Closure Members Having Alignable Openings Patents (Class 220/253)
  • Patent number: 6854615
    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: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas von Rönn, Birgit Clemens
  • Publication number: 20040256421
    Abstract: A double closure selectively aligns or non-aligns openings in a container such as a dispensing container. An inner lid provides an inner dispensing opening in an inner closure panel. A seal wall depends from the inner closure panel and fits within the open end of a container in a sealing relationship. An outer lid provides an outer dispensing opening in an outer closure panel. A peripheral wall depends from the outer closure panel, fits over the top of the inner closure panel and fits around the outside face of the container body. Engaging devices between the two lids and between the outer lid and the container body maintain the necessary spacing for the lids to seal against each other when the outer lid is twisted to selectively bring the outer dispensing opening out of alignment with the inner dispensing opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Elmer D. Werth
  • Patent number: 6814081
    Abstract: A pocket ashtray consists of at least one hollow body (2, 10) having a cap (1, 9) rotatably fastened on its end surface (s). An orifice (2b, 10b) and a depression (2a, 10b) are present in the end surface (S) of the hollow body (2, 10); either an orifice (1a) is provided in the cap (1) or the cap (9) is specially shaped. By suitable, successive rotation of the cap (1, 9), it is possible to stub out a smoking article (5) in the depression (2a, 10a) and then to load it into the interior of the pocket ashtray and store it away from dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Josef Hasler
  • Publication number: 20040188440
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container, particularly a drinks can, which is closed by a lid having a tear-off opening. Additionally, a rotatable element is provided and used to close the tear-off opening for a consumption seal and/or which covers a symbol and/or a sign which is only visible after opening the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Oliver Schlattl, Ralph Schlattl
  • Patent number: 6757957
    Abstract: A dispenser package for fluent products such as cosmetics and lotions that includes an integrally molded plastic container having a flexible body with a sidewall, a closed bottom, and a top wall having a dispensing opening offset from the axis of the container body. A closure has a base wall and a peripheral skirt. In some embodiments of the invention, the closure is rotatably mounted on the container body, and has a dispensing opening in the closure base wall for selective registry with the dispensing opening in the top wall of the container body. Detent elements are provided on the closure and container body for selectively locking the closure in open and closed positions. In alternative embodiments, the closure includes a flip-top hinged to the base wall, with a plug extending therefrom for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening in the container body top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. McClean, Robert E. Harman
  • Patent number: 6739471
    Abstract: A container, particularly in the form of a beverage can, which has a drinking opening preparation in its upper lid wall, and may be reclosed after being opened by a rotary lid closure. Means are provided for coupling the rotary lid closure to the lid wall when the lid wall recedes somewhat after opening the container so that the drinking opening made can be reclosed sealingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Hermann Goetz, Bruno Ackermann, Dieter Folland
  • Publication number: 20040089662
    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: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    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, Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty, Richard Michael Sandusky
  • Patent number: 6732876
    Abstract: An automatically sealing lid assembly (10) includes a cap portion (12) selectively coupled to a cup (16) so as to cover a mouth (14) of the cup (16). The cap portion (12) has a sip hole (34) and a vent hole (36) integrally formed therein. The cap portion (12) also has a disk portion (42) rotatably coupled thereto between a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. The disk portion (42) has a sip plug (52) and a vent plug (54). The sip plug (52) seals the sip hole (34) in the sealed configuration. Likewise, the vent plug (54) seals the vent hole (36) in the sealed configuration. The cap portion (12) and the disk portion (42) have a biasing member assembly (62) operatively coupled therebetween. The biasing member assembly (62) biases the disk portion (42) to the sealed configuration. The biasing member assembly (62) further includes an actuating surface (80) for receiving an application of force by a user thereby selectively disposing the lid assembly (10) to the unsealed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Niko Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 6732875
    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 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    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
  • Publication number: 20040079755
    Abstract: A multi-functional lid for cookware having a rotatable disc element and a stationary disc element. The rotating disc element of the lid allows for access related cooking tasks to be performed without removing the lid. The segmented rotating disc element includes an opening that allows for access to the pot, a perforated opening which allows for the controlled release of heat, and a segment that has no openings which allows the lid to contain all heat and moisture under the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Graus
