Closure Includes Integral Lifting Tab Patents (Class 220/791)
  • Patent number: 12208933
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of forming a paperboard packaging container from a rectangular body blank, the method comprising the steps of providing a rectangular body blank having a first end edge and a second side edge, forming a tubular container body from the rectangular body blank, sealing together the first and the second side edge of the body blank, closing the first end opening by pressing a paperboard disc into the first end opening, pressing the first end of the tubular container body into a curl forming portion of a curling tool, filling the packaging container with bulk solids, and closing the second end opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: GPI Systems AB
    Inventor: Simon Holka
  • Patent number: 11479389
    Abstract: The tamper evident container includes a base with a base hinge panel and a lid with a lid hinge panel. A hinge connects the panels. A frangible line extends from an edge of the lid hinge panel to a first point on the panel and then outwardly to the hinge. The frangible line crosses the hinge and extends inwardly to a second point on the base hinge panel. From the second point the frangible line extends to an edge of the base hinge panel. When the container is initially sealed, the frangible line separates upon the application of an upwardly directed force to a first portion of the lid hinge panel while a second portion of the lid hinge panel is held in a fixed position or moved downwardly. The separation of the frangible line creates two grasping portions that can be used to pull the lid from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Anchor Packaging, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Krueger
  • Patent number: 11479392
    Abstract: The tamper evident container includes a base with a base hinge panel and a lid with a lid hinge panel. A hinge connects the panels. A frangible line extends from an edge of the lid hinge panel to a first point on the panel and then outwardly to the hinge. The frangible line crosses the hinge and extends inwardly to a second point on the base hinge panel. From the second point the frangible line extends to an edge of the base hinge panel. When the container is initially sealed, the frangible line separates upon the application of an upwardly directed force to a first portion of the lid hinge panel while a second portion of the lid hinge panel is held in a fixed position or moved downwardly. The separation of the frangible line creates two grasping portions that can be used to pull the lid from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Anchor Packaging, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Krueger
  • Patent number: 10723521
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a container assembly formed from a first shell component and a second shell component releasably locked together. The first shell component includes a first side wall, a first outer wall, a first male locking portion, and a first female locking portion. Similarly, the second shell component includes a second side wall, a second outer wall, a second male locking portion, and a second female locking portion. To form the container assembly, a user rotates the two shell components to be oriented 180-degrees with respect to one another and presses the two shell components together. Upon pressing, the first male locking portion is configured to releasably lock with the second female locking portion while the first female locking portion is configured to releasably lock with the second male locking portion to releasably hold the two shell components together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Direct Pack, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonardo Magana
  • Patent number: 10669078
    Abstract: A tamper-evident container and method is disclosed. The tamper-evident container includes a base portion and a lid (or cover). In an untampered with state, one edge of the lid is removably connected to one edge of the base portion. Namely, the lid includes a tamper-evident tab, wherein the tamper-evident tab includes a grasping overhanging portion that is flanked by at least one breakable joint and wherein the lid is removably connected to the base portion via the breakable joint of the tamper-evident tab. Further, the tamper-evident container comprises an interlocking interface between the base portion and the lid. A method of using the tamper-evident container is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SABERT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Danny Kalmanides
  • Patent number: 10421586
    Abstract: An accessory includes a container band having an inner surface configured to conform to and engage an outer surface of a container, and an arm member connected to and extending from the container band. The arm member selectively engages a lid of the container. The arm member includes an arm body, a spout plug extending from the arm body, where the spout plug is configured to selectively seal a spout opening in the lid of the container, and a vent cover extending from the arm body, where the vent cover is configured to selectively seal a vent opening of the lid of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Reactive Designs LLC
