Attached To Or Within Sidewall Of Container Patents (Class 220/710)
  • Patent number: 11672366
    Abstract: This document discloses a disposable beverage cup with a non-removable straw. This disposable beverage cup and non-removable straw substantially reduce, or even eliminate, a chance that the straw will end up, on its own, polluting the world's oceans or land. This is due to the straw being non-removable and, along with the disposable beverage cup, being more likely to be properly disposed of, composted, or otherwise responsibly handled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventor: Michael K. Colby
  • Patent number: 11647855
    Abstract: Disclosed is a beverage dispensing device, characterized in that it includes a main container, including a beverage receiving cavity and a fluid suction nozzle, a secondary container adapted to be movable inside the beverage receiving cavity, including at least one hole, a component providing a communication between the secondary container and the main container, configured such that, when the secondary container is in the beverage receiving cavity, between an upper position and an open position, the at least one hole is plugged, and between the open position and a lower position, the at least one hole is not plugged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventor: William Paul Talabot
  • Patent number: 11319123
    Abstract: A drinking vessel with a hidden utensil compartment includes a cup with a recessed side extending from the top to a transition above the bottom. The cup is received in and contained in a cover. The cover and recessed side define a utensil compartment. A drawer holding utensils fits into the utensil compartment. A drawer stop attached to the recessed side includes a spring to facilitate removal of the drawer. A removable lid with movable panels selectively covers or exposes the drinking compartment and the utensil compartment. An optional removable handle may plug into the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Ryan Wolfe
  • Patent number: 10420434
    Abstract: A drinking straw has a display arrangement mounted thereon or attached thereto, where the display arrangement bears a graphic representation, such as an advertisement or an amusing graphic representation. When the drinking straw is disposed within a cup, the display arrangement is adapted to engage an exterior surface of the cup, so that the straw remains upright in the cup adjacent the side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Israel Juarbe
  • Patent number: 10064505
    Abstract: Drinking device (1) with a closure cap (4) having a drinking opening (6) and intended for closing a drinking container (2) which has a receiving chamber (3) for liquid, and with a conveying means (7) for conveying liquid from the receiving chamber (3), wherein the conveying means (7) has an inner wall element (8) which is received in an outer wall element (9) so as to form a space, wherein the space defines between the wall elements (8,9) a conveying duct (11) which is connected via an inlet opening (12) to the receiving chamber (3), wherein the conveying duct (11) is connected, in a region adjoining the closure cap (4), to an annular distribution duct (13) which is connected to the drinking opening (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MAM BABYARTIKEL GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H.
    Inventor: Peter Röhrig
  • Patent number: 9848642
    Abstract: An aerosol generator device has an elongate body with an interior passageway extending longitudinally to its mouth end. The device receives an interchangeable, pressurized canister charged with a nicotine containing liquid that is discharged in a metered dose on manual actuation of a button member that causes a valve in the canister to open and discharge through a discharge tube. A sleeve releasably couples the canister to the body. The button member is slidably mounted on the body for reciprocal movement along a trigger axis Y-Y? extending transversely of the longitudinal axis X-X? of the device, and has a manually depressible surface portion and a camming surface portion that drives a slidable nozzle member to press the discharge tube inwardly of the canister to open its valve and release liquid into the nozzle member. Nozzle forms an aerosol from the liquid, which is delivered to the consumer through outlets in the mouth end of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventor: Steven Michael Schennum
  • Publication number: 20150114982
    Abstract: The current invention includes a beverage container with an integrally molded handle. Housed within the handle sits a retractable, sliding straw track. The straw track adjusts along the length of a straw track housing located in the handle to substantially seal the jug and adjust an internal, flexible beverage straw. The straw may be connected, via placeholder loops, at intervals along the sidewall of a jug. The straw may extend to a base of the jug, allowing a consumer to create an internal vacuum through a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece end of the straw may be sealed and secured in a substantially fixed position within the jug when the straw track and the cover are in the closed position and is exposed through the neck of the jug when the straw track and the cover are in the opened position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Howard Rapp
  • Patent number: 8939349
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup with a built-in straw and a method of making it. The cup is made from a blank including a flat body portion having a top and bottom edge and two side edges. A first cut-away along the top edge of the body portion defines two portions along the side edges and extending beyond the top edge. A second cut-away is formed adjacent one of the side edges. The body portion is configured to be folded such that the first extending portion is in registration with the second extending portion, and a first side edge of the body portion engages an outer wall of the body portion while the second side edge engages an inner wall of the body portion, to form a cup body with a built-in straw on an inside wall of the cup body with the second cutaway inside the cup body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventor: Dmitry Lerner
