Finger Operated Patents (Class 220/715)
  • Publication number: 20140076908
    Abstract: A container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a drink seal for a drinking opening and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger translates in a straight line transverse to a longitudinal axis of the container body during the entire movement of the trigger to define a straight-line actuation stroke. The vent opening is initially opened during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger, and the drink opening is initially opened during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ignite USA, LLC
    Inventor: Steven N. Pinelli
  • Patent number: 8668106
    Abstract: A fluid container includes a spout and a cap, where the spout has an actuation portion that is inclined with respect to a drinking portion of the spout. The spout is actuated from a closed position to an open position with an external force applied on the actuation portion. A channel through the spout encompasses an oblique angle, and the spout is pivotally coupled to the cap at a fulcrum point. The fulcrum point is laterally offset from an aperture in the cap, where the aperture forms a passageway through a thickness of the cap. The channel adjoins the aperture when the spout is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Lifefactory, Inc.
    Inventors: Daren Joy, Kazuna Tanaka, Jeffrey Kapec
  • Patent number: 8616405
    Abstract: A lid is configured to mate with a brim of a cup to form a liquid container. The lid is formed to include a liquid-discharge outlet so that consumers can drink liquid stored in the cup while the lid is mounted on the brim of the cup. The lid comprises a ring-shaped brim mount adapted to mate with the brim of a cup and a central closure surrounded by the ring-shaped brim mount, wherein the central closure includes channel means for conducting any overflow liquid leaking inadvertently out of a cup coupled to the drink cup lid through the liquid-discharge outlet into the raised-liquid collection region formed in the elevated basin downwardly along a first predetermined path on an exterior surface of the elevated basin into the ring-shaped low-elevation liquid-retention channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan French, Scott L. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8608000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid for a container holding a flowable substance which comprises a mounting portion to be attached to the container and an opening to remove the flowable substance from the container, whereas the opening is opened and closed by means of a slider which is connected to the lid and rotates around a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Oyj
    Inventor: Stephen Knipe
  • Patent number: 8590731
    Abstract: An insulated container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a shutter for a drinking orifice and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger has an actuation stroke. The vent seal is initially actuated during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the vent seal from the closed position to the open position, and the shutter is initially actuated during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the shutter from the closed position to the open position. Further, the shutter remains in the closed position during the initiation of the first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ignite USA, LLC
    Inventor: Steven N. Pinelli
  • Patent number: 8573431
    Abstract: A beverage container closure that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, the user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container. The beverage container closure includes a venting mechanism configured to vent the beverage container before the stopper is opened when the user depresses the button, thereby allowing pressure in the beverage container to equalize before the stopper is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventors: Seth Shepard, Joseph Daniel Tomascheski
  • Patent number: 8550280
    Abstract: A cover assembly is capable of attaching to a container and has a dispensing orifice and a substantially perpendicular button opening on a side with a button. A single piece valve beam formed of a deflectable material has the actuator button located on one end and a fulcrum located on another end opposite the actuator button. An inner region of the cover has a retention surface opposite the button accommodating the fulcrum. The single piece valve beam is held inside the inner region of the cover between the button opening and the retention surface by deflection of the beam and rotation about the fulcrum such that the sealing surface moves away from the dispensing orifice when the actuator button is pressed. The deflectable material of the single piece valve beam acts as a spring that exerts force on the sealing surface and exerts force on the actuator against the button opening. The single piece valve beam can be configured to move away from the dispensing orifice when the button is pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Paul R Steuer
  • Publication number: 20130233869
    Abstract: Lid with cap for drink receptacles comprising at least one hole for the exit of liquid from the receptacle, at least one hole for the entrance of air into the receptacle, said air inlet incorporating a check valve allowing the entrance of air but not the exit of liquid therethrough; said valve being built into the body of the lid and having a plug element, by way of an axially sliding cap, allowing simultaneous front double closure of both holes, as well as an ergonomic swallowing of any liquid and aseptic use of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: DESARROLLOS TAMARIT PLAZA SL
    Inventor: Ramon TAMARIT RIOS
  • Patent number: 8474643
    Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup may include a rim portion and a raised cover portion. The rim portion may be adapted to matingly engage an upper peripheral edge of the drinking cup so as to selectively maintain the lid in a covering relationship on the cup. The raised cover portion may extend from the rim portion, and have a perimeter adapted to impede spillage of liquid over a peripheral edge of the lid. Liquid spilled or released on the cover portion or perimeter portion may drain away from the periphery of the cover portion and into the drinking opening or a recess in the cover portion that is adapted to receive a reclosable tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: New Wincup Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby V. Hundley, Joseph H. Quatmann
  • Patent number: 8464895
    Abstract: A drinking vessel and lid assembly that is adapted for selectively opening an open end of the drinking vessel. The lid is selectively couplable to the drinking vessel and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the drinking vessel and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the drinking vessel at a location where a user normally grasps the drinking vessel. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the stopper using a single hand operation without the need to remove the lid from the drinking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Sean Gilbert, Randy Sims
  • Publication number: 20130112699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid for a container holding a flowable substance which comprises a mounting portion to be attached to the container and an opening to remove the flowable substance from the container, whereas the opening is opened and closed by means of a slider which is connected to the lid and rotates around a vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: HUHTAMAKI OYJ
    Inventor: Huhtamaki Oyj
  • Patent number: 8403173
    Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user when the user presses a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Wahl, Stephen Minarsch, Randy Sims
  • Patent number: 8397940
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing vessel is described and which includes a container body for enclosing a fluid to be dispensed, and a removable lid having first and second portions which move one relative to the other, and wherein when the second portion of the lid is in a first position, fluid may not be dispensed from the container body, and when located in the second position, fluid may be dispensed from the container body, and wherein a latch is provided which releases the second portion of the removable lid from the first portion for travel to a second position to allow the dispensing of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ZAK Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Steininger
  • Publication number: 20130062358
    Abstract: A lid assembly for a beverage container having a lid housing, a seal assembly and a trigger member. The seal assembly has one or more drink seals that engage a corresponding one or more drink apertures to close the drink apertures. The seal assembly is rotatedly connected to the lid housing and movable between a use position and a cleaning position to allow the seal assembly to be rotated away from a drink surface of the lid housing so that the drink aperture is open for cleaning. The trigger member is connected to the lid housing and is capable of engaging the seal assembly in the use position, but it cannot engage the seal assembly in the cleaning position. Additionally, the seal assembly may have a vent seal for closing a vent aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: IGNITE USA, LLC
    Inventors: Sami M. El-Saden, Daniel M. Wodka, Joe Y. Chiou
  • Patent number: 8376162
    Abstract: A water stop structure is mounted to a water jar. A main body includes a depression bar device, a resiliency device, and a water stop member. The depression bar device includes a movable depression bar that is releasably connectable to a hanger formed on the main body. The resiliency device includes a rod that maintains the depression bar in position with a first resilient element. A second resilient element maintains the rod in position to have the water stop member blocking a water passage of the main body. When the depression bar is depressed to travel through a first stroke, the depression bar disengages from the hanger to form an opening therebetween for easy hanging and use of the water jar. When the depression bar travels through a second stroke, the rod drives the water stop member away from the water passage to allow a user to drink water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Trim Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20130037558
    Abstract: A drink-through plastic lid is injection molded in one piece to define a rim structure which snaps onto the rim of a cup and an asymmetric crown having a drink-through opening formed at the high point of an outer deck. An integral hinged flap with a C-shaped seal lip on the inside surface can lock by means of said lip into the drink-through opening when in one condition. The flexible outer edges of the flap latch into a lock-back recess which interrupts an intermediate inner deck formed between the outer crown deck and the floor of a well in the interior area of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: LETICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: John R. SELINA, Randall J. CORBETT
  • Patent number: 8360258
    Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Sean Gilbert, Randy Sims
  • 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: 8302803
    Abstract: A device for selective attachment to a conventional aluminum beverage can with internal liquid-holding pouch. A flavoring, alcohol based, energy drink, a medication, etc. can be contained in the device and mixed with the liquid contained in beverage cans. With the device atop a can and the device and can opened, tilting and pouring the liquid of the can causes liquid within the device to be dispensed and entrained into the stream of the liquid exiting the beverage can. A mixed drink can be provided comprised of the first liquid of the device and the second liquid provided by the can. Substantially uniform concentration of the two liquids is maintained from start to finish. Mixing occurs on an incremental basis and there is no substantial mixing of liquid from the device within the chamber of the can or from the liquid of the can within the cavity/pouch of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: WIX Industries LLC
