Patents by Inventor Peter M. Douglas

Peter M. Douglas 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).

  • Safe container end closure and method for fabricating a safe container end closure
    Patent number: 6386813
    Abstract: A safe container end closure includes an annular central lid portion, an annular peripheral lid portion, and a score line joining the annular central lid portion to the annular peripheral lid portion to permit removal of the central lid portion from the peripheral lid portion. A opening tab is secured to the central lid portion for pivoting movement relative to the central lid portion, with the opening tab having a nose positioned adjacent the score line so that upon pivoting of the opening tab the nose of the opening tab causes a portion of the score line to sever. The closure is formed so that upon removal of the central lid portion, at least the sharp edge on the removed central lid portion is rendered safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: H. J. Heinz Company
    Inventors: William Huber, Peter M. Douglas
  • Safe container end closure and method for fabricating a safe container end closure
    Patent number: 6234337
    Abstract: A safe container end closure includes an annular central lid portion, an annular peripheral lid portion, and a score line joining the annular central lid portion to the annular peripheral lid portion to permit removal of the central lid portion from the peripheral lid portion. A opening tab is secured to the central lid portion for pivoting movement relative to the central lid portion, with the opening tab having a nose positioned adjacent the score line so that upon pivoting of the opening tab the nose of the opening tab causes a portion of the score line to sever. The closure is formed so that upon removal of the central lid portion, at least the sharp edge on the removed central lid portion is rendered safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: H.J. Heinz Company
    Inventors: William Huber, Peter M. Douglas