Closure Reinforced Patents (Class 220/782)
  • Patent number: 11821488
    Abstract: During the transition from the opening to the closing movement of a glove compartment door, or vice versa, undesirable noises (“clicking”/“popping”) can be reduced by providing regions of a housing surrounding a rotation damper with a contact region made of a material having a lower modulus of elasticity than the material of the remainder of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Jürgen Hilpert
  • Patent number: 11349281
    Abstract: A lid for a utility enclosure having a front end, a rear end, a right side, a left side, a top lid portion, and a bottom, defining an interior. Large reinforcement ribs are on an interior surface of the top lid portion and form a lattice-type structure. Small reinforcement ribs are mounted in spaces formed by the lattice type structure. The lid is made of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene and metal bars or rebar are embedded in the large reinforcement ribs. The metal bars are positioned near a bottom of the large reinforcement ribs and spaced above the bottom. The physical structure of the lid and the lid's composition, consisting essentially of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene, are constructed so that the lid withstands up to 33,750 pounds of force without breaking or being deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Kyle Nolen, Raymond George Thompson, Selvum Pillay
  • Patent number: 10392169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lunch box, including a base and a lid, wherein the lid is disposed on the base and snap-fitted with it, and by which the base and the lid form a storage cavity there-between, and at least one movable sheet is provided on the lid by cutting, and a pit is defined by the lid and an outer edge of the movable sheet. A flange is provided on the lid surrounding the movable sheet. One end of the movable sheet is closely connected with the lid and a foldable hinge is formed at the junction. The movable sheet can bend up and down with the foldable hinge as its axis. Compared with the prior art, the movable sheet is provided on the top of the lid. When air emission is needed, external force can be exerted to the movable sheet, undermining the original connecting structure to produce a vent hole between the movable sheet and the lid. This vent hole can circulate the inside air and the outside air and prevent from the backflow phenomenon when heating food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Jingdong Wu
  • Patent number: 9866007
    Abstract: According to techniques of the present application, an apparatus for covering at least a portion of a cord includes a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion may include a bowl region having an upper rim. The lower portion may also include flexible tabs that substantially surround or completely surround the upper rim. Each of the flexible tabs may extend outwardly or downwardly from the upper rim. The upper portion may have a lower rim that extends below the outer edges of each of the flexible tabs when the upper portion is engaged to the lower portion. The upper portion may contact each of the flexible tabs when the upper portion is engaged to the lower portion. The apparatus may include a securing member extending downwardly from the lower portion to secure the apparatus to a resting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Midwest Innovative Products, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan Nooner
  • Patent number: 9496158
    Abstract: Provided is a processing apparatus for performing a processing of a substrate to be processed using a high-pressure fluid to prevent the generation of particles and ensure airtightness in the processing container. A sealing member is installed to surround a carrying port of the processing chamber, the carrying port is closed by the cover, and the cover is restricted from retreating by the pressure in the processing chamber by a lock plate, thereby processing the wafer in the processing chamber using the high-pressure fluid. Since the sealing member is pressurized by the internal atmosphere of the processing chamber to be pressed toward the cover during the drying process, a gap between the cover and the processing chamber may be airtightly closed. Since the sealing member does not slide with respect to the processing chamber or the cover, the generation of particles is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Mikio Nakashima, Hiroaki Inadomi, Satoshi Okamura
  • Patent number: 8813984
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a waterproof box capable of improving waterproof performance and workability, and space-saving. When high-pressure washing is performed, washing water injected toward the waterproof box hits a peripheral wall of a box main body, and then washing water is increased along the peripheral wall. Since the increased washing water hits a lower surface of a first waterproof portion of a main body side waterproof structure, some force of the water is reduced. Furthermore, a part of the increase washing water passes through a space arranged inside of a wall upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kouki Satoh, Noriaki Akamine
  • Publication number: 20140158686
