Flexible Closure Patents (Class 220/350)
  • Patent number: 11821232
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of covers or enclosures for pools, spas or hot tubs. More specifically, the present invention relates to an inflatable cover or enclosure having an inflatable body. The cover includes a side surface with an integrated retaining aid, a valve and an integrated pump. The cover or enclosure can be placed on top of a pool, hot tub or spa, or underneath an existing cover and can then be inflated to a shape such as a convex dome-like shape. Once inflated, the cover prevents debris or water from accumulating on the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Inventor: James Bolen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11242179
    Abstract: A resealable, tamper-evident, low cost plug for an edible oil (or other foodstuffs) container is contemplated. The plug includes a single-piece, hinged construction with the base panel having a removable diaphragm revealing an opening that is sealed by structure provided on the hinged panel. Smooth pouring features may also be incorporated within and/or beneath the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: RIEKE LLC
    Inventors: Dale W. Taylor, Anthony Angelozzi, Thomas P. Kasting
  • Patent number: 10857946
    Abstract: A shutter is formed to be capable of bending in a sliding direction, and slides along a pair of guide grooves including a curved portion at one portion thereof, the guide grooves being provided on two sides, facing each other, of an opening of a device main member and a shutter storage side, to open and close the opening. The shutter includes a shutter base material sliding along the guide grooves in a state wherein corresponding portions fit into the guide grooves; and a hinge base material disposed on an outer face of the shutter base material. Also, the hinge base material is a sheet formed by a continuous fiber reinforced plastic or a sheet produced using a pre-preg material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Taniguchi, Seonkyu Lim
  • Patent number: 10806226
    Abstract: A system includes a docking station and a suitcase. The docking station is installable in a cargo area of a vehicle and electrically connectable to a power source of the vehicle. The suitcase includes a port engageable with the docking station, a battery electrically connected to the port, an electric motor electrically connected to the battery, and a wheel connected to the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Magnovaldo Sampaio Silva, Giovana Collato Campanella, Rafael Moreira, Thomaz Prado, Plattini Araujo
  • Patent number: 9327659
    Abstract: A console assembly for an automotive vehicle and use with a mobile device. The console assembly including a storage compartment having a floor, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls. An opening permits access into the storage area and a slidable top wall is operable to move between a covered position and a retracted position relative to the opening. An anti-slip surface is provided on the top wall and configured to receive the mobile device thereon. A wireless charging unit is also incorporated into and moveable with the top wall. The wireless charging unit is located immediately below the anti-slip surface. When the mobile device is placed on the anti-slip surface, the device is moveable with the top wall, between the covered position and retracted position, while being charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Lambert, Nicholas S. Sitarski, Scott L. Weiss, Jonathan J. Quijano
  • Publication number: 20150144634
    Abstract: A paint can fitted rim ring apparatus is shown comprising of a snug ring lid retaining a flexible plastic like material around the opening lip of a paint container. The painting implements such as a paint brush or a painting roller left inside the paint container may protrude outside the lip of the paint container preventing re-sealing the paint container with the lid when not in use. A flexible plastic like material can be draped over the protruding painting implements as well as covering the paint container opening. In concert with a plastic type ring when fitted snuggly around the lip of the paint container, seals the flexible plastic like material around the paint container rim, preventing the contents from drying out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Farnworth
  • Patent number: 9004312
    Abstract: A roller shutter type storage container includes a container body, a roller shutter accommodating portion, a pair of guide grooves, and a roller shutter. Each of the guide grooves extends linearly in an opening of the container body and is curved in the roller shutter accommodating portion. The roller shutter is configured by connecting a plurality of slats each having shafts formed in the widthwise direction at two ends of the slat in a bendable manner. As the two shafts slide in the corresponding guide grooves, the roller shutter slides between an open position and a close position. Each one of the shafts is spaced from a vertical wall surface of the corresponding one of the guide grooves. A projection formed of soft material projects outward from each shaft of each slat in the widthwise direction and contacts the corresponding vertical wall surface in an elastically deformed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kodama, Masataka Inoue