  • Publication number: 20140299613
    Abstract: The invention refers to a geriatric feeding cup for feeding liquid to an elderly person, including a cup adapted to receive the liquid, a lid and a spout made of a soft pliable material fitted to the cup. In use, the geriatric feeding cup enables the search reflex, the suck reflex and the swallow reflex to be stimulated in the elderly person so that they can be fed the liquid in a more effective and safe manner. The invention also relates to a method of use of the geriatric feeding cup whereby the search reflex, the suck reflex and the swallow reflex are stimulated to feed the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Gabriel Roux
  • Patent number: 8852439
    Abstract: A liquid filtration method and device, for example a drinking straw with a mouthpiece, and a bundle of hollow fibres. The open ends of the fibres are embedded in a base and provided in a compartment between the base and a liquid outlet. Water or other liquid flows into the inner volume of the hollow fibres and from there through their filtering membrane walls and into the compartment before the liquid flows out through the liquid outlet, for example the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: LifeStraw SA
    Inventors: Daniel Frauchiger, Roelie Bottema, Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen
  • Patent number: 8851324
    Abstract: A drinking cup for use by individuals in reclined position is disclosed. The cup includes a flexible straw attached to the base of the cup, a lid, and a handle with a groove for receiving and storing the straw. A bight actuated mouthpiece valve is connected to the distal end of the straw. The cup may be of double walled construction and the lid includes a small hole to release any vacuum created as a user sucks on the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Sean Patrick O'Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140284343
    Abstract: A travel mug apparatus having a mug body, an insert straw component and a lid. The mug body includes a base and an upstanding wall. A body straw component is associated with the mug body. Together with the body straw component, the insert straw component defines a straw with an elongated channel for drawing fluid from the storage volume defined by the mug body. The lid extends over and sealingly engages the upstanding wall. Advantageously, the upstanding wall is configured to facilitate the use of the mug without affecting the field of vision of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: WOW Plastics, LLC
    Inventor: David Allen
  • Patent number: 8833597
    Abstract: A straw guide container that comprises of a housing that defines a straw guide. The straw guide is on one of the exterior sides of the housing. The housing has a first and a second side. The sides are attached to each other using a vertical latching system. The housing is designed to hold at least one solid carbon dioxide pellet. The housing has a stem that is attached to the exterior of the housing. The stem defines a handle. The handle is used to easily position the container within a beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Ira Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 8815318
    Abstract: Describe are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package; the packages can contain multiple food products including (for example) cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Zoss, Linda Baggio, Jeffrey Enz, Michael J. Engstrom, Bryan Scholtes
  • Publication number: 20140166680
    Abstract: A fluid container (100, 200) includes a fluid reservoir (105) filled with a mixing fluid and a hollow tube (110) operable as a drinking straw. The fluid container is server to a consumer with a diluent beverage provided in a beverage container. The mixing fluid is dispensed from the fluid reservoir into the beverage container and mixed with the diluent beverage. The fluid container is configured to convey a branding message which is displayed during the time the mixed beverage is consumed through the drinking straw. In one example embodiment the fluid reservoir includes a single serving. Preferably the mixing fluid comprises a distilled spirit beverage and the fluid reservoir is sealed until it is sold to a consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Styquorz LLC
    Inventor: Corey M. St. Gelais
  • Patent number: 8636170
    Abstract: A wine straw comprising an elongated hollow tubular body and attaching member secured to an outer surface of the hollow tubular body is provided. The hollow tubular body comprises an upper portion and a lower portion integrally connected to the upper portion, the upper and lower portions having open ends. The attaching member comprises a clip member integrally connected to a hollow attachment member. The clip member comprises a front portion and a back portion. The front portion includes a pair of top portions; a bottom portion; an outer edge extending upwardly and outwardly, in a vertical plane, from the bottom portion towards the pair of top portions; and an inner edge extending downwardly and inwardly, in a vertical plane, from the pair of top portions to a clip center portion. The back portion includes a pair of elongated members integrally connected to the hollow attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Jenny LaFever
  • Patent number: 8544674
