With Tear-out Portion Patents (Class 220/712)
  • Patent number: 12084240
    Abstract: A smart cap for use with a liquid container and a system therefor is disclosed herein. The components of the smart cap preferably comprise a micro motor, a microcontroller, a wireless transceiver (BTLE), a lithium ion battery, LED indicators, a waterproof rated charging port, a nozzle quick connect, a controllable valve, a touch sensor, a thermal sensor, a physical button, an impeller, and a cap housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Assignee: Hyduro, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Bowles
  • Patent number: 11649096
    Abstract: A smart cap for use with a liquid container and a system therefor is disclosed herein. The components of the smart cap preferably comprise a micro motor, a microcontroller, a wireless transceiver (BTLE), a lithium ion battery, LED indicators, a waterproof rated charging port, a nozzle quick connect, a controllable valve, a touch sensor, a thermal sensor, a physical button, an impeller, and a cap housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Hyduro, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Bowles
  • Patent number: 11548689
    Abstract: A sheet container has, formed in the bottom face of the container body, a non-attached part where the film layers are left partially unattached to each other. An filled part is formed by enclosing a filler between the film layers at the non-attached part. A side part of the filled part is a side bulging part bulging toward the skirt part. The side bulging part presses a pressed part above the lower edge of the skirt part from the inside toward the sideward. The lower edge of the skirt part is disposed inwardly from the pressed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Kodama, Yoshinori Inagawa, Takahiro Otsuka, Masahito Chiwaki
  • Patent number: 11297963
    Abstract: A lid for a container is described. The lid has a basin that is designed to enhance the user's olfactory experience when drinking a beverage from the container and lid. As the user tilts the container and lid to take a drink, the beverage pours through an opening on the basin valley and flows across a sipping surface area to the user's mouth, thus allowing the beverage to aerate, evaporate, and cool. The basin is sized and dimensioned to channel and concentrate the vapor rising from the beverage towards the user's nose as the user sips the beverage. The basin and the opening are sized and dimensioned to provide a comfortable and secure feeling when drinking hot beverages. In this manner, the lid enhances the drinker's olfactory experience and provides better controllability of the flow of a hot beverage to prevent burn injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Harl-Bella Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel Lincoln Brannock
  • Patent number: 11142380
    Abstract: A smart cap for use with a liquid container and a system therefor is disclosed herein. The components of the smart cap preferably comprise a micro motor, a microcontroller, a wireless transceiver (BTLE), a lithium ion battery, LED indicators, a waterproof rated charging port, a nozzle quick connect, a controllable valve, a touch sensor, a thermal sensor, a physical button, an impeller, and a cap housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Hyduro, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Bowles
  • Patent number: 11092473
    Abstract: A cup includes a body having a cylindrical shape. The body includes a plurality of measurement indicators provided at an exterior surface of the body. The cup also includes a base integrally formed with the body. The body and the base are formed based on a silicone material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: OLABABY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Qiao Lin, Paul Wang
  • Patent number: 10932476
    Abstract: A tableware tea piece (10, 11, 12) intended to be used in conjunction with a drinking cup (60, 6) or teapot (63) vessel (60), includes first and second principal surfaces (1) and a well (8) defined by the second surface (1, 2, 95). It further includes a perimeter recess (40), and is configured and arranged (2) to be placed to act as a lid on a vessel (60) containing hot water (90) with the first surface (1, 2, 95) uppermost without slipping sideways off the vessel (60) and forming an aperture in side (1, 2) the rim (62) of the vessel (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: CONTRA VISION LIMITED
    Inventor: George Roland Hill
  • Patent number: 10717569
    Abstract: A smart cap for use with a liquid container and a system therefor is disclosed herein. The components of the smart cap preferably comprise a micro motor, a microcontroller, a wireless transceiver (BTLE), a lithium ion battery, LED indicators, a waterproof rated charging port, a nozzle quick connect, a controllable valve, a touch sensor, a thermal sensor, a physical button, an impeller, and a cap housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hyduro, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Bowles
  • Patent number: 10501246
    Abstract: A smart cap for use with a liquid container and a system therefor is disclosed herein. The components of the smart cap preferably comprise a micro motor, a microcontroller, a wireless transceiver (BTLE), a lithium ion battery, LED indicators, a waterproof rated charging port, a nozzle quick connect, a controllable valve, a touch sensor, a thermal sensor, a physical button, an impeller, and a cap housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Hyduro, Inc.
