Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 220/212)
  • Patent number: 5261560
    Abstract: A receptacle for a spoon and fork; The spoon and the fork are pivotally mounted to the underside to the top of the receptacle, and the top is hinged to the bottom of the receptacle so that it may be opened to permit the spoon and fork to be turned to a position in which they protrude through the ends of the receptacle, and the top may then be closed down to a snap fit with the bottom of the receptacle to hold the spoon and fork in place, and enable the receptacle to serve as a handle for the spoon and fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Paul S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5255812
    Abstract: A container cap for vise with a self-heating tin container having a chemical compound on one end for releasing heat upon mixing with a liquid catalyzer. The container cap has an annular groove on the bottom around the border into which a peripheral flange on a self-heating tin container is inserted for positioning, a pointed member on the inside surface of the elastic top edge thereof, a film covering covered over the pointed member to hold a liquid catalyzer. Pressing the elastic top edge of the container cap against the tin container to which the container cap is fastened causes the pointed member to pierce the film covering permitting the liquid catalyzer to flow out of the container cap for mixing with the chemical compound in the tin container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Yu T. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5253758
    Abstract: A stackable device is disclosed comprising a cooking vessel with tapered sidewalls, lid halves and a handle, whereby the lid halves slidably mount to the cookware vessel and contain apertures for draining and pouring excess liquid therefrom, and whereby the lid halves contain locking channels which interlock and mate with stacking leg projections depending downwardly from the bottom surface. Whereby once the lid halves are attached to the projections of the bottom surface, one unit may be placed within the cavity of another unit for stacking to accommodate convenient packaging, storage and display. In addition, by attaching the lid halves to the bottom surface of the cooking container, lids are prevented from being lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Inventor: Irving J. Bissell, II
  • Patent number: 5251774
    Abstract: A lid for closing the opening of a container, which incorporates a utensil for use in removing, using or consuming the contents of the container, and which further incorporates a handle to facilitate use of the utensil. When not in use the handle components lie flat on the top of the container to allow for stacking of the containers. The handle is formed by rotating the handle halves about a flexible joint and connecting them together such that the handle extends outwardly from the upper surface of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Willis S. Engle
  • Patent number: 5244109
    Abstract: A first part of a plastic lid for a garbage container made of metal is secured by a standardized hinge adapter which is installed on one edge of the container. A second part of the plastic lid is slidably adjustable into and out of mating engagement with the first part to form the lid of a selected length. Three different sizes of the second part make the lid fit virtually all known containers. Depending upon the size of the container, two of the two-part slidably adjustable lids may be required to be placed next to each other in order to cover the entire opening in the container. Also, a central bar may be arranged between the two two-part slidably adjustable lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Poly-John Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney M. Mullett, Daniel G. Tyler, Jamie P. Kostelyk
  • Patent number: 5240132
    Abstract: A protective cap having a sealable cover for canned soft drinks and the like is disclosed. The cap comprises an outer periphery configured to receive and snap over a conventional beverage can such that a gas-tight seal is formed, a grate positioned to cover the opening in the top of the can through which the beverage may be consumed, and a hingeable cover having a seal which can be rotated between opened and closed positions to permit consumption of the beverage when in the open position and to seal the container when in the closed position. The sealing of the container prevents contamination of the enclosed beverage and seals in carbonation. It also prevents spillage if the container is overturned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Terence Tucker
  • Patent number: 5209365
    Abstract: An improved paint cup lid assembly of the type having a paint feed tube which is attached by a nut to a hand held paint spray gun. The paint feed tube is secured to a lid. The lid assembly includes a yolk which releasably secures the lid to a paint cup. When the paint cup is detached from the lid assembly, the yolk may be moved to a position wherein a socket formed in the yolk engages the nut and the yolk is used as a wrench for loosening or tightening the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: DeVilbiss Air Power Company
    Inventor: Mark W. Wood
  • Patent number: 5197623
    Abstract: A thermal jar for carrying snacks, and which is provided with a removable receptacle for a spoon and fork and which is received in a channel in a top surface of the cover of the jar. The spoon and the fork are pivotally mounted to the underside to the top of the receptacle, and the top is hinged to the receptacle so that it may be opened to permit the spoon and fork to be turned to a position in which they protrudes through the ends of the receptacle, and the cover may then be closed down to a snap fit with the receptacle to hold the spoon and fork in place, and enable the receptacle to serve as a handle for the spoon and fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Paul S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5188253
