Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 220/212)
  • Patent number: 6453584
    Abstract: A vacuum boring and mud recovery system comprising a vacuum container, a vacuum producing device to create a vacuum within said container, a conduit to vacuum solid particles and liquids into the vacuum container and a dispensing device to dispense the liquid or solid particles from the vacuum container without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container. Vacuum container contents are stored within the container while simultaneously dispensing the solid particles and or liquids. The vacuum container system may also have a separating device disposed within it to separate solids and liquids by category. The vacuum container system is a continuous operation vacuum container which can simultaneously fill, store and dispense solid particles and liquids with the added ability to simultaneously separate the solids and liquids before they are dispensed from the vacuum container. This is accomplished without eliminating the vacuum environment within the vacuum container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Lynn Allen Buckner
  • Patent number: 6450355
    Abstract: A reversible overcap for an adjustable volume container for consumer products is provided. A first side of the overcap includes a radially extending surface and an annular rim extending outwardly therefrom for engaging a retaining rim of the adjustable volume container. A second side of the overcap includes an annular member that is adapted to frictionally engage the exposed end of the remaining portions of the container that are formed by separating a portion of the container from the remaining portion of the container. The reversible overcap of the present invention is thus a multi-functional end closure and forms part of a completely self-contained adjustable volume container for consumer products that continuously accommodates the volume of the food product in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Lowry
  • Publication number: 20020108953
    Abstract: A beverage cup lid, having integrally therein a series of compartments, of varying but more precise sizes, to furnish concise measuring and dispensing of various flavoring agents into the cup contained beverage, whether it be a tea, coffee, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Charles Goralnik
  • Publication number: 20020108952
    Abstract: A lid that creates a seal around a container to allow proper storage and reduce spoil time of the contents. Integrally formed with the lid is a scoop extending into the can so that the contents may be removed without soiling another utensil. The lid is adapted to securely attach to a container opening. The scoop portion has a finger-receiving cavity to allow for simplified operator use. The finger-receiving scoop extends from the underside of the lid into the container. The scoop is nearly the length of the container and is used to assist an individual to remove the contents of the container. Once finished, the individual may seal the container with the lid until further use is desired, preventing the spoiling of the remaining food inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Joel G. Delman, Steve T. Josephson
  • Publication number: 20020079281
    Abstract: A closure and lenticular lens assembly that has a retaining member with a bend and a substantially horizontal, circular rim portion is disclosed. The rim portion extends annularly inward from the bend to secure the lens to a top surface of the closure. A method for forming the closure and lens assembly is also disclosed that includes placing a lenticular lens into the closure top and curling the retaining member radially inward over an edge of the lenticular lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Steve Sungsuk Kim
  • Patent number: 6409038
    Abstract: A mug that is normally too large to fit into a vehicle cup holder is fitted with a hollow base member that is appropriately sized. When the elements are combined, the resulting mug can be conveniently carried in a vehicle cup holder. The base member can be used to carry beverage accessories such sugar, sweetener, creamer, or tea or cocoa. It is also possible to store liquids in the base member, such as extra coffee if the user wishes more than the mug can hold. Gaskets can be used to prevent leakage and cover members can be provided to close the base member when not connected to the mug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Berney-Karp, Inc.
