Removable Closure Situated By Resilient Distortion And Retained By Preformed Configuration (e.g., Detent) Patents (Class 220/780)
  • Patent number: 8056758
    Abstract: A rectangular container and cover are disclosed. The container and cover have complimentary latching feature. An inner cover skirt is offset inward toward the cover interior at each corner. The offset is sufficient to permit use of a moveable mold tooling to form each of the corners of the cover. This allows full formation of latching hooks extending around the entire interior of the skirt, such that when the cover is placed on the container the cover latching hooks engage with container latching ribs to secure the cover on the container. A tear strip is also disclosed, the removal of which leaves residual flaps at each sidewall intersection and at about the lateral center of each sidewall. A portion of the cover skirt remains affixed to the container when the tear strip is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: BWAY Corporation
    Inventor: Forrest A. Burney
  • Patent number: 8042702
    Abstract: Reconfigurable containers which may adopt two stable configurations are described. In the first configuration, the container is suitable for the storing and transport of goods. When in a second, collapsed configuration, the container occupies a lesser volume than the first configuration and thus requires less shipping space. This is accomplished through the use of at least one deformable active material member that is preferably a shape memory polymer and, optionally, releasable fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robin Stevenson
  • Patent number: 8020723
    Abstract: A container lid for use with a container with a neck. The lid includes a top and bottom, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, and a circumferential flange extending radially outward from the lid. The skirt preferably includes at least one integral bead shaped to engage the neck or rim of the container. The lid preferably includes a convex center section including at least one vent. The at least one vent is preferably integral with the lid, and is opened by the steam pressure buildup inside the container when the contents are heated. When the cover is locked on the container, the skirt provides a seal against the outside of the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Stull Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Auer, Jason Wesley Stull
  • Publication number: 20110220671
    Abstract: Provided is a moisture retention seal for use with a package. The moisture retention seal includes an opened-ended canister having a plurality of canister sealing surfaces. Snap-fitted with spatial interference to the canister at its opened-end, is a moisture retention closure having a plurality of closure sealing surfaces. Each canister sealing surface cooperates with a corresponding one of the closure sealing surfaces to form a plurality of partial seals. At least one of the partial seals includes a micro-bead surface comprising one or more small, inwardly directed, narrowly spaced-apart, micro-bead elements. The package that includes a moisture retention seal of the present invention employs only molded parts and does not require gaskets or secondary seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Union Street Brand Packaging LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Evans, Christopher Gieda, Kristin S. Speck, Jose M. Arevalo
  • Patent number: 8011524
    Abstract: A microwaveable packaged good article is described. The microwaveable packaged good article includes a container and an overcap. The container includes a base and a continuous wall extending from the base terminating in a chime. The overcap includes a panel, a neck extending from the panel terminating in a drip bead, and a skirt radially spaced from the drip bead to define a channel between the skirt and the drip bead. In this regard, the chime is received within the channel upon assembly of the overcap to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLC
    Inventors: Michael R. Perry, Arne H. Bradner, Glenn M. Larche
  • Publication number: 20110210135
    Abstract: A removable lid adapted to lock to a tote. A combined lid, tote and tote liner is disclosed. The lid has a durable planar portion, a first end with a locking mechanism, which may engage the tote, and a second end having another lock or an undercut portion that slides on an end of the tote and secures to the tote. The lockable lids can be adapted to retrofit a tote or may be used with enhanced totes to complement the added security of the lid. The lid can have various locking mechanisms and a variety of other security features. In a preferred embodiment, a liner with tabs can be inserted in a base of a tote for added security. The lid may include an activation box for an enhanced security mode. Activation boxes in the lid may be used with a command box and a control center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Scott Huff, Seth Lapine
  • Publication number: 20110198364
    Abstract: This invention relates to a container comprising a container body and a lid body. When the lid body is covered on the container body, a gap is formed between the peripheral edge of the lid body and the upper peripheral edge of the container body by providing an upturning portion on the peripheral edge of the lid body or a downturning portion on the upper peripheral edge of the container body. The gap is formed in such a manner that users can apply a force on the peripheral edge of the lid body and the upper peripheral edge of the container body so as to separate the container body and the lid body apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: YUHUNG CHEN
