Having Aperture Patents (Class 220/713)
  • Publication number: 20090045206
    Abstract: A disposable sealed drink container suitable for use by a child to imbibe liquids and possessing a shape and size adapted for use in conventional drink dispensing machines including aluminum can vending machines and plastic bottle vending machines. The container includes a sealed impermeable vessel to suitable for containing a beverage, an extended spout designed to resist leakage when tipped and allow fluid to flow when suction is applied, and a protective cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Emily Price Walker
  • Publication number: 20090045200
    Abstract: Beverage package container includes an opening, which is resealable using a sealing device, where the package container is essentially or completely parallelepipedic, including a hollow, box-shaped body and the sealing device, where a corner of the parallelepipedic, hollow, box-shaped body is chamfered, at which corner a triangular surface is formed, connecting to the box-shaped body, where a tube-shaped part extends out from the surface, including the opening. The sealing device has an essentially pyramid-shaped body, designed so that it, together with the body, forms the parallelepipedic package container when it bears on the triangular surface of the box-shaped body, and a cavity for receiving the tube-shaped part, and where cooperating members are arranged, on the tube-shaped part as well as in the cavity, for removably and tight-fittingly detaining the sealing device at the tube-shaped part, so that the box-shaped body and the sealing device together form a parallelepiped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Cubis Limited
    Inventor: Erik Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20090039094
    Abstract: A lid (18) for a drinking container (14) includes an engagement means (26) for removably securing the lid (18) to the drinking container (14). The lid (18) is formed as a one piece unit and has a deformable spout (20) with a liquid outlet (46). The one piece lid is further provided with an air inlet (22) for the ingress of air into the container (14). Defamation of the spout (20) effects opening of the liquid outlet (46) and the air inlet (22). The spout (20) may be disposed in a forward position on the lid (18). The container wall may lean in the forwards direction when the container is seated on its base (16) on a level surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: BELLETT LEASING PTY LTD
    Inventor: Jon Seddon
  • Publication number: 20090032543
    Abstract: A drinking cup cover includes a cover body and a closure member. The cover body has a cover wall with top and bottom surfaces, a peripheral portion, and a beverage hole formed through the top and bottom surfaces of the cover wall adjacent to the peripheral portion. The cover wall further has a hole-defining periphery that defines the beverage hole. The closure member includes a tab part, a depressible part, and an engaging part. The tab part is connected to the hole-defining periphery such that the closure member is movable relative to the cover body between a sipping position and a non-sipping position. The depressible part protrudes upwardly from the tab part and is operable to move the tab part downwardly from the non-sipping position to the sipping position. The engaging part is formed on one end of the depressible part opposite to tab part to engage the hole-defining periphery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Lee, Cheng-Ti Tu
  • Publication number: 20090026218
    Abstract: A lid of a beverage container includes a lid body and a cover. The lid body includes a first engaging portion and an opening shaped and sized to receive a straw. The cover includes a second engaging portion adapted to be slidably engaged with the first engaging portion of the lid body. The cover is adapted to flip between an open position and a closed position while the second engaging portion is slidably moved along the first engaging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Chung Lun Wong
  • Publication number: 20080302793
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drinking apparatus including a vent system that removably connects to a drinking container. The vent system is used to form a variety of leak free and essentially vacuum-free drinking containers. The vent system, includes a closure member and a valve, and may be used with an anti-bubble tube. The closure member may be a single member or may be formed of two portions. The valve may be coupled thereto or integrally formed therewith. The anti-bubble tube and valve function as a diving bell to generally prevent liquid from entering the anti-bubble tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Tamir Tirosh, Amikam Berkovitch
  • Patent number: 7455191
    Abstract: A beverage container having three elongated generally planar side surfaces with three rounded or blunted side edges and three corresponding pouring apexes at the triangular mouth thereof, sealed by a removable triangular lid with a V-shaped orifice, to provide improved pouring and liquid flow characteristics. The triangular configuration of the container enables it to be tightly nested with other identical containers and also presents more planar and discrete outer surface areas for disposing advertising material thereon. The container comprises an inner and outer shell affixed together at open ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Sun Coast Merchandise Corporation
