Closure Members Having Alignable Openings Patents (Class 220/253)
  • Patent number: 7882991
    Abstract: A food container particularly configured for use with food products having a refuse component, such as sunflower seeds having shells and cherries having pits. The food container comprises an inner cup having a wall that encloses a receptacle that is open at the top and a chamber that is closed at the bottom. A divider separates the chamber, which stores the food product for consumption, from the receptacle, which receives the refuse. The inner cup is rotatably received in a sleeve. The consumer rotates the sleeve to align an outer opening thereon with an inner opening on the inner cup to dispense food product from the chamber. A cover closes the outer opening and prevents rotation of the sleeve. A beverage can be served in the receptacle. An indexing mechanism and a rotation mechanism can be incorporated into the food container. The food product chamber can include a freshness seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Frederick M. Schechter
  • Patent number: 7819280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing food product containers, in particular drink containers, comprising: a sealing element adapted to engage on a wall of a food product container around a wall opening arranged in the wall, and an operating element adapted to co-act with the sealing element for displacing the sealing element between an opened position leaving the wall opening clear and a closed position sealing the wall opening. The invention also relates to a food product container provided with such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bound2B B.V.
    Inventor: Antonio Giuseppe Perra
  • Patent number: 7799284
    Abstract: A sample container includes a cap that covers a container body holding a liquid sample containing a reagent and a test body. The cap includes an outer lid that covers the container body, an inner lid that is slidably attached to the outer lid and has an opening for dispensing the liquid sample, a shutter that has a shaft engaging with the inner lid, a translating unit that is fitted to the outer lid and translates sliding movements of the inner lid against the outer lid to rotation of the shutter around the shaft, and a pressing member that presses the shutter in a direction to close the shutter. The rotation of the shutter opens and closes a hole formed in the translating unit for dispensing the liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Ohashi, Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 7785537
    Abstract: A sample container includes a cap that covers a container body holding a liquid sample containing a reagent and a test body. The cap includes an outer lid that covers the container body, an inner lid that is slidably attached to the outer lid and has an opening for dispensing the liquid sample, a shutter that is driven integrally with the inner lid and covers the opening of the inner lid so that the opening can be opened and closed, a translating unit that is attached to the outer lid and has an engaging portion which is formed obliquely descending from a center of the cap to an outer edge of the cap and to which the shutter is fitted, and a pressing member that is arranged between the outer lid and the inner lid to press the inner lid to close the shutter, wherein the translating unit translates sliding movement of the inner lid to a movement of the shutter in a direction perpendicular to the sliding movement to open and close the opening of the inner lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Naoki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7780032
    Abstract: A fuel cap of the invention has a pressure regulating valve, which includes a positive pressure valve and a negative pressure valve. The positive pressure valve has a positive pressure valve plug and a first spring, whereas the negative pressure valve has a negative pressure valve plug and a second spring. A valve support member is located in the upstream of the negative pressure valve to support the positive pressure valve plug. A tubular body is integrally formed with the valve support member. The tubular body eliminates the turbulence of the inflow of the air current and leads the laminar air flow into the negative pressure valve in its open position. This arrangement of the invention effectively increases the maximum flow rate of the negative pressure valve in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 7766197
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous material in a selected one of a multiplicity of configurations comprises a container for a volume of a viscous material and having a squeezable body and a neck with a discharge opening at its upper end. Engaged on the container is a closure body of generally circular cross section having a top wall and a skirt, and the top wall has a discharge passage therethrough aligned with the discharge opening of the neck. The body top wall has a generally circular recess therein extending from the periphery thereof and beyond the discharge passage of the closure. Disposed in the circular recess is a generally circular rotating disc which has a multiplicity of discharge openings spaced about the disc in a circular array, and the discharge openings have a multiplicity of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Silgan Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Getsy
  • Publication number: 20100187235
    Abstract: A disposal container having a container body, a seal section disposed on top of the container body and having an opening with a seal band around the opening, a transfer barrel pivotally mounted on the seal section, the transfer barrel having a substantially spherical outer surface with an opening on the outer surface, and a handle pivotally mounted on the seal section. The handle and the transfer barrel are mounted to rotate coaxially in synchronization. When the handle and the transfer barrel are rotated to an open position, the opening of the transfer barrel is above the seal band; when they are rotated to a closed position, the opening of the transfer barrel is below the seal band. In another embodiment, a lid rather than a handle is provided and coupled to the transfer barrel to rotate it. Springs are provided to urge the lid toward an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Jung Tsai CHEN
