Combined Or Convertible Patents (Class 220/212)
  • Lid
    Publication number: 20120312811
    Abstract: A lid configured to substantially seal the opening of a container when engaged with the container. The container may be configured to house a consumable substance. The lid may have a circumferential lip and a continuous surface extending from the inner surface of the lid in an amount that is greater than the height of the lip. The continuous surface may be non-collapsible. The lid and continuous surface may be used as a dipping vessel for the consumable substance when disengaged with the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Savage, David Hathaway
  • Publication number: 20120312815
    Abstract: A container end (20) having a dispensing aperture (50) with a closed position, in which the dispensing aperture is sealed, and an open position, in which product may be dispensed through the aperture (50). The end (20) includes a flexible film (70), which has at least one tongue (75) anchored to the end (20) outside the periphery of the aperture (50) and having a free end, which is visible in the dispensing aperture once the aperture is opened. The free end of the tongue (75) is concealed when the aperture (50) is closed, but becomes visible to a user once the aperture (50) is opened. Thus the film tongue (75) provides opportunities for promotional activities e.g. Prize award.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CROWN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Eleanor Rachel Ann Hyde, Sylvia Maria Farrow
  • Publication number: 20120305554
    Abstract: This invention provides an easy to use device used to store a hose compatible with a standard garden hose faucet connection upon an insulated drink cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Brandal Johnston
  • Publication number: 20120309132
    Abstract: A heat spreader or lid for a microelectronic package, in which the heat spreader has an underside surface that includes at least one curvilinear contour, in which the curvilinear contour is selected from at least one positive or protruding curvilinear feature, at least one negative or recessed curvilinear feature, and a combination thereof. A microelectronic package that includes the heat spreader/lid, in which there is improved heat dissipation or reduced mechanical stress in an interface between the heat spreader/lid and a circuit chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Gaynes, Maurice McGlashan-Powell, Soojae Park, Edward Yarmchuk
  • Publication number: 20120298663
    Abstract: Flexible sturdy base containers and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. The flexible sturdy base container includes a rigid base element formed of a relatively rigid material. The rigid base element includes a bottom and a perimeter wall having an outward facing surface. The container also includes a flexible wall element formed of a relatively flexible material. The flexible wall element is affixed to the outward facing surface of the perimeter wall of the rigid base element and extends in a direction away from the bottom of the rigid base element. The flexible wall element and the bottom of the rigid base element together form an exterior of the flexible sturdy base container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: PRINTPACK ILLINOIS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Seidel, James Douglas Taylor, Hwan Koo Cho, William Ben Bower, David James Kessler, JR., Hannah C Smith, Karen Lynn English, Gray McCalley, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120298664
    Abstract: This invention relates to cooking utensils having at least dual means to mechanically stabilize a cooking utensil to a Pan/pot/holding tray or lid where the effort to place it in a set location is user friendly as well as the ability to remove the utensil at a static state is likewise effortless. This system requires at least one matching pair of magnets and a second mechanical means to stabilize the utensil and a means to protect the magnet on the heated source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Dean DeVolpi
  • Publication number: 20120292320
    Abstract: An apparatus to oxygenate and perfuse a bodily tissue for extracorporeal preservation of the bodily tissue. The apparatus may be used to transport donor organs for transplant. The apparatus includes a pneumatic system, a pumping chamber, and an organ chamber. The pneumatic system is configured for the controlled delivery of fluid to and from the pumping chamber based on a predetermined control scheme. The pumping chamber is configured to diffuse a gas into a perfusate and to generate a pulse wave for moving the perfusate through a bodily tissue. The pumping chamber is configured to substantially automatically purge excess fluid from the pumping chamber to an area external to the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Paragonix Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Alden Judson, Lisa Maria Maier
  • Patent number: 8313001
    Abstract: A container with a granulated or powdered product stores a scoop in or on a threaded closure for the container, in such a way that the scoop will not sink down into the product. Several embodiments are disclosed, including different ways for retaining the scoop on the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Innovative Molding
    Inventors: Grahame W. Reid, Donald Waring, David Lloyd
  • Publication number: 20120279964
