Vent In Closure Patents (Class 220/367.1)
  • Patent number: 7185781
    Abstract: The “HOT DRINK CUP LID WITH COOLING AIR-FLOW” is an article of manufacture with a uniquely designed form arranged so that the hot liquid is cooled by an air-flow drawn over the liquid as it is sipped. The unique design, placement of the drinking hole and cooling air-flow hole create a structure whereby hot liquid can be cooled and sipped in a manner that reduces the temperature of the hot liquid as it transfers from the cup to the user. This cooling action is activated by the suction caused by the action of the user sipping at the drinking hole and concurrently drawing air from outside of the cup down through the air-flow hole and up through the drinking hole along with the hot liquid. Thus the hot liquid is cooled as the air is drawn up in conjunction with the hot liquid through the drinking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Constance Linda Pitts
  • Patent number: 7159731
    Abstract: A filter pump cover according to the invention comprises a filter cap, an air purge valve, and a filter cap retainer. An air purge valve according to the invention is comprised of a valve cap, a screw-threaded portion, and a valve stem having one or more outward-facing inverse hooks at the bottom. The inverse hooks are located at the bottom of the air purge valve stem and hook onto the bottom lip of the hollow central portion of the filter cap retainer to prevent complete removal of the valve stem from the filter cap retainer. The valve screw-threaded portion is interrupted by a valve opening slot on one side that permits the release of air from the pump when the valve is opened. The hollow part of the filter cap retainer mates with and holds the air purge valve by means of the screw threads when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Bestway Inflatables & Material Corp.
    Inventor: Yao Kai
  • Patent number: 7131550
    Abstract: A lid for a food storage container includes a lid body with a vacuum sense opening and a vent opening extending through the lid body, a releasable cover disposed over the vent opening, and a pressure-indicating protrusion. The cover impedes air flow into the container through the vent opening until the cover is released. The pressure-indicating protrusion, which has a cavity in it, is in hydraulic communication with the container through the vacuum sense opening. The pressure-indicating protrusion contracts toward the vacuum sense opening in response to negative container pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Montserrat Vilalta, Jose Millan, Juan Carlos Coronado, Mariano Penaranda, Antonio Rebordosa, Sergi Gili, Robert Rafols
  • Patent number: 7117654
    Abstract: A process is provided for minimizing moisture accumulation in a product package that is sprayed with a cool water shower. The product is placed in a container, and a closure is installed on a container. The product is heated before it is placed in the container or during its placement in the container, or after it is placed in the container, or while the closure is being installed on the container, or after the closure has been installed on the container. The internal atmosphere within the closed closure is allowed to expand from the heat and to vent through a vent channel. The package is cooled with a cooling water shower, and the vent channel minimizes the transient pressure differential so as to minimize the amount of water infiltration into the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Danks
  • Patent number: 7100787
    Abstract: Beverage container lid assemblies provide a combined premium display area and cooling/insulating structure for the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: East End, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Farnsworth, John Nava
  • Patent number: 7097065
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yoneoka, Kazunao Ogura, Momoe Kigushi
  • Patent number: 7090090
    Abstract: A container system for microwave oven cooking comprises a main body, a lid, and a cap disposed in a recess in the lid. The cap is movable upward and downward through a limited range in the recess depending on steam pressure, and grooves, formed in a side wall of the cap, or in a side wall of the recess, allow escape of steam when the cap is moved upward as a result of steam pressure. The lid is also allowed to move upward and downward relative to the main container body in response to steam pressure, and, when the lid is moved upward, an additional path for the escape of stem is provided at the location where the rims of the lid and main body meet each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: News, inc.