  • Publication number: 20110180560
    Abstract: The cap of the present invention has a cap surface and an engaging portion. The engaging portion includes an annular inner wall, an annular outer wall and an upper section connecting between the inner wall and the outer wall. The outer wall includes a first section and a second section. The first section is downward extended from the upper section, and the first section has a distal end, from which the second section is extended outward and downward. At least one engaging rim is formed between the first and second sections inward. An annular engaging slot is defined between the inner wall, the first section and the upper section for the engaging lip to engage therewith. A distance between the engaging rim and the inner wall is smaller than the thickness of the engaging lip so as to prevent the engaging lip from disengaging from the engaging slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Chi-Jui HUNG
  • Patent number: 7976603
    Abstract: The invention concerns a filter housing (1), in particular of an air filter for motor vehicles, that extends axially along a longitudinal axis (2) and comprises two detachably connected housing parts (3, 4). A locking connection (5) acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis (2) is provided between the two housing parts (3, 4), wherein the locking connection (5) in at least one rotational direction (6) of the first housing part (3) about the longitudinal axis (2) relative to the second housing part (4) can be brought into a position in which the housing parts (3, 4) are detachable in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Bauder, Klemens Dworatzek
  • Patent number: 7963419
    Abstract: A lid for a container is disclosed that has a series of seals. The first seal is a rib that is forced against the container interior at a top portion of the container. The second seal is created by at least two ribs that create a spring-like force against the pail. An additional seal is incorporated that includes a skirt having a tear strip with a hook on the tear strip and a hook above the tear strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: BWAY Corporation
    Inventors: Forrest A. Burney, Charles Watling
  • Patent number: 7955671
    Abstract: A domed lid 12 for a food container 10 is configured for ease of engagement and removal from a container base 14. The lid characteristically includes: (a) a dome portion 16 with a top wall 24 and a sidewall 26; (b) a flange portion 28 extending outwardly away from a lower portion of the sidewall; and (c) a tab portion 30 extending outwardly from the flange. The flange portion is provided with a rim 32 having a variable profile around the rim characterized in that: (i) the rim is provided with a securing undercut portion 36 extending around the majority of its periphery adapted to secure the lid to an outer border of base 14; and (ii) the rim has a pair of relatively passive engagement profile portions 42, 44 on either side of tab 30, extending to the securing undercut portion of the rim, the passive engagement profile portions are configured so that they are undercut less than the securing undercut portion of the lid, thereby facilitating engagement of the lid with, or removal of the lid from, base 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Gerald J. Van Handel, Margaret P. Hoks, Mark B. Littlejohn, Kevin E. Lutz, Jr., John A. C. Kohout, Rebecca E. Whitmore
  • Publication number: 20110121000
    Abstract: A package has a base for holding foodstuff objects, a cover fittable downwardly over the lid and having a rim with a rear edge and a front edge parallel thereto, and a hinge interconnecting the cover and base at the rear edge for movement between an open position with the rims separated at the front edge and a closed position with the rims engaging each other at the front edge. A female formation open vertically at one of the rims toward the other of the rims has a recess with a rear side formed by a forwardly projecting counterhook and a front side defined by a flank extending vertically forward and toward the other rim. A male formation projecting vertically from the other of the rims toward the one rim is fittable into the recess and has a hook matable with the counterhook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Walter SCHLEINING
  • Publication number: 20110121009
    Abstract: A composite lid for a container that includes a tubular body carrying an annular upper wall made of sheet metal, in which is defined an opening surrounded by a seat, which is configured to receive and retain the lid. The lid includes a base portion peripherally incorporating a retention portion to be seated and retained on the seat when the lid is closed. The base portion includes a peripheral annular element molded in a plastic material as a single piece with the retention portion, and a central element in the form of a sheet metal plate that has an outer peripheral edge attached to the peripheral annular element. The peripheral annular element includes, internally and in a single piece, a central panel disposed on the central element, which is incorporated to the lid during its injection or attached thereto afterwards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: BRASILATA S/A EMBALAGENS METALICAS
