With Indicator (i.e., Variable Information Exhibiting Means) Patents (Class 206/459.1)
  • Publication number: 20040050740
    Abstract: A tamper evident packaging system including a tag (10) attachable to a package comprising a substantially oxygen impermeable upper barrier layer (12a), a reactive intermediate layer (14) including a reactive material changeable between an un-reacted condition in the absence of oxygen and a reacted condition in the presence of oxygen to produce a visible colour change, and a lower layer (12b) which can be a substantially oxygen impermeable lower barrier layer or an integral part of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Gareth Lewis
  • Publication number: 20040045855
    Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container; in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur J. Shrader
  • Patent number: 6698590
    Abstract: A bottle (1) includes a base (2) and a continuous sidewall (3) extending upwardly from the periphery of the base (2) to a neck (4). The neck defines an opening (5) which is selectively blocked by a lid (6). Base (2) and sidewall (3) define a cavity for containing a suncream or the like which a person selectively applies to their skin to reduce the harmful effects of the sun's rays. The package also contains display means for providing a person with the indication of the intensity of UV radiation, or another ambient condition, incident upon the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Crown Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter John Moore
  • Publication number: 20040026288
    Abstract: A threaded closure for containers having a tamper indicating ring frangibly interconnected to a lower edge of a side wall of the closure. The ring includes tabs engaging a bead on the neck of the container in which the tab extends axially above the frangible parting line interconnecting the ring and the side wall of the closure prior to the first removal of the closure from the neck of the container. The tabs include an inwardly directed rib or projection forming a shoulder or notch which engages the edge of the closure bead, when the closure is first removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Bruno Zumbuhl
  • Patent number: 6688466
    Abstract: A packaging system for any manner of personal care products includes a package member configured for receipt of the personal care products therein. The external surface of the package member has a nondescript configuration that is generally not indicative of the types of products carried in the package. A flap member is connected to and repositionable on the external surface of the package member. A first side of the flap member may have product identifying indicia thereon, and a second opposite side of the flap member has a nondescript surface configuration that is not indicative of the personal care products within the package. Attaching devices are disposed to removeably secure the flap member in a first position on the external surface of the package such that the first side having the product identifying indicia thereon is outwardly facing, and in a second position wherein the flap member is flipped over and the second side having the nondescript configuration is outwardly facing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa White, Donald G. Fox
  • Patent number: 6681983
    Abstract: A paperboard box has removable identifying indicia. In a first embodiment, the top of the box has a central opening that may be rectangular in shape. Each corner of the opening has a removable tab and each of the tabs carries a different message. For example, the messages can relate to different kinds of pies such as, for example, “apple”, “cherry”, and “blueberry”. One of the tabs may be provided with a line to provide a location where an identifier may be handwritten using any suitable writing instrument. As an alternative example, the writing on each tab may relate to an occasion such as “Happy Birthday”, “Happy Anniversary”, “Congratulations” or “Bon Voyage”. A product is placed into the box and the cover is closed thereover. All of the tabs are removed with the exception of the remaining tab that accurately describes either the contents of the box or the occasion being celebrated or observed or other message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Field Container Company L.P.