    Inventor: Yoshio Ohyama
  • Patent number: 7077294
    Abstract: A device for stoppering a container and drawing off a fluid includes a fixed piece, fixed to the container, with a lateral fluid output opening and a passage that allows air to enter. Another, movable piece includes a tube with a lateral fluid output opening. This tube can move in rotation inside the fixed piece and also in axial translation between a maximum “pushed-in” position and an extracted position so that lateral openings can be brought into coincidence through rotating the movable piece. The movable piece has an internal skirt enabling the channeling of fluid toward the output opening to prevent leakage through the passage for the entry of air. The fixed piece includes a guide for displacing the movable piece with respect to the fixed piece from the maximum “pushed-in” position to the extracted position that displays a coincidence of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: BERICAP
    Inventors: Philippe Nusbaum, Frédéric Granier, Antonio Jubany Claret, Oriol Aran Garcia
  • Patent number: 7048136
    Abstract: A canister lid includes a cover member adapted to cover a canister, thereby defining an interior of the canister. An evacuation valve is adapted to allow evacuation of the interior of the container. A vacuum release valve is adapted to allow venting of the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignees: Tilia International, Inc., Unimark Plastics
    Inventors: Paul W. Havens, Glynn Clements
  • Patent number: 7048139
    Abstract: A vent insert with an integral carbon-to-carbon composite filter element is used to vent enclosures such as drums and convenience cans containing transuranic materials which generate hydrogen. The vent inserts do not utilize adhesive to retain filter elements therein but rather utilize a housing having a filter element support with a knife edge to form a seal and a press fitted lid. Both the housing and lid are formed of corrosion resistant HASTELLOY® C-22® alloy. The vent inserts resist HCl corrosion as well as corrosion induced by nitric acid and chlorinated solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Nuclear Filter Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Peterson, Terry J. Wickland
  • Patent number: 7044316
    Abstract: A straw set with a ventilating structure includes a nipple connected to a circular base with a circular air guiding trench, an air hole that passes through, and a chamber with two axles attached underneath. Underneath, a straw base consists of an inner circular wall fixed to the nipple, an outer circular wall fixed to the bottom of the circular base, another circular air guiding trench concaved between the inner and the outer circular walls, and a hollow pipe protruding downwards. The straw base is supported by a soft plastic circular base with a hole at the center, a second outer circular wall expanded upward to fix upon the first outer circular wall, a air guiding trench expanded downward from the edge of the second outer circular wall, and another air hole that passes through the soft plastic circular base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Tung Ling Industrial Co., LTD
    Inventor: William Hsu
  • Patent number: 7011227
    Abstract: A removable and reusable cap for a container is provided. The cap has a platform portion and peripherally associated upstanding and downwardly extending portions, and a depression is defined across the platform portion. In the depression, a dispensing aperture and preferably a vent are defined which are opened and closed by a closure plate that is received within the depression and that has a proximal end which is pivotably associated with the depression. The distal end of the closure plate is pivotally associated with a pull ring that is biased into association with the closure plate and that is nestably received in the closure plate, but that has a finger associatable apex region. When the pull ring is pivoted upwardly, the closure plate is pivoted and the dispensing aperture and vent are opened, preferably the vent before the dispensing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ignite Design, LLC
    Inventors: Evan T. Ward, Donald J. Nole
  • Patent number: 7001441
    Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a filter system for sterilization containers which secures a gas permeable filter onto a vented portion of the container. The filter system of the invention includes a locking mechanism that is comfortable and easy to use, and that requires a simple sliding movement of the users hand to lock and unlock the filter system components in place. The invention further includes a filter system structured such that the openings of the filter system plates permit transport of air across the filter while at the same time the openings are arranged to reduce or prevent undesirable physical perforation of the filter. By virtue of its structure, the need for particular rotational positioning of filter components in relation to one another is significantly reduced. The filter system of the invention also reduces or eliminates the need for perimeter gaskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventor: Witold Bauer
  • Patent number: 6994227
    Abstract: A vacuum container for preserving food is disclosed herein that includes a cover member for covering an upper part of a container member in which food is filled, a piston member equipped with the cover member and ascending and descending movable, and first and second valve members that alternately operate by a pumping operation using ascending and descending operation of the piston member to make a suction aperture and an exhaust aperture alternately open and close, thus discharging air from within the container member. Such operation allows the interior of the container member to become a vacuum state, thereby allowing food within the container member to be preserved for a longer time period, in a more sanitary manner, and a simple manufacture and a low manufacturing cost to provide users with convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Man-Hyun Kwon
  • Patent number: 6883675
    Abstract: A venting device for a drum. The venting device includes a body having a pair of opposing sides and defining a plurality of vent passages. The vent passages extend through the body and each an opening at each of the pair of opposing sides. The vent passages are spaced apart and arranged around a center portion of the body. A membrane structure is positioned so as to cover the openings of the vent passages on one of the pair of opposing sides of the body. The membrane structure is sealingly affixed to the body portion in a sealing band surrounding the openings of the vent passages. A portion of the membrane structure is further affixed to the center portion of the body. A protective structure may be attached to the body and positioned over the membrane structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Maenke
  • Patent number: 6877629
    Abstract: Container for storing food products including a base defining a product support surface for supporting the food product and a cover releasably engaging with the base such that when the cover engages with the base, a storage compartment is defined by the cover and the base. The cover includes an air control unit for controlling air pressure in the storage compartment and a window extending downward from the air control unit to surround food products in the storage compartment. A product supported on the product support surface of the base is visible through the window when the cover engages with the base. By providing the window as part of the cover, the base is separable from the window to thereby expose the product support surface of the base so that cakes can be easily placed on the product support surface and then enclosed by the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Housewares America, Inc.
