Specifically Designed To Accommodate Plural Sizes Patents (Class 215/319)
  • Patent number: 11702253
    Abstract: A lid releasably connects to the rim of a container, such as a soda can or a disposable cup, and functions with the container as an effective insect trap. In operation, the lid is attached to the top of the container with a funnel positioned over and extending towards the topside of the container such that an insect attracted to sugars within the can may crawl or fly from the surrounding space into the funnel and enter the container through the bottom of the funnel and thereby become trapped in the container. The sidewall of the lid can have multiple tiers that fit different sized cans or cups or can have a single tier. Regardless of the number of tiers in the sidewall, the sidewall's riser portion that fits over the container's rim is vertical and its interior surface does not have any concavity so no water-tight seal is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Jesse Jonah White
  • Patent number: 11612186
    Abstract: A method for supplying a liquid to an inhaler cartridge includes a housing body including an accommodation space capable of accommodating a liquid, a first opening communicating with the accommodation space and opened in a first direction, and a second opening communicating with the accommodation space and opened in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a cap configured to be formed separately from the housing body and close the first opening. The method includes closing the first opening with the cap, and after the first opening is closed, supplying the liquid to the accommodation space through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Tomoichi Watanabe, Hirofumi Matsumoto, Takuma Nakano, Kei Oishi
  • Patent number: 10179674
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a versatile rectangle lid includes: a lid body comprising a rectangle configuration; and a plurality of rectangle rings formed in the lid body; wherein the plurality of rectangle rings includes a first rectangle ring that is configured to receive a first rectangle container having a first size and a second rectangle ring that is configured to receive a second rectangle container having a second size. In another embodiment of the invention, a versatile rectangle lid includes: a rectangle lid body comprising a center portion, a bendable lid portion, and an edge portion; wherein the bendable lid portion is between the center portion and the edge portion; and wherein the bendable lid portion is configured to bend in an upward direction and bend in a downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Patricia M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 10173816
    Abstract: A closure (20) is provided to selectively permit or restrict communication between the exterior and the interior of a system that has an opening between the exterior and interior. The closure (20) includes a closure body (24) that defines an access passage (30) and a membrane (60) that initially occludes the access passage (30). The connection of the membrane (60) to the body (24) is defined by a tearable portion (68) of material that defines a tear path along which the material can be torn. The tear path has; (A) a first separation path (80) where separation of the membrane (60) from the body (24) initially originates; and (B) a second separation path (90) where separation of the membrane (60) from the body (24) terminates. The second separation path (90) has a generally tapered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: APTARGROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Danks, John Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 9807346
    Abstract: This invention concerns the in-situ monitoring of insects, and in particular an insect inspection cylinder and trap to facilitate this monitoring. The trap comprises means to intercept flying insects and direct them to an inspection cylinder that is connected to an outlet from the means to intercept flying insects. An insect detector is associated with the cylinder to detect insects inside it, and a camera is associated with the cylinder and the detector to capture images of insects inside the cylinder. Wherein the sectional dimensions of the inspection cylinder are sized to prevent insects selected for observation from flying through it, but instead requiring them to walk through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION
    Inventors: Mikhail Afanasyev, Nancy Schellhorn, Luke Hovington, Anna Marcora, Darren Craig Moore
  • Patent number: 9365330
    Abstract: Methods, systems, caps, containers, and assemblies for a gecko-like container capping system are described. A gecko-like cap configured to cover an opening in a container may include an inner surface configured to mate with an opening surface of a container. Setae may be located on a surface of the cap and/or a surface of the container that are configured to oppose movement of the cap away from the container by creating an adhesion force between the inner surface and the opening surface. The cap may include one or more release mechanisms configured to deflect the inner surface away from the opening surface, thereby reducing the adhesion force such that the cap is removable from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Londergan, Feng Wan, Kenichi Hashizume, Scott Needham
  • Patent number: 8985360
    Abstract: A cap for a drain hose and a plurality of bottles with different opening sizes is provided. The cap includes a main body and an extension body. The main body includes a main sleeve, a sleeve for drain hose and a leakage-proof part, wherein the main sleeve is for engaging with a first bottle, the sleeve for drain hose is for engaging with the drain hose, and the leakage-proof part is for closely sealing the opening of the first bottle. The extension body is formed integrally with the main body and extends outwardly from the main body, the extension body including an extension sleeve for engaging with a second bottle, the opening size of the second bottle being larger than the opening size of the first bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Yen-An Chen
  • Patent number: 8807372