    Abstract: An all-plastic container comprising the combination of injection molded pail and lid. The lid initially locks onto the container at upper and lower undercuts and seals thereto by virtue of an inverted U-shaped peripheral section. A tear groove is formed in the lid skirt between the upper and lower locks to facilitate removal of the lower lock. The upper lock is segmented so as to make removal of the lid easier once the lower lock is removed. Indicia on the lid shows where the gaps in the lock segments are located. The lower lock may also be segmented to provide drainage for overfill which comes out of the pail when the lid is first applied. The lid and pail are dimensioned to provide a wedge seal between an unflanged pail rim and the top lock and to maintain a strong connection and seal even after the lower lock is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: LETICA CORPORATION
    Inventor: John R. SELINA
  • Patent number: 8689997
    Abstract: A container with a removable lid for sealing a container, wherein the container is rotationally symmetrical to an axis and has a circular bottom, the outer periphery of which is connected to a surrounding outer wall, which comprises at the top a first rim element that co-operates with a second rim element along the outer periphery of the lid. The lid comprises a circumventing U-shaped track, extending a predetermined way into the container and connects to the second rim element of the lid to an upper circular surface of the lid, wherein the said U-shaped track has an outer wall. The container has a protecting device, comprising a circumventing skirt, arranged to be placed in the U-shaped track, wherein a radial stiffening of the upper rim of the container and the lid are achieved to protect against external influence directed towards the upper rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Emballator Ulricehamns Bleck AB
    Inventors: Torbjorn Johansson, Joakim Steen, Per Svennsson, Thomas Hjalmarsson
  • Publication number: 20140054308
    Abstract: A food container includes a base section having a plurality of side walls and bottom section defining a hollow interior space and a base sealing mechanism that is secured along the upper portion of the side walls for engaging a removable lid having a plurality of side walls and a lid sealing mechanism located along a bottom end thereof. The sealing mechanisms of the lid and base sections including an elongated seem having a vertical and horizontal portion, and a single, elongated gap having horizontal and vertical portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Sau Cheuk Lam, Johnny Kit Lee
  • Patent number: 8453835
    Abstract: A water-proof container for holding a mobile device includes a base adapted to support a mobile device, a cover, a hinge for interconnecting the base and cover to one another, and a locking mechanism for locking the cover to the base. A groove is formed in an interior wall of the cover in circumscribing relation to the cover. A thin, transparent sheet of plastic has a bead formed in its peripheral edge and the bead is press fit into the groove so that the thin sheet of plastic closely overlies the operative face of the mobile device when the cover is latched to the base. A hollow lock housing is pivotally mounted about a pivot pin. A one hundred eighty degree (180°) rotation of the lock housing positions the opening on an opposite side of the container 10, capturing the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Kar Ming So
  • Patent number: 8403160
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a container comprising a container body with bottom and side walls and a container opening, and a container closure (1), said body and closure comprising corresponding screw threads (3) to allow releasable attachment of the closure onto the body in order to open/close the container opening, characterized in that the container body comprises at least one cam-like means (4) located on the external surface of the container body walls, and the closure comprises at least one engagement means (5) corresponding to the cam-like means of the container body, said engagement means being located at the internal surface of the closure walls, so positioned that during the screwing operation of said closure onto said container body, said cam-like and engagement means cooperate in a audible manner at the time said closure is sufficiently engaged onto the body to ensure gas and/or liquid tightness of the closed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Stephane Hentzel
  • Publication number: 20130068766
    Abstract: A container with a removable lid for sealing a container, wherein the container is rotationally symmetrical to an axis and has a circular bottom, the outer periphery of which is connected to a surrounding outer wall, which comprises at the top a first rim element that cooperates with a second rim element along the outer periphery of the lid. The lid comprises a circumventing U-shaped track, extending a predetermined way into the container and connects to the second rim element of the lid to an upper circular surface of the lid, wherein the said U-shaped track has an outer wall. The container has a protecting device, comprising a circumventing skirt, arranged to be placed in the U-shaped track, wherein a radial stiffening of the upper rim of the container and the lid are achieved to protect against external influence directed towards the upper rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: EMBALLATOR ULRICEHAMNS BLECK AB
    Inventors: TORBJORN JOHANSSON, JOAKIM STEEN, PER SVENNSSON, THOMAS HJALMARSSON
  • Patent number: 8328036