  • Publication number: 20150048089
    Abstract: A container lid is provided having a paperboard dome-shaped central cover portion, a generally flat and horizontal peripheral lid rim extending outwardly around at least part of the cover portion, and a plastic ring circumscribing at least part of the lid rim. The plastic ring includes a horizontal flange and a skirt depending downwardly therefrom. The plastic ring's flange may be semi-permanently attached to the lid rim and may be optionally secured thereto by an adhesive, a polymeric film or a heat seal coating. The plastic ring may be injection molded directly onto the lid rim. A bond formed between the plastic ring's flange and the lid rim may be adapted to be broken by a user such that the plastic ring can be separated from the lid rim upon disposal thereby allowing the paperboard portions of the lid to be discarded separately from the plastic ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Ronald D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8672196
    Abstract: A container (10) suitable for dispensing comestible products has a body (12) with a top face segment (36) having an opening (14) and a concave top face segment (18) and a separate continuous member (40) connected to a side face (24), the member having an openable lid portion (42) which covers the opening and a flexible press portion (50) extending from the lid portion to the side face over the concave top segment face, which is normally convex to the concave top face segment, wherein application of a downward force to the convex flexible press portion transforms the convex portion to a concave portion and rotates the lid portion to uncover the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Neema Pourian, Adam Hunter, Wenson R. Chern, Robert D. Swinton
  • Publication number: 20140042166
    Abstract: A roller shutter type storage container includes a container body, a roller shutter accommodating portion, a pair of guide grooves, and a roller shutter. Each of the guide grooves extends linearly in an opening of the container body and is curved in the roller shutter accommodating portion. The roller shutter is configured by connecting a plurality of slats each having shafts formed in the widthwise direction at two ends of the slat in a bendable manner. As the two shafts slide in the corresponding guide grooves, the roller shutter slides between an open position and a close position. Each one of the shafts is spaced from a vertical wall surface of the corresponding one of the guide grooves. A projection formed of soft material projects outward from each shaft of each slat in the widthwise direction and contacts the corresponding vertical wall surface in an elastically deformed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro KODAMA, Masataka INOUE
  • Patent number: 8579151
    Abstract: A roller shutter storage container includes a container body, a roller shutter accommodating portion, a pair of guide grooves, and a roller shutter. Each of the guide grooves extends linearly in an opening formed in the container body and is curved in the roller shutter accommodating portion. The roller shutter is configured by connecting a plurality of slats each having shafts formed at two ends of the slat with respect to the widthwise direction in a bendable manner. As the two shafts of each of the slats slide in the corresponding guide grooves, the roller shutter slides between an open position for opening the opening and a close position for closing the opening. Each one of the shafts is spaced from a vertical wall surface of the corresponding one of the guide grooves. A projection formed of soft material projects outward from each shaft of each slat in the widthwise direction and contacts the corresponding vertical wall surface in an elastically deformed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kodama, Masataka Inoue
  • Publication number: 20130270274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refuse container having a base element of four side walls and a bottom substantially surrounding a cavity and forming an opening at a top thereof. At least a first of said side walls provides a substantially uniform height that is greater than a substantially uniform height of a second and opposing side wall. A lid element slidably disposed on the base element so as to slide from a closed position substantially covering the opening of the base element to an open position substantially within the cavity of the base element and substantially parallel to one of said side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Anthony N. Pizzella, Matthew Yovino
  • Patent number: 8453836
    Abstract: A mobile device protective case (10) includes a frame (20) and a slidable shutter (30) mounted on the frame (20) to function as a slidable component. After a mobile device (50) has been inserted into the frame (20), the slidable shutter (30) hides a touch panel (51) of the mobile device (50) to prevent the touch panel (51) from being scratched or scraped. To start using the mobile device (50), a user moves the slidable shutter (30), such that the touch panel (51) of the mobile device (50) is exposed and can be directly operated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Topkase International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Han-Yuan Wang, Chih-Ming Chang, David John Ardener, Mao-Shen Wang