    Inventor: Miles Bowles
  • Patent number: 10351323
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a package bag (10) according to the present invention includes: a cured portion forming step of forming a cured portion (15a, 15b) on at least one side of a forming position of a rib (14) by crystallizing at least a portion of a resin constituting a film (11) by heating and cooling the film (11); and a rib forming step of forming a rib (14) by pressing the film (11) using concave and convex molds. According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain an opening state of a spout (12). Further, since additional material is not required, it is possible to suppress increase in the thickness of the package bag (10) and to reduce the bulkiness of the package bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Fujimori Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Mori, Tomoko Kubota, Yasuharu Takada
  • Patent number: 9102444
    Abstract: A beverage container lid includes an interior cover, an exterior cover, and a hinge connecting the interior cover to the exterior cover. The beverage container is versatile in that it may be adapted for use with a beverage container containing a cold beverage, a hot beverage, or a foamy or creamy beverage. The beverage container lid preferably includes a spout, straw perforations, an elevated portion, a reservoir bottom, a well portion, and a pair of retaining walls preventing direct flow of beverage from a pair of openings in the interior cover to the spout. Methods of use and methods of making a the beverage container lid are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Enterprise Express, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Milan
  • Lid
    Patent number: 9010567
    Abstract: A lid for covering a container having a consumable liquid. The lid comprises a top, and a first rim coupled to and supported by the top. A spout is connected to and supported by the top, and a second rim is connected to and is supported by the first rim. The lid includes a lower rim assembly, and a recess assembly coupled to a lower surface of the second rim and to an upper surface of the lower rim assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Theresa Pink, Pauline East, Stephen DeVito, Kelly Manners
  • Patent number: 8662351
    Abstract: A secondary container assembly includes a skirt configured to securely and removably engage the rim of a beverage can. The secondary container includes a secondary compartment holding a secondary liquid. A primary flow channel extends through the secondary container to provide a fluid flow path from the open beverage can to an outlet of the secondary container. A plurality of mixing apertures provide fluid communication ports between the secondary compartment and the primary flow channel, allowing the secondary liquid to mix with beverage from the can in the primary flow channel. A vent tube prevents a vacuum from forming that would otherwise impede flow of the secondary liquid into the primary flow channel. A removable seal covers the outlet and mixing ports. A threaded lid holds the seal in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Fadi Kalaouze
  • Patent number: 8651316
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. The apparatus may include a drinking aperture, an even retention structure profile, and a bag retention aperture that is openable such that at least a portion of the bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus. The apparatus also may include a depressed wall section sized and shaped such that, when a bag is secured by the bag retention aperture, the bag is prevented from blocking a drinking aperture even when the container is rotated for drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Patent number: 8613375
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a full profile retention structure sized and shaped such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Publication number: 20130240546
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid made of plastics using injection molding techniques and adapted for covering a drinking cup is disclosed to include a coupling rim for attaching to a drinking cup, a mouthpiece area, a tab, a series of dentations connected between the mouthpiece area and the tab, and two stop lugs downwardly extended from the bottom wall at two opposite lateral sides relative to the tab. The tab is pressable downwardly by an external force to break the series of dentations in opening the mouthpiece area and stoppable by the stop lugs in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Lien-Chuan CHEN
  • Patent number: 8360267
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a trigger assembly in a lid of a drinking container is provided. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a button member, a stop and a manifold. The button member is moveable in a first direction from a first locked position to a second unlocked position. The button member is further moveable in a second direction toward an interior of the lid when the button is disposed in the second position. The button member has a locking protrusion portion. The locking protrusion portion of the button member is disposed proximate the stop in the first position, and distal the stop in the second position. The stop limits movement of the button member in the second direction with the button member disposed in the first position. A manifold is slidingly connected to the button member. The manifold is displaced by the button member when the button member is moved in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ignite USA, LLC