    Abstract: A cap container includes a tank, a conical protrusion, and a stepped coupling. The tank includes an upper rim, a bottom opposite to the upper rim, and a hole formed through the bottom. The conical protrusion includes a lower end, an upper end, an inner wall extending from the lower end to the upper end and defining a channel, and an engagement part formed at the inner wall near the lower end. The channel passes through the lower end and the upper end and communicates with the hole of the tank, and the channel can receive a straw. The stepped coupling has at least one annular groove and is formed at the bottom of the tank. The cap container can be filled with solid food and combined with a top a commercially available drink container such as a bottle or a cup filled with liquid by the engagement part of the conical protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Highplus International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Kao
  • Patent number: 8747004
    Abstract: An improved device for use as a lid with integral handle for attachment to a can, the lid portion having two concentric sets of threads to engage a container having one of two spout diameters, an applicator or swab being adapted to extend from the handle in which it is situated, the extension distance of the swab being adjustable within the handle, the swab being useful as an applicator for applying liquid coatings, solvents, adhesives, or other materials. The invention also includes a variety of attachments for use with the lid and handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: IPS Corporation
    Inventors: Terry R. McPherson, Jack D. Roach, Steven R Cole
  • Patent number: 8678212
    Abstract: A receptacle sealing system includes a container with a rim defined at an upper opening thereof, and an adjustable closure for covering the opening of the container and having a sealed orientation and an unsealed orientation. The adjustable closure includes a rigid lid, and an integral annular seal having an outer annular wall, wherein when the adjustable closure is disposed in the unsealed orientation, the outer annular wall is oriented in the first position to face the top surface of the rigid lid, and, wherein when the adjustable closure is disposed in the sealed orientation, the outer annular wall is oriented in the second position in order to substantially seal onto the upper exterior wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sunrise Kitchen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Kee Kim
  • Patent number: 8328038
    Abstract: A plastic closure includes a shell having a base wall with a skirt for securement to a container finish and a lip that extends radially inwardly from the skirt at a position adjacent to and spaced from the base wall. A liner is compression molded in situ against the base wall, and between the base wall and the lip. The lip has a plurality of circumferentially spaced passages that extend through the lip for venting air during compression molding of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Major
  • Patent number: 8100303
    Abstract: A closure for a container is disclosed having a body, a top portion, and a transition region. The body has a cylindrical skirt and an end wall. The cylindrical skirt has a first end coupled to the end wall and a second open end configured to receive a receptacle. The top portion is coupled to the end wall of the body portion and has a flap movable from a closed position where the opening is covered to an open position where the opening is at least partially uncovered. The transition region has an exposed surface and is located at a juncture between the end wall and the side wall. The exposed surface extends from a first point on the end wall radially inward from the skirt to a second point on the skirt below the end wall and below the first point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Gatewat Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence M. Parve
  • Patent number: 8100287
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cap for covering the open top of a drinking vessel. The cap includes a substantially rigid cover disk assembly dimensioned to span across and substantially cover the open top of the drinking vessel, and a flexible tubular membrane that extends from a bottom side of the cover disk assembly. The membrane is adapted to be rolled down a side wall of the drinking vessel to thereby removably secure the cap thereto. Identifying indicia can be printed on the top side of the cover disk assembly. The beverage within the drinking vessel can be consumed using a drinking straw. When properly deployed, the cap inhibits the introduction of unwanted matter into the drinking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Veronica Milnark
  • Patent number: 8066158
    Abstract: A closure for a container is disclosed having a body portion, a top portion, and a plurality of sealing rings. The body portion has an open bottom formed of a skirt and an end wall defining an opening. The top portion has a flap that is movable from a closed position where the opening is covered to an open position where the opening is at least partially uncovered to allow for matter to be dispensed. The plurality of sealing rings are within the skirt beneath the end wall and comprise (1) a first ring with a sealing surface provided a first radial distance from the skirt and a first axial distance from the end wall and (2) a second ring with a sealing surface provided a second radial distance from the skirt and a second axial distance from the end wall. The first radial distance is different than the second radial distance and the first axial distance is different than the second axial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Vogel, Terrence M. Parve
  • Patent number: 7857172
    Abstract: A cap (30) has an end wall (32) and inner and outer cylindrical walls (34, 36) which are internally threaded. The threads on the inner wall (30) mate with external threads on the neck (38) of a first sized container (40) the threads on the wall (38) are adapted to engage threads on the neck of a second, larger size container (44). A pump (10) is mounted on the cap (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Wilmar Corporation
    Inventor: Joshua N. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7677403
    Abstract: This invention refers to a glued or heat-sealed cap for resealing test tubes for clinical analyses which can be easily perforated and permits the application of a second cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: ECOCAP's S.R.L.