    Abstract: A shaker has a container body, lid and sieve, with the lid and sieve detachably securable to one another, separate and apart from the lid and container body being detachably securable together. A substantially U-shaped track is situated around an internal surface of the lid to receive a mating projection of the sieve so that the sieve and lid can be snapped together in complementary fashion and detachably secured together by a snap fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Mikael Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20130240545
    Abstract: A drinking cup for use by individuals in reclined position is disclosed. The cup includes a flexible straw attached to the base of the cup, a lid, and a handle with a groove for receiving and storing the straw. A bight actuated mouthpiece valve is connected to the distal end of the straw. The cup may be of double walled construction and the lid includes a small hole to release any vacuum created as a user sucks on the straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Sean Patrick O'Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130240544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cup with a built-in straw and a method of making it. The cup is made from a blank including a flat body portion having a top and bottom edge and two side edges. A first cut-away along the top edge of the body portion defines two portions along the side edges and extending beyond the top edge. A second cut-away is formed adjacent one of the side edges. The body portion is configured to be folded such that the first extending portion is in registration with the second extending portion, and a first side edge of the body portion engages an outer wall of the body portion while the second side edge engages an inner wall of the body portion, to form a cup body with a built-in straw on an inside wall of the cup body with the second cutaway inside the cup body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: DMITRY LERNER
  • Publication number: 20130240543
    Abstract: For this invention, I thank GOD, the Creator of the Universe, for inspiring Me to complete this task. This invention relates to container tops or closures. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container top that provides room for the upward extension there within of the upper end of a drinking straw. It is another object of the present invention to provide a container top with room for a drinking straw of the above type, that utilizes fastening threads adapted to be used with any type of beverage containers (e.g., bottles, cartons, pouches, et cetera), that is of simple construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and efficient in use, and that is sealed onto or provided with a container wherein the container may or may not contain a drinking straw or beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: James Jacob Jordan
  • Publication number: 20130233858
    Abstract: A collection of containers for dispensing food stuffs. This multi-compartmental dispenser comprises a liquid dispenser which doubles as a handle. The design is such that a small child can hold onto the handle while sipping liquids from the handle/straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Brenda R. Elberg
  • Patent number: 8464896
    Abstract: The invention is a container or container lid, including but not limited to a container or lid or container-lid combination of the kind commonly used to distribute bulk-dispensed beverages that features an integrated component used for attaching and holding a straw vertically to the outside of the container. The integrated component may be made a part of the container or a part of the lid, and may take any of a variety of shapes as described in the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Beary
  • Patent number: 8424703
    Abstract: A system of moving magnets for sealing a container may include a plurality of moveable magnets disposed near a perimeter of a container door and a rotatable linkage hub positioned within the perimeter of the container door. In addition, the system may include a plurality of control linkages connecting each of the plurality of moveable magnets to the linkage hub so that rotating the linkage hub causes the control linkages to move the moveable magnets between a sealed position and an open position. Alternatively, the moveable magnets may be connected to each other by a magnet positioning mechanism to physically move the magnets along a path near the perimeter. A plurality of static magnets may be disposed near an opening sized to receive the container door and positioned to form a magnetic seal with the moveable magnets when the moveable magnets are positioned at the sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter van der Meulen
  • Patent number: 8408410
    Abstract: A straw holder 200 retains a drinking straw within a bottle such that the straw holder may be reused within other bottles. A plug section comprises a hollow funnel section 211 with an outer side and an inner area 212, with the outer side attaching to a top gasket member 204, a middle inner sealing member 205 and a lower guiding member 206, with the lower guiding member having means of centering the straw holder within the middle of a bottle, with the middle inner sealing member 205 having mean of contacting the inner wall area 402 of a neck section 401 of a bottle, and the top gasket member being configured to sit on top of a top lip 403 of a bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Erez Raman
  • Patent number: 8403172
    Abstract: A collapsible straw assembly. A first component includes a beverage container having a recess formed therein. A second component includes a collapsible straw having a collapsed configuration and expanded configuration. The straw is disposed in the recess when in collapsed configuration and is ready for use in expanded configuration. A third component includes a protective liner disposed in overlying relation to the straw in collapsed configuration. The liner has an outer surface containing protective materials and an inner surface containing sanitizing materials. Adhesives may be disposed on the surface of the recess and on the inner surface of the liner. When in the collapsed configuration, the inner end of the straw can be attached to the container, and the outer end of the straw can be attached to the liner. This allows simultaneous expansion of the straw when the liner is removed to expose the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Florida A&M University
