Collapsible Patents (Class 206/218)
  • Patent number: 11912478
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide for a dosage reminder indicator for containers, allowing a user to align a dosage reminder (e.g., “last” or “next”) with timing indicators (e.g., days, times). In one embodiment, an inner dial has first engaging members and an outer ring has second engaging members mating with the first engaging members, where a dosage reminder indicator and a plurality of dosage timing indicators are opposingly located on either the inner dial or outer ring. The inner dial and the outer ring are rotatably engaged with respect to each other such that the dosage reminder indicator points to any selected one of the plurality of dosage timing indicators in a secured position (when the first and second engaging members are mated), where rotation is permitted based on user-applied force to disengage mating of the first and second engaging members, while the inner dial and the outer ring remain rotatably engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: TWISTWISE LLC
    Inventors: Catherine Mary LaBrecque, James M. Behmke, Brian J. Hickey
  • Patent number: 11723482
    Abstract: A drinking vessel for holding liquids, having a base engaged with a rotation platform, the rotation platform having two parts in rotational engagement and configured to enable the drinking vessel to spin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Godinger Silver Art Ltd.
    Inventor: Arnold Godinger
  • Patent number: 11395564
    Abstract: An expanding bathtub of embodiments of the disclosed technology includes a base, two side walls, and two end walls. Each of the two side walls and the base includes an accordion structure such that the expanding bathtub is expandable between a first, horizontally-compressed configuration and a second, horizontally-expanded configuration. A plurality of sealable and unsealable plugs are located within the side walls, the end walls, and/or the base. Each of the accordion structures, side walls, and end walls is removably connected to various adjacent components of the expanding bathtub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Natara Matias
  • Patent number: 10792120
    Abstract: A collapsible quiver (2) has an outer tube (4) and an inner tube (6). When extended the inner end (24) of the inner tube (4) engages the inner surface of the outer tube (6) so there is substantially no discontinuity of the inner surface defined by the first and second tubular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: NOBLE HOUSE GROUP PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Chris Whelan
  • Patent number: 10611564
    Abstract: Waste container including a telescoping wall construction defining an interior space receivable of a bag and which has wall sections positionable in a plurality of different positions to provide the wall construction with different operational heights, and a bag handling assembly coupled to the wall construction. The wall sections can be locked into engagement with one another and released when desired. The bag handling assembly includes a bag support defining an opening and including a membrane having at least one slot. Each slot is defined by a pair of opposed walls, possibly parallel to one another. The opposed walls of each slot are spaced apart a distance to enable a bag, when inserted through the slot(s), to be pinched by the opposed walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Dooli Products, LLC
    Inventor: David M Stravitz
  • Patent number: 10393564
    Abstract: The extendable measuring cup is constructed of a plurality of measuring cups that are successively arranged in size. The plurality of measuring cups vary in size from one another such that all of the measuring cups are able to nest within one another. The plurality of measuring cups is further defined with a topmost cup that includes internal threading. The topmost cup is able to connect with a threaded container via the internal threading. The topmost cup includes a disc member that is able to pivot with respect to a slot provided on the topmost cup. The disc member is able to rotate from outside of the topmost cup to inside of the topmost cup. In use, the disc member is able to enclose an interior formed with the plurality of measuring cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Jermaine Dabney
  • Patent number: 10321788
    Abstract: A portable container apparatus is a portable washing and shower station having a rectangular container with removable divider inserts and removable compartment inserts inside to create various compartments for the storage of various cleaning accessories, and is formed to hold up to four removable water containers that are insulated to maintain either a warm or a cold water temperature, or a mixture for washing or showering. A foot pump is able to pressurize the water tanks to force the water through a coiled shower hose and shower head, and a removable perforated base within and above the inside bottom of the outer casing is sturdy enough to stand on while showering and draining the used water through the perforated base into the catchment below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Inventor: Eron Broughton
  • Patent number: 9955806
