Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 220/212)
  • Publication number: 20080314900
    Abstract: An enclosure for enclosing an automatic identification device includes an outer cap that has a base wall and a skirt depending therefrom and an inner cap that has a base wall and a skirt depending therefrom. The inner cap is removably secured within the outer cap. A gap is located between the base wall of the outer cap and the base wall of the inner cap when the inner cap is secured within the outer cap. An automatic identification device is located within the gap and preferably secured to an interior surface of one of the base wall of the outer cap and the base wall of the inner cap. The gap is sized and shaped to receive the automatic identification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Drug Plastics & Glass Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Biesecker, Gregory Sprishen
  • Publication number: 20080308553
    Abstract: A flapper cap container closure including a cover-lid having a first flap hinged to the cap and to second and third flaps overlying the apertures of its web, whereby depressing the first flap automatically positions the second and third flaps to depress and seal off the apertures of the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dolan, Harold E. Zuber
  • Publication number: 20080302795
    Abstract: A drinking cup that is selectably attachable to a beverage container. A generally annular body of the drinking cup has a sidewall, an open end and an opposing closed end. A recessed connector portion is formed in the closed end, the connector portion being sized and shaped to detachably couple the drinking cup to a top portion of the beverage container. The drinking cup is capable of containing at least one of fluids and ice before being attached to the beverage container, while attached to the beverage container, and after being detached from the beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: David N. Berglund, Charles E. Berglund
  • Publication number: 20080302802
    Abstract: The present technology relates to apparatus and methods having a plurality for chambers for storing edible substances. More particularly, the present technology relates to container caps, storage units, kits, and methods for sealing and isolating a plurality of edible substances. Certain embodiments present storage units comprising a plurality of sealed and isolated substances that connect to the cap of a beverage container using a snap-fit or a friction fit connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Ramsden
  • Publication number: 20080282900
    Abstract: A lid structure includes a lower lid slightly flared at the upper fringe, and having an engagement flange formed around it with a claw provided on its upper edge. A cutting tube of an upper lid is extended down from the center of the upper lid and inserted into the lower lid. The bottom of the cutting tube is also tilted. A detent is formed on the inner surface at the lower end of the upper lid to engage with the claw of the engagement flange so as to couple tightly the two lids. Several gaskets are provided around the inner side wall of the upper lid. An infusion drink material is filled into the cutting tube of the upper lid, and a film is used to seal the bottom of the lower lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Po-Chun Huang
  • Publication number: 20080277395
    Abstract: A combination dust pan and trash receptacle lid having a leading edge on a shallow side, said lid having a handle on its outer convex surface, said handle sized such that said leading edge is positioned optimally when said lid is removed from said receptacle and placed on a surface in its upturned position for use as a dust pan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Arthur Giovannoni
  • Publication number: 20080264943
    Abstract: A system for displaying an object on a lid of a container, the system comprising: a container including an end having an opening; an object; and a container lid comprising a cover portion, a rim portion around the periphery of the cover portion and able to be coupled to the end of the container having the opening, and a retainer for retaining the object to the container lid, the retainer comprising at least one of an aperture in the container lid for receiving at least a portion of the object or at least one nub on the container lid that aids in retaining the object. A container lid for retaining an object on the lid. A method of packaging an object to a container lid. A method of using a container lid for distributing an object retained on the lid. A method of using an object retained on a container lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Glenn Klure
  • Publication number: 20080257771
    Abstract: This invention relates to a container assembly and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a container assembly for holding a prize inside a container. The container assembly includes a container body (2) defining a main compartment. A hollow insert (8) is located in the main compartment (4) to form a secondary compartment (5) within the main compartment (4). A liquid is sealed inside the secondary compartment (5) and the container body (2) has a lid (3) closing the main compartment (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Johannes Hendrik Vos, Etienne Vos
  • Publication number: 20080251055