    Inventors: George Koehl, Jeffery Gallagher
  • Patent number: 10220985
    Abstract: A tamper-evident container includes a base and a lid. A base extension and a lid extension are connected to a hinge to join the base and the lid together in a closed, pre-use configuration. A tab extends from either the lid extension or the base extension in a direction away from the lid and the base such that the tab extends beyond the hinge. The tab is joined to one of the extensions via weakened regions that can be torn when the tab is pulled to indicate that the container has been tampered with or opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Genpak, LLC
    Inventor: Brian S. Allers
  • Patent number: 9981782
    Abstract: A tamper-evident container and method is disclosed. The tamper-evident container includes a base portion and a lid (or cover). In an untampered with state, one edge of the lid is removably connected to one edge of the base portion. Namely, the lid includes a tamper-evident tab, wherein the tamper-evident tab includes a grasping overhanging portion that is flanked by at least one breakable joint and wherein the lid is removably connected to the base portion via the breakable joint of the tamper-evident tab. Further, the tamper-evident container comprises an interlocking interface between the base portion and the lid. A method of using the tamper-evident container is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SABERT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Danny Kalmanides
  • Patent number: 9016503
    Abstract: A novel and unique container of a general clamshell configuration is provided. The hinge of the container of the present invention is particularly unique in that it not only provides a hinged connection between the lid and the base of the container for ease of use by the contents manufacturer during filling but is also breakable in different ways to provide a tamper-evident function without creating small parts that must be disposed of separately from the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Easypak LLC
    Inventors: Marco Barbier, Lawrence Murdoch
  • Patent number: 8939307
    Abstract: A container having tamper evident and resistant features includes a tray, a cover and a hinge extending from the cover and tray to a radially outermost portion and having a first portion extending from a first side of the cover and a second portion extending from a first side of the tray, wherein the first and second portions are connected by at least one weakened line to define a hinge axis about which the tray and cover relatively rotate between a closed position and an opened position. The container is provided with a first tab which a user may grasp with one hand and a second tab which the user may grasp with another hand and the user may relatively pull the first tab and the second tab away from each other to tear the hinge along the at least one weakened line and separate the cover from the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Dart Container Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan P. Gingras, Dean Garza
  • Patent number: 8851325
    Abstract: A lid of a disposable beverage cup, which has at least one drinking hole provided for a consumer to drink the beverage stored in the beverage cup, and at least one vent hole provided for maintaining the pressure equivalence between an inner side and an outer side of the beverage cup, includes at least one drinking hole plug arranged for detachably coupling with the drinking hole to seal and close the drinking hole so as to prevent the beverage from leaking out of the beverage cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Charles N. Chiang, Benjamin H. Chiang
  • Patent number: 8640914
    Abstract: A tamper-evident tab construction for a thermoformed package. In one embodiment, the package includes top and bottom parts with overlapping tabs. The top and bottom parts may include locking tabs that interlock with one another and provide a structure for holding the package while it is being opened. The top part may also include a pull tab located proximate the locking tabs. The pull tab is configured to provide a structure for pulling the top part away from the bottom part to open the package. The pull tab may be joined to the top part by a small land of material that is configured to deform when the package is opened. As a result, the pull tab may remain at an angle after opening to provide a visual indication that the package may have been opened or tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Display Pack, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Meyer, Gordon L. Beach, Andrew J. Blackmore, David A. Korhorn
  • Patent number: 8639155
    Abstract: A stopper for plugging a developer filling port includes a stopper main body and a lock member engageable with the stopper main body. The stopper main body is configured to be fitted to the filling port and shaped like a tube with a bottom. The lock member has a rigidity greater than that of the stopper main body, the lock member engaged with the stopper main body serves to restrict deformation of the stopper main body. A developing device for use in an image forming apparatus includes the stopper configured as described above to be fitted to its developer filling port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shuichi Kato