    Abstract: There is provided a double rib overcap with a plug for a container with a removable membrane. The skirt of the overcap includes two inside surfaces axially separated a rib. The container opening is encircled by a rim and the membrane covers the opening such that the membrane extends radially onto an outer surface of the rim. The two inside surfaces of the skirt are dimensionally sized to create an interference-fit with the rim when the overcap is connected to the container when the membrane is either attached or removed. The overcap also includes a circumferential ring radially inward of the skirt that is axially positioned to engage the top surface of the membrane when the membrane is attached to the container and is diametrically dimensioned to engage an inner wall of the container when the membrane is removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Stevens
  • Patent number: 8317044
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a food container comprising a lid and a base. The lid and base form three seals, including a locking seal, to prevent the leakage or spoilage of food during transport or temporary storage. Blades on the lid sealing edge and blades on the base sealing edge strengthen said edges, and further reinforce the seals formed between the lid and base. The lid and base, separately or when assembled, are stably stackable requiring a minimal amount of storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Shen Xiong Wu, Jian Wen Liang
  • Patent number: 8240504
    Abstract: A canister includes a closure coupled to a container to close a mouth opening into an interior region formed in the container. The closure includes a lid having a plate and a rim extending around the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Fallen
  • Publication number: 20120168338
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a food container comprising a lid and a base. The lid and base form three seals, including a locking seal, to prevent the leakage or spoilage of food during transport or temporary storage. Blades on the lid sealing edge and blades on the base sealing edge strengthen said edges, and further reinforce the seals formed between the lid and base. The lid and base, separately or when assembled, are stably stackable requiring a minimal amount of storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Shen Xiong WU, Jian Wen Liang
  • Patent number: 8079493
    Abstract: A lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8066149
    Abstract: A container for holding goods comprises a basket having a base and a sidewall, a lid mateable with the basket, and a support structure. The support structure includes a pillar extending between the base and the lid and a tie connected between the pillar and the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Packing Plus, LLC
    Inventors: Randall Glenn Strange, Richard L. Bontrager
  • Publication number: 20110233209
    Abstract: The lid for a cup has a flange, an outer retainer, an inner retainer, a mounting groove and a protrusion. The cap covers on a cup and has a rim. The flange protrudes from the rim of the cap and has an outer edge and an inner edge. The outer retainer protrudes perpendicularly from the outer edge of the flange and has an inside surface. The inner retainer protrudes perpendicularly from the flange near the inner edge of the flange and is slanted toward the outer retainer. The mounting groove is formed in the flange and defined between the outer retainer and the inner retainer. The protrusion is formed on and protruding from the inside surface of the outer retainer and extends into the mounting groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Jung-Mao Tu
  • Publication number: 20090314780
    Abstract: An all plastic container comprising the combination of injection molded pail and lid. The lid initially locks onto the container at upper and lower undercuts and seals thereto by virtue of an inverted U-shaped peripheral section. A tear line is formed in the lid skirt to facilitate removal of the lower lock. The upper lock is segmented so as to make removal of the lid easier once the lower lock is removed. Indicia on the lid shows where the gaps in the lock segments are located. The lower lock may also be segmented to provide drainage for overfill which comes out of the pail when the lid is first applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: LETICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Robert SELINA, Arthur HABITZ
  • Publication number: 20090078715
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lid for use in an airtight container. The lid comprises a center section; a subsiding center section surrounding the center section and extending outwardly therefrom; a rim reinforcing section surrounding the subsiding section and extending outwardly therefrom; a lid rim surrounding the rim reinforcing section and extending outwardly therefrom, the lid rim being adapted to form a seal with a container rim defined on the airtight container; and at least two locking wings mounted on the lid rim adapted to engage with a wing connection part extending outwardly along an exterior of the container rim such that the lid defines a locked and unlocked configuration with respect to the container. The lid rim and the container rim form a spatial interval sized to allow for upward, downward and circular movement of the lid with respect to the container. The lid protrudes upwardly in a sectional configuration extending from the rim to the center section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Daewoo Tech, Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Daewoo Kim
