Warped Cover Flexed Into Operative Position Patents (Class 220/305)
  • Patent number: 11149772
    Abstract: A latching connector for connecting a first component to a second component, wherein a latching hook is formed on the first component and a latch opening is formed on the second component, and wherein, in order to connect the first component to the second component, the latching hook passes through the latch opening and engages behind the second component with a hook end. The latching hook has a securing section which adjoins the latching hook on a side facing away from the hook end and which can be latched in the latch opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: David Hanuschkiewitz, Sebastian Scholz
  • Patent number: 10752408
    Abstract: A container assembly maximizes lid-to-container retention or prevents inadvertent removal of a lid from a container, and includes a container and a lid. The container includes an upper rim and a container wall. The container wall includes a seam and a primary indentation. The indentation traverses the seam at an inner container surface in parallel relation to the rim. The lid comprising a rim-receiving groove, a lid wall, and a wall-to-groove resilient portion. The resilient portion extends intermediate the lid wall and the rim-receiving groove and is resiliently actuable intermediate a relaxed configuration and an actuated configuration. The resilient portion has at least one indentation-engaging portion. The rim-receiving groove receives the upper container rim, and the indentation-engaging portion engages indentation when in the actuated configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Pavel Savenok
  • Patent number: 10582788
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to reusable food covers. Such reusable food covers may be flexible so that they can create a seal with partially consumed foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to preserve these foods and extend the time of being suitable and desirable for consumption. Each cover may include a base and a flexible wall formed as a single unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Food Huggers Inc.
    Inventors: Michelle Ivankovic, Adrienne McNicholas
  • Patent number: 10345203
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tissue sample including a retaining member having a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element, the first tissue engaging surface being moveably attached to the retaining member by said biasing element; and a base having a second tissue engaging surface and configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other, wherein the at least one biasing element urges the first tissue engaging surface toward the second tissue engaging surface to retain the tissue sample therebetween in the interior area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
    Inventors: Stella Knorr, Andrew Guy, Ralf Eckert, Fiona Tarbet, Fernando Dias, Chris Ryan, Neil Sanut
  • Patent number: 9464497
    Abstract: A seal holder for retaining a sealing arrangement (119,121), said sealing arrangement (119,121) being adapted to seal against a facing seal surface (209) in a bore (203), said seal holder having an intermediate section (117a) encircled by a peripheral section (117b) arranged for carrying said seal arrangement (119,121), wherein said intermediate section (117a) is convex shaped towards the pressure side and is adapted to exert radial pressure on said peripheral section (117b) in the event of exposure to pressure on its convex side. The invention also relates to a method for sealing a bore by applying an apparatus equipped at its lower end with a seal holder (117) retaining a sealing arrangement (119,121).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Aker Subsea AS
    Inventor: Jarmo Kekarainen
  • Patent number: 9027800
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly for pourable food or drink products, comprising: a receptacle for accommodating a pourable food or drink product, comprising an opening; and a closure means for closing the opening, comprising a closure member, mounted across the opening, having at least one outlet, and a stop member mounted to confront the outlet, the closure member being resiliently deformable, by the pressing action of a user, from a first condition in which the outlet is spaced from the stop member and the food or drink product may be poured through the outlet to a second condition in which the outlet has been moved inwardly to a position in which it is closed off by the stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Vacu Vin Innovations Limited
    Inventors: Patrick Lambertus Kerkhof, Patrick Bernardus Johannes Schneider, Rui Medeiros Santos
  • Publication number: 20140361015
    Abstract: A sealing plug for sealing an opening in a component has a substantially annular or cylindrical shank, the shank is closed by a sealing surface, and a sealing lip is provided on the shank and having a cone-shaped configuration. The sealing lip locks in place on the rear side of the component and closes the opening. The free edge of the first sealing lip is in contact with the rear side of the component in the assembled condition. The sealing lip has at least one flexible folding zone provided thereon which is reversibly foldable such that in a folded condition of the folding zone the circumference of the sealing lip is reduced in the area of the folding zone at least one of the edge and the sealing lip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventor: Tobias Weiler
