Plural Secondary Closures Patents (Class 220/254.2)
  • Patent number: 7980431
    Abstract: An extendable pour cap includes a base adapted for attaching to a neck of a container. A flexible spout extends from the base, and is adapted for communicating with an open mouth of the container. The flexible spout has integrally-formed bellows designed for converting the spout between a compressed condition and an extended condition. A first closure element is designed for removably securing a first closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed. A second closure element is designed for removably securing a second closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ipour, LLC
    Inventor: John Barksdale
  • Patent number: 7938412
    Abstract: A container assembly is provided that includes a base container that has an upper opening and an upper container mounted in covering relation over the upper opening of the base container. A linkage connects the upper container to the base container in a manner that allows the upper container to be displaced from the covering relation over the upper opening of the base container, so as to permit access into the base container through the upper opening. A support assembly is spaced from the base container when the upper container is displaced from the covering relation over the upper opening of the base container and wheels are disposed toward a lower portion of the container assembly. A handle is provided for rollingly transporting the container assembly on the wheels in a tilted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: The Stanley Works Israel Ltd.
    Inventor: Amir Katz
  • Patent number: 7931166
    Abstract: A cap device for use with a container or bottle includes adjacent first and second portions, each portion including a structure different than the other for accessing the contents of a container. The first portion may include an opening, such as a straw opening or pour opening, and a cover pivotally movable between open and closed configurations. The second portion may define a trough and include a drinking implement, such as a sipper, that is pivotal between retracted and extended configurations. The drinking implement includes first and second sections, the first section being rotatable between retractable and locked configurations. Contents of the container may be accessed when the second section is in the locked configuration. The drinking implement may be moved to the retracted configuration only when the second section is in its retractable configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph M. Cuocolo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7922029
    Abstract: A cylindrical receptacle has an open space accessible from above, and an optional cover. An outer shell, an inner liner, and a pair of oppositely moving doors that slide about the circumference define the receptacle. The vertically extending side wall has an opening circumscribing substantially one half of the circumference formed in the side wall. The pair of doors are operative in a first position to fully enclose the opening and are operative in a second position to provide full access to the opening. Various alternative embodiments incorporate vertical reinforcing supports adjacent the opening, gussets circumscribing the opening for reinforcing the opening, a reinforcing spacer adjacent the receptacle top, a discontinuous spacer adjacent the receptacle bottom, a floor adjacent the base and sloped towards the opening, a feature locking the outer shell and inner liner together, and a taper so the receptacle may be stacked together with like receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas W. Aretz, Steven T. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 7913868
    Abstract: A flapper cap container closure including a cover-lid having a first flap hinged to the cap and to second and third flaps overlying the apertures of its web, whereby depressing the first flap automatically positions the second and third flaps to depress and seal off the apertures of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dolan, Harold E. Zuber
  • Patent number: 7913869
    Abstract: A cap device for use with a container or bottle includes a spout portion having a trough defining an access hole. The cap device includes a drinking implement coupled to the trough and pivotal between retracted and extended configurations, the drinking implement covering the access hole at the retracted configuration and being in communication therewith at the extended configuration. An upper surface of the cap device defines a cavity adjacent to and in communication with the trough that is configured to receive a person's finger to selectively urge the drinking implement between retracted and extended configurations. The cap device may include a pour portion adjacent the spout portion although the spout portion accounts for a relatively larger area than the pour portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph M. Cuocolo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7913867
    Abstract: A lid for a cup which provides for use of a beverage bag unit comprising a beverage bag and a drawstring connected to the beverage bag, the lid comprising: a flange for attachment to a cup; and a body unit comprising a body section including an aperture through which the drawstring is slideable, and at least one wing member operable to allow a user to squeeze and/or hold the beverage bag when in a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Phillips
