Patents by Inventor Mark R. Fricke

Mark R. Fricke 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: 7549547
    Abstract: A package includes a container, a seal, and a closure. The container is formed to include an interior region and an opening into the interior region. The seal is coupled to the container to close the opening. The closure is coupled to the container to cover the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Herr, Mark R. Fricke
  • Patent number: 6371316
    Abstract: A child resistant closure and container having a lid base recess. A closure includes an annular inner member defining an opening, the inner member having a camming recess. The closure also includes an outer member engageable with the inner member, the outer member including a lid base, a lid hingably connected to the lid base, and an annular guard ring surrounding the lid and lid base. The annular guard ring is frangibly connected to at least one of the lid and lid base, preferably along a frangible line formed by a plurality of bridges. The outer member can be formed integrally as one piece. When the inner member and outer member are joined, the guard ring preferably separates from the lid and lid base, and the lid base is at least partially retained within the camming recess. Once separated from the lid and lid base, the guard ring is movable between a guarding position in which it obstructs access to the lid, and a revealing position in which the lid can be rotated or lifted upward, away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Herr, Mark R. Fricke
  • Patent number: 6095354
    Abstract: A closure according to the present invention includes an annular inner member defining an opening, the inner member having a camming recess. The closure also includes an outer member engageable with the inner member, the outer member including a lid base, a lid hingably connected to the lid base, and an annular guard ring surrounding the lid and lid base. The annular guard ring is frangibly connected to at least one of the lid and lid base, preferably along a frangible line formed by a plurality of bridges. The outer member can be formed integrally as one piece. When the inner member and outer member are joined, the guard ring preferably separates from the lid and lid base, and the lid base is at least partially retained within the camming recess. Once separated from the lid and lid base, the guard ring is movable between a guarding position in which it obstructs access to the lid, and a revealing position in which the lid can be rotated upward, away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Herr, Mark R. Fricke
  • Patent number: 6019592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for molding a tamper-evident closure with tabs that extend radially inward and upward. In order to produce tabs with such a configuration, the present invention employs a tab forming element having a mold surface with an inclination corresponding to the degree to which the tabs are desired to extend radially inward and upward. After the tabs have been molded in their inclined position, they are withdrawn from the mold, temporarily altering their angle of inclination. After removal of the closure from the a first portion of the mold, the tabs are returned to the original angle of inclination through contact with a second portion of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paresh Thakor, Mark R. Fricke
  • Patent number: 5846471
    Abstract: A method for molding a tamper-evident closure with tabs that extend radially inward and upward. In order to produce tabs with such a configuration, the present invention employs a tab forming element having a mold surface with an inclination corresponding to the degree to which the tabs are desired to extend radially inward and upward. After the tabs have been molded in their inclined position, they are withdrawn from the mold, temporarily altering their angle of inclination. After removal of the closure from the a first portion of the mold, the tabs are returned to the original angle of inclination through contact with a second portion of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Paresh Thakor, Mark R. Fricke