    Abstract: A device and method for holding food and drink simultaneously, comprising of a combined plate and adjustable cup holder. The plate may have one or more compartments for holding food and the cup holder is for supporting various drink containers. The plate having an aperture through which the cup holder is situated. The cup holder may move within the aperture with protrusions near the top and bottom of the cup holder to prevent the cup holder from disengaging from the plate. When the cup holder is lowered with respect to the plate, it provides a natural handle. When the cup holder is raised with respect to the plate the base of the cup holder and base of the plate are substantially coplanar, allowing the plate to rest on a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: David Jaeckel
  • Patent number: 9787348
    Abstract: Two circular rings or discs which are somewhat rotatable with respect to one another. They are connected by a foldable cover which houses a spring inside. The spring, when collapsed, pushes the discs away from each other while the foldable cover is semi-flexible. When the accessory is collapsed, the foldable cover folds over itself, whereas when the accessory is expanded, the foldable cover becomes unfolded with a smaller-circumference center ridge which is less flexible or non-flexible, and situated between two larger circumference areas. Flanges on the inner and outer rings abut each other, keeping the spring collapsed and discs locked into each other in some embodiments. When the rings are rotated with respect to one another, the flanges become unlocked and the spring separates the discs such that one or both of the foldable cover or spring become the limiting factor in how far apart the discs spread from another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Ikey Srour
  • Patent number: 9723942
    Abstract: A brewing and filtering device including a collapsible cup including a base and a folding sidewall comprising a plurality of foldable panels, wherein the sidewall includes a first end and a second end with the first end mated to the base and the second end extending from the base and defining a rim, wherein the base, sidewall, and rim define an open cavity, wherein the sidewall is moveable between a first configuration and a second configuration such that, in the first configuration, the panels are in an unfolded configuration locating the rim a first distance away from the base measured along a first axis and, in the second configuration, the panels are folded such that the panels collapse locating the rim a second distance away from the base, and a filter cap that releasably engages the rim, wherein the filter cap includes a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Jessica Do
  • Patent number: 9694938
    Abstract: A collapsible receptacle, such as a beverage cup, that is reconfigurable between expanded and collapsed configurations with an inner sleeve with first and second opposed major walls divided by opposed fold lines, an outer sleeve with first and second opposed major walls divided by opposed fold lines, and a liner retained by the inner and outer sleeves. The receptacle is retained in an expanded configuration when the opposed fold lines of the inner and outer sleeves are not aligned, and the receptacle can be collapsed when the opposed fold lines are aligned. A lid can be removably retained by a retaining ring. The opposed fold lines of the inner and outer sleeves can be disposed in groups, such as groups of two fold lines, so that the sleeves have opposed minor walls. The major walls can taper in thickness from their mid-portions to the opposed fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Design Fold LLC
    Inventors: John Rey Hollis, Christine Ann Hollis, Roger G. Carr
  • Patent number: 9675190
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a plate defining a surface for holding food that defines at least one opening therein. A collapsible beverage holder fits within the at least one opening defined within the surface of the plate. The collapsible beverage holder is automatically configured to a collapsed configuration responsive to the apparatus being placed on a surface and is automatically configured to an un-collapsed configuration responsive to the apparatus being lifted off the surface by the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: COGENT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: David W. Douglas, Robert R. Durkee, III
  • Patent number: 9370198
    Abstract: A deformable container for single serving of a viscous or semi-solid product from an associated dispensing machine, the deformable container having a cylindrical or conical shape with two opposing end walls and at least one collapsible side wall connecting the first and second end walls, wherein one end wall is provided an opening with a cover through which the product is dispensed from the container. The collapsible side wall may have a cylindrical shape with a plurality of pleats arranged in an accordion-like shape, and be configured to collapse on itself into a substantially flattened position while maintaining a vertical alignment of each pleat. The collapsible side may be conical with a plurality of pleats arranged in a corrugated-like shape, and be configured to collapse on itself into a substantially flattened position wherein the pleats are arranged horizontally next to each other. The container may additionally include a lock mechanism for maintain the flattened shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: CONTAINER INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Roman Gamburg, Ilya Margolin
  • Patent number: 8887942