  • Patent number: 7500578
    Abstract: The lid is used to cover a utility box which houses a meter such as a water meter. The lid is compression molded from a plastic material such as medium density polyethylene, and has a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. A plurality of generally parallel spaced apart recesses are formed in the lower surface. The recesses are spaced inward of the outer edges of the lid and have lengths equal to a substantial portion of the length of the lid along which the recesses extend. The area of the lower surface of the lid is greater than the total area of the recesses in the plane of the lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Robert McKinnon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7413100
    Abstract: A universal lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers, has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The boxed perimeter may have a predetermined height such as approximately one inch, and the lid is provided with hinge lugs having a vertical extent substantially more but not more than twice than said predetermined height. In addition, the lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions. With this type of lid, the advantages of both single layer and double layer lid constructions may be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Craig V. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080190950
    Abstract: A plastic closing lid for a storage container, the closing lid having a length dimension and a shorter width dimension. The lid defining a receiving channel extending lengthwise and a stiffening component captured within said receiving channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth Lewis Orr
  • Patent number: 7267246
    Abstract: A lid for closing a sterile receptacle is provided. The receptacle is formed by a container bottom and container walls and defines a holding space. The lid comprises an angular cover plate which has a plurality of lid corners and closes the holding space in a closure position, such that it can be quickly and securely mounted on the receptacle and transferred to the closure position. A mounting aid is provided for mounting the lid on the receptacle. The mounting aid includes a plurality of mounting aid elements that each overlap at least one container wall at least partly in the closure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Eiskant, Mariana Jakab, Friedrich-Wilhelm Oertmann, Torsten Renner, Stefan Schuster, Wolfgang Schwanke
  • Patent number: 7261219
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Edward Tucker, Jason R. Maxwell, Jack Melvan, George Lueken, Luke Gross, Mark Cruz
  • Patent number: 7207457
    Abstract: A closure for covering an opening of a container. The closure includes an inverted U-shaped peripheral channel for receiving the rim of a container therein. A tear strip is formed with the skirt of the closure via a tear line that circumscribes the skirt. A breakaway pull tab having an inner surface with U-shaped ribs, the combination of the surface and ribs being such as to provide a concavity which assists in gripping the tab to pull the strip away. Linear vertical ribs may be provided on the outer surface to provide further assistance in the gripping function. The skirt includes a recessed area underlying the pull tab for providing access to the pull tab. An alternative embodiment uses a zig-zag structure of strengthening ribs in the skirt to reduce the amount of material necessary to provide the undercut. This reduces the probability of warpage in the closure structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Letica Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan H. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7036678
    Abstract: In order to improve a lid for closing a receptacle, which is formed by a container bottom and container walls and defines a holding space, of a sterile container which comprises the lid and which is developed in particular for holding surgical instruments or material and preserving the latter in a sterile state, wherein the lid comprises an angular cover place which has a plurality of lid corners and closes the holding space in a closure position, such that it can be quickly and securely mounted on the receptacle and transferred to the closure position, it is proposed that the lid should have a mounting aid for mounting the lid on the receptacle, that the mounting aid should comprise a plurality of mounting aid elements and that the mounting aid elements should each overlap at least one container wall at least partly in the closure position. It is further proposed that a sterile container be improved by comprising such a lid for closing a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Aesculap AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Eiskant, Mariana Jakab, Friedrich-Wilhelm Oertmann, Torsten Renner, Stefan Schuster, Wolfgang Schwanke
  • Patent number: 6910599
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Edward Tucker, George Lueken, Luke Gross, Mark Cruz, Jack F. Melvan
  • Patent number: 6878225