  • Patent number: 8608008
    Abstract: A container having tamper evident and resistant features includes a tray, a cover and a hinge defining a hinge axis and connecting the tray and cover for relative rotation about the hinge axis between a closed position and an opened position. The container also includes a first tab provided on one of the cover and tray and located radially interiorly of the hinge axis and a second tab provided on the other of the cover and tray and located radially interiorly of the hinge axis, wherein the first and second tabs are spaced relative to each other such that a user may grasp the first tab with one hand and the second tab with another hand and relatively pull the first tab and the second tab away from each other to tear the hinge and separate the cover from the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Dart Container Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan P. Gingras, Dean A. Garza
  • Patent number: 8342359
    Abstract: A container for holding a dipping condiment or sauce and allowing a user to wipe a food item to remove excess condiment or sauce. The container has a base and a side wall having one portion higher than an opposing portion, the wall including at least one ridge, groove or other fluid retention device. The wall also includes a pair of opposing inwardly curved gripping surfaces for facilitating gripping by a user's fingers, the gripping surfaces including ribs or grooves. The container may also include a lid which snap fits onto the lip of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Cannon Financial, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Dickson Cannon, III, Devin Lee Moore, Jesse Marie Newton, Alex Worthy Newton, Brian Andrew Wong-Shui
  • Patent number: 8336725
    Abstract: A one-piece re-sealable sealing device (210) for use with a container (212), operable between a closed position and an open position in which, when the sealing device (210) is in the closed position it forms a folded shape comprising an upper part (240), a middle part (230) and a base part (220), hinged together. The sealing device (210) further comprises a lever (245,226,224) both for levering the sealing device (210) from the closed position to the open position, and for pivoting the sealing device (210) from the open position to the closed position to re-seal the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Alexandre Paris
  • Patent number: 8272526
    Abstract: A container has a lid (20) that can be opened only by lifting and pulling a pull tab (30), with lifting of the pull-tab resulting in an evident change. The pull tab (30) is held down by attachment (interference fit, weld, glue) to a lid surface (38) by a hold-down (40) that is joined to the pull tab by a pair of bridges (52, 54). When the pull tab is lifted, the bridges are broken. Thereafter, the pull-tab springs up slightly from the lid plane, under the force of one or more spring walls (80, 81) and a hinge (34), which makes it evident that the container has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventors: Jane N. Vovan, Leon D. Rosen
  • Patent number: 8251249
    Abstract: A clam-shell container system can include first and second container pieces that are hingedly connected. The first container piece can include a perimeter and a hangable tab, the hangable tab having an opening configured to receive a rod. The hinge connection can be perforated, such that it breaks upon actuation of the hangable tab to open the container system. The second container piece can include a cutout in proximity to the hinge connection and the hangable tab. Accordingly, the cutout can provide clearance for the rotation of the hangable tab beyond the hinge connection. Further, the second container piece can have a perimeter having a shape substantially similar to the perimeter of the first container piece. The perimeters can form a substantial seal in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Patent number: 8127961
    Abstract: A container comprising a base (12) and lid (14) each formed of sheet plastic, wherein after food is loaded into a base cavity (20) and the lid is closed, the lid resists opening. To open the lid, a move-away tab (64) lying along the base rim portion (30) is moved by tearing along at least one line (70) so a lid rim part (50) is exposed and can be grasped to lift the lid. The base has an outer raised rib (32) that blocks access to the lid rim part until the tab, which lies between two gaps (62, 63) in the outer rib, is moved out of the way. The base also has an inner raised rib (34) that projects into a groove (46) in the lid to form a seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Patent number: 8083095
    Abstract: An easily closable and open able container system includes a number of features which facilitate easy opening and closing while maintaining a high seal, which will give a feedback to the user to let the user know that a seal is formed. A circumferentially inwardly disposed angled groove is formed on the inside the opening of a container. A complementary angled projection is formed on the circumferentially outwardly disposed surface of the lid for fitting into the circumferentially inwardly disposed angled groove formed on the inside the opening of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shye Worldwide, LLC, (CA Ltd Liability Co.)