    Abstract: A container unit comprises an integrally formed container component (1) comprising a casing (20) and a closure (10), which includes a lid (11) initially sealed with an original seal (12) . A separate bottom piece (30) for the container is permanently secured to the casing (20) of the container component containing the product, preferably by rotation-friction welding the bottom piece and the casing, both of which consist of polypropene. The component (1) is oriented with the closure (10) facing down and the product is poured in via the open end of the casing. The bottom piece is then placed in the open end of the container casing and rotation-friction welded to the casing. A partition (36) may be inserted in the casing to define a space for the product corresponding to the volume of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Duma AB
    Inventors: Cyril Poore, Bernard Sams
  • Patent number: 5180079
    Abstract: The combined cup of the present invention for soft drinks is constituted with an upper cup body and a lower cup body jointed together by a connecting body; and in the center of the connecting body, there is formed a nozzle sticking upward to be received into the nozzle sleeve formed on the upper cup body so as to keep both cup bodies firmly connected. The lower cup body is used to contain soft drink while the upper cup body is used to contain solid snacks. By applying such combined cup, the user can therefore enjoy the fun of eating and drinking with one hand holding the combined cup containing both snacks and drink and one hand free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: John Jeng
  • Patent number: 5176269
    Abstract: Rib and groove snap-type action securing elements are formed respectively on closure bases and caps so that a number of different closure caps can be disposed for co-action with a single base to fabricate a number of different closure assemblies. In one embodiment the rib is carried by a depending circumferential wall of the cap for co-action with a circumferential groove formed in the base, while in another embodiment the rib is carried by an upstanding circumferential wall of the base for co-action with a groove disposed peripherally about the cap. In other embodiments a disc-like intermediate cap is disposed between a base and a top cap formed with a surrounding depending wall with a bead along its lower edge for co-action with the lower edge of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Herman Pearl Button Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Herman
  • Patent number: 5150869
    Abstract: A multi-functional coaster has a vessel-supporting platform and extending from the periphery of the platform one or more additional constructional features enabling the coaster to be used also as a bottle opener and/or a sealing lid for a beverage can and/or a can opening tab lifter. The bottle opening feature is formed by a radial flange of claw-like cross-section and an axial skirt on which is provided a sharp-edged radially outwardly projecting portion for engaging the rim of a bottle cap. The flange simultaneously provides means for assisting leverage of a can tab by inserting it between the tab and the roof of the can, or alternatively a flange may be provided on its own for that purpose. The sealing lid feature is provided by a radially inwardly projecting step on the skirt, which forms a recess for releasably and sealingly engaging the lip on the top of a beverage can. This feature may be provided on its otwn on the skirt or in conjunction with the bottle opening feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Longacre & White
    Inventors: Murray J. Gould, Joshua L. Kohn, Matthew O. Kohn
  • Patent number: 5150804
    Abstract: In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the invention provides a rotationally resistive pail, pail support and coupling. The apparatus includes a pail, and a lid for closing the pail in a closing position, and for supporting the pail in a supporting and locking position. The pail has notches in the base of the pail. The lid has corresponding lugs for vertical interlocking and rotationally resistive engagement with the notches when the lid is in the supporting position. When the lid is in the supporting position, the lid supports the pail vertically and laterally, and the mating engagement of the lid and pail resists relative rotation between the lid and the pail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventors: Oscar Blanchet, Donald Mills
  • Patent number: 5148937
    Abstract: A cap is disclosed, for use on a container having a neck defining an opening sealed by a protective foil that has to be removed when the container is used for the very first time. The cap comprises a top sized to close the opening and a peripheral skirt that projects from the top and is detachably connectable to the wall of the neck. The cap also comprises at least one and preferably two open slots made in the skirt, the slots extending at angle from the bottom edge of the slot and being wide engage to receive the wall of the neck. The slots make the skirt to define spikes that preferably are oppositely oriented for use by right-handed or left-handed persons to perforate and remove the protective foil sealing the neck of the container when the latter has to be opened for the very first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Dero Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Huard
  • Patent number: 5123558