    Inventor: Debbie Jean Meyer
  • Patent number: 6868980
    Abstract: A container (100) includes a bowl (200) and a lid (300) for the bowl (200). The lid (300) includes at least one opening (330). The lid (300) can be sealed to the bowl (200) in a plurality of orientations, including (i) an open orientation and (ii) a closed orientation. In the open orientation, the opening (330) is arranged over the bowl (200) such that flow is allowed from the interior of the container (100) to the exterior of the container (100), and vice versa. In the closed orientation, no flow is allowed between the interior of the container (100) and the exterior of the container (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Marissa A. K. Schultz, David H. Roland, Douglas Carpiaux, Jesse D. Cotterman
  • Publication number: 20040251257
    Abstract: A container (100) includes a bowl (200) and a lid (300) for the bowl (200). The lid (300) includes at least one opening (330). The lid (300) can be sealed to the bowl (200) in a plurality of orientations, including (i) an open orientation and (ii) a closed orientation. In the open orientation, the opening (330) is arranged over the bowl (200) such that flow is allowed from the interior of the container (100) to the exterior of the container (100), and vice versa. In the closed orientation, no flow is allowed between the interior of the container (100) and the exterior of the container (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Marissa A.K. Schultz, David H. Roland, Douglas Carpiaux, Jesse D. Cotterman
  • Publication number: 20040226949
    Abstract: An animal resistant insert for a trash container is disclosed. The insert comprises a platform portion bounded by an edge and a flange portion extending from the edge of the platform portion at an angle. The flange portion terminates at a terminal circumference, the terminal circumference being approximately equal to the inner circumference of the trash container. The insert further comprises at least one handle extending from the platform portion. The insert may also comprise a rim of resilient material attached to the terminal circumference of the flange portion and at least one ventilation hole disposed on the platform portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Jonathan Michael Power, Meredith Rothschild Power, Hananah Rothschild Power, Rachel Rothschild Power
  • Publication number: 20040188442
    Abstract: A container system for microwave oven cooking comprises a main body, a lid, and a cap disposed in a recess in the lid. The cap is movable upward and downward through a limited range in the recess depending on steam pressure, and grooves, formed in a side wall of the cap, or in a side wall of the recess, allow escape of steam when the cap is moved upward as a result of steam pressure. The lid is also allowed to move upward and downward relative to the main container body in response to steam pressure, and, when the lid is moved upward, an additional path for the escape of stem is provided at the location where the rims of the lid and main body meet each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshio Ohyama
  • Patent number: 6789690
    Abstract: A hose direct cannister lid includes a port that accepts a hose connected to a source of vacuum in order to evacuate a cannister to which the lid is connected. The hose direct cannister lid includes a first valve for exposing the cannister to the source of vacuum when the vacuum hose is secured to the lid, and wherein the first valve closes when the source of vacuum is removed in order to seal the lid and cannister from ambient. The hose direct cannister includes a second valve used to break the vacuum and expose the interior of the cannister to ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Tilia International, Inc.