    Inventor: Carlo Innocenti
  • Patent number: 7607548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure cap, especially for closing a screw neck of an oil filter connection in motor vehicles. An elastically expandable nut element (5,20) is arranged in the closure cap. Said nut element is such that it can be placed on screw necks (3) of various diameters, engaging with the outer thread of the screw neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Josef Dagn
  • Patent number: 7552831
    Abstract: A nipple adapter including a nipple having a first outer sealing flange and a second outer sealing flange, and a cylindrical nipple housing. The nipple housing includes an inner annular wall that defines a bore extending axially through the housing, an annular flange disposed on the inner annular wall, a first thread extending from the annular flange to a first axial end of the nipple housing, and a second thread extending from the annular flange to a second axial end of the nipple housing, the first thread having a pitch that differs from that of the second thread. The nipple is reversibly disposed within the nipple housing such that the annular flange is disposed between the first and second outer sealing flanges and the first and second threads are alternatively exposed for mating with corresponding threads of a variety of water bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Morris Catton
  • Patent number: 7490629
    Abstract: A plug kit of sealing apertures. There is: a first plug, including: a first solid cylindrical flexible member, having: a first end with a first diameter; and a second end, opposite the first end, the second end having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, wherein the diameter of the first solid cylindrical flexible member decreases step-wise along a length of the first solid cylindrical flexible member; and a second plug, including: a second solid cylindrical flexible member, having: a third end with a third diameter, wherein the third diameter is larger than the first diameter; and a fourth end, opposite the third end, the fourth end having a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter, smaller than the first diameter, and larger than the second diameter, wherein the diameter of the second solid cylindrical flexible member decreases step-wise along a length of the second solid cylindrical flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventors: Linda Williams, Richard Williams
  • Patent number: 7299941
    Abstract: A seal mountable to the rim of an open mouth container the seal including a resiliently flexible central panel separately formed from and intimately bonded to a substantially rigid peripheral mounting ring adapted to snap-mount to the rim of the container with the central panel being selectively flexible both inward and outward relative to the interior of the container for the accommodation of both overfilled and underfilled conditions through a variation in the head space beneath the mounted seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph McMahon, III, Dimitri M. C. J. Backaert, Brent E. D'Alessio, David Daud Kusuma, Johan M. J. K. Mortier, John E. Sumter, Raymond Joseph Trudeau
  • Patent number: 7280890
    Abstract: A surface clinging robotic device. The device includes a supporting structure or base, on which is mounted (a) a lead pivoting support surface, such as a pivoting wheel, and (b) two or more traction drives, such as drive wheels. Each of the traction drives are independently driven by a separate drive motor. A plurality of vacuum cups are mounted on the bottom of the base. The vacuum cups each have a low friction foot designed for movement over a surface with minimal friction while vacuum is maintained. The low friction foot portion is provided by a generally surface direction oriented C-shaped Teflon skin. The robotic device can move over gaps or obstructions in the surface without losing vacuum in all of the vacuum cups, using a fluid limiting valve at each vacuum cup to interrupt flow in the event of loss of vacuum in that vacuum cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Robotics Vehicles, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry R. Seemann
  • Patent number: 6978803
    Abstract: A flue cap is provided comprising a body defining a plurality of attachment surfaces adapted for selectively matingly engaging a selected flue from a plurality of different size flues. The flue cap comprises a polymer material defining an attachment surface that is adapted for a close mating engagement with an outer diameter of the selected flue and defines an aperture establishing a passageway in fluid communication with the flue and passing through the cap. A flue assembly is constructed by steps comprising providing an open end of the flue; providing a flue cap comprising a polymer material defining an attachment surface that is adapted for a close mating engagement with an outer diameter of a flue, bonding the flue cap to the flue with an adhesive; and flowing a fluid out the open end of the flue and through the flue cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: K&M Plastics, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Brown, Tammy D. Brown, Mark A. Temple
  • Patent number: 6935380
    Abstract: A plumbing end cap for sealing an end of a selected pipe having either a first outer diameter or a second outer diameter includes a fluid impervious base for overlying the end of the selected pipe. The end cap also includes an endless wall fixed to a perimeter of the base and configured to seal the end of the selected pipe. The endless wall is pivotable between a first configuration to fit the first outer diameter and a second configuration to fit the second outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: California Plumbing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Rahimzadeh, John Hanna