    Inventor: Morry Karp
  • Publication number: 20020074334
    Abstract: A mug that is normally too large to fit into a vehicle cup holder is fitted with a hollow base member that is appropriately sized. When the elements are combined, the resulting mug can be conveniently carried in a vehicle cup holder. The base member can be used to carry beverage accessories such sugar, sweetener, creamer, or tea or cocoa. It is also possible to sore liquids in the base member, such as extra coffee if the user wishes more than the mug can hold. Gaskets can be used to prevent leakage and cover members can be provided to close the base member when not connected to the mug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Morry Karp
  • Patent number: 6398050
    Abstract: A liquid container with opposed openings has a smaller neck and larger base, with correspondingly sized openings and caps. The base cap includes a receptacle, for installing over the cap of the smaller diameter container end. The smaller diameter cap includes an outwardly extending non-circular flange, which engages the correspondingly shaped receptacle in the larger base end cap. The base cap receptacle also has a circular second, innermost area. The base cap receptacle is aligned with the flange of the smaller diameter cap and rotated ninety degrees, to misalign the two non-circular shapes and lock the smaller diameter cap flange within then innermost portion of the base cap receptacle. This permits the container to be inverted with the smaller diameter end downward, the larger diameter cap to be removed and installed on the now lowermost smaller diameter cap, and the contents dispensed from the uppermost larger diameter end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent M. Allora
  • Publication number: 20020060220
    Abstract: A cover for a portable food container comprising a cover body and a utensil. The utensil includes a head piece and a handle piece. The head piece and the handle piece are each detachably secured to the cover body and are configured for assembly to each other upon detachment from the cover body to form the utensil. In one preferred embodiment, the handle piece includes a reinforcement for limiting longitudinal bending thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the cover further includes a protective film resealably secured to the cover body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Torniainen, John Daugherty, Paul E. Di Mario, James Watson, Gregory J. Landis
  • Patent number: 6378718
    Abstract: A beverage can. In order to obtain distribution in hygienic conditions of fluid contained in the can a protection element is provided, which has a first and a second laminar portion which are superimposed and connected in a manner which is hermetically sealed but which is separable by being pivoted around a hinge. An upper surface of the first laminar portion of the protection element becomes a sterile support surface for an upper lip, and the lower surface of the second laminar portion of the protection element becomes a sterile support surface for a lower lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Maggi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Maggi, Rosella Maggi
  • Patent number: 6375024
    Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for easily forming a vacuum in any bottle, container or the like and for providing a stable sealing. A lower cylindrical member together with a disc member forms a space portion in which a vacuum or an atmospheric pressure is applied, and the lower portion of an upper cylindrical member is inserted in the space portion and divides the space portion into upper and lower spaces. With a downward movement of the upper cylindrical member, the upper space expands and draws air inside of a bottle, and with an upward movement thereof, the air introduced into the upper space is vented outside. At this time, a check valve is selectively opened and closed and is operated by a pressure difference applied thereon. By repetitive reciprocating movement of the upper cylindrical member, a high vacuum is formed in the bottle and is sealed by the check valve. The apparatus is adaptable in a vacuum bottle, a medical suction instrument or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Yoon Sik Park
  • Patent number: 6371324
    Abstract: A cover for a portable food container comprising a cover body and a utensil. The utensil includes a head piece and a handle piece. The head piece and the handle piece are each detachably secured to the cover body and are configured for assembly to each other upon detachment from the cover body to form the utensil. In one preferred embodiment, the handle piece includes a reinforcement for limiting longitudinal bending thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the cover further includes a protective film resealably secured to the cover body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Torniainen, John Daugherty, Paul E. Di Mario, James Watson, Gregory J. Landis
  • Patent number: 6352165
    Abstract: An apparatus for sealing and pressurizing a bottle having an opening in a top end section and external threads extending around the end section includes an internal cap section having a bottom end with a bottom opening, a top end, and a generally cylindrical side wall located between the two ends. This cap section forms a chamber adapted to receive at least a portion of the top end section and has internal threads formed in this chamber and adapted for engaging the external threads in order to detachably mount the apparatus on the bottle. An annular compressing plate is mounted on the cap section so as to be movable upwardly or downwardly thereon. This compressing plate is non-rotatable relative to the cap section. A resilient, expandable and compressible bellows is located above the compressing plate and around the cap section. There is an exterior cover member that has a cylindrical side wall with interior threads in operative engagement with the edge of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Dion P. DiFelice
  • Patent number: 6349846
    Abstract: An insulated beverage holder is made of a bodily flexible foam material having a sleeve for receiving a beverage container and a lid. The lid is attached to the sleeve and is movable from a position covering the open top of a beverage container to a position away from the sleeve. The sleeve may be folded into a stowed position inside the lid. Fasteners are provided to keep the folded sleeve inside the lid and provide a compact decorative package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Robert B. Meza