    Inventor: Dilip Bhavnani
  • Publication number: 20080283523
    Abstract: The subject application is a container having a first body with a female union (joint), a second body with a male union (joint) and a lid, which, once assembled under manual pressure, packages the bodies within the same container for holding at least two beverages separate from one another for utilization thereof by a consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Armando Diaz ALONSO
  • Publication number: 20080283537
    Abstract: Spill-resistant cups for consuming beverages with delivery systems for simultaneously dispensing one or more agents which can reduce the rate of beverage-induced tooth decay and/or enamel erosion are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the spill-resistant cup can include a hollow cup body defining a beverage holding chamber. The spill-resistant cup also includes a lid assembly with a drinking spout having one or more spaced-apart drinking holes. The drinking spout is configured to be engaged by a consumer's mouth. The lid assembly can positively engage the cup body to enclose the beverage holding chamber. The spill-resistant cup can also include an agent delivery system for controlled delivery of the active ingredient to the consumer's mouth. Further, the spill-resistant cup can include a flow control element configured to limit a flow rate of the beverage from the beverage holding chamber to the drinking holes disposed in the drinking spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Evergreen Innovation Partners I, LP
    Inventors: David Smith, Barbara Smith, John Funk
  • Patent number: 7448510
    Abstract: A cup assembly includes a cup (10) and a lid (20) to define therebetween a first passage and a second passage to allow a liquid cooling compartment between the lid (20) and the cup (10) to be filled with liquid contained in the cup when the first passage is clear and the second passage is blocked and the liquid in the liquid cooling compartment is able to flow out of an outlet (23) in communication with the liquid cooling compartment when the second passage is clear and the first passage is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Spero Pavlopoulos
  • Publication number: 20080272134
    Abstract: A lid assembly for a travel mug, comprising a top shell portion having a top drink aperture and top drink passage extending downwardly therefrom; a bottom member engaged with a bottom portion of the top shell portion, the bottom member having a wall that receives the top drink passage on a top end, and having a bottom drink aperture through a bottom end; a valve member having a portion that normally closes the bottom drink aperture; and an actuator assembly comprising a camming member that biases the valve member away from the bottom drink aperture to open the bottom drink aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Rohe
  • Publication number: 20080237247
    Abstract: There is described a disposable or single-use container lid which has an annular rim for frictionally engaging a rolled rim of a container, such as a paper cup, a central region and an annular shock-absorbing structure disposed between the annular rim and the central region. The annular shock-absorbing structure comprises an outside channel having a non-flat configuration and being formed around the central region, with the outside channel providing a predetermined amount of extension and contraction at the location of the channel to absorb forces or stress applied to the lid and/or container and facilitate retention of the lid on the container when forces from dropping, tipping, falling or squeezing are applied thereto. In a further example, there is also described a disposable anti-spill drinking lid for a disposable paper container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: C2 Cups LLC
    Inventors: Marc A. Mucci, Paul R. Metcalfe, Scott E. Urban, Anil V. Singaraju, Mark A. Gamble
  • Publication number: 20080217347
    Abstract: The present invention provides a protective beverage cover for use in combination with a beverage can having a rim wall, a top wall, an unpunctured score-line defining an opening, a recessed base surrounding the unpunctured score-line, an annular groove formed by the junction of the rim wall and the top wall, and a ring pull tab. The protective cover comprises an overhanging lip which extends downward into the groove to allow rotation of the cover along the top wall and which permits covering of the area of the top wall which directly or indirectly engages a consumer's mouth during drinking of the beverage contents. A protrusion is formed by the upward extension of a central portion of the overhanging lip allows for rotation of the cover. A depression countered to sealably rest inside the recessed base surrounding the opening. The protective cover permits a second beverage container to be stacked on top of the first container by not interfering with the rim wall and by utilizing the annular groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Viktor Markaj
  • Lid
    Publication number: 20080185381
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Theresa Pink, Pauline East, Stephen DeVito, Kelly Manners