  • Patent number: 7757880
    Abstract: A fuel cap includes a spring stopper mechanism to lock a first spring included in a pressure regulating valve of the fuel cap. A spring stopper mechanism includes stopper support members that are formed along an inner circumference of a valve chest formation-member, and a spring support member that is held by the stopper support members and supports an upper end of the first spring. The spring support member is pressed down in an axial direction of the fuel cap against a pressing force of the spring. The spring support member at the pressed-down position is rotated relative to the stopper support members by a preset angle. The spring support member is then pressed against the stopper support members by the pressing force of the spring and is fixed by mating lock elements. This arrangement facilitates assembly of a pressure regulating valve and ensures sufficiently high assembly strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hagano
  • Patent number: 7731047
    Abstract: A reclosable lid (10) for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover (12) having an opening (28) and a moveable element (850) connected to the cover (12). The moveable element (850) is moveable between at least one open position, wherein the flowable substance may flow through the opening, and at least one closed position, wherein the opening is obstructed. In some embodiments, the lid (10) may include an overlay (250) moveable between at least one open position and at least one closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Ishimitsu
  • Patent number: 7721911
    Abstract: A rotating type cup lid, includes a cover having a cover portion with a first through hole formed therein, a wall surface disposed around the cover portion, and a flange connecting surface extended from the bottom edge of the wall surface. The rotating type cup lid further includes a rotating body corresponding to the cover portion of the cover. A protruding knob passes through a central circular hole and a downwardly tapered edge is formed at the periphery of the rotating body that is embeddable into an internal surface of the a first latch portion of the cover. The rotating surface of the rotating body includes a second through hole corresponding to the position of the first through hole, a punchable hole with X-shaped break lines, a small opening corresponding to a smaller straw, and a closed surface having no hole, each of which may be rotated into alignment with the first through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Bob Chou
  • Patent number: 7677402
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for hermetically and safely closing a feeding bottle to avoid any leakage of the liquid. Said closing device comprises: a rotary closure consisting of an inner ferrule and of an outer ferrule each having an offset opening respectively and, the inner ferrule being lodged in the outer ferrule. An internal thread of the inner ferrule enables the rotary closure to be fixed to the threaded neck of the feeding bottle. A nipple, inserted in a retaining ring comprising an internal thread, is fixed to the threaded neck of the rotary closure. A cap is provided, which enables the nipple to be protected. The inventive device is particularly designed for hermetically closing the feeding bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ayawovi Lucie Nous-Soukpoe-Mensan
    Inventors: Messanvi Vincent Mensah-Ouvor, Ayawovi Lucie Nous-Soukpoe-Mensan
  • Publication number: 20100018975
    Abstract: Caps and container systems suited to dispensing products like cosmetics. Some of the caps include three portions that can be coupled together and that include a dispensing system that has an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jenny DeMarco
  • Publication number: 20100011716
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure device for a package comprising a first panel (2) and a second superposed panel (3) with superposed through-openings (5) and a third panel (4) with at least one opening (11), the third panel (4) being able to occupy two positions in which the opening (11) is either superposed on said openings (5) of the other panels (2, 3) or is not superposed thereon. The second panel and/or the first panel (3, 2) comprises at least one tube (6) attached in a substantially perpendicular manner to its surface oriented toward said first panel (2) respectively the second panel (3) and housing a channel in communication with said at least one opening (5) of the second panel (3) respectively of the first panel (2), said at least one tube (6) making it possible to attach the first panel (2) and the second panel (3) together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: France DHENAIN
  • Patent number: 7648037
    Abstract: A lid structure for opening and closing an opening in an upper portion of a reagent container includes an outer lid member attached to the reagent container and having a first opening corresponding to the opening of the reagent container, an inner lid member arranged inward of the outer lid member, attached to the outer lid member in a vertically movable manner, and having a second opening opposing the first opening, and a rotator having a through hole, arranged inward of the inner lid member, engaging with the outer lid member and the inner lid member via an engaging unit in a rotatable manner around a horizontal axis. The engaging unit rotates the rotator to open the opening when the inner lid member performs a downward opening operation, and rotates the rotator to close the opening when the inner lid member performs an upward closing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Naoki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7644834