  • Publication number: 20020008106
    Abstract: An improved container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and a multi-functional cap. The container allows for the storage of multiple products separately within the container as well as consumption of the products while “on the go.” The multi-functional cap nests over and seals the mouth end of the container, allows for the nesting of a sub-container inside the cap, and allows the products to be resealed without contaminating each other. The container is ergonomically and stylishly shaped to provide a comfortable hand grip for a variety of consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Patrick Joseph Bierschenk, John Joseph Michels
  • Patent number: 6338417
    Abstract: A food container is superimposed onto the upper end of a beverage receptacle. The container has a side wall and bottom wall in which there is formed at least one channel to allow the passage out through the container of a drinking straw which penetrates into the receptacle. The bottom wall is provided with a plurality of connectors for allowing connection of the food container to receptacles of different sizes at their upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Daniela M. C. Ferraro
  • Publication number: 20010049867
    Abstract: A vacuum cinerary jar contains the remains or cremains of human beings or pets, a cover as a C-ring link component to compact the only top open of the foresaid main body in pressurization. A vacuum pump set on the cover, in which there is a stationary base and a piston respectively that set the first non-return valve and the second non-return valve. Utilizing the reciprocating motion of foresaid piston of a manual or electric operating shaft in pump to make the foresaid first and second non-return valve open on different time via resist-compressed action so as to cause the air in the jar extracted unidirectionally. Keeping the reciprocating motion of the foresaid operating shaft goes down to the setting of vacuum degree in the airtight jar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Shou-Tang Tseng
  • Publication number: 20010042729
    Abstract: In the combination of a beverage container and a closure therefor which can serve as a drinking vessel and a coaster. The beverage container comprises a bowl having a generally hemispherical base and an axis and an upstanding wall circular in cross-section adjoining the generally hemispherical base and being inclined upwardly and inwardly to define a circular lip lying in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the hemispherical base and providing an opening providing access to a space within the bowl. The closure comprises a circular rim lying in a plane and having a wall circular in cross-section adjoining the rim and extending downwardly and outwardly and being sized to cover the opening of the container. A cooperative seal is carried by the closure and the container for forming an air-tight seal between the rim of the closure and the lip of the bowl. A band secures the closure to the container to maintain a sealing engagement between the o-ring and the closure and the o-ring and the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Regale Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory W. Gale
  • Patent number: 6311860
    Abstract: A closure provides a well in which a game piece is placed. The well has a side wall which supports a well floor. The well floor can contain an opening which can accommodate a drinking straw. A shield is located between the game piece and the well floor. The recessed well is covered by a sealing member which is adhered to an upper surface of the closure. The sealing member can have a pull tab and perforations which can be aligned with the edges of the pull tab. The perforations define a flap. The flap can be coupled to the closure through the use of a mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Taco Bell Corp.
    Inventors: Deborah Reidinger, Tari Garza, Donna Kahre, Lauren Heller, David J. Marchi, Cathy M. Bedini
  • Patent number: 6302288
    Abstract: A variety of closures are provided for use with a drink cup or other container wherein the closures provide a compartment for receiving a digital media disk or other merchandise. Examples include various closures formed of inner and outer members connected by a hinge with the inner and outer members forming a compartment for closely receiving a digital media disk. Other examples include a closure having a single lid portion with a retaining mechanism for retaining a digital media disk to a top surface of the lid. The retaining mechanism includes, for example, elastic retaining bands or resilient tabs. In another example, the closure provides a curved compartment for receiving a booklet wherein a closure for the compartment includes snap-fit members for attaching the compartment closure to other portions of the container lid. Still other embodiments are provided for enclosing toys or the like including one embodiment wherein the closure is configured to retain both a compressible ball and a backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: East End, Inc.
    Inventors: John Nava, John Lyons, Donald Farnsworth
  • Patent number: 6299014
    Abstract: A variety of closures are provided for use with a drink cup or other container wherein the closures provide a compartment for receiving a digital media disk or other merchandise. Examples include various closures formed of inner and outer members connected by a hinge with the inner and outer members forming a compartment for closely receiving a digital media disk. Other examples include a closure having a single lid portion with a retaining mechanism for retaining a digital media disk to a top surface of the lid. The retaining mechanism includes, for example, elastic retaining bands or resilient tabs. In another example, the closure provides a curved compartment for receiving a booklet wherein a closure for the compartment includes snap-fit members for attaching the compartment closure to other portions of the container lid. Still other embodiments are provided for enclosing toys or the like including one embodiment wherein the closure is configured to retain both a compressible ball and a backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: East End, Inc.