    Abstract: A collapsible drinking cup assembly having a plurality of annular ring segments each flexibly coupled together, end-to-end. An upper drinking lip segment of the ring segments includes an interior and exterior sidewall such that the drinking lip segment tapers inwardly from a lower base portion to an annular upper distal edge thereof. A support floor of the cup apparatus includes an annular bottom flange extending radially beyond an exterior wall of the bottom ring segment. Atop lid member extends over an opening into the cup apparatus, and includes a pair of opposed, inner and outer contact walls that collectively define an annular receiving groove therebetween. The cup apparatus can be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded position when both the annular bottom flange and the lid member are radially gripped and axially pulled apart longitudinally thereof before separation of the lid member from the drinking lip segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Humangear, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Miksovsky, Clint N. Slone
  • Patent number: 8887945
    Abstract: A foldable container module includes a body and a foldable container. The body has a sidewall and a room. The foldable container has a panel, multiple folding line sets formed on the panel, and a joint. The foldable container can be transformed by folding along the multiple folding line sets. The joint connects to the sidewall of the body. The foldable container module can be held in one hand by a user, and the other hand of the user can swing freely or take the solid food from the foldable container, such that the user can also suck the liquid from the body by the straw at the same time. Moreover, when the foldable container module is to be stored, the user can fold the foldable container along the multiple folding line sets to reduce a volume of the foldable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Highplus International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Kao
  • Patent number: 8720678
    Abstract: Cell phone cradle that keeps a cell phone away from the head when it is held up to the ear. The cradle has a first end with a height corresponding to the thickness of the cell phone, a second end with a height substantially greater than the thickness of the cell phone, and tapered sides forming an enclosure having an open top and a depth which increases from one end to the other. The cell phone is placed in the cradle with the speaker in the deeper end so that the cell phone is spaced away from the head when the open side of the enclosure is held against the head with the speaker opposite the ear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Tessema Dosho Shifferaw
  • Patent number: 8596480
    Abstract: A multimodal container includes a first shell having a base and a first wall coupled to the base, the first wall defining a first cavity and a first cavity opening general opposite of the base; a second shell having a second wall defining a second cavity and a second cavity opening; and a coupler selectively engaging the shells proximate the openings to join the second shell to the first shell alternately in one of a bottle mode and a cup mode, the bottle mode including the second shell extending away from the first shell with the coupler disposed therebetween forming a bottle and the cup mode including the second shell nested within the first cavity forming a double-walled cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Hamid Arjomand
  • Patent number: 8556099
    Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible vessel and also a method of reducing waste. The collapsible vessel has a mechanism that maintains its rigidity in its expanded form, yet allows it to be collapsed when desired. The vessel also has a removable lid, and the vessel, lid, or both may carry logos or other images or indicia, particularly those of restaurant or beverage chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Diane Perlman
  • Patent number: 8485388
    Abstract: A foldable water bottle has a base, a folding body and a handle device. The folding body is made of silica gel, is mounted on the base and has a connecting ring, a folding segment and a neck. The folding segment is formed on and protrudes from the connecting ring and has multiple folding rings. The neck is formed on the folding segment and has a spout and two inserting mounts. The handle device is detachably connected to the folding body and has an inserting handle and a lid. The inserting handle is connected securely to the neck and has a handle mount and a grip. The lid is connected to the inserting handle and is used to close an opening top of the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Tuan
  • Patent number: 8485400
    Abstract: A pouch with a nozzle has a reliable dispensing opening. The pouch holds liquid contents. The pouch has a shell portion formed by sealing two plies of plastic together to form a pouch volume and a nozzle portion which communicates with the inside of the shell portion. The nozzle portion is formed by a series of embossments which form a reliably open passage for dispensing fluid. Three sets of embossments include a plane shape, a dot shape or a line shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Souichi Kawakami, Kazumi Ozawa, Koichi Ishizaka, Takayuki Aikawa, Kazuyuki Kurosawa
  • Publication number: 20130056372