    Inventors: Russell Jon Greenberg, Christopher Eden Marchant Beardsley
  • Patent number: 8297462
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing a user to use the same mechanism to connect a container to another object and to open a normally-closed opening in the container. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a closure body having an opening therein; a stopper that closes the opening; and a carabiner that comprises a spine that is fixed to said body and a gate that is operably connected to said stopper. In use, this embodiment of the invention is operated by moving the gate to a full open position, which causes the stopper to move away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Jared L. Joyce
  • Patent number: 8272532
    Abstract: A beverage container lid for a container base having a reservoir, the lid comprising a shell removably mountable on the base comprising a first drink passage that extends through the shell and communicates with ambient and a cartridge removably engageable to the shell. A second drink passage is in communication with the first drink passage and is formed between an outer surface of the cartridge and inner surface of the shell. The cartridge comprises a valve that is moveable between an open condition and closed condition to control communication between the reservoir and second drink passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Peter Michaelian, Eric Freitag, Erica Eden, Dean DiPietro
  • Publication number: 20120228315
    Abstract: Drink containers with mouthpiece assemblies having a dispensing configuration and a stowed configuration. A mouthpiece assembly defines a liquid passage through which drink liquid may be dispensed when the mouthpiece assembly is in the dispensing configuration and includes means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some examples, the means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid include a tube that at least partially defines the liquid passage and which includes a crimping region. The crimping region may be constructed of a resiliently and reversibly deformable material that is adapted to restrict the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a means for automatically releasing the mouthpiece assembly from its stowed configuration to a dispensing configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CamelBak Products, LLC
    Inventors: JEFF DAVIES, DEREK GAVIN SULLIVAN
  • Patent number: 8235236
    Abstract: A cup lid for attachment to a disposable drinking cup having a center portion with an opening therein, a peripheral edge surrounding the center portion for engaging the drinking cup, a plug disposed outside the peripheral edge of the cup lid and connected to the peripheral edge of the cup by two flexible support arms for allowing the plug to be repositioned at the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel J. Zuares, Robert M. Schwartz, Tony Licari
  • Patent number: 8215519
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve is described which includes a valve housing having a wall which defines an internal cavity, and wherein a passageway is formed through the wall of the valve housing; and a valve control element having a continuous and deformable sidewall is coaxially and rotatably received within the internal cavity of the valve housing, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of the valve control element deforms when a vacuum is created in the internal cavity of the valve housing so as facilitate the controllable delivery of a source of fluid into the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Zak Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Steininger
  • Patent number: 8118184
    Abstract: A lid for controlled drinking from a drinking container includes an aperture adjacent a periphery, and a closure device formed as a single continuous piece of material. The closure device has an actuator portion, a web portion and a valve portion. The actuator portion has a distal portion extending outward of the periphery, and a proximal portion attached to a first end of the web portion. A second end of the web is attached to the valve portion. The valve portion can rotate about a pivot point and move from a closed position over the aperture when the actuator portion is in a first position, towards an open position away from the aperture when the actuator portion is moved towards a second position, during which the web winds around a suitably shaped region partially surrounding the pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Everett L. Ruse, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120037651
    Abstract: A cover assembly is capable of attaching to a container and has a dispensing orifice and a substantially perpendicular button opening on a side with a button. A single piece valve beam formed of a deflectable material has the actuator button located on one end and a fulcrum located on another end opposite the actuator button. An inner region of the cover has a retention surface opposite the button accommodating the fulcrum. The single piece valve beam is held inside the inner region of the cover between the button opening and the retention surface by deflection of the beam and rotation about the fulcrum such that the sealing surface moves away from the dispensing orifice when the actuator button is pressed. The deflectable material of the single piece valve beam acts as a spring that exerts force on the sealing surface and exerts force on the actuator against the button opening. The single piece valve beam can be configured to move away from the dispensing orifice when the button is pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Paul R. Steuer
