Portable Drainer Patents (Class 222/189.07)
  • Patent number: 10857489
    Abstract: A cooking oil disposal assembly includes a pot for receiving used cooking oil. A filter is removably positionable in the pot and the filter is comprised of a fluid permeable material to filter particles from the used cooking oil. A cover is hingedly coupled to the pot and the cover is positionable between a closed position and an open position. A bowl is removably positionable in the cover and the bowl is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to capture the used cooking oil. The bowl is disposed of when the bowl is removed from the pot to facilitate the used cooking oil to be disposed without pouring the used cooking oil down sewer pipes. A blower is coupled to the cover and the blower urging air upwardly onto the bowl when the blower is turned on to cool the used cooking oil in the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Linda Lackey
  • Patent number: 10500552
    Abstract: A decant device includes a tubular body being hollowed and having an upper end and a lower end being open. The lower end is capable of combining with a mouth of a cup. A dispenser is assembled in the tubular body. The dispenser has a plate body laterally connected to an inner wall of the tubular body. The plate body has a center portion and the plate body has a curved surface downwardly protruding from a bottom of the plate body and a recessed surface concaved from a top of the plate body. The plate body has a plurality of fan-shaped through holes surrounding the center portion, so as to form the plate body as turbine-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Chang Hsien Liu
  • Patent number: 10464716
    Abstract: A container including a container body having a neck finish having a longitudinal axis. A fitment is fitted at least partially within the neck finish. The fitment has a slot extending at least partially around the longitudinal axis. An adhesive is positioned within the slot between said neck finish and said fitment. The adhesive has a Tan Delta from about 0.65 to about 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kyle Frederic Ham, Emil Paul Bader, Andrew Eric Neltner, Timothy Sean Peppard
  • Patent number: 10287068
    Abstract: A flow restrictor assembly for a beverage kettle having a valve member that moves with respect to an opening in the interior of the beverage kettle to restrict the flow of liquid from the opening in the beverage kettle. The valve member may be coupled to a handle that enables movement of the valve member into varying positions with respect to the opening to control the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. Beber, Daniel F. Galea, Joseph Snyder
  • Patent number: 10144562
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to devices for dispensing liquid, especially fuel. In one embodiment, a device for dispensing fuel includes a spout for pouring liquid fuel, an annular fitting including a chamber formed therein. A sealing surface, a stopper, and spring may be disposed within the chamber. The annular fitting may be attached to the spout. The annular fitting may be configured to mate with a portable fuel canister. The fitting may include sidewalls forming a channel for liquid fuel, an outer wall enveloping a portion of the sidewall forming a chamber proximate the liquid channel, and an atmospheric orifice formed in the outer wall. The sealing surface may be disposed proximal the orifice. The spring may be configured to bias the stopper into contact with the sealing surface such that the chamber is in selective pressure-dependent fluid communication with an atmosphere outside the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Greg Latimer
  • Patent number: 9731870
    Abstract: A closure includes a skirt defining an outer periphery of the closure and having an open bottom end configured to fit over the mouth of a receptacle, an end wall positioned atop the skirt to close a top end of the skirt and form a top face of the closure, one or more openings formed through the end wall, and a sealing rib formed on the top face and diametrically disposed outboard the one or more openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: GATEWAY PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: William C. Vogel, Terrence M. Parve
  • Publication number: 20130248536
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing drinks utilizing a mason jar, combining the jar and collar with a separate annular gasket, filtering lid, and sealing cap. The annular gasket and filtering lid are sealed to the jar by attaching the collar to the jar. A flange from the filtering lid sits atop the annular gasket, while a lip from the collar presses down on the flange as the collar is tightened. The collar is secured to the jar by matching threading on the jar and collar. The filtering lid has filtering holes that allow a drink inside the jar to be filtered while being poured. A sealing cap can be attached to a spout of the filtering lid by means of an interference fit. The sealing cap allows the mixing apparatus to be used to mix and shake a contained drink. The shaker is useful for creating cocktails, infusions, and similar drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Eric Christopher PRUM, Joshua Kauffman WILLIAMS
  • Patent number: 8459468
