Finger Operated Patents (Class 220/715)
  • Patent number: 7267245
    Abstract: A bite valve manufactured from a soft and flexible material includes a joining section, a liquid outlet section, and at least a pair of columns at an inner wall approaching the liquid outlet section to retain the bite valve and to prevent an inner channel of the bite valve from being closed, and an extension tube projecting from an outer periphery of the liquid outlet section and being capable of bending backward to accommodate around the outer periphery of the liquid outlet section. Wherein, the joining section is for joining with a liquid guide tube of a liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7246715
    Abstract: A reclosable lid 310 for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover 312 and a rotatable element 50 rotatably supported by the cover 312. The cover 312 has an opening 28 and a slot 30 located in a top wall 14 of the cover 312. The cover 312 also has a tab 323 extending outward from a portion of the cover 312. The rotatable element 50 has at least one aperture 78 and an actuator 54 that is accessible through the slot 30. The element 50 is moveable by manipulation of the actuator 54 between a first position wherein the aperture 78 is misaligned with the opening 28, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28. The cover 312 has at least one support member 102 extending radially inward from an inner surface 100 of the cover 312, wherein the support member 102 rotatably supports the element 50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 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, Richard Michael Sandusky
  • 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: 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: 6763964
    Abstract: A leak proof lid for a beverage container has a rocker arm which may be moved between open and closed positions by one hand. The lid is provided with drinking and venting apertures and respective basins within the lid. The rocker arm includes venting and drinking seals for sealing the respective aperture when the rocker arm is in the closed position. The rocker arm is easily removable from an upper side of the lid to facilitate cleaning the venting and drinking aperture and seals on the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Market, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Hurlbut, Tami L. Fujii, Sara E. Hill, B. Cameron Smith, Scott C. Thielman
  • Publication number: 20040118847
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a lid for use in combination with a drinking cup and more particularly to a lid through which beverage can be consumed while minimizing, if not eliminating, spillage of the beverage. Also, the lid is provided with a flap that seals the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Giraud
  • Patent number: 6742681
    Abstract: A water outlet valve structure for a water bag mouthpiece, which includes a mouthpiece, a threaded base disposed on one end of said mouthpiece, a blocking member disposed at one end of said threaded base, and a sleeve base disposed at one end of said blocking member; wherein said blocking member having a push bottom on one side, such that the sleeve base can displace when operating the push bottom from the outside in order to control the water releasing and water stopping functions. By means of the above structure, the user can easily use the mouthpiece to drink water from the water bag, and the mouthpiece can be fixed onto the water outlet valve more securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20040094552
    Abstract: The present invention features a cup that is used for children that transitions them from sippy cups to conventional drinking cups. The cup does not require any suction by the child when drinking yet is spill proof when locked for transit. The cup features a reservoir, a top and a lid. Within the top is a central passage and a plate that contains vents. When closed, the lid is flush against the plate and prevents any liquid from leaking. When the lid is rotated open, a gap is exposed between the lid and plate to allow liquid to flow from the reservoir and through the vents to the child's mouth. Regardless of whether the lid is opened or closed, the lid always remains below the top rim of the top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: David E. Featherston, Brenda J. Meyers, Charles Quinn
  • Publication number: 20040089662
    Abstract: A reclosable lid 310 for a container holding a flowable substance has a cover 312 and a rotatable element 50 rotatably supported by the cover 312. The cover 312 has an opening 28 and a slot 30 located in a top wall 14 of the cover 312. The cover 312 also has a tab 323 extending outward from a portion of the cover 312. The rotatable element 50 has at least one aperture 78 and an actuator 54 that is accessible through the slot 30. The element 50 is moveable by manipulation of the actuator 54 between a first position wherein the aperture 78 is misaligned with the opening 28, and a second position wherein the aperture 78 is aligned with the opening 28. The cover 312 has at least one support member 102 extending radially inward from an inner surface 100 of the cover 312, wherein the support member 102 rotatably supports the element 50.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    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, Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty, Richard Michael Sandusky