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions control system for an engine including a fuel tank having a fuel tank vapor space, a carburetor coupled to the fuel tank, and a fuel tank cap having fuel vapor adsorption media that adsorbs vapor from the fuel tank vapor space. The fuel tank cap is in fluid communication with the carburetor via the vapor space and is configured to permit fuel vapor stored in the fuel adsorption media to be purged into the carburetor via the vapor space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jacob Schmalz, John Gulke, Elliot Matel
  • Patent number: 7428864
    Abstract: A server apparatus for food items which provides a deposit location for unwanted, discardable, or inedible portions of the food, or ancillary utensils such as tooth picks, and is convenient, sanitary and appealing for serving food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Cathryn Wengrovsky
  • Publication number: 20080230542
    Abstract: A container closure that counts items inserted into the container is disclosed. The closure includes a lid structure that has a container sealing means around a perimeter thereof and an aperture traversing the lid structure. A flap is adapted to substantially seal the aperture and is fixed with a hinge at one edge thereof to a bottom side of the lid structure. A counting mechanism is fixed to the lid structure and includes an actuating lever having an actuator linkage fixed to the flap. The counting mechanism is adapted to increment a counter of the counting mechanism when the flap is moved from a closed position towards an open position. Preferably the actuator linkage is a coil spring such that the flap only needs to travel a short distance towards its open position to actuate the actuating lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wayne Thielke, Bruce Norris Moen
  • Publication number: 20080217333
    Abstract: Devices suitable for removing materials from a container, preparing the materials for further use, and storing unused materials in the container for future use. Generally, the devices comprise an elongated portion defining (1) a handle and a blade and (2) an over-cap attached to the elongated portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Diana Lynn Mayo, Stephen Andrew Wurth
  • Publication number: 20080217334
    Abstract: A closure having a spout, and a container using such a closure are disclosed. The closure is formed of a paperboard panel surrounded by a plastic resin skirt formed around the panel in a mold. The spout is integrally molded with the skirt and is attached to an interior surface of the panel by a hinge. The spout has a floor and sides connected to the floor by hinges. The floor is positioned adjacent to a separable portion of the panel defined by perforations. Separation of the separable portion from the panel creates an opening. The floor of the spout is pivoted through the opening. The panel edges defining the opening contact the sides and force them to pivot toward the floor and form the spout. The container may be closed by pivoting the floor back toward the opening, the sides entering the interior of the container beneath the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Double "H" Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Harp, Thomas M. Whitlock, Thomas J. Ballock
  • Patent number: 7419057
    Abstract: A serving container cover comprising one or more side walls, a top wall and an opening in the top wall. The serving container is preferably tapered, narrowing from the base portion to the top portion, so that the covers can be nested in a stacked arrangement. A rest is preferably incorporated into the serving container cover to support one or more serving utensils. The serving container cover also preferably includes a decorative graphic on at least a portion of the side walls and top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Jean E. Avery
  • Publication number: 20080190927
    Abstract: A container is provided for dispensing a plurality of consumable products. The container can include a plastic portion and a metal portion. The metal portion may provide a sophisticated aesthetic to the container while the plastic portion may simplify the manufacturing process. The container may include a housing for housing a plurality of solid consumable products, a lid, an assembly aligning the lid with respect to the housing, and a connection between the lid and the housing. The assembly and the connection may allow indicia on the lid to properly align with indicia on the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: James A. Bougoulas, Robert J. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7410071
    Abstract: A closure having a top wall and a skirt depending from a peripheral edge of said top wall. The closure includes an inner skirt depending from the top wall having at least one thread for helically attaching to a container neck. A deflection wall extends from the top wall having an inner diameter greater than a container neck. Extending from the top wall is a cutting device, defined by an axial cutter and a radial cutter for piercing a liner and cutting the liner about a circumference less than 360 degrees such that the liner is partially attached when the cutting process is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Rexam Closures and Containers, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Seib, Christopher B. Clodfelter
  • Patent number: 7410073