    Inventor: Wang Hui
  • Patent number: 8074830
    Abstract: A reclosable container for a food product comprises a rigid or semi-rigid tray and lid. The tray and lid each have a peripheral edge portion having substantially vertical inner and outer walls joined by a horizontal flange, wherein the container is closed with the tray peripheral edge portion received inside a cavity defined by the lid peripheral edge portion. An outer detent mechanism is provided at one or more corners of the container, such as diagonally opposed corners which may also include lift tabs. The corners at which outer detent mechanisms are located may have straight corner transition portions about which the lid may pivot during opening of the container. The sides of the tray and lid peripheral edge portions may be substantially flat and free of projections, so that only the corners with the outer detent mechanisms offer significant resistance against opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
    Inventor: Sarah Nicole Pomfrey
  • Patent number: 8056750
    Abstract: A container with a base (12) and lid (14), clearly indicates if the lid has been opened after a clerk loaded food into the base and closed the lid. The base and lid each has a respective lid tab and a base tab, with one tab forming a slot (26) and the tab other projecting through the slot, and with the base tab forming a barrier wall (80) that lies over the lid tab. One of the tabs has a weakened severable line (90, 92) that can be torn to allow the lid tab to be lifted to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Patent number: 7992743
    Abstract: A food container formed from plastic, can be loaded with food and then closed by a clerk, and thereafter cannot be opened without tearing apart first sides (24, 26) of the base (12) and lid (16). The container is formed by a single sheet of plastic that forms a base and lid with second sides (20, 22) that are latched together and with adjacent first sides that are joined by a joint line (30) in the plastic that is creased and that has slits (40). At the joint line, the lid has a projecting lid tab (32) and the base has a projecting base tab (36). A person grasps both tabs, and lifts only the lid tab to tear apart the first sides of the base and lid along the joint line (30). Thereafter, the lid can be easily closed and reopened on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Patent number: 7874453
    Abstract: A sealed, locked, and reopenable cup and lid assembly comprises a cup, a resilient circular lid, circumferentially spaced and rotationally alignable interrupted portions and at least one tab. The resilient circular lid is sized to be inserted in a mouth of the cup and to fit in a locking groove of the cup. The resilient circular lid is permitted to be removed upon alignment of interrupted portions in the locking groove and a peripheral lip of the circular lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Spartech Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Church
  • Publication number: 20110000927
    Abstract: The container includes a base and a detachable cover. To releasably attach the base and cover, the base includes a first closure portion and the cover includes an engagable second closure portion. In one aspect, the first and second closure portions are configured for engagement in both a fully engaged position and an intermediately engaged position. In the intermediately engaged position, the container can be further configured to vent steam during, for example, microwaving. In another aspect, the container including the first and second closure portions can be configured for simplified engagement of the base and cover, preferably by enabling engagement via a downward push applied to the center of the cover. In yet another aspect, the first and second closure portions can be configured with diverging flanges that simplify detachment of the base and cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Edward B. Tucker, Anand Ramanujam, Lawrence John Racana, Ares Marasligiller, Jason Phillips, Yashodhan Dhuru, Gordon D. Thomas, Scott Zieker
  • Patent number: 7712626
    Abstract: A food container formed from plastic, can be loaded with food and then closed by a clerk, and thereafter cannot be opened without tearing apart first sides (24, 26) of the base (12) and lid (16). The container is formed by a single sheet of plastic that forms a base and lid with second sides (20, 22) that are latched together and with adjacent first sides that are joined by a joint line (30) in the plastic that is creased and that has slits (40). At the joint line, the lid has a projecting lid tab (32) and the base has a projecting base tab (36). A person grasps both tabs, and lifts only the lid tab to tear apart the first sides of the base and lid along the joint line (30). Thereafter, the lid can be easily closed and reopened on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Publication number: 20090321463
    Abstract: A food container formed from plastic, can be loaded with food and then closed by a clerk, and thereafter cannot be opened without tearing apart first sides (24, 26) of the base (12) and lid (16). The container is formed by a single sheet of plastic that forms a base and lid with second sides (20, 22) that are latched together and with adjacent first sides that are joined by a joint line (30) in the plastic that is creased and that has slits (40). At the joint line, the lid has a projecting lid tab (32) and the base has a projecting base tab (36). A person grasps both tabs, and lifts only the lid tab to tear apart the first sides of the base and lid along the joint line (30). Thereafter, the lid can be easily closed and reopened on the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Patent number: 7607551
