Tethered Closure Patents (Class 220/375)
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Patent number: 5758914Abstract: An elastic, jawed tether for securing a lid to an associated container, such as a garbage can. The tether comprises an elongated strap terminating at each end in a jawed clamp. The clamp has a self-locking device, such as a cam arrangement, and a screw for closing and locking the jaws in place. A swivel bearing connects each clamp to the strap, so that the clamps have no tendency to twist the strap.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1997Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Inventor: Joseph Ioveno
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Patent number: 5732841Abstract: A fuel cap and filler neck fitment for receiving the fuel cap. The fuel cap includes an outer member and an inner closure assembly with seal. The cap and fitment both include lugs which interengage when the cap is moved into a closing position to pressurize the seal determined by an improved overriding ratchet arrangement. During removal of the cap, the outer member moves against a spring action for a predetermined arc before the inner closure assembly is moved to disengage the seal. When the seal is disengaged, the spring action takes up the relative motion. Once removed, the cap is retained by an improved tether assembly. The outer member is connected to the inner annular assembly by an improved structural arrangement which allows the outer member to separate under crash impact.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Tesma International Inc.Inventors: Radisav Jocic, Konrad Scharrer
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Patent number: 5725121Abstract: A closure for a container of liquid, granular or powdery products, comprises: a hub defined by a tubular central body, an upper free edge and a base fixed outside the container and peripherally external to a pouring opening; a cap removably matchable to the hub in correspondence to a closed condition of the closure; a sheet element peripherally welded to the upper cage of the hub and removable in correspondence to a condition of first opening of the product packaged inside the container; and mating grooves and recesses fit to join the cap to the hub in correspondence to the closed condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1996Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Catta 27 S.R.L.Inventor: Belloli Gianpaolo
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Patent number: 5722553Abstract: Presented is an integral assembly (2) of hollow tubes and seal caps (16) therefor arranged in an elongated aligned and integral assembly in which multiple tubes (1) each symmetrical about a longitudinal axis (3) and having a closed end (12) and an open end (6) are formed in side-by-side spaced relationship in a linear series in which adjacent tubes are integrally interconnected by a tether (13) to form an elongated strip (2). A multiplicity of seal caps (16) corresponding in number to the aligned series of tubes are independently, angularly and integrally flexibly connected to associated tubes. The seal caps, when in tube-open condition, are each symmetrical about an axis (17) parallel to the axes of the tubes and correspond in spacing and in number to the tubes. A hinge strap (14) is provided integrally interposed between each tube and the associated seal cap.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1995Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Inventor: Kenneth P. Hovatter
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Patent number: 5720409Abstract: A string-attached cap is formed by connecting one end of a belt-shaped coupling member to a cap. In the string-attached cap, the coupling member is made of flexible resin, and has a ring as its part at one end, and the ring has an engaging part which is the inner periphery of the ring, the engaging part being slidably engaged with an annular groove formed in the outer periphery of the cap.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignees: Calsonic Corporation, Isuzu Motors LimitedInventors: Eiichi Asakura, Misako Gomi, Osamu Hokari
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Patent number: 5683659Abstract: Presented is an integral assembly (2) of hollow tubes and seal caps (4) therefor arranged in an elongated aligned and integral assembly in which multiple tubes (1) each symmetrical about a longitudinal axis (3) and having a closed (32) end and an open end (6) are formed in side-by-side spaced relationship in a linear series in which adjacent tubes are integrally interconnected by a tether (36) to form an elongated strip (2). One end of the strip (2) of open-ended tubes is integrally connected to an elongated seal cap strip (43) that forms an integral extension of the tube strip and which includes a linear series of integral, spaced seal caps (42) each symmetrical about an axis (44) parallel to the axes of the tubes and corresponding in spacing and in number to the tubes. The tube (1) on one end of the tube strip (2) is integrally connected to its corresponding seal cap (42) on the seal cap strip (43).Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Inventor: Kenneth R. Hovatter
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Patent number: 5667094Abstract: A container and cap assembly of the type comprising an integral molded container and hinge cap. The container having a neck surrounding an opening thereto with a rim extending thereabout. The cap is interconnected to the container by a living hinge, aligning the cap with the neck for sealing registration thereon. Engagement and release tabs extend from the respective container and cap portions for angularly aligned positioning to one another upon cap registration on the container.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: West Penn PlasticsInventors: Thomas P. Rapchak, Michael Marino