    Abstract: A cosmetic container having a container body and a lid which opens and closes the container body, which can meet a demand that a decorated part does not peel or fall off in part from the container body or the lid, by providing a replacement cover detachably/attachably and replaceably on at least either one of the lid or the container body to cover it, and which can enhance flexibility for consumers to select an appearance according to taste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Yoshida Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukitomo Yuhara
  • Publication number: 20080184899
    Abstract: The present disclosure comprises both a self-pressurizing food storage device and method of use. The device defines and presents an enclosed food storage chamber composing an internal air pressure of about 1 psi to about 10 psi above ambient air pressure outside the chamber by providing a geometrically and ergonomically comfortable lid assembly, a food container adapted to mate with the lid assembly, and means for closingly mating them together. No external, detachable pump is required to create the elevated pressure within the food containing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: David Richmond, Jonathan Oswaks
  • Publication number: 20080156808
    Abstract: A container (210) for holding granular/powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket (330) to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates sealing features, a geometry for container wall junctions (50) and a junction congruent scoop (32) enabling easy access to the contents, and a strength improving receptacle (280) with indentations (290) that interlock with flex clips (310) of a J-shaped collar (300), and which accommodate wide tolerance variations between the collar (300) and receptacle (280).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Perry, Jeremy McBroom, Craig A. McCardell, David Compeau, Charles R. Schotthoefer, Frank S. Walczak, Jack E. Elder
  • Publication number: 20080110885
    Abstract: A single, thin piece of folded material attaches to a single serving container to provide a strong, sanitary spoon. Folding score lines on the handle portion of the spoon give the utensil strength and provide a simplicity of use suitable for children. The disclosed utensil may be attached to existing containers or may be built into containers during the manufacture of the underlying container, or may be available as a stand-alone product. The disclosed utensil may be integrated into packaging material such as overwrap sleeves used to package food containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Peggy V K Cross
  • Publication number: 20080110883
    Abstract: A trash can lid has incorporated in it an apparatus for coupling to and receiving water from a hose and conveying the water to a spray-head mechanism, wherein the water is pressurized and from whence the pressurized water is directed against the angled blades of rotary water-deflector, such that a rotary spray of pressurized water is directed against the interior walls of the trash can, thereby flushing wastes from the walls to the bottom of the trash can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Douglas J. Vetter, Phillip W. Vetter
  • Publication number: 20080073343
    Abstract: A lid for use on a container includes a base, having attachment structure associated therewith for attaching the base to the container, and having a material dispensing orifice formed or formable therein. A slide channel is formed as part of the base. The slide channel includes an open top section defined by a pair of sidewalls, the open top section having an opening width equal to or greater than a narrowest width defined between the pair of sidewalls. A slidable portion is slidably disposed within the slide channel and is movable at least partially over the material dispensing orifice. A cover portion is attached to the base, the cover portion forming a top of a slide enclosure for the slidable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: William S. Shadrach, Aubi Abramowitz
  • Publication number: 20080073346
    Abstract: A unitary splash-proof beverage lid for engagement with a cup rim having a well with a drinking hole, a plug, optionally with a drinking hole, whereby said plug is rotatably connected by a pair of support arms to the lid in a friction fit relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Zuares, Robert M. Schwartz, Tony Licari
  • Publication number: 20080073342
    Abstract: A cup lid having a top panel with an upwardly projecting rim peripherally thereabout, a recessed channel in the top panel extends from a central area thereof to the rim, the channel having a bottom with a sipping opening defined therethrough adjacent the rim, a closure member selectively receivable in said channel for movement between open and closed positions relative to said opening, the closure member being integrally formed with said lid, or a companion cup, remote from said channel for selective severing therefrom and subsequent mounting within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Liming Cai
  • Publication number: 20080000898
    Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods having a plurality for chambers for storing edible substances. More particularly, the present invention relates to container caps, storage units, kits, and methods for sealing and isolating a plurality of edible substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Edward Ramsden