    Inventors: John Nava, John Lyons, Donald Farnsworth
  • Publication number: 20010022304
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container (2) comprising a body (4) having an opening (8) therein and a lid (6) adapted to close the opening (8). The peripheral edge (10) of the body having a first tapered section (11) defined by a first interior angle (y) and the lid (6) having a second tapered section (13) defined by a second interior angle (z). The first interior angle (y) being greater than the second interior angle (z) and the second tapered section (13) enclosing the first tapered section (11) when a sealing engagement is formed between the lid (6) and the body (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Howard Roche
  • Publication number: 20010019021
    Abstract: A cap (1) for a container (2) housing a consumer product, comprising a device (7, 11) capable of diffusing a volatile substance inside said container, said device being formed of a cap liner element (8, 12) carrying the volatile substance and of a barrier element (10, 14) lodged between the cap liner element and the interior of the container, wherein said barrier element is formed of a membrane permeable to the vapors of the volatile substance and impermeable to the consumer product, so as to enable molecular diffusion of the volatile substance's vapors inside the closed container, so as to enable molecular diffusion of the volatile substance's vapors into the headspace above the consumer product when the container is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2000
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Achille Riviello
  • Patent number: 6284966
    Abstract: A power sphere preferably used as part of a nanosatellite is formed using a plurality of flat panels solar arrays interconnected together by rotating hinges to approximate a spherical shape for use as an enclosure of a payload. The solar array panels are supported by an extending internal strut. The spherical shape provides attitude insensitive solar energy collection and heat radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Simburger, David A. Hinkley, Ernest Y. Robinson, David G. Gilmore, Jon V. Osborn
  • Patent number: 6277422
    Abstract: In the combination of a beverage container and a closure therefor which can serve as a drinking vessel and a coaster. The beverage container comprises a bowl having a generally hemispherical base and an axis and an upstanding wall circular in cross-section adjoining the generally hemispherical base and being inclined upwardly and inwardly to define a circular lip lying in a plane which is perpendicular to the axis of the hemispherical base and providing an opening providing access to a space within the bowl. The closure comprises a circular rim lying in a plane and having a wall circular in cross-section adjoining the rim and extending downwardly and outwardly and being sized to cover the opening of the container. A cooperative seal is carried by the closure and the container for forming an air-tight seal between the rim of the closure and the lip of the bowl. A band secures the closure to the container to maintain a sealing engagement between the o-ring and the closure and the o-ring and the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Regale Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory W. Gale
  • Patent number: 6257441
    Abstract: A child safe mop bucket assembly that prevents a child from accessing the contents of the bucket yet enables a mop to extend out of the bucket. The bucket assembly includes a fluid impermeable container having an open end and a lid element sized to cover that open end. The lid element contains an opening that enables a mop handle to extend out through the lid element if a mop is left within the container. The lid element also includes at least one locking pawl that engages the container when the lid element is closed over the open end of the container. The locking pawl is configured to be easily opened by an adult, yet cannot be opened by a small child. As a result, the lid element prevents a small child from accessing the contents of the bucket assembly even when a mop is left within the bucket assembly, thereby protecting the child from harm and the risk of drowning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Frank M. Maley
  • Publication number: 20010000901
    Abstract: A document retaining system for retaining documents in a protected manner while allowing easy and convenient access to the documents. The inventive device includes a base having a pair of opposing slots, and a cover having a pair of opposing pins that are slidably positioned within the slots. The cover is formed to removably fit within the interior cavity of the base and for removably covering the interior cavity of the base. Various documents may be stored and utilized within the base and the cover along with various auxiliary devices such as clamps and partition members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Applicant: Saunders Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Kambouris, Gene A. Barker
  • Patent number: 6213329
    Abstract: A container lid including for holding a painting implement suspended above or in a liquid such as paint. The container lid includes a container engaging periphery for engaging the periphery of the container. A lid web extends between the container engaging periphery and an handle receiving aperture which passes through the lid web. The handle of the painting implement is gripped from above the handle receiving aperture. The handle of the painting implement is gripped between two opposed walls extending upwardly of the lid web which are held in a substantially fixed position relative to one another by sides, the opposed walls are spaced apart to an extent that they exert a clamping effect on the handle of the painting implement when inserted therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Dobson
  • Patent number: 6209748