    Inventors: Luther T. Nieh, Michael H. Tsao, Djabbar Moustafaev, Landen M. Higer
  • Patent number: 6789692
    Abstract: A container is provided having corresponding shells that mate together about a joint to create an enclosed airtight container. A valve seat is formed on the exterior of a shell adjacent the joint. The valve seat has an opening in communication with the container interior. A latch assembly is used to secure the shells in a closed position. The assembly includes a latch body which is attached to a shell by a hinge fastener close to said joint. The inside face of the latch body is provided with a valve gasket having a curved outer face that is aligned and sealingly engageable with the valve seat. When the latch is closed, the gasket will seal against the valve seat. When the latch is dislodged from its connection to the other shell, the gasket will be simultaneously removed from the valve seat and allow air to flow through the opening. This action permits equalization of any pressure differentials between ambient pressure and the pressure in the container interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Louis M. Prezelin
  • Patent number: 6779694
    Abstract: A vented closure for a fluid container which will not freely pour includes a cap movable between open and closed positions relative to an annular base collar. The movable cap can be slidable to form a push-pull type closure, or can be rotatable to form a flip-type closure. In an open position, a primary liquid passageway extends through the closure to a dispensing opening. One or more air vents of small size are located in the base collar at positions spaced within a predetermined range of offsets from the dispensing opening. A divider is located to create a secondary liquid passageway to convey liquid directly into contact with the air vents which self-seal by surface tension of the liquid. The vent aperture can be protected by overlapping portions of the movable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Patent number: 6776301
    Abstract: A cap with a way-one valve solves two distinct problems in the field of packaging materials that emit gasses, providing both a means to prevent a package from deforming under pressure built up inside the package, and a means to reseal the package. The cap comprises an inner wall extending downwardly from an inner portion of the top wall to define a cavity. An insert valve is mounted within the cavity, forming a seal with the inside wall. The upper surface of the insert valve, inner wall, and the top wall define a chamber with a gas escape path. A septum is disposed within the chamber, the septum seated on the insert valve and sealing one or more apertures in the insert valve. The septum is capable of at least partially unseating in response to force exerted by increased gas pressure acting through the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Birgitt Torres-White, David E. McKnight, Jon Trollen
  • Publication number: 20040157115
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a pressure relief vent formed in a metal plate disposed in at least one of the closed end and the open end of the container. The pressure relief vent has an annular ring that includes a reduced thickness groove, interrupted in at least two places by unthinned sections of the plate. When the vent opens to relieve pressure from within the cell, the area of the plate within the annular ring remains attached to the remainder of the plate by at least one of the unthinned sections. A can with such a pressure relief vent formed in the can bottom is useful as an electrochemical cell container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Richard L. Bouffard, Peter M. Lewis, Huaxin Li, Paul R. Elsdon, Richard J. Sosnovich, Warren Emerson Sweet, Robert E. Ray, James X. Wu
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040131923
    Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 100 and 300 psig (6.89×105 and 20.69×105 pascal gage). The cell can have primary and supplemental vent mechanisms such as welded or thinned regions on the surface of the housing which may activate at different pressure levels. The cathode can be formed of a plurality of stacked slabs having aligned hollow centers with an elongated opening for anode material to be inserted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: David Anglin, Mark Ashbolt, Derek Bobowick, Anthony Malgioglio, Brien Merrill, Alexander Shelekhin, Steven J. Specht, Matthew Sylvestre, Philip Trainer, Robert A. Yoppolo
  • Publication number: 20040131924
    Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. There can be a gap between separator and cathode for insertion of additional electrolyte. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism, preferably a grooved vent, which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 250 and 800 psig (1724×103 and 5515×103 pascal gage). The cell can have a supplemental vent mechanism such as a laser welded region on the surface of the housing which may activate at higher pressure levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: David Anglin, Mark Ashbolt, Derek Bobowick, Robert S. Ferrin, Anthony Malgioglio, Brien Merrill, Alexander Shelekhin, Steven J. Specht, Matthew Sylvestre, Philip Trainer, Robert A. Yoppolo