  • Publication number: 20070289970
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the headset top-cap of the bicycle and more particularly for storage of location transmitters therein. The transmitters within the bicycle headset top-cap will be used to recover stolen bicycles. It can also be used as an asset tracking device. The increased area needed to contain the transmitters and respective components will be accomplished by altering the construction of the top-cap. The components within the top-cap will be accessed through a panel located on the top-cap. The top-cap will be secured to the bicycle by the use of a tamper-proof or locking bolt. An electrical connection within the top-cap will provide the transmitting ability of the device. The top-cap will maintain all rudimentary functions of previous model top-caps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Josef W. Weichmann
  • Patent number: 7278234
    Abstract: A portable multipurpose tackle box with a compartment for storing tackle, bait, and other fishing related items, and a separate cooler compartment for storing food, beverages, and bait. The top compartment can be opened to reveal several extendable tackle tray assemblies. The exterior surface of the top of the tackle box has a folding leg attached to it which can be used to support the tackle box when the tray assemblies are in an extended position. The top exterior surface also has a clip attached to it for holding a flashlight in position for the night fisherman. The handle, support leg, and clips connected to the top exterior surface pivot to a storage position which is flush with the surface to enable the top surface of the tackle box to be used comfortably as a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Marino
  • Patent number: 7275652
    Abstract: A cup lid for use with a drinking cup containing a liquid, the drinking cup having a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base, the sidewall including an inner surface, a top end, and a rim extending along the circumference of the top end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Morris, David C. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7198167
    Abstract: A cup includes a liquid storage chamber and a separate medicine storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Marsden, Joseph C. Cacciola
  • Patent number: 7175043
    Abstract: A disposable lid for beverage containers includes a mechanism enabling a user to hang the lid on the rim of the container, rather than placing the lid on a counter or table top, to avoid actual or perceived unsanitary conditions and to minimize risk of transmitting infectious diseases to the user. The lid includes an integral device for hanging the lid on the rim of the container while being inexpensive to manufacture and efficient to package and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Shawn O'Neal
  • Patent number: 7175041
    Abstract: A cap/utensil combination having a cap having a cap top with an inner surface having at least a contact area thereof that is substantially smooth, and having at least one upwardly standing sidewall attached to the cap top, sidewall having an inner surface. The inner surface of the sidewall has a rib structure. A utensil has first and second points of contact with sections of the rib structure and at least partially along an axis of symmetry of the utensil and a third point of contact at least partially within a contact plane through the axis of symmetry, the contact plane being substantially perpendicular to a plane of the inner surface of the cap top. The three-points of contact ensure that the utensil is securely held within the cap, and yet is readily removable therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: Len Ekkert
  • Patent number: 7131550
    Abstract: A lid for a food storage container includes a lid body with a vacuum sense opening and a vent opening extending through the lid body, a releasable cover disposed over the vent opening, and a pressure-indicating protrusion. The cover impedes air flow into the container through the vent opening until the cover is released. The pressure-indicating protrusion, which has a cavity in it, is in hydraulic communication with the container through the vacuum sense opening. The pressure-indicating protrusion contracts toward the vacuum sense opening in response to negative container pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Montserrat Vilalta, Jose Millan, Juan Carlos Coronado, Mariano Penaranda, Antonio Rebordosa, Sergi Gili, Robert Rafols
  • Patent number: 7100787
    Abstract: Beverage container lid assemblies provide a combined premium display area and cooling/insulating structure for the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: East End, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Farnsworth, John Nava
  • Patent number: 7048136
    Abstract: A canister lid includes a cover member adapted to cover a canister, thereby defining an interior of the canister. An evacuation valve is adapted to allow evacuation of the interior of the container. A vacuum release valve is adapted to allow venting of the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignees: Tilia International, Inc., Unimark Plastics
    Inventors: Paul W. Havens, Glynn Clements
  • Patent number: 7040500