  • Publication number: 20080156802
    Abstract: A lid is provided which is designed to attach to the top of a beverage container having its open top sealed by a membrane. The lid further has a mechanism for opening the closed top of the container and simultaneously providing access to container contents through the sip opening. In one form, the lid includes a main body and a rotatable center portion with a top surface having recesses for one to grasp with one's fingers to rotate the center portion. A projection extends in a direction away from a bottom of the center portion and towards the membrane. When the center portion is rotated, the projection is forced towards the membrane until the projection pierces the membrane. The lid may include a closable opening through which one sips the beverage after the membrane has been pierced. The opening is selectively opened and closed by rotating the center portion, which selectively moves a cover over the opening in the sip lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kate Avrial Yauk, Duncan Bradley
  • Publication number: 20080156817
    Abstract: An anti-splash device for use in a cup or other container can help prevent or minimize sloshing, splashing and other undesirable movement of fluids. In some embodiments, the device includes a main body portion having a plurality of openings. The device can also include one or more features that are configured to engage an interior wall of the cup or other container. In other embodiments, the anti-splash device can attach to the brim of a cup or to a lid. In other embodiments, an anti-splash device, a cup lid or any other components related to a beverage or food container comprises one or more finger guides that provide targeted points of contact when manipulating such a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: HTSS Capital LLC
    Inventors: Dan Roseblade, Richard Anderson
  • Publication number: 20080128437
    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: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Jill Portman, Gary Shinner
  • Publication number: 20080110929
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing cap and beverage bottle assembly provides a spill-resistant container for use by a small child. The dispensing cap has a perforated baffle that restricts the beverage flow under static pressure conditions and permits beverage flow when a sufficient pressure differential is applied across the baffle. The dispensing cap includes a spout that facilitates beverage consumption. The dispensing cap either screws onto a bottle neck or is a press-fit cap that is inserted into the bottle's open end. A seal is provided that prevents beverage leakage and indicates if the container has been tampered with or compromised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: E. Lawrence Stanley Traasdahl, Jeremy Lamanna, David Michael Webb
  • Publication number: 20080061069
    Abstract: A drink cup lid is provided for mounting over the open mouth of a beverage container. A rim of the lid preferably includes an outer mounting skirt, a distal end, and a proximal end. The lid also includes a central hub spaced inwardly of the rim and separated therefrom by a lower channel. The channel is generally inclined downwardly from the distal end to the proximal end, except for a drainage wall portion thereof adjacent to the proximal end of the rim. The drainage wall is inclined upwardly from the drink aperture to the proximal end of the rim. The opposing inclinations of the drainage wall and the remainder of the channel cooperate to create a “funnel” effect that improves drainage of spilled beverage from the channel, through the drink aperture, and back into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Fredric Edelstein, Emory Krall
  • Publication number: 20080047966
    Abstract: A disposable, single use, press-fit lid made from compostable press molded fibers for use with disposable beverage cups with or without an annular rim. The lid has a circular peripheral rim (11) with an extending edge to provide positional contact with the beverage cup rim. The circular peripheral rim (11) is connected to a primary lower platform (21) through a cup engaging wall (10). A secondary central raised platform (8) rises at an angle from the primary lower platform (21) from the lower end of the raised platform (19) distal to a drinking spout, up to the drinking spout which is at level with or slightly above the peripheral rim (11c). This central raised platform (8), includes two constrictions (15) referred to as finger holds that are positioned mid slope, diagonally from one another, between the lower end of the raised platform and the drink spout opening (9). These finger holds allow the easy manipulation of the lid during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Susanna Lynn Carson
  • Publication number: 20080000921