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Patent number: 5660293Abstract: A vessel pressure testing apparatus includes a safety retainer unit. An expanding plug unit is secured within a tubular outlet pipe of the vessel with a clamping bolt extending outwardly from an expanding rubber plug member. An attachment plate is secured abutting the outlet pipe with the clamping nut bearing on and locking the plate to the pipe and plug unit. A locking plate has a central opening larger than the external diameter of the pipe, and is passed over the pipe. A loop connector has one loop passed through an opening in the attachment plate and a second loop passed through a similar opening in the locking plate. The locking plate is located with the inner end spaced axially inwardly on the pipe relative to the outer end which is connected to the locking plate. Pressure is then applied to the vessel, and if the test plug fails for any reason, the plug unit tends to move from the pipe end.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1996Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Insilc CorporationInventor: Roger A. Strom
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Patent number: 5657905Abstract: The present invention is a spray dispenser device closure. It includes a main closure base for attachment to a container, an outer ring, a spray mechanism attached to the base, a semi-flexible tether, and an overcap. The main closure base has a top portion with a circular horizontal track thereon for attachment with an outer ring. The outer ring has a circular inside wall with a horizonal track thereon for attachment to the track of the base so as to connect them in such a way as to be horizontally and freely rotatable thereabout. The outer ring has a top with an outwardly or, alternatively, an inwardly biased ledge for retaining an overcap and has at least one cut out on the ledge to permit an overcap to be inserted and removed from the outer ring. The overcap has a circular bottom adapted to be inserted into or, alternatively, onto the outer ring and over the spray mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
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Patent number: 5636740Abstract: An efficient, economical container closure means of a functional and decorative nature includes elements connectable together to provide a relatively simple, inexpensive, reliable, easy operable closure for dispensing a wide variety of materials and to provide a changeable decorative ornamental appearance. The elements include a base with an opening therein connectable to a container to close or restrict an opening therein, a cap tethered to the base operable to close the opening therein and having a connecting means cooperable with a decorative means.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1994Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: NCM International, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Finkiewicz, Gerald R. Sorensen
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Patent number: 5605226Abstract: A convenience caddy (20) primarily for a smoker's use. The caddy (20) includes a body (21) and its inseparable lid (24) joined together by an elastic connection in the form of a bungee cord (47) or a coiled spring (64). A lower end of the connection is pivotally connected midway of and to the body (21), and having its upper end pivotally connected to the lid (24) within a hollow chamber (50) formed in it. The bungee cord (47) is disposed in a longitudinal slot (38 ) along one face (39) in the body (21) and traverse along a trajectory generated by removing the lid (24), against the bliss of the bungee cord (47), from the top of the body (21) and swinging it down to the bottom of the body (21) where it is seated, out of the way of lighter unit (30) mounted in a pocket (27) in the body (21) and another pocket (26) for ashes, butts, and filters. Mouths (59) in the lid (24) provide a holding member for lighted cigarettes when not held by the smoker. An alternate embodiment includes clip members (62).Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Inventor: William J. Hernlein
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Patent number: 5605241Abstract: A device for controllably retaining a liquid to prevent spillage when the bottle is tilted or inverted for positioning the bottle to discharge the container's liquid contents into the intended orifice. The hydraulically operated plug forms an air tight seal with the smooth inner surface of the neck of the container, permitting the container to be inverted and positioned over the intended receptacle without releasing any fluid. Upon squeezing the flexible container, the lid is forced from the container by the hydraulic pressure exerted on the inner surface of the lid, permitting the liquid to pour freely from the container into the intended receptacle. A tether attaching the plug to an exterior location on the container allows the plug to fall clear of the stream of flow while preventing the plug from becoming lost.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Inventor: Rosemarie V. Imperioli
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Patent number: 5588853Abstract: A sealing arrangement including a closure cap and an integral mounting gasket for sealing a mounted electrical connector housing. The closure cap and the gasket are formed as a one-piece, unitary member. The closure cap is designed to engage a shroud of the electrical connector housing for covering the electrical contacts of the electrical connector. The gasket is designed to seal the interface between the electrical connector housing and a wiring enclosure. The closure cap is coupled to the gasket by a strap so that the closure cap will be readily accessible to the user even when the closure cap is not being used.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: John C. Anthony
