Compartment Patents (Class 215/6)
  • Patent number: 6170708
    Abstract: A dual-dispenser bottle having middle ornamental window is provided. The bottle is vertically divided into top, middle and bottom sections and both the top and the bottom sections are further horizontally divided into two chambers. The two top chambers are provided with a mouth each for two dispenser heads to connect thereonto. The middle section defines an inner space through which two spaced pipes separately in alignment with the mouths vertically extend. The two bottom chambers are separately communicable with the two top chambers via the two spaced pipes. Whereby the top and the bottom chambers at two sides of the bottle form two independent vertical spaces for the bottle to contain two different fluids at the same time. The inner space of the middle section may have, for example, a dual-liquid ornament provided therein to make the bottle an ornamental article very practical for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventors: Tsan-Yao Chen, En-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6145685
    Abstract: A container comprising a main container and at least one sub-container stored in the main container. The opening of the sub-container is closed by a cap, and this cap is also used so as to close the opening of main container with the sub-container attached to the cap inside the main container. The main container, preferably a hollow cylinder, may have both ends opened, so that two sub-containers are stored therein so that each one of the two sub-containers is closed by separate caps and the separate caps to which the two sub-containers attached are then mounted to the open ends of the main container, thus closing the open ends. The exteriors of the caps may be differently marked so that, for instance, the order of use of the contents of the two sub-containers is indicated to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Surluster Inc.
    Inventor: Roderick Antonio Dick
  • Patent number: 6116440
    Abstract: The present thermoformed containers are recloseable and resealable. This is accomplished primarily by providing a thermoformed container with a threaded neck and the use of a conventional type of closure on the threaded neck of the thermoformed container. The threads are on the neck and preferably also on an outwardly extending peripheral edge on the neck. This outwardly extending peripheral edge is created in thermoform molding. The neck preferably also is in the form of a two or more ply structure and in a further preferred embodiment the neck is reinforced by the closure. The closure in the embodiment of external threads on the neck has a reinforcing plug. In this embodiment the reinforcing plug fits into the neck adjacent the inner wall of the neck while the threads of the closure contact the exterior wall of the neck. In the embodiment of internal threads on the neck the closure can have a skirt which is in close contact with the exterior wall of the neck. This will likewise reinforce the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Colgate - Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Issac Zaksenberg, George Neveras
  • Patent number: 6116439
    Abstract: A baby bottle and milk storage assembly configured to define a segmented configuration, with each segment being useful for storing and dispensing a food product used for feeding an infant. The bottle assembly is configured such that a plurality of bottle segments may be joined in fluid communication in an end-to-end fashion. For storage, individual or joined segments may be easily stacked in a nesting relationship. The bottle assembly includes at least one bottle segment, at least one end cap, at least one connector ring, and a neck member. An end cap is secured to the bottom end of a bottle segment and serves to close the bottom end of the bottle segment and as a base for the bottle assembly. Either an end cap or a connector ring is mounted on the upper end of the bottle segment. In the event a connector ring is mounted on the upper end of the bottle segment, another bottle segment or a neck member is mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Babe Eez, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Wendy Solomon Yaniv
  • Patent number: 6105812
    Abstract: A dual chamber container is described. A centrally positioned cone shaped divider separates the volume of the container into two equal sections so as to better preserve beverage carbonation and therefore beverage flavor over a longer period of time. The unique shape and placement of the divider within the container also distributes the weight of the contents so as to prevent "top heaviness". The container is cylindrical in shape with parallel symmetrical ends for stability when standing upright at either end. A centrally positioned spout with threaded cap is situated at both ends within a well area formed by extensions of the cylindrical wall portion of the container. A convenient pour arch and two finger carry aperture is formed within the walls at the well area at both ends. Bottle stability is increased together with spill protection, easy pouring, and convenient portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Dennis Riordan
  • Patent number: 6105814