    Abstract: A closure for a container has an integral measuring spoon (40). A spout (10) is adapted to fit over a mouth of a container (4) and is induction heat sealed to the rim by a foil (6). The foil is torn by removing a removable strip (20) that also provides a frame to support the spoon. One corner (32) of the spout can be raised to provide a holder for the spoon after the closure has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BAPCO CLOSURES RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventor: Peter Michael McGeough
  • Patent number: 8302805
    Abstract: A closure has a body and a lid is molded with the body. A utensil, such as a scoop or spear, is integrally formed with the closure body, and connected to the closure body via frangible connections. The lid includes a utensil-receiving structure for releasably holding the utensil, once it is initially broken away from the closure body, such that the utensil can be attached to the closure lid for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Corinne M. Blomdahl, Timothy M. Mazurkiewicz, John M. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8302793
    Abstract: A closure for a container having a support device for fillers, in particular a tablet tube, the support device providing an elastically deformable support element that is capable of being brought from a first position, in which the support element is undeformed, into a second position in which the support element is deformed. The support element has a contact area that, in the second position, transmits a supporting force to the fillers; in the second position the support element is situated closer to the container mid-axis than is the case in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Sanner GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Schorner
  • Patent number: 8297260
    Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a covering member, a subtank, a first housing on the covering member to project toward the subtank, terminals in the first housing, a second housing fitted to the first housing, and lead wires in the second housing connected respectively to the terminals. The first housing includes a fitting recess opening toward the subtank, and a partition wall dividing the recess into spaces, each of which receives a corresponding terminal. The second housing includes a fitting projection fitted into the recess, a slit dividing the projection into blocks, each of which receives a corresponding terminal, the partition wall being inserted in the slit, and axial holes, each of which accommodates a corresponding wire. Each wire includes a corresponding one of elastic seal members. Each seal member seals a gap between a corresponding wire and a wall surface of a corresponding axial hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kengo Masuda
  • Publication number: 20120266570
    Abstract: Disclosed is a package having a rigid tray and a dual purpose portion that can serve either as a base for the tray or a lid for the tray. The dual purpose portion has a first grooved portion sized to be retained by a base portion of the tray, and a second grooved portion sized to be retained by an upper lip portion of the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Dean Benson
  • Publication number: 20120267279
    Abstract: A container for air freshening materials or other volatiles includes a receptacle or base and a cover that may be rotated from a closed position to multiple open positions while still engaged to the base to create vent passageway(s) between the cover and the base. A containment section of the base houses an air freshening material, such as a fragrance gel or potpourri, or a volatile, such as an insect repellant. The base further defines an alignment section adapted to rotationally and axially position the cover, an integrated sealing element, and an optional vent section. The alignment section includes a ramp and upper and lower locating elements coupled to the ramp. The alignment section engages at least one guide or a guide nub that extends from a depending arm of the cover. The guide or guide nub travels along the ramp from a first locating element when the cover is in a fully closed position to a second locating element when the cover is in a fully open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Hayloft Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Lesniak, Kyle Brandenburg, John R. Hickman
  • Patent number: 8292104
    Abstract: A safety bottle cap for preventing damage from anti-burglary tearing flanges has an opening, a cover and a two-layer tear ring between the opening and the aperture on the cover. A lower stop flange is protruded on the lower section of the opening. An upper stop flange is located at a spacing with the lower stop flange. A hooking edge is protruded on the inner side of the aperture. The tear ring has upper and lower rings, ribs arranged to link the rings, an outward flange protruded on exterior of the upper ring, an upper abutting edge protruded on the inner side of the upper ring and a lower abutting edge protruded on the inner side of the lower ring. The safety bottle cap allows the cover to be opened smoothly without spurs on the aperture, thus realizing anti-burglary identification and improving protection against mouth injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Living Fountain Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Hsiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8287177