  • Publication number: 20140175100
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to a tapered plug. The plug has a bottom base having a geometrical shape. In some embodiments the base has a well-defined geometrical shape, such as a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, and the like. In other embodiments, the shape of the base is not a regular, well-defined shape. In some embodiments, the plug comes to a point at the top, with a shape analogous to a cone, while in other embodiments, the top of the plug is flat. In some embodiments, the plug has a smooth or nearly smooth surface, made of an easily compressible or semi-compressible material. It is for use in stopping or slowing the flow of a fluid or gas or other flowable material through an opening that the plug is inserted into.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: R. Scott Foresman, William N. Hanna
  • Patent number: 8746499
    Abstract: In a container for solid, paste-like or flowable products, particularly food products, comprising a lower container part for containing the products and a container top part for closing the container, wherein the container bottom part has a rim which extends around the container bottom part opening, the container top part has a collar element which extends around the rim of the container bottom part and an essentially flat areal cover element connected to the collar element and releasably connected to the rim of the container bottom part when, after filling of the container bottom part with a product, the container is closed by the container top part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Arta Plast AB
    Inventor: Henning Steg
  • Patent number: 8746481
    Abstract: A flexible plastic sheet cover for a produce container which is collapsible and has a plurality of ventilators wherein the improvement is having a seamed cover center and having seamless end bands that grip the end walls of the container and a method for making the cover from a tubular sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Roy G Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20130327770
    Abstract: A container includes a bowl having a bottom and a sidewall, wherein a ledge is disposed on an inner surface of the sidewall and includes two opposing horizontal portions having a lowermost portion defining a first plane therebetween. A paperboard lid is removably retained within the bowl, wherein the lid includes an apex that lies in a second plane, which is parallel to the first plane. The distance between the first plane and the second plane is between about 0.15 cm to about 1.3 cm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert R. Turvey
  • Publication number: 20130270265
    Abstract: A cover 10 for a container 1, the container 1 having a hollow body and a separate end joined together by a seam 5 and the cover 10 comprising a disc of resilient material having plurality of slots 15 cut therein. Each slot 15 is arranged to define a clip 20 interspaced between two arms 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Lenneke Koopmans
  • Publication number: 20130133288
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an adaptive cover for sealing multiple objects having irregular shapes. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: CLOUD HIDDEN DESIGN LLC
    Inventor: Cloud Hidden Design LLC
  • Publication number: 20130087563
    Abstract: According to the invention, a beverage can closure element (10) with a cover element (12) is specified for configuring in an opening in a beverage can (30) and a locking mechanism (16) embodied and/or configured on the cover element (12) which is embodied and/or configured in a manner that the beverage can closure element (10) configured in an opening in a beverage can (30) can be locked in an opening of a beverage can (30), with the cover element (12) being embodied and configured so that, if the beverage can closure element (10) is configured in an opening of a beverage can (30), the cover element (12) is elastically deformable between at least two states, whereby the locking mechanism (16) is configured and embodied in such a manner on the cover element (12) that the locking mechanism (16) in at least one state of the cover element (12) of the at least two states of the cover element (12) is configured further inwards in a radial direction relative to the cover element (12) than in at least one other of th
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Wladimir Brandtner
  • Patent number: 8413833