    Abstract: A colored refracting cup includes a cup body, a recess chamber formed in a bottom of the cup body, the recess chamber having multi-angle cut faces, and a bottom cap fused with the bottom of the cup body by means of supersonic welding process. An adornment with multi-angle cut faces for refraction is fixed on the bottom cap and plated with many colors. The colors of the adornment may be refracted through the multi-angle cut faces of the recess chamber to appear on the cup body, permitting the cup body look like very brilliant and glamorous and enhancing worth of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Li-Hsiu Shih Chen
  • Patent number: 6098794
    Abstract: A container is provided therein with a hollow tubular body which is provided at the bottom end thereof with an end piece having a first magnet. An ornament is movably disposed in the hollow tubular body and is provided in the underside of the bottom thereof with a second magnet for bringing about a repulsion effect in conjunction with the first magnet. The ornament is caused by the repulsion effect to trip up and down in a reciprocating manner in the hollow tubular body at such time when the container is moved up and down. The ornament is also caused by the repulsion effect and the inertia effect of the ornament to suspend in the hollow tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Jenn-Shiun Lin
  • Patent number: 6089389
    Abstract: A container holding two separate components, which are mixed prior to use is provided. The container comprises a housing defining a first compartment having a sealable opening and a neck portion between said first compartment and said opening. The container further comprises a displaceable member which is disposed within the housing which has a partition wall with an edge adapted for sealing engagement with the internal wall of the neck portion, thereby defining a second compartment sealed from the first compartment and being in flow communication with the opening. The displaceable member is axially displaceable between two positions along an axis extending through the neck portion. These two positions comprise a first position where the edge of the partition wall sealably engages the internal walls of the neck portion, and a second position where the edge of the partition wall and the internal walls of the neck portion are disengaged, permitting flow communication between the two compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: M.L.I.S. Projects Ltd.
    Inventors: Igal Sharon, Michael Inbar
  • Patent number: 6085927
    Abstract: A package (10) made up of a blow molded thermoplastic outer container (12) and an injection molded thermoplastic inner container (14) inserted into the outer container through an annular closing receiving finish (18) of the outer container (12). The inner container has a lower major portion (20) of frustoconical configuration and an upper minor portion (22) of cylindrical configuration that is closely surrounded by the closure receiving finish portion of the outer container. The upper minor portion of the inner container (14) has an outwardly projecting bead (24) that is received in an inwardly facing recess (30) of the closure receiving finish portion of the outer container to position a rim (26) of the inner container at an elevation that is slightly above a rim (28) of the closure receiving finish portion of the outer container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Maximillian Kusz
  • Patent number: 6066021
    Abstract: A glass drinking vessel includes a bottom or base portion which defines a clear bottom space with a downward-facing opening into which a clear liquid ornament is precisely fitted and mounted by means of clear resin adhesive. The liquid ornament includes a closed and clear housing in which at least one type of liquid and at least one floating ornamental item are contained to provide a changing scene. The liquid ornament associated with the bottom portion of a glass drinking vessel makes the glass drinking vessel cute, interesting, and attractive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Vincent Kuo Wei Lee
  • Patent number: 6062380
    Abstract: A glow cup system with illumination capabilities. A container of a material which is deformable upon the application of pressure by a user's hand. The container is formed with an open top and a closed bottom and a side wall between the top and bottom. The side wall has a cylindrical wall extending from a location adjacent to the top downwardly to a location adjacent to the bottom and radially exterior of the side wall and with a circular member to form a seal at the bottom of the outer wall to totally close the space between the side wall an the outer wall. An insert of a plastic material is located within the space with an inner surface in proximity to the outer surface of the side wall. A recess is formed along one vertical extent and between the insert and a side wall. A fracturable ampule is vertically oriented within the recess and contains a first chemiluminescent fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Peter Dorney
  • Patent number: 6024253
    Abstract: A container which comprises a bottle portion and a tube portion. The bottle portion includes a recess adjacent the top opening of the bottle, whereby one can access small amounts of liquid easily with a dropper. The dropper is stored within the tube, which protects the dropper from contamination by microbes and/or viruses, as well as other contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Alice Marie Doctor
  • Patent number: 6022134