    Abstract: A separable cap (10) for a vacuum mug is taught which consists of a removable lid (20) having a graspable shaped outwardly extending lip (22) and a stopper body (34), having a bottom portion (36) which includes a central orifice (38). The removable lid is attached to the stopper body and a resilient diaphragm plug (56) is compressed between the lid and the stopper body. A stopper mug seal (68) is attached to the stopper body providing a liquid tight seal between the cap and the vacuum mug. A beverage filter (72) is removeably attached to the stopper body bottom portion permitting a beverage a media to be placed into the vacuum mug and hot water poured over the media, after steeping, a brewed beverage is formed. When the lid is removed the compressed diaphragm plug is released and returns to its original dished shape permitting the beverage to be sipped from the stopper body and the media residue strained with the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Publication number: 20130043277
    Abstract: There is provided a dispensing closure (10) for a flowable product which tends to separate into a lighter fraction and a heavier fraction. The closure comprises a dispensing passageway (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16) and through which product can dispensed, and a trap formed in the region of the inlet the entrance to which comprises a plurality (24) of slots through which, in use, the lighter fraction can pass for retention while preventing the flow of the heavier fraction into the trap so that it preferentially flows in the inlet for dispensing without the lighter fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: OBRIST CLOSURES SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Francis Lepage
  • Publication number: 20120325858
    Abstract: A paint spout is provided comprising: a hollow spout shaft comprising an insertion end and an oppositely disposed pouring end, the insertion end enabled for removable attachable insertion into a hole of a paint container, the pouring end enabled to direct paint pouring, through the hollow spout shaft; a strainer member; and, a strainer retaining portion for enabling a strainer member to be removably retained by the hollow spout shaft such that the paint poured there through is filtered by the strainer member, wherein the strainer member extends from at least one of: the pouring end of the hollow spout shaft; and, the insertion end of the hollow spout shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: KOVRD PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Vance MACDONALD, Benjamin LEONARD
  • Publication number: 20120228331
    Abstract: A point spout is provided. The paint spout comprises a hollow spout shaft comprising an insertion end and an oppositely disposed pouring end, the insertion end enabled for removable attachable insertion into a hole of a paint container, the pouring end enabled to direct paint pouring through the hollow spout shaft. The paint spout further comprises a strainer retaining portion at an interior surface of the hollow spout shaft for retaining a strainer member enabled for removable attachment to the interior surface of the hollow spout shaft such that the paint poured there through is filtered by the strainer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: KOVRD PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Vance MACDONALD, Benjamin LEONARD
  • Patent number: 8261947
    Abstract: An emissions device for use with a portable fuel container assembly is provided. The emissions device includes an emissions housing configured to be mounted to the portable fuel container. The emissions housing defines at least one device opening. A membrane is supported by the emissions housing and allows the passage of the vapor and prevents the passage of a liquid. An emissions filter is also located within the emissions housing and is located such that vapor exiting through the device opening must pass the emissions filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Lorenz Erdmann
  • Patent number: 8146486
    Abstract: Provided is a dripper that is light-weight and deformable into an arbitrary shape to be stored compactly and that enables coffee extraction irrespective of the existence of a filter. Provided is a dripper 1 for extracting coffee, including: a filter portion 10 that is formed from fabric with permeability and that includes an opening 11 through which coffee powder can be added and a receiving portion 12 that receives the coffee powder added through the opening 11; and a frame 50 that is made of an super-elastic alloy and can define the respective shapes of the opening 11 and the receiving portion 12 in the filter portion 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Mont-Bell Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isamu Tatsuno
  • Patent number: 8083109
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spout having an evacuation structure for a flexible container. The evacuation structure ensures that the walls of the flexible container do not block the spout of the container during evacuation of fluid from inside the container. The evacuation structure additionally pivots away from the spout during the filling of the container so that the evacuation structure does not impede the fluid entering the container during filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, Daniel Petriekis
  • Publication number: 20110311692