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Teixeira Alvares, Antonio Roberto Sene
  • Patent number: 7947928
    Abstract: A slow cooker for heating food stuffs includes a housing defining a heating cavity and a housing rim. A heating element is disposed within the housing to heat the heating cavity. A container has a generally hollow interior and a container rim and is shaped and sized to fit within the heating cavity for heating thereof by the heating element. A lid is sized and shaped to at least partially cover an opening of the container and includes a gasket around an outer edge thereof for sealing engagement with the container rim. The slow cooker further includes at least one clip for selectively retaining the lid in sealing engagement with the container rim to inhibit leakage of the food stuffs. The at least one clip is an over-the-center clip and includes a hook and a catch to selectively retain the lid in sealing engagement with the container rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Tynes, John D. Barnes, Guoyao Ye
  • Patent number: 7926674
    Abstract: An apparatus, according to one embodiment, for storing a product comprising a lid including a tongue; and a clamp; and a container including a groove, wherein the tongue and the groove form a seal when the lid is coupled to the container; and a bead, wherein the clamp engages with the bead when the lid is coupled to the container. An apparatus, according to another embodiment, for storing a product comprising a lid; a container configured to engage with the lid and form a secondary seal between the lid and the container; and a film seal coupled to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 7922028
    Abstract: A pail includes a base and at least one wall extending upwardly from a periphery of the base to an opening of the pail. A lip protruding outwardly from an upper edge of the at least one wall includes a plurality of flanges. A lid located adjacent the plurality of flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Kyle L. Baltz
  • Patent number: 7909193
    Abstract: A cap for a package containing granular or particulate food, such as pet food, for example includes a measuring cup portion, which is shaped to cover a sealable cap on the container, and a holding portion designed to be held in one hand while filling the measuring cup portion with the granular food. The holding portion includes a wall thickness, which is the same wall thickness found in other portions of the cap. The top and bottom surfaces of the holding portion have top and bottom protrusions, respectively. The top and bottom protrusions are aligned with each other to provide added thickness in the holding portion that makes it easier to grip the holding portion and that conveys a more substantial feel to the hand to make it easier to hold the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda R. Heath, Holly A. Robbins, Jeanette Carrell, Sergio Gedanke
  • Publication number: 20110062173
    Abstract: A disposable beverage container includes a disposable cup having an open top, an upper rim, a sidewall having an outer surface, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced indicia on the outer surface of the sidewall proximate to the upper rim. Each of the spaced indicia designates or represents a different beverage type, mixture, flavor or characteristic. A disposable lid includes at least one top surface, a substantially cylindrical outer lip having an upper edge and a lower edge, and an opening in the outer lip of the lid. The lid and cup are configured such that the lid can be assembled over the open top of the cup such that only a selected one of the plurality of indicia on the cup is visible through the opening in the outer lip of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: Label Line Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Dean Trotter
  • Publication number: 20110062158
    Abstract: The cap of the present invention is adapted to cap a cup. The cap is formed with an opening, which has a first side and a second side. A pressing plate is extended from the first side toward the second side, and the pressing plate is swayable about the first side. The pressing plate has a distal end, from which a cutting rim is extended downward. The cutting rim is adapted to cut a film when the cap is in use and when the pressing plate is pressed downward. Thereby, the user can easily drink the contents in the cup via the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: CHI-JUI HUNG, Chiu-Sung Wang
  • Patent number: 7896185
    Abstract: A molded plastic container, such as a five gallon pail, that includes a lid and main body that are selectively attachable to each other without a resilient gasket. The main body of the plastic container includes a flexible sealing finger formed along the top rim of the main body. The flexible sealing finger is received within a sealing chamber formed as part of the rim. The sealing chamber is defined by a gland seal such that when the lid is attached to the main body, both the flexible finger and the gland seal can deflect to create multiple sealing points between the flexible sealing finger and the sealing chamber. A latch ring is formed on the outer surface of the main body and engages a locking tab formed on the lid to hold the flexible finger in the sealing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: KW Plastics