    Abstract: A container comprises a flexible main chamber and a mixing chamber positioned above the main chamber and including a passage way into the main chamber. A removable plug selectively seals the passage way so that after the main chamber is filled with a first material, the plug can be inserted into the passage way and the mixing chamber filled with a second material. A cap closes the mixing chamber and selectively engages the plug so that after the cap has been placed on the mixing chamber, removal of the cap will also unseal the passageway causing the tow materials to be mixed in the main chamber. A dispensing chamber having an outlet spout is also provided in the container. A filling tube within the container connects the main chamber to the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: RXI Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin Lee Andrews
  • Patent number: 6005204
    Abstract: A motion actuated switch for operating a signalling apparatus for emitting a light or sound signal from within a novelty article, in which a switch body is defined by a cap attached to plate and the switch body being mountable within the novelty article. The plate has an electrically conductive first contact. At least a portion of the cap has an electrically conductive second contact. The cap and the plate define a cavity within the switch body. An electrically conductive sphere is disposed within the cavity for free movement therein and sized for at least momentarily contacting the first contact and the second contact upon motion of the novelty article. The switch is in electrical communication with a signalling apparatus by a first lead attached to the first contact and a second lead attached to the second contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Andy Choi, Robert F. Glaser, Clifford T. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 6003718
    Abstract: A thermos comprises an outer body including two glass liners therein for respectively maintaining liquids of different temperatures and an upper closure defining therein two openings each with an integral circular wall formed therearound for respectively receiving one of the glass liners. An O-shaped collar sealingly mounted around the circular wall of the opening has the external surface threaded, such that the collar is able to be threadingly connected with an inner cap. A silicon gasket is provided on the collar to further ensure the seal between the inner cap and the collar so as to retain the liquid temperature in the glass liners. All the components are detachable so that they can be cleaned separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Lu
  • Patent number: 5996781
    Abstract: A container for holding at least one first article in a space defined by walls of the container while permitting selective access to at least one second article in a separate compartment therein. The container body is defined by a side wall extending between a lower edge and an upper distal edge that defines an open end of the body for receiving at least one first article therethrough for being held in a space within the body. A dome-shaped interior wall extends across the space from an interior surface of the side wall to define a closed bottom. The side wall and the interior wall define the space for holding the first article. The interior wall also defines a separate compartment for receiving a novelty article through an opening defined in the body. A selectively-attached detachable cover closes the opening to hold the novelty article within the separate compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventors: Robert F. Glaser, Clifford T. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 5992892
    Abstract: A promotional gaming device for beverage cans which includes ink jet printed indicia of winning status on an exterior surface of the can and an opaque removable material covering the printing. The opaque material may be scratched off or peeled off the reveal the prize indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Mark W. Schaefer, Thomas L. Levendusky
  • Patent number: 5971197
    Abstract: A plastic container that has more than one chamber and that is constructed so as to be stiffer than conventional molded multi-chambered containers includes a bottom wall, a neck, and a main body that has defined therein a first pinched-in area and a second pinched-in area that extends inwardly toward and is joined to the first pinched-in area so as to define separate compartments. The first end wall portion is laterally offset from the second end wall portion, so that the flexibility of the main body about the joint of the first and second wall portions is minimized. As a result, the container is less likely to need supplemental reinforcement against flexure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: C. Joseph Everette, Charles M. Brandt, Richard G. Kraft
  • Patent number: 5967309
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a container apparatus for substances soluble in fluid media, for the preparation of mixtures in a single container, and to a method for the preparation of mixtures thereof. The apparatus of the present invention is characterized by: threaded cover, an internal sleeve having a thread on the internal wall, and a recipient or container wall that in its external wall having a matching groove. The method comprising the steps of:operating the closure means together with the fluid media container means through the internal sleeve means, thus allowing communication between the soluble substances and the fluid media inside the closed container,shaking the fluid media with the soluble means; andremoving the closure means and pour the formulated mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Pablo Andres Robles-Gonzalez, Luis Miguel Hernandez-Zamorano