  • Patent number: 7909195
    Abstract: A two-piece lid is provided and includes a base portion defining at least two openings of differing sizes and a single cover portion connected to the base for covering the openings. At least one opening is constructed as to maximize the size of the opening. A confectionery container comprising the two-piece lid is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Jon Rathbone, Katie Hernandez, Tyler Simpson, Russ Schweizer
  • Patent number: 7878188
    Abstract: A self-heating beverage container includes a housing defining an open interior area for holding a liquid and defining a cavity separated from the open interior area. The container includes a heater portion removably coupled to the housing within the cavity. First and second reactants may be positioned in the cartridge area where they may be selectively combined to produce heat when a seal between them is punctured, causing the liquid to be heated. The container includes a selection portion that is selectively separable from the housing. A plurality of flavoring agents is positioned in the selection portion, each flavoring agent being separated from each other flavoring agent. Each flavoring agent is selectively separated from said open interior area by at least one breakable barrier. Each breakable barrier may be selectively pierced so as to dispense an ingredient into the liquid where it may be selectively mixed and heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Barksdale
  • Publication number: 20100314391
    Abstract: A closure for a container opening according to one embodiment comprises a plug including a series of projections and being constructed and arranged to be received within the container opening and an overcap constructed and arranged for being attached to the plug so as to close off an interior of the plug and create an assembly. The projections being constructed and arranged for interfit with a specialized wrench socket for threadedly advancing the plug into the container opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gary M. Baughman
  • Patent number: 7845653
    Abstract: A container assembly is provided that includes a base container that has an upper opening and an upper container mounted in covering relation over the upper opening of the base container. A linkage connects the upper container to the base container in a manner that allows the upper container to be displaced from the covering relation over the upper opening of the base container, so as to permit access into the base container through the upper opening. A support assembly is spaced from the base container when the upper container is displaced from the covering relation over the upper opening of the base container and wheels are disposed toward a lower portion of the container assembly. A handle is provided for rollingly transporting the container assembly on the wheels in a tilted configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: ZAG Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Amir Katz
  • Patent number: 7798355
    Abstract: A water softener system cover assembly includes a cover removably coupled to the water softener system, the cover includes a control panel opening and a salt pour area opening. The assembly also includes a control panel cover portion slidably coupled to the cover for selective movement between a closed position covering the control panel opening and an open position exposing the control panel opening, and wherein the control panel cover portion is at least partially positioned between the salt pour area opening and the salt pour area cover portion when in the open position. The assembly further includes a salt pour area cover portion slidably coupled to the cover for selective movement between a closed position covering the salt pour area opening and an open position exposing the salt pour area opening, the salt pour area cover portion is configured such that said salt pour area cover portion is positioned at least partially above the control panel cover portion when in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher Raymond Geisen, Norman J. Boulard
  • Patent number: 7757872
    Abstract: A removable cap assembly maintains a cap having a curved side wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, a top portion extending from the curved side wall, a boss extending perpendicularly from the top portion, and a circumferential rib extending perpendicularly from the top of the boss. The boss and rib define an opening in the cap. A stopper, dimensioned to seal the opening, has a hole therein configured to allow a fluid to flow through. The stopper is maintained in the cap by the boss. The stopper includes a sealing surface flange and a cylindrical wall portion. The sealing surface flange receives the bottom edge of the boss. A sealing ring is formed separately from the stopper and is configured to fit against an inside surface of the top portion of the cap. A stopper lock is configured to press against the stopper, sealing surface flange and the sealing ring, sealing them against the inside of the cap. The stopper lock locks in place against the boss of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Henry W. Ver Hage
  • 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: 7624899