    Abstract: An improved lid for beverage containers which facilitates access to the container's contents, enhances the user's sensory perception of the contents and boosts the overall drinking experience without being removed, is disclosed and claimed. The lid of the invention achieves its objectives by combining multiple sensory elements to simultaneously enhance the user's sensory responses. The sensory elements allow the passage of liquid and vapor, the conduction and convection of heat and the visual perception of color, level and movement of the beverage. The invention integrates multiple elements of a press and lock on a beverage container lid. The shape of the lid provides a thin rim simulating the thickness of a lidless cup or a non-disposable mug or cup. The lid provides a well deep enough to avoid contact between the nose and the lid in the drinking position, thereby allowing the user's head to remain more upright while drinking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Richard J. Leon
  • Publication number: 20070278228
    Abstract: A disposable lid for a drinking cup includes a cover portion having a generally circular periphery and a sliding member that is configured to slidably fit into a trench in the cover portion. The trench extends downwardly from and longitudinally along a top surface of the cover portion, and has an open end at the periphery of the cover portion. The cover portion includes a drink opening on a bottom surface of the trench and adjacent to the periphery and a guide slot on the bottom surface of the trench. The sliding member includes a handle extending upward from a top surface of the sliding member and a guide extending downwardly from and longitudinally along a bottom surface of the sliding member so that the guide slidably fits into the guide slot on the bottom surface of the trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Cheuk Mau Wong
  • Publication number: 20070278239
    Abstract: A stopper for a beverage container lid having a drinking aperture (sipping hole). The stopper has a plug portion that can be inserted into the drinking aperture to stop any fluid from flowing out. It also has a flange portion that prevents the plug portion from passing through the aperture, and also facilitates handling and placement of the stopper and it has a retainer comprising one or more protuberances extending from the plug portion. In use, the stopper is inserted into the aperture to prevent spillage and heat loss from the container. The retainer passes beyond the lid so as to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the stopper. The stopper is removed to allow consumption of the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michele Vogt
  • Patent number: 7284676
    Abstract: A lid for a cup is provided with a filter fitted into a sipping hole which filters solid objects, such as tea leaves, mixed into the beverages so that pure beverage can be drunk. In the preferred embodiment, the filter component is a coil spring 14 having hooking parts 20, 21 on the both ends thereof. In another embodiment, the filter component is a grid in an elastic body 56 which is snap-fitted into the sipping hole by the side edges thereof fitting into grooves formed at its ends. The filtered liquid can be drunk by filtering the substances (such as tea-leaves and herbs) inside of the cup 11 through this filter component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Shiho Dantani
  • Patent number: 7275652
    Abstract: A cup lid for use with a drinking cup containing a liquid, the drinking cup having a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base, the sidewall including an inner surface, a top end, and a rim extending along the circumference of the top end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Morris, David C. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 7246716
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid for placement onto the rim of a drinking cup has a cover portion having a drinking access port and a condiment opening, a rim portion, a reclosable and tearable fold-back condiment tab, a hinge, a post and a recess. The cup lid is structured in such a manner that when the condiment opening is not in use, the condiment opening is reclosable by the condiment tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Amhil Enterprises
    Inventor: Terry Durdon
  • Patent number: 7243814
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve member near the spout having an opening therein, causing the valve member and opening to move off of a protruding member, thereby unblocking the opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the opening in the valve sitting on a protruding member and pressed against the protruding member's base, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 7219813
    Abstract: A beverage container (1) includes a cup-type compartment (2) having an opening (3) and a cover (4) to be placed on the opening (3), the cover (4) having an inner component (5) and an outer component (6) detachably connected to the inner component (5), between the inner component (5) and the outer component (6) connected to the inner component (5) a cavity (7) being formed for receiving at least one object (8), the cavity (7) includes two main surfaces (9, 10) being parallel to one another. It is characterized by that the two main surfaces (9, 10) of the cavity (7) are at an angle of 0°<?<90° to an opening plane (11) formed by the opening (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: DOCdata Germany Berlin Optical Disc GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Weiss, Juergen Gaspar
  • Patent number: 7210596