    Inventors: Newton K. Campbell, Kenneth J. Reed, Michael N. Miller, David G. Packard
  • Patent number: 7891514
    Abstract: A food and liquid container is disclosed having a base and lid and providing for an air-tight seal between the base and lid when they are attached to each other. The seal is achieved at several points which create two air-pockets. The securing portion associated with the base can be substantially J-shaped in cross section, while the securing portion of the lid can be substantially u-shaped in cross section. A first ridge on the J-shaped section abuts with a second ridge on the u-shaped section when the lid is attached to the base with the second ridge disposed above the first ridge. The lower outer end of the u-shaped section can be rounded and a lip can extend outward for easier gripping when removing the lid from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventors: Raymond Walsh, Chuan Wu Wang
  • Publication number: 20110031153
    Abstract: A food container system that comprises a tray member that is the primary storage container, a first lid member that is molded to comprise a plurality of recesses of either similar or varying sizes to house various foodstuffs, and optionally a third lid member. When assembled, the foodstuff in the first lid member may be retained by a foil that adheres to the mouths of the recesses or the optional third lid member which may be formed to snugly fit over the recesses of the first lid member. The foodstuffs may be mixed in any combination desired. Embodiments of the invention will include for the tray member that may be releaseably attached to either the first or second lid member via a snap-fit grip mechanism; additionally, the first and second lid members may be releaseably attached to each other in a similar manner. The utility of the container system is magnified through the multi-compartmentalized lid member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: PMP INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Publication number: 20110024438
    Abstract: An assembly of a container and a closure, the assembly having an overpressure relief system, wherein the system has a fixation between the closure and a container, the fixation providing two positions in between which the closure is movable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: ANHEUSER BUSCH INBEV S.A.
    Inventors: Vanessa Valles, Daniel Peirsman, Sarah Vanhove
  • Publication number: 20110024439
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging with a packaging trough, into which a packaging material can be filled and which is closed with a lid, whereby at least one form-fit connection connects the packaging trough with the lid and the connection comprises a first and a second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: CFS GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Dietmar Send, Peter Riegger, Joachim Wokurka
  • Publication number: 20110000926
    Abstract: The invention relates to improving a closure for drink containers (1) having a substantially cylindrical neck (2) with an end opening and a closure cap (3), such that it enables significant simplification of the closure design and thereby allows simple and secure closing of barrels at the same or even increased strength of the neck arrangement. The aim is achieved in that the neck (2) comprises an interior circumferential detent collar (4) and the closure cap (3) comprises an insertion shaft (5), having a peripheral detent groove (6) on the outer circumference thereof that corresponds to the detent collar (4) and is profiled in the insertion direction, wherein the detent grove (6) extends across the detent collar (4) on the ring surface (7) thereof located in the insertion direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GMBH
    Inventors: Wilfried Ehmer, Alois Monzel
  • Publication number: 20110000911
    Abstract: A container has a base with a bottom wall rib structure which deforms downwardly when an unresisted load is applied. The rib structure stiffens the base, and also can elevate the food product from liquid within the container. The bottom wall has a central platform which extends upwardly from a lower encircling segment. The lower encircling segment marks the lowermost portion of the base as molded, and extends inwardly from the lower margin of the sidewall. Two generally parallel longitudinal ribs extend across the platform and project upwardly from the platform. The longitudinal ribs extend from the lower encircling segment at the front of the base to the rear of the base. Short bridging ribs are evenly spaced parallel to one another and extend laterally between and connect the two longitudinal ribs. A plurality of cross ribs extend outwardly from each longitudinal rib to the encircling segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: PLACON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Donald E. McCumber
  • Patent number: 7861881
    Abstract: An overcap for selectively covering a container of a microwaveable packaged good article is described. The overcap includes a panel, a neck extending from the panel, and a skirt radially spaced from the neck. The skirt defines at least two areas of reduced thickness spaced from one another, which are configured to allow the skirt to flex when the overcap is removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: General Mills Cereals, LLC.