  • Patent number: 8348081
    Abstract: A retractable cover is provided. The retractable cover may include a leading cover member; and a plurality of following cover members, each of the plurality of following cover members may be hingedly coupled to at least one of the leading cover member and one adjacent following cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: George H Baptiste
  • Patent number: 8348080
    Abstract: Apparatus for enclosing and containing its contents. Apparatus may include a container having wheels and a handle. Apparatus may include a top portion with a retractable cover capable of protecting the contents of the container from weather and other harmful elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: George H. Baptiste
  • Patent number: 8109403
    Abstract: A cover assembly adapted to be fitted over the open top of a bin includes a pair of spaced apart, domed rigid hoods releasably attachable to upper portions of the hopper whereby an elongated opening is defined between the hoods of sufficient width as to provide access to the hopper. A flexible closure member spans the opening between the hoods while supported on trackways extending along marginal edge portions of the hoods which bound the elongated opening. A pair of rotatable rollers are attachable, one at each of the opposing end portions of the opening. One roller is spring-loaded, upon and from which roller the closure member is wound and unwound during travel of said closure member over the elongated opening. The other roller is connected by pull cables to the closure member, and powered to provide for travel of the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Michel's Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Bud Michel
  • Publication number: 20120024857
    Abstract: A roller shutter type storage container includes a container body, a roller shutter accommodating portion, a pair of guide grooves, and a roller shutter. Each of the guide grooves extends linearly in an opening formed in the container body and is curved in the roller shutter accommodating portion. The roller shutter is configured by connecting a plurality of slats each having shafts formed at two ends of the slat with respect to the widthwise direction in a bendable manner. As the two shafts of each of the slats slide in the corresponding guide grooves, the roller shutter slides between an open position for opening the opening and a close position for closing the opening. Each one of the shafts is spaced from a vertical wall surface of the corresponding one of the guide grooves. A projection formed of soft material projects outward from each shaft of each slat in the widthwise direction and contacts the corresponding vertical wall surface in an elastically deformed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro KODAMA, Masataka Inoue
  • Publication number: 20110168292
    Abstract: A bulk feed adapter cap for a collection container comprises: (a) a housing defining both at least one fluid-communication opening and one or more air-release openings and (b) a membrane defining an annular, self-sealing fluid-valve for sealing said fluid-communication opening, where the fluid-valve defines at least one aperture. The bulk feed adapter cap may further comprise at least one fluid-communication cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Mark A. Luzbetak, Timothy D. Killinger, Ryan Bauer, Brian H. Silver
  • Publication number: 20110108455
    Abstract: A display and packaging assembly (10) which is used to display and dispense consumable items. The assembly includes a plurality of consumable items arranged in plural individual packs (22). A flexible overwrap surrounds the plurality of packs (22). The overwrap has a configuration corresponding to the array of packs where the overwrap has a portion which is completely removable to access the packs. The overwrap maintains its configuration upon removal of one or more of the packs from the array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Joseph Countee
  • Publication number: 20110006062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lid (8) of a container, especially a beverage can, comprising a substantially flat lid surface (9) and a preferably folded edge area, with at least one re-closeable pouring opening (10) being provided on the lid surface (9), a closure means (1) associated with the pouring opening (10) being provided on the bottom side of the lid surface (9) and an actuation means (6) which penetrates the lid surface (9) being arranged on the upper side of the lid surface (9) accessible from the outside, and the closure means (1) being movable from a closed position to an opened position through actuation of the actuation means (6), the closure means (1) being of integral configuration and being fixed entirely in a torsion-proof manner to the bottom side of the lid surface (9), and the actuation means (6) comprises a support element (12, 12?, 14, 15) which cooperates with the lid surface (9) when the closure means (1) is in the opened position, the integral closure means (1) comprises a fastening par
