottom section with a downward pitch for ice containment near the inner cup wall when tilted, and a center bottom opening in the bottom section for the insertion of a straw; a beverage cup having an internal annular lip formed from the inwardly sloping wall, and a annular horizontal bottom surface included beneath the lip for locking the device in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Ralph A. Fantacone
  • 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: 4938377
    Abstract: A device for preserving aroma and fresh flavor of potable liquids and of coffee, in particular. The device comprises a vessel for holding the coffee; a buoyant lid receivable within the vessel for floating upon the coffee; and a lid retainer, with pouring apertures, which snaps on to the vessel for retention of the lid during the pouring procedure. The vessel and lid are preferably constructed of thermally insulative material for heat retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Robert B. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 4932552
    Abstract: A device for performing a procedure comprising, a first tray, a second tray positioned adjacent a side the first tray, and a flexible splash shield extending from a location adjacent the juncture of the first and second trays and being movable between a first position substantially covering the first tray and a second position substantially covering the second tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventor: Earl Wilson
  • Patent number: 4928842
    Abstract: Device for use in serving popcorn and the like comprising a vertical member secured to the generally concave interior surface of a container. The vertical member has an irregular exterior surface stopping the spilling of popcorn when a hand reaches into the container for popcorn. Preferably the vertical member has six to eight fluted sides and a smaller cross section at its middle than its ends. Alternatively, the vertical member is integrated into the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: Julius A. Swenson
  • Patent number: 4928876
    Abstract: A beverage container having a bottom that has been deformed such that it has a fingerlike projection that extends upward over halfway into the center of the container, where the container also has a multi-sectional drinking straw that fits over and is held upright by the projection and a closing lid that snaps on the rim. The beverage container is substantially bifrustoconical in shape, and it can be secured to a tray or drink holder equipped with a vertical element that inserts into the hollow deformation in the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Brockington and Marshall
    Inventor: Allen S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 4925051
    Abstract: A container lid can be used for open-mouthed containers having a peripheral curl about the rim of the container. This peripheral curl defines a rim receiving cavity which may be snap fit over the rim of the container to attach the lid to the container. The container may thereafter be effectively closed by the lid. This lid may additionally have a well having an upwardly sloped portion and a well portion. The well portion has a raised element therein, which can form openings in the lid. In particular, by applying a downward force to a top surface of the raised element, eye-shaped slits may be formed at frangible areas adjacent the corners of this element. These eye-shaped slits permit contents within the container to be discharged therethrough. For instance, a beverage may be held in the container. After applying a downward force to the raised element to form slits in the container lid, the beverage may be discharged through the slits, passed over the sloped portion and then poured and/or ingested therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Imperial Cup Corporation
    Inventor: David H. Herbst
  • Patent number: 4925052
    Abstract: A drinking vessel has a cylindrical body (1) forming the main receptacle, and a lid (2) with a snap fit over the rim of the body. The lid has a mouthpiece (6) diametrically opposed to a vent (8) and when turned to one position both are blocked. But when turned to another position, both are opened to the interior of the body (1) by ducts (11) in an inner flange (10) of the lid registering with recesses (5) in the rim of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventors: Malcolm Betka, Robert Cross
  • Patent number: 4915250
    Abstract: A spill-proof lid for use with a container for liquids includes a liquid chamber that has an outlet opening above and an inlet opening below the plane of the lid. The chamber is constructed so that, as it extends from inlet to outlet, it traverses the lid from edge to axially opposing edge and back again. The periphery of the lid is constructed to sealingly engage the upper edge of the container. Preferably, the outlet end of the liquid chamber has a mouthpiece formed thereon for ease of drinking. In one embodiment of the lid, the liquid chamber is substantially a single-loop helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: George W. Hayes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4901877
    Abstract: A container with a lid which is provided with scorelines defining a plurality of long narrow lugs. A tab is secured by its midportion to the central portion of the lid and has at one end a plurality of fingers which respectively terminate over the lugs for pushing the lugs into the container when the tab is lifted. The displaced lugs leave parallel, narrow slits which preclude the entry of insects, such as bees, into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Inventor: John R. Hall
  • Patent number: 4899902
    Abstract: A lid for a liquid container having a substantially circular opening is disclosed. The lid includes a drinking spout and a cover integrally connected to a portion of the lid by means of a connecting member, with a cover adapted to fit over the drinking spout in friction-fit relationship. The lid of the invention permits removing the cover and resealing the cover with one hand. In the sealed position, the lid provides a liquid tight seal against spilling through the drinking spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 4898299
    Abstract: A container lid can be used for open-mouthed containers having a peripheral curl about the rim of the container. This peripheral curl defines a rim receiving cavity which may be snap fit over the rim of the container to attach the lid to the container. The container may thereafter be effectively closed by the lid. This lid may additionally have a central web portion for providing support for the lid and a drink-through element having a raised element within a well portion of this drink-through element. By applying a downward force to a top surface of the raised element, eye-shaped slits may be formed at frangible areas adjacent the corners of this element. These eye-shaped slits permit contents within the container to be discharged therethrough. For instance, a beverage may be held in the container. After applying a downward force to the raised element to form slits in the container lid, the beverage may be ingested directly through the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Imperial Cup Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Herbst, Chris E. Boes
  • Patent number: 4893723
    Abstract: An attachment for a cylindrical container is disclosed. The attachment is secured and sealed on the open top of the can by a seal which mates with the rim of the container. The attachment includes a pour spout with a cap, an access opening with a cover, and a paint paddle scraper along with a comb for cleaning the paint from brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: John K. Seabolt
  • Patent number: 4886176
    Abstract: A portable liquid insulated cooler having a plug removably mounted on the top wall through which a flexible tubing extends providing a straw for drawing the liquid contents from the container. A receptacle containing a coolant is removably mounted on the top wall of the cooler and depends therefrom into the liquid in the cooler. The cooler is provided with a handle having a storage compartment for the flexible tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventor: Betty P. Steakley