    Abstract: A portable container is described for use in consuming a mixture of cereal and milk. The container includes an open-top receptacle divided into a cereal side and a milk side by an angled divider wall that includes an opening to permit milk to flow between the receptacle's cereal and milk sides, and a lid with a discharge opening in communication with the receptacle cereal side. A spoon-shaped mouthpiece is attached to the outer surface of the lid along the inner side of the discharge opening. In use, cereal and milk are mixed together in the receptacle with the wetted cereal being held on the cereal side of the divider wall. When the container is tilted, excess milk flows to the milk side of the receptacle and wetted cereal slides along the divider wall through the discharge opening and onto the mouthpiece for consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Bradley K. Shepard, Melinda W. Shepard
  • Patent number: 7971755
    Abstract: The invention concerns a container for packaging a liquid (1) to be dispensed in drops. The container is reversibly deformable by air input and is equipped with a head (3) for dispensing liquid through a nozzle (5). The dispensing head (3) comprises a recessed body (4) which is nested inside a neck (10) of the container and which holds a hydrophobic microporous pad (8) arranged upstream of a chamber (9). Chamber (9) is provided with an air reservoir for preventing the liquid from passing through the microporous pad (8) between two liquid dispensing operations, when the nozzle (5) is sealingly obstructed with a cap (6), and for drying a partly hydrophilic and hydrophobic filtering membrane (7) arranged in the dispensing head (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Laboratories Thea
    Inventor: Michel Faurie
  • Publication number: 20100258589
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spout having an evacuation structure for a flexible container. The evacuation structure ensures that the walls of the flexible container do not block the spout of the container during evacuation of fluid from inside the container. The evacuation structure additionally pivots away from the spout during the filling of the container so that the evacuation structure does not impede the fluid entering the container during filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: DS SMITH PLASTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: MARK A. SMITH, DANIEL PETRIEKIS
  • Patent number: 7810651
    Abstract: A flexible water bottle is provided that includes an approach for filtering unfiltered water within the bottle. The bottle includes a filter assembly located within the cap of the bottle such that the filter assembly need not descend into the bottle cavity when the cap is screwed on, thereby not displacing water while screwing on the cap. The filter assembly has an axial flow orientation. An illustrated filter assembly includes paper filters covering the upper and lower ends and can include an activated charcoal filter in between the paper filters. Water is filtered when pressure generated by squeezing the bottle forces water from the bottle cavity through the filter along an axial flow path and out through a spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: MEDport, LLC
    Inventor: Charles W. Miga, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7802702
    Abstract: A system for pouring liquids from a vessel is provided with a mounting flange that engages an inner surface of a vessel sidewall and a spout that extends from the mounting flange. A biasing member depends from the spout to engage an outer surface of the vessel sidewall and securely engage the mounting flange with the inner surface of the vessel sidewall. Guide walls may extend up from the mounting flange on either side of the spout. A separator plate may be removably secured with the mounting flange to strain solids from the liquid being poured from the vessel. The spout, alone or in combination with the separator plate my form a utensil support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: James Blaine Archer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7798372
    Abstract: A system for pouring liquids from a vessel is provided with a mounting flange that engages an inner surface of a vessel sidewall and a spout that extends from the mounting flange. A biasing member depends from the spout to engage an outer surface of the vessel sidewall and securely engage the mounting flange with the inner surface of the vessel sidewall. Guide walls may extend up from the mounting flange on either side of the spout. A separator plate may be removably secured with the mounting flange to strain solids from the liquid being poured from the vessel. The spout, alone or in combination with the separator plate, may form a utensil support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: James Blaine Archer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7757907
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spout having an evacuation structure for a flexible container. The evacuation structure ensures that the walls of the flexible container do not block the spout of the container during evacuation of fluid from inside the container. The evacuation structure additionally pivots away from the spout during the filling of the container so that the evacuation structure does not impede the fluid entering the container during filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, Daniel Petriekis
  • Patent number: 7670479