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Christian Bratsch
  • Patent number: 7815068
    Abstract: This invention relates to a container (1) for waste material comprising wall portions (4, 6, 7) defining an internal void space and at least one opening (21) through which waste material may be inserted and/or withdrawn from said void space, wherein a roller shutter (22) is provided which is movable from an extended position in which the opening is closed by the roller shutter to a retracted position in which the opening is substantially unobstructed, the roller shutter being wound onto a barrel arrangement (26) as it is retracted, wherein in the retracted position that portion of the roller shutter wound onto the barrel arrangement is located within the internal void space of the container defined by the wall portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: King's (LP) Limited
    Inventors: Gary Clark, Gerald King
  • Publication number: 20090308870
    Abstract: A storage container with collapsible lid and utensil. The present invention consists of a base having a flexible and collapsible silicone lid or hood. This hood or lid allows for easy opening and closing without popping off or unscrewing. This hood or lid also ensures that when closed the food inside is fully covered from spills and splashes. Additionally as the flexible hood or lid remains permanently attached to the base of the container, it cannot be misplaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Dean Chapman, Gareth Brown, Edward Kilduff, Paul Goetz
  • Patent number: 7588280
    Abstract: A roller blind for opening and closing a compartment, a storage box, a control console or other enclosures, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, is disclosed. The roller blind includes at least one support element and a padding layer. The roller blind may also include at least one intermediate layer and a decorative layer applied to the roller blind, where an intermediate layer includes padding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Leonard Dobos, Christoph Jonischkeit, Wolfgang Strasser, Josef Seisenberger
  • Patent number: 7581773
    Abstract: A roller blind for opening and closing the opening of a compartment, a storage box, a control console or similar enclosure, in particular for use in motor vehicles, is disclosed. At least one support element and at least one elastic layer disposed on the support element are included. Each support element has a curvature in its longitudinal direction with a deflection in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the opening to be closed by the roller blind. A method for the production of a roller blind is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Strasser, Leonard Dobos
  • Patent number: 7364065
    Abstract: A container for a fluid, comprising a pouring element comprises a pouring spout manufactured from a flexible material which is connected by a sealing connection (5) to the container. A pouring spout manufactured from flexible material, for instance plastic foil or a plastic laminate foil with for instance aluminum, is much less expensive than the containers heretofore provided with a pouring spout. According to a preferred embodiment the pouring element is provided with a once-only breakable closure (10) and with a resealable closure (7, 21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Weasy Pack International Ltd.
    Inventor: Louis Rinze Henricus Adrianus Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20080073349
    Abstract: A package or container that includes a frame that defines an access aperture and an opening mechanism associated with a pliable sheet, which forms at least part of a cover for the access aperture. The opening mechanism includes a set of spaced-apart tabs that slideably engages with opposing edges or flanges of the frame. As a user moves the opening mechanism along the frame, the opening mechanism draws the pliable sheet over upon itself, and displaces the sheet relative to the aperture to either open or close the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Mark R. Ellswood, Alan G. Shuman
  • 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: 7261218
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for a container opening (1) having a flexible web (3) one end of which is movable from a first edge of the opening (1) towards a second edge of the opening (1) in order to close the opening by means of the web (3), wherein the web (3) is lockable in at least one position covering the container opening in whole or in part and wherein the first end of a flexible pulling element (5) is fastened to the first end of the flexible web movable over the opening. In order to provide a pulling element for a cover opening which allows closing of the container opening it is provided according to the invention that the pulling element is fastened by its second end to the container (6) at or in proximity to that edge of the container opening (1) which is closest to the first end of the flexible web in the open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: ConTeyor Multibag Systems N.V.