  • Publication number: 20120024871
    Abstract: A lid for a drinking cup may include a rim portion and a raised cover portion. The rim portion may be adapted to matingly engage an upper peripheral edge of the drinking cup so as to selectively maintain the lid in a covering relationship on the cup. The raised cover portion may extend from the rim portion, and have a perimeter adapted to impede spillage of liquid over a peripheral edge of the lid. Liquid spilled or released on the cover portion or perimeter portion may drain away from the periphery of the cover portion and into the drinking opening or a recess in the cover portion that is adapted to receive a reclosable tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: WINCUP HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Bobby V. Hundley, Joseph H. Quatmann
  • Publication number: 20110309095
    Abstract: An insulated container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a shutter for a drinking orifice and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger has an actuation stroke. The vent seal is initially actuated during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the vent seal from the closed position to the open position, and the shutter is initially actuated during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the shutter from the closed position to the open position. Further, the shutter remains in the closed position during the initiation of the first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Steven N. Pinelli
  • Publication number: 20110309094
    Abstract: A closure for a beverage container is disclosed. Said closure comprises an inserted element (2) and a closing member (3) which can be inserted into a mouth of the inserted element (2). A first engaging structure (22) mounted on the internal face of the inserted element (2) can be connected to a second engaging structure (36) arranged on the external face of the closing member (3). The inserted element (2) further has a funnel section (25) above the first engaging structure (22). The closing member (3) has a closed top surface (32), a handle element (31), and an apron (35) with outlets (33). The engaging structures (22, 36) are designed such that the closing member (3) can be moved relative to the inserted element in a vertical direction between a first position in which the closing member (3) seals the mouth and a second position in which the outlets (33) open passages for a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: PI-DESIGN AG
    Inventor: Jorgen Bodum
  • Publication number: 20110297689
    Abstract: The present invention is a closure for a container that includes a cover plate and a sip hole configured within the cover plate and adapted on a dispensing opening configured in the top end portion of the container. The closure further includes a reclosable lid that is hinged to the cover plate for enabling a pivotal motion of the reclosable lid. A second embodiment of the invention includes a closure with a back surface that accommodates a variety of container top and container top edge dimensions that are utilized to hold a variety of beverages, with a raised perimeter, a releasable tab, a top surface, a pair of raised notches and a pair of two receiving notches. The second embodiment also includes a dispersing aperture and an aperture filling protrusion disposed on the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Russell Reed, Donna Reed
  • Publication number: 20110290815
    Abstract: A device for sealing a plurality of different sized containers, the device including a plurality of different sized rims, each of the different sized rims being for engaging with a respective different sized container, to seal the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Spillip Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Alex Weld
  • Patent number: 7997442
    Abstract: An insulated container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a shutter for a drinking orifice and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger has an actuation stroke. The vent seal is initially actuated during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the vent seal from the closed position to the open position, and the shutter is initially actuated during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the shutter from the closed position to the open position. Further, the shutter remains in the closed position during the initiation of the first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Ignite USA, LLC
    Inventor: Steven N. Pinelli
  • Patent number: 7954659
    Abstract: A unitary splash-proof beverage lid for engagement with a cup rim having a well with a drinking hole, a plug, optionally with a drinking hole, whereby said plug is rotatably connected by a pair of support arms to the lid in a friction fit relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventors: Daniel J. Zuares, Robert M. Schwartz, Tony Licari
  • Patent number: 7874447
    Abstract: A reclosable cup lid thermoformed from a polymeric material includes a domed member and a closure panel. The thermoformed domed member is provided with a sidewall and a top wall, the top wall having upper and lower surfaces and a drinking aperture at a periphery of the top wall. The top wall further defines a pair of engagement tracks depending from the lower surface of the top wall and also defines a post aperture disposed inwardly with respect to the drinking aperture. The closure panel has opposed engagement edges, an upper surface provided with a post projecting upwardly therefrom, and a drinking aperture sealing area. As assembled, the domed member and closure panel are configured such that the opposed engagement edges of the closure panel are slidingly mounted in the engagement tracks for generally radial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Alois A. Schmidtner, Jonathan E. Rush
