With Structure For Removably Holding An Article Or Material Patents (Class 215/227)
  • Publication number: 20020166835
    Abstract: A cap (10) for use with a container, such as a bottle, tube, or can, wherein the cap (10) provides a flip-top storage compartment (16) operable to store one or more small objects in close association with the container's contents. In one contemplated embodiment, the cap (10) is adapted for use with a conventional pill bottle containing a primary medication, and the storage compartment (16) is used to store a secondary medication, such as aspirin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Carter
  • Publication number: 20020139709
    Abstract: An apparatus for containing pills includes a cylindrically shaped portion that is adapted for attachment by the use of an adhesive to the underside of a cap for a prescription bottle and, once attached, for insertion into the prescription bottle. The cylindrically shaped portion includes an upper end and an opposite bottom end. The upper end is attached to the cap and it includes the adhesive that is exposed by peeling off a protective covering and then applying the upper end to the cap. The upper end may include a first half of a hook and loop fastener with a second half of a hook and loop fastener attached to the inside of the cap to permit detachably attaching the upper end to the cap. A hingedly attached lid is one method of access that is described and it is preferably attached to the bottom end and, when opened, causes the diameter of the cylindrically shaped portion to exceed that of the prescription bottle, thereby preventing the cap from being placed on the prescription bottle when the lid is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Kimberly Ann Bunyan
  • Patent number: 6412526
    Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a container, of the type having a removable container cap applied on a neck with a central opening, has a sub-container body mounted in the container neck which is formed with a proximate end having screw threads which can be engaged with internal screw threads in the container neck for holding them securely together to allow the ingredients to be shaken out of the sub-container body and mixed with fluid in the container. The sub-container body can have inner divider walls forming multiple compartments with respective orifices for dispensing ingredients selectively from the compartments. The sub-container body may be sealed to the underside of the cap with a sealing film, or seated on the neck rim and held by the cap. In one version, the proximate end of the sub-container body has a protruding shape with inclined walls for guiding it into the neck opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Castillo
  • Patent number: 6386367
    Abstract: A container for holding prescription pills or other medication that includes a cylindrical receptacle, a detachable cap, and a label. A pill holder is positioned beneath the cap, which includes a magnifying lens, through which the interior of the pill holder can be viewed. The label includes the name of the prescribed medicine and a picture of a pill. When the prescription if filled, one pill is placed in the pill holder. The pill and the pill picture can then be compared to determine if the correct medicine has been provided. The label is prepared by providing a processor having a keyboard, a database including data relating to images of a plurality of prescription medicine pills, a label printer, and a label; entering the name of the prescription medicine into the processor; selecting an image of a pill in the database using the name entered; and printing the name and the selected image onto the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas Andrews Bayliss, IV
  • Publication number: 20020000908
    Abstract: A removable top for a bottle or other container includes a sound generator that is activated when the top is removed. The sound generator produces an entertaining audio signal that enhances experiences, such as eating experiences, undertaken at the time the bottle is opened. There are alternative ways of constructing the sound generator, such as with electrical switches, light sensors or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: George Von Burg, Harry D. Flagle, Jerome J. Filiciotto
  • Patent number: 6274304
    Abstract: There is provided a system for the preparation of liquids from at least one solid and at least one liquid phase. The system is composed of a vessel in which the solid or solids are located and a drying chamber which is connected to the vessel or can be connected to the vessel. The drying chamber is separated from the vessel interior by a separating means which is permeable to water vapour but is impermeable to liquids. The system is suitable for the production of liquids from moisture-sensitive solids. These solids can be stored in the vessel since the air humidity in the interior is lowered by the desiccant. The preparation of the liquid by addition of a liquid phase can be carried out in one and the same vessel since the desiccant is separated from the vessel interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Buschek, Michael Kuehnl, Roland Ihrig, Klaus Erler, Maria Cully
  • Patent number: 6274209
    Abstract: A venting cap (1) has a cavity (7), at least one first passage (4) for fluids connecting the cavity (7) with the inside of the container, at least one second passage (5.1, 5.2, 5) for fluids connecting the cavity (7) with the outside of the container, and a liquid-absorbing mass (8) arranged within the cavity (7). The liquid-absorbing mass (8) acts, after absorption of liquid, as a selective filter prohibiting the passage of liquid, but permits the passage of gas. This ensures the foolproof selective permeation of gas but not of liquid. Venting properties remain unaltered even at extreme conditions of transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Argo AG Plastic Packaging