    Inventor: Walter Vanbeveren
  • Patent number: 7063227
    Abstract: An air cargo container includes a base, two side walls, and a rear wall. The side walls each included a curved front edge. A retractable or roll-up door is located between the side walls. The door is extendible from an open position in which the door is retracted or rolled-up, to a closed position in which the door follows the curved front edges of the side walls and terminates at a position adjacent to the base. A support member is attached along the curved front edge of each of the side walls. The support members each include a channel for receiving a cable on a side edge of the retractable door. One or more levers on each support member are rotatable from an open position to a closed position in which the levers secure the cables within the channels in the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Satco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Looker
  • Patent number: 6883852
    Abstract: A vehicle trim component includes an articulated door with a flexible integral handle latch. The integral handle latch includes an integrally molded hook portion that positively engages a lip portion of a storage bin. The articulated door also includes a flex point permitting selective deployment of the articulated door, such as a tambour door. Upon pushing the handle latch in a predetermined direction with a predetermined force, the predetermined force is directly transmitted to the flex point in order to cause pivoting movement of the integral handle latch that permits deployment of the articulated door. If a force is applied in a direction other than the predetermined direction, deployment of the articulated door docs not occur and the articulated door is retained in a latched position. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Chester F. Laskey
  • Publication number: 20030052129
    Abstract: An article storage device, which is installed in a vehicle, includes a storage section for storing an article and a shutter as a cover for opening and closing an opening of the storage section. The storage section is formed of side surfaces, a back surface and an inner bottom surface to define an inside thereof, and includes guide grooves formed along both protruded rim portions at both sides of the storage section. A shutter is bendable in a sliding direction and attached to the guide grooves. The shutter is formed of a main body bendable at a plurality of thin walled portions, and a plurality of projections provided at both sides of the main body to be fitted in the guide grooves. Each projection is disposed lower than the main body to have a step therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Michihiro Fukuo
  • Patent number: 6499785
    Abstract: A storage device is provided with a sliding lid slidably contacting guide rails formed at both side ends of an opening of the storage device, and when the sliding lid is stored in an accommodating section formed continuously to a rear end of the opening, the sliding lid opens at the storage device. In the storage device, in sliding sections where the guide rails and sliding lid slidably contact each other, there are formed buffer sections for allowing the sliding lid to be displaced toward a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction. Therefore, the buffer sections are deformed during the opening and covering movements, so a play can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Tomoo Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20020070220
    Abstract: A package comprised of a container and a tambour closure physically attached by a hinge to the container is described. A guide, such as grooves in side walls, is attached to the container and the tambour closure is disposed to move within the guide. The tambour closure is preferably self closing and the container has at least two compartments. The guide and the container are thermoformed as a unitary piece, and/or the container and the tambour closure are made as a unitary pieces. Preferably, the package is molded from a single sheet of material. The package is at least two colors. Opposites sides of the sheet may be different colors so that the external surface is one color and the internal surface another. Also, different portions of the sheet may be different colors so that one portion of the package is a first color and another portion is another color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Tom Kuehn, Robert G. La Masney
  • Publication number: 20020005424
    Abstract: Known covers, for example for receptacles in automobiles, have drawbacks in that they require several components in addition to the depositing receptacle and/or require additional reception space clearly exceeding the dimensions of the deposition receptacle for opening, and/or cannot be installed if only limited installation space is available in the depth or width direction, and/or the cover does not present sufficient sturdiness during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: CARSTEN LANGE, HERBERT BEIER
  • Patent number: 6253948
    Abstract: A stackable nestable container has access openings in at least one of the side and end walls. The access openings are covered by a dispensable panel that can be removed for enabling access to the contents of the container. The container is therefore suitable for use in shipping goods as well as displaying the goods at a retail outlet. Upon return of empty containers, the panels do not need to be replaced and the containers can be stacked in a nested stack, separately from the lids. Then, when the containers are to be used again, new or replacement panels are fit into the access openings. The panels are of a lightweight, inexpensive material and are therefore expendable, and can even be discarded by the user when a need arises to remove or replace the panels. Also, the panels have a wide flat area on which advertising or other indicia can be printed, which is typically displayed on the sides of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Buckhorn, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul J. Ficker