    Abstract: A combination cap closure includes a member having a support surface surrounded by a rim to form a coaster for receiving a can and to sealingly engage a lip on a can. The rim includes a plurality of grooves which allows the accumulation of moisture from the can into the coaster, but restricts fluid flow from the coaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: John G. Moloney
  • Patent number: 5117995
    Abstract: A stopper for stoppering a bottle having a bottleneck and containing a beverage pressurized by carbon dioxide. The stopper includes a hollow body, preferably made of plastic, having a top opening which is able to be closed by a cover, the hollow body having a shank. A compressed elastic, for example, a spring, is being positioned in the hollow body. A charge carrier is arranged on an end of the compressed elastic and is directed toward the opening of the hollow body. The charge carrier is locked into position on the end of the elastic and is retained in a compressed state for as long as the shank of the hollow body is in the bottleneck of the bottle and is hindered by the bottleneck from giving way outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Alexander Kau
  • Patent number: 5082136
    Abstract: Difficulties in removing a film-like seal (14) from the access opening (12) of a container (10) may be avoided in a container and cap construction including a container (10) whose access opening (12) has an edge (20) of circular shape and of a particular inside diameter, a cap (16) for the opening (12), snap-fit components (28, 30) or threads (140, 142) for removably holding the cap (16) on the container (10) to occlude the access opening (12), a membrane or foil-like seal (14) bonded to the container (10) about the access opening (12) to be free of the cap (16) and at least one cutting tooth (50, 104) carried by the cap (16) and displaced from a rotation point (54) on the cap (16) about which the cap (16) may be rotated relative to the access opening (12) a distance equal to or slightly more than one-half of the particular diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Enviro-Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Schumann
  • Patent number: 5062539
    Abstract: The container comprises two or more tube-like storage modules that are stacked on top of one another and interconnected by a plate-like lid which is removably interposed in the joint between the modules and has male/female joint-forming attachment grooves on the upper and lower sides thereof, which mate with in-turned out-turned flanges on the lower and upper rims of the modules, respectively, to form a joint in which the modules are releasably interlocked against relative movement in the lateral directions thereof. The modules have open-ended bins therewithin, and additional openings in the sides thereof through which a pair of panels are removably insertable to form false bottoms for the bins, or in the alternative, to open the bottoms of the bins for the unloading operation, when the panels are removed from the bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: John W. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5062541
    Abstract: A closure cap for an automotive fuel tank displays informational indicia on one or more flags which are caused to project from the periphery of the cap when the cap is twisted for removal from the tank filler tube. The cap is constructed with two coaxially mounted plate members which are rotatably moveable relative each other by the act of twisting the cap off or on the filler cap. The relative movement of the two plates is utilized to propel the flags back and forth between one position in which the flags are disposed substantially entirely within the periphery of the cap and another position in which the flags extend substantially beyond the periphery of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent J. Galbo
  • Patent number: 5056424
    Abstract: A picnic cooking assembly includes a skillet, a cooking pan, and a kettle. The cooking pan nests within the skillet and the kettle nests within the skillet over the cooking pan. The cooking pan, inverted, fits over the skillet to form a food storage container. Moreover, the kettle is formed with a spout covered with a cap which is also securable to the kettle as a handle. Attached to the skillet is a handle which, when the cooking assembly is assembled, fits over and around the kettle, locking the cooking assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Kou Yen Lai
  • Patent number: 5048710
    Abstract: The wet cover for wallpaper dispensers is a snug fitting cover that includes a moisture source that prevents drying of wallpaper paste when a wallpaper dispenser is covered with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Ava Diston
  • Patent number: 5042678
    Abstract: The foregoing and other objects of the invention will be realized by a closure assembly engageable with the filler tube of a fuel tank for preventing the outflow of fuel vapors from the fuel tank during a filling procedure and including a manually grippable generally circular top member having a central axial opening therein for permitting the passage of a fuel delivery nozzle therethrough and receiving a relatively smaller press fitted cap thereat. A threaded bottom member of generally circular cross section extends from the top member for threadable engagement with a threaded opening in the filler tube. The bottom member is of a generally hollow construction and has a central axial opening therein and in which a resilient circular annular fuel vapor absorbent filter element is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: Preston T. Munguia
  • Patent number: 5036994