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for bringing about a permanent connection between at least two components, one of which components is obtained by moulding of a thermoplastic elastomeric material, characterized in that the component is subjected to a treatment comprising the following steps: a. stretching of the component of thermoplastic elastomeric material b. relaxation of the component subjected to step (a) at ambient temperature c. placement of the component obtained sub (b) at the location of the desired connection in the object d. exposure to an increased temperature of at most about 20° C. below the melting point of the thermoplastic elastomer. Application of the process of the invention, in particular during step (d), produces a shrunk connection which provides a permanent seal under tension. The invention may be applied for many types of connections and seals, for example body plugs, shrink-on sleeving, sealing rings, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Antonio Avides Moreira, Markus J. H. Bulters
  • Patent number: 6845877
    Abstract: A plastic container with a snap lid and with a snap element is provided on the upper edge region of the container for the lid to snap onto, where the lid has a circumferential sealing web projecting downwards that contacts the inside of the container, where at least one projection that extends in an essentially radial and essentially vertical direction is provided on the lid radially inside the sealing web. To provide a plastic container with snap lid, which fulfils the special demands imposed on leak-proofness, while simultaneously providing high load-bearing capacity, the vertical extension of the area of the projection adjacent to the sealing web is small relative to the total vertical extension of the projection. The inward-facing projection can be located on an inside circumferential edge integrally molded on the sealing web. In addition to the sealing web, another circumferential seal is provided in the region of the top edge of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Jokey Plastik Gummersbach GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Diesterbeck
  • Patent number: 6840398
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic receptacle having a lid (1). The receptacle includes an upper edge and the lid (1) includes an area (2) encompassing the upper edge. The area (2) includes a side (3) which radially faces inwards. The lid also includes a middle area (4) surrounded by the first area (2) and an outer area (5) extending downwards. Furthermore, the lid (1) is provided with box-shaped projections (6) on its side (3) which radially faces inwards. The aim of the invention is to achieve better centering and better stability of the stacked-up receptacles having lids (1) by maintaining a low stack height of the lids (1). To this end, the side (3) of the lid (1) which faces radially inwards has a surrounding terracing (7) which has approximately the same width as the projections (6) and the projections (6) are arranged on the terracing (7) and extend to the upper edge of the encompassing area (2) of the lid (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Jokey Plastik Wipperfurth GmbH
    Inventor: Marcus Blumenschein
  • Publication number: 20040195255
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Edward Tucker, George Lueken, Luke Gross, Mark Cruz, Jack F. Melvan
  • Publication number: 20040188452
    Abstract: This invention relates to a plastic disposable lid having a continuous perimeter wall surrounding the lid. At least a portion of the perimeter wall is formed by at least ten segmented flutes. When the lid is rectangular or oval, there are preferably an equal number of segmented flutes on opposite sides of the lid i.e. 3 on each side and 2 on each end of a rectangular or oval lid. The segmented flutes having a combined width equal to at least 50% of the length of the perimeter wall with each of these segmented flutes having an indented surface forming at least a portion of the inside surface of the lid, and a raised surface forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the perimeter wall. These segmented flutes preferably have a width of 0.75 to 2.0 inches and a segmented depth of about ⅛ to ⅜ inches. Another feature is having a shoulder assembly that has fastener tabs and the shoulder assembly is sized to surround a food container i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Norton Sarnoff
  • Patent number: 6792977
    Abstract: An end cap for a corrugated conduit, attachable to the open end of conduit preferrably corrugated conduit. The end cap has a cylindrical skirt portion and an end piece, a plurality of inwardly-directed latching tabs spaced around the cylindrical skirt portion and which are springingly deflectable in a radially outward direction when the latching tabs are forceably urged over the corrugated conduit open end. The latching tabs spring inwardly when the diameter of the corrugated conduit decreases, thereby latching the end cap over the open end. The end cap may further have an arcuate configuration for the end piece where the cylindrical skirt portion has an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the corrugated conduit. The end piece may also have an axially-directed aperture with a center not centered on the axis of the corrugated conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: David W. Presby
  • Publication number: 20040094553
    Abstract: A leak-resistant plastic container and closure are disclosed, where the container has an open end, an inner periphery, an outer periphery, and a container flange extending around the inner periphery at the open end. The closure has a generally planar and circular inner lid, a spring extending around an outer circumference of the inner lid, an arcuate flange receptacle extending around an outer circumference of the closure at a circumference outside the spring, where the flange receptacle has an inner surface and an outer surface, a secondary sealing bead, positioned on the inner surface of the flange receptacle, and a primary sealing bead, positioned on an outer surface of the flange receptacle and opposite the secondary sealing bead, where the spring exerts a sealing pressure against the container flange when the closure is placed on the open end of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Matthew Crider, Walt Herring