    Abstract: An extendable pour cap includes a base adapted for attaching to a neck of a container. A flexible spout extends from the base, and is adapted for communicating with an open mouth of the container. The flexible spout has integrally-formed bellows designed for converting the spout between a compressed condition and an extended condition. A first closure element is designed for removably securing a first closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed. A second closure element is designed for removably securing a second closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Ipour, LLC
    Inventor: John Barksdale
  • Patent number: 7575122
    Abstract: A knockout in a sidewall of a plastic electrical box has a slot for receiving a screwdriver tip to apply a knockout force to the knockout. The slot is located adjacent the box bottom wall to minimize deformation of the sidewall by a knockout force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Gregory D. Turcovsky, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20090200296
    Abstract: [Purpose] To provide a container assembly suitable for heating a food stuff therein with a heating device such as a microwave and a cover thereof. [Solution] A cover for covering an opening of a container for a food stuff comprising: a substantially flat cover body including at least one aperture, at least one substantially flat flap including a linear proximal end configured to connect with the cover body, the proximal end allowing the at least one flap to rotate with respect to the cover body, wherein a lower surface of the at least one flap includes a protrusion configured to close the at least one aperture when the at least one flap is at a first position in which the at least one flap is in parallel with the cover body, the cover body and the at least one flap are integrally formed by a co-injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Iwasaki
  • Publication number: 20090101645
    Abstract: A multi-section lid for a can containing edible material includes a lid base, a cover portion, and a tear strip. The lid base can attach the lid to the can. The lid base defines one or more openings that permit access to the edible material. The cover portion includes one or more doors to cover the openings. The tear strip portion is positioned between the lid base and the cover portion. The tear strip portion is connected to the lid base and the cover portion by a plurality of bridges. The mold for forming the lid includes cavities that define flow channels that permit the lid material to flow through bridge cavities to fill the cavities in the mold during formation of the lid such that the lid base, the cover portion, and the tear strip portion are the single integral component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: MCCORMICK & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tracie WILSON, Steve Gift, Tom Coulter, Duane Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20080245801
    Abstract: The invention relates to an insert for a pressurised liquid container, comprising a product chamber (9), for holding an additive and a pressure chamber (11), with at least one opening to the exterior of small diameter and a lid (3) for sealing both chambers (9,11), whereby the geometry of the pressure and product chambers are selected such that said opening lies above the fluid level on floating and viewed from the side of the lid, the product chamber (9) is surrounded on the lid side by the pressure chamber (11), characterised in that the lid (3) comprises sealing means (4,5), engaging with each of the side walls (1,2c) of both chambers (9,11) at a uniform separation from each wall end and a separation a, between a sealing line (5) of the lid (3) on the lateral wall (2c) of the pressure chamber and the end of said wall, is greater than a separation b between the or the furthest sealing line (4b) of the lid on the side wall (1) of the product chamber (9) and a line in the region of the upper end of said produ
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Bernd Ullmann, Ralf Lieberz
  • Patent number: 7278546
    Abstract: A removable cover assembly for a refuse container has a frame with pivotable plastic covers and retractable hoisting pins, which can be utilized using the same hoisting apparatus as is used for the refuse container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Paul Williams
  • Patent number: 7275650
    Abstract: A double walled container is provided by an inner container that is fitted within an outer container. End flaps are provided on the outer container for engaging the inner container and closing the gap between the inner container and the outer container. The method involves lifting the inner container out of the outer container, removing the grease from the inner container, and inserting the outer container back into the inner container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Darling National LLC
    Inventors: Lester J. Fangman, Dale A. Sudbeck, Scott A. Sargent, Tim R. Phillips, J. Todd Ferrell
  • Patent number: 7261217
    Abstract: A server lid for a container with an integral tear strip tamper evident feature. A tear strip for the tamper evident feature is molded as an adjunct to a base member which forms the closure. The tear strip is joined to the base by at least one frangible web, and hinges about the frangible web to overlie front edges of one or more flaps formed in the server lid. Ultrasonic welds connect the overlying tear strip to the flaps or adjacent the flaps for providing a tamper evident feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventor: George Solowiejko