  • Patent number: 6100365
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel soluble polyimide resin which is superior in solubility in solvents and transparency, which is useful particularly in electronics and optronics fields, and which has good processability; a process for production of the resin; and a solution composition of the resin. A soluble polyimide resin containing, as part or the whole of the diamine units, a 2,5(or 6)-bis(aminomethyl)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane and having a light transmittance of 60% or more in a range of wavelength larger than 400 nm in an ultraviolet-visible light spectrum measured for a film of 10-.mu.m thickness; a process for production of the resin; and a solution composition of the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Toshihiko Matsumoto, Toshikazu Kurosaki, Shin Irie, Masaaki Kudo, Yoshiharu Ito, Masao Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5975329
    Abstract: A storage enclosure ideally suited for use under kitchen cabinets on the kitchen counter top is disclosed. The enclosure has a top, bottom, right and left side, as well as a roll-top lid. The roll-top lid is slidably received in grooves provided in the right and left sides of the enclosure, which enable the lid to be opened and closed in the normal fashion a roll-top lid is used. The enclosure also includes notches located at the ends of the grooves on the backside of the enclosure for enabling the roll-top lid to be easily removed from the enclosure. In addition, the leading edge of the roll-top lid is provided with a cutting blade for cutting sheet material which is dispensed from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Robert D. Schmitt
  • 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: 5928935
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a biological specimen container assembly for the safe storage and periodic examination of biological specimens therein, which includes an elongated vial having a primary chamber with a first open end and a second closed end. The second closed end on the vial has a secondary chamber therein of generally rectilinear shape in cross-section. A valve having a first end and a second end, has its second end matable with the first open end of the vial, the valve having an adjustably openable and closable bore extending longitudinally therethrough. A hard cap has a cavity therein which is matable over the first end of the valve. An end cap is matable over the hard cap and the valve, the end cap being arranged to maintain sterility of the end cap, the valve and the first end of the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventors: William Alexander Reuss, Jr., William Charles Mers Kelly, David Young Piteups
  • Patent number: 5878887
    Abstract: A child-resistant blister package having a tray adapted to receive a blister card with at least one blister compartment is provided. The tray includes a first slide component. A cover having a top and a second slide component is provided. The second slide component is complementary to and slidingly engaged with the first slide component. The second slide component is connected to the top of the cover such that the cover can be slidably displaced relative to the tray between a first position, in which the top of the cover substantially overlies the tray and is adapted to prevent access to the blister card, and a second position, in which the cover is displaced at least partially from the tray such that the blister card is exposed. A tab is connected to the cover, and one of a locking projection and a slot is located on the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: The West Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kathleen Alek Parker, Russel Haines, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5817380
    Abstract: A snap-zipper 10 comprises a male and a female member 11 and 12 having strip-like bases 21 and 22 for fusion bonding, the bases being made of an ethylene.multidot..alpha.-olefin copolymer with a MI of 0.3 to 15 g per 10 min., a density of 0.850 to 0.935 g/ml, a molecular weight distribution of 2 to 5, a molecular-weight-dependent width of branch number of 0 to 5 per 1,000 carbon atoms, an olthodichloroenzene soluble component content of 10% by weight or below, and a maximum melting point determined with a differential scan calorimeter of 115.degree. C. or below. A bag 30 with a snap-zipper is obtained by fusion bonding the stems 21 and 25 of the snap-zipper 10 to a bag body 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5779084
    Abstract: A laundry receptacle with a flexible cover and handles comprises a structurally rigid receptacle portion and a flexible covering assembly. The rigid receptacle portion may be of a variety of sizes and shapes. The flexible covering assembly is comprised of a flexible covering material of varying sizes and shapes, which is wound around a cylindrical rod when not in use, and which is unrolled and extended across the open upper end of the rigid laundry receptacle and affixed to a circumferential flange that is itself integrally secured to the open upper end. The cylindrical rod is cooperatively attached to hinges at its opposite ends. The hinges are, in turn, securely affixed to the circumferential flange, so as to allow the cylindrical rod to rotate and the flexible cover to unroll over the open upper end of the rigid laundry receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: SP Watersports, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter G. Lehman
  • Patent number: 5645905