    Abstract: A fluid container for dispensing a first fluid and a consumable additive. The fluid container includes a first chamber for containing a first fluid and an additive dispensing system. The first chamber is configured such that the first fluid may be dispensed from the first chamber. The additive dispensing system selectively operable to dispense an amount of additive and is not in fluid communication with the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: PUR Water Purification, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Alan Arett, Norman Scott Broyles, Dimitris Ioannis Collias, William Joseph Cruzen, David James Emmons, John Adrew McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20090155436
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid container with a disposable filter have been presented. In some embodiments, the filter includes a housing having a top and a bottom, a first integral strainer coupled to the top, a second integral strainer coupled to the bottom, and some filtration particles stored within the housing between the first and the second integral strainers. Furthermore, some embodiments of the filter further include a flange coupled to the top, where the flange may have an outer circumference larger than a circumference of the top of the housing, and an inner circumference smaller than the circumference of the top of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas W. Chalmers, Matthew Zuckerman
  • Publication number: 20090120964
    Abstract: A system for pouring liquids from a vessel is provided with a mounting flange that engages an inner surface of a vessel sidewall and a spout that extends from the mounting flange. A biasing member depends from the spout to engage an outer surface of the vessel sidewall and securely engage the mounting flange with the inner surface of the vessel sidewall. Guide walls may extend up from the mounting flange on either side of the spout. A separator plate may be removably secured with the mounting flange to strain solids from the liquid being poured from the vessel. The spout, alone or in combination with the separator plate my form a utensil support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: James Blaine Archer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090120965
    Abstract: A system for pouring liquids from a vessel is provided with a mounting flange that engages an inner surface of a vessel sidewall and a spout that extends from the mounting flange. A biasing member depends from the spout to engage an outer surface of the vessel sidewall and securely engage the mounting flange with the inner surface of the vessel sidewall. Guide walls may extend up from the mounting flange on either side of the spout. A separator plate may be removably secured with the mounting flange to strain solids from the liquid being poured from the vessel. The spout, alone or in combination with the separator plate, may form a utensil support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: James Blaine Archer, JR.
  • Patent number: 7491328
    Abstract: The fuel sampler/strainer assembly includes a housing formed of fuel resistant material including a transparent elongated main body, a fuel receiving portion at an upper end thereof, and a fuel exiting portion also at the upper end thereof. The elongated main body has a closed lower end. The fuel receiving portion is generally tubular and has spaced-apart indentations in its upper end edge for alignment and cooperation with associated actuating arms of a pet cock drain valve. A rod is removably attachable at a first end to the fuel receiving portion and extends along a central axis of the fuel receiving portion and beyond the upper end edge of the fuel receiving portion so as to engage and manipulate a ball and spring drain valve at a second end of the rod. The fuel exiting portion includes a filter screen functioning as a barrier to water and desired particulate debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventors: Robert M. Brodbeck, Charles A. Teilborg
  • Patent number: 7451897
    Abstract: An attachment is designed for removable mounting on various types of conventional cookware containers, such as cooking pots, mixing bowls or frying pans. The attachment includes a spout which serves to assist in pouring food products out from the container. The attachment also includes a cover disposed partially across the top surface of the spout, the cover serving to minimize the splashing of the food product during a pouring operation. The attachment additionally includes inner and outer support members which together retain the attachment in its mounted position on the container. With the attachment mounted on the container, the inner and outer support members conform tightly against and frictionally engage the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of the sidewall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Alex PaPasodero
  • Publication number: 20080277424
    Abstract: A flip-top shaker for mixing and pouring is presented. The flip-top shaker may include a container sealed with a collar which may be integrated with a strainer assemblage. The strainer assemblage may be pivoted to a first position in which the flip-top shaker may be completely sealed. In this position the shaker may be shaken with one hand for mixing the contents of the container without holding any of the components together to maintain the seal. The strainer assemblage may be pivoted to a second position in which a passageway is opened allowing communication between the container and the outside. In this position the shaker may be tilted for pouring the contents of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Larimer, Edward Kilduff, William Kang, Chun Ming Cheung