  • Patent number: 6732875
    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 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Solo Cup Company
    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: 6732876
    Abstract: An automatically sealing lid assembly (10) includes a cap portion (12) selectively coupled to a cup (16) so as to cover a mouth (14) of the cup (16). The cap portion (12) has a sip hole (34) and a vent hole (36) integrally formed therein. The cap portion (12) also has a disk portion (42) rotatably coupled thereto between a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. The disk portion (42) has a sip plug (52) and a vent plug (54). The sip plug (52) seals the sip hole (34) in the sealed configuration. Likewise, the vent plug (54) seals the vent hole (36) in the sealed configuration. The cap portion (12) and the disk portion (42) have a biasing member assembly (62) operatively coupled therebetween. The biasing member assembly (62) biases the disk portion (42) to the sealed configuration. The biasing member assembly (62) further includes an actuating surface (80) for receiving an application of force by a user thereby selectively disposing the lid assembly (10) to the unsealed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Niko Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 6702138
    Abstract: An insulated beverage container (100) has a tumbler (110), a handle assembly (120) including a collar (122) attached to the top of the tumbler, and a valved lid assembly (200). The tumbler has multiple wall construction, wherein the inner two walls (114, 116) define an insulating volume (118) therebetween that may be partially evacuated. The valved lid assembly includes an upwardly biased valve (240), near the top of the lid assembly, that may be moved from a closed position wherein the valve abuts a valve seat (214) in the lid assembly, and an open position wherein the valve is spaced apart from the valve seat. A non-skid base (102) with integral, upwardly extending grip elements provides a grip to facilitate handling of the tumbler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Starbucks Corporation
    Inventors: Andy Bielecki, Brian Furlong, Michael Jensen, Tim Nowack
  • Publication number: 20040035868
    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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    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, Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Publication number: 20030197012
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    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, Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030178426
    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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: JAMES RIVER CORPORATION OF VIRGINIA
    Inventors: Michael Freek, Michael Thomas
  • Patent number: 6557717
    Abstract: A container that is adapted for holding a quantity of a beverage therein. The container has an open upper end and a closed lower end. A cover member is adapted for removably coupling with the open upper end of the container. The cover member includes a planar circular plate. The circular plate has an internal chamber. The circular plate has an aperture therethrough and through the internal chamber. The cover member includes a slide plate disposed within the internal chamber for selectively closing the aperture. A closing assembly is adapted for maintaining the slide plate in a closed orientation over the aperture of the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventor: David Keck
  • Patent number: 6550493
    Abstract: A vacuum demand value (10) is capable of delivering a flowable material. The valve (10) has a housing (11) having a proximal end (14), a distal end (16), an intermediate segment (18) therebetween defining a passageway (24) wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16). The housing (11) can be tubing. A valve member (20) is located along the intermediate segment (18). The valve member (20) has a closed condition wherein the flowable material from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16) is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16) is unstopped. The valve member (20) is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway (24) for placing the valve member (20) in the open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Williamson, Scott R. Ariagno, Alan W. Marttila, Arnold C. Bilstad, Paul M. DiPerna, Michael R. Prisco, David W. Pennington, Atif M. Yardimci, Sidney T. Smith, Mark C. Perry, Marc Bellotti
  • Publication number: 20030024929
    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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    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, Kevin Ray Smith, Mark Gerald Anhalt, Bryce G. Rutter, Brian C. Bone, Heath A. Doty
  • Patent number: 6471085