  • Publication number: 20040060935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for containing liquids, in particular drinks, comprising: a bottom element, at least one side wall connecting onto the bottom element, a top element connecting onto the side wall at a distance from the bottom element, which top element is provided with at least one first passage opening for liquid, and a closing element positioned on a side of the top element remote from the bottom element and connected to the top element, such that the relative orientation between the top element and the closing element can be changed, whereby passage of drink through the first passage opening can take place or be blocked. The invention also relates to a closer for a drinks can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: MONTI INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventor: Antonio Giuseppe Perra
  • Publication number: 20040035868
    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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    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, Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Patent number: 6695247
    Abstract: A holder for a paper roll with axial dispensing of the paper from the roll, includes a housing which has an end wall provided with a dispensing opening and tear elements extending around the periphery of the opening. The holder includes members for rotating the web of paper being drawn from a paper roll, which is disposed in the housing, relative to the paper roll in dependence of the length of paper web being drawn out of the dispensing opening, said members being disposed within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventor: Urban Widlund
  • Publication number: 20040026420
    Abstract: A container having a rotatable dispenser closure is disclosed. The container has a body portion and a closure portion. The container body has at its upper end a closure securing section that is folded inwardly and downwardly so that it is in contact with the inner surface of the body sidewall. The closure includes a sidewall having a lower section, an upper section and a first rim. The lower section of the closure sidewall fits snugly against the interior of the body sidewall below the closure securing section, the upper section of the closure sidewall engages the closure securing section, and the first rim of the closure sidewall rests on the top of the closure securing section. In this manner, the closure is coupled to the container body so that the closure is prevented from upward or downward movement but not axial rotation. Both the body sidewall and the closure sidewall contain apertures that are positioned so that they may be aligned when the closure is rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Huhtamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030197012
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    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, Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Patent number: 6629667
    Abstract: A dispenser adapted to dispense sheet material therefrom includes a housing configured to support a sheet material product therein which has an exit port. The dispenser also includes at least a removable orifice plate for controlling the movement of sheet material from the housing through the exit port. Methods of using and adjusting a dispenser having a removable orifice plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Francis Tramontina
  • Patent number: 6615473
    Abstract: A dispenser package for fluent products such as cosmetics and lotions that includes an integrally molded plastic container having a flexible body with a sidewall, a closed bottom, and a top wall having a dispensing opening offset from the axis of the container body. A closure has a base wall and a peripheral skirt. In some embodiments of the invention, the closure is rotatably mounted on the container body, and has a dispensing opening in the closure base wall for selective registry with the dispensing opening in the top wall of the container body. Detent elements are provided on the closure and container body for selectively locking the closure in open and closed positions. In alternative embodiments, the closure includes a flip-top hinged to the base wall, with a plug extending therefrom for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening in the container body top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. McClean, Robert E. Harman
  • Patent number: 6585714
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foolproofing device (12) equipped with pins (14-1 and 14-2) placed around the neck of a container (10), the container containing a product for pharmaceutical, medical or other use intended to be used by an extraction system (30) screwed onto a threaded support which may be the neck of the container itself or a sleeve (16) placed on the neck of the container, the screwing operation and thus the use of the product by the extraction system being possible only if the notches (34-1 and 34-2) of the extraction system coincide with the pins of the foolproofing device. According to a main characteristic of the invention, the foolproofing device (12) is characterized in that it is integral with the threaded support (16) of the container by means of connecting parts (18) between the foolproofing device and the threaded support, the connecting parts being broken when the extraction system coinciding with the foolproofing device is screwed onto the threaded support of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Tournaire S.A.