  • Patent number: 7416087
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a fuel filter assembly that can be easily installed on a portable fuel container, such as a race fuel jug or utility jug. The assembly includes a fuel filter positioned in the fuel container to filter fuel that is being poured or otherwise discharged from the container. The fuel filter desirably is selected to filter dirt and other particulate matter that can clog the carburetor or cause damage to other engine parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Dan Press
  • Patent number: 7374366
    Abstract: A wave generator comprises a seat; a positioning ring a wave generating unit received in an upper side of the seat; the wave generating unit being formed by a flow-steady base and a flow-collecting mask; the flow-steady base having a central platform; an upper surface of the central platform having a plurality of projecting blocks which are annularly arranged; the spaces between projecting blocks being formed as flow channels; an inner wall of the wave generating unit being formed with a plurality of longitudinal slots for draining water; a positioning unit for positioning the flow-steady base and the flow-collecting mask precisely; a filtering web having a plurality of holes which formed as an umbrella shape; a positioning rod extending from a central lower side of the web; and a front end of the positioning rod being formed an enlarged tapered head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Chang-Hua Tasi
  • Patent number: 7360673
    Abstract: A flexible, resilient molded elastomer pour spout device attachable to the rim of a bowl, can, pot, pan or other vessel, eliminates drips and spills by directing poured liquid over a protruding spout rather than over the vessel rim. A second version provides an integral strainer separating the poured liquid from solids to be kept in the vessel and not poured out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Abrahams
  • Patent number: 7240809
    Abstract: A fuel impurity separation device includes a cylindrical body extending into a fuel can. The separation device includes a screen and a filter. The screen is located at one end of the cylindrical body that extends into a fuel storage cavity defined by sidewalls of the fuel can to prevent large impurities from contacting the filter and slowing down fuel flow as it is poured from the fuel can. The filter prevents smaller impurities from entering into a engine fuel system. The unique size and shape of the body of the separator also removes water and condensation from the fuel as it is poured from the fuel can to assure that only clean fuel is passed from the fuel can into a fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Jack Godfrey
  • Patent number: 7004360
    Abstract: A tea kettle includes kettle body and a lid that covers a fill opening in the body. The lid includes a knob within which a whistle is positioned. A spout is attached to the kettle body and has a passageway. A ball seat is positioned within the passageway as is a strainer. A ball is positioned between the ball seat and the strainer so as to close an opening in the ball seat, and thus the spout passage, when the kettle is positioned on a level surface. The ball rolls out of the ball seat to permit pouring when the kettle is tilted and is prevented from rolling out of the spout by the strainer. The kettle body has a top portion constructed of stainless steel and a bottom portion constructed of steel coated with enamel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Wilton Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel Lebowitz
  • Patent number: 6960295
    Abstract: A water kettle having a receptacle (1) with an inner space (2) for receiving water (3) therein and with a pouring spout (4) for pouring water from the inner space (2). The water kettle is further provided with a particle catcher (9) for catching particles from the water in the kettle. The particle catcher (9) has an inlet (11) for catching descending particles (13) which faces upwards when the kettle is in an upright position. This causes loose particles to be caught from the water and to be retained particularly effectively. Furthermore, a particle catcher for use in such a water kettle is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jaleleddine Chaouachi, Remco Linnewiel
  • Patent number: 6915927
    Abstract: An improved dropper cap, for use in controlled dispensing of liquid from a container, comprises an antechamber, a baffle and an elongated nozzle. The nozzle may comprise a flared spout to ensure clean separation of the liquid from the dropper cap, reducing dripping and smearing of the liquid on the dropper cap, as well as precise dispensing of the liquid. The baffle physically prevents splashing of the liquid from the container, and includes openings to control the flow of liquid into the nozzle. The baffle and antechamber cooperate to draw back undispensed liquid from the nozzle and prevent spurting of the liquid from the container between uses. Further, the dropper cap is threaded to allow easy attachment and removal from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Seastar Chemicals Inc.