  • Patent number: 7258255
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes a base having a first end configured for mounting on a container and a second end enclosed by a top portion. The container includes a first projection extending from an outside wall. The top portion includes a platform having at least one opening for dispensing material from the container. At least one flap is coupled to the top portion and movable between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. A second projection extends from an inside wall of the base toward the top portion and is configured to coact with the first projection on the outside of the container, so that the closure is configured to resist separation from the container once the closure has been attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Vogel, Terrence M. Parve
  • Patent number: 7166800
    Abstract: A macroencapsulation container having in combination an inner container member with an inner lid member and an inner body member, and an outer container member with an outer lid member and an outer body member, the inner container member being composed of a thermoplastic polymer material that can be thermo-welded or thermo-bonded to itself by melting. The outer container is composed of a metal. At least one electric resistance wire is embedded in or mounted onto the inner lid member along the area of contact with the inner body member, such that the inner lid member may be thermo-bonded to the inner body member to create an integral, one-piece inner container member encapsulating any material or containers disposed within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Mark D. Shaw, J. Tad Heyman, Laurence M. Bierce
  • Patent number: 7121438
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system is provided with two or more dispensing apertures and two or more pivotable lids. Each lid can be selectively opened and retained in a fully opened orientation. In a preferred form of the invention, the lids are incorporated in a top that is snap-fitted into a closure body which defines the dispensing apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis J. Hoepner, Christopher A. Danks
  • Patent number: 7114627
    Abstract: A server lid for a container with an integral tear strip tamper evident feature is presented. A tear strip for the tamper evident feature is molded as an adjunct to a base member which forms the closure. The tear strip is joined to the base by at least one frangible web, and hinges about the frangible web to overlie front edges of one or more flaps formed in the server lid. Ultrasonic welds connect the overlying tear strip to the flaps or adjacent the flaps for providing a tamper evident feature. The shape of the server lid provides stackability in that the base rim of the container will fit over the upper portion of the lid, including frangible webs to allow interfitting of one container bottom with the container closure of the next, to allow the containers to be stacked on a shelf without substantial danger of slipping or tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventor: George Solowiejko
  • Patent number: 7100806
    Abstract: A condiment shaker includes a flip top lid having pins configured to travel through dispensing openings in the shaker top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sure Shake, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Schuster, Daniel J. Reed
  • Patent number: 7021482
    Abstract: A server lid for a container with an integral tear strip tamper evident feature. A tear strip for the tamper evident feature is molded as an adjunct to a base member which forms the closure. The tear strip is joined to the base by at least one frangible web, and hinges about the frangible web to overlie front edges of one or more flaps formed in the server lid. Ultrasonic welds connect the overlying tear strip to the flaps or adjacent the flaps for providing a tamper evident feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventor: George Solowiejko
  • Patent number: 7021481
    Abstract: A lid for use with a container may include a panel and a first dispensing opening on the panel. The lid may also include a first closure on the panel, where the first closure may include a second dispensing opening. The first closure may be configured to at least partially cover the first dispensing opening. The lid may further include a second closure on the panel, where the second closure may be configured to cover the second dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Freida St. Germain, Tim Kilpatrick, James S. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 7007830
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes a base with at least one opening for dispensing a material from the container and a cover coupled atop the base. The cover includes at least one flap that is movable between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. At least one projection extends from the flap to releasably retain the flap in the closed position. A tab extends from the projection. A guide surface is provided on the tab and is configured to contact an edge of the opening when the flap is moved toward the closed position and is configured to create a wedging interaction with the edge of the opening when the flap is moved further toward the closed position. The flap is retained in the closed position by the wedging interaction of the tab and the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Parve, William C. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6929142