    Abstract: A rotatable top for use with a container for measuring, mixing, and dispending drinks. The rotatable top rotates around an axis and provides multiple positions for (i) measuring volumes of liquid and dumping that liquid into the container, (ii) inserting additional liquid, ice or other solids into the container, (iii) closing and sealing the top and container for mixing the drink, and (iv) dispensing the mixed drink with or without a strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Chef'n Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Holcomb, Joshua R. Stewart, Matthew Krus
  • Publication number: 20120248111
    Abstract: A cap for use in a neck of a laboratory vessel, such as a roller bottle, is disclosed. In embodiments, the cap is assembled from two parts, an annular skirted cap body and a cap insert. In embodiments the cap insert has integral connectors for attaching tubing, vents, filters, or the like. In embodiments, the cap insert fits into the annular skirted cap body through a rotatable fitting. In embodiments, when the cap is assembled, the top portion of the cap, having integral connectors, is rotatably fitted to the annular side wall of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Adam J. Bear, Gail H. Pentheny, Paul Kevin Seeto
  • Publication number: 20120241451
    Abstract: Tamper evident devices and methods including devices that can be used with pill bottles and other packages to provide evidence of tampering by an unauthorized user are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Fred Pether, Rich Costa
  • Patent number: 8267273
    Abstract: A conical hole plug for efficiently sealing various size and configuration holes and openings. The conical hole plug generally includes a first elongated portion including a first inner end and a first outer end, wherein the first inner end is opposite the first outer end and wherein the first elongated portion includes a first tapered outer surface extending inwardly toward the first outer end. A second elongated portion extends from the first elongated portion, wherein the second elongated portion includes a second inner end and a second outer end, wherein the second inner end is opposite the second outer end and wherein the second inner end extends from the first inner end and wherein the second elongated portion includes a second tapered outer surface extending inwardly toward the second outer end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventors: Lauren D. Volzke, Dennis M. Volzke
  • Patent number: 8267276
    Abstract: A cap for holding a powder to be mixed with a fluid in a bottle has a product cap with a reservoir. The product cap has a top wall and a side wall. The product cap has a number of inner protrusions on the side wall and a number of outer protrusions on the side wall. A cylindrical safety gate has a number of grooves. The inner protrusions of the product cap mate with the grooves of the safety gate. The cylindrical safety gate has a gate and an aperture at an end of the cylindrical safety gate. A bottle cap with a cylindrical body has a threaded end and a gate end. The gate end has a number of grooves that mate with the outer protrusions. The bottle cap has a gate and an aperture between the threaded end and the gate end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Joel Francomano
  • Patent number: 8267269
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible food guard for displaying and serving food comprising a resilient transparent cover assembly for a substantially planar base. The cover assembly is substantially semi-cylindrical of a predetermined radius and has closed opposing ends. The cover assembly is reversibly pivotably attached to a base and has downward facing edges to seal the cover to the base when the cover is pivoted in the down (closed) position. The semi-cylindrical portion of the cover assembly is a resilient transparent shield that reversibly detachable from the arched surfaces of the closed opposing ends (side walls) and is sufficiently resilient such that when detached form the arched surfaces of the opposing side walls, it assumes the substantially planar shape in which it was initially molded. This resiliency allows the collapsible food guard to collapse into planar elements (side walls, shield and optional base) requiring minimal storage space and providing easy cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Gundersen
  • Publication number: 20120228164
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a closure for a container, such as, for example, a wine bottle. In one embodiment, the closure includes an oxidant releasing agent that is adapted to release oxygen into an interior portion of the container according to a predefined desired profile. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a gas containing reservoir, a membrane and a barrier layer, said membrane allowing an at least partial exchange of gas between the inside of said reservoir and the inside of said container, and said barrier layer at least partially preventing exchange of gas between the outside of said closure and the inside of said reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: NOMACORC LLC
    Inventors: Olav Marcus Aagaard, Katherine Campbell Glasgow, Malcolm Joseph Thompson, Marco Josef Otto Kirch
  • Publication number: 20120217244