    Abstract: A plastic paint can having a closure with a circular aperture which releasably receives an all plastic tint plug having a circular pull ring. The tint plug is made locally more deformable to provide a progressive release by means of a well of thin material formed within the recessed center deck of the tint plug adjacent the rim structure and a pair of symmetrically arranged slots opening externally of the rim structure surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Letica Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Coughlin, John Robert Selina
  • Patent number: 7568589
    Abstract: A food container formed from plastic, can be loaded with food and then closed by a clerk, and thereafter cannot be opened without tearing apart first sides (24, 26) of the base (12) and lid (16). The container is formed by a single sheet of plastic that forms a base and lid with second sides (20, 22) that are latched together and with adjacent first sides that are joined by a joint line (30) in the plastic that is creased and that has slits (40). At the joint line, the lid has a projecting lid tab (32) and the base has a projecting base tab (36). A person grasps both tabs, and lifts only the lid tab to tear apart the first sides of the base and lid along the joint line (30). Thereafter, the lid can be easily closed and reopened on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: PWP Industries
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Publication number: 20080302798
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a container and an unopened lid. The unopened lid includes a central planar region and a lid rim. The lid rim has a lid rim inner wall, a lid rim outer wall, a lid flange and a first tab. The first tab extends in a plane parallel to the central planar region. The first tab also extends outside the lid rim outer wall. A partially cut region is located on the lid rim outer wall, extends around most of the lid rim outer wall, and extends adjacent the first tab. The lid flange extends in a plane parallel to the central planar region. The lid flange also extends outside the lid rim outer wall. The container includes a container flange. The lid flange is welded to the container flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Steve Foldesi, SR.
  • Publication number: 20080128443
    Abstract: A plastic paint can having a closure with a circular aperture which releasably receives an all plastic tint plug having a circular pull ring. The tint plug is made locally more deformable to provide a progressive release by means of a well of thin material formed within the recessed center deck of the tint plug adjacent the rim structure and a pair of symmetrically arranged slots opening externally of the rim structure surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy J. Coughlin, John Robert Selina
  • Publication number: 20080110887
    Abstract: A plastic resealable closure includes a base plate affixed to a can, a middle plate having a plug, and a top plate having a support ring. The support ring expands or supports the plug to enhance sealing. The top plate includes prongs that are insertable into recesses on the base plate to enhance closing. The closure is applied without heating of the tool or the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Alexandre Paris
  • Patent number: 7364048
    Abstract: A cheese server including a flat serving tray with an upwardly domed closure mountable thereover and including an enlarged vent opening generally parallel to and aligned over the tray with the vent opening closed by a removable vent panel having multiple openings therethrough with the openings overlaid by a venting foil of a material which is both waterproof and has a predetermined degree of vapor permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Victor J. J. Cautereels, Johan M. J. K. Mortier, Jean-Marie De Craim
  • Patent number: 7357273
    Abstract: A container unit includes a container body having a ledge unit on the bottom thereof. A lid is slidably stored on the ledge unit and is thus stored with the container body and is readily available for use when needed. The container body also has air vent slits defined therein near the top rim thereof and the lid covers these vents when in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: Trent L. Lutz, Mary E. Young-Lutz
  • Publication number: 20070278239
    Abstract: A stopper for a beverage container lid having a drinking aperture (sipping hole). The stopper has a plug portion that can be inserted into the drinking aperture to stop any fluid from flowing out. It also has a flange portion that prevents the plug portion from passing through the aperture, and also facilitates handling and placement of the stopper and it has a retainer comprising one or more protuberances extending from the plug portion. In use, the stopper is inserted into the aperture to prevent spillage and heat loss from the container. The retainer passes beyond the lid so as to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the stopper. The stopper is removed to allow consumption of the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Michele Vogt
  • Publication number: 20070205206
    Abstract: A sealed, locked, and reopenable cup and lid assembly comprises a cup, a resilient circular lid, circumferentially spaced and rotationally alignable interrupted portions and at least one tab. The resilient circular lid is sized to be inserted in a mouth of the cup and to fit in a locking groove of the cup. The resilient circular lid is permitted to be removed upon alignment of interrupted portions in the locking groove and a peripheral lip of the circular lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventor: John R. Church