    Abstract: A liquid medical waste receptacle includes an open top vessel having a bottom and an upstanding wall defining an upper rim. A lid is adapted to cover the open top vessel in sealing engagement with the upper rim. The lid includes a body portion defining a recess portion. The recess portion extends into the open top vessel. In some embodiments, the recess portion makes up a majority of the body portion. In some embodiments, the recess portion has a plurality of fingers. Select fingers have a proximal section, a distal section, and an intermediate section disposed between the proximal and distal sections, wherein the proximal section or the intermediate section includes a flexibility that is greater than the flexibility of at least a portion of the distal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Navilyst Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Valarie Castora, Kip Moen, Mark Van Diver, Tim Hall, Kristina Ernst, Peter Pendergrass, Dennis C. Deutsch
  • Patent number: 7594584
    Abstract: A cup lid comprising a base cup lid having a drink-through opening formed therein in a planar top portion thereof, and a rotatable stopper associated therewith so as to selectively provide a sealed and unsealed relationship between said drink-through opening and a opening in said rotatable stopper. The base cup lid and the rotatable stopper are mated to one another by the use of convoluted portions on each part which form a sliding tongue and groove relationship. The rotatable stopper has an actuator that can be used to move the rotatable stopper from a closed position wherein the opening in the rotatable stopper and the drink-through opening in the base cup lid, are not aligned, to an open position where the opening in the rotatable stopper and the drink-through opening in the base cup lid, are aligned. An easily operated resealable cup lid is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Amhil Enterprises
    Inventors: Terrance N. Durdon, Valentin Augustin Buzan, Pieter W. Lubbe
  • Publication number: 20090120934
    Abstract: A single-use, clamshell protective cap for use primarily in healthcare settings in order to maintain the integrity of a medication solution. The cap has two halves, a cylindrical skirt, a puncture resistant lid portion, an interior flange, and an interlocking snap. When placed around a flanged injection port such as is found on a conventional fluid container and closed, the lid portion covers an access site on an injection port. After the cap is placed, the interior flange engages the port flange to prevent upward axial movement relative to the port, thereby preventing removal of the cap and thus deterring unwanted or erroneous drug administrations or withdrawals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Domkowski
  • Patent number: 7530469
    Abstract: An underpressure-activated valve device for a drinking container (32). The device consists of an outer membrane (2) and an inner membrane (4) that are placed at an axial distance from one another, and their peripheral attachment areas are pressure-sealingly interconnected, causing a reference pressure chamber (6) having at least one vent (8) to an ambient pressure P1 to exist between the membranes (2, 4). One membrane (2, 4) is fixedly connected to a flow pipe (10), and the other membrane (4, 2) is provided with a membrane opening (12) within which the pipe (10) is movably arranged. The membrane opening (12) is associated with a primary sealing body (18) for sealing against fluid flow via the pipe (10), and with a secondary sealing body (16) for sealing between the chamber (6) and an internal pressure P3 in the container (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: SmartSeal AS
    Inventor: Kjetil Naesje
  • Patent number: 7510137
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to vertically dispense sheet material therefrom is provided. The dispenser includes a housing, configured to support a sheet material product therein, a platform with an opening, and an exit plate. The exit plate is adapted to reposition when the sheet material is dispensed by the user at a deflection angle relative to the vertical dispensing axis of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Francis Tramontina, Gerald L. Clark
  • Publication number: 20090078703
    Abstract: The invention concerns a container comprising a container body of a material such as metal, PE or cardboard, having a primary opening which is closed by a metal plate portion acting as a first lid element, wherein the metal plate portion includes a lid tab which is defined by a separation line and which after being broken open opens a discharge opening, and the lid tab has an inclined surface co-operating with a first projection arranged on an opening means movable substantially parallel to the plate portion for applying a force to the lid tab in order to break open the separation line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: BALL PACKAGING EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Hundeloh, Lutz Strube
  • Publication number: 20090065383
    Abstract: Provided is a pocket-sized container for holding a smokeless tobacco tray enclosure in an outer housing, including a front and a back. At least one locator fin is located on the bottom of the tray. At least one locator groove is located on the inside of the back. Preferably, one or more locator fins position and secure the tray within the back. Pins on the front fit into sockets in the back to secure the front and back together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Schardt, Xuan M. Pham, Derek Mueller
  • Publication number: 20080296297