    Abstract: A hatch cover for deployment over a hatchway formed in a floating roof liquid storage tank permits rapid loading and unloading of inspection or maintenance equipment and minimizes vapor emissions from the tank. The portable hatch cover has two base plates movably connected at a hinge and each defining complementary recesses. A circular flange extends from the bottom surfaces of the base plates to seat the hatch cover in the hatchway. Two door panels are movably connected at hinges to the top surfaces of the base plates. When one or both of the door panels are opened, equipment may be loaded into the tank through the complementary recesses. When closed, the door panels cover the recesses in the base plates. Complementary notches in the door panels provide an opening through which equipment tubing or wiring may extend when the door panels are closed. A collar gasket optionally may be wrapped around the tubing or wiring as a further means to limit vapor emissions from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: AST Services LLC
    Inventors: David L. Gilbert, David G. Reed
  • Patent number: 6923333
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved plastic industrial container which may be used for packaging, shipping and dispersing a variety of liquids while protecting the contents from tampering and theft. The container is manufactured in components which include a pail body, a cover and a nestable pour spout closure. The improved container design facilitates press fit assembly of the cover to the pail in the usual manner, but which blocks tool insertion and undamaged removal of the cover. The invention specifically relates to an improved cover and closure combination which facilitates the press fit assembly of the closure to the cover but which resists tampering. The barrier molded with thin cross section with frangible elements to be easily damaged if tools are used in a prying manner on the closure wall resist tampering by restricting the clearance for tool insertion and closure removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventors: Alfonso N. Arciniegas, Ron Sturk
  • Patent number: 6843387
    Abstract: A cover for a desiccant dispenser is mounted over an opening of a bucket-shaped container containing a plurality of desiccant bags. The cover includes a hard main plate having a taking-out bore for insertion of a hand to take out the desiccant bags, and one elastic plate mounted on the main plate to cover the taking-out bore and having a plurality of cuts arranged radiately to permit the insertion and withdrawal of the hand. This can greatly extend the duration of the activity of desiccant bags placed in a bucket-shaped container of a dispenser, particularly desiccant bags located in an uppermost layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Sanai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yutaka Karaki, Stefan Dick
  • Publication number: 20040226950
    Abstract: An integrally-formed cover for a container is disclosed. The integrally-formed cover comprises a cylindrical portion, a top portion, a shaker flap, a spooning flap, and an upwardly projecting lip. The top portion has a plurality of shaker openings and a spooning opening. The shaker flap and the spooning flap each have an outer edge with a downwardly extending skirt. The shaker flap and spooning flap are configured for selective movement between an open position and a closed position. The lip extends substantially around the shaker flap and the spooning flap and is configured to provide a guide for positioning a bottom of a container stacked on the top portion of the container cover. The cover may also comprise a sealing projection. The sealing projection may be circular and may be disposed inside the cylindrical portion. A container comprising a closed-bottom receptacle having an open and cylindrical upper end to which an integrally-formed cover is secured is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Samz, William C. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6763964
    Abstract: A leak proof lid for a beverage container has a rocker arm which may be moved between open and closed positions by one hand. The lid is provided with drinking and venting apertures and respective basins within the lid. The rocker arm includes venting and drinking seals for sealing the respective aperture when the rocker arm is in the closed position. The rocker arm is easily removable from an upper side of the lid to facilitate cleaning the venting and drinking aperture and seals on the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Market, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Hurlbut, Tami L. Fujii, Sara E. Hill, B. Cameron Smith, Scott C. Thielman
  • Patent number: 6763963
    Abstract: A method and device for opening a drink can provided with a frangible obturator which can be pushed back inside the can using a tongue that is fixed in a horizontal position in the middle of the lid by means of a rivet on which the tongue can pivot as a lever to produce an opening which is later closed by a movable case that is adapted on the tongue which is pivoted around the river in order to move onto the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Akline
    Inventor: Didier Martin
  • Patent number: 6761278