    Inventor: Joan Lopez
  • Patent number: 6578726
    Abstract: A one piece and/or two piece container lid designed for allowing a beverage aroma to escape from a drink container for the enjoyment of the user of the container. The two piece container lid broadly comprises an upper lid cover and a lower lid cover. The upper lid cover includes an annular upper lid top portion with a downwardly extending skirt disposed around the outer circumference of the top portion. An upper lid drink opening is disposed on one side of the top portion. Next to the upper lid drink opening is an upper recess area formed in part of the top portion. The upper recess area includes a plurality of aroma vent holes therein. The lower lid cover includes an annular lower lid top portion with a raised rim therearound. The rim includes a lower lid drink opening in one side thereon. A downwardly extending exterior flange is disposed around the outer circumference of the rim. The flange includes first and second lip grooves for receiving different diameter containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Debra L. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 6575397
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing sheet material includes a housing having a chamber configured to hold sheet material and an access door configured to provide both access to the chamber and closure to the chamber. The housing includes a dispensing member supported by the access door. The dispensing member has a first panel and a second panel. At least one panel moves so that the opening in the first panel and the exit port in the second panel align to permit sheet material to be threaded therethrough for loading, and at least one panel moves so that the opening and exit port are moved out of alignment for dispensing the sheet material. A method of installing sheet material in a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Francis Tramontina, Richard Paul Lewis
  • Publication number: 20030089713
    Abstract: A reclosable lid for a drinking cup comprising a base and a cap in mating relationship which can rotate relative to each other. Both the base and cap are provided with an aperture for delivery of liquid therethrough. When the apertures are aligned, liquid may be removed from the cup. When the cap is rotated relative to the base so that the apertures are offset, removal and spillage of liquid will be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Gordon A. Belt, Todd Atkins, Ryan P. Gingras
  • Publication number: 20030080130
    Abstract: A container, particularly in the form of a beverage can, which has a drinking opening preparation in its upper lid wall, and may be reclosed after being opened by a rotary lid closure. Means are provided for coupling the rotary lid closure to the lid wall when the lid wall recedes somewhat after opening the container so that the drinking opening made can be reclosed sealingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Hermann Goetz, Bruno Ackermann, Dieter Folland
  • Publication number: 20030038133
    Abstract: The present invention is a cover with adjustable apertures for containers. The present invention comprises of two components that snap together to form an integrated cover. The cover has an adjustable aperture that can be adjusted easily from fully closed to almost fully open. The present invention is aesthetically pleasing and easy to operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Junwu Liu
  • Publication number: 20030024929
    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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    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, Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Publication number: 20020179561
    Abstract: A device, consisting of a plurality of plate, disk, ball, gate or other types of valves, or switches, or apertures, or like passageways; all grouped, or stacked or ganged in series to form a single working unit, and configurable in such a manner that each acts as a physical block or nonconductive environment for any chosen material, sound, light, or other transmittable or transportable media, until manipulated into an indexed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Peck, Roseann Peck
  • Patent number: 6488058
    Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet and a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve rotatably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet, and a fluid outlet alignable with the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John J. Dyer, Corry P. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20020144915
    Abstract: A compact package for a garment made from a delicate material includes a container body having a volume of less than 10 in3 (164 cm3), a delicate material garment, a cover member and a cap. The cover member is inserted into the container body atop the garment, followed by the cap. Preferably, a buffer material is arranged between the garment and the cover member within the container body to protect the garment from damage during the packing process. The package is preferably produced by directing the garment and buffer material into a pre-loading tube, followed by shifting of a plunger member to load the container body with the garment, buffer material and the cover member. Subsequently, the cap is snap-fit upon the container body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: LeDagio, LTD
    Inventors: Leon Atkinson, Robert Jansen, R. Patrick Johnson, Ryan E. Park, Bruce H. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20020092851
    Abstract: An automatically sealing lid assembly (10) includes a cap portion (12) selectively coupled to a cup (16) so as to cover a mouth (14) of the cup (16). The cap portion (12) has a sip hole (34) and a vent hole (36) integrally formed therein. The cap portion (12) also has a disk portion (42) rotatably coupled thereto between a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. The disk portion (42) has a sip plug (52) and a vent plug (54). The sip plug (52) seals the sip hole (34) in the sealed configuration. Likewise, the vent plug (54) seals the vent hole (36) in the sealed configuration. The cap portion (12) and the disk portion (42) have a biasing member assembly (62) operatively coupled therebetween. The biasing member assembly (62) biases the disk portion (42) to the sealed configuration. The biasing member assembly (62) further includes an actuating surface (80) for receiving an application of force by a user thereby selectively disposing the lid assembly (10) to the unsealed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Niko Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 6367521
    Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet and a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve rotatably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part firther includes an air inlet, and a fluid outlet alignable with the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John J. Dyer, Corry P. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20020030053
    Abstract: An improved container, comprising a receptacle having an opening, a lid adapted to releasably cover at least a portion of the receptacle opening, the lid comprising a lower leaf having a port through which the receptacle opening may be accessed, and an upper leaf which, in a closed position, covers the port in the lower leaf, and which in an open position exposes at least a portion of the port, wherein the upper leaf rotates from the closed to the open position. A spiraling ramp is fixed to one leaf, and engaged by a member fixed to the other leaf, wherein the member and the ramp move relative to one another as the upper leaf is moved from the closed position to the open position, and when the upper leaf is moved from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Stephan Copeland
  • Publication number: 20010040163
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cover mountable to a beverage container and mounting method and apparatus thereof. The container cover detachably mountable to an upper surface of a beverage container comprises a body which is formed to have substantially a disc-shaped configuration. The body is partly cut away from an edge toward a center thereof thereby to define a beverage discharging opening which has a predetermined width and a predetermined contour. The beverage discharging opening is capable of being selectively communicated with a discharging hole of the beverage container as the body is rotated. An inner end of the beverage discharging opening is delimited by a rotation guiding part which has a predetermined curvature to guide rotation of the body. The body has a straw insertion hole which is defined therein at a predetermined location to have a predetermined diameter in a manner such that a straw can be inserted therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Applicant: Conic Korea Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Hoon Song
  • Patent number: 6308851
    Abstract: A use-evident container for containing an object and selectively preventing elements outside said container to reach the object comprises two housing portions and two caps. The two housing portions define a chamber for surrounding an object. The housing portions each define at least one opening forming a first part of a fluid flow path between the chamber and outside of the housing. The caps close the at least one opening and have at least one cap hole forming a second part of the fluid flow path when the at least one opening and the at least one cap hole at least partially overlap one another. At least one cap connector rotatably connects the housing portions and the cap and enables the fluid flow path to be opened and closed by relative rotation of the housing portion and the cap. At least one single-use lock engages the housing portion and the cap and prevents the relative rotation. The lock holds the housing and the cap in a first relative position in which the fluid flow path is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: SmokeSafe Corporation
    Inventor: Heinz Welschoff
  • Patent number: 6302301
    Abstract: A packaging container (1) with at least one partition for uptake of pourable products, which has one opening (9) which can be aligned with an opening (16) in a cover member (3). A sealing strip (4) is also applied onto a label (5) which is applied onto an actual container (2) and onto a cover member (3) such that it prevents movement of a container (2) and a cover member (3) in relation to each other and also hygienically covers an opening (16) in a cover member (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventor: Manfred Vette
  • Publication number: 20010019058
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cover mountable to a beverage container and mounting method and apparatus thereof. The container cover detachably mountable to an upper surface of a beverage container comprises a body which is formed to have substantially a disc-shaped configuration. The body is partly cut away from an edge toward a center thereof thereby to define a beverage discharging opening which has a predetermined width and a predetermined contour. The beverage discharging opening is capable of being selectively communicated with a discharging hole of the beverage container as the body is rotated. An inner end of the beverage discharging opening is delimited by a rotation guiding part which has a predetermined curvature to guide rotation of the body. The body has a straw insertion hole which is defined therein at a predetermined location to have a predetermined diameter in a manner such that a straw can be inserted therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Conic Korea Inc.
    Inventor: Jong Hoon Song
  • Patent number: 6267321
    Abstract: A centerflow rolled paper dispenser is provided in which the dispenser comprises a housing containing a spring loaded drawer member that is slidable between an open and a closed position. The dispenser includes an upper housing and a support member within said upper housing for supporting a roll of paper. Further, a lower housing is attached to the upper housing. An exit port from said upper housing to said lower housing is provided for release of rolled paper that is dispensed from the center of the roll through a predetermined dispensing orifice. Additionally, the drawer member is in substantially overlapping position with the exit port, the drawer member being spring loaded to bias the drawer member towards the open position to make loading a new roll of paper into the dispenser more convenient. A rotatable disk is provided with orifices of varying size disposed on the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Tramontina