  • Patent number: 6755326
    Abstract: A lid member for an original container of a liquid paint component. The lid member is usable with a system for dispensing the paint component from its original container into a paint receptacle according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture. The lid member includes a base portion that is adapted to releasably engage an open top of the paint component container. The base portion has a pour spout through which the paint component can be dispensed, and a movable cover element. The cover element is movable between a closed state, wherein the cover element covers the pour spout, and an opened state, wherein the pour spout is uncovered and the paint component can be dispensed from its original container and into the paint receptacle. A resilient seal mechanism is positioned between the pour spout and the movable cover element for preventing leakage of the paint component, upon tilting of the original container, out of the pour spout past the cover element in the closed state of the cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Arie Boers
  • Patent number: 6745565
    Abstract: A vent apparatus for a hydrostatic device such as a hydrostatic transmission, including a vent tube in communication with a reservoir and a vent cap secured to the tube in a manner to permit the cap to pivot or swivel with respect to the vent tube, in order to prevent water from entering the reservoir through the vent tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Adam William Wahner, Scott W. Keller, Lonnie E. Holder
  • Publication number: 20040099497
    Abstract: A protective case which includes two mating case components and a liner extending between a peripheral area for mating engagement to ensure a relatively sealed relationship when the case components are closed. A latch face is a single elongated element on the front and has two spaced interlocking components to cooperate with hooks in the opposite case component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: David H. Parker, John Hoven, Kevin Deighton
  • Publication number: 20040094548
    Abstract: A package for heating and dispensing a food product includes a container body having a top opening and an outside thread, and a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes an outer shell having an inside thread and an integrally formed utensil, and an inner disk. The utensil is defined by a weakened segment or outline formed into an end wall of the outer shell and has a convex region. The disk has a protrusion that is shaped to be received into the convex region when the outer shell is placed on the container body and threaded tightly onto the body over the disk. A sufficient friction force exists between the disk and the body that prevents the disk from turning when the outer shell is unscrewed an initial amount. The protrusion forcibly leaving the convex region causes the weakened segment to rupture creating tamper evidence and a vent for heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Laveault
  • Patent number: 6732877
    Abstract: An air vent plug for clean container is disclosed, which includes a mounting ring, a plug body, and a plug cap, the plug cap having an inner ring fitted into the plug body, retaining notches forced into engagement with respective hooks of the plug body, an outer ring fitted over the outer surface of the mounting ring, and top hooks extended from the outer ring and hooked on respective pegs at the outer surface of the mounting ring. An O-ring is mounted outside the plug body and stopped between a collar of the plug body and a bottom edge of the mounting ring for sealing. A filter is mounted inside the plug body to prevent contamination from air passing through the plug body and the air vent of the clean container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tzong-Ming Wu, Wu-Chen Su, Sheng-Fu Tsai
  • Patent number: 6732878
    Abstract: A lid apparatus for a tank opening that retains fluid within the tank while allowing air to vent into or out of the tank. An air manifold is provided, preferably as part of an installation ring of the apparatus which is mounted to the tank around the tank opening. The air manifold has an outer radial wall and an inner radial wall spanned by an annular base surface. A plurality of angularly spaced openings in the outer radial wall are angularly offset from a plurality of openings in the inner radial wall to be out of angular alignment therewith, and the space above the annular base surface between the outer radial wall openings and the inner radial wall openings provides a plurality of air flow passageways. A cap of the apparatus has a cover portion and a depending mounting member adapted to insert within the installation ring and engage a cap mounting portion of that ring to detachably mount the cap to the installation ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Banjo Corporation
    Inventor: Mark E. Gillen
  • Patent number: 6726047