    Abstract: A method of hydrating a human can include: providing a bicep hydration sleeve; attaching the hydration sleeve to a bicep region of the human; lifting the hydration sleeve to the mouth of the human by moving the bicep toward the chin; inserting the mouthpiece of the hydration sleeve into the mouth; and drinking from the hydration sleeve, wherein the lifting, inserting, and drinking are performed without handling the hydration sleeve with either hand of the human.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Justin Morgan LYNCH
  • Patent number: 8215509
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plastic bottle suitable for vending from vending machines and for storing food or beverage products having comparatively high viscosities. A bottle is provided with a mouth, a flexible main unit having a tubular body section in fluid communication with the mouth, a base forming a bottom of the main unit and configured to support the bottle to stand upright, and a rigid portion located above the main unit and having greater traverse strength than said main unit. The mouth, main unit, and base define a retention space with a central axis. The rigid portion includes regions facing each other across from the central axis at the most distant position from the central axis. Moreover, the tubular body section of the main unit deforms into a substantially flat shape when an external force is applied in a transverse direction without the rigid portion undergoing plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Satoshi Kuboi, Hideki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8181816
    Abstract: A drinking cup usable by persons having limited physical faculties includes a vessel portion having one or more walls and being closed at a bottom end to define a bottom surface, the vessel portion being configured to retain a liquid; a drinking portion having one or more walls and an open top end from which the liquid located in the vessel portion can be removed, the open top end defining a rim; and a flexible member connecting the vessel portion and the drinking portion. The flexible member facilitates movement of the drinking portion relative to the vessel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Laurie Allen
  • Patent number: 7661525
    Abstract: A pill case has an oblong base with pill spaces on opposite sides of a cup holder in the base. A collapsible cup is provided within the cup holder. A lid has an accessory housing. The lid is attached to the base via a hinge or fold joint. The lid may have a lower edge or lip generally having the same shape as an upper edge, lip or groove on the base, to form a clamshell-type container. The accessory housing fits into the cup within the cup holder when the pill case is closed. An electronic accessory, such as a clock, may be contained within the accessory housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dard Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bonni Shevin Sandy
  • Patent number: 7074511
    Abstract: A liquid feed fuel cell system having a unique fuel container and delivery assembly is provided. The container and delivery assembly allows liquid fuel which, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of either pure methanol or an aqueous methanol/water mixture, to be placed under pressure so that it is delivered to the cell in a continuous manner. The fuel substance is stored in a flexible bladder that is housed in an outer container. The inner flexible bladder containing the fuel is fitted with a for supplying instrument that compresses the flexible bladder such that the fuel is expressed through a conduit in the container, to the direct oxidation fuel cell in a continuous manner. Other embodiments include the force-applying instrument being employed in a fuel cell system that includes inlet and outlet ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Juan J. Becerra, Michael S. DeFillipis
  • Patent number: 6736285
    Abstract: A collapsible container such as a drinking cup has a disk-shaped bottom and a disk-shaped cover which fit one within the other and engage by catches. A molded inner cup body has its base connected to the bottom and a mouth surrounded with a ring which seals to the cover and springs up from the bottom to erect the cup when the catches are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Theo A. Stewart-Stand
  • Patent number: 6723360
    Abstract: A multiple food product container for dispensing one food product from at or near one region of the container, and dispensing another food product at or near the other region of the container. A preferred embodiment comprises an upper food compartment, a lower food compartment, wherein a top of the lower food compartment is coupled to a bottom of the upper food compartment, a resealable opening disposed at a top of the first food compartment, a resealable second opening disposed proximate a bottom of the second food compartment, a first food disposed in the upper food compartment, and a second food disposed in the lower food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Lendy Dunaway
  • Patent number: 6702143
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container (1), which is easily contracted and elastically expanded to restore its original shape by a coil spring (7). This container (1) includes a flexible body (3) and a capacity control ring (5). The body (3) has a cylindrical interior for containing something. The capacity control ring (5) is spirally formed around the outer surface of the sidewall of the body (3), and allows the body (3) to be contracted and elastically expanded in a vertical direction, thus controlling the capacity of the body (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Korea Alphaline Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Soo chang Wang