    Inventors: Jannis Pagidas, Efstathios Koklas, Alexis Stassinopolous
  • Patent number: 6263923
    Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a container, of the type having a removable container cap applied on a neck with a central opening, has a sub-container body mounted in the container neck which is formed with a proximate end having screw threads which can be engaged with internal screw threads in the container neck for holding them securely together to allow the ingredients to be shaken out of the sub-container body and mixed with fluid in the container. The sub-container body can have inner divider walls forming multiple compartments with respective orifices for dispensing ingredients selectively from the compartments. The sub-container body may be sealed to the underside of the cap with a sealing film, or seated on the neck rim and held by the cap. In one version, the proximate end of the sub-container body has a protruding shape with inclined walls for guiding it into the neck opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: James A. Castillo
  • Patent number: 6260474
    Abstract: A stopper including a collection receptacle, characterized in that the stopper is provided with a valve that permits flow of sediments into said collection receptacle, wherein the valve may be closed to substantially trap the sediments in the collection receptacle and obstruct flow therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Gotit, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shimon Yahav
  • Patent number: 6250346
    Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a bottle container of the type having a removable container cap has a sub-container body formed with squeezable plastic outer walls and inner divider walls forming multiple compartments having respective orifices for dispensing the ingredients contained therein. Each compartment can be separately opened (by removing a sealing element) and its ingredient can be dispensed into the container by squeezing on corresponding portions of the outer walls. In different embodiments, the device may be formed with the sub-container body in a cylindrical shape, the divider wall aligned with the cylinder axis or transverse to the cylinder axis, and the cylinder body snap-fitted to the underside of the cap or fixed to a collar which is held on the container neck by the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: James Anzai Castillo
  • Patent number: 6241114
    Abstract: A closure cap for a cylindrical drink can comprises a top surface provided with a tear-off or collapsible opening lid surrounded by a top ring with circular cross-section projecting outside the can, a base comprising a bottom ring with circular cross-section for stacking similar cans, the bottom ring enclosing a surface curved inwards relative to the can. The cap comprises a peripheral skirt capable of being clipped on the can top ring external periphery, and a central surface bordered with a shoulder linked to the peripheral skirt top edge, the shoulder being arranged to cooperate with the inner and/or outer edge of another can bottom ring. The invention is applicable to drink cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Alain Savino, Nicolas Pernikoff
  • Patent number: 6217332
    Abstract: A carrier for a dental implant package to reliably and releasably hold a dental implant and to cap a packaging vial. The carrier includes a plurality of vial-engaging flexible fingers and a plurality of screw-engaging flexible fingers. The vial-engaging fingers engage a groove of the packaging vial to form a releasable mechanical lock. For cylindrical implants, the screw-engaging fingers grip a healing screw coupled to the cylindrical implant. The cylindrical implant carrier also includes a protrusion in the center to stabilize the cylindrical implant during transportation. For threaded implants, the screw-engaging fingers releasably engage a groove of an insertion tool screw coupled to the threaded implant. Advantageously, the carrier of the present invention provides a reliable long-term hold on a dental implant and a simple but effective removable cap for a packaging vial for the implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Nobel Biocare AB
    Inventor: Ajay Kumar
  • Patent number: 6149866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device and a method for performing an assay of a sample using the closure device. The closure device, mountable on the mouth of a test vessel, comprises a body part (1) with an axially passing cylindrical bore. The bore is covered at one end with an openable lid (7). The closure device further includes a plunger (3), slidably mounted in the bore for the formation of a sealed reagent storage chamber (9) in the space remaining between the closed lid and the plunger. The inner wall of the bore (2) is provided with at least one groove (4), whose depth is so deep as not to be within the reach of the outer diameter of the plunger (3). The groove extends from exterior end of the bore, over such a length as to maintain a gas flow communication between said reagent storage chamber (9) and the exterior end of the cylindrical bore when the plunger (3) is in a partially inserted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Orion-yhtyma Oyj
    Inventors: Juhani Luotola, Henry Backman, Tapani Hellman, Kauko Kahma, Antti Kaplas
  • Patent number: 6085919
    Abstract: A set of bottle caps (attachments) which can contain a prize therein. The bottle caps being insertable over a bottle cap of a bottle. The bottle cap has a top and bottom container having a central opening therein. Together the top and bottom container form a hollow container which is capable of holding a prize. The central opening of the container must be of sufficient size to accept the bottle cap therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Uri Singer
  • Patent number: 6036017