    Inventor: Leah M. Bill-Moore
  • Publication number: 20040011690
    Abstract: A baking device is adapted to facilitate slicing of a baked item into precisely measured portions. The baking device comprises a conventional baking pan having a horizontal bottom wall and at least one upright peripheral wall, and measurement indicia. Measurement indicia are delineated on inner surfaces of the peripheral wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
  • Patent number: 6672453
    Abstract: The invention concerns a CD case comprising a base (1), a lid (2) and a false bottom (3) comprising a housing (31) for the disc (5) with a broad edge (33) raised on the side of the lid articulation. A window (35) is provided in the edge (33) for an indicator (4) to be urged into the housing (31) of the disc (5) to actuate it so to indicate the presence of the disc in the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Frederic Itey
  • Patent number: 6667092
    Abstract: A corrugated structure has a first and a second linerboard, with a corrugated medium sandwiched between the first and second linerboards. An RF processor is coupled between one of the linerboards and the corrugated medium. The processor may be positioned on an inlet or label, which may also include an antenna. A method of forming a corrugated structure having an embedded RFID processor includes providing a linerboard and a corrugated medium, positioning an RF processor between the linerboard and the corrugated medium, and affixing the linerboard and corrugated medium together with the RF processor positioned therebetween. An assembly line for forming a corrugated structure includes a supply of a first linerboard, a second linerboard, a corrugating material stock, and inlets that have an RF processor and antenna coupled to the inlets. The assembly line also includes a corrugator, a single facer, a double facer, an inlet applicator, and a cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Brian W. Brollier, John Pius Soehnlen
  • Publication number: 20030196921
    Abstract: A set of sterilization bags is provided, each bag being capable of holding a multiplicity of medical instruments, wherein each bag comprises at least two sides affixed together to form a bag with an opening capable of being in an open position to receive medical instruments and a closed position for sterilization, and further wherein at least two bags in the set are differentiated by a feature in at least one side of each bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Jane Giordano
  • Patent number: 6634516
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a metallic closure, which includes: a metallic shell; and a thermochromic ink layer on a surface of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fabricas Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Jose Luis Martinez Carballido
  • Patent number: 6632403
    Abstract: A forensic evidence container includes a first flexible panel, the first flexible panel including a material having a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 10 gm/24 hours-100 square inches; a second flexible panel, the second flexible panel including a material having a moisture vapor transmission rate of equal to or less than 5 gm/24 hours-100 square inches; an opening capable of providing access to the interior of the forensic evidence container; an adhesive, applied to the first panel or second panel, having a free surface so arranged as to seal the opening on superposition of the first panel and the second panel; and a tamper evident device arranged on the first or second panel. A peelable flexible third panel, including a material having a moisture vapor transmission rate of equal to or less than 5 gm/24 hours-100 square inches, can optionally be peelably adhered to the first flexible panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Charles R. Barmore, Charles Kannankeril, Rengan Kannabiran
  • Patent number: 6631806
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying and packaging cosmetic items. The display case apparatus for cosmetics and other personal care products comprises a housing having an overall shape defining a peripheral edge; a retainer defining a plurality of interstices, said retainer coupled to said housing such that it is co-extensive with at least a portion of the housing peripheral edge, said retainer having a front whereupon a design is visible whereas the plurality of interstices are disposed at pre-determined portions of the design; at least one holding compartment disposed within at least one retainer interstice for receiving an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Ellen R. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20030189494
    Abstract: A vocal container cap includes a cap portion and a vocal assembly received in the cap portion. When the cap portion is fully closed onto a container mouth, an elastic switch associated with a movable member of the vocal assembly is pressed against a contact on a circuit board supported on a fixed member of the vocal assembly to disable the vocal container cap. And when the cap portion is twisted to loosen from the container mouth, a spring lifts the movable member to separate the elastic switch from the contact and thereby actuates the vocal container cap to sound or voice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ted Lin
  • Publication number: 20030189088
    Abstract: A self-squaring corrugated container employs alignment markings on and adjacent to the manufacturing joint to allow quick visual inspection of placement and orientation of the manufacturing joint, and employs interlocking contoured peripheral edges on the major bottom flaps to allow consistent, quick, and easy formation of a container which is square, non-skewed to within small, strict tolerances. Both the alignment markings and contoured bottom flaps are die cut into the carton blank to insure uniform container alignment. Additional container features include employment of a hinged, partially detached top flap to accommodate use of the container to packaged bottles. Method steps are provided for forming the self-squaring container using the innovative features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventor: D. Scot Colby
  • Publication number: 20030168372
    Abstract: A container for storing a liquid includes at least one translucent or transparent side wall with a first image formed on an interior surface thereof and a second image formed on an exterior surface thereof. The first image is formed in a manner such that it is not visible when the container is filled with the liquid. When the container is substantially empty of the liquid, the first and second images become visible to form a composite image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Applicant: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Cynthia Headen, Stuart Leslie, Charles Curtiss
  • Patent number: 6603318
    Abstract: A sealed package for housing an electrical component. The package includes at least two package portions. Determining elements within the sealed package determine at least one parameter including at least one ambient condition within the package and/or an electrical function parameter of the component. An indicator is operatively connected to the determining elements to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Kim J. Hansen, Thomas A. Solosko
  • Patent number: 6589578
    Abstract: An improved package for pulverulent egg preparations, said package being intended for the preparation of egg-based food products without having to manipulate fresh eggs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ovosec, S.A.