  • Patent number: 6877626
    Abstract: A device which has a cap having connection means of multiple geometries such that connection can be made with a variety of bottle openings and a valve to inhibit spillage through the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Joseph Sherrod
  • Patent number: 6854616
    Abstract: A protective cap for a threaded valve stem includes a generally cylindrical portion including a closed end, an open end and a cylindrical wall portion therebetween. A plurality of locating ribs are located on an internal surface of the cylindrical wall portion. A plurality of fingers project radially inward from the internal surface between the locating ribs. A tear strip formed by two frangible members, and a pull tab are formed on an external surface of the cylindrical wall portion. Each finger is located between a pair of the locating ribs and has a flexible portion adjacent the internal surface for locating the fingers in unlocked state and a locked state. The fingers in the unlocked state are inclined toward the open end, and the fingers in the locked state curl toward the closed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Alliance Plastics
    Inventor: Daniel J. Steffan
  • Patent number: 6793090
    Abstract: An ovate-shaped container cover includes one layer of cover material that substantially covers a container, while a second layer of cover material adapted with an elastic border for gripping the walls of a container is substantially adjacent to the walls of the container. The container cover, when placed atop a container, is capable of forming a dome. Further disclosed is an automated method for manufacturing container covers of the ovate design described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, Leland J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040124170
    Abstract: A device which has a cap having connection means of multiple geometries such that connection can be made with a variety of bottle openings and a valve to inhibit spillage through the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph Sherrod
  • Publication number: 20040011758
    Abstract: A cap for sealing the top opening of a fluid-carrying vessel, the vessel having an upstanding narrow neck with a central opening leading into the vessel, the neck of the type wherein it is surrounded by a short, thickened border of circular periphery about the opening, the cap including a substantially non-flexible top cap portion for positioning transversely atop the neck of the vessel to cover the central opening therein, the top cap portion defined by an outer perimeter, extending beyond the periphery of the border, and spaced-apart top and bottom surfaces, a circular, flexible bottom cap portion, adapted to extend about the outside of the neck of the vessel, a flexible center band joining the top cap portion and the bottom cap portion, extending about the neck of the vessel below the border thereof and having an outer perimeter substantially less than the respective perimeters of the top cap portion and the bottom cap portion and to form a groove therebetween, a planar, stretchable cinch ring surrounding
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: James Wallace
  • Patent number: 6656433
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting on drug vial of various sizes to provide needleless access to the interior of each vial regardless of its size. The adapter includes sharpened cannula surrounded by peripheral sidewall. The peripheral sidewall includes an upper portion and a lower skirt flaring outward from the upper portion and terminates in a peripheral free edge extending beyond the sharpened end of the cannula to protect users from an accidental needle-stick. The sidewall includes plural equidistantly spaced projections extending radially inward to form a ledge also has slits extending upward from the peripheral edge of the skirt to enable portions of the sidewall including the projections to flex outward. By so doing the cap of the vial is enabled to pass between the projections and then return to a position wherein the ledge has inside diameter just slightly less than the outside diameter of the rim of the cap to releasably secure the adapter to the vial with the cannula piercing through the septum of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Churchill Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Sasso
  • Patent number: 6502604
    Abstract: Compensating and identifying caps and cap assemblies for temporarily capping fittings. Each cap comprises a generally or pseudo cylindrically shaped member that includes a plurality of substantially planar panel segments contiguously connected to form a symmetrical polygonal cup-shape (e.g., a hexagon). One end is closed to complete the formation of the cup. Each cup has an outwardly flaring lip to facilitate mounting on a fitting, and the substantially planar panel segments slope inwardly slightly to facilitate molding and mounting. At the intersection of at least two of the panel segments, there are included resiliently expandable relief recesses so that if the member is force-fit mounted on a fitting slightly larger than its un-expanded dimensions, the material of the relief recesses expands correspondingly to permit such mounting. Pairs of such caps are connected by an easily frangible connecting strip to form assemblies which facilitate concurrent mounting on disengaged ends of tubing connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Joe Lewis