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container having a main chamber in fluid communication with a temperature-moderating chamber. Preferably, a valve, actuated by a spring-biased button preferably positioned on a handle of the container, opens and closes an aperture within the temperature-moderating chamber to permit a hot beverage to flow from the main chamber into the temperature-moderating chamber. A lid having a sipping hole is provided to allow the consumer to consume the beverage from the temperature-moderating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony J. Gallo
  • Patent number: 6457596
    Abstract: An ergodynamic bottle top (10) has a push button bottle top post (14A) having a push button bottle top doughnut (14B). The push button bottle top doughnut (14B) is slidably positioned therearound. The ergodynamic bottle top (10) further has a handle (12) having a left handle (12L) which is securely attached to a right handle (12R) by a center handle (12C). The center handle (12C) has a center handle opening (12CA) therethrough. The center handle (12C) is securely attached to the push button bottle top doughnut (14B). The center handle opening (12CA) comprises a similar or greater diameter than a diameter of the push button bottle top post (14A). The center handle opening (12CA) could comprise a smaller diameter than a diameter of the push button bottle top post (14A) functioning to increase pressure to an eminating stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Steve Verseman
  • Publication number: 20020092851
    Abstract: An automatically sealing lid assembly (10) includes a cap portion (12) selectively coupled to a cup (16) so as to cover a mouth (14) of the cup (16). The cap portion (12) has a sip hole (34) and a vent hole (36) integrally formed therein. The cap portion (12) also has a disk portion (42) rotatably coupled thereto between a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. The disk portion (42) has a sip plug (52) and a vent plug (54). The sip plug (52) seals the sip hole (34) in the sealed configuration. Likewise, the vent plug (54) seals the vent hole (36) in the sealed configuration. The cap portion (12) and the disk portion (42) have a biasing member assembly (62) operatively coupled therebetween. The biasing member assembly (62) biases the disk portion (42) to the sealed configuration. The biasing member assembly (62) further includes an actuating surface (80) for receiving an application of force by a user thereby selectively disposing the lid assembly (10) to the unsealed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Niko Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Publication number: 20020033400
    Abstract: A lifting and closing device for a beverage bottle comprises a stopper made of elastic material, a clamping mechanism which clamps the stopper closed in the neutral position, a handle, and a trigger integrated into the handle for actuating the clamping mechanism for the temporary opening of the stopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Martin Rohrer, Roy Schaerer
  • Patent number: 6352166
    Abstract: A lid for a container having an opening is configured to close the opening. The lid includes a base adapted to fit the container opening and an actuator configured to engage the base. The base includes a deformable portion which, when deformed, will pass the contents of the container therethrough. The actuator is moveable between a closing position and an opening position and is operable to deform the deformable portion such that, when the actuator is in its closing position, the contents of the container are blocked from passing through the deformable portion and, when the actuator is in its opening position, the contents of the container will pass through the deformable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: William Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce W. Copeland
  • Patent number: 6293394
    Abstract: A packaging pouch (10) with an integral drinking straw or pouring spout (38,42) and an easy-to-open protective region providing access to the drinking straw or pouring spout, features a first compartment (32) to accommodate the contents e.g. a drink and—separated in a fluid-tight manner—a second compartment (34) to accommodate a tube part (42). The tube (38, 42) leads from the first compartment (32) to the second compartment (34) and is joined in the transition region to the pouch (10) in a fluid-tight manner and features a valve element for opening and closing a through-flow channel (37). At the end projecting into the second compartment the tube features a closure (44,46) which is closed in a fluid-tight manner when the pouch is in the unopened state and contains a valve element (58, 56) which, under the action of pressure from the side, frees a through-flow channel (37) and which closes automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management, LTD
    Inventors: Claude A. Marbler, Juris Walter, Andreas Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6276560