  • Patent number: 7850037
    Abstract: A reclosable cup lid thermoformed from a polymeric material. The lid includes a closure panel and a lid member having a sidewall and a top wall. The top wall can have an upper and lower side and a drinking aperture at a periphery of the top wall. The top wall can define a pair of engagement tracks disposed on the lower side of the top wall. The engagement tracks can include a scalloped configuration and an undercut depth. The closure panel can be insertable into the scalloped engagement tracks by application of a bending force to the lid member suitable to widen the distance between the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Alois A. Schmidtner, Jonathan E. Rush
  • Patent number: 7845510
    Abstract: A reclosable cup lid thermoformed from a polymeric material includes a domed member and an elongate closure panel. The thermoformed domed member is provided with a sidewall and a top wall, the top wall having upper and lower surfaces and a drinking aperture at a periphery of the top wall. The top wall further defines a pair of slide tracks depending from the lower surface of the top wall and also defines a post aperture disposed inwardly with respect to the drinking aperture. The elongate closure panel has opposed engagement edges, an upper surface provided with a post projecting upwardly therefrom, and a drinking aperture sealing area. As assembled, the domed member and elongate closure panel are configured such that the opposed engagement edges of the elongate closure panel are slidingly mounted in the slide tracks for generally radial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Alois A. Schmidtner, Jonathan E. Rush
  • Patent number: 7753224
    Abstract: A cup lid having a top panel with an upwardly projecting rim peripherally thereabout, a recessed channel in the top panel extends from a central area thereof to the rim, the channel having a bottom with a sipping opening defined therethrough adjacent the rim, a closure member selectively receivable in said channel for movement between open and closed positions relative to said opening, the closure member being integrally formed with said lid, or a companion cup, remote from said channel for selective severing therefrom and subsequent mounting within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: DOPACO, Inc.
    Inventor: Liming Cai
  • Patent number: 7731047
    Abstract: A reclosable lid (10) for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover (12) having an opening (28) and a moveable element (850) connected to the cover (12). The moveable element (850) is moveable between at least one open position, wherein the flowable substance may flow through the opening, and at least one closed position, wherein the opening is obstructed. In some embodiments, the lid (10) may include an overlay (250) moveable between at least one open position and at least one closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Ishimitsu
  • Patent number: 7686182
    Abstract: A body has a threaded inner surface removably engageable with an open end portion of a beverage bottle. A lid is directly conjoined to the body and is offset below a top surface of the body for minimizing accidental contact therewith during non-use conditions. A mechanism for detaching the lid from the body is included in such a manner that a first perimeter portion of the lid becomes disengaged from an inner perimeter of the aperture while a second perimeter portion of the lid remains directly affixed to the inner perimeter of the aperture and thereby defines a linear fulcrum axis about which the lid can be repeatedly articulated during operating conditions. The lid is selectively articulated thereafter by placing a user's lips against the detaching mechanism so that the user may quickly and readily pivot the detaching mechanism without using the user's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Rashed Shukri
  • Patent number: 7681754
    Abstract: A thermos (with or without a vacuum) with an improved beverage consumption apparatus which enables a liquid to be consumed directly from the thermos when a valve is pushed to the opened condition so that liquid can exit the interior of the thermos. Thermos also contains an improved larger easily locatable circumferential closing ring which facilitates closure of the container when the user is in a darkened area or driving a moving vehicle so that the consumer must have one hand on the steering wheel and is not necessarily looking at the thermos. The thermos also comprises an improved sealing cap to facilitate valve closure. The thermos also contains an improved valve sealing means to assure that even a tiny amount of liquid will not seep out of the thermos when the thermos is placed into a container such as a briefcase which contains written material and valuable electronic objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Ross
  • Patent number: 7611029
    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 guide extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the sliding member so that the guide slidably fits into the guide slot on the bottom surface of the trench. The guide slot allows the sliding member to move between a first closed position and a second open position via the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Double Team Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Cheuk Mau Wong
  • Publication number: 20090250480
    Abstract: An insulated container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a shutter for a drinking orifice and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger has an actuation stroke. The vent seal is initially actuated during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the vent seal from the closed position to the open position, and the shutter is initially actuated during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the shutter from the closed position to the open position. Further, the shutter remains in the closed position during the initiation of the first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Steven N. Pinelli