    Inventors: El-Afandi Ali, Larche Glen
  • Publication number: 20100326998
    Abstract: A container and lid assembly includes a container and a lid. The container has bottom and a container sidewall extending generally upwardly from the bottom about a perimeter thereof. The container sidewall has an upper edge structure defining an inwardly inclined, inwardly facing lid engagement surface. The lid has a top and a lid sidewall depending from the top about a perimeter thereof. The lid sidewall has an upturned lower edge structure defining an outwardly extending lid shoulder and an inwardly inclined, outwardly facing container engagement surface. The lower edge structure of the lid sidewall corresponds in size and shape to the upper edge structure of the container sidewall, and the lid is securable to the container by an interference fit with the lid engagement surface engaging the container engagement surface about the respective perimeters of the container and the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Phillip R. Short, Xie F. Song
  • Patent number: 7850756
    Abstract: A housing, which may be a filter housing, has break-away lock structure preventing movement in response to normal release force, and breaking-away from a housing section upon excessive release force, such that the housing may be re-assembled using the same housing sections, without having to use a new housing section to replace an old housing section otherwise having a non-re-mountable broken-off lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Senetar, III
  • Patent number: 7837052
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand. The lid may further include an extendible connection member positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip in an area or space generally defined as a “well.” Among other things, the extendible connection member can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid. A satellite ring may be attached to or provided on the lid or container to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20100288785
    Abstract: This is a system that can attach to a beverage drink. The Can Protector can be attached by the stretchable band that goes around the can. It can expand to slide down 2 inches onto the can and then contracts to grip the can and can be made to fit to any diameter of can and then contracts to grip the can and can be made to fit to any diameter of any can. The Can Protector has a small hole for straw uses. First open the beverage can, and then slide the Can Protector onto the beverage can while matching up the hole from the beverage can to the straw hole on the Can Protector. The Can Protector can be designed to be reused or disposable. It can be made in variety of sizes for different size cans and is easy to place on to the can in seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Willie Clifton Duron
  • Publication number: 20100288784
    Abstract: A closure arrangement for cans and pots comprising a tubular body having a side wall whose upper edge defines a seat for a lid. The upper edge comprises a peripheral annular flange carrying, in a free outer edge, a continuous rib with a cross-section contour comprising two opposite circle arc portions, with curvature centers disposed in the same plane orthogonal to the axis of the tubular body, the lid being inferiorly provided with a continuous circumferential groove to be seated against the respective circle arc portions of the continuous rib, so as to axially lock the lid in the tubular body. An annular gasket is carried by one of the parts of peripheral annular flange and lid, to be pressed by the other of said parts upon closing the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Teixeira Alvares, Antonio Roberto Sene
  • Publication number: 20100276437
    Abstract: A container is formed, in which firstly a contained fluid is protected by the packaging, which corresponds to dangerous medium requirements and, with a simple configuration of the closure combination, first closure of the filled container and easy opening and resealing may be achieved. To this end, a container is structured having a press-in lid which serves for first closure. It has a lid ring having a film which is fastened to it in a fluidtight manner and closes an opening which is delimited on the inside by the lid ring. A lid cap which serves to reseal the container is provided. The first closure means and the resealing means can be moved into a tightly sealing position during first closure of the filled container by means of pressure in the direction of one axis of the container, optionally individually or, if preassembled to form one unit, together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Impress Metal Packaging SA
    Inventors: Birger Keilberg, Winfried Spickermann
  • Patent number: 7823746
    Abstract: A container for carry out heated food items, such as rotisserie chicken, has a base which is connected to a lid by a mating peripheral closure which defines a liquid tight seal. The closure has an encircling inclined wall on the base, which helps to direct the lid into engagement with the base, and which also defines a cavity within the closure which can retain liquid. The base may be provided with two fold up straps which are retained by structure in the lid to lie generally flat to serve as a convenient carrying handle above the lid. The base has rib structure allowing it to distend downwardly when loaded with food to space the heated food from the customer's hand while engaged with the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Placon Corporation
    Inventor: Donald E. McCumber
  • Patent number: 7823736