    Abstract: A container for holding a prescription pills or other medication that includes a cylindrical receptacle, a detachable cap, and a label. A pill holder is positioned beneath the cap, which includes a magnifying lens, through which the interior of the pill holder can be viewed. The label includes the name of the prescribed medicine and a picture of a pill. When the prescription if filled, one pill is placed in the pill holder. The pill and the pill picture can then be compared to determine if the correct medicine has been provided. The label is prepared by providing a processor having a keyboard, a database including data relating to images of a plurality of prescription medicine pills, a label printer, and an unprinted label; entering the name of the prescription medicine into the processor; selecting an image of a pill in the database corresponding to the name; and printing the name and the selected image onto the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas Andrews Bayliss, IV
  • Patent number: 6032820
    Abstract: A closure includes a promotion piece holding container within a cap to be installed onto a container such as a bottle. The promotion piece receiving container includes a top flange captured by a lip of a seal installed within the cap. The promotion piece receiving container includes a frangible band extending circumferentially around a substantial circumference of the container. The container can include a bottom flange arranged for convenience gripping and removing of the container from the cap, and a pull tab attached to the frangible band to assist in removing the frangible band to open the container for removal of the promotion piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Ladina, Wendell Willingham, Ted Boehm, David Cerny, David Denman, Daniel Denman
  • Patent number: 5971195
    Abstract: A closure provides a well in which a game piece is placed. The well has a side wall which supports a well floor. The well floor can contain an opening which can accommodate a drinking straw. A shield is located between the game piece and the well floor. The recessed well is covered by a sealing member which is adhered to an upper surface of the closure. The sealing member can have a pull tab and perforations which can be aligned with the edges of the pull tab. The perforations define a flap. The flap can be coupled to the closure through the use of a mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Taco Bell Corporation
    Inventors: Deborah Reidinger, Tari Garza, Donna Kahre, Lauren Heller, David J. Marchi, Cathy M. Bedini
  • Patent number: 5947274
    Abstract: The present invention is to a container, particularly for moisture sensitive materials, having a container body of a substantially atmospheric moisture-impermeable material and incorporating a solid element which is made at least in part of a desiccating polymer and which is in contact with the atmosphere inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham p.l.c.
    Inventors: Charles Bernard Taskis, Simon Joseph Holland, Paul John Whatmore
  • Patent number: 5934493
    Abstract: A disposable lid has a flexible disk-like body and at least one slot opening formed in the body. The slot opening is adapted to receive a small container containing additives, such as sugar and cream. The slot opening is defined by a plurality of intersecting lines which break open upon application of predetermined pressure. The lid also has at least one protrusion formed near the slot opening to create an opening in the container as the container is inserted into the slot opening. The small additive container described above preferably has an elongated body which is adapted to be inserted into the slot opening of the lid through the intersecting lines. The elongated body is inserted into the slot opening, a release opening is formed in the elongated body of the additive container to release the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Ki Su Han
  • Patent number: 5915585
    Abstract: A closure includes a promotion piece holding container within a cap to be installed onto a container such as a bottle. The promotion piece receiving container includes a top flange captured by a lip of a seal installed within the cap. The promotion piece receiving container includes a frangible band extending circumferentially around a substantial circumference of the container. The container can include a bottom flange arranged for convenience gripping and removing of the container from the cap, and a pull tab attached to the frangible band to assist in removing the frangible band to open the container for removal of the promotion piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Ladina, Wendell Willingham, Ted Boehm, David Cerny, David Denman, Daniel Denman
  • Patent number: 5904266
    Abstract: A product package includes a vertical container in which a base product is located and a lid assembly. The container has a top opening and a side periphery while the lid assembly include a lid which closes the top opening of the container. The lid includes (a) a peripheral skirt which engages the side periphery to hold the lid in place, (b) a top extending centrally of the peripheral skirt and having a top band extending centrally from adjacent the upper end of the peripheral skirt and a depression which extends downwards from the top band to a position substantially equal to or above the lower edge of the skirt, and (c) a peripheral retention lip which extends upwards and inwards from the top band. The lid assembly also includes an insert having a peripheral border. The insert is sized such that the peripheral border is retained underneath of the peripheral retention lip so that the insert is held on the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Tedeschi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5826747