    Abstract: An ambidextrous lid assembly that allows a lid to be opened from either side of a compartment is disclosed. The lid assembly includes at least a first frame member adapted to be pivotally attached proximate the compartment opening. The first frame member has an opening that allows access therethrough to at least a portion of the interior of the compartment when the first frame member is closed against the perimeter of the compartment opening. The lid assembly includes a second frame member that is pivotally attached to the first frame member and either by itself or in cooperation with a lid cover provides a closure for the opening in the first frame member. The first frame member carries a latch for securing it about the opening, and the second frame member carries a latch for securing it to the first frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southco, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Hyp, John Andrew Erikson
  • Publication number: 20040118846
    Abstract: A bottle cap and cap and bottle combination suitable for use with condiments are described. The cap has a small and large orifice and is designed for use on squeezable bottles to ensure complete removal of condiment within the squeezable bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Bestfoods North America
    Inventor: Thomas Vincent Merolla
  • Publication number: 20040045964
    Abstract: A can for paint white base, having a tubular body (10) with the upper edge affixing an annular upper wall portion (11), with the peripheral edge of its discharge opening (12) defining a seat onto which a removable lid (20) is seated, one of the parts defined by the upper wall portion (11) and the removable lid (20) being provided with an inspection opening (22) with a cross section substantially smaller than that of said discharge opening (12) and with its peripheral edge defining a seat for receiving and axially retaining a respective auxiliary lid (30), which is removable and constructed in a transparent material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Brasilata S.A. Embalagens Metalicas
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Teixeira Alvares, Antonio Roberto Sene
  • Patent number: 6691901
    Abstract: A retainer is disclosed for a closure for a container, having a base portion and flaps for covering and uncovering dispensing openings. The retainer includes an interface coupled to the flap and configured to provide an interference with the base and a member coupled to the interface and configured to engage an edge of the base to eliminate the interference when the flap is moved to a closed position. A method of securing a flap to a closure for a container is disclosed and includes providing a flap hinged to the closure, coupling an interface to the flap, configuring the interface to provide at least a partial interference with a portion of the closure in a first position, providing a guide on the interface configured to engage an edge of the closure in the first position and eliminating the interference when the flap is moved to a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Parve, William C. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20040016755
    Abstract: A hatch cover for deployment over a hatchway formed in a floating roof liquid storage tank permits rapid loading and unloading of inspection or maintenance equipment and minimizes vapor emissions from the tank. The portable hatch cover has two base plates movably connected at a hinge and each defining complementary recesses. A circular flange extends from the bottom surfaces of the base plates to seat the hatch cover in the hatchway. Two door panels are movably connected at hinges to the top surfaces of the base plates. When one or both of the door panels are opened, equipment may be loaded into the tank through the complementary recesses. When closed, the door panels cover the recesses in the base plates. Complementary notches in the door panels provide an opening through which equipment tubing or wiring may extend when the door panels are closed. A collar gasket optionally may be wrapped around the tubing or wiring as a further means to limit vapor emissions from the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Applicant: InTank, Inc., a Maryland corporation
    Inventors: David L. Gilbert, David G. Reed
  • Patent number: 6626314
    Abstract: A resealable closure for beverage containers uses initial physical interference to initiate a seal between a sealing flap and a dispensing port in a lid of the resealable closure. Once the initial seal is achieved, a pressure differential develops, resulting in additional force tending to bias the sealing flap toward the dispensing port. The sealing flap is actuated by an external drive means, that can also be a dust cover to prevent debris from contaminating any surfaces that may come into contact with the contents of the beverage container. There is a slack between initial movement of the external drive means and initial movement of the sealing flap, during which the pressure differential is preferably equalized through the unsealing of a vent hole in the resealable closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Company
    Inventors: Robert J. McHenry, Thomas Tung
  • Patent number: 6575323