    Abstract: A plastic closure for receipt on a container includes a plastic ring having an internal recess adapted to be received by snap fit over an external crown or bead on the container neck finish such that the ring is retained against axial movement on the container neck finish. A plastic lid is coupled by a hinge to the ring, with the ring, the lid and the hinge being of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction. The lid has a skirt that is adapted releasably to be snapped to the ring in a closed position of the lid over the ring. The lid skirt may have an external bead that is adapted to be received by snap-fit within an internal channel on the ring in the closed position of the lid over the ring, and a conical internal surface on the ring may be provided to guide the bead on the lid into the channel on the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Darin M. Pugne, Edward A. Grant, Leonora M. Brozell
  • Patent number: 7819271
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Weston S. Koennecke, John R. Geer, III
  • Publication number: 20100237088
    Abstract: Various packages for food products are provided herein. In one embodiment, a food package comprises a rectangular substantially planar rigid bottom wall; two slanted side/side walls extending angularly upwardly from the bottom wall, and a rectangular opening opposite the bottom wall, the opening larger in area than the rectangular rigid bottom wall. A top side wall and a bottom side wall extend upwardly from the bottom wall; and a flexible film extends over the opening and seals the opening. The side walls are configured to engage and hold the food product, each side wall being angularly ramped and extending downward and inward toward the bottom wall, and having at least one well which extends downwardly from the angularly upward extending side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Carolina Castellanos, Daniel Eugene Doucette
  • Patent number: 7789260
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid including a body and a mounting portion extending around the periphery of the body. The body defines a suitably shaped clearance area to accommodate a person's nose when drinking the contents of a cup having the lid positioned thereon. The body also defines an enhanced drinking area which is suitably configured to provide a person with a drinking experience more similar to the drinking experience of drinking from an uncovered cup or glass. In one embodiment, the body includes a raised portion which defines a lip engaging front wall and an enhanced drinking area. The enhanced drinking area includes a closure member having an upwardly extending gripping member and a drink-through opening initially covered by the closure member, wherein the drink-through opening is positioned substantially adjacent to the lip engaging front wall. The closure member is movable about a hinge from an initial closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Weston S. Koennecke, John R. Geer, III
  • Patent number: 7784491
    Abstract: A reservoir assembly of a power steering system includes a reservoir tank defining a tank chamber for holding a power steering fluid and an opening fluidly connected to the tank chamber for allowing power steering fluid to be added to the tank chamber. A breathable cap covers the opening and limits passage of power steering fluid thereby. The breathable cap allows airflow between the tank chamber and ambient. A cover is disposed over the breathable cap for preventing contaminants from entering the tank chamber through the breathable cap. The cover includes a disc section and a skirt depending axially from the disc section. The disc section and skirt cover the breathable cap. Legs protrude radially inwardly from the skirt. The legs include a first leg and a second leg which extends radially inwardly a greater amount than the first leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Luke C McKee
  • Publication number: 20100200605
    Abstract: A plastic container that is preferably formed using a blow molding and trimming process includes a container main body portion and a lid mounting portion. The lid mounting portion includes a sealing flange and a flexible transition portion connecting the sealing flange to the container main body portion. The flexible transition portion preferably has at least one notch defined therein so as to form a hinge permitting downward movement of the sealing flange when a lid is secured on to the container. In another embodiment, more than one notch is provided defining multiple hinges that provide a compound hinge effect in order to reduce stresses on the molded plastic material during use of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Walter R. Herring, Kevin T. Hartman, Kevin D. Himes, Lawrence Korpanty, Jana M. Zeigler, David B. Clements
  • Publication number: 20100193533
    Abstract: A thin-walled packaging device, in particular a packaging sheath suitable for repeated usage and equipped with a suitable snap-in part as closure wherewith the packaging device, which is open at least on one side, is resealable, wherein the packaging sheath has an upper, open plug-in collar into the plug-in area whereof a closing part with a form-shaping support part penetrating into the plug-in area can be snapped, said support part being manufactured, by comparison, of a harder material than the packaging sheath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Roesler
  • Publication number: 20100176141
    Abstract: Provided is a moisture retention seal for use with a package. The moisture retention seal includes an opened-ended canister having a plurality of canister sealing surfaces. Snap-fitted with spatial interference to the canister at its opened-end, is a moisture retention closure having a plurality of closure sealing surfaces. Each canister sealing surface cooperates with a corresponding one of the closure sealing surfaces to form a plurality of partial seals. At least one of the partial seals includes a micro-bead surface comprising one or more small, inwardly directed, narrowly spaced-apart, micro-bead elements. The package that includes a moisture retention seal of the present invention employs only molded parts and does not require gaskets or secondary seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: UNION STREET BRAND PACKAGING LLC