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Patent number: 5573525Abstract: A medicine bottle is formed with a neck that defines an opening and a closed bottom opposite the opening. A closure element is engaged with the neck to block the opening, and the closure element is formed with a fluid passageway. A fitting is positioned in the fluid passageway. The fitting is configured for receiving the hub of a needleless syringe, and a tube which has a proximal end is positioned in the bottle with the proximal end in fluid communication with the fitting. The tube also has a distal end disposed near the bottom of the bottle. Consequently, the syringe can be engaged with the fitting for drawing liquid from the bottle into the syringe without inverting the bottom of the bottle over the neck of the bottle, even when the bottle is nearly empty.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1995Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Inventors: Thomas L. Watson, Jaleh Shaban-Watson
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Patent number: 5524786Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a body with an external surface, a fuel tank filler pipe, and a fuel tank cap assembly comprising a plug sealingly engageable with the fuel tank filler pipe by insertion into the filler pipe to a rotatively fast sealing position, a cover carried with the plug that substantially blends with the body external surface when the plug is in the sealing position, and a latch mechanism carried with the fuel tank cap assembly operable without rotation of the cover to permit the assembly to move from the sealing position to a release position displaced from the body external surface, the latch mechanism also being operable in the release position through rotation of the cover to permit the assembly to move from the release position to a free position disengaged from the filler pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1994Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Donald A. Skudlarek
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Patent number: 5513768Abstract: A sealing device for a container is provided with a sealing member that varies the sealing capacity of the device in response to pressure changes within the container.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Inventor: James C. Smith
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Patent number: 5513762Abstract: A drinking container such as a water bottle with a pair of telescoping straws, one of which is attached to a lid for the container and the other of which is threaded on a nut mounted on the lid for longitudinally sliding the second straw in the first straw when the nut is rotated and blocking an airway when the second straw is retracted.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Double J CompanyInventor: Saeid Janani
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Patent number: 5462190Abstract: A fuel cap tether apparatus on a motor vehicle having a body panel with an access opening or port therein, a fuel tube including a neck behind the access opening, a fuel door mounted on the vehicle for pivotal movement between open and closed positions exposing and concealing, respectively, the access opening, and a fuel cap closing the fuel tube neck and removable therefrom in response to twisting of the fuel cap relative to the fuel tube neck. The fuel cap tether apparatus includes a string-like flexible tether having a first end rigidly connected to the vehicle and a second end connected to the fuel cap such that the latter is rotatable relative to the tether and a hook on the fuel door disposed laterally outboard of the body panel surrounding the fuel tube access opening when the fuel door is in its open position. After the fuel cap is removed, the tether is hung in the hook and the fuel cap released.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1995Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Shelly L. Lienhart, Roger J. Rademacher
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Patent number: 5454482Abstract: A safety drinking container for controlled release of liquid contained therein, particularly hot beverages and the like. The safety container includes base and lid portions which engage one another in sealing relationship during use. In one preferred embodiment, the lid portion includes at least one drinking passage arranged to be covered by the mouth of an individual during consumption of a liquid, while the base portion is configured with an edge surrounding an opening in the base portion which discourages the individual from consuming the liquid directly from the base portion. In another preferred embodiment, the base portion includes a top having an opening formed therein. The opening is defined by an edge which discourages the individual from consuming the liquid directly from the base portion. The base portion including at least one drinking passage arranged to be covered by the mouth of the individual.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1993Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Health Research, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey L. Simon
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Patent number: 5443175Abstract: A can closure includes a plastic insert permanently installed in a hole in the can top, and a plug which seats in a pouring aperture extending through the insert. Locking dogs on both the insert and the plug provide a bayonet-type connection so that the container can be resealed after its contents have been partially used. Protrusions on the locking dogs prevent the plug from being fully removed until pressure within the container has been relieved.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1994Date of Patent: August 22, 1995Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Company, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Kelly, Mike Price