    Inventor: Vidas Stukas
  • Patent number: 6913165
    Abstract: A Cocktail shaker which has a head adapted for releasably sealing an insulated container, having at least one plastic wall, where the container may be used as a drinking vessel. The cocktail shaker head has a metal selectively closeable stainer or filter portion and an integral reinforcement body portion carrying a flexible sealing gasket which has multiple ribs for releasably sealing the shaker top onto the container. The container has double insulating walls including a standoff within the walls spacing the walls apart, and a smooth metallic lip seal joining the walls together to create a smooth lip on the container, and which is adapted to receive the shaker top sealing gasket. The plastic and metal portions of the shaker head and container have shoulder stepped connections for securing the respective plastic and metal parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventors: Kerry Linz, Chui Ying Ko
  • Patent number: 6911146
    Abstract: A filter (10) for use in a water heating vessel, such as an electric kettle, to filter sedimentary material in the water includes a scale collector (25), for example in the form of a compacted mesh block, carried on the filter. The block can be supported by a carrier member (27) permanently or detachably mounted on the filter frame, preferably towards an end of the filter closest to the bottom of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Klaus Melgaard, Simon M. Whiteley
  • Publication number: 20040188468
    Abstract: A tea kettle includes kettle body and a lid that covers a fill opening in the body. The lid includes a knob within which a whistle is positioned. A spout is attached to the kettle body and has a passageway. A ball seat is positioned within the passageway as is a strainer. A ball is positioned between the ball seat and the strainer so as to close an opening in the ball seat, and thus the spout passage, when the kettle is positioned on a level surface. The ball rolls out of the ball seat to permit pouring when the kettle is tilted and is prevented from rolling out of the spout by the strainer. The kettle body has a top portion constructed of stainless steel and a bottom portion constructed of steel coated with enamel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel Lebowitz
  • Patent number: 6789683
    Abstract: A strainer assembly for a camp cooking kit has a strainer body having at least one rim for engaging a rim of a camp cooking pot and a plurality of openings for pouring liquid from the camp cooking pot while preventing egress of other contents from the pot. Strap guiding features formed in the strainer body provide for guiding a securing strap around both the strainer body and the camp cooking pot. The securing strap includes a fastening arrangement for securing the securing strap together for attaching the strainer body to the camp cooking pot. Handles, which can be formed in the strainer body or attached to the securing strap enable the strainer body to be tipped together with the camp cooking pot to strain the contents of the cooking pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: John M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 6755328
    Abstract: A multiple spout pitcher which allows selectively pouring a beverage alone or the beverage and ice contained therein. The pitcher includes a bottom wall and upwardly dependent side wall which terminates at an open upper rim. A handle extends outwardly from the side wall to facilitate picking up the pitcher container by hand. An ice restricting spout is formed outwardly from the side wall at the upper rim opposite the handle. The ice restricting spout includes a pair of opposing inwardly extending restrictor flaps to hold the ice back without unduly restricting the flow of beverage while pouring. A larger and wider ice passing spout is formed outwardly from the side wall at the upper rim between the handle and the ice restricting spout which allows the ice as well as the beverage to pour. The pitcher may be constructed with the ice passing spout disposed to the left or the right of the handle as desired for use by right-handed or left-handed persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventor: Richard E. Franco
  • Patent number: 6595394
    Abstract: A spill reducing device for a pitcher for preventing solid material from pouring out of a pitcher with liquid in the pitcher. The spill reducing device for a pitcher includes a dampening member for slowing outward flow of liquid from a pitcher. The dampening member is removably positionable in the pitcher between a pour spout and a remaining inner portion of the pitcher. The dampening member includes an annular member having an inner peripheral edge and an outer peripheral edge. The outer peripheral edge has a diameter generally equal to a diameter of the peripheral wall such that the outer peripheral edge may frictionally engage the inner surface of the peripheral wall. A wall is attached to the outer peripheral edge and extends downwardly from the annular member. The wall has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jimmy L. Savala
  • Patent number: 6568660
    Abstract: A pourer (101) for simultaneously pouring a liquid from a container and mixing air into the liquid. The pourer comprises an elongated annular body (102) which defines an outer surface having a part (103) which is adapted to be fitted into an opening of the container. The annular body defines a longitudinally extending through-going channel (104) and has an air intake opening (106) extending transversely to the channel and penetrating the body, so as to allow air to be sucked into the channel when liquid is flowing from the container through the channel. The channel defines a contraction (105) near the air intake opening, so as to generate a low pressure in the area of the contraction when liquid is flowing through the channel and thereby assist in sucking air into the channel through the air intake opening. A screen (107) with perforations (108) may be provided inside the channel (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Torben Flanbaum
  • Patent number: 6565743