    Abstract: A ruggedized case for transportation and protection of electronic equipment used in harsh commercial or military environments. The ruggedized case is 30-70% lighter than other similar competing cases through the use of lightweight, low-density, superior strength composite materials. The ruggedized case includes a multi-panel case body open at each end and two removable covers. A chassis which may be vibration and shock isolated, and a removable rack mount frame are also provided. Each component of this ruggedized case, including recessed cover latches, and handles, weather and airtight seals, adjustable rack mount frame lock mechanisms, and vibration isolators, have been significantly improved to provide more ergonomic form and functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: TCF Composites, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Taylor, David Root
  • Publication number: 20120318800
    Abstract: A hygienic device for use with a container opening is provided. The hygienic device includes a base and at least two guard elements which are integrally formed as a unitary structure. The guard elements, which are made of a soft resilient material and positioned on the base, are readily bendable downward to change shape and thus facilitate the opening/closing thereof, and can get closer together to form a protective layer for enclosing the container opening. The hygienic device requires lesser constituent elements and dispenses with the need to remove a hygienic lid from the container before using the container. The guard elements are capable of rebounding and adjusting shape and thickness, effective in balancing a resilient force and a binding force generated as a result of the bending and opening of the guard elements, and effective in attaching to the container; hence, the guard elements open without increasing occupied space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Chean-Shui Chen
  • Publication number: 20120261419
    Abstract: A structure for substantially sealing a storage unit, wherein the structure includes an elastically stretchable flange cooperable with a lip provided on a rim of the storage unit, wherein the flange is elastically urged to seal against the lip of the storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Albert John David
  • Patent number: 8251239
    Abstract: A sealing lid is disclosed that includes a flexible annular closure membrane surrounded by a heavier annular rim member that is preferably adapted to hold the lid in place on a container to define a first position. The closure membrane can be axially flexed from the first position to a second position using a single hand. In the second position, the membrane axially depresses to lower down the pressure in the container and forms a hermetic vacuum seal with the container. The heavier rim member has a weight that is substantially greater than the weight of the membrane that is adapted to press down the lid over the container. The heavier rim member supports hermetic sealing by facilitating intimate contact between the lid and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: SAR Holdings International Limited
    Inventor: Hin Shing Ken Yeung
  • Patent number: 8181809
    Abstract: In order to provide a reversible closure for containers which are subjected to an internal pressure in accordance with the invention there is proposed a closure device (200) comprising a deformable stretchable planarly extending cover (205) which can be moved into at least two operating positions, wherein the cover is aligned in a first operating position with the opening of the container and in a second operating position it undercuts the opening of the container over the entire periphery with a peripheral edge portion (222) so that the undercutting region (33) on the cover and the undercut region on the container form complementary sealing surfaces for gas-tightly and liquid-tightly closing the opening. The closure device further has an actuable means (260) for applying a force to the cover for deformation of the cover in such a way that it is deformable from one of the two operating positions into the other operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ball Packaging Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Lutz Strube
  • Patent number: 8020723
    Abstract: A container lid for use with a container with a neck. The lid includes a top and bottom, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, and a circumferential flange extending radially outward from the lid. The skirt preferably includes at least one integral bead shaped to engage the neck or rim of the container. The lid preferably includes a convex center section including at least one vent. The at least one vent is preferably integral with the lid, and is opened by the steam pressure buildup inside the container when the contents are heated. When the cover is locked on the container, the skirt provides a seal against the outside of the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Stull Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Auer, Jason Wesley Stull
  • Patent number: 7861881
    Abstract: An overcap for selectively covering a container of a microwaveable packaged good article is described. The overcap includes a panel, a neck extending from the panel, and a skirt radially spaced from the neck. The skirt defines at least two areas of reduced thickness spaced from one another, which are configured to allow the skirt to flex when the overcap is removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLC.