    Abstract: A device for positioning a plurality of objects on a cup is provided comprising a lid having a top surface wherein the lid is adapted to be removably attached to the cup and a region integrally molded with the top surface so as to removably confine the objects to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Lee Wayne Dunbar
  • Patent number: 6199604
    Abstract: Using a clean box comprising a box body having an aperture in one side surface, a side lid for hermetically closing the aperture, and gas inlet and outlet valves provided in the box body and having neither an evacuation device nor a transfer device, the gas inlet and outlet valves are opened by a gas feeding/discharging mechanism in a state in which the aperture of the box body is closed by the side lid, a non-oxidizing gas is introduced through one of the gas inlet and outlet valves into the clean box, and a gas having filled the clean box before the introduction of the non-oxidizing gas is discharged through the other of the gas inlet and outlet valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Miyajima
  • Patent number: 6199710
    Abstract: A material containing optical device utilizing a housing having a bottom, and a side. The side sealingly engages the bottom and extends outwardly from the same to form an open chamber. The open chamber terminates in a mouth with an entrance. A cap extends transversely relative to the mouth of the chamber to close the entrance. A first optical elements located in the bottom of the housing and permits light to travel into the chamber. A second optical element is located in a removable cap. The first and second optical elements are lined to adjust the visual angle of an object viewed through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Robert F. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6164483
    Abstract: A storage container with self-retaining lid includes a lid and a storage container. The structure for attaching the lid can be molded on to the bottom of the storage container, molded to the top of the lid, or molded to the lid and the bottom of the storage container. There are several preferred embodiments of the self-retaining lid. In a first preferred embodiment, the lid has a rim with a recessed cavity for receiving a lip of the storage container. In second and seventh preferred embodiments, a bottom of the storage container has a lip which is sized to be inserted into a sealing cavity of the lid. In a third preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a plurality of balls which are disposed to mate with a plurality of sockets. In a fourth preferred embodiment, a plurality of hooks are molded into at least two sides of the container and sized to receive the peripheral edge of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Jack A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6158607
    Abstract: A new storage container with attachable lid for preventing the lid from being lost when removed from the container. The inventive device includes a container having a generally cylindrical configuration. The container has an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. A lid portion is adapted for selective snap engagement to both the open upper end and the closed lower end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: John L. Wallberg
  • Patent number: 6152318
    Abstract: A storage container with self-retaining lid includes a lid and a storage container. The structure for attaching the lid can be molded on to the bottom of the storage container, molded to the top of the lid, or molded to the lid and the bottom of the storage container. There are several preferred embodiments of the self-retaining lid. In a first preferred embodiment, the lid has a rim with a recessed cavity for firmly receiving a lip of the storage container. In a second preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a lip which is sized to be firmly inserted into a sealing cavity of the lid. In a third preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a plurality of balls which are disposed to mate with a plurality of sockets on the lid. In a fourth preferred embodiment, a plurality of hooks are molded into at least two sides of the container and sized to receive the peripheral edge of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jack A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6149866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device and a method for performing an assay of a sample using the closure device. The closure device, mountable on the mouth of a test vessel, comprises a body part (1) with an axially passing cylindrical bore. The bore is covered at one end with an openable lid (7). The closure device further includes a plunger (3), slidably mounted in the bore for the formation of a sealed reagent storage chamber (9) in the space remaining between the closed lid and the plunger. The inner wall of the bore (2) is provided with at least one groove (4), whose depth is so deep as not to be within the reach of the outer diameter of the plunger (3). The groove extends from exterior end of the bore, over such a length as to maintain a gas flow communication between said reagent storage chamber (9) and the exterior end of the cylindrical bore when the plunger (3) is in a partially inserted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Orion-yhtyma Oyj
    Inventors: Juhani Luotola, Henry Backman, Tapani Hellman, Kauko Kahma, Antti Kaplas
  • Patent number: 6142332
    Abstract: A container lid and cutting board apparatus includes a rigid central panel portion and a flexible peripheral container-connector portion attached to the central panel portion. The peripheral container-connector portion includes a bridging ring portion attached to the central panel portion, and a container rim reception flange is attached to the bridging ring portion. The central panel portion has a panel thickness. The bridging ring portion has a ring thickness, and the panel thickness is greater than the ring thickness. The central panel portion and the peripheral container-connector portion are made as a unified structure from a single piece of plastic material. When the container lid and cutting board apparatus is placed on a surface upside down, the central panel portion can be used as a cutting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Sandra Ferrara