  • Patent number: 6708839
    Abstract: A plastic container with a snap lid and with a snap element provided on the upper edge area of the container for the lid to snap onto, the lid having an area in tight contact with the container's upper edge area. The container edge on the side of the snap element facing the top edge of the container is provided with at least one integrally molded reinforcing rib projecting radially and extending over at least a segment of the circumference of the container, preferably running circumferentially around the container. The reinforcing rib may be provided on a downward-facing, circumferential collar region, which is joined in the region of the top edge of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Jokey Plastik Gummersbach GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Diesterbeck
  • Patent number: 6635332
    Abstract: A sanitary holder comprising a base panel, at least one aperture formed in the base panel, a sanitary band joined to the base panel and extending around the periphery of the aperture, and another sanitary band joined to the base panel and extending around the periphery thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Erich McArthur
  • Publication number: 20030183641
    Abstract: The present invention may be regarded as a stackable container lid for a first container. The stackable container lid includes a raised support surface defined by a support wall. The support wall is supported by a plurality of support ribs. The raised support surface is configured to support a bottom surface of a second container which is the same size and shape as the first container. The stackable container lid also includes a side surface which is complementary shape and slightly larger in size than the rim defining the opening of the first container such that the container lid fits over the opening of the first container. The second container can be stacked on the first container when the lid is on the first container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventor: Frank H. Asbury
  • Publication number: 20030062365
    Abstract: A food container preferably for heated food, has a lid member and a base member. The base member has complimentary embossed portions in the bottom of the base member to engage a complimentary indented portion in the top surface of the lid member. The retaining mechanism allows containers to be stacked so as to secure each container while allowing steam to escape from the lid of a container. Also, a fluid return system retains fluid in the container and promotes flow of fluid into the bottom of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: Anchor Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin R. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20030034351
    Abstract: A crush-resistant, preferably thermoformed, disposable lid is provided for plates, platters, bowls and the like. The lid includes a dome and a downwardly extending sidewall provided with a plurality of outwardly convex flutes formed in the sidewall with a characteristic cylindrical diameter. The sidewall extends from the dome to an engagement portion adapted to be secured to the plate, platter or bowl about an engagement perimeter of the lid. There are typically fewer than about 1.85 flutes per inch of engagement perimeter and the flutes are characterized by a ratio of the characteristic cylindrical diameter of the flutes to the engagement perimeter of the lid of at least about 0.0125.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald J. Van Handel, Rebecca E. Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6488170
    Abstract: A container and a lid for closing it are disclosed. The container has an open end, a closed end and a peripheral sidewall therebetween. The peripheral sidewall has a rolled rim at the edge thereof adjacent the open end of the container. The lid has a dome-shaped structure. A peripheral rim curl is provided for locking the lid to the rolled rim of the container to close the open end. The lid also has a central region and a plurality of arched struts extending radially between the central region and the peripheral rim curl. At least one tabular hinged drinking region is provided in the lid. The tabular hinged drinking region is structured and arranged to be depressed into the container, thereby providing at least one flow-through opening in the tabular hinged drinking region of the lid. Preferably, the depressed tabular hinged drinking region is self-locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Tim Johnson Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020175173