    Abstract: A lid structure for opening and closing an opening in an upper portion of a reagent container includes an outer lid member attached to the reagent container and having a first opening corresponding to the opening of the reagent container, an inner lid member arranged inward of the outer lid member, attached to the outer lid member in a vertically movable manner, and having a second opening opposing the first opening, and a rotator having a through hole, arranged inward of the inner lid member, engaging with the outer lid member and the inner lid member via an engaging unit in a rotatable manner around a horizontal axis. The engaging unit rotates the rotator to open the opening when the inner lid member performs a downward opening operation, and rotates the rotator to close the opening when the inner lid member performs an upward closing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoki OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20080283527
    Abstract: A container and closure assembly is provided that defines an opening and has a lip positioned around the opening. The lip defines an inner surface, an outer surface, and a top surface. The container and closure assembly also includes a closure to attach to the container. The closure includes a top portion, a first skirt extending from the top portion, and a second skirt extending from the top portion. The closure also includes a latch and a hinge connected to the latch. The latch includes an actuator extending from the connection location and a follower portion extending from the connection location. The follower portion of the latch includes a blocking structure. Movement of actuator causes movement of blocking structure. The latch is movable between a first position in which the blocking structure is positioned in contact with the lip and a second position in which the blocking structure is spaced from the lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Allen Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David O. Allen
  • Patent number: 7438204
    Abstract: A dispensing cap for a container includes a first lid having a dispensing surface and a skirt depending from a periphery thereof. The dispensing surface is formed from at least one of a substantially transparent and translucent material and includes several apertures. A second lid has a second dispensing surface and a second skirt depending from a periphery thereof that is adapted to be inserted into and releasably held within the first lid. The second dispensing surface includes several orifices. The first and second lids are rotatable a full 360° relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Kristopher W. Gerulski, Kenneth V. Bakken, Joseph Paul Kirchberg, David Wayne Lease
  • Publication number: 20080179337
    Abstract: When practicing the present invention, the manufacturer as an initial step, and starting from a given bucket 10, selects the thickness w30 of a second type lid 30 circumferential region 31 to be less than the thickness w20 of a first type lid 20 circumferential region 21 whereby the circumferential flange 38 of the second type lid 30 after application on the bucket 10 is more readily manually disengaged from said locking rib 16 by an outward flexural movement of the outermost wall 37. Hence, the second type lid 30 may conveniently be formed as a “flex-off”-type lid fitting the same bucket 10 as the first type lid 20. Making lids of the second type may be by using the same injection mold as used for the first type lid 20, modified by an inlay providing for the reduced wall thickness w30 and possibly for any minor differences in the design of the peripheral flanges 28, 38, such as the angle ? that the upper face A of the flange 28, 38 makes with the vertical, and the dimension ?, i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Jean Marc Vuillot, Stephane Navoret
  • Publication number: 20080156802
    Abstract: A lid is provided which is designed to attach to the top of a beverage container having its open top sealed by a membrane. The lid further has a mechanism for opening the closed top of the container and simultaneously providing access to container contents through the sip opening. In one form, the lid includes a main body and a rotatable center portion with a top surface having recesses for one to grasp with one's fingers to rotate the center portion. A projection extends in a direction away from a bottom of the center portion and towards the membrane. When the center portion is rotated, the projection is forced towards the membrane until the projection pierces the membrane. The lid may include a closable opening through which one sips the beverage after the membrane has been pierced. The opening is selectively opened and closed by rotating the center portion, which selectively moves a cover over the opening in the sip lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kate Avrial Yauk, Duncan Bradley
  • Publication number: 20080142519
    Abstract: A rotating type cup lid, mounted on a cup opening of a cup body, for selectively turning open and close the cup opening or providing a use with a large straw or a small straw. The rotating type cup lid includes a cover having a cover portion, a wall surface disposed around of the cover portion, and a flange connecting surface extended from the bottom edge of the wall surface. The center of the cover portion has a protruded first circular groove while an internal side of the first circular groove has a central circular hole and an external side of the first circular groove with a first through hole. The middle section of the wall surface has an inwardly concaved first latch portion. Meanwhile, the rotating type cup lid includes a rotating body disposed corresponding to a cover portion of the cover and having a second circular groove with a rotating surface corresponding to the rotating surface of the first circular groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Bob Chou
  • Patent number: 7387127
