Patents Examined by Stephanie L. Willatt
  • Patent number: 6854622
    Abstract: Accessories are provided for preventing the ingress of air into a dispensing pump (P) and to align a discharge aperture of the dispensing pump with a target, such as an eye (E). A dip tube (10) is disclosed that is sealed with a sealing plug (22) to serve as a liquid reservoir for the dispensing pump. A pliant dip tube (100) is also disclosed to which is mounted an anchor (108) that causes the dip tube (100) to be responsive to gravitational orientation of a dispensing pump (P). In a third embodiment of the invention, a liquid reservoir (200) is formed with a recess (208) that is covered by a semi-permeable membrane (212). The semi-permeable membrane restricts flow in and out of the recess (208) to maintain a supply of liquid (L) about an end (210) of a dip tube (206). In a fourth embodiment, a safety is provided that comprises a safety ball (304), a blind aperture (306) defined in a nozzle cap (302), and a conical depression (308) defined in the dispensing pump (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: Ben Z. Cohen, Nigel Kelly
  • Patent number: 6851431
    Abstract: Collapsible hair brush with a brush retaining housing. The housing is open on one end. A bristle holding plate and attached bristles are capable of sliding into the housing and out to the the open end of the housing. A bristle plate end block has an outwardly protruding stop pin that interacts with a longitudinally disposed slot in one side of the inner brush retaining housing. The bristles are each comprised of a shaft member whose bottom portion terminates in a spring retaining shoulder and integral downwardly disposed flexible shaft member. An extension spring surrounds each the downward shaft and penetrates and is retained by the bristle holding plate. This configuration allows the bristles to bend when they slide into the housing forming a compact unit that can be carried in a pocket or purse and to then pop up when slid out from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Mayeri
  • Patent number: 6848452
    Abstract: A hair coloring applicator for applying a hair coloring material to one or more strands of hair using a rotating brush. The hair coloring applicator may include one or more brushes rotatably coupled to a body. The body may include a housing having at least one opening for receiving one or more strands of hair. The brush may include a plurality of bristles configured to contact the one or more strands of hair without tangling or snagging the hair. The bristles of the brush receive a hair coloring material and apply the material to strands of hair by contacting the hair. The hair coloring applicator may simultaneously apply one or more colors of hair coloring material to strands of hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignees: Kennedy/Matsumoto Design LLC, Longoria Design LLC, Spectrum Associates LLC
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Jose Longoria, Robert G. Robbins
  • Patent number: 6820764
    Abstract: There is described a closable opening device for a sealed package containing a pourable food product. The opening device has a tubular frame defining a through hole and fitted about a pierceable portion of the package; a removeable threaded frame which screws onto the frame to close the hole; and a tubular cutting member movably engaging the hole, rotatably connected to the frame at least when disengaging the cap from the frame when unsealing the package and projecting axially from the frame and inwards of the package to detach the pierceable portion partly from the rest of the package and the cutting member has, along a lateral wall, a number of through openings to allow air into the package when pouring the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & 'Finance SA
    Inventors: Claudia Miani, Danilo Veroni, Cristiano Casale
  • Patent number: 6769438
    Abstract: A compact for cosmetics, including a base for holding cosmetic material and a cover hingedly connected to the base in clamshell fashion, with a window formed in one portion of the cover for viewing the cosmetic material, and a first inwardly facing mirror mounted in another portion of the cover so as not to block the window, wherein a second mirror is mounted in the cover for movement between a retracted position underlying the first mirror and an extended position in which the second mirror blocks the window and faces inwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Henlopen Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Fraillon
  • Patent number: 6766809