  • Patent number: 6135286
    Abstract: A thermally insulating luminous container with an O-ring construction having a primary container having inner and outer walls and a removable cover. A plurality of secondary containers may be affixed to the outer wall of the primary container, which secondary containers have inner and outer walls and removable attached covers. The container may be constructed by blow-molding hypoallergenic thermoplastic material, and may contain a compass and a signaling mirror. These containers are suitable for holding water, oxygen supplements and enhancers, food, medicines and first aid supplies. The containers may be supplied to survivors of natural disasters or used for general utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Mathew A Strumor
  • Patent number: 6131753
    Abstract: A vacuum jar apparatus is provided, including a jar having a jar wall terminating at a jar upper end in a jar opening surrounded and defined by a jar upper rim; and a jar lid structure including a sealing panel for resting against the jar upper rim and thereby closing and sealing the jar, and including a mechanism for evacuating air from within the jar, the mechanism for evacuating air including a chamber within the lid structure having an internal volume which is enlargeable and reducible, a first air passing port between the chamber and the jar, a first check valve in the first air passing port oriented to permit air to pass from the jar into the chamber and to prevent air from passing from the chamber into the jar through the first air passing port, a second air passing port between the chamber and the atmosphere outside the chamber and the jar, a second check valve in the second air passing port oriented to pass air from the chamber into the atmosphere outside the chamber and the jar and to prevent air fr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: John Berrien Lynch
  • Patent number: 6116450
    Abstract: A cover including a cover body adapted for covering on a top end of a canned food or cupped food, a kitchen utensil integrally formed in said cover body and connected thereto by separated connecting points, and a sealing film sealed on an outer side of the cover body to protect the kitchen utensil from contamination when the cover body is covered on a canned food or cupped food, the kitchen utensil including a utensil body having a coupling neck with transverse coupling notches, and a utensil handle having a coupling neck with upright coupling rods adapted for coupling to the coupling neck of the utensil body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Shou Li Huang
  • Patent number: 6105817
    Abstract: A cap for detachable mounting onto a product container can be adjusted to meet varying tightness requirements. The cap includes deformable tabs with catches whose flexibility can be modified by selectively positioning an adjacent ring so that a varying portion of the ring surface cooperates with the tabs, thereby influencing the firmness of the tabs. Accordingly, the axial force necessary for the catches to engage a recess on the container can be modified as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Thierry Ponton
  • Patent number: 6102235
    Abstract: A paint container lid with integral, self-supporting paint roller tray including a planar lid surface defined by a peripheral border and including means for attaching the border in a sealing relationship to the upper boundary of a paint container, a first opening formed in the lid surface defined by a peripheral edge, a cover for the first opening having a planar first surface and an opposite, textured second surface, the cover pivotally attached along a portion thereof to the lid, means to attach the cover to the lid, the cover capable of first and second configurations with the lid, in the first configuration, the planar first cover surface is arranged in co-planar relationship with the planar lid surface when the cover is placed flat over the opening with the planar first cover surface facing upward, in the second configuration, the textured, second cover surface is arranged facing upward at an acute angle with the lid, the cover slanting toward the first opening, to act as a paint roller tray, and a suppo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Max M. Stern, Elyon Krok
  • Patent number: 6089519
    Abstract: A liquid control and storage system for use with different sizes of beverage containers, the system including an upwardly open generally cup shaped coaster which is automatically but releasably coupled to the lower portion of a container as it is inserted into the coaster and which provides for the receipt and storage of any condensate or other liquid draining from the sides and bottom of the container, with provision to prevent the back flow of stored liquid upon subsequent tilting of the container and coupled coaster. In a preferred embodiment, the storage facility consists of a cup like member which is carried by but detachable from the coaster and, after being emptied of any liquid therein, is attachable to the closure rim at the top end of the container to protect any contents therein from loss and contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Sidney C. Laybourne
  • Patent number: 6085919
    Abstract: A set of bottle caps (attachments) which can contain a prize therein. The bottle caps being insertable over a bottle cap of a bottle. The bottle cap has a top and bottom container having a central opening therein. Together the top and bottom container form a hollow container which is capable of holding a prize. The central opening of the container must be of sufficient size to accept the bottle cap therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Uri Singer