  • Patent number: 7591389
    Abstract: A disposable lid for a drinking cup includes a cover portion and a sliding member that is configured to slidably fit into a trench in the cover portion. The trench includes a drink opening on a floor of the trench and the sliding member is configured to cover and uncover the drink opening. In one embodiment, the sliding member includes side portions that extend longitudinally and upwardly from a central portion of the sliding member such that an outer edge of each side portion is located above the central portion of the sliding member. A gap width between the outer edges of the side portions of the sliding member is greater than a width of a mouth of the trench such that the side portions of the sliding member secure the siding member to the cover portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Double Team Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Chuek Mau Wong
  • Patent number: 7546933
    Abstract: An insulated container is provided with a lid having a push-button trigger mechanism that operates both a shutter for a drinking orifice and a vent seal for a vent opening. The trigger has an actuation stroke. The vent seal is actuated during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the vent seal from the closed position to the open position, and the shutter is actuated during a second portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger to transition the shutter from the closed position to the open position. Further, the shutter remains in the closed position during the first portion of the actuation stroke of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Ignite USA, LLC
    Inventor: Steven N. Pinelli
  • Patent number: 7416093
    Abstract: A container having a controlled-opening lid includes a container body with an open end providing access to an interior space configured and dimensioned for receiving user-supplied contents, and a lid member configured and dimensioned to cover the open end of the container body when in a first position and permit access to the interior space when in a second position. A hinge is configured to move the lid member from the first position to the second position, the hinge including at least one damping mechanism for damping a biasing force provided by the hinge when the lid member moves from the first position to the second position. The container may be a beverage container or a physician's desk container for storing medical implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Punch Products USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Yvonne Song Lin, Douglas Bruce Winner
  • Patent number: 7413096
    Abstract: A beverage container includes a squeeze-actuated self-sealing valve. An actuation mechanism is disposed between inner and outer walls of the cup portion. The actuation mechanism is acted upon by squeezing the beverage container. The actuation mechanism moves a sliding plate in the cover to expose an opening along a front end of the cover for drinking from the beverage container. When not in use, a biasing mechanism in the actuation mechanism causes the sliding plate of the self-sealing valve to return to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Whirley Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Morgan, Ronald K. Bergold
  • Publication number: 20080073343
    Abstract: A lid for use on a container includes a base, having attachment structure associated therewith for attaching the base to the container, and having a material dispensing orifice formed or formable therein. A slide channel is formed as part of the base. The slide channel includes an open top section defined by a pair of sidewalls, the open top section having an opening width equal to or greater than a narrowest width defined between the pair of sidewalls. A slidable portion is slidably disposed within the slide channel and is movable at least partially over the material dispensing orifice. A cover portion is attached to the base, the cover portion forming a top of a slide enclosure for the slidable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: William S. Shadrach, Aubi Abramowitz
  • Publication number: 20080073346
    Abstract: A unitary splash-proof beverage lid for engagement with a cup rim having a well with a drinking hole, a plug, optionally with a drinking hole, whereby said plug is rotatably connected by a pair of support arms to the lid in a friction fit relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Zuares, Robert M. Schwartz, Tony Licari
  • Publication number: 20080073347
    Abstract: A reusable closure assembly for attachment to a container includes a slide assembly that includes a pair of lateral channel portions; a slidable portion rupturably coupled to each of the lateral channel portions between the lateral channel portions; and a cover portion, extending laterally from one of the lateral channel portions. The cover portion is sized and shaped to be folded over the lateral channel portions and the slidable portion to thereby form a top of a three-sided slide enclosure. The slidable portion is slidable within the slide enclosure after being ruptured from the lateral channel portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: William S. Shadrach
  • Publication number: 20080073342
    Abstract: A cup lid having a top panel with an upwardly projecting rim peripherally thereabout, a recessed channel in the top panel extends from a central area thereof to the rim, the channel having a bottom with a sipping opening defined therethrough adjacent the rim, a closure member selectively receivable in said channel for movement between open and closed positions relative to said opening, the closure member being integrally formed with said lid, or a companion cup, remote from said channel for selective severing therefrom and subsequent mounting within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Liming Cai