    Abstract: A container defines an interior volume, an opening into the interior volume, and a sealing surface bordering the opening. A closure assembly may be attachable over the opening and includes at least one of an induction seal liner, an inner seal, and a sealable film. A radio frequency identification tag includes a microprocessor and an antenna for receiving, storing, and transmitting selected digitized information. The induction seal liner, inner seal, and sealable film minimizes migration of fluids between the interior volume and the container exterior when the closure assembly may be engaged with the sealing surface. The radio frequency identification tag may be included in the closure assembly, or within the interior volume, or on the container exterior, or may be incorporated into the induction seal liner, inner seal, or sealable film, without the closure assembly electromagnetically interfering with the receiving, storing, or transmitting of digitized information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Phaneuf, Gary P. Burns, Michael Isabell
  • Patent number: 8251240
    Abstract: The plastic closure consists of a rotating cap (1) with a sectoral pouring hole and with a slide (2) guided on its under side in such a way as to be capable of being displaced in a translational manner in relation to the pouring hole. The slide exhibits a downward-projecting cam on its under side. Lying beneath the slide (2) is a gate cap (3). Also present in its cover (6) is a sectoral pouring hole and behind it additionally a groove as a gate guide for the cam on the slide (2). The gate cap (3) is installed in a stationary manner on a bottle neck or a container spout. If the rotating cap (1) is caused to rotate relative to the gate cap (3), the cam of the slide will be guided along the gate guide and will pull the slide (2) into the open position, whereas rotation in the opposite direction will cause the slide (2) to be displaced back into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Fritz Seelhofer
  • Publication number: 20120205375
    Abstract: A container assembly for holding, shipping, and consuming a product, such as a frozen confection, is provided. The container assembly includes a container, a lid, and a utensil. The utensil is connected to the assembly so that a consumer is able to spoon the product from the container. A consumer may purchase the assembly containing a product, open the container, remove the utensil, and consume the product using the self-contained utensil. The assembly may also include a membrane for ensuring freshness and to indicate tampering of the product. The utensil may be attached directly to the lid, or in a pocket between sealed membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: WELLS' DAIRY, INC.
    Inventors: CLINTON M. HUDSON, WENDY J. TABBERT
  • Publication number: 20120205376
    Abstract: Disclosed are packages for serving and storing powdered beverages and associated methods. A package for storing a powdered instant beverage comprises a first container, a utensil, and a lid. The lid is configured to engage with the first container so that the lid and the container enclose an interior volume. The lid comprises a lid body, a lid insert configured to be secured to the lid body, and a utensil-holding structure on the lid insert. The lid insert comprises a utensil recess configured to receive at least a portion of the utensil, and a handling recess configured to facilitate the removal and securing of the utensil to the lid. The utensil-holding structure is configured to removably secure the utensil to the lid insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Starbucks Corporation dba Starbucks Coffee Company
    Inventors: Darlene Yang, Mary Jo Werlein
  • Publication number: 20120201941
    Abstract: A tea bag string securable to a lid for a cup enables the bag to be positioned into the cup liquid for removal therefrom and thereafter for storage within the lid underside. A string holding tab on the lid comprises a slotted notch in the tab or a hook formation extending from the lid and enables the string to be secured to the lid. A bag-holding strip extending over the lid underside retains the bag therewithin. The strip may be integral with or separate from the lid. If separate, the strip has a cup-engaging rim that can snap the strip over the container lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Heather Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20120193258
    Abstract: The subject innovation provides a tamper-evident closure of a box with alarm sensor providing a latch with at least one side flap and an opening wherein the width of the opening, is smaller than the width of the latch and the expandable at least one side flap; wherein the at least one side flap is foldable prior insertion into the opening; wherein the at least one side flap is expandable after insertion into the opening; and wherein the latch and/or at least one side flap are provided with at least one layer of an electrical conducting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Deutsche Post AG
    Inventor: Ari Männikkö
  • Publication number: 20120192900
    Abstract: Dosage elements to be consumed in use in a ware washing machine are made by (a) forming a main container part within a cavity of a mould; (b) providing the main container part with a first substance; (c) adhering a second substance to the underside of a part which is to form a lid of the dosage element; and (d) sealing the lid-forming part to the main container part so as to close the main container part and enclose the first and second substances within it; wherein the second substance covers at least 5% of the free area of the lid-forming part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Ralf Wiedemann, Pavlinka Roy, Frederic Moreux