    Abstract: A portable liquid filtration system includes a container 22 having a filtering assembly 30 therein and an arrangement for indicating the number of times that the cap has been fitted to the container in order to determine the remaining useful life of the filter. The indicator includes a clutch plate 50 having downwardly extending projections that mate with a plurality of upwardly extending projections on the filtering assembly top 34. The cap includes a vent and may include an arrangement to ensure that the filter is positioned correctly therein. Preferably, the indicator releases the filtering assembly after a predetermined number of uses that approximates the life of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm D. Poirier, Paul Metaxatos, David Mathieu, Jeffrey E. Fish, Kevin P. McGrath
  • Patent number: 6520383
    Abstract: A vessel directed generally for cooking purposes comprising one pour spout or two opposing spouts is provided. The vessel comprises features to permit dispensing of hot or warm liquids from the vessel without the risk of scalding or burning from escaping steam. In particular, the vessel comprises a handle attached to the vessel at about 90° from one or both pour spouts. In the case of two pour spouts, each pour spout is attached to the vessel at about 180° from the other pour spout. The relative position of the handle to each pour spout forms a 90° angle with respect to a vertical center-line of a bottom surface of the vessel. The 90° angle enables steam escaping from the vessel during dispensing of hot or warm contents to be directed way from a user's pouring hand and diverted as a smooth, non-turbulent stream. The vessel of the invention comprises other features to permit dispensing and draining of contents from the vessel without the use of additional equipment or utensils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Iris Brest
  • Publication number: 20020100767
    Abstract: A liquid holding container is disclosed having one or more spill openings closable by a lid during normal use and adapted to discourage direct user mouth contact with the container when the one or more spill openings are left unexposed by the lid. The liquid holding container may have one or more anti-drink guards projecting away from the container and positioned proximate to the container main flow access for discouraging direct user mouth contact with the main flow access. Also provided is a method for the use of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Charles B. Mellon
  • Patent number: 6395170
    Abstract: Embodiments of a portable water filter are described and shown, each embodiment being adapted to fit and seal into a bottle neck without modification of, or attachment to, the bottle or its cap or other closure. The filter has a flange system that rests on the lip of the bottle neck and that has slanted or curved surfaces to seal with the neck and the bottle cap when the cap is screwed onto the bottle. The filter further includes a connector for attachment to a straw for an alternative use of the filter in a cup or mug. The filter water inlets are preferably in the lower region of the filter housing, to facilitate suctioning of the liquid from the bottom of the cup or mug even when the liquid level is low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Douglass E. Hughes, Raymond G. Bryan
  • Patent number: 6394313
    Abstract: A spill-proof, heat-resistant container to hold used left-over cooking oil and grease. The container comprises an outer container, an inner container conformably shaped and dimensioned to be received within the outer container, and a removable lid for closing an opening of the inner container. The removable lid includes an aperture therethrough and a valve which blocks the aperture when the container is upset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Charles R. Wesley
  • Patent number: 6383381
    Abstract: A water kettle and filter includes a receptacle having an interior for holding a quantity of liquid, the receptacle having a base and side walls, the side walls having a handle for enabling liquid to be poured out of the receptacle, a spout opposite the handle through which liquid can exit the receptacle, and a filter which comprises a filter plate and a water treatment cartridge mounted thereto. The filter plate is slidably mounted to the interior of the receptacle and the water treatment cartridge is slidably mounted and frictionally retained to the filter plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Procter-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. O'Flynn, Michael Kin Chung Ho
  • Patent number: 6238552
    Abstract: A universal filter insert apparatus 10 for a water purifier includes a container insert 12 having substantially cylindrical or conical side walls 11 and an annular lip 17 at an upper portion thereof. A plurality of resilient sealing members 36 are stacked about the upper portion of the container. Each of the resilient sealing members includes (i) an internal sealing diameter 50 adapted to engage the container annular lip and (ii) a uniquely-shaped annular sealing flange 38 for engaging a filter receiving aperture 54 of a particular water purifier 52. At least one guide slot 22 extends along a portion of the bottom of the container insert. A granular filter medium is placed within the container insert and sealed therein with a container lid 30. The container lid has a plurality of apertures 34 sized to let water pass through and also includes a raised handle 32 for ease of insertion and removal of the universal filter insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Roy T. Shannon
  • Patent number: 6224751
    Abstract: A water purifying device that has a collecting jug for purified water, in which a funnel with a filter cartridge filled with purifying medium is fitted in a removable manner, the jug can be closed at the top with a lid. Grips for removing the lid are arranged on the lid, and an indicator is provided for indicating the exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is inexpensive, easily readable and reliably functioning to show the state of exhaustion of the purifying medium. The indicator is secured in an aperture in the top surface of the lid, an indicator panel of which can be seen externally from above and which, by an electronic, battery driven circuit, shows only the respective state of time elapsed, without cooperating with separate signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Brita GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hofmann, Erik Fischer