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Patent number: 5439124Abstract: A closure unit for a container for storing and handling flowable products is made from at least two different thermoplastic materials, the different materials fulfilling different functions. A basic thermoplastic material (A.2) is used for sealing against the container (G.2), and an area made of another different thermoplastic material (B.2,C) is provided to fulfill additional sealing functions, to increase mechanical stability, to have a reduced permeability, and to provide increased elasticity for additional opening and closing and/or absorption characteristics. The closure unit is produced by a multimaterial injection molding process, so that contact surfaces between the different thermoplastic materials can be interconnected by reversible or irreversible positive engagement and/or by more or less pronounced melting into one another. The closure unit is in two parts and comprises a pouring part (1.2) and a closure part (2.2), or is in one part.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1993Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventor: Elmar Mock
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Patent number: 5427246Abstract: A grocery bag storage tube for the convenient storage and retrieval of plastic grocery bags. A hollow tube of appropriate diameter has a sturdy and weighty base holding the hollow tube upright. Within the confines of the hollow tube, a weighted plug capable of slidable travel within the interior of the hollow tube is connected as by cords to a cap and to the bottom end of the hollow tube. Plastic grocery bags may be inserted into the hollow tube above the plug once the cap has been removed. Removal of plastic grocery bags is effected by pulling the cap away from the top end of the hollow tube. As the cap is displaced away from the top end of the hollow tube, it pulls the plug with it. Any plastic bags inside the hollow tube between the plug and the cap are urged outwards towards the mouth of the tube by the plug. The plastic bags are then easily retrieved by pulling them from the hollow tube as they emerge therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Inventor: George Hadjikhani
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Patent number: 5417336Abstract: A non-spill medicine bottle comprising a bottle having a body coupled to a neck terminating in an opening adapted to allow material to pour therethrough, the bottle having a plurality of plates defining a flow inhibitor disposed therein and coupled thereto, each plate offset from the other plates to define a plurality of channels, the channels adapted to inhibit the flow of material from the body at one position but allow the flow of material from the body at a plurality of positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Inventor: Michael M. Cortez
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Patent number: 5407098Abstract: A fluid pouring aid includes a substantially flat solid imperforate disk being larger in size than a dispensing opening of a container with which the aid is to be used and an interconnecting structure attached to the solid flat disk for releasably interconnecting the disk to the container. To use the pouring aid, a user holds the container with one hand and uses the index finger to place and hold the solid flat disk in an contacting position overlying and closing the dispensing opening of the container such that flow of fluid from the container is blocked as the container is moved from an upright position to a tipped pouring position. Once at the tipped pouring position, the user moves the index finger and slides the solid flat disk laterally relative to the dispensing opening of the container to unblock the opening and allow flow of fluid directly from the container into a fluid reservoir without risk of spilling.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Inventor: Rex F. Tomer
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Patent number: 5398837Abstract: A cell culture flask having a hinged closure including a closure top which covers the flask opening and a locking arrangement to hold the closure top in the closed position. A finger tab is provided which extends radially from the closure top for manipulating the hinged closure to engage or release the locking arrangement, which may be snap-type or bayonet-type, and to move the closure top between the closed and fully open positions solely by one finger when the flask is held by the remaining four fingers and within the palm of one hand providing access to inside the flask for a pipette or the like held in the other hand through the flask opening. An elongated portion of the finger tab extends radially when the closure top is in the closed position and presents a radial extension which provides leverage to allow movement by one finger to pivot the hinged closure and to move it axially, to engage or release the locking arrangement, and to move it between the closed and fully open positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Inventor: Alberto Degrassi
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Patent number: 5397012Abstract: A plastic tamper-proof sealing plug assembly for use in securely sealing the vale outlet of a pressurized bottle or any other type of container. The tamper-proof assembly has a tubular gasket provided with a central opening, sized to fit into and seal a valve outlet, and a sealing plug element with a plug projecting from it, which is sized to snugly fit into the tubular gasket in order to close the valve outlet. The tamper-proof assembly also has a security seal in the form of a strap has one end attached to one side of the sealing plug element and also has another free end. The strap projects outwards from the side of the sealing plug element and is long enough to surround the valve. The tamper-proof assembly further has a fastener for irreversibly fastening the free end of the strap to the sealing plug element so that the strap must be broken in order to remove the plug and the gasket if necessary, from the valve outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1993Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Payge International Inc.Inventors: Marc Tison, Christian Major, Brad Wood