    Abstract: An integrated assembly is described comprising a container and an elastic container lid. The container has an opening wall defining an opening of the container, with the opening wall having an outer peripheral surface. The elastic container lid is stretchably adjustable to cover the opening of the container, and includes a closure panel having a peripheral edge. According to the invention, a suitable adhesive is located along a predetermined portion of the outer peripheral surface of the opening wall of the container for securing a predetermined portion of the peripheral edge of the elastic container lid to the container. When the predetermined portion of the elastic lid is secured to the container in this manner, a free portion of the elastic container lid is foldable into a first portion leaving the opening of the container substantially unsealed, a second position leaving the opening of the container partly sealed and a third position wherein the container opening is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Steven G. McElroy
  • Patent number: 4990345
    Abstract: A container for the storing and the direct consumption of edible contents therefrom. The container comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped container defined by an upstanding sidewall and an upper lid and a substantially parallel lower closure. The container also comprises a cover removably mounted above the upper lid to define a space between the upper lid and the cover. A utensil is located within the space for consuming the edible contents within the container. The container further comprises means between the upper lid and the cover for emitting a fragrance upon the separation of the cover from the upper lid. One of the lids and the sidewall thereadjacent is constricted to a reduced size for being inserted into the opposite end of another container for stacking purposes. The package is tamper evident with its upper lid coupled with respect to the sidewall so as to preclude littering. Lastly, also disclosed are methods of fabricating, filling and using such containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: John D. Webb
  • Patent number: 4984813
    Abstract: A shopping pushcart includes an article-holding container mounted inwardly of a frame and having an open top. A lid plate is mounted through a link above the open top of the article-holding container in such a manner that the lid plate can be moved to a generally upstanding position and can also be reversed. Opposite faces of the lid plate serve as a lid surface and a seat surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Combi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiko Takahashi, Hideo Saito, Takashi Watanabe, Tomihioro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 4981233
    Abstract: A positive pressure closure lid has a single stroke bellows pump for pressurizing the internal open space of an aluminum beverage can. The pressure cap has a bifurcated seal which curls around and tightly engages opposite sides of the rolled top rim of the beverage can. As the bellows pump is pressed downwardly, a bellows cap is held in the collapsed position by a pair of resilient snap retainers. The slight pressurization provided by the single stroke bellows pump retards the release of carbonated gases from the beverage, thus preserving the flavor of the beverage after the pressurized can has been opened. Increased internal pressure provided by the bellows pump reinforces the sealing engagement of an internal annular flange portion of the bifurcated seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Inventor: Robert S. Scheurer
  • Patent number: 4969558
    Abstract: A lunchbox apparatus is arranged for use with a microwave wherein a removable lid frictionally engaging an upper end of the lunchbox container is of a first material, such as a polymeric plate, for use with a microwave while the lunchbox container portion is of a second metallic material. The lid may include compartments therewithin for securement of different food components and additionally may include spaced walls defining a single chamber therebetween containing a liquid arranged for accepting heat during microwave use and imparting such heat to foods contained within the various compartments of the lunchbox lid. A support stand for pivotally mounting the lunchbox interiorly of a microwave or upon a surface during use is optionally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Timothy M. Fisher
  • Patent number: 4957039
    Abstract: A cooker apparatus for simultaneously cooking fajitas in a pan while barbecuing on a grill. The apparatus has an upwardly opening chamber supported at the bottom thereof, and a burner for heating is contained inside of the chamber. The grill is supported inside of the chamber above the burner; and, a special pan that slopes towards the center forms a protective cover when in one position and can be inverted to form a frying pan within which fajitas can be cooked when in another position. The pan is supported at the upper end of the chamber and can be elevated to form an adjustable flue area by which the escape of heat from the chamber is controlled. The pan is pivotally supported for movement towards and away from the chamber to allow access to the interior of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Inventor: Clyde L. Reyes
  • Patent number: 4955500
    Abstract: A sealing groove cover for a cylindrical fluid container includes a circular body, a circular outer sealing member, a circular inner sealing member and a circular male element. The outer sealing member is coupled to the circular body along its outer perimeter edge and snugly contacts the outer surface of the container wall. The circular inner sealing member is coupled to the circular body along its inner perimeter edge and is dimensioned to snugly contact the inner perimeter of a female groove which forms a part of the cylindrical container and is dimensioned to receive and seal with a removable lid. The circular male element of the sealing groove cover is located at a radial distance between the inner and outer sealing members and is aligned with the female groove of the container to form an interference fit between the sealing groove cover and the container female groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Inventor: John R. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 4951832