    Inventor: Gabriel Martinez Navarro
  • Patent number: 6588593
    Abstract: A fluid container having a timepiece incorporated into or attached to the body of the container for holding liquids in the container and displaying various time functions from the timepiece. The fluid container can be of a variety of styles, shapes and sizes, including bottles, jugs and cups. A removable, sealable cap portion can attach to the fluid container to seal the fluid therein. Straws, pop-up mechanisms and other apparatuses for withdrawing fluid from inside the fluid container can be used. The timepiece can be located anywhere on the container body and can display the time of day, elapsed time, date and similar time information. The timepiece can also include a stopwatch function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Steven M. Woskoski
  • Patent number: 6581773
    Abstract: A calculation aid is disclosed forming an integral part of a medication bottle. The calculation aid provides a reference chart for pediatric elixirs to assist in the accurate calculation of the weight-specific dosage for a child. The bottle includes parallel columns of patient's weights and rows of calculated quantity of elixir corresponding to the calculated dose. A movable indicator with an aperture allows selected viewing of the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Brian Kaplan
  • Patent number: 6581539
    Abstract: A holder and/or a holder and cover for containing a dispenser of a consumable product, such as a cartridge containing pressurized gas for therapeutic use, and a method for selecting the optimum parameters for such holder are provided to allow sensitive determination of the amount product remaining in the dispenser. The holder has a curvilinear or partly curvilinear circumference, and holds the dispenser so that the center of mass of the dispenser and the product it contains is at a predetermined optimum location relative to the center of mass of the holder. Thus, when the holder is placed on a horizontal surface, the holder can roll along the curvilinear circumference, and the predetermined optimum relationship of the center of mass of the dispenser and the center of mass of the holder causes the holder to come to rest at adequately spaced unique locations on the circumference of the holder depending upon the combined mass of the dispenser and the product it contains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ned S. Rasor
  • Publication number: 20030102240
    Abstract: An apparatus for closing an opening in a container, and a container including such an apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a body arranged to close the opening in a container. The body may define a cavity for receiving the container. The body includes an aperture which may be closed by a lid. The body is provided with a handle. Outer and inner peripheral walls depend from a top portion of the body. The walls together define a channel for receiving part of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: Sidi Products Limited
    Inventors: Charles Lee Sidi, Sarah Jane Sidi
  • Patent number: 6561413
    Abstract: A self-squaring corrugated container employs alignment markings on and adjacent to the manufacturing joint to allow quick visual inspection of placement and orientation of the manufacturing joint, and employs interlocking contoured peripheral edges on the major bottom flaps to allow consistent, quick, and easy formation of a container which is square, non-skewed to within small, strict tolerances. Both the alignment markings and contoured bottom flaps are die cut into the carton blank to insure uniform container alignment. Additional container features include employment of a hinged, partially detached top flap to accommodate use of the container to packaged bottles. Method steps are provided for forming the self-squaring container using the innovative features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Fuji Hunt Photographic Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: D. Scot Colby
  • Patent number: 6536592
    Abstract: The SMIF pod includes a base having a cassette that may receive one or more wafers in preparation for transferring the wafers. The base includes a plurality of first openings formed on the side surfaces for a latch mechanism. The base includes a window formed on a surface of the base for an operator to read the state of the container. A box having second openings one to one corresponding to said first openings for the latch mechanism with latch member to penetrate through them while in the lock state. An indicator presents a first mark for indicating the locked state at the window or presents a second mark at the window for indicating the unlocked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Yen Chang, Kuo-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6532720
    Abstract: An open cell foam with thermal memory characteristic is used as an indicator for heat damage to an article containing heat sensitive contents packaged in a carton. The foam material may be a polyurethane-based thermoplastic polymer referred to as “Cold Hibernated Elastic Memory” (CHEM) foam. The thermal memory foam can be produced in compressed form and used as inserts in the carton. Upon exposure to a temperature at or above the foam glass transition temperature, the foam insert expands to substantially its original shape (volume) so as to apply a compressive force against the article, making it difficult to remove from the carton. Alternatively, the expanded foam will deform the carton walls, providing an external indication of heat damage. The foam can also be used as a heat-indicating element in an inspection panel of the carton, which ruptures so as to provide external indication of heat damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: D. W. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030047477
    Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to a package (1) for keeping goods in a temperature-decreased, preservative state, in which the temperature should have a certain desired value. According to the invention, the package is connected to a temperature indicator (2) comprising means, which preserves a certain property when the temperature of the goods is decreased towards and past a predetermined limit value, which is at least somewhat higher than said desired value, but which alters this property in an irreversible way if the temperature during the storage would rise to or above said limit value. Advantageously, the temperature indicator (2) may be transparent as long as the temperature is lower than said limit value, but become opaque when the limit value is exceeded, e.g. in order to make reading of a bar-code (8) impossible. In a second aspect, the invention also relates to the temperature indicator as such.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Mats Nygardh, Henry Norrby
  • Publication number: 20030041937
    Abstract: A luggage handle cover having a body portion with a first end, a second end, an inner side, and an outer side. The body portion has a length and width sufficient to substantially cover a luggage handle. The luggage handle cover also has a fastening mechanism coupled to the body portion to fasten the first end and the second end and an identification display disposed on the inner side of the body portion when the body portion is arranged to substantially cover a luggage handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Derek J. Hydon
  • Patent number: 6523688
    Abstract: A vessel is constructed dispensing and displaying a measured quantity of water by a graduated scale along the side wall of the vessel. The consumption of each measured quantity of water is tallied by actuation of one of a plurality of tactile buttons. In one embodiment, the buttons are distributed about a side wall of the vessel and in a second embodiment, the buttons are distributed about an end wall in a cap attached to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Herman D. Palmieri
  • Patent number: 6520326
    Abstract: A glucose sensor package system that includes a glucose sensor and a protective package that indicates exposure to temperature changes to indicate proper temperature control. Also covered are methods of transporting and sterilizing the package. In addition, glucose sensors directed to various sizing and positioning of the electrodes on the glucose sensor are covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Collin McIvor, James L. Cabernoch, Kevin D. Branch, Nannette M. Van Antwerp, Edgardo C. Halili, John J. Mastrototaro
  • Patent number: 6520828
    Abstract: A combination including a toy and a removable element inserted therein includes the toy having a generator and an actuator therewith. The actuator enables the generator to generate a sound or movement. An improvement of this combination includes the removable element being operably connected to the generator such that the removable element enables the generator to generate a first volume of the sound and removal of the removable element enables the sound generator to generate a second volume of the sound which is different from the first volume of the sound. Instead of or in addition to the removal of the removable element enabling the toy to generate a different volume of the sound, the removal of the removable element can enable the toy to emit a second duration of sound different from a first duration of sound and/or produce a second duration of a movement different from a first duration of a movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert J. Ferrigno
  • Publication number: 20030024840
    Abstract: A cover device for covering a baby bottle. The device includes a cloth bottle cover that has a closed bottom end and an open top end. A pocket is disposed on the cloth bottle cover. An audible signal generator is provided that is placed in the pocket of the cloth bottle cover. The audible signal generator creates an audible signal when press-activated. The bottle cover with the audible signal generator is advanced over a baby bottle. The bottle cover provides a medium by which a child can better grasp the bottle. Furthermore, the bottle cover insulates the bottle and absorbs drips from the bottle. The audible signal generator is activated when a child presses against the cover above the audible signal generator. As such, the use of the present invention adds visual and audible interest to a baby bottle as well as making the bottle easier to hold and use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Austin, Jeffrey R. Austin
  • Publication number: 20030015450