    Abstract: A container for housing granulated products is disclosed. The container has a box portion having a recessed base, a front wall, a back wall, and opposing side walls, a closure adapted to be releasably sealed on the box portion, and a circumferential channel in the box base. The channel is adapted to receive a scoop bucket so that the contents of the container can be easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Stuart R. Kipperman, Hagins Fugate, Joseph M. Paul, George Nukuto, Cathy O. Smay, Robin Wiggins
  • Patent number: 7000347
    Abstract: A device and method for preparing a vase or other container to receive a floral arrangement. The device includes a grid cover that is placed around the open end of a vase or similar container. The grid cover has a flat top surface and a peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the edge of the top surface. The grid cover is made of elastomeric material and is initially smaller than the open top of the vase. The grid cover is stretched over the open top of the vase, wherein the peripheral wall of the grid cover passes over the edge of the vase's open top and retains the stretched grid cover element in place. A plurality of openings are distributed throughout the top surface of the grid cover. As the grid cover is stretched over the top of a vase, the openings become positioned across the open top of the vase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Linda Roskin
  • Patent number: 6994227
    Abstract: A vacuum container for preserving food is disclosed herein that includes a cover member for covering an upper part of a container member in which food is filled, a piston member equipped with the cover member and ascending and descending movable, and first and second valve members that alternately operate by a pumping operation using ascending and descending operation of the piston member to make a suction aperture and an exhaust aperture alternately open and close, thus discharging air from within the container member. Such operation allows the interior of the container member to become a vacuum state, thereby allowing food within the container member to be preserved for a longer time period, in a more sanitary manner, and a simple manufacture and a low manufacturing cost to provide users with convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Man-Hyun Kwon
  • Patent number: 6935524
    Abstract: An assemlby for depressurizing an opened beverage bottle including a bottle closure having a valve to permit depressurization of the bottle by a removable pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a stretchable diaphragm having roller being moveable on tracks within a housing. A pivotal actuator stretches the diaphragm to cause expansion of diaphragm chamber and effect depressurization of the bottle through the closure valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Gerald Wilhite
  • Patent number: 6932231
    Abstract: A spill-resistant beverage cup lid which includes a well for adding liquid or powder condiments to a hot beverage and which also serves as a drinking portal is described. The well includes a plurality of apertures in a side wall of the well allowing the condiments to mix with the beverage. In an alternative embodiment, the well further includes a removable flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventors: Kevin Haynes, Michael Pallotta
  • Patent number: 6915921
    Abstract: A lid for a dustpan/trash can comprising a generally circular top having a downwardly depending, circumferentially extending lip projecting from the outer periphery of said top, a trough like member attached to the lip of the top including a planar base positioning the top generally perpendicular to a surface on which the base is placed, said trough section having an upwardly inclined ramp, an elongated straight edge so that waste material may be scooped into the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: George Mensch
  • Patent number: 6905038
    Abstract: A container with a large open end and a smaller neck, with external threading and extended collars on large open end to mate with internal threads of a large socket on concave base end cap, and secure closure band correspondingly, and threading and extended collar on smaller closed end to mate with internal threads of smaller socket in the concave base end cap and stabilize container in cap correspondingly. The concave end cap providing resistance to gaseous contents provides a stable end surface, thus, allowing the container to be configured into a stemmed recipient without losing balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Salvadore Lopez
  • Patent number: 6877629
    Abstract: Container for storing food products including a base defining a product support surface for supporting the food product and a cover releasably engaging with the base such that when the cover engages with the base, a storage compartment is defined by the cover and the base. The cover includes an air control unit for controlling air pressure in the storage compartment and a window extending downward from the air control unit to surround food products in the storage compartment. A product supported on the product support surface of the base is visible through the window when the cover engages with the base. By providing the window as part of the cover, the base is separable from the window to thereby expose the product support surface of the base so that cakes can be easily placed on the product support surface and then enclosed by the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Housewares America, Inc.