    Inventors: Joe Chiou, Sami M. El-Saden
  • Patent number: 8281954
    Abstract: A sensory aroma glass is disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a fluid barrier; and a fluid container designed for containing a fluid. The fluid barrier is in contact with the rim or internal or external sidewall of the fluid container. The fluid barrier extends into the fluid container. The fluid barrier has an opening that allows aroma of the fluid to escape from the fluid container without allowing the fluid to escape from the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: E. & J. Gallo Winery
    Inventors: Lewis Stern, Meara Kelley, Tim Ryan
  • Patent number: 8181817
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a raised container lid bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner, Michael Barry
  • Patent number: 8141732
    Abstract: A bottle. The bottle may include a cup with a number of first conical sections, a lid with a number of second conical sections, and a closure positioned on the lid. The upper conical sections mate with the lower conical sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Jeremie F. Bohen, Donna B. Baida, Paul McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20120048870
    Abstract: A beverage container has a tab member rotatably and pivotally mounted thereon. The tab member can be used to form two separate openings in the can top, and each opening can be used either independently or together. One opening is the main drink opening, and the other opening is designed to receive a straw. While the primary use for the second opening is to receive a straw, the second opening may also serve as a built in vent when the main drink opening is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Harry LaCoste Ellerbe, III, Bryan Dwight Finch
  • Patent number: 8113379
    Abstract: A hot cup lid providing alternating modes of access to the contents of a cup, the lid including an enlarged drinking opening selectively closed by a tear flap, and a smaller sipping opening diametrically aligned with the drinking opening and adjacent the periphery of the lid, the tear flap including a sealing lug thereon engageable within and closing the sipping opening upon pivotal movement of the flap to open the drinking opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dopaco, Inc.
    Inventors: Liming Cai, Michael G. Bodary
  • Publication number: 20110290814
    Abstract: Lid for a beverage container. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are lids used with a beverage container including: a top surface, a bottom surface and a side wall; an aperture through the top surface that enables drinking of a beverage in the beverage container; an annular lip that is configured to mate with the beverage container; a compartment within the lid, the compartment defined by a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall and a hatch; and a pull tab attached to the hatch such that when the pull tab is pulled away from lid a product is dispensed from the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Heath J. LEWIS
  • Publication number: 20110095039
    Abstract: A drinking cup lid has at least two drinking regions, including a first drinking region defining a first opening and a second drinking region defining a second opening. The lid can form part of a beverage container that also has a cup defining a volume that can hold a single liquid, the cup having an opening defined by a rim. The lid can include a lip that mates with the cup rim. The multiple openings can be used for accommodating multiple drinking straws or for drinking directly from the beverage container. At least one drinking region or opening can include a distinguishing marker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: David M. Mello
  • Publication number: 20110049171
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cup lid like which would be snapped on to enclose a conventional soda, coffee, or other kind of conventional cup. The lid has one or more rupturable lines formed in it. The lines, when ruptured, create one or more hinged flaps. The flaps enable the lid to be substantially opened up so that solid items can be inserted into the cup and contained. This enables the cup, after primary use, to be used as a trash receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel R. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7845514
    Abstract: The invention relates to tear-back thermoformed high impact polystyrene lids having from at least 10% to about 15% of filler and the specified configuration of the tear-back portion. In particular, the tear back lid comprises a tear back portion defined by two sets of tear back indentations and a left and a right notch cut into a skirt defined by the outer diameter of the lid. The combination of the filler amount and tear-back configuration allows an improved tearability for the filled polystyrene lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Rush, Trung Tran, Virginia Lam, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20090308882