  • Patent number: 7124910
    Abstract: A leak-resistant hinged polymeric foam container comprises a base and a lid. The base comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall that encompasses and extends generally upwardly from the bottom wall. The sidewall comprises a first sealing area and a first generally upwardly projecting wall. The lid includes a second sealing area that is adapted to engage the first sealing area upon securing the lid and the base. The container forms a locking structure for securing the lid and the base. The base and the lid comprise polymeric foams. The container may include a hinge that hingedly connects the base to the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventor: Kate E. Nordland
  • Patent number: 7124909
    Abstract: A container including a receptacle with a closed bottom, an interior space, and an open top encircled by a top receptacle edge, a lid for closing the top of the receptacle where the lid is pivotably attached at a portion of the top receptacle edge and includes a portion extending beyond the edge, and a pillow portion attached to the lid and dimensioned to rest within the interior space of the receptacle when the lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: V V G I Corporation
    Inventor: Keith Armato
  • Publication number: 20040134911
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container having a tub body (2; 36) with a bottom (3), a side wall (4), and a lid (5; 37) with top wall (6) and side wall (7). The side walls of both the container and the lid have complementary flanged rims that can fit together by snap engagement with one another. The rim (8) of the body of the container has, in sequence, a first flat flange section (11) extending outwards on the one hand, integral with the side wall (4) of the body of the container and, on the other hand, an inwardly bent section (12) at least partly extending over said flat section (11), an intermediate outwardly convex section (13), a second flat flanged section (14) substantially parallel to the first flat section (11), and a protruding terminal volute-shaped section (15) delimiting an uninterrupted undercut recess (16) with the second flat section (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: ISAP OMV GROUP SPA
    Inventor: Pietro Padovani
  • Publication number: 20030089715
    Abstract: A lid for a can comprising a tubular body (10) with an upper end affixing an annular upper wall (20), which internally defines a seat (21) for the hermetic seating of the lid (30), said lid comprising, in a single piece: a sealing portion (31), which is removably seated and retained in the seat (21) and provided with an upper edge (33); and a pair of handles (35) disposed around at least part of the upper edge (33) and having ends unremovably incorporated thereto at points angularly spaced from each other, said handles (35) being medianly displaceable from an inoperative position, substantially coplanar to said upper edge (33), to a raised operative position, after the breakable means (36) have been broken. The present lid may further comprise a seal strip (40) peripherally incorporated to the pair of handles (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Teixeira Alvares, Antonio Roberto Sene
  • Patent number: 6168044
    Abstract: A resilient microwavable container including a bowl and a selectively detachable snap on lid is disclosed. The lid includes a plurality of protrusions which snap over a pair of annular flanges extending outwardly from the bowl whereby a distinct clicking sound can be heard to verify the lid is properly attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffey J. Zettle, Daniel C. Wilson, Donald E. Hodge, Eric B. Schaper
  • Patent number: 6152318
    Abstract: A storage container with self-retaining lid includes a lid and a storage container. The structure for attaching the lid can be molded on to the bottom of the storage container, molded to the top of the lid, or molded to the lid and the bottom of the storage container. There are several preferred embodiments of the self-retaining lid. In a first preferred embodiment, the lid has a rim with a recessed cavity for firmly receiving a lip of the storage container. In a second preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a lip which is sized to be firmly inserted into a sealing cavity of the lid. In a third preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a plurality of balls which are disposed to mate with a plurality of sockets on the lid. In a fourth preferred embodiment, a plurality of hooks are molded into at least two sides of the container and sized to receive the peripheral edge of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Jack A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6138854
    Abstract: The object is to provide a lid (11) that does not cause environmental pollution. The lid (11) comprises a lid body (12) formed of a plastic sheet and a pull-cap (14) formed of a plastic sheet. The lid body (12) covers a top end opening of a cylindrical container body (15) and has an opening-for-drinking (16). The pull-cap (14) has a sealing portion (20) for covering the opening-for-drinking (16) of the lid body (12) and for sealing the periphery of the opening-for-drinking (16), and a pull-tab portion (21) formed integrally with the sealing portion (20). The sealing portion (20) has an easy-to-peel layer. A holding groove portion is formed in the lid body (12) at a location different from the location of the opening-for-drinking (16), and a pull-cap holding section for holding the pull-cap (14) peeled off is formed at the holding groove portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Masamichi Kaneko, Hidetoshi Konno, Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 6116501