    Abstract: A set of containers, preferably graduated and conveniently ranging in size generally from 1/2 pint to 1 gallon, each having a lid that may be placed on top to seal its respective, container and also may be matingly attached to the bottom in order that a smaller container with lid attached may be nested in the next larger container for convenient storage without loss or misplacing the lid. The lid attached to the bottom is configured to provide a uniform space between the vertical sides and the bottoms of nested containers so that two nested containers may provide a double walled container with an air gap acting as thermal insulation. Each lid may have a rim with a scalloped outside surface to prevent trapping of air in the nested position that could otherwise impede removal of the container and its lid from a larger container. A flange or downturned lip may be provided adjacent the upper rim of the container to assist in supporting a smaller inner container or a larger in a spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventors: Brian J. Tenney, Kerry L. Tenney
  • Patent number: 4948008
    Abstract: A can has two closed can ends, one of which is provided with a pull tab having a pull-up member connected to the pull tab. The pull tab can be torn away from the associated can end to form an opening by pulling up the pull-up member which is connected to the pull tab. The pull-up member includes a bottom portion and a tapered insert portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion. After the pull tab is detached from the can, the pull tab can be broken off from the pull-up member and the tapered insert portion can be used to snugly seal the opening in the can end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Inventors: Jaw-Shyong Wu, Yun-Terng Wang, Hann-Chang Wu, Jiin-Tsong Shieh
  • Patent number: 4932549
    Abstract: A cover having an exterior crown provided with a hole which is designed to be fixed onto an outer edge of a vat. The cover has a rigid inner capsule for blocking the hole. When the cover is in a final position, the inner capsule which is attached to the crown by a hooked locking device, is elastically engaged. The inner capsule also has a provisional position, in which it is placed in a movable position across the hole, in an inverted position. The cover can be easily removed and placed in its final position by an automatic vat filling installation. The cover is preferably manufactured from a synthetic substance, and has application in the field of conditioning bulk good, such as grains, powders or pastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Sofratube RCT, S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Gouttefangeas
  • Patent number: 4921114
    Abstract: A carrier for snack items for a small child has top and bottom dish shaped concavo-convex members releasably secured together near the mid-line of the carrier to present a bulbous shape defining an internal cavity. Food items placed in the carrier are accessible to the child through an opening in the top and the opening is located and sized to minimize the chance for spillage when the child carries the container in hanging fashion from one of a pair of U-shaped handles. A cover is releasably secured to a flange surrounding the access opening and the cover can be releasably parked on a similar flange on the bottom of the carrier when the latter is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Brenda J. L. Rome
  • Patent number: 4921119
    Abstract: A combination food warming vessel and lifting frame is described in which a food warming vessel of conventional construction includes side and bottom walls and an upper open wide mouth with a rim extending therearound can be lifted by a separate ring-shaped lifting frame element which encircles the food warming vessel. The lifting frame includes a central opening adapted to receive the food warming vessel so that the rim of the vessel rests on the upper surface of the lifting frame. The frame includes portions that extend laterally beyond the edge of the rim which are adapted to be grasped manually for lifing the vessel. Hinged to the frame on one side thereof is a cover support arm which has a clasp at its free end for connecting the arm to a cover for the vessel. This allows the cover to be raised by pivoting the arm from the hinged connection with the lifting frame. The lifting frame, arm and cover can all be separated from the vessel when the vessel is to be refilled or cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Industrial Design & Engineering Associates
    Inventors: Eugine W. Goad, John V. Drube
  • Patent number: 4917258
    Abstract: A snap-on lid for covering opened beverage cans securely enough to contain effervescent gases effectively during storage of the beverages in such a container, including a collar defining a groove which is downwardly open to receive an upwardly-directed edge of the container. A convex dome is located within the area circumscribed by the collar, and a flexible annular portion surrounds the dome portion of the lid and interconnects it with the collar. A skirt depends from the outer side of the collar portion and fits sealingly against the outer surfaces of the container. An upper margin of the skirt has an inner diameter smaller than that of the outer wall of the collar, presenting an inwardly-directed lip along the open edge of the groove defined by the collar, to engage the bottom of a bead defined at the top of the container and thus aid in retaining the lid in place on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventors: James B. Boyd, September Flick, Otto A. Stein