    Abstract: A beverage cup lid is disclosed. Such a lid may include a central cover portion and a raised spout portion extending from the central cover portion. The raised spout portion may define a drinking opening therethrough. The drinking opening may have a circular perimeter. The raised spout portion may be adapted to allow liquid to flow through the drinking opening in response to a sucking force applied to the raised spout portion, and to receive a drinking straw through the drinking opening. The raised spout portion may define a plurality of flaps disposed about the perimeter of the drinking opening. The flaps may be defined between respective pairs of slots that extend from the perimeter of the drinking opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Bobby V. Hundley
  • Publication number: 20090266828
    Abstract: A hot cup lid providing alternating modes of access to the contents of a cup, the lid including an enlarged drinking opening selectively closed by a tear flap, and a smaller sipping opening diametrically aligned with the drinking opening and adjacent the periphery of the lid, the tear flap including a sealing lug thereon engageable within and closing the sipping opening upon pivotal movement of the flap to open the drinking opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Liming CAI, Michael G. BODARY
  • Publication number: 20090261095
    Abstract: The Duo Twin-Containers Drinking Disposable Cup system allows customers to order two different beverages—cold and/or hot—and have them served in two independent and disposable receptacles hosted in a single disposable cup. The twin-containers disposable cup system is comprised of four pieces: two containers in the shape of half cups that neatly fit inside a disposable cup; a disposable cup that hosts the two said half-cup shaped receptacles; and a lid with perforations to allow use of straws or direct lips-to-lid consumption in the case of hot drinks and a diametrical extrusive panel that serves to separate at the top the two half cups to prevent. An empty space between the facing flat sides of the two half-cup-shaped receptacles improves thermal insulation, thus allowing the coexistence of hot and cold beverages without noticeable thermal interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Assem Akram
  • Publication number: 20090223981
    Abstract: A sanitary, protective barrier covering, which is attachable to lids that accompany beverage containers/cups, particularly disposable containers for coffee or other hot beverages. The sanitary barrier comprises a thin flexible strip of material that covers the entire area on which consumers place their mouths. It is adhered to the lid with a light, food grade adhesive. The sanitary barrier has an extended pull tab that is not adhered to the lid and extends beyond the bottom wall of the lid and can be easily gripped to allow the strip to be pulled up and away from the lid for easy removal of the sanitary barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: William M. LEVEY
  • Publication number: 20090107861
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a vessel, such as a drinking cup, and a method for storing a product, the drinking cup having a removable seal enclosing the product in a chamber in the drinking cup and providing a second volume for adding a liquid for mixing with the product. A removing member may be coupled to the removable seal to allow for removal of the removable seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Doug Crabtree
  • Patent number: 7513382
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid for a beverage container. The lid has a mounting portion configured to connect the lid to the container and an annular side wall extending upward from the mounting portion. The lid also includes a top wall extending radially inward from the side wall, wherein the top wall has both a circular outer periphery and a circular inner periphery. An upwardly extending protrusion is pivotally connected to the top wall by a hinge. A central portion is positioned radially inward of the top wall, wherein the central portion has a circular outer periphery. The central portion is vertically positioned between the mounting portion and the top wall. The protrusion is pivotable about the hinge between a sealed position and an open position to define a drink opening residing entirely within the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Norman Clarke, Peter Robert Wills, Nigel Frank Taylor
  • Patent number: 7484638
    Abstract: A method of providing access to the contents of a disposable drink cup having a plastic drink-through lid of the type having a deck, a peripheral skirt, and a partially separable, preformed tab in the deck to form a drink-through hold which does not extend through the peripheral skirt. The tab has an upstanding thumb catch preformed thereon. The fold back hinge is formed in the deck immediately adjacent the tab and spaced less than about one-half of the lid radius from the periphery. This creates a very short throw which allows a user to open the tab and lock it back with one finger of the same hand that is holding the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: M & N Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivonis M. Mazzarolo
  • Publication number: 20080217346
    Abstract: The invention relates to tear-back thermoformed high impact polystyrene lids having from at least 10% to about 15% of filler and the specified configuration of the tear-back portion. In particular, the tear back lid comprises a tear back portion defined by two sets of tear back indentations and a left and a right notch cut into a skirt defined by the outer diameter of the lid. The combination of the filler amount and tear-back configuration allows an improved tearability for the filled polystyrene lids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Rush, Trung Tran, Virginia Lam