    Abstract: An improved automatically sealing cup (100) (“cup device”) includes a compression member (152), a one-way air valve (144), and releasable handle (104). A lid (106) is releasably mated to a cup (118) in order to cover a cup opening (120) of the cup (118). The lid (106) has a pair of tapered slots (110), a lid port (122), and an aperture (142) integrally formed therein. The tapered slots (110) are subject to selectively receive and release a handle (104). The handle (104) is pivotally attached to the lid (106) and moveable between a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. The handle (104) comprises a compression member (152) and a handle hole (154). The handle hole (154) is offset from an exterior tubular portion (146) of the lid port (122) such that a flexible tube (114) engaged to the exterior tubular portion (146) and passing though the handle hole (154) is compressed by the compression member (152) in the sealed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Niko Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 6260727
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid for placement onto a drinking cup is provided, having a tear tab which is generally aligned with the orientation of the extruded plastic sheet material from which the cup lid is made. There is a first, generally centrally located region in the lid, which has a higher elevation than the cup rim receiving recess at the periphery of the lid; and there is an indentation formed in the central region which is provided so as to accommodate the tear tab when it is folded back around a U-shaped hinge to create a drink-through opening in the cup lid. The indentation has a pair of detents located at its edges so as to hold and retain the tear tab in place when the foldback flap is folded back about the U-shaped hinge and the tear tab is inserted into the indentation. The tear tab is retained below the plane of the central region of the cup lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Amhil Enterprises
    Inventor: Terry Durdon
  • Patent number: 6216903
    Abstract: A bi-directional closure to dispense liquid through the open mouth of a container having a projecting handle. The closure includes a closing member fitting into the container open mouth to seal the mouth and the closing member has a pair of spaced outlet ports. A lid is rotatably mounted relative to the closing member and has a pair of spaced liquid pouring openings and a pair of spaced air holes and an operating lever is mounted on one of the closing member and lid and projects therefrom for rotating one relative to the other. When the lid is in a home position relative to the closing member with the operating lever aligned with the container handle the pair of outlet ports of the closing member are sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Hirose, Yasuhiro Kowa, Toru Goto
  • Patent number: 6098834
    Abstract: A drinking receptacle cover comprising a slant cover plate having a top surface and a bottom surface and covering a heat insulating cup at the open top; a rim surrounding the cover plate; a valve assembly having a valve element for opening and closing a spout formed at a lowest level portion of the cover plate adjacent to the rim; a push rod for operating the valve assembly; and a return spring for urging the push rod in the anti-actuating direction. The push rod is disposed to penetrate an insertion opening formed in the rim to be retractable along the bottom surface of the cover plate. An actuating lever which is engaged with the outer end of the push rod to advance it into the inside of the rim is pivotally located on the outer side of the rim. The actuating lever has an actuating section extending along the outer side of the receptacle. The valve assembly has an engaging arm to be engaged with the push rod and a closing arm having the valve element at the free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Hatsumoto, Yasuhiro Kowa, Takeshi Kuwana
  • Patent number: 6079589
    Abstract: A drinking receptacle cover to be removably applied to an opening of a receptacle main body. This cover has on its top plate a drinking spout which can be shut off and a negative pressure relief valve. The spout contains a drinking spout main body which protrudes from the top plate and has a channel; a drinking spout portion which is fitted on the drinking spout main body to be shiftable in the axial direction so as to open and close the channel; and a drinking spout cap which can be removably applied to the drinking spout portion; and the channel can be opened and closed by the shift of the drinking spout portion which occurs with fitting and removal of the drinking spout cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Matsuyama, Shoji Toida, Yasuhiro Kowa, Toru Goto, Rikiya Kato
  • Patent number: 6062419
    Abstract: A spill-protecting top on a drinking vessel with an opening at a suction spout for drinking fluid, with which a fluid passage between the opening and the drinking vessel is blocked by a closure body of a valve, which is pressed by a spring element against the scaling seat in the fluid passage, and wherein the closure body comprises a projection which with an actuation section projects up to in the region of the opening, and which presses the closure body, on actuation of the actuation section from the outer side of the opening, away from its sealing seat against the effect of the spring element by which means the fluid passage between the opening and the drinking vessel is unblocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Swedish Gifts, Inc.