  • Publication number: 20120193358
    Abstract: A resilient one-piece paint brush storage lid for storing a paint brush. The one-piece lid has a flat portion covering the container, a depending outer rim portion, and a raised tapered neck portion projecting above the flat portion, with an aperture in the raised neck portion, for slidably receiving a paint brush handle therethrough. The raised neck portion extending above the flat portion of the storage lid maintains a sufficiently strong grip on the handle of the brush so as to suspend the weight of the brush. The lid also includes a plurality of discrete steps extending inwardly from an interior surface of the rim portion, wherein each of the plurality of discrete steps is configured to sealingly engage at least a portion of a container opening of a different associated diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Harry S. Billado, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120187121
    Abstract: A device comprises a threaded plug (1) and related screwdriver (10). The plug (1) has a single-piece structure, with a longitudinal axis (2) of symmetry, a head (5), a body (3) with an outer thread (6) and a tightening flange (4) interposed between the head (5) and the body (3). The head (5) is shaped as a tubular solid (8) projecting from the flange (4) in a direction parallel with the axis (2), and comprises an inner cavity (7), laterally surrounded by a non-circular surface (22) of an annular wall (9). The non-circular surface (22) is oblique and diverges from the axis (2) travelling from the body (3) to the head (1). The screwdriver (10) comprises a shaped head (12) equipped with surfaces (13) which can be coupled with the non-circular surface (22) with direct contact and automatic taking up of the coupling play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Davide LUPPI
  • Publication number: 20120181278
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closure for a container comprising a first component which assembles onto an outlet opening and provides a seal, said first component is threadingly engaged to a second component of said closure; a second component comprising a dispensing orifice, said second component, threadingly engaged with said first component; a dispensing orifice positioned directly adjacent to the open portion of the container body; wherein the second component will engage with the first component when the second component is moved relative to the first component to enable operation of the orifice and wherein the first component comprises one or more elements being in a specific juxtaposition enabling a small height and a low profile for one or more of the elements of the first component, said element(s) being in the plane or below the plane of the outlet of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Alfredo PAGAN, Chow-chi Huang, Gene Michael Altonen, Su-Yon McConville, Widalys Luz Desoto-Burt, Brian David Andres, Cristian Alexis Viola-Prioli
  • Publication number: 20120181277
    Abstract: A lid of a canteen includes a cap, a drinking spout and a pulling member. The drinking spout is pivotally fixed in an accommodating groove of a pivotal base of the cap and the pulling member is fixed on connecting base of the cap. The accommodating groove has two sides respectively formed with a positioning groove for fitting a pivotal projection formed at two sides of the drinking spout respectively, and a recess formed in the bottom for fitting a waterproof washer. The drinking spout has two walking projections moving in sliding grooves formed in the pulling member, which includes a first notch and a second notch. As the drinking spout is driven by the pulling member to toward or backward form the cap, it can be pulled out or sheltered in the accommodating groove without being touched so that it can be hygienically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: CHING YUEH WANG-WU
  • Patent number: 8215514
    Abstract: A container lid comprises a top, substantially planar surface, means for coupling with a top of a container, a depressed area, a raised area, and a hinge area. The top, substantially planar surface is elongated to define two opposite longitudinal edges and two opposite lateral edges, and each of the two opposite lateral edges extends between and is shorter than each of the two longitudinal edges. The depressed area is surrounded by and extends below the top, substantially planar surface. The raised area is surrounded by and extends above the top, substantially planar surface. The raised area is positioned nearest one of the two opposite lateral edges and the depressed area is positioned nearest the other one of the two opposite lateral edges. The hinge area extends laterally across the top, substantially planar surface and is positioned between the depressed area and the raised area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Morenstein, Vivian Brand, Brian Cutter
  • Publication number: 20120168441