    Abstract: A resilient vacuum relief valve 52 is urged tightly on the lid stem 44 engaging the lid bottom 42 while encircling the vent 46 preventing air passage through the vent 46. The vacuum relief valve 52 is also formed of a pliable, resilient thermoplastic such as silicon and is in an inverted hat shape or dish shape as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 and includes a circumferential outwardly extending rim 54 on top that has sufficient resilience to deform when exposed to negative pressure. This arrangement provides an air tight seal when the lid 38 is inserted into the canister body 22 and while it remains stationary, however, when the lid 38 is pulled upwardly, negative pressure within the canister 20 is created, forcing the valve 52 to break its seal and relieve the newly created vacuum within the canister 20 allowing it to be easier to dislodge the lid 38 and preventing dispersal of powdered contents out of the canister 20 during lid removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 6715628
    Abstract: A medical instrument sterilization container (10) is provided which includes a port (18). A removable filter (32) is received within port (18) to enable sterilization of instruments placed within container (10). A removable plug (48) replaces filter (32) to enable container (10) to be used to transport instruments without leaking of fluids therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Nichols, William H. Patterson, Keith F. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 6702137
    Abstract: A plug for a liquid container comprises an outer plug, an inner plug and a fixing device. The outer plug is substantially a cylinder shape with a bottom wall and detachably installed onto a liquid container, wherein a liquid passage hole is penetrated through the bottom wall, and a liquid passage is formed between the bottom wall and an upper opening of the outer plug body. The inner plug is pivotally connected to the outer plug through a hinge, wherein the inner plug further comprises a liquid inlet seal member for sealing the liquid passage hole and a liquid outlet seal member for sealing an inner wall near the upper opening of the outer plug. The fixing device is used for fixing the inner plug onto the outer plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corp.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kowa, Takashi Ohno, Ikuo Miura
  • Patent number: 6698611
    Abstract: A tank cap having an upper breather chamber, a lower breather chamber and a separator having a communication bore permitting communication between the chambers. An auxiliary separator in the lower breather chamber is connected to the separator and is provided with upper and lower transverse bores extending from an annular chamber section surrounding upper and lower central chamber sections in the lower breather chamber to the upper and lower central chamber sections, respectively. This arrangement provides an effective damping function against liquid entering into the lower breather chamber to inhibit the flowing of the liquid from the lower breather chamber into the upper breather chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasunori Matsubara, Yoshikazu Yamada
  • Patent number: 6688486
    Abstract: A can and easy open closure for the can which is structured and arranged to cooperate with the can such that as the closure is removed from the can, gas is allowed to escape while the contents of the can, such as a powder, is prevented from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: George B. Diamond, Ralph H. Helmrich
  • Patent number: 6685046
    Abstract: A ventilated food preservation, container having a replaceable hermetically re-sealable lid closure cover portion fitted with a lid finger grip to open the lid and allow control of pressure inside the container in a single movement through a ventilation pressure release hole. When the outer cover portion of the finger grip portion is gripped to lift the closure member, the finger grip portion partially detaches from the lid and releases the seal between the lid and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Takashi Ogino
  • Patent number: 6669047
    Abstract: A pressure cooker handle assembly that relieves pressure in the cooker and unlocks the lid by pushing a single button twice. The button includes a tab that directly activates a pressure relief valve to release the pressure and a leg that depresses a stopbar to unlock the lid. Pressing of the button a first time releases the pressure in the cooker, but does not unlock the lid. A latch system prevents the cooker from again building pressure once the button is pressed. When the button is pressed a second time the leg depresses the stopbar to unlock the lid from the cooker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Innovation IP Holding Co
    Inventors: Blaise M. Wooderson, Frederick A. Rose
  • Patent number: 6648162
    Abstract: A pressure cooker handle assembly that relieves pressure in the cooker and unlocks the lid by pushing a single button twice. The button includes a tab that directly activates a pressure relief valve to release the pressure and a leg that depresses a stopbar to unlock the lid. Pressing of the button a first time releases the pressure in the cooker, but does not unlock the lid. A latch system prevents the cooker from again building pressure once the button is pressed. When the button is pressed a second time the leg depresses the stopbar to unlock the lid from the cooker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Innovation IP Holding Co.