    Inventors: El-Afandi Ali, Larche Glen
  • Patent number: 7806286
    Abstract: A closure device and methods for manufacturing closure a device having a lid that is capable of alternating convex-to-concave movement and concave-to-convex movement. The lid may be mounted to a closure body, which may, for example, contain substances for attracting and exterminating pests, such as ants, other insects, snakes, and rodents. In other embodiments, the closure body may contain other substances, for example, a vaporizable air freshener. Certain embodiments may include a stake for affixing the closure body to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Consumer Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Berge
  • Patent number: 7789259
    Abstract: A cover-handle assembly for a kitchen vessel comprises a cover element having an outer central support element swingably housing plate gripping means which, in a rest position thereof, adjoin the surface of the cover element and, in a use position thereof, project with a slanted attitude from the cover element surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ballarini Paolo & Fieli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Vincenzo Garziera
  • Publication number: 20100163561
    Abstract: A dispensing container (300) includes a cavity (110) for storing products (310), an inner wall (122), and an outer wall (200). Each of the inner wall (122) and the outer wall (200) include an opening (130, 220). The inner wall (122) and the outer wall (200) can be positioned relative to one another such that the openings (130, 220) align or misalign. The dispensing container (300) is thereby placed in an open condition or a closed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: MEAD WESTVACO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeremy D. Mowery, John A. Gelardi
  • Publication number: 20080245797
    Abstract: A closure device and methods for manufacturing closure a device having a lid that is capable of alternating convex-to-concave movement and concave-to-convex movement. The lid may be mounted to a closure body, which may, for example, contain substances for attracting and exterminating pests, such as ants, other insects, snakes, and rodents. In other embodiments, the closure body may contain other substances, for example, a vaporizable air freshener. Certain embodiments may include a stake for affixing the closure body to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Gary L. Berge
  • Patent number: 7338619
    Abstract: A fuel cap 10 maintains high sealing even when subjected to external force; is easy to operate; and requires minimal space for accommodation. The cap device comprises a casing body 20 for closing the filler opening FNb in a sealed condition, a cover 40, a handle 45, a clutch mechanism 60 and a torque transmission mechanism 80. By upraising the handle to the handling position and applying rotational torque, rotational torque is transmitted to the casing body 20 via the clutch mechanism 60 and the torque transmission mechanism 80, closing the filler opening FNb. The handle 45 lowers back to the retracted position when released, whereupon the clutch mechanism 60 assumes non-transmission mode wherein the cover 40 and the handle 45 rotate freely if subjected to external force such as in a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hagano, Masayuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7318534
    Abstract: A sealable container cover includes both a flexible film and an elastic film for sealing the container cover to the wall or walls of a container. The elastic film creates an expandable opening of the container cover, which can accept containers of various sizes and shapes. Pull tabs are provided to facilitate removal of a container cover from atop a container. Also constructed in the same manner as the container covers provided herein is a container liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Leland J. Smith, Kenneth S. Nurkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6815199
    Abstract: A lid body 200 is divided, on its front side, into three parts, that is, a pair of first movable parts 220 in the form of curved plates on both sides of the body and a second movable part 230 in the form of a flat plate in the middle of the body. A container body 100 is provided with a front engagement member 131 which is displaceable in front and in the rear of the body 100. The first movable parts 220 have front engagement members 221 formed at their front ends to be engageable with the front engagement member 131. While, the second movable part 230 has a disengagement member 231 formed at the front ends. The first movable parts 220 on elastic deformation are engaged with the front engagement member 131. When the second movable part 230 is subjected to depression of its upper face at the front end so that the disengagement member 231 causes the front engagement member 131 to be displaced forward, the engagement of the front engagement member 131 with the front engagement members 221 is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sakura Finetechnical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomisada Kubota
  • Patent number: 6017083
    Abstract: An enclosure has an outer surface and an inner surface and an opening extending between the outer and inner surfaces. The outer surface of the enclosure includes a curved region surrounding the opening; the curved region having a radius. The enclosure includes a resilient cover which is hingedly secured to the enclosure for selectively covering the opening. The resilient cover moves between a first open position and a second closed position. The resilient cover is molded to normally have a first radius which is greater than the radius of the curved region of the enclosure. When in the first open position, the resilient cover defines an arch having the first radius. When in the second closed position, the resilient cover is compressed and flexes so as to conform to the shape of the curved region of the enclosure. Thus, in the second closed position, the resilient cover defines an arch having a second radius which is smaller than the first radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Peter Edgeller