  • Patent number: 4907710
    Abstract: An inexpensive trash can for normal household kitchen trash designed to hold thin wall plastic bags which are normally given to the customer in grocery and like retail stores. The trash can has upstanding handle support flanges which project upwardly from opposing side walls of the trash can and which terminate in a projecting lip to hold the handles of the plastic bag and to maintain the bag in an open condition. A dustpan, which doubles as a top cover for the trash can, comes as an integral part of the trash can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Catherine S. Bulkens
  • Patent number: 4889257
    Abstract: A container includes a container body and a lid. The lid includes a pair of pins which extend into slots in the side walls of the container body. The configurations of the slots and the pins are such that the pins can slide but not rotate in the main portions of the slot but can rotate in enlarged end portions of the slots. The position of the lid can be reversed by positioning the pins in the enlarged end portions of the slots, rotating the lid 180.degree., and sliding the lid and the pins to the other ends of the slots. The lid can then be opened or closed while the lid is in its inverted position by sliding the pins within the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Coleman Outdoor Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Steffes
  • Patent number: 4836396
    Abstract: A combination canister cover and cookie cutter includes a disc-like central member having an upper surface and a lower surface; a lower cylindrical skirt extending downwardly from the periphery of the disc-like central member; screw threads formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical skirt to permit the combination cover and cookie cutter to be screw-threadedly received on a container; a handle extending from the lower surface of the disc-like central member within the boundary of the lower cylindrical skirt; a raised image forming pattern formed on the upper surface of the disc-like central member; and an annular cookie cutting rim extending from the periphery of the upper surface of the disc-like central member in surrounding relation to the raised image forming pattern and at a height greater than the height of the raised image forming pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: M. Kamenstein, Inc.
    Inventors: Jane Ancona, Bruce Ancona
  • Patent number: 4836368
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to preparation and dispensing of moist, hot towels which has become standard practice in international airline travel and is recognized as a desired passenger convenience. Limitations on cost, storage space, and airline attendant time have restricted the airlines' ability to make such a convenience more widespread. The present invention provides a compact, efficient means for containing, preparing and dispensing moist, hot towels that overcomes these drawbacks. As disclosed, the container of the invention includes a bottom formed at least partially of heat insulating material that is adapted to contain a stack of, for example, disposable towels and that has self-supporting sidewalls. A top cover is included that is similarly shaped, but of a slightly smaller dimension so that it will fit inside the cavity of the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: James D. Cotton
  • Patent number: 4815783
    Abstract: A floating container cap for liquid storage containers used adjacent to bodies of water or similar liquids, the storage containers having a cylindrical input port of a predetermined internal diameter with a threaded surface for interaction with the container cap, comprising a cylindrical housing which is fluid tight with an external diameter less than the container input port. A generally circular metallic top having a diameter larger than the remainder of the housing forms a top end of the housing and a foam material is disposed inside the housing. To removably secure the cap in place, a plurality of threads are disposed on the outside of the housing adjacent to the top for interfacing with the input port threaded surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Inventors: Kent B. Montreuil, Gary A. Palmejar, James H. Pfister, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4750613
    Abstract: A closure and lighter holder for a pack of cigarettes and a lighter includes a first strip having a stop and a band for retaining a lighter, and a second strip for insertion through the top folds and sealing strip of a pack of cigarettes. The strip for closing the pack of cigarettes and the strip for holding the lighter are pivotally connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Inventor: Yvette B. Kopp
  • Patent number: 4718569
    Abstract: A lockable gas cylinder cap system comprised of hinged upper and lower cap portions and a lockable equipment or parts holding box removably attached to the lower cap portion by a T-shaped connecting member that is slidably received in a downwardly extending slot provided in edge and sidewall of the lower cap portion. The box is provided with a hingably secured lid that includes an outwardly extending locking tab member that overlies the T-shaped connection when the lid is closed so as to be retained between the upper and lower portions of the cap when they are closed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Inventor: John F. Swanson
  • Patent number: 4712671
