Patents by Inventor G. Robert Tharrington

G. Robert Tharrington has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 4679700
    Abstract: A self-closing container top adapted to be used in conjunction with a container having an upper rim defining an opening. The invention includes two generally horizontal top panels supportively held for rotation about opposing coaxial mounting shafts each having a horizontal axis therethrough. These top panels are arranged in opposing side-by-side arrangement wherein their center margins form a common parting line. Each axis of top panel rotation is positioned between the center margin and the outer panel margin such that self-righting means returns the top panels to a generally horizontal closed position over the container opening and against stops. The stops prevent the panels from rotating beyond a point where the top panel center margins, moving upwardly, begin to diverge. The self-righting means may be a counterweight connected near or at each outer margin, or spring bias means mounted about at least one mounting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Inventors: G. Robert Tharrington, Isabella A. Hodge