    Inventors: Blaise M. Wooderson, Frederick A. Rose
  • Patent number: 6644489
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a cover cap mounted detachably and sealingly on a container. The cover cap has a pump-mounting wall portion defining a pump-receiving chamber, an inlet formed in the pump-mounting wall portion and in fluid communication with the pump-receiving chamber and a storing space of the container, and a valve-mounting wall portion defining an opening which is in fluid communication with the storing space and the atmosphere. A pump member is disposed movably and sealingly in the pump-receiving chamber, and has an outlet in fluid communication with the pump-receiving chamber and the atmosphere. An urging member urges the pump member away from the inlet. First and second check valves are respectively mounted on the cover cap and the pump member for closing the inlet and the outlet of the pump-receiving chamber, respectively. An air-inlet valve is mounted on the pump member for closing the opening in the cover cap, and is operable to uncover the opening in the cover cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Tai-In Chang
  • Patent number: 6644494
    Abstract: A hinged container includes a basket having a base, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of endwalls. The pair of sidewalls and the pair of endwalls integrally extend outwardly to form a first latching portion. A concave channel, a first concave region, and a second concave region are all formed in the base. The concave channel extends along a major axis of the base, while the first concave region extends from the concave channel to one of the pair of sidewalls, and the second concave region extends from the concave channel to the other of the pair of sidewalls. A lid is hingedly connected to the first latching portion. The lid includes a second latching portion corresponding to the first latching portion. The first and second latching portions lock together to retain the lid and the basket in a closed relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hayes, Brian J. Cammarata, William Loiselle
  • Publication number: 20030183631
    Abstract: The package is closed by a lid and it is fitted with a valve fixed over an opening zone of section greater than 10 mm2, and preferably lying in the range 30 mm2 to 50 mm2, leading to the inside of the package and formed through said lid. This opening zone is either an orifice formed through a flat lid, or else a hollow chamber itself pierced by a vent orifice of small size. The valve comprises solely a flexible sheet extending over the opening zone together with a sealing compound disposed between the flexible sheet and the lid. The sealing compound is solid at ambient temperature and it passes to a non-sticky liquid state when its temperature is raised. During heat treatment, the valve opens and closes in a succession of venting sequences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: PROPLAST
    Inventors: Anthony Bernard Cross, Didier Guitton
  • Patent number: 6622862
    Abstract: A sterilization container system comprises a lid. The container system has a wall positionable on a tray. The lid has a large aperture and small attachment apertures. A support is formed with an interior central circular disk. An exterior circular ring is provided. Ribs connect the ring and the disk. The disk has a central aperture. Small attachment apertures are provided for coupling the upper surface of the ring to the lower surface of the wall. A thin plate has a central aperture and a periphery. Also provided is a spring positioned between the disk and the plate. The spring and plate are adapted to expand when heated. A space is created between the plate and the disk whereby medical instruments within the container system will be sterilized. The spring and plate are adapted to contract when cooled. Any space between the plate and the disk will be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Pasquale A. Corrado
  • Patent number: 6619493
    Abstract: A sealable container in the present invention has a container body and a cover closed on the container body and provided with a push button and a suction hole. The cover is combined with a release assembly and an outer cap therein. The release assembly includes a housing, a membrane piece, a covering piece and a follower. A combination of aforementioned components enables the sealable container of the present invention to be effectively proofed against moisture and mildew after the air in the container body is drawn to be a vacuumed state. When the cover is to be opened for taking out the food stored in the container body, it is only necessary to press the push button of the cover to release the vacuumed state in the container body, which is very convenient to open the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Heng-Te Yang
  • Publication number: 20030155353
    Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Edward Tucker
  • Publication number: 20030155354
    Abstract: A plate container with detachable cover is disclosed. The container includes a base in the form of a plate and a cover. The plate and the cover include first and second closure portions, respectively, which are engageable with each other to maintain the cover in a secure position relative to the base and also forms a substantially leak-proof seal. The cover can include gripping tabs for facilitating the separation of the cover from the base and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, machine dishwashing, and freezer use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: Edward Tucker
  • Patent number: 6607089
    Abstract: A plastic cover for a produce container which when laid out is flat. The cover is collapsible and has a plurality of ventilators. Each ventilator has a ventilator flap and a corresponding ventilator aperture. The cover has a plurality of container binding members. Each container binding member has a container flap. Each container flap has a first small flap and a second small flap. Each container flap has a corresponding container receiving aperture. Each container binding member receives a portion of the container to assist in binding the cover to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Chantler Packaging, Inc
    Inventor: Roy G. Ferguson