  • Patent number: 5918763
    Abstract: An electric parts storage casing is mounted on an electric junction box, and includes a storage casing body, and a cover engaged with this body. The cover includes a protruding portion which projects sidewise therefrom, and has an operating portion formed at a distal end thereof. Flexing portions are formed respectively at those portions of a peripheral wall of the cover respectively forming side corner portions of the protruding portion so that the cover can be smoothly and easily attached to and detached from the storage casing body merely by applying a lifting force to the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Hara, Satoshi Saitou
  • Patent number: 5855288
    Abstract: A combination of a container and a lid is provided. The container has an inner peripheral surface around an opening to the container interior. The lid is movable between (1) a closed position to cover the opening, and (2) an open position to expose the opening. The lid has (a) a peripheral wall, (b) a peripheral hinge that extends from the wall, (c) a plug seal wall that extends from the peripheral hinge, and (d) a central portion that extends from the plug seal wall. When the lid is in a closed position, the lid is displaceable from an outwardly projecting configuration wherein the plug seal wall is held in a non-sealing condition disengaged from the inner peripheral surface to an inwardly deformed configuration wherein the plug seal wall is held in a sealing condition engaged with the inner peripheral surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton R. Dallas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5391837
    Abstract: A covered conduit box includes a cover which maintains screws, used to fix the cover to a base member of the box, captive, when the cover is disengaged. The cover includes stepped screw bores therein which allow the screws to cock slightly relative to the cover, to engage in mating channels provided in flanges on the base member, the flanges being angled away from the cover to provide a torque upon the screws, maintaining engagement between the cover and the body. The stepped screw bore maintains the screw captured within the bore unless pressure is applied against the end of the screw to cause a thread thereof to interact with sidewalls of the bore, at which point the screw can be disengaged from capture therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Timothy W. Carey
  • Patent number: 5275300
    Abstract: A grape or fruit box includes a pair of laterally spaced, rigid ends, to which is secured a wrap assembly of paper overlay laminated veneer, extending substantially about the sides and bottom of the box. The ends are each formed with a groove extending from the right to left side of the end, and relatively closely adjacent the upper edge of the end. The groove extends parallel to the upper side of the end, and the lower edge of the groove is chamfered or bevelled along its entire length. The box lid or cover pad comprises a relatively thin and flexible sheet of laminated veneer or heavyweight paper. To secure the cover pad to the box, one end of the lid may be inserted in one groove of one end, and the lid then bowed upwardly in its center area, so that the opposite end of the lid may be located below the groove in the opposite end. By then pulling upwardly on that opposite pad end, the latter will snap into the groove, facilitated by the lower, chamfered edge of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Anderson & Middleton Company
    Inventor: Larry R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5255815
    Abstract: The cap is for use in closing the end of an opening as may be provided in a container. The cap has an elastomeric top which is deflectable by a presser plate urged toward the top and opening by a biasing spring. Deflection of the elastomeric top enables the cap to seat and adjust around the opening and accommodate variances therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignees: Carol Ann Mackay, Helen Lou Kurtz
    Inventors: Richard J. Renk, Richard M. Ebert
  • Patent number: 5242070
    Abstract: The freight container, in particular air freight container, comprises a door opening bounded by lateral vertical posts which door opening is closable by a rigid or roll-up container door fixed at one end and lockable in the closed position by bolts which are arranged on a door bar or the like closure profile and which can be introduced into mating elements on the container frame. Here, the locking bolts are rigidly connected to the door bar. At least one of the locking bolts can be inserted in a corresponding latching recess in the container frame on the front side, and there is provided a locking tongue slidable on the front side over the insertion opening of the latching recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Alusuisse-Lonza Services, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gert Bretschneider, Ulf Hartmann, Eugen Ryziuk, Dieter Kiesewetter, Albrecht Loble
  • Patent number: 5240113
    Abstract: A child resistant drug assemblage is disclosed comprising a container having rows of spaced drug cell cavities each of which receives a unit drug dose of medication. The container is provided with a lock means that enables it to be readily opened by an adult but difficult to be opened by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Gibilisco
  • Patent number: 5016776