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing pills that is easily and effectively implemented by individuals with impaired use of their hands. A adhesive area is disposed on the inside of a cap for a bottle containing pills, or on a stem fixed to the inside of the cap and extending into the bottle when the cap seals the bottle. When the bottle is agitated, one or more pills contact the adhesive and become releasably attached thereto. When the cap is removed, the pill is conveniently presented to the consumer for easy removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Gerard M. Bohler
  • Patent number: 5819976
    Abstract: A promotional closure includes a sealed promotion-receiving member in the form of a compartment positioned generally within an outer closure cap, for disposition within an associated container. The sealed configuration of the promotion compartment desirably acts to isolate the promotional element therein from the contents of the container. Use on a container having carbonated contents is particularly facilitated by an arrangement by which a plastic film cover member which seals the compartment is sealed to an annular flange of the compartment to permit predetermined delamination and release of gas pressure from within the interior of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Ted W. Boehm, David L. Cerny, Wendell D. Willingham, Daniel J. Denman, Sheldon L. Wilde, Stephen W. McBride, Hugh C. Urmston, Ralph H. Whitney, David E. Babcock, Joseph M. Ladina
  • Patent number: 5807156
    Abstract: An attachment for baby bottles which fits around the nipple attached to such a bottle. The attachment is a ring which fits over a baby bottle nipple and is secured to the bottle itself. The ring, in one embodiment, has a double wall with objects made from luminescent material placed between the walls. Another embodiment has raised letters or a design placed on the outside surface of the attachment, which has a luminescent material inside the letters or design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Peggy L. Owen
  • Patent number: 5806707
    Abstract: A removable inner compartment promotional closure includes a plastic closure cap having a circular top wall portion and a depending annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. A circular, resilient liner is positioned in the cap, and has a retaining element extending therefrom. A removable compartment member is positioned in the closure cap in engagement with the retaining element. The compartment defines an interior compartment adapted to receive promotional indicia, such as a promotional game piece, therein. The compartment is adapted to release from the cap after the cap is removed from the container. A sealed cover element may be positioned to extend over and close the compartment member, to isolate the compartment from the contents of the container. The promotional closure is used in conjunction with a simulated promotional closure, which configured to be is indistinguishable from the promotional closure cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted W. Boehm, David L. Cerny, Wendell D. Willingham, Daniel J. Denman, Sheldon L. Wilde, Stephen W. McBride, Hugh C. Urmston, Ralph H. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5711447
    Abstract: A twist-on/twist-off resealable assembly for a can-end, such as a metal can used in the beverage industry includes a first set of knuckles formed on the can body near its top opening. A plurality of cooperating fingers on the inside of the can lid engage the knuckles so that the lid is tightened by its progressive downward motion as the lid is rotated. The lid also includes a weakened or frangible portion for forming a straw opening. A second set of knuckles are located below the top set of knuckles for engagement by fingers extending from a pilfer-proof ring. The twist-off can lid may be made from the same metal as the can body or alternatively from a transparent plastic material or a combination of metal and plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: George Plester
  • Patent number: 5614236
    Abstract: A bottle closure for collecting and removing solid sediment particles from a liquid being fermented in situ in a bottle to form an alcoholic beverage. The closure has a skirt portion which is adapted to be removably fastened to the neck of the bottle and terminates at its top end in an inwardly directed annular flange defining a central opening, a tubular trap portion which is closed at its top end and communicates at its open bottom end with the central opening in the skirt flange, and a correspondingly tubular liquid- and gas-tight liner of a sealing material which is disposed in the trap portion and has at its bottom end an outwardly directed annular flange which underlies the skirt flange and is adapted to be pressed by the latter, when the closure is fastened to the neck of the bottle, against the annular sealing surface located at the top end of the bottle. In use, the sealed bottle is inverted so that any sediment settles unobstructedly into the closed end region of the trap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Albert Klang
  • Patent number: 5544769
    Abstract: A package is formed by locating a vacuum formed plastics insert into a glass with inward movement of the plastics insert into the glass being restricted by an edge of the insert abutting the rim of the glass. The insert is a friction of force fit on the inner portion of the glass adjacent to the rim. A plastic sleeve is then shrink wrapped around the exterior surface of the glass and over the rim of the glass to hold the insert in place in the glass. The top of the insert includes an opening which is pushed over the enlarged cap of a bottle to retain the package on the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Mailway (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Glyn W. Dowler, Edward I. Pruchniewicz
  • Patent number: 5542528