  • Patent number: 6409220
    Abstract: A universal suction canister pour spout adaptor for use with suction canisters of various designs to fit onto the internal or external pour spout of various standard suction canisters so that such canisters can receive materials through their pour spouts during surgical procedures. The suction canister adaptor has a series of stepped external and internal diameters sized for engaging the various sized pour spouts of various suction canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: ConMed Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel M. Wing, John Sutherland, Stephen J. Scheuermann
  • Patent number: 6390315
    Abstract: A retrofittable cap for re-sealing bottles. The retrofittable cap includes a tubular member. The tubular member has a top edge, a bottom edge, an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface has a shoulder thereon, which is generally positioned between the top and bottom edges. The shoulder divides an upper portion from a lower portion. The lower portion has a diameter greater than a diameter of the upper portion. A cover portion is hingedly coupled to the top edge of the tubular member. The cover portion is adapted to releasably engage the top edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Sherrie L. Giddings, Daniel K. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6276545
    Abstract: A stopper for opened bottles having an external body (1) provided with an upper opening (4) designed to allow rotation of a lever (8) having an eccentricity (9). Operation of the lever allows, through an intervening arrangement of a cylindrical helical spring (22), lowering of an internal body (16) against a toroidal spring (15) causing radial deformation of the toroidal spring to allow gripping of the neck of the bottle underneath a shoulder on the bottle neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Marisa Marchignoli
    Inventor: Ruggero Ferrari
  • Patent number: 6276551
    Abstract: A novel drink cap (10) for preventing foreign substances from entering an opening (12) of a beverage container (18), the drink cap (10) comprising at least one flexible non-wetting sheet (22) that has an outer surface (24), an inner surface (26), an edge portion (28) located at the outermost periphery of the flexible sheet (22), a skirt portion (34) located adjacent to the edge portion (28), an elastic periphery region located adjacent to the skirt portion (34), and a central web portion (30), whereby the central web portion (30) of the inner surface (26) of the at least one flexible sheet (22) covers the opening (12) of the beverage container (18). The present invention is also directed to a method for covering an opening (12) of a beverage container (18) using the novel drink cap (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Carol G. Miller, II
  • Patent number: 6161712
    Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of body fluid collection, transport or storage containers or tubes. The closure includes a ball and socket arrangement, wherein the ball rotates within the socket to align a passageway through the ball with the opening in the tube. To close the closure, a tab or protrusion extending from the ball is pushed to rotate the ball and orient the passageway perpendicular to the opening of the tube. When the closure is in the closed position, the ball and socket form a liquid tight seal to prevent liquid in the tube from leaking out of the tube, evaporating or being contaminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Steven Robert Savitz, David Robert Schiff, Karl Dallas Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 6112452
    Abstract: An insect trap head that can be configured to contain one or two sets of threads to enable the invention to screw onto common household bottles with different opening diameters and different threading alignment and convert these bottles into an insect trap. The insect trap head has a cylindrical top section with an entry opening and a first set of threads being axially orientated to enable the top section to screw onto a bottle with an externally threaded neck. A conical insect entryway section is disposed in the entry opening of the top section. The insect entryway having an entryway skirt section gradually tapering as it projects downwards defining a bottom opening. A ring-shaped bottom section extends peripherally from the top section. The bottom section has a second set of threads that are axially orientated to enable the bottom section to screw onto an alternative bottle requiring a different orientation of threads than that of the first set of threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin T. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6015061
    Abstract: A dual function overcap for a cylindrical container, having a bead about the top edge and generally used for snack foods, includes a substantially planar covering portion and a downwardly extending lip. The dual function overcap fits over the container with a bead by engaging the downwardly extending lip or can fit a shortened form of the same container without a bead, or the same, or similar, container without a bead. In one form of the invention, the overcap must be flipped over to attach the overcap to the edge of the shortened container. In the preferred form of the invention, a raised channel within the covering portion, receives and retains the edge of the shortened container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Lowry
  • Patent number: 5954094
