Patents by Inventor Robert J. Linnander

Robert J. Linnander 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: 5147065
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid has intersecting straw insertion slits and rip-stop end cuts located transversely to and spaced from the ends of the straw insertion slits. In a preferred embodiment, the rip-stop end cuts are stamped lines of weakness or perforations, located perpendicularly to, and between about 1/32 and 1/16 inch beyond, the ends of the straw insertion slits. In another preferred embodiment, the end cuts are portions of the arc of a circle with a diameter slightly larger than the length of the straw insertion slits. The rip-stop end cuts, together with the straw insertion slits, define frangible reinforcing webs connecting wedge-shaped lid portions defined by the straw insertion slits. The webs strengthen the cup during shipment, during mounting on the cup, and during transportation of the filled cup prior to insertion of the straw. The webs are broken by insertion of the straw, resulting in a structure that effectively prevents the force of straw insertion from tearing the top surface of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: James River Corporation of Virginia
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Rush, Robert J. Linnander
  • Patent number: D550041
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Rush, Donald B. Campbell, Robert J. Linnander, Margaret P. Hoks, Gerald J. Van Handel, Anthony J. Swiontek