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Patent number: 5397013Abstract: A fitment attached around an aperture in a container has a flange from which extends a spout closed by an initially integrally molded externally threaded plug. So long as the fitment and plug are in their original position after molding, the combination is tamper-evident. The plug is moved axially into the spout, with a liquid-tight fit. The plug has an outward extending tab formed with a slot and the fitment has an upward extending finger aligned with the slot in the tab and formed with tangs which lock the finger and tab together as the plug is moved into the spout, thereby making the device tamper-evident. A characteristic of the invention is that a tether interconnects the plug and the upper edge of the spout to prevent disconnection of the one from the other. As a further feature of the invention, an over-size foil seal extends across the bottom of the flange and is welded or otherwise adhered to the bottom of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
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Patent number: 5390890Abstract: A beach blanket retaining device which includes a base spike member which is pointed to allow it to be driven into the ground and which has an upper platform end on which a clamp member for engaging blankets is superimposed. The clamp member is the upper terminal and preferably has a rounded top surface so as to allow it to be used without creating a substantial obstacle to foot traffic.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1993Date of Patent: February 21, 1995Inventors: Lois G. Ferguson, Michael D. Corsi, Paul M. Doman
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Patent number: 5382408Abstract: Microcentrifuge tube having a container having a round opening and a frictionally seated lid hingedly connected by a fixed-hinge to the container, the lid having an upper lid surface and being sized and shaped to cover and seal the opening to maintain the inside of the tube free of any contaminant. The lid has a lid extension extending upwardly from the lid surface and outwardly away from the hinge in such a manner which allows the lid to be unseated and moved from the opening of the container when mechanical pressure by a user's finger is applied to the lid. The lid further has a guard portion extending downward from a portion of the lid and configured and arranged adjacent the container to act as a finger guard to prevent a user's finger contacting the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1993Date of Patent: January 17, 1995Assignee: Brandeis UniversityInventor: Daniel Perlman
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Patent number: 5353944Abstract: The present invention provides a hatch apparatus comprising: (a) a non-metallic base having a base flange which is connectable to a container flange by bolting and (b) a non-metallic lid which is threadedly connectable to the non-metallic base. The inventive hatch apparatus can also include a pressure relief device associatable with the non-metallic lid. In one embodiment, the non-metallic lid comprises a single lid member. In a second embodiment, the non-metallic lid comprises two lid members. The inventive hatch apparatus is highly corrosion resistant and convenient to use.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: Halliburton CompanyInventors: Gail F. Davis, James F. Matthews
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Patent number: 5354049Abstract: A portable basketball system that in a preassembled state is capable of disposition within an outer relatively flat container to assist in shipping. The basketball system comprises a pole, a backboard, a basketball goal, and a hollow ballast-receiving base. The pole has a proximate end and a distal end and comprises a plurality of pole sections. The backboard may be connected to the pole near the distal end of the pole. The basketball goal may be connected to the backboard. The hollow ballast-receiving base supports the pole in a stationary, substantially upward position when connected to the pole near the proximate end of the pole. This provides a pole upon which the basketball goal may be suspended at an elevation above a playing surface and the base.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1993Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Inventors: Lonny R. Matherne, Barry D. Mower
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Patent number: 5335809Abstract: A heat-insulating container comprising a cylindrical container having a heat-insulating layer disposed between a metal inner cylinder and a metal outer cylinder; a synthetic resin inner case with a wide mouth, in the straight cylindrical container; and a cap for closing the upper opening of the straight cylindrical container. The cap has a heat-insulating plug member fitted in the mouth of the inner case, with a plug member having an inner surface provided with an engagement portion for abutting the upper peripheral edge of a large-diameter container placed in inner case and a recess of a small-diameter storage container placed in the inner case, the inner case having a bottom provided with an engagement portion, which abuts the lower peripheral edge of the large-diameter storage container and a recess for receiving the lower portion of the small-diameter storage container.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1994Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Nippon Sanso Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shoji Toida, Seiichi Ito, Hidetoshi Ohta, Isao Ishikawa