  • Patent number: 7299940
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is open and alterable such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Patent number: 7140510
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Patent number: 7134569
    Abstract: A tear-back drink-through lid for a drinking cup sealingly engages the drinking cup at an annular mounting portion with a downwardly extending annular skirt. The tear-back section extends from the inner skirt to a hinge and has an outwardly extending raised protrusion. When the tear-back section is torn away from the lid and pivoted about the hinge, the raised protrusion is frictionally engaged by the end walls of the recess and retained within the recess. The recess further includes a straw slot formed therein defined by two sloping converging sidewalls extending from the upper surface the lid at different angles to form a frangible juncture at the deepest portion of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Freek, Michael G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7063224
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid for a beverage cup. The lid has a generally annular side wall, a rib depending from the side wall, and a top wall extending radially inward from the side wall. The lid further includes a central region positioned radially inward of the top wall. The central region has a well with a notched portion. The lid also includes a projection extending from a portion of the side wall. A living hinge formed by a line of weakness at the base of the projection permits the projection to pivot between an open position and a closed position. The central region has a shoulder portion that engages the tip of the projection to secure the projection in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Norman Clarke, Peter Robert Wills, Nigel Frank Taylor
  • Patent number: 6948633
    Abstract: A drink-thru lid for a drinking cup including an annular mounting portion for sealingly engaging the drinking cup, wherein the annular mounting portion includes a downwardly extending annular skirt. The lid further includes a tear-back section extending from the annular skirt to a hinge portion located in a medial portion of the lid. The tear-back section includes a raised protrusion extending outwardly from an upper surface of the lid. A recess is further formed in a medial portion of the lid on the opposite side of the hinge portion from the raised protrusion, wherein the tear-back section may be torn away from the lid on its sides and pivoted about the hinge portion until the raised protrusion is received within the recess for holding said pivotal flap open. The raised protrusion and the recess are shaped such that the raised protrusion is frictionally engaged by the end walls of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Freek, Michael Thomas
  • Patent number: 6929143
    Abstract: A plastic drink-through lid of the type having a deck, a peripheral skirt, and a partially separable, preformed tab in the deck to form a drink-through hold which does not extend through the peripheral skirt. The tab has an upstanding thumb catch preformed thereon. The fold back hinge is formed in the deck immediately adjacent the tab and spaced less than about one-half of the lid radius from the periphery. This creates a very short throw which allows a user to open the tab and lock it back with the thumb of the same hand that is holding the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: M & N Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivonis M. Mazzarolo
  • Patent number: 6889860
    Abstract: A plastic drink-through lid of the type having a deck, a peripheral skirt, and a partially separable, preformed tab in the deck to form a drink-through hold which does not extend through the peripheral skirt. The tab has an upstanding thumb catch preformed thereon. The fold back hinge is formed in the deck immediately adjacent the tab and spaced less than about one-half of the lid radius from the periphery. This creates a very short throw which allows a user to open the tab and lock it back with the thumb of the same hand that is holding the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: M & N Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ivonis M. Mazzarolo
  • Lid
    Patent number: 6874649
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid 1 for a beverage cup. The lid 1 has a generally annular side wall 6, a rib 7 depending from the side wall 6, and a top wall 5 extending radially inward from the side wall 6. The lid 1 further includes a central region 4 positioned radially inward of the top wall 5. The central region 4 has a well 4b with a notched portion 24. The lid 1 also includes a projection 18 extending from a portion of the side wall 6. A living hinge formed by a line of weakness at the base 23 of the projection 18 permits the projection 18 to pivoted between an open position and a closed position. The central region 4 has a shoulder portion 24 that engages the tip 20 of the projection 18 to secure the projection 18 in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    Inventors: Brian Norman Clarke, Peter Robert Wills, Nigel Frank Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040238550