    Abstract: A dispensing closure with a hinged flap for conveniently opening and closing a dispensing aperture. The closure is a one-piece molded part having an integral living hinge. A mechanism for releasably locking the flap in a stay-open position and thereby resisting any tendency of the hinge to resiliently bias the flap towards a closed position is provided. The stay-open mechanism comprises a cooperating pair of surfaces molded into the flap and main body of the closure which are arranged to snap into and out of locking engagement when the flap is deliberately moved into or out of the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherchem Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas S. Martin, Joel W. Wennerstrom
  • Patent number: 6571972
    Abstract: A lid is shown for use with a portable tank or intermediate bulk container, or the like, having a threaded collar defining a port opening. The lid includes a generally circular top wall and a generally cylindrical sidewall connected to the top wall and having an inner threaded surface for threading to the threaded collar to close the port opening, in use. First and second circular openings through the top wall define first and second bung openings. First and second cylindrical collars extend downwardly from the top wall surrounding the respective first and second openings. Each cylindrical collar has a threaded inner wall for receiving a removable closure to selectively close the first and second bung openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Hoover Materials Handling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Bouc, Dwight Nichols, Michael Faltys
  • Publication number: 20030071041
    Abstract: A plastic cap has one or more hinged flaps that cover openings in the cap, as well as a stepped sealing ring against which the top of a plastic bottle seals. The sealing ring is stepped, much like the rows of seats in a circular stadium. This stepped arrangement permits the cap to be used with many different bottle rim diameters and automatically corrects any ovality of the bottle rim by forcing it to flex into a more circular shape as it engages the steps of the stepped ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Gateway plastics incorporated
    Inventor: William C. Vogel
  • Publication number: 20020179604
    Abstract: A lid for use with a container may include a panel and a first dispensing opening on the panel. The lid may also include a first closure on the panel, where the first closure may include a second dispensing opening. The first closure may be configured to at least partially cover the first dispensing opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Freida St. Germain, Tim Kilpatrick, James S. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 6488170
    Abstract: A container and a lid for closing it are disclosed. The container has an open end, a closed end and a peripheral sidewall therebetween. The peripheral sidewall has a rolled rim at the edge thereof adjacent the open end of the container. The lid has a dome-shaped structure. A peripheral rim curl is provided for locking the lid to the rolled rim of the container to close the open end. The lid also has a central region and a plurality of arched struts extending radially between the central region and the peripheral rim curl. At least one tabular hinged drinking region is provided in the lid. The tabular hinged drinking region is structured and arranged to be depressed into the container, thereby providing at least one flow-through opening in the tabular hinged drinking region of the lid. Preferably, the depressed tabular hinged drinking region is self-locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Tim Johnson Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020158069
    Abstract: A straw adapter 2 is removably disposed in the opening of a beverage container 1, and a straw 22 is attached to the straw adapter 2. A straw cap 12 is mounted on the straw adapter 2, for covering the straw attached to the straw adapter 2. Operations of the straw cap 12 opens and closes an air hole opening/closing valve 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yoneoka, Kazunao Ogura, Momoe Kigushi
  • Patent number: 6460718
    Abstract: A plastic cap has one or more hinged flaps that cover openings in the cap, as well as a stepped sealing ring against which the top of a plastic bottle seals. The sealing ring is stepped, much like the rows of seats in a circular stadium. This stepped arrangement permits the cap to be used with many different bottle rim diameters and automatically corrects any ovality of the bottle rim by forcing it to flex into a more circular shape as it engages the steps of the stepped ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics Incorporated
    Inventor: William C. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6450357
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastics lid of a container with a plastics closure fitted in an aperture of the lid, in particular a combination of the plastics lid (1) of a container and a plastics closure (2, 20) which is composed of a lower closure portion (2) with a closure foot (3), which can be fitted in an aperture of the lid (1), and a screw cap (20) which can be screwed on a pouring spout (17) of the lower closure portion (2), wherein the edge of the lid aperture is provided with an annular circumferential web (4) facing towards the outside of the lid, which is in engagement with the closure foot (3) fitted in the lid aperture, and closure foot (3) is configured U-shaped in cross-section, and grips around the web (4) with both U-arms (5, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Bericap GmbH & Company KG
    Inventors: Gunter Jakob Krautkramer, Lothar Brauer