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Patent number: 5325980Abstract: An improved vial assembly is provided for storing a quantity of material for cryogenic freezing, such as a sample of semen for use in artificial insemination. The vial assembly includes a locking mechanism to prevent the vial from being opened and then reclosed prior to final use. The locking mechanism includes a pair of apertured locking members, one on the vial, and one on the cap of the vial. The locking members are positioned for mutual alignment only when the cap is securely tightened onto the vial. A locking pin is provided for one-way insertion through the apertures of the locking members to prevent the cap from being removed without severing or destroying the locking pin. With this locking mechanism, the integrity of the contents of the vial is substantially ensured until the vial is selected for use and the locking pin is severed in the presence of a patient recipient. A secondary vial is also provided which mounts to the main vial.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1992Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Inventors: Michael C. Grimm, Philippe F. Bailley, Joseph W. Price
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Patent number: 5325982Abstract: A single, integral cap and handle assembly adapted to be screwed on the narrow threaded open neck of a container. The cap has an access port in registry with the open neck and a resealable plug engageable in said port which plug is integrally formed with the cap. The handle is integral with the annular perimetric wall of the cap and is constructed and arranged to be positioned in close proximity to and parallel with the cylindrical body of the container. The handle has aligned openings for removably engaging and holding a straw which can be inserted through the open port of the cap and the neck of the bottle for drawing fluid therethrough from the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1993Date of Patent: July 5, 1994Assignee: BCI of Chicago, Inc.Inventor: Bryce R. Cobb, Jr.
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Patent number: 5320240Abstract: The invention is directed to a closure for a vessel such as a fuel tank or lubricant tank of a portable handheld work apparatus having an internal combustion engine. The closure includes a filling stub formed on the vessel and defining an opening and a cap for closing off the opening seal tight with respect to the ambient when the cap is placed on the filling stub. A holder prevents the cap from being separated from the vessel after the cap has been removed from the filling stub. The holder includes a flexible member having first and second end portions and an elongated flexible segment disposed between the end portions. A first attachment disposed on an inner wall surface of the cap fixedly holds the first end portion on the cap and a second attachment disposed on the vessel fixedly holds the second end portion on the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1993Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Assignee: Andreas StihlInventors: Anton Wehle, Gunter Wolf, Werner Vonderau
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Patent number: 5312011Abstract: A stackable container system having a plurality of individual containers wherein each container is snapped onto and securely fastened to another similarly configured container. Each container has a lid securely tethered to the side of the container by an integrally molded strap such that the lids of the individual containers do not get lost or misplaced. The container lids are configured so as to securely engage the container sidewall by a snap-fit design having a conveniently placed thumb tab to facilitate the quick and easy release of the lid. A removable divider may be positioned within each container receptacle to compartmentalize the receptacle such that individual component parts can be stored in a single container and not become mixed or interspersed during storage. Each container of the stackable system may comprise a transparent material for the visual inspection of the contents contained therein prior to opening the container.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1992Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: Ultradent Products, Inc.Inventor: Dan E. Fischer
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Patent number: 5295601Abstract: A caulk cartridge cap is designed to enable the storage of unused portions of products of the types supplied within caulk cartridge type containers to thus maintain them in a reusable condition. The cap operates as a closure for purposes of resealing a caulk type cartridge to prevent the premature drying out or aging of the materials stored within the cartridge and to also prevent blockage within the cartridge applicator tube. The cap includes an orifice retention rod which is positionable within the applicator tube, and a self-threading insert positioned within the cap is then used to threadably attach the cap to the cartridge. Modified embodiments of the cap include the use of a tether, a scraping edge formed on the orifice retention rod, and a bracket assembly to which the cap is rotatably attached and which may be mounted to a conventional caulk cartridge holding gun.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Inventor: Richard F. Bostelman