    Inventors: Malcom Kelley, Nordian Brown, Leitoya Snelling
  • Publication number: 20130032606
    Abstract: A wine straw comprising an elongated hollow tubular body and attaching member secured to an outer surface of the hollow tubular body is provided. The hollow tubular body comprises an upper portion; and a lower portion integrally connected to the upper portion, the upper and lower portions having open ends. The attaching member comprises a clip member integrally connected to a hollow attachment member. The clip member comprises a front portion and a back portion. The front portion includes a pair of top portions; a bottom portion; an outer edge extending upwardly and outwardly, in a vertical plane, from the bottom portion towards the pair of top portions; and an inner edge extending downwardly and inwardly, in a vertical plane, from the pair of top portions to a clip center portion. The back portion includes a pair of elongated members integrally connected to the hollow attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: JENNY LAFEVER
  • Patent number: 8317058
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing water or other liquids to a bicyclist while riding. Invention provides a means for dispensing fluids from its bottom end so as to eliminate the need for inverting. Contents of the bottle are gravity-dispensed so as to eliminate repeated squeezing of bottle to discharge contents. Invention incorporates functional ergonomic elements including recesses for better handhold, concave sections and extended sections to provide a close conformity to a bicyclist's face to both preserve the aerodynamics of the bicyclist and for maintaining adequate clearance for breathing, while drinking from the invention. Invention is compatible with prior art carriage and retention systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Shirley A. Toth, E. Paul Ratazzi
  • Patent number: 8276781
    Abstract: A drinking container assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall which is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the housing. A closure is attached to and is coextensive with the upper edge. The closure is positionable in an open position extending upwardly from the upper edge or in a closed position folded downwardly over the opening. The closure has an access aperture extends their through and into the housing when the closure is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Bryon M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120205389
    Abstract: The invention is a container or container lid, including but not limited to a container or lid or container-lid combination of the kind commonly used to distribute bulk-dispensed beverages that features an integrated component used for attaching and holding a straw vertically to the outside of the container. The integrated component may be made a part of the container or a part of the lid, and may take any of a variety of shapes as described in the specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Beary
  • Publication number: 20120199595
    Abstract: A patient hydration system comprises a bladder, a flexible tube, a safety guard, and a mouthpiece. The bladder can be a generally rectangular-shaped pouch designed to hold liquids. The bladder can have an attachment means whereby a retention member can be used to hang the bladder. The bladder has a port that allows the attachment of the flexible tube. The tube is also connected to the safety guard and mouthpiece. The contents of the bladder flow through the tube and out of the mouthpiece on demand. A keeper clip can be added in proximity to the mouthpiece. The safety guard provides a substantial handle for grasping and maneuvering the system, ensures that the mouthpiece is not inadvertently swallowed by the patient, and protects the mouthpiece from surface contamination if the mouthpiece is placed on a table, plate, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Candice Ann Makowski, Mary Virginia Makowski, Cicelee Renee Makowski
  • Patent number: 8215518
    Abstract: Systems include one or more storage containers. A container may include one or more segments of a first ultra efficient insulation material shaped to define at least one substantially temperature-stabilized storage region, and an access region, including at least one region of the one or more segments of ultra efficient insulation material configured for at least one perforation by a perforation device, wherein one or more of the at least one perforation is configured to provide for a controlled egress of a discrete quantity of material from the at least one storage region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tokitae LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, William H. Gates, III, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120061409
    Abstract: A cup (22) includes a base (26) and a wall (30) with an integral straw (36). A lid (24) includes a flange (52) for mating with the cup (22) to establish an assembled position of the drinking assembly (20). The lid (24) defines an orifice (66) aligned with the integral straw (36) in the assembled position, and a flexible straw (68) is disposed within the orifice (66). The flexible straw (68) has a nipple portion (70) extending to an inlet end (72) disposed in abutting relationship with the integral straw (36) in the assembled position to establish a compression fit between the flexible straw (68) and the integral straw (36). The lid (24) is also stackable with identical lids (24) and includes a cavity (60) extending between first and second ends (62, 64). The orifice (66) is disposed about one of the ends (64) and the cavity (60) has an open portion (90) disposed about the other of the ends (62) for receiving a nipple portion (70) of the identical lid (24) being stacked in alternating relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: David Fioritto, Domenic Belcastro