    Abstract: A lid for a beverage bottle includes a lid body that is fastenable onto the bottle and an actuation dial that rotates on the lid body. The actuation dial rotates a rotating spout while permitting the spout to move axially by teeth sliding in channels. As the spout is rotated, it moves on threads within the lid body to provide the axial movement. A gasket within the spout bears against a plug of the lid body when the spout has been moved to the closed position. The gasket is free of the plug to form a fluid passageway from the bottle through the lid body and the spout when the spout has been moved to the open position. The gasket includes a seal ring bearing on a fluid flow tube of the lid body to prevent leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Publication number: 20120168440
    Abstract: The invention is a sippy lid for a beverage cup for a toddler which cup lid has a drinking orifice and a downwardly placed hollow. The downwardly placed hollow has a hinged cover. The cup lid is removably affixed to a beverage cup. In operation the downwardly placed hollow contains a snack such as a cereal. The snack can be accessed when hinged cover is open. Beverage cup can receive a beverage such as milk. The beverage is drunk through drinking orifice. The drinking orifice is a sippy tongue or a straw. The hinged cover may attached directly to the lid. Alternatively, the cover may be a cap with an attached frame. The cap is attached with a hinge to the frame. The cap with attached frame is removably affixed to the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas A. Nerswick, David L. Hamann
  • Patent number: 8210381
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: EcoTensil Inc.
    Inventor: Peggy V K Cross
  • Patent number: 8201691
    Abstract: An easy pill intake reminder that screws on the top of a container for articles such as medications and or vitamins in the form of pills, caplets, capsules, and or tablets and which serves as a cap there on, is surmounted by a cylinder housing a number of wedge shaped buttons marking a periodic time frame such as the days of the week all arrayed around a central circular button. Each wedge shape button can be lowered individually to mark a respective period of time such as a day, and stays lowered until the central button is pushed down. The lowering of the central button resets the surrounding wedge buttons to their upper position and thereby enabling the users to repeat the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Zac Chowdhury
  • Publication number: 20120132658
    Abstract: A calibration device allows accurate and consistent creation of ice baths and aids in the calibration of food safety thermometers. Such devices include a calibration wrench on a cup lid for holding and calibrating a thermometer, a stem thermometer access hole on the cup lid, an insulated cup for holding a substance to be measured, and a liquid crystal reversible temperature label on the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Shane Dans, Heather Dans
  • Publication number: 20120132652
    Abstract: A cover for a food holder includes a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the body having at least one aperture provided therein, the at least one aperture providing communication between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a serving implement having a first portion extending through the aperture along one of the inner and outer surfaces, and a second portion extending along the other of the inner and outer surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas BARBER
  • Publication number: 20120132651
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved cup cover that includes a base having a slit extending from an edge, and a protrusion extending from the base. The slit can be configured to receive a string associated with a teabag. The protrusion can be divided into a first half and a second half by a through-slot which may be configured to receive the string associated with the teabag. The first half and the second half of the protrusion may be configured to releaseably secure the string associated with the teabag therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Melzer
  • Publication number: 20120125929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a traditional closure means that can be actuated to open a container (10, 40, 70), which closure means comprises at least one actuation section (21, 50, 81) at which a user engages the closure means to perform an opening process and one closure section (22, 51, 83) operatively connected to the actuation section (21, 50, 81), which closure section closes the container and in which closure section the container is opened during the opening process, and with which closure section a fragrance is associated, wherein in order to avoid scent being released into the environment in an uncontrolled manner, it is proposed that a means for releasing the scent in a time-controlled manner be provided, which means is associated with the closure means, with which the activation of the release of the scent is performed in response to the performance of the opening process to open the container and which comprises a fragrance reservoir (30, 60, 90), which accommodates the fragrance, wherein the reservo
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: BALL PACKAGING EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Bernd Ullmann, Rainer Berkefeld, Vincent Nestler, Robert Jansen
  • Publication number: 20120118887