    Abstract: A new and improved end-cap for use with a fluid heater is disclosed. The end-cap includes an end wall, a first groove in the end wall for receiving a first tube, a second groove in the end wall located radially inward of the first groove for receiving a second tube, and a third groove in the end wall located radially inward of the second groove for receiving a third tube. A first side wall separates the first and the second grooves, and a second side wall separates the second and the third grooves. The first and the second side walls each are relatively thin which facilitates deformation in a radial direction in response to differential thermal expansion of the end cap in relation to the tubes. In addition, the side walls compress in a circumferential direction in response to differential thermal expansion of the end cap in relation to the tubes. An annular flange is positioned radially inward of the second side wall to facilitate centering the third tube in the third groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lufran Incorporated
    Inventor: Howard J. Base
  • Patent number: 5954957
    Abstract: A cap are disclosed that can be attached to at least two of the following hydraulic fittings found on a medical device: a blood port according to DIN 13 090, part 3, comprising a male DIN nipple and surrounding female threaded collar; a male DIN nipple according to DIN 13 090, part 3; a tapered male barb nipple; and a dialysate port according to DIN 58 352, part 2. When fully attached to one of such ports, the cap serves to maintain an internal condition, such a sterility, of the medical device until time of use. A preferred embodiment of the cap comprises a female receptacle adapted to receive one of the foregoing male nipples, a male projection adapted to be inserted into the dialysate port, a manually grippable portion facilitating manual attachment and detachment of the cap, and a channel or analogous feature defined by the female receptacle for venting of the medical device through the male nipple whenever the cap is fully attached to the male nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Althin Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Leon Chin-Loy, Benjamin Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5924585
    Abstract: The present invention provides connections and methods of restricting an opening. One connection according to the subject invention is configured to restrict a mouth of a container, the mouth having an inner surface having an inside diameter and an outer surface having an outside diameter, the connection includes: a plug having a side surface of varying dimension and configured to engage the inner surface to form a seal of the side surface of the plug and the inner surface; at least one intermediate member having a first end borne by the plug and a second end distally spaced from the first end; and a securing member configured to engage the outer surface of the container and the second end of the intermediate member, the intermediate member being configured to couple the plug and the securing member and maintain the seal of the side surface of the plug with the inner surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Henderson, Daniel M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5810212
    Abstract: A cap for containers, which includes: a collar (2) with a substantially central through hole (20) in which is movably connected, a dispenser (3; 7; 8; 9) provided with a dispensing pipe (63; 73; 83; 93) and with a cover (4). The cover presents at least two sealing elements (41; 42) each one of which is suitable for coupling with sealing effect with the dispensing pipe (63; 73; 83; 93) applied to the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Taplast Spa
    Inventor: Evans Santagiuliana
  • Patent number: 5799810
    Abstract: An attaching ring or fixing ring is provided for attaching or fixing a dispenser member to a neck of a receptacle containing a substance to be dispensed. The ring is annular and has a bottom portion and a top portion. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom portion includes snap-fastening tabs for fixing the ring to the neck. The top portion includes an opening for the dispenser and a surrounding structure for securing the dispenser member to the neck. The top portion further includes at least one guide wall element extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser member and around the periphery of the fixing ring substantially in line with the snap-fastening tabs. A hoop can be provided for preventing the tabs from splaying apart. The hoop can include an internal projection, such as a vertical rib or a thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Valois of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Olivier de Pous, Yannic Hermouet
  • Patent number: 5720408
    Abstract: A closure for cans or tins of different diameters having an edge bead. A spring component with a loop-like protrusion is guided in a radial slide guide on the underside of a plate-like basic component of the closure. The loop-shaped web facing the tin merges into the face edge web which thus elastically grips beneath the edge bead of the tin. The loop-shaped web facing away from the tin is supported on the basic component and thus provides the spring loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventors: Dieter Schmid, Oliver Schmid
  • Patent number: 5715961
    Abstract: A universal cover for cosmetic dispensers is disclosed. The cover comprises a cover body having an open end and a closed end and a retainer secured to the cover, adjacent to the open end, for securing the cover to a dispenser. The retainer comprises a ring of foam or other resilient material adhered or otherwise secured to the cover body adjacent to an open end of the cover body. At least a portion of the cover body is transparent or at least color transparent, so that one can view and identify a cosmetic in a cosmetic dispenser with the cover secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Robertson Distributors