    Abstract: Floss dispensers comprising a body configured for holding and dispensing floss and a gripping arm extending from the body configured to facilitate gripping by the user while floss is dispensed and cut from the dispenser. The body houses a spool of floss and includes a hole for dispensing the floss and a hole for connecting the floss dispenser to a key ring or chain. A floss cutter is included in the body or the gripping arm. In one embodiment the gripping arm comprises an operational key. The gripping arm is either integrally or removably connected with the body. In one embodiment, the body comprises a clam shell case configured to hold the head of a key. In another embodiment, the body comprises a sheath type pocket configured to hold the head of a key. The floss dispensers may also comprise other features, including lights and a toothpick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Brattesani, Bruce S. McLean
  • Patent number: 6752158
    Abstract: A flosser apparatus having a body with a first fork member and a second fork member, a flexible member interposed between the fork members, and a length of floss having one end affixed to the first fork member and an opposite end affixed to the second fork member. The flexible member is cooperative with the fork members such that the fork members move away from each other upon an application of a force onto the flexible member in a direction transverse to the direction of the length of floss. A surface on the flexible member is engageable with a surface of the body so as to fix the floss in a tightened condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick Gwen
  • Patent number: 6749089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure for a container which provides for, among other things, an internal drainage system. Preferably, the closure is molded as a single integral unit that includes a base, cap and hinge arrangement joining the base and the cap and further includes a tamper-evident structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Stull Technologies
    Inventors: Gene Stull, Robert T. Auer
  • Patent number: 6748958
    Abstract: A flosser apparatus having a body with a first fork member and a second fork member, a flexible member interposed between the fork members, and a length of floss having one end affixed to the first fork member and an opposite end affixed to the second fork member. The flexible member is cooperative with the fork members such that the fork members move away from each other upon an application of a force onto the flexible member in a direction to the direction of the length of floss. The pivot point for the fork members is on an opposite of the flexible member from the length of floss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Patrick Gwen
  • Patent number: 6745780
    Abstract: A hair coloring applicator for applying a hair coloring material to one or more strands of hair using a rotating brush. The hair coloring applicator may include one or more brushes rotatably coupled to a body. The body may include a housing having at least one opening for receiving one or more strands of hair. The brush may include a plurality of bristles configured to contact the one or more strands of hair without tangling or snagging the hair. The bristles of the brush receive a hair coloring material and apply the material to strands of hair by contacting the hair. The hair coloring applicator may simultaneously apply one or more colors of hair coloring material to strands of hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignees: Kennedy/Matsumoto Design LLC, Longoria Design LLC, Spectrum Associates LLC
    Inventors: Melvin R. Kennedy, Jose Longoria, Robert G. Robbins
  • Patent number: 6715643
    Abstract: A chemical dispensing system including a reservoir, a collapsible container inserted in the reservoir, the reservoir being sealed after the collapsible container has been inserted into the reservoir. A valve is configured to conduct fluid from an external source to a volume formed by the exterior of the collapsible container and the interior of the reservoir. A connecting tube is configured to conduct product from the collapsible container to an applicator when water is provided to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: J. Keith Kelly
  • Patent number: 6708852
    Abstract: A mechanically pressurized aerosol dispensing system comprising a cap which houses a piston, an actuator moveably attached to the cap, forming together with the cap a dispensing head assembly, and an expandable elastic reservoir. The system is fitted over a standard container holding a liquid product, and includes a dip tube assembly to draw liquid into the dispensing head assembly, where the contents are released through the dispensing head assembly, via the aerosol nozzle and valve. A twist of the threaded cap raises a piston, thereby opening a charging chamber within the dispensing head assembly. This creates a vacuum with the resulting suction pulling the product up through the dip tube to fill the charging chamber. Twisting the cap in the opposite direction lowers the piston in a downstroke which closes the charging chamber, forcing the product into the expandable elastic reservoir where it is then discharged through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Alternative Packaging Solutions, L.P.