    Abstract: Reusable containers and lids with date indicating devices and methods for using the same are disclosed, which allow the user to indicate one or more of the following: a date when the contents were stored, a date when the contents should be used, a time when the contents should be used, and a date by which the contents should be disposed. The date indicating device may include a plurality of resettable buttons, each of which may be located atop an individual platform. Both the buttons and the platforms may take on a variety of different shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Bruno Ferretti, Lawrence C. Stanos
  • Patent number: 6508361
    Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container, in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur J. Shrader
  • Publication number: 20030006161
    Abstract: A bottle (1) includes a base (2) and a continuous sidewall (3) extending upwardly from the periphery of the base (2) to a neck (4). The neck defines an opening (5) which is selectively blocked by a lid (6). Base (2) and sidewall (3) define a cavity for containing a suncream or, the like which a person selectively applies to their skin to reduce the harmful effects of the sun's rays. The package also contains display means for providing a person with the indication of the intensity of UV radiation, or another ambient condition, incident upon the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Peter John Moore
  • Patent number: 6501390
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus to detect and reliably record the physical history of a product including effects due to one or more of the following: 1) product use 2) handling 3) tampering and 4) environment of the product (as changes in the environment, such as excessive temperatures, humidity, or shocks, can result in degradation to a product). The apparatus includes a “smart card”, or, more generally, “smart token”, in combination with one or more sensors which record the external influences on the product and/or the environment and records those changes in an encrypted form. This information can then be verified by any individual who is equipped with a (possibly public) decryption key, but capability to modify this information, depending on the application, is restricted to those with access to the encrypting key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Chainer, Claude A. Greengard, William R. Pulleyblank, Charles P. Tresser, Chai W. Wu
  • Publication number: 20020195413
    Abstract: A tamper evident closure (1) includes a housing (5) containing a blister pack (2) and a substrate (3), wherein the blister pack (2) contains a first reagent which is visible prior to first opening and the substrate (3) contains a second reagent. First opening of the closure ruptures the blister pack thereby exposing the first reagent to the second reagent and effecting a reaction that causes a visual change that signals the closure has been opened. The tamper evident closure of the present invention is primarily intended to be used as an anti-counterfeit measure on a spirit or pharmaceutical bottle. In the preferred embodiment, the closure incorporates a liquid that when brought into contact with a reagent chemical contained in an absorbent pad, effects an irreversible color change. This color change will indicate to a consumer the bottle has been previously opened or tampered with. The design makes it very difficult for a counterfeiter to cover up or eradicate the visible effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Harold Eastman, Eric Fredolin Ahlquist, Dudley Keith Webb
  • Publication number: 20020185388
    Abstract: A container with sound and light emitting function includes a containing body, a handle attached to the containing body and an electric circuit. The electric circuit includes speakers, light emitting equipments, two projecting contacts and an IC. The light emitting equipments are attached to outer side of the containing body. The projecting contacts pass through a respective through hole of the containing body into the inner space of the containing body so that same can get into contact with each other electrically to complete the electric circuit for the IC to activate the speakers and the light emitting equipments to send out sound and light when drinks are poured into the containing body to submerge both of the projecting contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Chin-Lai Su
  • Patent number: 6484664
    Abstract: A holder and/or a holder and cover for containing a dispenser of a consumable product, such as a cartridge containing pressurized gas for therapeutic use, and a method for selecting the optimum parameters for such holder are provided to allow sensitive determination of the amount product remaining in the dispenser. The holder has a curvilinear or partly curvilinear circumference, and holds the dispenser so that the center of mass of the dispenser and the product it contains is at a predetermined optimum location relative to the center of mass of the holder. Thus, when the holder is placed on a horizontal surface, the holder can roll along the curvilinear circumference, and the predetermined optimum relationship of the center of mass of the dispenser and the center of mass of the holder causes the holder to come to rest at adequately spaced unique locations on the circumference of the holder depending upon the combined mass of the dispenser and the product it contains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Capnia, Inc.