    Inventor: Robin Robertson
  • Patent number: 5709312
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable, flexible cover for a container such as a trash or garbage receptacle comprising a flexible film which is impervious to water and odors and has a central portion bounded by a peripheral edge to cover the top opening of the trash receptacle whereas the peripheral edge contacts the sidewall or walls of the receptacle. The cover further has an adhesive sealing member which gathers the peripheral edge of the film to seal the top opening against the intrusion of precipitation and the leakage of odors. Optionally, the top surface of the central portion may include indicia such as holiday or sports designs. An alternative embodiment relates to a flexible bag having an adhesive sealing member on the peripheral edge thereof for application of the bag edge to the external side of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Robert D. Lake
  • Patent number: 5695086
    Abstract: A closure device (10) for pet food cans comprising a central cover member (12) and an outer cover member (14) which are integrated into the shape of a pet having protruding features (16), said protruding features providing a means of prying the device. Extending downwardly from the cover members (12 and 14) are a plurality of concentric annular bands (18), each having a bead or rib (20) extending inwardly from the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Charles A. Viola
  • Patent number: 5678720
    Abstract: A lid is provided for closing off the open end of one of respective first and second containers, each container a different diameter and having a peripherally disposed bead at its open end. An axially disposed annular inner wall projects downwardly from a central cover portion, and defines a generally circular first annular channel open towards the bottom face of the lid. The upper limit of insertion of the peripherally disposed bead of a first container is defined by a generally planar edge. The wall defining the first annular channel has a radially inwardly extending central portion that forms a first reduced waist portion, which is shaped and dimensioned to retain the peripherally disposed bead of the first container, and also defines the upper limit of insertion of the bead of a second container which has a larger diameter, into a second channel formed in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Amhil Enterprises
    Inventor: Hugh Van Melle
  • Patent number: 5340228
    Abstract: For sealing a fine point applicator tip of a craft paint applicator with a cap without damage to the dispensing end of the applicator tip. The cap includes an abutment shoulder for engaging a corresponding abutment shoulder on the applicator tip to form a first seal. A flexible shoulder is formed in the interior cavity of the cap spaced from the cap abutment shoulder. The interior cavity terminates in an end wall portion spaced from the flexible shoulder. The cap is threaded onto the applicator causing the dispensing end of the applicator tip to engage the cap end wall portion. The flexible shoulder of the interior cavity of the cap resiliently yields as the dispensing end is forced against the cap end wall portion during the continued rotation of the cap until the applicator abutment shoulder engages the abutment shoulder in the cap. The cap thus seals the applicator tip in at least two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: The Flagship Group II, Inc.
    Inventors: Reed N. Wilcox, Richard L. George, William H. Lichfield
  • Patent number: 5150803
    Abstract: A lid assembly for attachment to a decanter for varying the overall height of the decanter comprising a mounting sleeve which is attachable to the open upper end of the decanter and a lid dimensioned to be attached to the mounting sleeve. The sleeve includes an opening extending therethrough communicating with the interior of the decanter, and at least one column of vertically aligned, horizontally oriented slots. Each of the slots has a side communicating with the opening through the sleeve. A recess is formed in the sleeve adjacent the column of slots, the recess being in communication with the opening through the sleeve and communicating with each of the slots. The lid is dimensioned to be telescopically received within the opening in the sleeve and be rotatable within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Mr. Coffee, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Cartellone
  • Patent number: 4969565
    Abstract: Device (1) for connecting an enteral nutrition tube (7) to a nutrient composition container and having a neck (8A-8D), of the type comprising a transverse closure wall (4) and a skirt (3) forming with said wall a plug adapted to be fixed to said neck (8A-8B), characterized in that it is independent of the tube (7), in that the transverse closure wall comprises a reduced thickness area (5) adapted to be perforated by a perforator end-piece (6) mounted on one end of said tube, and in that said skirt forms part of a set of at least two coaxial elastic cylindrical skirts (2, 3) fastened to the transverse closure wall and each adapted to engage inside or outside the necks of containers having at least two different predetermined formats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Medical Plastiques
    Inventors: Pierre Justal, Serge Plevin