    Abstract: A drinking cup that teaches a child how to drink from a cup while minimizing spills includes an elongated, generally cylindrical housing for holding a liquid, the housing has an inside surface, an outside surface, and a bottom; an elongated, generally cylindrical insert with an inner surface and an outer surface where the insert fits within the housing; and a cap removably mounted to the housing. The insert includes a plurality of tabs located on the outer surface of the insert and a plurality of feet extending downwardly from the bottom of the insert that create a space between the insert and the housing. The space receives any liquid flowing between the inner surface of the insert and the outer surface of the insert. The cap has a plurality of openings formed therein and the openings are in fluid communication with the space formed between the insert and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Ruccolo
  • Patent number: 7204386
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the valve assembly in the cover of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 7191911
    Abstract: A lid and resealable tab for a drinking cup is shown. The lid has an outer edge having a generally circular periphery and a top surface for defining a drinking opening having a predetermined shape and dimension. The lid includes an annular sidewall operatively connected to and extending circumferentially or axially from the lid and in a first direction relative to the top surface. An annular mounting member is formed on the sidewall lid for sealingly engaging the lip of a drinking cup. A resealable tab having a relatively thin, flexible substrate having a first surface and second surface, the substrate having a shape and dimension which is configured to cover the drinking opening with either one of the first surface and second surface is shown. The resealable tab includes a food grade adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Catherine O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7185781
    Abstract: The “HOT DRINK CUP LID WITH COOLING AIR-FLOW” is an article of manufacture with a uniquely designed form arranged so that the hot liquid is cooled by an air-flow drawn over the liquid as it is sipped. The unique design, placement of the drinking hole and cooling air-flow hole create a structure whereby hot liquid can be cooled and sipped in a manner that reduces the temperature of the hot liquid as it transfers from the cup to the user. This cooling action is activated by the suction caused by the action of the user sipping at the drinking hole and concurrently drawing air from outside of the cup down through the air-flow hole and up through the drinking hole along with the hot liquid. Thus the hot liquid is cooled as the air is drawn up in conjunction with the hot liquid through the drinking hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Constance Linda Pitts
  • Patent number: 7185784
    Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid. An inner contour of a groove of the lid and an outer contour of the cup body rim are selected to provide a slight snap fit of the lid onto the cup body, to provide a secure seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Connors, Jr., David E. Medeiros, George S. Dys, James J. Britto, John A. Hession
  • Patent number: 7182216
    Abstract: A drinking-cup placed on a bottle containing a beverage to be consumed. The drinking-cup has a hollow body pierced by a beverage intake, an air intake, and a mouth, and defined by a wall with an annular cross-section enclosing an axis. A closure wall is arranged obliquely relative to the axis. The air intake and the mouth are in respective connecting zones and form an open angle and a closed angle between the wall having an annular cross-section and the closure wall. The wall with an annular cross-section is a surface of rotation and flares out at some distance from the beverage intake. A mid-plane connecting the air intake to the mouth forms, with the axis, an angle not less than 30 degrees. The cup is particularly applicable to champagne tasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin - Maison Fondee En 1772
    Inventor: Pablo Reinoso
  • Patent number: 7175043
    Abstract: A disposable lid for beverage containers includes a mechanism enabling a user to hang the lid on the rim of the container, rather than placing the lid on a counter or table top, to avoid actual or perceived unsanitary conditions and to minimize risk of transmitting infectious diseases to the user. The lid includes an integral device for hanging the lid on the rim of the container while being inexpensive to manufacture and efficient to package and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Shawn O'Neal
  • Patent number: 7175042
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid for placement onto the rim of a drinking cup is provided. The cup lid comprises a cover portion having a drinking access port and a condiment opening, a rim portion, and a flexible arm having a sealing member. The cup lid is structured in such a manner that when the condiment opening is not in use, the condiment opening is sealably closed by the sealing member of the flexible arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Amhill Enterprises
    Inventor: Terry Durdon
  • Patent number: 7159732