  • Patent number: 6244518
    Abstract: A snake repellent system for use in repelling snakes so as to prevent the human user from being bitten. The snake repellent system consists of a receptacle into which is placed a quantity of garlic or onion, the aroma of which is believed to be effective in repelling snakes. The receptacle is provided with a lid having a plurality of openings for facilitating the dispersal of the garlic or onion aroma. The receptacle may be provided with a mincing rack used to mince a clove of garlic, thereby more fully releasing its aroma. The receptacle may also be provided with a means to both limit child access to the repellent substance within the receptacle and prevent removal of the repellent substance from the lid openings. An adjustable band is provided for attaching the receptacle to the arm or leg of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Thelma F. Pogue
  • Patent number: 6237788
    Abstract: Perfume bottle structure including an upper casing and a lower casing mated with each other. The upper and lower casings are respectively housed in two frame bodies and the surfaces of the upper and lower casings are disposed with replaceable decorative articles. A perfume container is placed in the lower casing and connected with a base seat for firmly locating the perfume container. A fixing seat is mounted at bottom end of the lower casing for freely firmly locating the perfume bottle at desired places. The top end of the upper casing is formed with a cylindrical cavity in which a cylindrical sleeve is fitted. A decorative cap is engaged with the cylindrical sleeve for opening/closing the perfume bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun Tian Shuen
  • Patent number: 6216903
    Abstract: A bi-directional closure to dispense liquid through the open mouth of a container having a projecting handle. The closure includes a closing member fitting into the container open mouth to seal the mouth and the closing member has a pair of spaced outlet ports. A lid is rotatably mounted relative to the closing member and has a pair of spaced liquid pouring openings and a pair of spaced air holes and an operating lever is mounted on one of the closing member and lid and projects therefrom for rotating one relative to the other. When the lid is in a home position relative to the closing member with the operating lever aligned with the container handle the pair of outlet ports of the closing member are sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Hirose, Yasuhiro Kowa, Toru Goto
  • Patent number: 6216904
    Abstract: The drink can has an off-center opening in its lid, which is firmly connected to the body surface, and is fastened to the body surface by a flanged rim. A closure cap is arranged in a rotatable but non-removable fashion, on this flanged rim. The closure cap has two annular beads that are directed towards the lid, and of which the second annular bead surrounds an opening which has the same eccentricity as the opening in the lid. The first annular bead surrounds a closed region that comprises a sealing ring and a deformable bulge. In the closed state of the drink can, the sealing ring rests on the apex of an annular bead that surrounds the opening. The annular bead is therefore also arranged to be off-center, so that it surrounds the annular bead when the closure cap is in the appropriate rotational position. After the convex bulge has been pressed into a permanent concave position, the closure cap can be rotated, so that the opening in the closure cap aligns with the opening in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Michael N. Cagan
  • Patent number: 6176384
    Abstract: The present invention provides a spill-proof container having a two-panel cover such that an upper panel is stationary, while a lower panel is enabled for rotational motion relative to the upper panel. As each panel has an aperture in it, and the lower panel provides a device for manual actuation of the rotational motion of the lower panel relative to the upper panel, the invention enables one to reach inside of the container when the lower aperture is positioned by the rotative motion adjacent to the upper aperture. Therefore, the food is held fresh and protected from exposure to the undesirable moisture or dryness of the fresh air, while it is easily accessible without removal of the container's cover. This objective is further enhanced by a resilient, snap-action engagement of an L-shaped annular container cover rim with the top annular rim of the container. Additionally, the lower panel aperture is provided with a flexible surface which is split by radial slits into flexible fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Corri Voloshin
  • Patent number: 6158608
    Abstract: A beverage can lid which has a sealing tab on its surface so that the can can be resealed after it has been opened. The can contains a rotatable lid element in addition to a fixed lid element either above or below the fixed element to perform the sealing feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Cetoni Umwelttechnologie Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH
    Inventor: Werner Schlattl
  • Patent number: 6070751
    Abstract: A container comprising a main portion (1) with variable capacity and a cover (2) which may be coupled in dovetail manner, with a leak-tight sealing and with no possibility of disassembly, the cover embodying a filling window (16) which may be shut by a rotatory disk (9) which in turn is provided with two diametrically opposite windows (17) and (19), the first of which faces the window (16) during the container-filling phases and is located diametrically opposite during the temporary-sealing phases, implementing a hermetic sealing; while in the second window there is located a blocking button (22) which, after the final filling of the container, is capable of being moved inside, immovably blocking the shutter disk (9) at the cover (8) and implementing the final, non-workable sealing of the window (16) of said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Sanypick, S.A.