    Abstract: A plastic container with a snap lid and with a snap element provided on an upper edge area of the container for the lid to snap onto, where the lid being snapped onto the container has an area that comes into tight contact with the upper edge area of the container, the areas of the lid and of the container cooperating under tight contact generate a sealing region. The object of the invention is to design a plastic container with snap lid, which reliably fulfils special demands on leak-proofness. To this end, the sealing region between the container and the lid is provided with a circumferential seal made of a material of greater elasticity than the container and the lid and in that the seal is integrally moulded on at least one of the cooperation areas of the lid and of the container generating the sealing region. The seal can be located in a circumferential groove in the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Diesterbeck
  • Publication number: 20020175174
    Abstract: A plastic container with a snap lid and with a snap element provided on the upper egde area of the container for the lid to snap onto, where the lid has an area that is in tight contact with the upper egde area of the container. The object of the invention is to design a plastic container with snap lid, which reliably fulfils the special demands imposed on leak-proofness, particularly when exposed to external forces. To this end, it is proposed that the container edge on the side of the snap element facing the top edge of the container be provided with at least one integrally molded reinforcing rib projecting radially and extending over at least a segment of the circumference of the container, which preferably runs circumferentially around the container. The reinforcing rib is provided on a downward-facing, circumferential collar region, which is joined in the region of the top edge of the container. In this context, the lid rests on the reinforcing rib on the inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Diesterbeck
  • Publication number: 20020175172
    Abstract: A plastic container with a snap lid and with a snap element is provided on the upper edge region of the container for the lid to snap onto, where the lid has a circumferential sealing web projecting downwards that contacts the inside of the container, where at least one projection that extends in an essentially radial and essentially vertical direction is provided on the lid radially inside the sealing web. To provide a plastic container with snap lid, which fulfils the special demands imposed on leak-proofness, while simultaneously providing high load-bearing capacity, the vertical extension of the area of the projection adjacent to the sealing web is small relative to the total vertical extension of the projection The inward-facing projection can be located on an inside circumferential edge integrally molded on the sealing web. In addition to the sealing web, another circumferential seal is provided in the region of the top edge of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Diesterbeck
  • Patent number: 6478183
    Abstract: A lightweight overcap for a cylindrical container that requires substantially less material. The material savings is realized by the use of thinner walls and intermittent closure, nesting and stacking structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Bacon, Adrienne N. Lynn, Lawrence E. Renck
  • Patent number: 6467647
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Edward Tucker, Jason R. Maxwell, Jack Melvan, George Lueken, Luke Gross, Mark Cruz
  • Publication number: 20020148847
    Abstract: Apparatus includes a lid and a container/lid combination and associated methods, in which the lid may be used selectively for either dry or liquid-sealed applications. For liquid-sealed applications, a gasket or similar sealing element is provided in a gasket channel. A shoulder or detent prevents the container from entering the gasket channel, but permits the desired liquid-sealing when the gasket or similar sealing element is present in the channel. The sealing element may be foamed-in-place within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 6352170
    Abstract: Lid and container assembly in which lid features and securement strips cooperatively provide the assembly with tamper resistant and tamper indicator features. Specifically, the lid is structured so that one or more simple securement strips, such as adhesive tapes, or even a non-peripherally wrapped shrink band (e.g., one that is wrapped around the assembly from top to bottom), can be used to secure the lid to the container at one or more locations. The securement strip(s) inhibit egress into the container at the taped or secured regions. In the meantime, an egress barrier incorporated into the lid also inhibits egress into the container through untaped or unsecured regions of the assembly. Thus, the assembly is tamper resistant around the entire juncture between the lid and container even though only part of the juncture is covered by the securement strip(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Paul Winkler Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: Dean R. Brown, James R. Longstreth, Paul M. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6338421
    Abstract: A container lid that is adapted to be placed on a container includes an upstanding side wall and a top wall. The top wall is provided with an opening or through hole for allowing the contents within the container to be mixed while the lid remains on the container. The top wall of the container lid is configured to strengthen and increase the rigidity of the portion of the top wall surrounding the opening. The container lid can also be provided with characteristics allowing the portion of the lid surrounding the opening to flex when a force is applied to the periphery of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Rush, Philip D. Scalvini, Jr., Thomas R. Toczek