  • Patent number: 5960971
    Abstract: A nursing bottle for automatically rinsing a baby's teeth by independently dispensing first and second liquids, includes a nursing bottle having a nipple, a rinsing device having a dispensing end and a buoyant valve attached to the dispensing end for retaining the second liquid within the rinsing device while the nursing bottle receives the first liquid. The valve retains the second liquid within the rinsing device when the bottle is at least substantially inverted due to a buoyant force produced by the valve against the dispensing end. The buoyant force of the valve is greater than the force of gravity which acts on the valve until the first liquid is substantially dispensed from the bottle. After which, the force of gravity overcomes the buoyant force of the valve and the valve is pulled towards the nipple by the force of gravity. As a result, the valve automatically releases the second liquid from the rinsing device and into the nipple to rinse the baby's teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Hooshang Bral
  • Patent number: 5954213
    Abstract: A dual bottle is formed by two separable interlocked chambers. The chambers preferably each contain different ingredients and have adjacent product exit apertures so that after leaving the chambers the separate product streams can mix. Preferably the chambers are identical, which simplifies manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Mark Douglas Gerhart, William Kevin Collis
  • Patent number: 5938053
    Abstract: A combination baby bottle and solid food compartment with spoon is adapted for use with a small child in the range of 3 months to 41/2 years of age. The bottle is uniquely shaped for easy gripping by the child and is divided into multiple compartments for holding separate liquids. The compartments are accessed through a valve arrangement, and the liquids can be dispensed by means of a sipper, straws or a nipple. The nipple is adapted to simulate a woman's breast, with the texture of the surface area of the nipple extension and surrounding the extension having a raspberry effect. The food compartment fits on the bottom of the bottle in an inverted position to provide a wide base for the combination. The handle of the spoon is shaped to fit the contour of the bottle to which it is secured by a clip. The spoon is uniquely shaped to fit the child's mouth or oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventors: Esther Verbovszky, Carl J. Myers
  • Patent number: 5928681
    Abstract: In a process for making a multi-chambered container that is lightweight, relatively inexpensive to produce, and that requires less external reinforcement against flexure than conventional multi-chambered containers do, a parison is heated and inflated to form the container. Further, first and second pinched-in areas are fashioned in the sidewall of the container. The first pinched-in area includes first and second wall portions that extend inwardly toward an interior of the main body of the container, and a first end wall portion connecting the first and second wall portions. The second pinched-in area includes third and fourth wall portions that extend inwardly toward an interior of the main body, and a second end wall portion connecting the third and fourth wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: C. Joseph Everette, Charles M. Brandt, Richard G. Kraft
  • Patent number: 5921429
    Abstract: A plastic container for multiple side-by-side stacks of fragile articles has a single blow molded body. The body has side walls and at least one internal partition extending from near a continuously rimmed open top to near a closed bottom end of the body. The partition has two spaced apart walls connected in a longitudinal plane substantially perpendicular to said at least one partition. The partition forms at least two separated compartments within the body for supporting the stacks of fragile articles. It provides resistance to squeezing the side walls so as to protect the stacks of fragile articles, and the two spaced apart walls are adapted to deform in the presence of vacuum and pressure in the compartments such that an outer perimeter dimension of the body remains substantially constant. The container also has a reclosable closure located at the continuously rimmed top end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dana P. Gruenbacher, Douglas B. Zeik, Daniel J. Kinne
  • Patent number: 5921440
    Abstract: The multi-compartment container is made from previously formed partial bottles and is preferably made from two "half-bottles" that are individually formed from a pliable plastic with a semicircular wall on one side and a flat wall on the other side, as by blow molding. The two half-bottles are joined together with the flat walls in juxtaposition to define the body portion of the multi-compartment container, with each "half-bottle" serving as one of its compartments or chambers. A cap with a dispenser for each compartment serves as a cover for the container. The pliable plastic from which the container is formed enables a person to squeeze either of the compartments to dispense from one of the compartments or squeeze both compartments to dispense from both compartments. One embodiment of the invention includes a dial-a-matic selection system adapted, but not restricted, to the dispensing of mustard and catsup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Morris P. Maines