    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: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Roland E. Stefandl
  • Publication number: 20040217119
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Publication number: 20040195239
    Abstract: The present invention is a tear-back, drink-through lid for a beverage container. The lid includes a tear-back portion. A raised protrusion extends from an upper surface of the tear-back portion and has two opposite side walls that each includes a first latching member. A first recess is formed in a top wall of the lid radially inward from the tear-back portion and has two opposing side walls that each includes a second latching member. To retain the tear-back portion of the lid in an open position, the raised protrusion is inserted within the first recess so that the first latching members are pushed past the second latching members to engage the second latching members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Rush, Alois A. Schmidtner, Wayne A. Brown, Trung Tran
  • Patent number: 6742670
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the individual controlled preparation of a beverage from one or more beverage bags within a variety of containers and the quick and sanitary storage of the bag or bags once the beverage preparation has been completed. Preferably, the beverage preparation and bag storage apparatus is sized and shaped to be seated on the lip of a container to cover the mouth of the container. The apparatus includes a bag retention structure that is openable or open such that at least a portion of the beverage bag may be drawn within and thereby retained in a position elevated above the beverage so that the beverage can be sampled and consumed even with the apparatus in place on the container and the bag or bags retained within the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Mighty Leaf Tea
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Publication number: 20030209511
    Abstract: Bottle Insert with an insert that removably resides inside the uppermost portion of a wide mouth bottle. The insert is circular in shape and has sidewalls and an integral base portion. The base portion rises in one or more locations to a flat plane located near the top of the circular shape and extending approximately one third of the diameter distance into the circular shape. The raised flat portions each have a cut out area for the purpose of drinking liquid contained within the bottle. The cut out area follows the inner diameter of the circular shape at one edge and following the contour of the rest of the raised portion of the flat area. The lower base portion has one or more drain holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joshua Numa Guyot
  • Publication number: 20030192890
    Abstract: A plastic drink-through lid of the type having a deck, a peripheral skirt, and a partially separable, preformed tab in the deck to form a drink-through hold which does not extend through the peripheral skirt. The tab has an upstanding thumb catch preformed thereon. The fold back hinge is formed in the deck immediately adjacent the tab and spaced less than about one-half of the lid radius from the periphery. This creates a very short throw which allows a user to open the tab and lock it back with the thumb of the same hand that is holding the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ivonis M. Mazzarolo
  • Patent number: 6612456
    Abstract: A drink-through cup lid, adapted to matingly engage the upper peripheral edge of a drinking cup so as to selectively maintain the lid in a covering relationship on the cup, includes a rim engaging portion and a central cover portion. The central cover portion further has a hinged portion which is selectively depressible to so as to provide a drinking opening in the lid, the hinged portion is biased so as to selectively substantially return to its normally closed position within the plane of the central cover portion upon removal of pressure there-against. The hinged portion includes a hollow raised tab integrally formed thereon. A recess which is integrally formed on the central cover portion of the lid is adapted to selectively receive the raised tab of the hinged portion in detachable locking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Wincup Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby V. Hundley, Joseph H. Quatmann
  • Patent number: 6598757
    Abstract: Drink spout systems for use with drink containers. The drink spout systems are configured to easily pierce a drink container or a seal across an opening in the drink container to access the drink fluid contained within the drink container. The drink spout system may include a valve assembly to regulate the flow of the drink fluid through the drink spout. The drink spout system may additionally or alternatively include a valve assembly that is configured to prevent drink fluid from being unintentionally dispensed from the drink container, such as when the drink container is pierced by the drink spout system or when the drink container is tipped over or dropped. The drink spout system is particularly useful on aseptic drink pouches, aseptic drink boxes, drink bottles and other similar drink containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Acorn Bay, LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Stillinger, Donald J. Panec