    Abstract: A cigar holder assembly is provided for golf carts utilizing biased clasps to hold one or more cigars in a vertical position over a removable ashtray. Temporary and permanent means for attaching the cigar holder to a golf cart are provided, and a swivel mount is provided between the attachment and the cigar holder to allow the cigar holder to maintain a substantially vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Jon Leonard Braun
  • Publication number: 20080128417
    Abstract: A reclosable lid (10) for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover (12) having an opening (28) and a moveable element (850) connected to the cover (12). The moveable element (850) is moveable between at least one open position, wherein the flowable substance may flow through the opening, and at least one closed position, wherein the opening is obstructed. In some embodiments, the lid (10) may include an overlay (250) moveable between at least one open position and at least one closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Richard Matthew Chin, John Stewart Gitschlag, David Raymond Langelan, Kevin Ray Smith, Richard Michael Sandusky, Ayberk Abayhan, Masahiko Ishimitsu
  • Publication number: 20080083639
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a stackable container are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Carol Peterman, David Peterman
  • Publication number: 20080078200
    Abstract: A drink bottle and method of manufacturing same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Patent number: 7341143
    Abstract: An openable and closeable media case comprising a case with grooves on its interior sides that suspend a disk stored in the case, and a rotating cylindrical closure that secures a disk within the case. The case opens and by the rotating cylindrical closure. A slot in the cylinder comprising matching grooves guides disks into the case. A locking means on the cylinder holds the cylinder in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: David Allen
  • Patent number: 7287720
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a single paper towel from a continuous paper towel roll includes a housing having a housing back and a front cover connectable thereto for opening and closing the housing. A dispensing opening is positioned along a periphery of the housing, the dispensing opening defined at least partly by the housing back and at least partly by the front cover; a paper retainer member associated with the front cover and positioned to guide through the dispensing opening a tail of a paper towel roll positioned in the housing; and a piston assembly comprising a biasing member and a piston responsive thereto, the piston assembly connected to the housing so that the piston contacts the tail of a paper towel roll extending through the dispensing opening. The dispenser is magnetically attachable to a ferrous metal surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: Marc Allegre, Patrice Minguez
  • Publication number: 20070199959
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous material in a selected one of a multiplicity of configurations comprises a container for a volume of a viscous material and having a squeezable body and a neck with a discharge opening at its upper end. Engaged on the container is a closure body of generally circular cross section having a top wall and a skirt, and the top wall has a discharge passage therethrough aligned with the discharge opening of the neck. The body top wall has a generally circular recess therein extending from the periphery thereof and beyond the discharge passage of the closure. Disposed in the circular recess is a generally circular rotating disc which has a multiplicity of discharge openings spaced about the disc in a circular array, and the discharge openings have a multiplicity of configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen B. Getsy
  • Patent number: 7246715
    Abstract: A reclosable lid 310 for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover 312 and a rotatable element 50 rotatably supported by the cover 312. The cover 312 has an opening 28 and a slot 30 located in a top wall 14 of the cover 312. The cover 312 also has a tab 323 extending outward from a portion of the cover 312. The rotatable element 50 has at least one aperture 78 and an actuator 54 that is accessible through the slot 30. The element 50 is moveable by manipulation of the actuator 54 between a first position wherein the aperture 78 is misaligned with the opening 28, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28. The cover 312 has at least one support member 102 extending radially inward from an inner surface 100 of the cover 312, wherein the support member 102 rotatably supports the element 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Dawn Ellen Huston, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Stephen William Sullivan, Rich Matthew Chin, Mohammed Maqsood Ahmed, John Stewart Gitschlag, David Raymond Langelan, Rajendra Ranjitbhai Chauhan, William Edward Hurst, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty, Richard Michael Sandusky
  • Patent number: 7201288
    Abstract: A dispensing device, such as a drinking container, for selectively dispensing a substance, such as a drinking liquid. The dispensing device includes a container defining a chamber for storing the substance. The dispensing device also includes a lid element. The lid element includes a lower lid portion attachable to the container. The lower lid portion defines at least one lower orifice. The lower lid portion has an upwardly-extending column member located in a center region of the lower lid portion. The lid element also includes an upper lid portion configured to be rotatably mounted on the lower lid portion via the column member. The upper lid portion defines at least one upper orifice. The upper lid portion is rotatable relative to the lower lid portion to a closed position at which the upper orifice is misaligned with the lower orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas von Rönn, Birgit Clemens