    Inventor: William S. Blake
  • Patent number: 6691898
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid dispensing device incorporating a push-button actuator normally biased in the closed position, a housing for receiving the aerosol canisters and a carrying case for the entire assembly. Activation is achieved by longitudinal axial compression followed by snapping engagement of the housing fitted about the aerosol valves which depresses the aerosol valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Fomo Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Hurray, Frank Leyshon, Michael Karr
  • Patent number: 6685059
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing device, at least one valve that distributes a diluent, a concentrate pump that distributes concentrate, a support structure that supports the foregoing components, and exterior cladding attached to the support structure. The exterior cladding provides the appearance of a real leaf brewer. The diluent valve and concentrate pump distribute the diluent and concentrate into the dispensing device to form a mixture to be dispensed therefrom. The diluent can be hot water and the apparatus further includes an air ejector device for eliminating air bubbles from the hot water prior to mixing. In addition, an improved sensor can accurately determine when the supply of concentrate is depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Jones, David N. Evans, Scott A. Dzibela, John C. Nordenstrom, Sanjay Kumar, Russell J. Duchene, Allen L. Rogala, Michael J. Fodor, William K. Henninger, Amir A. Faroqui
  • Patent number: 6681776
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping hair strands with string or artificial hair is disclosed. The apparatus has a shell that defines an axle having an opening. The axle rotatably supports a drive wheel, a spool of string and a guide wheel. The drive wheel engages the guide wheel. The string passes from the spool past the guide wheel, which has circumferential notches to engage and play out the string. In practice, the user passes a hair strand through the opening in the axle, fastens the string to a hair strand, energizes the apparatus, and moves it along the length of the hair strand as the string is wrapped about the strand. The apparatus is preferably powered by a small DC motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: E. Olayinka Ogunro, Yiu Kwong Wan
  • Patent number: 6672488
    Abstract: Fixing device for fixing a dispensing unit on a neck (30) of a container (3) defining an external wall (32), said device comprising: a cladding hoop (2) defining an internal wall (22), and a fixing ring (1) forming receiving means (13) for holding the dispensing unit and a skirt (10) defining an internal wall (101), an external wall (102) and a free lower end (105), wherein said skirt further defined a first fixing area (103) at which its internal wall (101) is for engaging with the external wall (32) of the neck and a second locking area (104) at which its external wall is tightly engaged with the internal (22) of the cladding hoop, characterized in that the second locking area (104) is located under the first locking area (103), substantially at the lower end (105) of the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Olivier de Pous
  • Patent number: 6662971
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a press assembly includes a gear assembly, a threaded rod, and a roller assembly. The gear assembly causes a rotational movement when activated. The threaded rod is coupled to the gear assembly and rotates in direction of the rotational movement caused by the gear assembly. The roller assembly is coupled to the threaded rod and moves linearly between a first end and a second end along guide slots when the threaded rod rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Ryan R. Nguyen, Kim-Dinh Doan
  • Patent number: 6626331
    Abstract: A tool designed to efficiently apply sealant to tile grout—it is a plastic, round bottle (4), with ounce indicator lines marked on the exterior (8); and a plastic nozzle (10) that tightly screws onto the bottle, via embedded threads inside the top of the bottle (16) and inside the base of the nozzle (18). Cellulose sponge (6 and 12) is fitted tightly inside the bottle (4) is fitted tightly inside the bottle (4) and nozzle (10); which controls the amount of sealant flow so that there is minimal dripping or waste of sealant. The applicator holds approximately 5 to 6 ounces of liquid grout sealant. The tip of the nozzle is marked (14) and gradated (14) so it can be cut with a razor to match the flow of sealant to the width of the grout. The application of sealant is controlled by gently applying pressure to the flexible bottle (4) and moving the tip at a 45 degree angle along the line of grout to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Floretta Beth Yenglin
  • Patent number: 6626330
    Abstract: A dispenser (1) is provided for unlocking the stroke with two first and second handles (44, 45) configured separate from the actuator handle (5) for actuating the pump stroke. For unlocking, the first handle (44) firstly needs to be actuated in a first release direction (46). Thereafter only an actuation in a second release direction (47) is possible with the second handle (45). It is not until after this second actuation that an unlocked position is attained, which permits implementation of the pump stroke. For the second motion (47) a restrain drag (43) is furthermore provided which can only be defeated by increasing the associated actuating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Ritsche
  • Patent number: 6598765
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) for flowable, viscous material (52) includes a housing (12) comprising a main body (18) and door (20), and a reservoir (50) for the material (52) with an elongated, synthetic resin deformable outlet tube (80) presenting an outlet end (82) coupled to the reservoir (50). A flow-controlling assembly (16) including a tube-engaging element (84, 132, 150, 158) and an actuator linkage assembly (86, 130, 144, 154); these components together with a pneumatically operated piston (54) within reservoir (50) allows precise on-off operation of the dispenser (10). In the flow-permitting position, the element (84, 132, 150, 158) is adjacent the tube (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell T. Pagel, Jeremy W. McCutcheon, Jeffrey L. Kohne