    Abstract: A snap zipper includes strip-male and strip-female members, and at least its portion for fusing to a bag body is made of a material mainly composed of a polyester type elastomer or a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin and that the resin of the portion for fusion has a bending modulus of elasticity of 10,000 kg/cm.sup.2 or below. At least its portion for fusion is made of a material having a composition including polyester type elastomer and a polyolefin type resin or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin and a polyolefin type resin and the content of the polyolefin type resin in the composition is 3 to 50% by weight. In case of the snap zipper adapted to have a portion for fusing to the bag body and the male and female members, excepting the portion for fusion, the portion for fusion may be composed of copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid ester or copolymer of ethylene and methacryic acid ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyokazu Takubo, Ken-ichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5592980
    Abstract: A container for supplying toner includes a containing portion with an opening through which toner is moved into a receiving sump. A cover for the opening is flexible enough to move in an arcuate path from a position coveting the opening to a position of storage alongside a sidewall of the containing portion. The cover is stiff enough to be pushed back to its covering position. The leading edge of the cover in its movement back to its coveting position is made concave to the direction of movement so that it will more easily enter a channel partially defined by a seal around the opening. A protrusion on the cover enters a hole in a cover holding member when the cover is in its coveting position to lock the cover in place when the container is not on a receiving apparatus. The protrusion can be pushed out of the hole, unlocking the cover by an appropriate receiving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Philip A. Stern, Terry R. Elich, Thomas S. Wicks
  • Patent number: 5383556
    Abstract: Packing in particular for small objects, such as sweets, screws and the like, which packing includes a packing unit (1, 23) which has been produced by folding a foil, sheet or plate (2, 22) and then bonding, welding and/or otherwise joining parts thereof, so that at least one wall (6, 32) of the packing unit obtained has two slots (7, 33), which, at least partially, are opposite each other, and a slider (8, 37) which is located in the slots and is formed by a plate of a sufficiently rigid material, so that this plate is slidable within the slots (7, 33) for covering or releasing an opening (9, 36) giving access to the interior of the packing unit (1, 23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Stadium Design B.V.
    Inventor: Brino A. Van Loo
  • Patent number: 5358136
    Abstract: A resealable liquid container is provided which consists of a cylindrical body to hold liquid therein. A top end is affixed on the cylindrical body, with the top end having an aperture therein. A structure is built-in the top end of the aperture, for opening and reclosing the aperture. When the aperture is opened the liquid can be poured therefrom. When the aperture is closed the liquid will be retained therein, so that the liquid can be maintained in a sanitary condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Robert J. Rubendall
  • Patent number: 5329644
    Abstract: A portable urine container for females is described as having an enclosure with concavely curved upper side portions defining an opening to provide access. A flexible, slidable tab closure is affixed around the opening and provides access to the interior of the enclosure when in an open position and effectively seals the enclosure when in a closed position. The enclosure can readily include an absorbent material to absorb fluids and to prevent a splash back of urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Mary V. Scott
  • Patent number: 5295605
    Abstract: A shutter for large pressure vessels comprises a lid assembly (Y) constituted of a seal plate (1) formed of a flexible material of a size fit for the opening of a pressure vessel and a multitude of beam members (2) attached to the outer surface of the plate (1) and extending widthwise. The beam members are connected to the seal plate in such a manner as to be parallel to each other along a reference line for connection, extending in the widthwise direction of the seal plate, and advance or retreat while flexing along a guide member (7) having at least one bending portion (71). The guide member extends between a closing position (A) disposed in front of the opening portion and a storage position (B) disposed on an outer housing of the pressure vessel, so that the assembly can be housed in a relatively small space. This shutter is most suitable for use on a medical autoclave and a retort for food processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Miura Research Co.
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Kawahito, Kazusi Hondo, Takashi Nishimura, Takeshi Akune
  • Patent number: 5186345
    Abstract: This invention relates to a container and in particular to one which mainly includes a body portion having a space provided with a first elongated member at the left side and a second elongated member at the right side on which there are a plurality of holes, a gate inserted into the groove of the first elongated member and having a projection on one end by means of which the cover may be moved to go along the curved groove to open or close the container, and a top cover having a plurality of pins adapted to engage with the holes of the body portion and a curved groove at the inner side to receive the upper edge of the cover, whereby similar containers may be horizontally or vertically connected together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Chiang Ching An
  • Patent number: 5054634
    Abstract: The capsule has a capsule body provided for closing one end of a container. The capsule body includes a top wall formed with a port and from which is formed a slide for a drawer covered by a top of an envelope fixedly connected to the capsule body and formed with an incision for a control knob. The control knob controls the drawer and is associated with a cursor closing the incision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Societe de Conseils et d'Etudes de Emballages - S.C.E.E.
    Inventor: Jacques Margotteau