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Patent number: 5295599Abstract: A multiple cap arrangement is provided to seal the open end of a container. The multiple cap seal includes a sealing cap and locking cap which are hingedly coupled to the open end of a container such as a disposable centrifuge container. The sealing cap is lodged in the open end of the container and the locking cap coupled to the sealing cap by a mechanism that retains the caps essentially fixed relative to one another. With the caps coupled in this way, stress, resulting from pressure in the container, is transferred through the caps to the hinges. The hinges are sized to prevent axial movement of the interlocked sealing and locking cap structure away from the container. Since the hinges resist stretching even under substantial tension, the container remains reliably sealed even when the pressures in the container are very high.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: Innervision, Inc.Inventor: James C. Smith
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Patent number: 5279025Abstract: A radiator cap assembly has a cap, a tether and a seal member. The seal member is adapted to float upon coolant within the radiator. Upon removal of the cap while the coolant is in an elevated temperature and pressure condition, the seal member will cover the f ill tube to prevent liquid from exiting the radiator.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Inventor: Leonard L. Kinast
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Patent number: 5273176Abstract: A reclosable cover is disclosed herein for temporarily sealing and covering the open top of a beverage can which includes a cover body or disc having a downwardly depending peripheral flange with a connecting hinge secured to the sidewall of the beverage can. The cover body includes a circular recess adjacent to the flange adapted to permit nesting or stacking with the bottom of another can. The cover body further includes a weakened portion permitting the passage of a straw. The flange terminates in an inwardly disposed end portion for tightly sealing with the can and also provides for releasable retention of the body cover with the can.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1993Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Inventor: Eusebio M. Diaz
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Patent number: 5271519Abstract: A fitment attached around an aperture in a container has a flange from which extends a spout closed by an initially integrally molded externally threaded plug. So long as the fitment and plug are in their original position after molding, the combination is tamper-evident. The plug is moved axially into the spout, with a liquid-tight fit. The plug has an outward extending tab formed with a slot and the fitment has an upward extending finger aligned with the slot in the tab and formed with tangs which lock the finger and tab together as the plug is moved into the spout, thereby making the device tamper-evident. A characteristic of the invention is that a tether interconnects the plug and the upper edge of the spout to prevent disconnection of the one from the other. As a further feature of the invention, an over-size foil seal extends across the bottom of the flange and is welded or otherwise adhered to the bottom of the flange.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1992Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
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Patent number: 5259612Abstract: A portable water-filled device for supporting a basketball system including a base configured to hold a ballast material for supporting the basketball system in a substantially rigid position during us of the system to play the game of basketball. A pole is pivotally mounted to the base such that the pole may move between a generally vertical position and a tilted position with the base configured with a beveled hole for restraining the pole from pivotal movement substantially beyond the tilted position. A contractible sleeve is utilized to pivotally attach support arms to the pole. The sleeve includes an adjustment wheel for securing the sleeve to the pole and a bubble level for vertically positioning the pole. The base is configured with an orifice through which water may be inserted into the base. A plug for closing the orifice includes an anchor for loosely connecting the plug to the base when the plug is disengaged from the orifice.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: Lonny R. Matherne, Elmo V. Rhoton, Barry D. Mower
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Patent number: 5234144Abstract: A survival container kit adapted for deployment in water to hold items for human survival and provide buoyant support, has strap means extending from end portions for engagement about a person, and a tubular container having an access opening intermediate its ends for access to items therein such as food, water, radio, flashlight, flares, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: August 10, 1993Inventor: Gale J. Iler
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Patent number: 5225165Abstract: A microcentrifuge tube or other thermoplastic sample container having a round opening and a frictionally seated sealing lid, the lid having a size and shape to cover the perimeter of the tube opening and maintain the inside of the tube free of any contaminant. The lid viewed on an upright closed container has a downwardly extending annular portion shaped to sealing fit inside the opening, the lid further having an integral upwardly projecting lid extension configured and arranged on top of the lid to facilitate aseptic opening, grasping and identification-labeling of the container. The location, angle and size of the lid extension allow mechanical pressure to be used on top of the lid, rather than beneath the lid, to open the container. The improved apparatus and method for opening the container functions to prevent sample contamination which could otherwise occur when a fingernail or other container opening instrument is inserted beneath, and contacts some portion(s) of the underside of the lid.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Brandeis UniversityInventor: Daniel Perlman
