Patents by Inventor Michel Zbirka

Michel Zbirka 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: 11834231
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body, a lid, and at least one resilient tab is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20210206538
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body, a lid, and at least one resilient tab is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10981701
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body, a lid, and at least one resilient tab is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: CSP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20190202606
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body, a lid, and at least one resilient tab is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Applicant: CSP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 10239668
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body, a lid, and at least one resilient tab is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 9284099
    Abstract: A child-resistant package includes a seal for sealing a package and a latch for securing the package in a closed position. According to embodiments, the package includes a first shell portion having a first closed lip and a second shell portion having a second closed lip. According to embodiments, the seal may be formed by the engagement of an angled outer wall of the first closed lip with a bent or deformed thin wall of the second closed lip. The package may also incorporate one or more elastomeric ancillary face and/or side seals. The first and second shell portions may be joined by a hinge, such as a double hinge. Additionally, the insert may include a dispenser assembly that controls the dispensing of product from a product containing space to a dispenser receptacle. A spring may bias the latch in a locked or rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Herve Pichot, Bruce Rabinne, Micheline Zbirka
  • Publication number: 20160016698
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body, a lid, and at least one resilient tab is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 9150339
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body, a lid, and at least one resilient tab is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20150021326
    Abstract: A child-resistant package includes a seal for sealing a package and a latch for securing the package in a closed position. According to embodiments, the package includes a first shell portion having a first closed lip and a second shell portion having a second closed lip. According to embodiments, the seal may be formed by the engagement of an angled outer wall of the first closed lip with a bent or deformed thin wall of the second closed lip. The package may also incorporate one or more elastomeric ancillary face and/or side seals. The first and second shell portions may be joined by a hinge, such as a double hinge. Additionally, the insert may include a dispenser assembly that controls the dispensing of product from a product containing space to a dispenser receptacle. A spring may bias the latch in a locked or rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Herve Pichot, Bruce Rabbine
  • Patent number: 8881942
    Abstract: A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Herve Pichot, Bruce Rabinne
  • Patent number: 8807359
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body (10), a lid (24), and at least one resilient tab (110) is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge (26) joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment (109) on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment (118) on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20140144867
    Abstract: A child-resistant container including a container body, a lid, and at least one resilient tab is provided. The lid is pivotable about an axis through a hinge joining the lid to the container body to open and close the container. The resilient tab has a proximal portion fixed to the lid, a distal portion projecting from the lid, and at least one abutment on the distal portion. The abutment on the distal portion of the tab is normally biased into engagement with an abutment on the container body when the lid is in its closed position. The distal portion of the tab is displaceable against the bias to disengage the abutment of the tab from the abutment of the container. Displacement of the tab releases the lid so that it can be pivoted about the hinge to open the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Joseph W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20140014652
    Abstract: A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Herve Pichot, Bruce Rabinne
  • Patent number: 8622241
    Abstract: For a dispenser (1) comprising the components of a reservoir (5) having a plurality of compartments (6), and a positioning disc (16) having a plurality of exit orifices (15), a solution shall be provided which allows realizing such a dispenser in a smaller sized configuration and which allows to dispense capsules or pills stored therein in a unit dose manner. This is achieved by additionally providing the component of a guiding member (56, 56a) being rotatably arranged in between the reservoir (5) and the positioning disc (16) and respectively connecting one compartment (6) with one dedicated exit orifice (15) in dispensing communication by accomplishing a rotary/rotational step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Josephus Geboers, Guy De Sevaux, Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka
  • Patent number: 8608024
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) is disclosed for dispensing a single object (22, 24) at a time, such as a tablet or the like. The dispenser includes a reservoir (26) to contain tablets and an opening in the reservoir sized to pass the tablets. A chute (30) is defined by a wall adjacent to the opening in the reservoir, and defines a dispensing path (39). The movable dispensing guide (32) has a retracted position that does not prevent the advance of tablets along the dispensing path, and an advanced position that intersects the dispensing path between the first and second tablets (22, 24) in the dispensing path. When advanced, the movable dispensing guide allows the first tablet in line to be dispensed from the path, and prevents the second tablet in line from advancing. An actuator is operable to move the movable dispensing guide from its retracted position to its advanced position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka
  • Publication number: 20130256331
    Abstract: A tablet dispenser for dispensing randomly stored tablets from a bottle is disclosed. The dispenser includes offset inlet and outlet paths, a helical dispensing screw, and a rotation drive. The inlet path can be positioned for receiving a tablet to be dispensed from a bottle or other supply of tablets. The outlet path can be positioned for dispensing a tablet. The helical dispensing screw can be configured to rotate, driven by the rotation drive, to transport a tablet from the inlet path to the outlet path. The rotation drive can be operable by pushing the structure defining the inlet path and the outlet portion toward each other. The dispenser can be equipped with a dispensing sensor and memory that records data regarding each pill dispensed, such as the time of dispensing and the number of pills remaining, and optionally transmits the data to a device on or off the patient's premises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Guy De Sevaux, Josephus Johannes Antonius Geboers
  • Patent number: 8540116
    Abstract: A hinged container is disclosed, including a base, a lid, and a hinge joining the base and lid, allowing the lid to pivot open or closed relative to the base. One of the base and the lid has a circular, outwardly tapered outer seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The other of the base and the lid has a circular, inwardly-tapered inner seal member disposed at least partially within its outer perimeter. The inner and outer seal members are positioned to engage concentrically to wedge the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces together and form a seal when the base and the lid are closed, and to disengage concentrically to part the inwardly and outwardly tapered surfaces when the base and the lid are opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka
  • Patent number: 8540115
    Abstract: A package comprises a latch including first and second legs and an actuating portion. The first and second legs are joined at an angle. The actuator portion of the first leg is positioned to be displaced generally laterally to displace the second leg generally longitudinally to release the latch. In another embodiment the package has base wells on the inside surface. A generally flat marginal sealing surface encircles the first and second base wells. The wells of the base and/or lid are covered with a cover sheet to close them. Still another embodiment is a child-resistant container comprising a shell, two drawers, a stop, and a latch. The drawers are prevented from sliding apart past a limit of travel when one drawer is open sufficiently to provide access to its contents and the other drawer is not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka, Herve Pichot, Bruce Rabinne
  • Patent number: 8534495
    Abstract: A bulk dispenser (10) for dispensing pre-cut pieces of film is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a container body (12), a dispenser housing assembly (52) housed within the container body, arid a lid (14) which forms a moisture-tight seal with the container body. The dispenser housing assembly includes a product reservoir, a dispenser housing in engagement with the product reservoir, and a flexible indexing arm that is movable relative to the dispenser housing to dispense the pre-cut pieces of film. The pre-cut pieces of film can be encapsulated within a perforated continuous carrier (30) and contained within the product reservoir. The flexible indexing arm has features that cooperate with the continuous carrier to index the continuous carrier and dispense an individual pre-cut film piece. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser employs a suction cup (150) in the container lid which is forced onto a film piece in a stack of film pieces to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka
  • Patent number: 8505767
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a leak proof drinking cup including a valve assembly and a removable lid with a drinking spout and a vent. The valve assembly includes a drinking valve, a venting valve, or both. When in use, the valve assembly engages with the lid to prevent leaks or spills and to permit the flow of air into the cup. When not in use, the valve assembly disengages from the lid and the valve is open to facilitate proper cleaning of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Giraud, Michel Zbirka