  • Patent number: 5909753
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for separately storing and facilitating the mixture of separate components of a two-part composition. The dispenser includes a first container having a chamber for retaining one of the components and a second container having a chamber for retaining the other of the components and for mixing the components together to form the resultant two-part composition. A receptacle sleeve is provided and is mounted on the second container. The receptacle sleeve is adapted to secure the two containers together during periods of storage and transportation as well as to facilitate mixture of the components. The receptacle sleeve further serves to protect the user from exposure to the unmixed components as well as providing a drip-free spout in dispensing the composition. A method is further provided for alternately storing the separate components and admixing them together in one of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Louis P. Rossi, W. Lance H. Hemsarth
  • Patent number: 5897007
    Abstract: A nursing bottle helps reduce tooth decay. The nursing bottle contains a first reservoir for water, a second reservoir for a cariogenic liquid, and a nipple with two fluid flow paths. The first fluid flow path runs from the cariogenic liquid reservoir to an outlet opening in the tip of the nipple. The second fluid flow path runs from the water reservoir to lateral outlet openings near the tip of the nipple. When the reservoirs are filled and the bottle is used, the water enters the baby's mouth nearer the teeth than does the cariogenic liquid, thereby rinsing the teeth and reducing tooth decay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventors: Douglas Schein, Charles Meyer, Paul Silas
  • Patent number: 5882574
    Abstract: The multiple compartment plastic container comprises an injection molded finish having a circumferential wall and at least one diametrical wall dividing the finish into at least two passages and an extruded and blow molded body integrally attached to said finish and providing at least two compartments communicating with said passages. The container is made by injection molding a plastic finish having a circumferential wall and at least one diametrical wall dividing the finish in two or more passages, extruding a plastic tube with wall of the tube integral with circumferential wall of the finish and the diametrical wall, closing a blow mold about the tube, and blowing air into the tube through the finish to the confines of the blow mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Geisinger
  • Patent number: 5881868
    Abstract: A liquid container having a vessel integrally formed and recessed within the container for holding cigars of various sizes, and a sealable opening in the container's bottom.The vessel extends vertically into the chamber from the opening in the bottom of the bottle and includes tapered sidewalls. The diameter at the top end of the vessel is smaller than the vessel's diameter at the bottom at the point of the opening to enable the cigar to be easily extracted from the vessel and, if desired, an unfinished cigar to be reinserted into the vessel. The vessel can be closed and sealed at the bottom to keep the cigar fresh and humidified. A device is inserted into the vessel behind the cigar for use in holding the cigar securely in place when the vessel is closed. To provide humidification, a device comprised of a porous material containing water can be inserted into the vessel along with the cigar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventors: John Soyak, Matthew Bogosian
  • Patent number: 5850919
    Abstract: An indicating closure having compartments for different medications that are part of a medication regimen. The compartments are created using removable dividers and/or covers which cooperate with an indicating closure to help the user comply with her medication regimen (i.e., compliance). Thus, a user has access to the correct drug and/or dose when she opens the closure at the indicated time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Inventor: Anna B. Freed
  • Patent number: 5849241
    Abstract: Multichamber tubular containers are made by extrusion or injection stretch blow molding. The containers usually will have two or three chambers and one or more web walls. The web walls are relatively rigid as formed. The web walls must be stretched laterally to increase their flexibility which is needed for the uniform dispensing of product from the tubular chambers. The webs can be stretched mechanically by the rotation of rods, such as stretch rods, or pneumatically by a differential gas pressure in the chambers while the webs are at or near the glass transition temperature and can flow. The web walls for a circular tubular container can be stretched up to about one-half the diameter of the tubular container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Patrick Andre Connan
  • Patent number: 5837170