  • Patent number: 6062415
    Abstract: A new trowel holding lid for storing a trowel when not in use. The inventive device includes a base having upper and lower surfaces. A wall is extended from the upper surface of the base and defines an interior space. The wall has a top edge which defines an upper opening into the interior space. A cover has upper and lower faces with the lower face resting on the top edge of the wall such that the cover substantially covers the upper opening into the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: George A. Harper
  • Patent number: 6044756
    Abstract: A vacuum pot capable of showing the vacuum status comprises a container and a cover body. The cover body comprises a seat, a top lid, an air-pumping unit, and an indicating unit. The top lid connects with the seat. A groove is installed on the top edge of the top lid. The air-pumping unit is installed between the seat and the top lid to draw out the air inside the container unidirectionally by the pressing and releasing of an air-pumping button. The indicating unit has a retractable pump. One end of the retractable pump connects with the seat. The retractable pump connects with the inside of the container. The other end of the retractable pump connects with a rack. The rack is meshed with a gear. The gear is pivotably installed on the seat. The gear fixedly joins a pointer installed in the groove of the top lid. A scale is installed on the groove. Thereby articles can be superposed on the cover body, the vacuum degree of the vacuum pot can be known exactly, and the user can operate using only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Kun Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 6035769
    Abstract: A vacuum sealed preservation container comprises a container main body and a lid made of a synthetic resin which is heat resistant and cold resistant and has microwave permeability, in which the lid has on the upper surface thereof a check valve constituted such that gases in the container flow out only in one direction to the outside of the container through a vent hole and a packing mounted in a packing case disposed in contiguous with the circumferential edge thereof, and the container is constituted such that the lid and the container main body are in airtight contact with each other by way of the packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hikari Kinzoku Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Nomura, Shigeru Nomura
  • Patent number: 6032811
    Abstract: A child resistant cap assembly includes an outer cap member having a top wall and a substantially cylindrical side wall depending therefrom. On the exterior surface of the top wall is a key slot and an alignment aperture. An inner cap member for threadedly engaging a container neck is concentrically received within said outer cap member has a mark and key slot on its top wall. The outer cap member normally rotates independently of the inner cap member. When the outer cap member's alignment aperture registers with the mark on the inner cap member, the key slots are aligned allowing a key member to be inserted therethrough. Accordingly, the inserted key member is then rotated to simultaneously rotate the inner and outer cap. The top wall of the outer cap member also includes means for removably retaining the key thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony Marconi
  • Patent number: 6032816
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cap (8) for closing a container such as a drink can opened (6) by a breakable seal (5) by means of a pull strip (7) on the lid, the said cap (8) being removably mounted on or around the said pull strip (7) to constitute a movable tab pivoting about the rivet (9) on the lid (4) to be clipped on the peripheral lip (12) crimping the lid (4) on the body (1) of the container. It is characterised in that the clipping means comprise two resilient linking tabs (13, 14) symmetrically arranged in the median horizontal plane P of the cap (8) on either side of the longitudinal axis of symmetry S to form a space (15) in which a lug (16) extends from a horizontal strip (17) holding together the two release tabs (13, 14). The invention also concerns the use of the cap (8) as an advertising vector or an element of a game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Akline
    Inventor: Didier Martin
  • Patent number: 6021903
    Abstract: A plastic container includes a lid and a base optionally connected to each other along a hinge. The lid includes a top wall having an integral sauce cup holder for engaging and suspending a sauce cup from the top wall above a bottom wall of the base. The sauce cup holder preferably includes a plurality of clips spaced equidistant from each other. These clips are spaced sufficiently apart such that they allow an upper peripheral rim of the sauce cup to be easily snapped into place with a top portion of the sauce cup immediately adjacent to the top wall of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6015060
    Abstract: A dual aperture beverage container is disclosed, consisting of a beverage container of traditional cylindrical shape, with a traditional pouring aperture assembly on the top of the container, such as a scored section and a tab. Located along the container side wall is a second scored portion. A venting aperture opener is included which hooks onto the top container rim and opens the venting scored portion to reveal a venting aperture. The venting aperture container can be used to provide additional air to the pouring aperture, or can itself be used as a pouring aperture. Also disclosed is a venting scored portion and venting tab, located on the container bottom, serving the same purpose as the venting aperture located on the container side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventors: Tim Rightenour, David Jordan