    Abstract: A tamper-proof closure 10 is inserted by means of positioning tool 20 into a nuclear fuel consolidation storage canister 30. The closure 10 includes a grooved weakened portion 44, which if it exceeds its elastic limit when the base 12 is flexed during removal attempts will indicate any attempts to remove or otherwise tamper with the thus closed canister. Locking tabs 18, on transverse legs 13 and 14 extending from base 12 are engaged in slots 40 in the wall of the opening of canister 30 when the closure 10 is in fuel storage position. Tool 20 has a portion 46 which enters a slot 48 in base 12 at 90.degree. to its working position and then twists to engage spanning portion 42's flanges 43 in slots of flanges 16 on the legs 13 and 14 to retract tabs 18. The base is prevented from flexing on insertion into the container opening by support it receives from portion 46.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Falzarano, Adrian P. Wivagg
  • Patent number: 4979843
    Abstract: A removable end plug for closing off the open end of a hollow vehicle bumper. The end plug comprises a molded unitary body of flexible deformable material having four side sections in the form of a hollow square and a four sided truncated pyramid shaped operator portion connected to one transverse edge of the side sections. The operator portion has a normal position whereat the truncated pyramid extends longitudinally away from the bumper opening and a reverse truncated pyramid position to cause said side sections to be bowed transversely outwardly and thereby substantially increase the force of engagement between the outer surfaces of said side sections and the four inside surfaces of the bumper to thereby lock the plug to the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Wirthco Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold Perry
  • Patent number: 4958744
    Abstract: A closure for the open mouth of a container includes a main body and sealing means which extends around the periphery of the main body. The sealing means has a sealing edge which is adapted to engage a sealing surface formed on the container, and a resiliently flexible web which connects the sealing edge to the main body. The web is movable between a relaxed condition, in which the diameter of the sealing edge is at a maximum, and a sealing condition, in which the diameter of the sealing edge is less than maximum. When the closure operatively closes the opening in the container the web is moved to the sealing condition, and the resilience of the web material serves to press the sealing edge against the sealing surface. Preferably the web in its relaxed condition has a frusto-conical form which diverges upwardly and the sealing edge is formed on the upper and outer edge of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 25, 1990
    Assignee: Kingsley Nominees Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter K. Bayly
  • Patent number: 4872443
    Abstract: In a water heater (10), an access door (50) is provided covering dual openings (18, 44). The outer cylindrical jacket (14) of the water heater has an access opening (18). A power vent enclosure (34) extends outwardly and forwardly from the jacket and covers a portion of the access oopening (18). The power vent enclosure (34) has a sidewall (42) extending outwardly and forwardly from the jacket (14). The sidewall (42) has an opening (44) therethrough extending outwardly and forwardly from the jacket (14) at the access opening (18). The access door (50) covers both the sidewall opening (44) and the remainder of the access opening (18) not covered by the power vent enclosure (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Darryl L. Ruark
  • Patent number: 4819862
    Abstract: A foldable, resilient plate lid of paperboard or the like, having a central panel surrounded by four side panels glued together at overlapping end flap portions to form a continuous skirt which, when open, flares obliquely downwardly from the central panel to encompass the rim of a disposable plate. Opposed rim-receiving slots are formed in at least tow of the side panels. Initially, for gluing, the latter two side panels are folded inwardly under the central panel while the other two panels remain unfolded except for their end flaps, so that upon subsequent opening of the skirt to cover a plate, resilient bias forces urge the initially folded side panels into secure engagement with the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: James River-Norwalk, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond V. Maroszek
  • Patent number: 4777933
    Abstract: An access door construction for a gas-fired water heater. The lower end of the outer jacket of the water heater is formed with an access opening and a door or panel bears against the outer surface of the jacket and encloses the opening. Tabs are formed on opposite side edges of the panel and engage the inner surface of the jacket adjacent the opening. In it unassembled condition, the panel is flat and when assembled with the cylindrical jacket, the resiliency of the panel will urge the tabs into tight engagement with the inner surface of the jacket. The panel is formed with a vertical channel having a generally semi-cylindrical cross section. By manually squeezing the sides of the channel together, the distance between the tabs will be decreased to thereby enable the panel to be removed and installed with the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: A. O. Smith Corporation
    Inventor: Darryl L. Ruark
  • Patent number: 4750669