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic container and process for obtaining same including a supporting member in the hollow space of the container extending completely across the hollow space and integral with the inside wall face of the body portion of the container at two spaced locations thereof to support the inside wall face. The shape of the container is altered at areas of stress concentration so as to reduce stress at areas of stress concentration and thereby avoid excessive deformation at said areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Emery I. Valyi
  • Patent number: 5813563
    Abstract: A promotional closure includes an outer closure cap, and a removable inner promotion compartment for receiving an associated promotional element such as a coupon, game piece, currency, or the like. The promotion compartment has a generally cup-shaped configuration, including a circular bottom wall, and an upstanding generally cylindrical side wall. An annular flange extends generally outwardly from the side wall, and includes a detachable portion whereby the annular flange can act as a pull-ring or finger grip to facilitate opening or splitting of the side wall of the compartment. The annular flange is preferably connected to a hingedly detachable section of the side wall which can be pulled open by manipulation of the flange to facilitate access to the contents of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted W. Boehm, David E. Babcock, Hugh C. Urmston, Daniel J. Denman, Joseph M. Ladina
  • Patent number: 5803268
    Abstract: A bottle for perfume and the like has two separate compartments. Each of two interior spaces has its own closure/dispenser (eg. spray fitting or pump), one at each end, so that two different liquids can be contained and dispensed separately in different ways. An outer container space is defined between an outer wall and an inner wall; the inner containing space is inside the inner wall. The inner and outer walls are joined where the neck of the inner-wall container meets the bottom of the outer-wall container. The bottle may include end caps which cover the two closures/dispensers at either end, for a symmetrical, elongated shape somewhat like a cigar. The ends caps may also double as closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Fragrance International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Levy, Judy Levy, Robert DuGrenier
  • Patent number: 5788794
    Abstract: A method for producing a partitioned container of the present invention includes the steps of providing a preform having an interior surface; separately forming an inner wall for insertion into the preform; inserting the inner wall into the preform; preparing for molding and molding the preform and inner wall into the partitioned container; and activating a manner for securing the inner wall to the interior surface of the preform during the step of preparing. A system for forming a partitioned container in accordance with the present invention includes a preform including an interior surface surrounding a cavity; an inner wall formed separately from the preform, the inner wall including a manner for securing to the preform upon the application of heat thereto, and a molding device for molding the preform into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Emery I. Valyi
  • Patent number: 5769263
    Abstract: A promotional closure for use with an associated container includes a plastic closure cap having an inwardly recessed, circular top wall portion defining a compartment and a depending annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. A circumferential lip formed in the closure cap generally at about a periphery of the compartment, defines a circumferential channel-like recess adjacent to the compartment. The closure further includes a removable, circular cover member adapted to cover the compartment by insertion into the circumferential recess. The cover has a pair of circumferentially opposed tab-like, releasable engaging members which are adapted to be received in the circumferential recess to retain the cover in place in the cap over the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell D. Willingham, David W. Smith, David L. Cerny, Stephen W. McBride
  • Patent number: 5769680
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drinking vessel including an internally formed display area for concealing a decorative element such as a three dimensional figurine. The internally formed display area upwardly extends into a fluid retention cavity of the drinking vessel. A retaining member is provided which can be selectively removed to access the decorative element. In the preferred embodiment, the retaining member is rotatable relative to an upwardly extending sidewall of the drinking vessel to thereby lock the retaining member in place. In one application, the retaining member includes a plurality of radially extending tabs which cooperate with a inwardly extending cylindrical flange formed to include a corresponding plurality of notches. The tabs are upwardly advanced past the notches and then rotated to thereby lock the retaining member in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Edward J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5765712