    Abstract: The bottle (1) comprises a body (5) closed by a capsule (8). Within the capsule (8) there is a separator element (9) which closes its concavity to prevent mixing of the substances contained in the capsule (8) and in the body (5) respectively. To mix the substances the separator element (9) is removed by deforming the capsule (8).To prevent the bottle (1) being able to be opened without mixing of the substances having taken place, the outer surface (15) of the capsule (8) and the inner surface (6) of the container mouth (4) carry respectively an annular projection (14) and an undercut ledge (7) which mutually engage only by the effect of the radial expansion of the capsule (8) when the separator (9) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: INGE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Lanfranconi, Giorgio Munari, Adelelmo Zappettini, Roberto Rizzo
  • Patent number: 5542555
    Abstract: A cap for use with bottled water dispensing systems. The cap includes a main outer cap and an inner cap. The main outer cap has a central sleeve which receives and seals against a probe. The inner cap moves into and out of a sealing engagement with the central tube as the bottle is raised and lowered over the probe. The seal between the inner cap and the central tube is located on the outside surface of the central tube. The inner cap has a guide sleeve which centers the inner cap about the central tube, which is particularly important to achieve a proper attachment of the inner cap to the central tube during removal of the bottle from its support. The locations of the various components of the cap allow the cap to have effective differentials between the forces which are necessary to achieve proper sequencing of the formation of the various seals and connections which occur during use of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventors: Walter E. Hidding, Douglas J. Hidding, Robert D. Hidding
  • Patent number: 5529179
    Abstract: A dispensing lid for the circular upper rim of a beverage container is made having a flat base panel having a circular perimeter. A continuous lip downwardly directed from the perimeter is configured to embrace the rim of the container. Frangible vessels fabricated of thin plastic film are disposed within the base panel. The vessels contain condiments which are ordinarily added to popular beverages. When finger pressure is applied to the vessels, the undersides of the vessels break, thereby discharging the condiments into the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Claudia J. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5494200
    Abstract: A container for siftable products such as powders, solid particulates, spices, condiments and the like, comprises a bottle having a threaded neck, a screw cap for the bottle, and a sifter member disposed in the cap. The cap and sifter member are yieldably held together to constitute an assemblage which is applied to the bottle after the latter has been filled. The applying of the cap to the bottle forces the sifter to be transferred to and firmly secured on the bottle neck by cooperable configurations thereon, which provide a more aggressive grip or securement than the hold of the cap on the sifter. In consequence, whenever thereafter the cap is removed from the bottle, the sifter will remain operatively secured to the bottle to carry out its function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Brent River Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Sheffler, Thomas Dolan
  • Patent number: 5476763
    Abstract: A transport assembly which is particularly suitable for transporting medical material, particularly organs and tissues. The assembly includes a tissue container which includes a lid having a clamping assembly associated therewith for clamping an organ. In addition, a reservoir bag and collector bag are respectively connected to the tissue container, such that a physiological fluid can be pumped from the reservoir bag to the tissue container, and with fluid exiting the tissue container gathered in the collector bag. A support holder is also provided, and the support holder, tissue container, collector bag, and reservoir bag can be detachably placed in a box for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Electrolux S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Bernard Bacchi, Patrick Marchot, Philippe Mauriat, Gilles Touati, Philippe Pouard, Alain Magnard, Philippe Thomas, Daniel Thepaut, Fernand Muller
  • Patent number: 5447374
    Abstract: A method and device (10) for positioning a probe (14), such as a temperature sensor, in a flask (12). A stopper adapted to be secured to an open end of the flask (12) is provided having an opening (32) through which a tube (34) extends. A clamping mechanism (40) is connected to the tube (34) to secure the probe (14) to the stopper. The clamping mechanism (40) comprises a first flange (44), and a second opposing flange (46) spaced slightly apart from the first flange (44). An O-ring (50) positioned around the flanges (44, 46) causes them to flex inward to engage and secure the probe (14) between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: FTS Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Fraser, Taylor N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5439103
    Abstract: By providing an audible and/or visual prize related message delivery system cooperatingly associated with a container shell which is closed in the conventional manner, a container assembly is achieved for randomly distributing prize awards to consumers in association with any product, without fear of consumer detection of the prize bearing containers. In accordance with the present invention, the container assembly may incorporate the actual product along with the prize related message delivery system or may comprise a simulated product container bearing the prize related message delivery system without the actual product. In both embodiments, the container assembly is completely indistinguishable from non-prize bearing, product-holding containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: James P. Howes