    Inventors: Burkhard Kruger, Oliver Renelt
  • Patent number: 6010029
    Abstract: A lid assembly includes a lid body having a periphery containing a liquid discharge slot and an air vent arranged diametrically opposite to each other, and a center containing a passage located between the liquid discharge slot and the air vent, a rotary cap rotatably mounted on the top of the lid body and including a drive post extending downward from the bottom thereof, and extending through the passage, a control device mounted on the bottom of the lid body and secured to the drive post to rotate therewith. In such a manner, the control device can be rotated by the drive post to move between a first position where the liquid discharge slot and the air vent are closed by the control device, and a second position where the liquid discharge slot and the air vent are detached from and opened by the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Jung-Liang Wang
  • Patent number: 6003711
    Abstract: A drink through cap that removably attaches to a drinking cup or mug. The cap has a plate-like body with a drink through hole. A raised edge extends upwardly from the periphery of the body. A disk-shaped insert is rotatably supported on the body and has a drink through area that can be aligned with the drink through hole in the body for drinking and unaligned to prevent spilling. Tabs fixed to the insert extend over the raised edge of the body where they can be rotated to the raised open stop to align the holes for drinking, or rotated to the closed stops for nonalignment of the holes for safety. Further, the tabs can be placed over the open stops to provide a latched open condition and can be placed over the closed stops to provide a latched closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Leon Bilewitz
  • Patent number: 5964379
    Abstract: A beverage container for hot liquids which has a vessel with a completely enclosed, thermally insulated, internal chamber within which is to be placed a quantity of consumable hot liquid. A cap is removably mounted on the vessel which is to completely close the internal chamber and, by removing of the cap, permit an additional quantity of hot liquid to be supplied into the internal chamber. A dispensing passage, usually in the form of a tube, extends from the internal chamber to the cap with normally there being a valve mounted in conjunction with the dispensing passage with this valve being mounted within the cap. Air pressure is to be supplied into the internal chamber which is to cause a small portion of the hot liquid to be conducted through the passage, past the valve, and into a reservoir mounted in conjunction with the cap. The reservoir is open to the ambient permitting consuming of the hot liquid from the reservoir by a human.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 5961004
    Abstract: A beverage container for hot liquids which has a vessel with a completely enclosed, thermally insulated, internal chamber within which is to be placed a quantity of consumable hot liquid. A cap is removably mounted on the vessel which is to completely close the internal chamber and, by removing of the cap, permit an additional quantity of hot liquid to be supplied into the internal chamber. A dispensing passage, usually in the form of a tube, extends from the internal chamber to the cap with there being a valve mounted in conjunction with the dispensing passage with this valve being mounted within the cap. Air pressure is to be supplied into the internal chamber which is to cause a small portion of the hot liquid to be conducted through the passage, past the valve, and into a reservoir mounted in conjunction with the cap. The reservoir is open to the ambient permitting consuming of the hot liquid from the reservoir by a human.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Robert A. DeMars
  • Patent number: 5810185
    Abstract: Prior art bottle closures having a stationary closure member applicable to the top of a bottle and a closure member that is movable relative to the stationary closure member are improved by incorporation, between said closure members, of mutually cooperative, fluid sealing members extending transversely of the pouring axis of the bottle closures and separable therefrom for preventing escape of gaseous ingredients, such as carbonation, of drinkable liquids contained by bottles to which the bottle closures are applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Clay Groesbeck
  • Patent number: 5739758
    Abstract: A drinking container includes a fluid-tight container having a continuous sidewall connecting an open top and a closed bottom, and a handle secured to the sidewall and extending substantially the length thereof. A rigid lid has a lid body configured and dimensioned to close the open top and a lid lever extending outwardly from the lid body and beyond the handle for pivoting the lid body relative to the open top from a top-closed orientation to a top-open orientation. A pivot is secured to the handle for pivotally engaging the lid lever and enabling pivoting of the lid body between the top-closed orientation and the top-open orientation. An electronic sound generating element is disposed in the lid body and responsive to an actuating switch disposed on the lid lever such that the normal movement of a user for causing pivoting of the lid body from the top-closed orientation to the top-open orientation also actuates the sound-generating element prior to causing pivoting of the lid body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Funomenon LLC