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Patent number: 5221016Abstract: A new insulated container, includes a hollow bottle being composed of pliable resilient material, and an insulation sleeve disposed over a portion of the outer surface of the bottle and being contracted frictionally thereabout. The sleeve has a mouth portion for receiving the bottle. The sleeve is composed of a pliable resilient material and includes an outer insulation sleeve portion and an inner pliable sleeve portion having a smooth inner surface to facilitate the insertion of the bottle into the sleeve. The method includes forming the two-part sleeve, and then inserting the bottle into the sleeve by first moving them together telescopically until a portion of the bottle disposed within the sleeve. Thereafter, the axially directed bottle-contracting impacts are applied abruptly to the bottle and the sleeve at opposite ends thereof to cause them to move axially relative to one another until the bottle is free to expand outwardly within the sleeve for gripping the bottle frictionally.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1989Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Inventor: David Karpal
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Patent number: 5201309Abstract: A breathing aid for laryngotomoy tracheostomy patients includes a filter house made from plastics material, which is provided to receive a replaceable filter and which is made in one piece with a cover having perforations, the cover being provided to close the filter house via a flexible integral hinge strip. The breathing aid includes a hood applicable upon the cover and having a downwardly directed suction channel through which the inhaled air has to pass before it reaches the filter, the hood having a recess which by cooperation with the hinge strip guarantees the correct orientation of the hood and holds it in this position. The filter house can be secured to an adhesive foil which has rectangular or square shape and the filter house is so orientated in relation to the foil that the pivot axis of the hinge will be parallel to one of the sides of the foil.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1991Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Assignees: Gillis Andersson, Bror PalmcrantzInventors: Roland Friberg, Inge Blomquist
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Patent number: 5200153Abstract: A container or vessel useful in the preparation of bacterial extracts or similar analytical samples, constructed of resilient flexible plastics material and having a releasably engageable cap (3) incorporating a nozzle (8) through which liquid contents of the container may be expressed by squeezing the container, the cap being linked to the container by a double hinge comprising two strips (14a, 14b) of material which fold back upon themselves when the container is closed by the cap, the apices (18a, 18b) of the folded hinge strips together providing contact points upon which the capped end of the container may be rested on a horizontal surface such as a work bench.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1990Date of Patent: April 6, 1993Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings, B.V.Inventors: Anthony H. Carr, Paul R. Darnell, Ian W. Davidson
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Patent number: 5165579Abstract: A detachable lid for a beverage can is adapted to be snap fit over the lid of an opened can. The lid has a spout adapted to be fit in the users mouth, a closure for the spout, a resilient strap for holding the closure to the lid, and a pry tab to enable the user to pry up the opening tab of a "snap-open" can.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1991Date of Patent: November 24, 1992Assignee: Glaze Inc.Inventor: Bihari Lund
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Patent number: 5165565Abstract: The invention relates to a closure for closing a vessel for holding liquid such as a fuel tank or the like. The closure includes a cylindrical, cup-shaped base body having an internal thread. The base wall of the base body has an inner wall surface on which a centrally aligned annular wall is formed. A flat sealing ring is arranged between the annular wall and the cylindrical wall. The sealing ring is arranged so as to have radial play with respect to the annular wall and a radially projecting insert is attached to the base wall of the base body. The insert has a side facing toward the base wall and includes a centering ring on this side which coacts with the annular wall to align the insert with respect to the base body. At least one attachment element is arranged within the centering ring and bridges the gap between the insert and the base wall. The insert is fixed to the base wall with the attachment element.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1992Date of Patent: November 24, 1992Assignee: Andreas StihlInventors: Helmut Schlessmann, Georg Becker, Gerhard Stoll
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Patent number: 5154327Abstract: A sealable nozzle adaptor is described for use on a caulking tube. The adaptor incudes a nozzle portion, a base including a flexible skirt portion for engaging the leading end of the caulking tube, a cap for closing and sealing the open end of the nozzle, and an elongated pin secured in the cap and extending into the nozzle portion. The cap can be attached to the base with a flexible strip or cord to prevent loss. The adaptor slides over the leading end of the caulking tube and prevents air from leaking into the caulking tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1991Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Inventor: Kyle D. Long