  • Publication number: 20110308977
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment container including a tearable inner packet, as well as methods for its use and manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: David DiLiberto, Kurt Lutzke, Katherine Adele Bukys, Christopher Roy Pinto, Mitchell Francis Rovito, Thomas E. Van Epps
  • Patent number: 8056755
    Abstract: A spill-resistant beverage container having an inwardly projecting, annular contoured lip forming an aperture at the top of a beverage reservoir. The aperture is smaller than the diameter of the top rim of the reservoir. The contoured lip reduces spillage, especially when used with shallow containers such as a martini glass. A smaller aperture in the surface of the contoured lip enables beverage consumption, either directly by mouth or through a straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Margaret R. Williams
  • Patent number: 8042701
    Abstract: An integrated bottle enclosure includes a top cap, bottom cap, rigid straw casing and telescoping straw assembly to provide efficient means to contain a straw within a sealed bottle. Opening the top cap presents a straw ready for immediate use, or the straw may be grasped and pulled, to reveal ample straw length for keeping a consumer's mouth away from the bottle. The top cap and bottom cap connect by means to create a secure straw vault which prevents fluid from leaking out of the straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Erez Raman, Dov Schriber
  • Patent number: 7845513
    Abstract: A beverage straw-containing device includes: (a) a generally circular-shaped beverage container lid; (b) a generally circular-shaped beverage container; and (c) a bendable or flexible straw, the straw being ring-shaped, coiled, or angled in its storage position and removably encased within, or detachably attached directly or indirectly to, the beverage container lid and/or the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Francetta Jamese Estes White
  • Patent number: 7845815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a straw cup with variable lights, primarily comprising of a set of light-emitting diodes surrounding the inside of the cup's straw, a circuit controller board, and power switch; when the power is activated, the liquid inside the straw's cup refracts and directs light, increasing the variation and brilliance of the twinkling lights and thus further increasing the variation of the straw cup's multicolored lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Wei Hung Yu, Connie Wang
  • Patent number: 7846269
    Abstract: A dishwasher basket for use with baby bottle nipples includes a specially designed rack that maintains baby bottle nipples in an upright position during the washing and drying. The base of the nipple is also prevented from resting upon the surface of the rack. Feeding straw and valve holders are also provided that can be attached to the dishwasher basket. The dishwasher basket is able to be opened using only one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Kevin Johnson, Mark Hatherill
  • Publication number: 20100288781
    Abstract: A container/drinking straw combination comprising: means for remvably disposing a folded straw circularly in a bottom recess of a container; and means for simultaneously removing and straightening the folded straw from the recess for use in drinking a beverage from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Malcom Kelley, Nordian Brown, Leitoya Snelling
  • Patent number: 7798360
    Abstract: A seal system usable to seal containers and other fluid components to allow fluid flow through the seal system in a first direction yet prevent fluid flow through the seal system in an opposite direction. The seal system is particularly useful for facilitating insertion of a tube, such as a straw, into a container to withdraw fluids yet prevent fluids from leaking from a container once the straw has been withdrawn. The seal system may be formed from a flange having an opening and attached to the opening of the container, and a tubular body extending from the flange into the container. The tubular body may be formed from a transition section attached to the flange and extending generally away from the flange, and a collapsed seal section attached to the transition section and extending from the transition section away from the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Tyrone J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20090304873
    Abstract: A single-dose container for liquids and/or solids, comprising: a wrapper, provided with at least an opening; at least a cannula sealedly arranged though the at least an opening such as to extend internally of the wrapper and project partially externally of the wrapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Giordano Magnoni
  • Publication number: 20090188929
    Abstract: A drinking cup having a vessel, a partition positioned within the vessel and a clip coupled with the vessel. The vessel has a side wall and bottom defining an interior configured to retain liquid. The partition divides the interior of the vessel into at least two compartments. The clip is configured to receive at least one drinking straw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Inez Sims, Katherine Harris
  • Patent number: 7516869