    Abstract: A system for hanging a packaged product such as a container having a flat-topped plastic cap from a rod at a display rack. A plastic tab is integrally mounted to the flat top of the cap. The tab is movable between nonoperative and operative positions, wherein in the nonoperative position the tab lies flat against the top of the cap, and in the operative position the cap is rotated to a position perpendicular to the top of the cap. The tab includes a loop portion forming a hole and a hinge portion that is integrally and flexibly connected to the loop portion and to the cap. The top of the cap forms a recess that is adapted to snugly receive the tab. The hole is adapted to receive the rod of the display rack so as to support the container. The tab and the hole can have various configurations. Two tabs are provided for large caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventor: Frank S. Salacuse
  • Patent number: 4697704
    Abstract: A generally cubical container with a vertical open front selectively closed by a removably attachable hinged cover, spaced aligned parallel slots on the upper and lower walls inside the container to receive floppy discs standing on edge in the slots, the cover having stub shafts to slide into and seat in a first pair of grooves on the outside of the container to close the container or alternatively to slide into and seat in a second pair of grooves to form a support base for the container to provide a slight downward inclination from front to rear to maintain the discs in the container by gravity and to facilitate insertion of discs into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Royal Master Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin W. Curry
  • Patent number: 4693410
    Abstract: A plastic drinking cup which is integrally connected with one or more elastic closures for the open ends of bottles and/or openings in the top walls of metallic or plastic cans. A closure can be provided at the inner side or at the outer side of the bottom wall of the cup, at the inner side or at the outer side of the tubular wall of the cup, or at the inner side of a transverse wall which is inwardly adjacent to the bottom wall. The closure can constitute an integral or a separable part of the cup, and the latter can be provided with a relief valve to allow for a reduction of pressure in the interior of a bottle or can whose open end or opening is sealed by the closure. The cup can carry two closures, one with a concave internal surface to sealingly engage with and to swivel relative to the partly spherical external surface of a bottle and the other for a can. Each closure can be manually applied to or disengaged from the bottle or can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Surculus AG
    Inventor: Aloiz Selz
  • Patent number: 4624384
    Abstract: An improved resilient end closure for a beverage container having a generally cylindrical side wall is provided by the present invention. The unique end closure comprises in one embodied form, a stabilizer disposed on a peripheral portion of the closure to limit axial movement of the beverage container when the container is oriented on a side wall; a groove disposed on the underside of the periphery of the end closure, the groove being configured to provide a snap fit with and detachably secure the closure to the top portion of the beverage container; and a through port disposed on the closure adjacent the circumferential edge of the closure sustantially opposite the peripheral portion of the closure having the stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventor: Duk H. Ko
  • Patent number: 4600113
    Abstract: A refuse container is disclosed, which is suitable for ease in picking up leaves or other trash. The refuse container comprises a body defined by a front wall, two sidewalls and a rear wall, an open upper end and a lower portion. The front wall forms a scoop portion at its upper end. An accommodating lid, which includes a scoop means, is further provided. Finally, an elongated pivotally disposed handle on the rear wall is provided, which is suitable for pulling the refuse container while lying on its front wall. In such prone position, leaves or other debris may be easily scooped into the refuse container either directly or by means of the scoop portion formed in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 4533042
    Abstract: The present invention provides a motor oil change kit, especially for use by do-it-yourselfers, in which all that is needed for conveniently and cleanly changing the oil may be packaged together in a way that increases the chances that the motorist will not become intimidated by the project, but become habituated to this way of getting the oil changed, and that increases the chances that the motorist will unerringly bring the used oil to an authorized collection facility. Four types of kit are shown, each with its own advantages, but with many features in common. Each provides a closeable container of new oil, a collector for used oil, and a convenient system for either closing the container used for collecting the used oil, or for transferring the used oil from the collector to the emptied closeable container in which the new oil had been contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Inventor: William F. Pollacco
  • Patent number: 4512497
    Abstract: A cooking dish including a cover having at least one opening that allows controlled venting and access into the interior of the dish. At least one opening is formed in the periphery of the cover, and the dish has at least one ledge facing the cover. The opening in the cover may be blocked or unblocked to various degrees depending on where it is positioned over the ledge of the dish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald M. Grusin
  • Patent number: 4422545
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a cosmetic displayer and dispenser, especially for use with lipsticks, having a holder assembly, said assembly being movable up and down, a top or cover and a transparent base able to be filled with cosmetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Revlon, Inc.
    Inventor: Shlomo J. Kadoory