  • Can
    Patent number: 7198168
    Abstract: A can (1) having a spout that can, after opening, be securely resealed and can be opened and closed with an easy operation. The can (1) has a spout (3) that is opened by lifting and pulling a pull-ring (6) fixed on a top wall (2) of a can body (1a) with a rivet (5) to bend a sealing tongue portion (4) toward the inside of the can. Inside the top wall (2) and away from the spout (3), an internal sealing member (7) having a fan shape with its pivot mounted to the rivet and a size capable of sealing the spout (3) is disposed so as to be fixed to the rivet (5). After opening the spout (3), by rotating the pull-ring (6) around the rivet (5), the internal sealing member (7) is also rotated at the same time. As an interlocking mechanism therefor, the rivet (5) is rotatably supported by the top wall (2), and a base end of the pull-ring (6) and the pivot of the internal sealing member (7) are fixed to the rivet (5), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Jyunzi Mizuma
  • Patent number: 7198167
    Abstract: A cup includes a liquid storage chamber and a separate medicine storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Marsden, Joseph C. Cacciola
  • Patent number: 7167044
    Abstract: A multi-band low noise amplifier (LNA) 105 includes an input stage having at least two inputs, a first input (103) coupled to a first input transistor for receiving signals in a first frequency band and a second input (104) coupled to a second input transistor for receiving signals in a second frequency band. The second frequency band spaced apart from the first frequency band. A bias network (218) having a band select input is coupled to the first and second input transistor, wherein a signal level applied to the band select input turns on one of the input transistors and turns off the other input transistors. The LNA (105) operates in the first frequency band when the first input transistor is on and the second frequency band when the second input transistor is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenbiao Li, Kenneth K O
  • Patent number: 7159732
    Abstract: A reclosable lid 10 for a container holding a flowable substance has a first piece or cover 12, and a movable second piece or disk 50. The cover 10 has a top wall 14, a side wall 16 and a mounting portion 22 for connecting the lid 10 on the container. The cover 12 has an opening 28 adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid 10. The cover 12 further includes a slot 30 located in the top wall 14. The disk 50 has at least one aperture 78, a post 54, and a projection 52. The aperture 78 and the projection 52 are each cooperatively dimensioned with the opening 28. The post 54 is adapted to be received by the slot 30 in the cover 12. The disk 50 is movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the projection 52 is received in the opening 28 in the first position, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28 in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Dawn Ellen Huston, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Stephen William Sullivan, Rich Matthew Chin, Mohammed Maqsood Ahmed, John Stewart Gitschlag, David Raymond Langelan, Rajendra Ranjitbhai Chauhan, William Edward Hurst, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Patent number: 7156251
    Abstract: A reclosable lid 10 for a container holding a flowable substance has a first piece or cover 12, and a movable second piece or disk 50. The cover 10 has a top wall 14, a side wall 16 and a mounting portion 22 for connecting the lid 10 on the container. The cover 12 has an opening 28 adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid 10. The cover 12 further includes a slot 30 located in the top wall 14. The disk 50 has at least one aperture 78, a post 54, and a projection 52. The aperture 78 and the projection 52 are each cooperatively dimensioned with the opening 28. The post 54 is adapted to be received by the slot 30 in the cover 12. The disk 50 is movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the projection 52 is received in the opening 28 in the first position, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28 in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Dawn Ellen Huston, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Stephen William Sullivan, Rich Matthew Chin, Mohammed Maqsood Ahmed, John Stewart Gitschlag, David Raymond Langelan, Rajendra Ranjitbhai Chauhan, William Edward Hurst, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Patent number: 7131609
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to dispense sheet material therefrom is provided and includes a housing including a base and a cover. The base includes a platform configured to support sheet material. The platform includes a dispensing disk and the platform has an outer perimeter intersected by a slot thereby providing an opening into the platform and dispensing disk. The housing is formed to include an exit port spaced apart from the platform and dispensing disk. The cover includes a rotatable disk having a plurality of user interchangeable dispensing slots of differing diameters intersecting an outer periphery of the rotatable disk. Sheet material positioned on the platform flows through the dispensing opening of the dispensing disk and through a selected one of the plurality of dispensing slots. The selected one of the plurality of dispensing slots is aligned with the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina, Randy LeCates
  • Patent number: 7077294