    Abstract: A straw is held within a beverage container in a manner providing for the upper end of the straw to be deployed upward, through an opening provided within the top of the container when an opening tab in the top of the container is pivoted downward. An upper end of the straw is held in a straw holding portion of a straw supporting structure within the beverage container, with the straw supporting structure including a cantilever portion that is deflected downward by contact with an edge of the opening tab as the opening tab is pivoted downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Zoya, Inc,
    Inventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
  • Publication number: 20080203104
    Abstract: A drinking straw holder cut and formed from flat sheet material comprising a means for securely grasping a straw and a means for securely positioning the straw with respect to a beverage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Jorg Pawlik
  • Publication number: 20080110908
    Abstract: The invention concerns containers of liquids such as for example a beverage, and in particular but not exclusively, disposable cups, and more specifically a utensil provided in such cups. Such a device (1) can be used both for stirring, as a drinking straw, for protection from heat by rigidifying de body of the cup (3), and as a support for an advertising message. Said elements (12, 30) can easily be individually detached from one another to mix or to drink a beverage, and optionally for preserving a printed information on the heat protecting sheet (2) for preventing fingers from getting burnt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Bedon
  • Patent number: 7367469
    Abstract: A combination drinking container and straw and method of manufacture. The container has at least one straw retaining member molded into either the outer or inner surface of the container wall, or a portion of the wall may be shaped to include a constricted stem. A malleable straw is fitted onto each such retaining member so that at least a portion of the pathway of the straw is defined by the retaining members. A first end of the straw extends into the container and a second end extends upwardly so that beverage may be sipped therefrom. A lid may close the container, the lid optionally including an aperture to permit passage of the straw, the straw passing through the aperture. Also disclosed is a lidded container wherein the lid is provided with an aperture. A first portion of a drinking straw extends from inside the container, through the hole and to the container's outside to form a hinge for the lid. A second portion of the straw is attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Erik Lipson
  • Publication number: 20080047924
    Abstract: A bottle for containing liquids for a rider. The bottle includes a hollow container sized to be held in one hand of a rider having opposed top and bottom ends, and a continuous side wall extending between the top and bottom ends. The bottom end is closed, the top end has a filling means, and the side wall has an opening near the bottom end of the container. The opening has a closable spigot for drinking the liquid contained in the container without having to tip the bottle. The rider can hold the bottle in a generally upright position while pedaling the bicycle without having to remove his or her eyes from the road, thus improving riding safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: William E. Coats, Robert V. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20080006644
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing water or other liquids to a bicyclist while riding. Invention provides a means for dispensing fluids from its bottom end so as to eliminate the need for inverting. Contents of the bottle are gravity-dispensed so as to eliminate repeated squeezing of bottle to discharge contents. Invention incorporates functional ergonomic elements including recesses for better handhold, concave sections and extended sections to provide a close conformity to a bicyclist's face to both preserve the aerodynamics of the bicyclist and for maintaining adequate clearance for breathing, while drinking from the invention. Invention is compatible with prior art carriage and retention systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Shirley A. Toth, E. Paul Ratazzi
  • Patent number: 7314136
    Abstract: A fluid container having a generally tetrahedral shape configured for interleaved packaging, and having a conduit with a seal at one end. The container is formed from either a rigid material, such as a blow-molded polymer, or a semi-rigid material, including pliant sheet material in one or more plies. It may include a recess in its base to improve container rigidity and stability. The seal at one end of the conduit can be either a fitment, or a frangible closure, and may include a tab to facilitate opening. Also, a multi-pack of items and a method for assembling a multi-pack of items for the efficient use of shelf space. A first plurality of generally tetrahedral items is arranged in a hexagonal footprint, and is interleaved with a second plurality of similarly arranged tetrahedral items. A small void space within the resulting multi-pack may be optionally used to carry another object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Super Chill Beverage Croup Inc.
    Inventor: Roland E. Stefandl
  • Patent number: 7311231
    Abstract: A hydration pouch with a releasable coupling is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydration pouch is a flexible bag or pouch with a separate inlet and outlet. A hose or tube is provided for a user to draw refreshment from the pouch. A bite valve is provided at one end of the tube to be actuated by a user's teeth. A coupling is provided for attaching and detaching at least a portion of the hose at an opposite end of the hose. The coupling includes a shutoff or check valve that maintains the patency of the pouch when the hose is disconnected. In an alternative embodiment prefilled, disposable hydration pouches are removably coupled to the hose and then disposed and replaced following consumption of the liquid contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventors: Micheal M. Noell, Jeff Skillern