    Inventors: Christopher T. Evans, Christopher Gieda, Kristin S. Speck, Jose M. Arevalo
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100170204
    Abstract: A container lid including a pleat for expanding and contracting a perimeter of a sealing section, the sealing section including a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, wherein when the container lid is sealed onto a container, the first sealing portion contacts an interior surface of the container and the second sealing portion contacts a top surface of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: ANCHOR HOCKING, LLC
    Inventor: Dana W. Altheimer
  • Publication number: 20100170897
    Abstract: There is provided a food container for use in containing a food portion for freeze storage thereof comprising a body defining a compartment for receipt of said food portion; a sealing lid for reversible sealing of said compartment; and provided to said body, one or more connectors, each said connector arranged for reversible mating connection to a mating connector provided to the body of a second similar food container. There is also provided an assembly of plural such food containers, each reversibly connected to at least one second similar food container by a mating connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan Morris Gold, Daniel Jason Tyler
  • Publication number: 20100140282
    Abstract: A container (10) for solid or pasty products, as well as for those that are flowable or can be removed by dipping, in particular food products, includes a lower container part (11) for receiving the product, as well as an upper container part (12) embodied as a container lid, wherein the lower container part (11) has a continuous rim (15) extending around its container opening (12), wherein the upper container part (12) consists of a collar element (16), which extends around the container opening (14) and encloses it in a collar-like manner, and of a substantially flat lid element (17). The lid element (17) is fastened on the collar element (16) and is releasably fastened on the rim (15) of the lower container part (11). The collar element (16) has a circumferential wall (161 ), oriented with its free end toward the lid element (17), on which the lid element (17) is fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Helge STEG
  • Patent number: 7731050
    Abstract: A closure (40) and container (10) combination which includes a closing and opening assist mechanism (22, 28, 28?, 30, 30?) which provides for spreading the locking mechanism (46) of the closure and causing a lifting movement of the closure to effect the removal of the closure from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Efficient Container Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Parks, Harold E. Zell
  • Publication number: 20100133140
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided, the container including an outer shell comprising a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and two ends, at least one end being open; an inner tray, slidably received within the outer shell, comprising at least one storage compartment adapted for storage of a plurality of units of a product to be dispensed, and comprising at least one depressible detent, the detent comprising a raised surface that abuts the outer shell; wherein, in a closed configuration, the detent holds the inner tray within the outer shell, and wherein the at least one detent may be depressed by pressure to allow the inner tray to slide relative to the outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Ryan A. Bailey, John A. Gelardi
  • Publication number: 20100133285
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to an assembly, including a container that includes a profiled closure such as a screw thread or a bayonet fitting, whereby the closure part of the container is arranged on the inside thereof, and a lid, having a closure counterpart matching that of the container for providing a seal, whereby the closure part of the lid is arranged on the outside thereof. The disclosure further relates to a container and a lid assembly or combination. The container is provided with a sealing surface, and the lid is provided with a matching sealing surface, such that in the closed state of the assembly at least the closure part and the sealing surface of the lid are located inside the container and below the rim thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: LE MARAIS B.V.
    Inventors: Arjen Schepen, Gert-Jan Raatgever
  • Patent number: 7703237
    Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating a cucumber, eggplant or the like includes a fastening element for allowing an opened cover body to be fastened into a closed state or a closed cover body to be separated into an opened state by causing a catching protrusion opened along the longitudinal direction of the cover body, and a plurality of catching steps to allow the cover body to be coupled and fastened when catching steps are hooked on a catching protrusion, and a cover body distortion prevention projection formed protruding from the catching protrusion to fix opposite sides of each of the catching steps when each catching step is hooked on the catching protrusion. Cover body separation/opening supports are formed, respectively, on the top of each catching step and on the catching protrusion such that the fastened cover body can be unfastened and opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventor: Sung-rae Cho