    Abstract: A universal lid system and methods for use with any of a selection of teapots for quick and sanitary beverage preparation. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a system and methods including a lid sized and shaped to facilitate the storage of a retention element such as a tea bag. The retention element may be held out of contact with the beverage by a retention element stabilizing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: JILL PORTMAN, Gary Shinner
  • Publication number: 20120110959
    Abstract: An inexpensive and collapsible advancing and collecting device for leaves and other debris. The advancing collecting device includes a chute section foldable into a U-shaped configuration so as to be adjustable in diameter to accommodate varying size opening bags or containers in which the debris is to be collected. Connectable to the chute section is a planar scoop section. Leaves and debris are collected onto the planar scoop section while the chute section is inserted into the bag or container resting on the ground. The bag or container is leveraged upright by pulling up the advancing collecting device via handles in the scoop section while simultaneously advancing the debris through the chute section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Dominick J. Serago, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120111822
    Abstract: A closure device used in the food industry is equipped with a tamper indicating means. The closure device includes a cap and a tamper indicating means fixed to the cap through loose strength connection, and this tamper indicating means being equipped with a fixing element and a gripper fixed in the cap wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Andrey Prozumenschikov
  • Publication number: 20120102894
    Abstract: A box assembly includes a base defining an interior storage compartment, a lid movable relative to the base to selectively cover the interior storage compartment, a base plate adapted to be fixedly mounted to the lid, a power source disposed along the base plate, a power actuator disposed along the base plate and electrically connected to the power source, a latch mechanism disposed along the base plate and operably connected to the power actuator for movement between a locked position, in which the lid is retained against the base, and an unlocked position, in which the lid is movable relative to the base, and a keyless entry receiver disposed along the base plate and operably coupled to the power actuator, the keyless entry receiver actuating the power actuator to move the latch mechanism from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to a signal from a transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: David Lee TerHaar, Matthew John Lepard
  • Publication number: 20120103849
    Abstract: A closure for a container has a plurality of indicia such as date and/or time, disposed on the lid's top surface, with a rotary collar which is adjustable to a fixed position to highlight (select) indicia regarding the contents of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Kevin J. Rachuk, Timothy D. Killinger, Mark A. Luzbetak, Jill M. Hunt, Ashley Ceniceros, Brian J. Warren
  • Publication number: 20120104741
    Abstract: An apparatus can include a generally planar portion approximately in a plane. The apparatus can also include a lip portion extending in a direction generally orthogonal to the plane. The generally planar portion is joined to the lip portion at a circumferential edge of the generally planar portion to form a cover for a beverage container. The lip portion comprises a sterilizing agent configured to sterilize a rim portion of the beverage container. Likewise, a method can include providing contact information on a disposable cover adapted to cover a beverage container. The contact information is not provided by the manufacturer of the beverage or beverage container. The method can also include receiving contact from a user of the disposable cover. The method can further include coordinating the delivery of a service to the user of the disposable cover responsive to the contact received from the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Hollister Brewster, Michael Simons
  • Publication number: 20120103984
    Abstract: The invention describes a lid for a container comprising an edge region (2) for sealing and permanent connection to a container body comprising a body portion and a bottom, and a substantially flat central region as a panel or lid surface (3), on which at least one projecting pin-like or post-like guide element (7?, 7?, 8) is formed extending from the panel (3) towards one side or the other substantially parallel to an axis (9) perpendicular to the lid surface. The posts can guide additional elements which are intended to form a functional unit with the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: BALL PACKAGING EUROPE GMBH
    Inventor: Wolfgang KASPER
  • Patent number: 8167162
    Abstract: A sanitary, protective barrier covering, which is attachable to lids that accompany beverage containers/cups, particularly disposable containers for coffee or other hot beverages. The sanitary barrier comprises a thin flexible strip of material that covers the entire area on which consumers place their mouths. It is adhered to the lid with a light, food grade adhesive. The sanitary barrier has an extended pull tab that is not adhered to the lid and extends beyond the bottom wall of the lid and can be easily gripped to allow the strip to be pulled up and away from the lid for easy removal of the sanitary barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Clean Coffee LLC
    Inventor: William M. Levey