    Inventor: David Gonzalez Mejias
  • Patent number: 6003711
    Abstract: A drink through cap that removably attaches to a drinking cup or mug. The cap has a plate-like body with a drink through hole. A raised edge extends upwardly from the periphery of the body. A disk-shaped insert is rotatably supported on the body and has a drink through area that can be aligned with the drink through hole in the body for drinking and unaligned to prevent spilling. Tabs fixed to the insert extend over the raised edge of the body where they can be rotated to the raised open stop to align the holes for drinking, or rotated to the closed stops for nonalignment of the holes for safety. Further, the tabs can be placed over the open stops to provide a latched open condition and can be placed over the closed stops to provide a latched closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Leon Bilewitz
  • Patent number: 5954241
    Abstract: A particulate receiving and dispensing container having a vessel and a cooperating closure is provided. The vessel has a generally circular mouth with a segmental discontinuity therein. The vessel mouth is slidably engagable with a grater. Specifically, with the cylindrical housing end portions of a grater drum when so engaged, the segmental discontinuity is preferably located alongside portions of a hopper housing that are integral with end adjacent to the grater drum housing. After being charged with particulates from the grater, the vessel is separated from the grater and the vessel mouth is associated with a valve equipped closure which cooperates with the segmental discontinuity. Thus, an operating tab for opening and closing the closure valve moves in a depression in the closure. The depression in the closure fits into and over the segmented discontinuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: The Pampered Chef, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daiying Huang
  • Patent number: 5955160
    Abstract: Each base for fusing a snap-zipper male member and a snap-zipper female member, which form a snap zipper, onto a bag body is formed from a mixture of polypropylene and an ethylene copolymer obtained by copolymerizing ethylene and an .alpha.-olefin having a carbon atom ratio of 3 to 20, in which the ethylene copolymer has a weight average molecular weight/number average molecular weight of less than 3, density in the range from 0.850 g/cm.sup.3 to 0.935 g/cm.sup.3, melt index in the range from 0.3 g/10 min. to 15 g/10 min., and range of number of branching dependent on molecular weight of 0-5 branches/1,000 carbon. A bag with the snap zipper is structured to fuse the snap zipper through the bases onto the bag body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Tanaka, Masao Takashige, Yoshikazu Shirai
  • Patent number: 5921440
    Abstract: The multi-compartment container is made from previously formed partial bottles and is preferably made from two "half-bottles" that are individually formed from a pliable plastic with a semicircular wall on one side and a flat wall on the other side, as by blow molding. The two half-bottles are joined together with the flat walls in juxtaposition to define the body portion of the multi-compartment container, with each "half-bottle" serving as one of its compartments or chambers. A cap with a dispenser for each compartment serves as a cover for the container. The pliable plastic from which the container is formed enables a person to squeeze either of the compartments to dispense from one of the compartments or squeeze both compartments to dispense from both compartments. One embodiment of the invention includes a dial-a-matic selection system adapted, but not restricted, to the dispensing of mustard and catsup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Morris P. Maines
  • Patent number: 5887742
    Abstract: A bug guard for a beverage can includes a retaining slot adapted to receive over the can tab actuator. The bug guard is secured to the top lid of the can by bending the tab actuator upward, sliding the tab actuator through the retaining slot, and bending the tab actuator downward. The bug guard includes a plurality of apertures in alignment with the drink opening to allow a consumer to drink from the can while preventing insects and debris from entering the can through the drink opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Jimmie Lewis
  • Patent number: 5885529
    Abstract: An improved automated immunoassay analyzer including a high throughput automated immunoassay system which can perform high volume testing on a broad range of analytes while selecting from among a diverse set of immunoassays for any given sample. The immunoanalyzer has the capacity to perform a wide range of different types of immunoassays by facile storage and automated combination aboard the instrument among a wide variety of different types of reagents and heterogenous immunoassay beads stored on-board the instrument. The automated design allows reduced user interface (e.g., tests are performed automatically from computer input) including the ability to order, perform and reassay tests reflexively based on test results without operator intervention. Further, the inventive analyzer is not sample tube specific; that is, an instrument that can accept sample tube sizes within a broad size range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: DPC Cirrus, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Babson, Thomas Palmieri, Anthony P. Montalbano, Chris P. Montalbano, Greg A. Montalbano, Eric C. Fleischer
  • Patent number: 5821437
    Abstract: A liquid collection apparatus includes a container for storing a liquid sample removably connected to a lid. The lid includes an opening therethrough to permit liquid to pass into the container for storage. A closure disk is operably mounted on the lid to selectively close the opening after a predetermined amount of liquid has entered the container. The closure disk is biased towards the closed position, and is retained in an open position by an operable latch which is connected to the bottom of the lid. A trigger operably mounted on the bottom of the lid has a float connected thereto which will pivot a trigger arm as the level of liquid within the container raises, thereby operating the latch to disengage from the closure disk and permit the closure disk to rotate to a closed position, thereby sealing the sample within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Timothy M. Budin
  • Patent number: 5816427
    Abstract: An insect-proof and tamper-evident cover is disclosed for a disposable, one-time use beverage container. A lid, non-rotatably secured to the upper end of the beverage container, includes an initially sealed lid opening, an arcuate groove housing a projection used to break the sealed lid opening, and a plurality of bearing surfaces. A rotatable cover is secured to said lid in a fluid-tight arrangement. The cover includes a fluid opening having parallel bars there-across, a plurality of finger engaging members, and a tamper evident indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Nicholas G. Beckertgis