    Abstract: A reclosable lid 10 for a container holding a flowable substance has a first piece or cover 12, and a movable second piece or disk 50. The cover 10 has a top wall 14, a side wall 16 and a mounting portion 22 for connecting the lid 10 on the container. The cover 12 has an opening 28 adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid 10. The cover 12 further includes a slot 30 located in the top wall 14. The disk 50 has at least one aperture 78, a post 54, and a projection 52. The aperture 78 and the projection 52 are each cooperatively dimensioned with the opening 28. The post 54 is adapted to be received by the slot 30 in the cover 12. The disk 50 is movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the projection 52 is received in the opening 28 in the first position, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28 in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Dawn Ellen Huston, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Stephen William Sullivan, Rich Matthew Chin, Mohammed Maqsood Ahmed, John Stewart Gitschlag, David Raymond Langelan, Rajendra Ranjitbhai Chauhan, William Edward Hurst, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Patent number: 7156251
    Abstract: A reclosable lid 10 for a container holding a flowable substance has a first piece or cover 12, and a movable second piece or disk 50. The cover 10 has a top wall 14, a side wall 16 and a mounting portion 22 for connecting the lid 10 on the container. The cover 12 has an opening 28 adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid 10. The cover 12 further includes a slot 30 located in the top wall 14. The disk 50 has at least one aperture 78, a post 54, and a projection 52. The aperture 78 and the projection 52 are each cooperatively dimensioned with the opening 28. The post 54 is adapted to be received by the slot 30 in the cover 12. The disk 50 is movable between a first position wherein at least a portion of the projection 52 is received in the opening 28 in the first position, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28 in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Dawn Ellen Huston, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Stephen William Sullivan, Rich Matthew Chin, Mohammed Maqsood Ahmed, John Stewart Gitschlag, David Raymond Langelan, Rajendra Ranjitbhai Chauhan, William Edward Hurst, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Patent number: 7156253
    Abstract: An adaptor enables a child to drink from a cup having a bead extending around an open end of the cup. The adaptor has an annular collar that supports the cup by engaging a lower portion of a bead of the cup around a substantial portion of a periphery of the bead. A lid is removably engageable with the collar. The lid has an annular flange depending from a lower surface toward the collar with the flange being located to abut an interior side of the wall of the cup when the lid engages the collar to form a fluid seal with the cup. The lid has a channel formed therein and located between the flange and a periphery of the lid and encircling the flange. The channel encloses an upper portion of the bead of the cup. The lid has a child drinking spout on an exterior surface of the lid adjacent a peripheral edge of the lid. The spout is in fluid communication with the cup during use of the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Scott W. Ziegler
  • 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: 7134566
    Abstract: A lid for a container holding a flowable substance has an annular top wall. A side wall depends from the top wall, and has a mounting portion for connecting the lid on the container. The top wall has an opening that is adapted to permit the flow of the substance through the lid. The top wall also has a retaining member. The lid further has a closure member positioned on the mounting portion. The closure member is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the closure member is received in the opening in the first position and at least a portion of the closure member is received in the retaining member in the second position. The opening and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the opening. The retaining member and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Smith, Dawn Ellen Huston, Warren Giles Wiedmeyer, Stephen William Sullivan, Rich Matthiew Chin, Mohammed Maqsood Ahmed, John Stewart Gitschlag, David Raymond Langelan, Rajendra Ranjitbhai Chauhan, William Edward Hurst, James Tam Joines, Jr., Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Brian Norman Clarke
  • Patent number: 7131551
    Abstract: A lid for a container holding a flowable substance wherein the lid has a body with a top wall, a side wall, and a mounting portion for connecting the lid on the container. The body has a drink opening and at least one retaining member positioned in the top wall in various positions with respect to the drink opening. The lid further has a closure member that is movable between a first position wherein a portion of the closure member is received in the opening, and a second position wherein a portion of the closure member is received in the retaining member. The opening and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the opening. The retaining member and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the retaining member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    Inventor: Stephen Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 7100787