    Abstract: A container having a container body, an open end and an opposed bottom. Around the open end of the container is a substantially continuous outwardly extending flange. The container has a lid for closing the container. The container flange and lid include complementary recesses and protrusions which ensure alignment of the lid with the flange when the lid is in the closed position. The container may have a tubular structure formed by two opposed side walls and two opposed end walls between the side walls. Opposed walls may have gussets, so that the walls are inwardly foldable towards each other and the container is collapsible and/or self-supporting. The container may also be collapsible via folding of the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Matthew Todd Hupp
  • Patent number: 5992679
    Abstract: A resilient microwavable container including a bowl and a selectively detachable snap on lid. The lid includes a sealing lip including an outwardly extending rigid tab member and a body including a substantially annular reinforcing bead which is interrupted adjacent to the tab member. The combination of the rigid tab member in association with the interrupted annular bead allows for readily removing the lid from the bowl when desired with a low separation force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Porchia, Jeffey J. Zettle
  • Patent number: 5979690
    Abstract: The rectangular reclosable container assembly includes a rectangular open ended container and a closure member for closing the container. The closure member is depressed to engage the inner surface of the container walls, and the container walls and the depressed wall engaging portions of the closure member are provided with cooperating projecting beads and slots which terminate in spaced relationship to the corners of the container and closure member to vent air at the corners of the assembly. The closure member has a tear away skirt which extends from a bridging section which spaces the skirt from the depressed wall engaging portions of the closure member. An upwardly projecting stacking ridge is formed on the closure member to engage the skirt of like closure members and to receive and retain the sidewalls of the container at the bottom thereof to facilitate stacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Berry Plastic Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Hartley
  • Patent number: 5897019
    Abstract: A tapered cup having an outwardly rolled lip includes a cup wall having an upper portion that is outwardly flared more than an adjacent lower wall portion. The cup can include a groove below the outwardly rolled lip in the inner face of the cup wall. The cup can be provided with stacking ribs within the cup to aid in stacking of two or more cups. The cup can include a tapered lid with an outwardly flared lip that seats against the inner wall of the cup and that does not extend over the lip of the cup. The lid can include a locking ring below the outwardly flared lip of the lid that is adapted for insertion into the groove in the cup. The lid further includes a fluid port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated
    Inventor: Scott Stropkay
  • Patent number: 5875918
    Abstract: A container and sealing closure therefor, includes a container body part having an access opening and includes a continuous peripheral wall surrounding the access opening, and a closure part. The wall of the body part has a peripherally extending continuous sealing edge portion at its upper outer surface, the edge portion being coextensive with the wall. The closure part has a resilient skirt portion. The sealing edge portion of the wall of the container part has a sharp apex forming an included angle of substantially 90 degrees. The skirt portion of the closure part is adapted to mate in spaced relation, with the peripheral wall of the container part and has an inner surface which extends obliquely with respect to the peripheral wall of the body part and which is adapted to engage the apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Charles Chang
    Inventors: Robert J. Sheffler, Charles Chang
  • Patent number: 5799813
    Abstract: A removable plug for use in combination with a planar closure having an aperture formed therein. The plug body is of shallow cylindrical configuration and has a top flange which is partially subdivided into inner and outer ring portions by a combination of weak frangible links and strong non-frangible links. A tab integral with the outer ring portion overlies a ledge ring on the closure body to facilitate initialization of the removal process. Location of the pull ring around the maximum diameter of the top flange maximizes leverage and provides a large ring capable of accommodating several fingers of one's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Letica Corporation
    Inventor: Anton I. Letica
  • Patent number: 5758793
    Abstract: The invention provides a glue-on closure for a composite can or the like that affords an original hermetic seal. A tamper-evident tear band allows the closure to be conveniently opened. Separate end wall and sidewall parts of the closure are configured to provide reclosability with a surface-to-surface contact plug fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Weatherchem Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Forsyth, Matthew A. Dudas, Larry J. Ferguson