    Abstract: A two can beverage holder including a tubular shaped main cylinder section having a cylinder shaped container compartment formed therein that has an end opening at a first and at a second end thereof, an end cap positionable over either end opening of the main cylinder section, a snap-on carry strap detachably fastenable to the main cylinder section, a snap-on cap strap detachably fastenable between the end cap and the main cylinder section, a zippered pouch detachably securable to the end cap, and a compartment divider member sized to fit within and divide the container compartment of the main cylinder section, the compartment divider member including a washer shaped top section having a first centrally located air flow tube hole, a washer shaped bottom section having a second centrally located air flow tube hole, a tubular shaped air flow tube connected between the first and second air flow tube holes, and a flexible wall member having a first portion permanently secured between perimeter edges of the botto
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventors: Dana Skinner, Susie Skinner
  • Patent number: 5758786
    Abstract: A container is divided into multiple compartments by a series of vertically extending partitions radiating from the central axis of the container. A nipple is attached to a collar which in turn, is attachable to the mouth of the container. The nipple includes a base portion having an aperture radially offset from the central axis of the nipple and which is adapted to register with only one of the compartments depending upon the relative angular orientation of the nipple and the collar. A series of L-shaped slots is provided on the collar with the slots being evenly spaced about the periphery of the collar and with the number thereof corresponding to the number of internal compartments in the container. The inside surface of the nipple sidewall carries a like number of projections evenly spaced about the inside periphery thereof and adapted to engage corresponding L-shaped slots on the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Nigel H. John
  • Patent number: 5749460
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a cap assembly that includes a cap with a single annular lug that has a retaining surface and an annular flange attachable to the cap by contact with the retaining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: The Pillsbury Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Rice
  • Patent number: 5746312
    Abstract: A dispenser comprises a small open-top cup adapted for containing a constituent part of a substance and provided with a substantially flat upper edge or flange. The cup is closed by a two-part lid within which another constituent part of the substance in the form of a wafer is received. The top layer of the lid is first removed to access the wafer and the lower part of the lid is later removed so that the substance within the cup can be accessed. The upper and lower layers of the lid comprise films of paper-foil or paper-plastic material such that a pull-tab or lift-tab on the upper layer is first grasped to peel back the upper layer and reveal the wafer, after which a tab portion of the cup is separated and pulled upwardly, carrying with it the attached lower layer whereby the substance in the cup can be accessed. The upper and lower layers are heat-sealed to one another and to the edge of the cup in a manner so that they can be conveniently and successively peeled away from the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Jimmie L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5743423
    Abstract: The package comprises a container made of resilient molded plastic that contains an impression and lid. The impression is located in the bottom of the container. The impression comprises two concentric cylindrically shaped tubes, a ring that connects the tubes and a closure. The lower tube has a larger diameter. This lower tube is attached to a ring along the ring's outside edge. The inner edge of the ring is attached to the upper, smaller-diameter tube. The tubes are identical to the diameters of two sizes of bottle caps. Bottles with caps can then be inserted into the tube. The invention then holds the container on top of the bottle. The lid of the container is removable and reattachable and forms an air-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Richard E. Franco
  • Patent number: 5735422
    Abstract: A molded thermoplastic multiple part container having a plurality of individual containers arranged about a central longitudinal axis to form fractional portions of the multiple part container and locking structure integral with the sidewalls of each individual container for locking together the individual containers about the central longitudinal axis to form a unitary multiple part container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Randolph K. Binter
  • Patent number: 5735320
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for separately storing and facilitating the mixture of separate components of a two-part composition. The dispenser includes a first container having a chamber for retaining one of the components and a second container having a chamber for retaining the other of the components and for mixing the components together to form the resultant two-part composition. A receptacle sleeve is provided and is mounted on the second container. The receptacle sleeve is adapted to secure the two containers together during periods of storage and transportation as well as to facilitate mixture of the components. The receptacle sleeve further serves to protect the user from exposure to the unmixed components as well as providing a drip-free spout in dispensing the composition. A method is further provided for alternately storing the separate components and admixing them together in one of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Tune, W. Lance H. Hemsarth