    Inventor: Debbie Jean Meyer
  • Patent number: 6874545
    Abstract: A machine includes a body, a hollow cylinder fixedly attached to the body, a piston assembly slidable within the hollow cylinder, and a lever handle pivotally attached to the body. The hollow cylinder has a sealing end, and the sealing end is capable of engaging with and sealing to a stopper. The piston assembly includes a cross wall at a first end. The lever handle is coupled to the piston assembly so as to be capable of sliding the piston assembly in the hollow cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Metrokane, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Larimer, Edward Kilduff
  • Patent number: 6840395
    Abstract: A food product container includes a molded tray having at least one cell for holding a food product. A removable cover, such as lidding film, seals the cell in preparation for shipment. A utensil, such as a spoon or knife or the like, is integrally molded with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Surendra Agarwal, Carolina Alejandra Castellanos, Neil Enciso, Kyle Robert Karsten
  • Patent number: 6814250
    Abstract: A food serving system for simultaneously holding a food article and a beverage. The food serving system includes a tray assembly including a container that has an interior for carrying a beverage and a plate for carrying a food article. The plate is releasably coupled to the container. The plate includes a bottom wall that has a hole extending through the plate. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom wall of the plate is removably inserted in the interior of the container for preventing the beverage in the interior of the container from escaping. The hole in the plate is in communication with the interior of the container. An end of a conduit is removably inserted in the hole in the plate for transporting the beverage in the interior of the container through the hole in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jon W. Madsen
  • Patent number: 6799693
    Abstract: An insulated holder for a bottle is made of a bodily flexible foam material having a lower sleeve for receiving the bottom of the bottle. A lid is attached to the lower sleeve and is movable from a position covering the open top of the lower sleeve to a vertical position. An upper sleeve is attached to the lid and tapers upwardly to conform to the shape of an upper end of a bottle. The upper and lower sleeves accordingly receive most of the bottle thereby insulating it. When the bottle is discarded, the upper sleeve may be folded into the lower sleeve. A zipper cooperates between the lid and the lower sleeve to enclose the upper sleeve and provide a convenient package for transportation and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Robert B. Meza
  • Publication number: 20040188437
    Abstract: Container for storing food products including a base defining a product support surface for supporting the food product and a cover releasably engaging with the base such that when the cover engages with the base, a storage compartment is defined by the cover and the base. The cover includes an air control unit for controlling air pressure in the storage compartment and a window extending downward from the air control unit to surround food products in the storage compartment. A product supported on the product support surface of the base is visible through the window when the cover engages with the base. By providing the window as part of the cover, the base is separable from the window to thereby expose the product support surface of the base so that cakes can be easily placed on the product support surface and then enclosed by the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: HOUSEWARES AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Debbie Jean Meyer
  • Patent number: 6796430
    Abstract: A container and lid combination includes a container having a bottom surface, an opening, a top edge surrounding the opening, and an attachment mechanism provided on the bottom surface, and a lid engageable with the top edge of the container to cover the opening. The lid may include an attachment mechanism provided on its inside surface that is engageable with the attachment mechanism of the bottom surface of the container. The lid is attachable to the bottom surface of the container in a nested state via engagement of the respective attachment mechanisms. Another attachment mechanism may be provided on the outside surface of the lid that is engageable with the attachment mechanism of the bottom surface of the container. The lid is attachable to the bottom surface of the container in a nested state and/or in an inverted state via engagement of the attachment mechanisms. A set of such container and lid combinations may be nested together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Doug Mercier, Richard E. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20040182862
    Abstract: The invention provides for a disposable container lid (200) adapted to fit over of the opening (208) of a disposable beverage cup (210) or other container. The container lid (200) generally comprises a reservoir (204), a thermal insulating layer (300) disposed on a floor (207) of said reservoir (204), and an orifice (202) that accommodates a straw. In one embodiment, the circular container lid (200) advantageously prevents the contents of a condiment package from quickly assuming the temperature of the liquid inside the disposable beverage cup (210). In another embodiment, the container lid (200) includes an adhesive means, such as a pair of sticky patches (302) and (304) that firmly holds the condiment package in place in the reservoir (204).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Tom Scott
  • Publication number: 20040178199
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid (such as those used to seal the tops of cups used to dispense drinks in restaurants) has a toothpick retention portion integrally formed therewith configured to releasably retain a toothpick. The disposable cup lid may take several forms such as for various types for hot and cold drink cups. In one form, the toothpick is contained within a recess in the cup lid and attached thereto by means of a securing slit. Pulling the toothpick away from the lid causes its release from the securing slit so that the toothpick may be used. The securing slit also allows return receipt of the used toothpick for disposal with the cup lid or storage for later use. The cup lid is preferably formed of a disposable material such as plastic. Of course, other materials suitable to carry out the principles of the present invention may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: David L. Stroup