    Inventor: Ned S. Rasor
  • Publication number: 20020170483
    Abstract: An information recording device having an attachment element for attachment to a grease fitting of a bearing assembly and a recording device attached thereto having date indicia to record installation date and/or maintenance records. The recording device further includes a grease fitting protective cap to fit over and enclose the grease fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: James Parejko
  • Patent number: 6478152
    Abstract: A beverage package that in one embodiment can be described as a musical wine bag has a sound emitting device that plays a tune when a beverage container is pressed into the beverage package. The sound emitting device is commercially available and has an integral switch that is actuated by pressing, e.g., the top and bottom of the device together. A specially designed locator positions the sound emitting device underneath it in the bottom of the beverage package and positions beverage containers so that the sound emitting device speaker is not covered. The locator is further designed to orient beverage containers into upright positions and transmit sufficient force from smaller ones sited away from the sound emitting device to actuate the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Harold D. Mansfield
  • Patent number: 6471058
    Abstract: An article, such as a tamper evident container, includes an indicator having a first layer including a thermochromic ink composition, and a second layer, disposed on the first layer, having a composition different from the ink composition of the first layer. The article exhibits better evidence of tampering. The first and/or second layer can be in the form of a message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Rengan Kannabiran, Charles P. Kannankeril, Donald E. Setter, Victor Todman
  • Patent number: 6471059
    Abstract: Interchangeable portions of a cooler or container, having a sports logo thereon, allows a single cooler body or container body to have a first logo at one particular time, and a second logo at another time, upon replacement of interchangeable the portions. Preferably, the portions comprise a plurality of cooler tops, each having one of a different sports logo, sports decal, or indicia, each mating directly or through interchangeable hinge portions with the same cooler body, or being secured to a planar portion of the cooler or container. Alternatives for securing the attachment to the cooler planar portion are disclosed and include adhesive, VELCRO brand fasteners, guide members, or elastomeric attaching members. A set of interchangeable cooler tops is available at a point of purchase, so that a customer may purchase a cooler top with a selected sports logo, sports decal, or indicia that may be bundled as a set or purchased individually as a part of a set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Mary Purvis
  • Publication number: 20020153273
    Abstract: A flexible container comprising an audio tract. The audio tract is incorporated into the container as the container is made. The audio tract produces an audible sound when a stylus is moved across the surface of the tract. A method of producing a flexible container comprising forming an audio tract on a sheet of flexible packaging material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Donald W. Mallik, Steven C. Gendreau
  • Publication number: 20020148750
    Abstract: A sound emitting device is disclosed having a container shell, preferably in the shape of a simulated spray can, a sound generator located in the container shell and a trigger button that activates the sound generator. The sound generator is preferably configured to emit a spraying sound and a plurality of messages. Upon activation of the trigger button, the sound generator preferably generates a spraying sound followed by one of the plurality of messages. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sound generator is located in the cap of the container shell and the body of the container shell provides a receptacle for housing brochures, pamphlets and other marketing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Clegg Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Clegg, Michael D. Ronk, Donald M. Heinemann
  • Publication number: 20020144914
    Abstract: A fluid container having a timepiece incorporated into or attached to the body of the container for holding liquids in the container and displaying various time functions from the timepiece. The fluid container can be of a variety of styles, shapes and sizes, including bottles, jugs and cups. A removable, sealable cap portion can attach to the fluid container to seal the fluid therein. Straws, pop-up mechanisms and other apparatuses for withdrawing fluid from inside the fluid container can be used. The timepiece can be located anywhere on the container body and can display the time of day, elapsed time, date and similar time information. The timepiece can also include a stopwatch function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Steven M. Woskoski
  • Publication number: 20020139704
    Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper closure on a vertical form, fill and seal process. The method includes providing a length of the zipper closure having a length same as the width of the resulting package. The ends of the length of zipper closure are sealed together prior to applying the zipper closure to the film web. The zipper construction is first applied and adhered to one half of the film web and then to the other half. A tamper-evident structure encasing the zipper closure may be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Patent number: 6454094
    Abstract: A rotatable label system includes a label and a package with a viewing window that is secured to the container but which allows access to the container and also allows the container to freely rotate relative to the package. The package is configured with a different form factor than the container itself to provide an interstice adjacent the viewing window. The interstice allows consumers to view contiguous portions of the label on the container that are not aligned with the viewing window. As such, consumers are able to easily recognize that the label system is rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Lawrence Aldo Salani
  • Publication number: 20020117418
    Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product, or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container; in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur J. Shrader
  • Publication number: 20020117417
    Abstract: A personal identification method and system for improving personal hygiene in which provision is made for identifying a beverage, food product or the like, with a particular person so that another person does not inadvertently access the identified item unintentionally. Identifying indicia such as numbers or alphabetical letters are selectable and conditioned by the user to be prominently displayed on the item so as to identify it with the individual involved. For necked beverage containers, in one embodiment, a re-usable snap-on display device, or assembly, is configured to snap onto the neck of the container; in another embodiment, the existing conventional cap-attaching ring is modified to include alpha-numeric indicia and/or to receive a cooperating indicia-indicating display element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventor: Arthur J. Shrader
  • Patent number: D473372
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jerrold Weitzman