  • Patent number: 6667081
    Abstract: A pouch of the present invention comprises a front and a rear walls and a narrow pouring portion, and at least one wall portion is partially protruded to an outward direction of the pouch to be provided with a bulge portion having a hollow structure at vicinity of the pouring portion. Alternatively, a cut line of the pouring portion is positioned based on a vertex of a vertical angle of an assumed right triangle which is drawn at the pouring portion by the predetermined regulations. A half-cut line as an opening aid may be provided to a position to be opened of the pouch, the half-cut line being formed so as to have a combination of a deep part and a shallow part and/or a combination of a wide part and a narrow part. The bulge portion may be formed by subjecting a preheated resin film to press molding with the use of a die comprising a cavity and a core, and then cooling the thus press-molded resin film while it is held in the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukitaka Aoki, Takashi Nakagome, Izumi Kojima, Seiichiro Komoda, Koji Otsuka, Koji Shimizu, Taeko Kanamori, Nana Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 6666329
    Abstract: A collapsible cup with vented pocket comprises a base member for supporting the apparatus. A plurality of telescoping components form a fluid-tight seal by friction fitting the plurality of telescoping components together. An outermost telescoping component is attached to the base member to form an impervious junction between the base member and the outermost telescoping component. A vented pocket is attached to an innermost telescoping component. The innermost telescoping component is the final component of the plurality of telescoping components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Promotions Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Joan Charbonneau
  • Patent number: 6293394
    Abstract: A packaging pouch (10) with an integral drinking straw or pouring spout (38,42) and an easy-to-open protective region providing access to the drinking straw or pouring spout, features a first compartment (32) to accommodate the contents e.g. a drink and—separated in a fluid-tight manner—a second compartment (34) to accommodate a tube part (42). The tube (38, 42) leads from the first compartment (32) to the second compartment (34) and is joined in the transition region to the pouch (10) in a fluid-tight manner and features a valve element for opening and closing a through-flow channel (37). At the end projecting into the second compartment the tube features a closure (44,46) which is closed in a fluid-tight manner when the pouch is in the unopened state and contains a valve element (58, 56) which, under the action of pressure from the side, frees a through-flow channel (37) and which closes automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management, LTD
    Inventors: Claude A. Marbler, Juris Walter, Andreas Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6286798
    Abstract: A beverage container holder (2000) that can be attached to horizontal or vertical members, that can be compacted and that can accept cylindrical and frustoconical beverage containers and mugs. Preferably a strap (130) is wrapped in the middle of the beverage container holder (2000) when it is rolled up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Carol Ann Chun
  • Patent number: 6126010
    Abstract: A combination pill dispenser and collapsible drinking cup unit. The unit includes an elongated hollow body, a first removable cap member, a second removable cap member, a pill organizer, and a collapsible cup. The hollow body has an outer wall including opposed first and second ends and an end wall located adjacent the first forming a hollow chamber in which the pill organizer is located. A first removable cap is provided to close the chamber in which the organizer is located. The organizer includes a plurality of wedge-shaped compartments formed by plural wall panels radiating outward from a central post. The post projects upward from a circular, planar base member. A circular, planar cover is rotatably mounted on the post and includes a wedge shaped opening in its periphery. The opening is arranged to selectively communicate with a respective one of the compartments when the cover is rotated to a desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: L. Lawrence Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Kogen
  • Patent number: 6105759
    Abstract: A folding carton for an elongated object, such as a double ended electric mp is disclosed. The carton includes cut out retentions formed in the end flaps of the carton to position the elongated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventors: Michael Fuchs, Herbert Roderwieser
  • Patent number: 6076664
    Abstract: A pouch for holding liquids includes a pre-inserted straw within the pouch. A top end of the straw is exposed by removing a portion of the pouch. For manufacture, a web of flexible packaging material, suitable for forming a pouch or bag for storing liquids, is advanced forward in a pouch forming direction. A single straw of suitable length to fit within the confines of a resulting pouch is cut from a continuous length of straw material. The single straw is placed onto the web of packaging material in a location that will be on the inside surface of a single wall of the pouch and there it is secured in place preferably by a heat seal between one side of the straw and the inside surface of the pouch wall. The resulting pouch web material, having a plurality of straws positioned along its length provides a feedstock for forming pouches with pre-inserted straws when using a so called form and fill method of forming pouches or when making pre-made pouches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 5937617