    Inventors: John Driska, Elliott Azrak
  • Patent number: 5711452
    Abstract: A cover 10 for a drink receptacle 12 wherein the cover 10 is provided with a pair of valve members 55 for simultaneously controlling the flow of fluid through a fluid supply chamber 26 and a vent chamber 27 by means of an actuator element 50 which is mounted for reciprocation between the base unit 20 and the lid unit 40 of the cover 10 by means of a handle element 51 which extends beyond the periphery of the base unit 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 5699933
    Abstract: A valve for a water dispenser including a housing, a resilient member, a slide, a button, a O-ring and an inlet connector, wherein the resilient and slide are fitted within the housing and the inlet connection is engaged with an outer end of the housing, characterized in that when the button is pressed by the teeth of an user, the slide will be forced to go further into the housing thereby moving an O-ring 34 away from the circular recess of the inlet connector and therefore enabling water to flow through the passage of the inlet connector and the interior of the housing into the mouth of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Kuo-Ping Ho
    Inventors: Kuo-Ping Ho, Ping-Lien Chienp
  • Patent number: 5497917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cap having a plurality of readily assembled parts that provide a passage for a beverage or liquid through the cap from the pitcher to the exterior thereof. The cap has a cap body made up of top and bottom portions that are formed so as to snap fit together. The cap body defines an interior cavity or passage from an entry defined by the bottom portion to an exit cooperatively defined by the top and bottom portions. The entry is selectively opened and closed to allow fluid or liquid passage through the cap by a valve that is biased into a closed position. In a preferred embodiment the valve is attached to a plunger having a cylindrical configuration and including a plurality of upwardly and outwardly extending shape memory retentive legs that are confined within a receiving collar attached to the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Krimmel, James L. Miller, George E. McNamara
  • Patent number: 5495966
    Abstract: A fluid container plug is disclosed in which, if a button of the plug is pressed, the content of the container can be discharged by inclining the container, and if another button is pressed, the container is locked shut, so that the container can be manipulated in a one touch manner, thereby making the use of the container convenient. The fluid container plug according to the present invention includes an outer casing with its upper and lower ends open, an inner casing installed within the outer casing keeping a gap with the outer casing; a discharge path formed through the lower open portion of the outer casing and along the gap through which the content of the container is discharged. An opening/closing member is installed within the inner casing in a reciprocating manner to open and close the lower opening portion of the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Inventor: Jea-Don Won
  • Patent number: 5477980
    Abstract: A receptacle cover is disclosed incorporates an actuating trigger connected to a pair of biased valves that seal off the dispensing conduit and the relief vent from the top side of the cover. This construction isolates most of the linkage between the valves and the actuator from the contents of the receptacle. The actuator is a trigger located proximate the upper portion of a handle extending from the cover, and is linked to the valves by a wire that extends to, and moves, a rotating rod that is perpendicularly disposed in relation to the wire. The rod, in turn, is attached to the valves by additional wires that force them open against their proximate leaf springs. The dispensing conduit forms a plenum or chamber that functions in a manner similar to a straw by extending upwards from the cover. This construction prevents inadvertent leakage or fluid build up on the exterior of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 5465866
    Abstract: An automatically sealing cup composed generally of a cup body, a lid sealingly and releasably connected with the cup body, and an automatic sealing feature that includes, generally, a flexible tube communicating with the interior space of the cup body, an aperture in the lid through which the flexible tube sealingly passes, a pivotable handle associated with the lid wherein the position of the handle determines pinching or unpinching of the tube, and, consequently, sealed and open states, respectively, of the automatically sealing cup, and a biasing member associated with the lid which automatically biases the handle to provide the sealed state. To switch the automatically sealing cup to the open state in which liquid may be extracted therefrom through the tube, a user must continuously apply pressure to the handle, upon the cessation of which the automatically sealing cup automatically reverts to the sealed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Domenic Belcastro