    Abstract: A device for stoppering a container and drawing off a fluid includes a fixed piece, fixed to the container, with a lateral fluid output opening and a passage that allows air to enter. Another, movable piece includes a tube with a lateral fluid output opening. This tube can move in rotation inside the fixed piece and also in axial translation between a maximum “pushed-in” position and an extracted position so that lateral openings can be brought into coincidence through rotating the movable piece. The movable piece has an internal skirt enabling the channeling of fluid toward the output opening to prevent leakage through the passage for the entry of air. The fixed piece includes a guide for displacing the movable piece with respect to the fixed piece from the maximum “pushed-in” position to the extracted position that displays a coincidence of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: BERICAP
    Inventors: Philippe Nusbaum, Frédéric Granier, Antonio Jubany Claret, Oriol Aran Garcia
  • Patent number: 7040568
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to dispense sheet material is provided and includes a housing including a platform configured to support a sheet material thereon. The platform includes a slot, and an adjustable orifice configured to alter a size of the slot is provided as well. The housing is formed to include an exit port which is spaced-apart from the platform. When sheet material is disposed in the dispenser, it flows on a generally serpentine path from the platform and through the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Paul Lewis, Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 7026591
    Abstract: A utensil for cooking pasta in a microwave oven has an upstanding tubular central portion through which a drive shaft extends of a mixing member which fits over that central tubular portion and extends downwardly in the utensil. The drive shaft is driven by a motor in the microwave oven or a motor forming part of the utensil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: De' Longhi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • Patent number: 6988642
    Abstract: A dispenser bottle and associated closure has a sifter disposed in the neck thereof, either in the form of castellated vents formed in the interior peripheral edge of the neck or a separate sifter element. A rotatable cap is positioned over the sifter. The cap has holes that align with the vents or holes in the sifter to dispense material from the bottle. A removable lock ring is removeably conjoined to the cap to evidence tampering. One embodiment employs a squeeze tab that is depressed to open the bottle thereby increasing the dexterity required for opening. Another embodiment employs a rotatable sifter that must be held by one hand while the cap is held and rotated relative to the sifter by the other hand. A detent provides resistance to opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies
    Inventors: Anthony B. Gallo, Jr., Douglas M. Lund, Gary A. Meade, Rocco Palaia
  • Patent number: 6966468
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable flow rate dispenser comprising a dispenser body having a closed end, a flanged open end, at least one relatively large laterally disposed powder dispensing opening, at least one relatively small laterally disposed powder dispensing opening, and a retaining ring; and a cap having an open end, a closed end, a laterally disposed powder dispensing opening, and a snap bead, wherein when the cap is placed on the body, the snap bead engages the retaining ring providing a twistingly engaged cap and body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson (China) Ltd.
    Inventors: Annalisa McKay, Joice Wang, Jun Lu, Christine Andrea Ruhotas, Xiaohai Lu, Min Xu, Anthony Gallo
  • Patent number: 6926173
    Abstract: A disposable, tamper-resistant condiment shaker (10) containing a condiment (37) is supported within a cavity (24) of a decorative sleeve (20) to provide a more aesthetically pleasing condiment dispensing assembly (100). The sleeve (20) includes a securing member (29, 42, 44) to support the shaker (10) within the cavity (24). When the condiment supply within the shaker (10) has become depleted, the shaker (10) may be removed from the sleeve (20), discarded, and replaced with a new shaker (10). This cartridge type loading and refilling of the condiment (37) eliminates the need to pour condiment (37) into a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Hormel Foods, LLC
    Inventors: W. Lyle McGlothlin, W. Richard Oetgen
  • Patent number: 6877625
    Abstract: A closure member for a container, including a first member having a first set of threads with a predetermined pitch and a first orifice formed therethrough, and a second member having first and second sets of threads, both with the same pitch as the first set of threads of the first member, and a first orifice formed therethrough. When the threads of the first and second members are fully engaged, alignment between the first orifices formed through the first and second members occurs only when the first set of threads of the first member engages the first set of threads of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew W. Alley
  • Patent number: 6869041
    Abstract: Herein disclosed is an apparatus and method for dispensing a single paper towel from a continuous paper towel roll wherein individual towels are separated from each other by a plurality of perforations. The dispenser includes a housing having a housing back and a front cover connectable thereto for opening and closing the housing; a dispensing opening along a periphery of the housing, the dispensing opening defined at least partly by the housing back and at least partly by the front cover; a paper retainer member associated with the front cover and positioned to guide through the dispensing opening a tail of a paper towel roll positioned in the housing; and a piston assembly comprising a biasing member and a piston responsive thereto, the piston assembly connected to the housing so that the piston contacts the tail of a paper towel roll extending through the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventors: Marc Allegre, Patrice Minguez