  • Patent number: 5725896
    Abstract: A beverage container assembly (28) comprising a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, and a gas reservoir unit (1) adapted to be housed substantially within the container body (22). The gas reservoir unit (1) is adapted to be charged with a gas under super-atmospheric pressure whilst the reservoir unit (1) is outside of the container (22), and to retain the gas prior to insertion of the unit into the container body. A gas reservoir unit containing one or more chambers is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: CPB Innovative Technology Limited
    Inventor: Anthony J. Banks
  • Patent number: 5715969
    Abstract: A health care product container having a generally rectangular cross section and closed at one end by a bottom wall molded integrally with the container vessel. The other end is provided with a filling opening which corresponds to the cross section of the container, and which is closed by a closing part. The container has an internal partition integral with the container vessel, parallel with one of its side walls, and dividing the container into first and second compartments. Each compartment is closed at one end by said bottom wall and being open at its other end. The closing part is so designed that it sealingly closes the first compartment at its one end, but leaves access to the second compartment, the sealed compartment being a product containing compartment provided with a dispensing opening closable by a stopper. The second compartment is closed by a lid hinged to the closure part or to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ferrosan A/S
    Inventors: S.o slashed.ren Seerup, John Seeberg
  • Patent number: 5692626
    Abstract: An integral dual compartment container includes a pair of container bodies positioned back-to-back relative to one another. Each of the container bodies includes respective upper and lower container body portions. The upper body portions each has an opening and is asymmetrically disposed relative to the respective lower container body portions thereof. A handle spans the upper container body portions so as to establish a generally rectangular space therebelow. A pair of generally vertically oriented attachment flanges integrally attach a respective end of the handle to the upper container body portion, while a generally vertically oriented connecting flange extends continuously between the opposed rear walls of the container bodies and connects them in a back-to-back relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Wehrle, Neil P. Stapensea, Douglas J. Mattson, Ted E. Piatt, Joseph P. Quinn
  • Patent number: 5638968
    Abstract: An extension assembly fits between a tubular container of a baby bottle and a nipple end cap. The assembly includes a container body attached to the nipple end cap and having an internal chamber and a lower attaching structure connected to an upper open end of the tubular container and a release mechanism to control access by water in the tubular container to food material in the container body. The mechanism has a lower annular funnel sloping from an annular outer edge to an annular inner edge which defines a central opening aligned with the upper end of the tubular container. A central stopper structure supported by a lower open end of the container body is movable toward and away from the annular funnel structure as the container body moves within a sleeve extending upwards from the annular funnel structure. This movement prevents and permits access by water in the tubular container to the food material in the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Moises S. Baron, Sharon Lerner-Baron
  • Patent number: 5630523
    Abstract: Two separate containers are secured together by their respective bottoms. One container has a cavity in its bottom which has an annular frictional shoulder. The other container has a protruding shoulder on its bottom comparable in size to the cavity on the other container. That shoulder has an annular recess therein adapted to engage frictionally the annular shoulder in the other container. The cavity in the one container and the protruding shoulder on the other are of oval shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Novotrend Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl K. Wright
  • Patent number: 5617966
    Abstract: A nursing bottle for automatically rinsing a baby's teeth, includes a bottle for storing a first liquid which has an open end for receiving the first liquid. A nipple is releasably mounted on the open end of the bottle for dispensing the first liquid through at least one discharge hole. A storage device for storing a second liquid has a dispensing end adjacent the nipple for dispensing the second liquid. The dispensing end of the storage device has a retainer for retaining the second liquid within the storage means until the first liquid is dispensed from the bottle, afterwhich the retainer automatically releases the second liquid into the nipple, automatically rinsing the baby's teeth by dispensing the second liquid through the at least one discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: RXI Management, Corp.
    Inventor: Hooshang Bral