    Abstract: Beverage container lid assemblies provide a combined premium display area and cooling/insulating structure for the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: East End, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Farnsworth, John Nava
  • Patent number: 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: 7021481
    Abstract: A lid for use with a container may include a panel and a first dispensing opening on the panel. The lid may also include a first closure on the panel, where the first closure may include a second dispensing opening. The first closure may be configured to at least partially cover the first dispensing opening. The lid may further include a second closure on the panel, where the second closure may be configured to cover the second dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Freida St. Germain, Tim Kilpatrick, James S. Sheffield
  • Patent number: 7011227
    Abstract: A removable and reusable cap for a container is provided. The cap has a platform portion and peripherally associated upstanding and downwardly extending portions, and a depression is defined across the platform portion. In the depression, a dispensing aperture and preferably a vent are defined which are opened and closed by a closure plate that is received within the depression and that has a proximal end which is pivotably associated with the depression. The distal end of the closure plate is pivotally associated with a pull ring that is biased into association with the closure plate and that is nestably received in the closure plate, but that has a finger associatable apex region. When the pull ring is pivoted upwardly, the closure plate is pivoted and the dispensing aperture and vent are opened, preferably the vent before the dispensing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Ignite Design, LLC
    Inventors: Evan T. Ward, Donald J. Nole
  • Patent number: 7000347
    Abstract: A device and method for preparing a vase or other container to receive a floral arrangement. The device includes a grid cover that is placed around the open end of a vase or similar container. The grid cover has a flat top surface and a peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the edge of the top surface. The grid cover is made of elastomeric material and is initially smaller than the open top of the vase. The grid cover is stretched over the open top of the vase, wherein the peripheral wall of the grid cover passes over the edge of the vase's open top and retains the stretched grid cover element in place. A plurality of openings are distributed throughout the top surface of the grid cover. As the grid cover is stretched over the top of a vase, the openings become positioned across the open top of the vase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Linda Roskin
  • Patent number: 6991128
    Abstract: A disposable beverage container lid that includes a top wall with a drinking opening formed therein, an annular sidewall downwardly depending from the periphery of the top wall for engaging with the rim of a beverage container, a regulator valve formed directly underneath the drinking opening, and wave-breaker and periphery inhibitor recesses formed in the top wall, to greatly minimize accidental splashing of the liquid from the cup. The regulator valve includes side and bottom walls with apertures formed therein, with the apertures including generally taper shaped portions terminating in irregularly shaped edges. The wave-breaker recess has a sidewall portion that reflects waves of liquid from the regulator valve, and a sloped sidewall portion that defines a channel with the annular sidewall in which the regulator valve is disposed. The inhibitor recesses extend down into the channel to prevent waves of liquid traveling therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Maroon Creek LLC
    Inventors: Robert Russo, Robert Kichinski
  • Patent number: 6978910
    Abstract: An anti-spill device used in conjunction with a disposable cup and lid combination for preventing spillage through a sip hole in the lid is disclosed. The anti-spill device includes a cup gripping member that forms two arcuate-shaped flexible arms for securing the cup to the device. The device includes at least one retaining latch that is attached to the cup gripping member by a first retaining channel is integrated into the gripping member. The device further includes a horizontally flexing member connected to the gripping member by a second retaining channel that is integrated into the gripping member. Finally, the device includes a flexible sealing member with a lid engaging area which is biased to cover the sip hole in the disposable lid. A user desiring to drink the beverage within the cup gains access to the sip hole by engaging the device to lift and shift the lid engaging area away from the sip hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Sanson, LLC
    Inventors: Robert T. Sanders, Craig R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6976604
    Abstract: A disposable child's drinking cup has a lid with a drinking spout defining multiple open holes sized to resist leakage in the absence of suction, such as by the development of surface tension at the holes, and to allow flow when suction is applied. The holes are formed during molding of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Connors, Jr., David E. Medeiros, George S. Dys