    Abstract: A container is described, of a type which includes a resilient cover whose rearward portion is heat sealed to the flange of a container bottom or body and whose front can be bent up to gain access to the recess in the body. The cover is cut from a previously rolled sheet which is arched, and the convex side of the sheet faces upwardly so the front of the container cover tends to stay closed. The cover is heat sealed to opposite side flanges at locations lying forward of the rear of the recess by at least 25% of the length of the recess, to thereby more firmly keep the cover closed. The front of the cover and body are formed with aligned holes forward of the recess, so the container can be stored on a rod without the contents spilling out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Inventor: Howard S. Leight
  • Patent number: 4702388
    Abstract: A sheet metal plug for holes in sheet metal boxes, such as conduit holes in electrical junction boxes, includes a circular plug disc having a groove formed along a chord thereon. The plug disc is bent along the groove such that a portion of the disc is angularly displaced from the plane of the remainder thereof. A number of tabs, carried on the undersurface of the disc, are arranged to engage the edge of the hole when the plug is inserted into the hole. One of the tabs is positioned on the angularly displaced portion of the disc such that the disc is initially insertable into the hole, after which the displaced portion is straightened to bring each tab into secure engagement with the sheet metal which is being plugged. The thickness of the disc is substantially reduced along at least a portion of the groove such that its resistance to bending is substantially reduced therealong. A land or area of increased thickness bridges the groove to strengthen the disc at the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventors: Fred S. Boyer, Wayne A. Boyer
  • Patent number: 4685586
    Abstract: A door system for a boiler penthouse or other high temperature industrial environment is disclosed. A sufficiently large entranceway for both workmen and large equipment is provided by the door system. The access door has the capability for quick gas-tight sealing during closing. A hinged metal door plate has arcuate welding beads applied to its internal surface near its corners to produce permanent inward cupping of the door plate adjacent to its corners. Devices apply pressure to the exterior surface of the door plate during the closing thereof to flatten the inwardly cupped corners and effect gas-tight sealing of the interior surface of the door plate near its margin with an opposing high temperature resistant gasket carried by the front face of a refractory insulated door frame. A layer of thermal insulating material in a protective jacket is secured to the interior surface of the door plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Assignee: Environmental Products & Services Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Lewis, Jr., J. Albert Hudson
  • Patent number: 4662537
    Abstract: A portable pill storage and dispensing device adapted to record the time one or more pills are dispensed on demand or emits a time alarm as a reminder which events are recorded for future interrogation and where a novel pill-retaining cavity closure is selectively activated to disperse one or more pills. The device consists of a keyboard assembly which also stores and dispenses the pills and an electronic assembly which records the data regarding key closures whenever a pill is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Wolf, Alan S. Bardwick, Daniel V. Sallis
  • Patent number: 4621670
    Abstract: A food container particularly adopted for use in a home freezer, has a peripheral flange adjacent to the top of the lower portion. The flange is date indexed and extends outwardly so that when the top, which is equipped with a pointer, is fixed to the base the indicia on the flange is visible from generally above as the viewers' eyes are directed down toward the food container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Lamarle
    Inventor: Tony Yuen
  • Patent number: 4537325
    Abstract: For containers with circular openings, a closure for selectively loosely covering or tightly sealing the container. A seal member has an elastically contractible peripheral bead. The throat opening of the container decreases in diameter in two steps, forming two annular ledges and a wall portion therebetween. The peripheral bead may rest loosely upon the first, larger ledge, and, when contracted, may be seated tightly upon the second, smaller ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Mark P. Zieff
  • Patent number: 4534487
    Abstract: There is disclosed an assembly comprising a workpiece panel having an opening, a cover plate for the opening and blind securement means including resiliently interengageable elements on the panel and the cover plate constructed for enabling the cover plate to be assembled from the outside of the panel and to permit initial insertion through the opening without substantial interference between the interengageable elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: George M. Rapata
  • Patent number: 4520944
    Abstract: A closure for an open-ended container such as a tray wherein the closure element is easily inserted into the tray so as to retain the tray contents but is quickly removed therefrom to facilitate dispensing of the container contents. The container walls are formed with slots which open to the outside of the container as well as extend transversely through the walls. A locking element in the form of an elongated strip of material is inserted into the slots from the outside of the container and is retained therein in a manner such that removal without bending the strip material is substantially impeded. To remove the locking strip member from the slot, all that is required is a pulling action transversely to the container walls which will permit its withdrawal and opening of the tray-like container for dispensing of its contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Bachi, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Bachi, Phillip L. Bachi