  • Patent number: 5392939
    Abstract: A cap for use with bottled water dispensing systems. The cap includes a main outer cap and an inner cap. The main outer cap has a central sleeve which receives and seals against a probe. The inner cap moves into and out of a sealing engagement with the central tube as the bottle is raised and lowered over the probe. The seal between the inner cap and the central tube is located on the outside surface of the central tube. The inner cap has a guide sleeve which centers the inner cap about the central tube, which is particularly important to achieve a proper attachment of the inner cap to the central tube during removal of the bottle from its support. The locations of the various components of the cap allow the cap to have effective differentials between the forces which are necessary to achieve proper sequencing of the formation of the various seals and connections which occur during use of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventors: Walter E. Hidding, Douglas J. Hidding, Robert D. Hidding
  • Patent number: 5361918
    Abstract: An attachment designed to engage the nipple cap of a nursing bottle and serving the function of a nipple shield and also having a compartment for storing a pre-measured amount of powdered baby formula to be mixed, when desired, with water or other diluent stored in the nursing bottle. The bottle with attachment provides a convenient travel container for an infant's meal away from home which can be pre-sterilized and eliminates the need to carry a bulky container of powdered formula and measuring scoop in the usually already overcrowded diaper bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventor: Terri L. Mason
  • Patent number: 5325980
    Abstract: An improved vial assembly is provided for storing a quantity of material for cryogenic freezing, such as a sample of semen for use in artificial insemination. The vial assembly includes a locking mechanism to prevent the vial from being opened and then reclosed prior to final use. The locking mechanism includes a pair of apertured locking members, one on the vial, and one on the cap of the vial. The locking members are positioned for mutual alignment only when the cap is securely tightened onto the vial. A locking pin is provided for one-way insertion through the apertures of the locking members to prevent the cap from being removed without severing or destroying the locking pin. With this locking mechanism, the integrity of the contents of the vial is substantially ensured until the vial is selected for use and the locking pin is severed in the presence of a patient recipient. A secondary vial is also provided which mounts to the main vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventors: Michael C. Grimm, Philippe F. Bailley, Joseph W. Price
  • Patent number: 5283061
    Abstract: A color display facsimile of a cosmetic product comprised of the formulation of an original cosmetic product and prescribed amounts of each of a thermoplastic, copolymeric hardening agent and a hydrocarbonous-based temperature control component. The resultant display facsimile is capable of exhibiting the exact-likeness characteristics of true color, size, and shape of the original cosmetic product. The method for preparing said color display facsimile is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Revlon Consumer Products Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin E. Kamen, Philip Bernstein, Rene T. Rivero
  • Patent number: 5283567
    Abstract: By providing an audible and/or visual prize related message delivery system cooperatingly associated with a container shell which is closed in the conventional manner, a container assembly is achieved for randomly distributing prize awards to consumers in association with any product, without fear of consumer detection of the prize bearing containers. In accordance with the present invention, the container assembly may incorporate the actual product along with the prize related message delivery system or may comprise a simulated product container bearing the prize related message delivery system without the actual product. In both embodiments, the container assembly is completely indistinguishable from non-prize bearing, product-holding containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: James P. Howes
  • Patent number: 5255812
    Abstract: A container cap for vise with a self-heating tin container having a chemical compound on one end for releasing heat upon mixing with a liquid catalyzer. The container cap has an annular groove on the bottom around the border into which a peripheral flange on a self-heating tin container is inserted for positioning, a pointed member on the inside surface of the elastic top edge thereof, a film covering covered over the pointed member to hold a liquid catalyzer. Pressing the elastic top edge of the container cap against the tin container to which the container cap is fastened causes the pointed member to pierce the film covering permitting the liquid catalyzer to flow out of the container cap for mixing with the chemical compound in the tin container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Yu T. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5255805
    Abstract: A screw cap for a container that has a thread, in particular bottles, jars, and the like. A ring that incorporates at least one projection engages the thread on the container. The ring can be configured as a safety ring, i.e., that it have a lower ring section that incorporates barbs that extend from a perpendicular wall area. When the container is first opened, the barbs engage under projections on the container and burst the lower ring section off. The cap of the screw cap need incorporate no threads of any kind because of the projections of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Alcoa Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Weiss, Hans D. Dubs, Hans J. Preuss