    Abstract: A pouch for holding liquids includes a pre-inserted straw within the pouch. A top end of the straw is exposed by removing a portion of the pouch. For manufacture, a web of flexible packaging material, suitable for forming a pouch or bag for storing liquids, is advanced forward in a pouch forming direction. A single straw of suitable length to fit within the confines of a resulting pouch is cut from a continuous length of straw material. The single straw is placed onto the web of packaging material in a location that will be on the inside surface of a single wall of the pouch and there it is secured in place preferably by a heat seal between one side of the straw and the inside surface of the pouch wall. The resulting pouch web material, having a plurality of straws positioned along its length provides a feedstock for forming pouches with pre-inserted straws when using a so called form and fill method of forming pouches or when making pre-made pouches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 5816411
    Abstract: A snack package assembly includes a package having top and bottom walls as considered in a position of use thereof, and a plurality of circumferentially adjacent main panels interconnecting the top and bottom walls. A plurality of edge portions includes a substantially horizontally extending bottom edge portion for delimiting at least one opening in at least one of the main panels for providing access to the interior of the package. At least one flap section is connected to the one main panel along the bottom edge portion and extends into the interior of the package in a substantially horizontal position as considered in the use position to subdivide the interior into an upper and a lower compartment. At least one substantially rigid container containing an edible flowable substance is accommodated in the lower compartment and supports the flap section from below to form a supporting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5632406
    Abstract: A collapsible container comprising a peripheral side wall; a closed bottom at a lower end of the peripheral side wall and an opening at an upper end of the peripheral side wall; the peripheral side wall having at least three axial sections, with at least one relatively thin section located axially between upper and lower relatively thick sections; wherein at a transition area between the relatively thin section and at least one of the upper and lower relatively thick sections, the peripheral side wall is shaped to include a sideways oriented, substantially S-shaped cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5439128
    Abstract: A three-dimensional structure of concentric rings forming a container of plastic material. A plurality of concentric ring-shaped wall elements adjoin each other to form an inner surface of the container. Adjacently adjoining wall elements are connected and inclined with respect to each other. The wall elements are connected to each other with a ring-shaped area of reduced wall thickness, forming a film hinge. The wall elements are inclined so that they can be turned down over adjoining elements to collapse the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Avraham Fishman
  • Patent number: 5366071
    Abstract: A combined workbench for a fly-fisherman is collapsible to form a storage and carry-case. The workbench includes a main body unit having storage compartments and removable cover panels for providing a work surface. A lid member providing storage compartments is attached along a back edge of the main unit. Wing tray units provide auxiliary storage areas on either side of the main body unit. A clamp assembly stowed within the main body is adapted for securing a fly-tying vise in selected operational portions. A leg compartment in the main body houses fold-out legs that are selectively deployable for supporting the workbench. A frame assembly pivotally attached within the leg compartment is swingably deployable for holding a waste disposal bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Andrew Laszlo
  • Patent number: 5261532
    Abstract: A bag structure includes an upper resealable zipper strip positioned adjacent a top wall portion of an upper edge of the bag, with the top wall portion fixedly containing a vent tube therewithin. The vent tube includes a central tube web in alignment with the top wall, and includes a central aperture therethrough mounting a valve member therewithin. The valve member is operative to release pressure from interiorly of the bag body and is biased to a closed position to maintain contents within the bag body in a sealed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Keith Fauci
  • Patent number: 5255808