  • Patent number: 5427271
    Abstract: A canteen including a cylindrical container and a head threaded to the open top of the container, and also having a flip-up cap pivotally mounted on the head. A push-button is provided at the side of the head which, when actuated, flips up the cap to an pen position, and also pushes a spring-biased plunger away from the drinking hole to open the drinking hole. When the push-button is released, the spring-biased plunger moves to close the drinking hole. Accordingly, by operating a single push-button, the user causes the cap to flip up to an open position, and also causes the drinking hole to open, the drinking hole remaining open so long as the push-button is held by the operator in its actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Paul S. Wang
  • Patent number: 5390810
    Abstract: Closure devices provide squeeze to open capabilities wherein a section of a lip including the rim 10 of the container may be manipulated outwardly of the closure device by squeezing the container and thereafter returned to the closure device by relaxing the squeeze. A top plating is provided below the rim engaging the container, with diverging corrugations 25 providing compressible sections 15 permitting the lip be manipulated outwardly for drinking therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventors: Crystal L. Stroble, William F. Stokes, Fairey S. Bradford, Nancy S. Stroble
  • Patent number: 5310081
    Abstract: An integral beverage can closure embodiment (50) having a sealed position for sealing the contents of an opened beverage can (30) and a dispensing position for dispensing the contents is disclosed. A resilient cap (52) with a skirt (54) closely fits over the can rim. The cap defines a tongue (56) that folds over a hinge (82) and is inserted in a slot (60) of the skirt. Both the tongue and the cap have dispensing apertures (64, 68) and vents (66, 70). When the apertures and vents align, the beverage may be dispensed. The can is sealed when the apertures and vents are displaced. The tongue is caused to move between the sealed and dispensing positions by pressing down, with a finger or thumb of the hand holding the can, on a knurled portion (86) of the tongue. In an embodiment (250), the tongue defines a lever (282) configured to be spaced from the beverage can to facilitate gripping the can and lever together. Applying force to the lever moves the tongue between sealed and dispensing positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Brad M. McCabe
  • Patent number: 5294014
    Abstract: A closure cover for sealing a liquid container including a body having an orifice for dispensing the liquid in the container, and a rotating disk pivotally attached to the body and providing an effective seal for the dispensing orifice. The effective seal is created by a downward force upon a sealing gasket, such force being the result of the rotation of the disk member containing a ramp which is moved under a cam on the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Burk Wyatt, Gary C. DeGrow, Jonathan H. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5249703
    Abstract: A travel mug includes a container and a lid in combination. The container has a handle and an annular lip. The lid has an annulus capable of forming a seal with the top side of the annular lip. A cylindrical well in the lid has a vertical dividing wall so that the lid may be readily rotated by hand. Two retaining arms extend from the underside of the lid and engage the underside of the annular lip to pull it into tight abutment therewith. Diametrically opposed gaps in the lip act as passageways for the retaining arms. Diametrically opposed notches in the lid when aligned with the gaps allow a person to drink from the otherwise sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Morry Karp
  • Patent number: 5222623
    Abstract: A drinking vessel comprises a hollow cup having an upper rim defining a mouth opening. A lid removably mounted on the cup extends across the mouth opening to prevent spilling of liquid from the cup. The lid includes a base so mounted on the cup and having a flange extending inwardly from the cup's rim partly across the mouth opening and defining a port aligned with an inner part of the mouth opening. The lid further includes a valve element in register with the port, a seal on the valve element underlying the flange, and an actuator adjoining the valve element and disposed laterally outwardly thereof, such that when the actuator is depressed by downward force of the user's thumb, the valve element pivots downwardly, separating the seal from the flange. A spring normally biases the valve element upwardly with the seal against the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Douglas R. Eger
    Inventors: Douglas R. Eger, Douglas W. Smith, Robert E. Dawson