  • Patent number: 5246148
    Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly (14) for use with a plastic blow molded container (12) is disclosed as including a dispensing member (20) that is adapted to be fixedly mounted on an upper open end (18) of the blow molded container and also includes a closure member (22) rotatably mounted on the dispensing member for movement between fill and dispensing positions. Dispensing member (20) and closure member (22) of the closure assembly each have an associated fill opening (26, 28) that are aligned in the fill position to fill the interior (24) of the closure assembly upon inversion of the container, and the fill openings are unaligned with each other in the dispensing position to close the upper open end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Slat, Richard C. Darr
  • Patent number: 5197623
    Abstract: A thermal jar for carrying snacks, and which is provided with a removable receptacle for a spoon and fork and which is received in a channel in a top surface of the cover of the jar. The spoon and the fork are pivotally mounted to the underside to the top of the receptacle, and the top is hinged to the receptacle so that it may be opened to permit the spoon and fork to be turned to a position in which they protrudes through the ends of the receptacle, and the cover may then be closed down to a snap fit with the receptacle to hold the spoon and fork in place, and enable the receptacle to serve as a handle for the spoon and fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Paul S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5184746
    Abstract: A closure cap and fitment assembly configured for use with a container having a neck with an annular lip at its uppermost end defining a mouth. The closure cap and fitment assembly includes a fitment with a dispensing surface dimensioned to span the mouth of the container and a liner. The assembly further includes a cap with a top panel, an annular skirt and threads for releasable engagement onto the neck of the container. The inner portion of the cap defines a retaining structure which is designed to retain the fitment and liner within the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Moore, Jeffrey F. Ullrich
  • Patent number: 5158196
    Abstract: A blanking plug is used for sealing provisionally connection openings (3) of non-installed liquid-operated units, in particular of oil-hydraulic systems (1) for motor vehicles. A section (12) of the blanking plug (10) is inserted into, and fills up, the connection opening (3). The section (12) is provided with a hollow space communicating with a closed portion of the connection opening (3). The hollow space is filled with a material tending to absorb the respective liquid, for example a tampon (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Berger & Partner GmbH
    Inventor: Friedhelm Burger
  • Patent number: 5117995
    Abstract: A stopper for stoppering a bottle having a bottleneck and containing a beverage pressurized by carbon dioxide. The stopper includes a hollow body, preferably made of plastic, having a top opening which is able to be closed by a cover, the hollow body having a shank. A compressed elastic, for example, a spring, is being positioned in the hollow body. A charge carrier is arranged on an end of the compressed elastic and is directed toward the opening of the hollow body. The charge carrier is locked into position on the end of the elastic and is retained in a compressed state for as long as the shank of the hollow body is in the bottleneck of the bottle and is hindered by the bottleneck from giving way outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Alexander Kau
  • Patent number: 5115930
    Abstract: A closure cap with a stock base cap including a hinged cap is provided for cosmetics, toiletries and similar products. The hinged cap includes an annular wall with a partition perpendicular thereto thereby forming an upwardly facing recess to receive ornamental inserts of different colors, textures and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventors: Richard D. Lohrman, Philip Ferber, Gene Dorsch
  • Patent number: 5105959
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating device is provided for use with two relatively movable parts. In a preferred embodiment, the device is incorporated in a tamper-evident closure having a closure body and a cover for engaging the body in a closed position. A resilient member is carried within the cover, and a releasable retaining structure is provided for holding the resilient member in a maximally deformed first orientation within the cover when the cover is in the closed position. When the cover is opened, the resilient member is released so as to assume a less deformed orientation. The cover includes an inspection means for permitting visual inspection of the released resilient member to indicate that the cover has been moved away from the initially closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Inventor: John P. Kinsley
  • Patent number: 5100012
    Abstract: A flexible, distortable liner is provided for the cylindrical interior cavity of a cap for a container, especially in the field of relatively small containers such as used for toiletries and the like, the purpose of the liner being to accommodate discrepancies between the neck of the container and the friction fit of the cap. The liner is essentially an annular wall fitting the interior of the cap but having alternated wall portions of reduced thickness compared to interspaced wall portions of greater thickness, the latter having outer arcuate surfaces tightly fitting the cap cavity and the former lying in radially spaced relation to the cap cavity so as to impart greater flexibility to the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Diamond Plastics & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Pacelli, Jr.