    Abstract: In a foldable bottle, two lines of the outer surface located opposite one another are provided as folding lines. Each of these folding lines intersects a bead-type lower folding line, running round transversely to the folding line, at a point of intersection, and intersects a bead-type upper folding line, running round transversely to the folding line, at a point of intersection. Below the point of intersection, each folding line branches into two bead-type folding lines which are arranged in a V-shape and continue from the lower portion of the bottle down to the bottom surface. Above the point of intersection, each folding line branches into two bead-type folding lines which are arranged in a V-shape and extend in the upper portion of the bottle up to the top surface. When the outer surface is folded flat between the folding lines to form a two-ply layer, the upper portion an the lower portion can be folded flat simultaneously on the principle of a folding bottom, as with paper bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Supermatic Kunststoff AG
    Inventor: Viktor Tobler
  • Patent number: 5101996
    Abstract: A novel pail is provided comprising a plurality of tapered side sections including at least a top and bottom side section, the side sections being nested one to another in series such that the sections may be collapsed into a completed nested assembly or extended to a fully telescoped assembly in the form of a pail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Coley Mosley
  • Patent number: 4991713
    Abstract: An apparatus including a central tray with a planar floor, and the planar floor including an annular array of downwardly directed wells oriented orthogonally from a bottom surface of the floor and defining an arc less than 360 degrees to define a planar lower surface, with an angle of access to a central bottom surface of the floor between 60 and 110 degrees permitting a server to direct the server's hand to the central bottom surface of the floor for support and transport thereof. The wells are defined by a predetermined height and a predetermined diameter, and each include a concave well surface to provide a reservoir for fluid directed inadvertently into the wells, with a drainage aperture formed coaxially through each well floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Frederick T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 4940138
    Abstract: A cylindrical tube having a removable end closure at a first end and a collapsible drinking cup inserted in a second end is provided as a storage container for miscellaneous items such as first aid components. In its collapsed state, the collapsible drinking cup functions as an end plug for the container and in its extended state, it is a liquid tight cup for use with the container contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Queen City Group
    Inventor: Allan S. Hornstein
  • Patent number: 4866809
    Abstract: A collapsible toothbrush as disclosed having three telescopically mounted portions defining the handle, all of which portions are hollow so as to receive in their collapsed condition a tube of toothpaste. The brush in its collapsed condition is preferably overwrapped with a small paper cup, and a cover is provided for the bristles. The entire assembly is shrink wrapped to permit dispensing from conventional vending machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Randy Pelletier
  • Patent number: 4744476
    Abstract: An infant feeding bottle provides a collapsible main body portion in order to prevent injury. Collapsibility is provided by elongate structures having hinge points at their ends and at their center. The elongate structures are located within the wall of the main body portion between inner and outer membranes. Both inner and outer membranes are constructed of relatively inelastic, tearable material. Under axial compression, the walls of the bottle collapse tearing both membranes and expelling any contained liquid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Francis X. McKee
  • Patent number: 4620631
    Abstract: A device for holding two containers, such as a beverage cup and a food container. The device is formed of a strip of flexible material and includes a pair of end sections that extend circumferentially of a first container and are bonded to the side wall of the container. The adjacent extremities of the end sections are bent radially outward and form a loop to receive and hold a second container. For storage, the loop can be folded against the first container and the loop is formed with a pull out tab, so that the folded loop can be pulled outward into a generally circular configuration to receive the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Inventor: Thomas P. Bartelt
  • Patent number: 4562926
    Abstract: An article including a placemat is formed from paperboard and includes a plurality of compartments for holding foodstuffs and a beverage container. The article is made from a one-piece paperboard blank which is precut, scored and glued to a flat storage configuration. The compartments are expandable prior to use with internal walls which are deflected to hold the compartments in their expanded form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: Champion International Corporation
    Inventor: Duane R. Mode
  • Patent number: 4534469
    Abstract: A tray assembly having a self-contained drinking cup and utensils. The drinking cup is removably mounted on the tray and is movable between a folded storage position and an upright usage position. A clip on the side of the tray holds the cup in its storage position. The tray is also covered with a cellophane seal which is bonded to the clip. The clip engages a rod extending across the interior of a housing containing the trays so that when a tray is removed the clip automatically breaks the cellophane seal and releases the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Thad F. Elsmo