Closure Fixedly Retained In Open Position Patents (Class 220/832)
  • Patent number: 11396408
    Abstract: A lid can include a lid body having an opening and locking projection and a flip cover may include a flip cover flange where the flip cover can be configured to cover the opening. A release mechanism can include a latching mechanism for receiving the flange of the flip cover to secure the flip cover in the closed position. A locking slider may include an arm having a distal end that can be configured to interfere with the locking projection of the lid body to prevent the release mechanism from rotating and releasing the flip cover. The locking slider can be displaced such that the distal end of the arm moves away from the locking projection of the lid body and the release mechanism is permitted to move the latching mechanism away from the flip cover flange and the flip cover can be moved into an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: YETI Coolers, LLC
    Inventors: Cody Jinkins, Liza Morris, John Loudenslager
  • Patent number: 11118829
    Abstract: A cooler for holding ice and other items includes a body defining a cavity operable to hold ice and other items, a lid, and a lock operable to hold the lid in an open position. The body has a first region that defines an opening and a second region. The lid is coupled with the second region of the body, and positionable to a closed position and to an open position. The lock includes a first component that extends from the body's second region, and a second component that extends from the lid. The first component and the second component are each configured to contact each other, when the lid is in the open position, to prevent the lid from moving toward the closed position, and to allow the lid to move toward the open position, when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Cordova Outdoors LLC
    Inventor: Scott Campbell
  • Patent number: 10144124
    Abstract: A handheld tool carrying case having a carrying case base and a carrying case cover and at least one electronic system. The handheld tool carrying case has a lighting device and an orientation device, which are provided to fixate at least one part of the carrying case base or of the carrying case cover pivotably in various orientations relative to a resting plane of the carrying case base or of the carrying case cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Werner, Georgios Margaritis
  • Patent number: 10040065
    Abstract: The present invention is a cuvette assembly for use in optically measuring at least one characteristic of particles within a plurality of liquid samples. The cuvette assembly comprises a main body having internal walls and external walls, and a plurality of cuvettes within the main body at least partially being defined by the internal walls. Each of the plurality of cuvettes has a liquid-input chamber for receiving a respective one of the plurality of liquid samples, a filter, and an optical chamber for receiving a respective filtered liquid sample caused by passing the respective one of the plurality of liquid samples through the filter. Each of the optical chambers includes an entry window for allowing transmission of an input light beam through the filtered liquid sample and an exit window for transmitting a forward scatter signal caused by the particles within the filtered liquid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Bacterioscan Ltd.
    Inventors: Dana A. Marshall, Theodore S. McMinn, Dan Vadim Regelman
  • Patent number: 9643541
    Abstract: A storage bin shell for a vehicle includes a main bin portion defining a storage bin having a latch opening and an integrated latch opening close-out member configured to provide a latch opening close-out. The integrated latch opening close-out member includes a hinged portion, which may be a living hinge. The hinged portion further includes a retainer for engaging a co-operating receiver defined in the main bin portion, whereby rotating or folding the hinged portion allows engaging the co-operating receiver by the retainer to define the latch opening close-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Thomas, Marie L. Hall
  • Patent number: 9360405
    Abstract: An instrument (10) for gravimetrically determining moisture content has a housing (20), with a weighing device (40) arranged inside. The weighing device (40) has a load receiver (60) onto which a sample (62) is placed. The housing has a stationary housing part (21) and a movable housing part (22), the movable housing part alternately occupying a measuring position and a loading position. In the loading position, the respective housing parts are spaced apart from each other, allowing a sample to be put on the load receiver. In the measuring position, the respective housing parts form an essentially enclosed testing compartment (30) that surrounds the load receiver. A means (70), arranged in the testing compartment, heats a sample that is placed on the load receiver. The movable housing part is moved between the respective positions by a position-changing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: METTLER-TOLEDO GMBH
    Inventors: Beat Meister, Beat Albrecht, Kaspar Dieffenbacher
  • Patent number: 8960490
    Abstract: A lid assembly including a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container; an actuating member attached to the cover member and positionable between closed and open positions to close and open the aperture, wherein depressing the actuating member opens the aperture and releasing the actuating member closes the aperture; and a locking member provided on the actuating member, the locking member positionable to lock the actuating member in either the closed or open position to maintain the aperture in either the closed or open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Leedsworld, Inc.
    Inventors: Alison Carlile, Mindy Hoffmann, Jaime Morgan
  • Patent number: 8899432
    Abstract: A while-in-use electrical box cover includes a base and a hood. The base has a box-like structure and an open front face and includes a base hinge mount. The hood has a front wall for covering the open front face of the base and includes a hood hinge mount. A hinge pin joins the base hinge mount and the hood hinge mount in a pivoting configuration. An accepting member including a first contact surface extends from the base hinge mount. A load dispersing member included on the hood has a second contact surface configured to engage the first contact surface when the hood pivots to a fully open position. Engagement of the first contact surface and the second contact surface creates a stress in the hood, and the load dispersing member disperses the stress away from the hood hinge mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kevin Jolly
  • Patent number: 8875939
    Abstract: A storage unit having sidewalls and a lid hinged to a sidewall. A support device has one end mounted to the lid and one end received in a track recessed in a sidewall and operable to follow in a travel path defined by the track when the lid is raised and lowered. The track having a rest surface on which the end of the support device in the track can rest to support the lid in the open position. The storage unit can include a latch assembly associated with a sidewall and the lid to selectively secure the lid in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Phillips, Michael Vogler
  • Patent number: 8789718
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a lid comprising of: a brim latch adjoining a rim that extends around a periphery of the lid; a support tab in mating engagement with at least one wing that comprises of a top rim, an elevated member that extends upward and circumferentially from the brim latch, at least one sloped wall, and two side walls; and at least one film strip removably attached to the at least one wing, wherein the at least one film strip substantially covers the top rim of the at least one wing, which includes an arcuate portion sloping from side to side forming a u-shaped slope wherein the sides protrude upward and outward defining a lip contacting area causing a seal to be formed when the lip contacting area is engaged by an individual's lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: Isaac S. Daniel, Peter Mastrorio
  • Patent number: 8763851
    Abstract: A door assembly is provided that includes a door, a hinge portion, a locking member and a damper member. The locking member locks the door in an opened position and the damper member provides resistance as the door moves from the opened position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Manitowoc Foodservice Companies, LLC
    Inventors: Weiwei Allen Jiang, Yong Terry Wang
  • Publication number: 20140158702
    Abstract: A storage unit having sidewalls and a lid hinged to a sidewall. A support device has one end mounted to the lid and one end received in a track recessed in a sidewall and operable to follow in a travel path defined by the track when the lid is raised and lowered. The track having a rest surface on which the end of the support device in the track can rest to support the lid in the open position. The storage unit can include a latch assembly associated with a sidewall and the lid to selectively secure the lid in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Phillips, Michael Vogler
  • Patent number: 8695857
    Abstract: An object is to provide a cap that can be flexibly designed, such as a cap that can be prevented or reduced from being increased in volume when the lid member has been attached to the cap body, while at the same time providing a capability to increase the distance between the lid member and the cap body when the elastic member has been restored, as well as providing a container equipped with the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Taisei Kako Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keiji Hamamoto, Hideo Nishikura
  • Publication number: 20140020341
    Abstract: A system for scooping powdered supplements. The system includes a container and a handle attached to the lid of the container. The lid covers the container when powdered protein is contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Patricia Coburn
  • Publication number: 20130334241
    Abstract: A lid can be configured to removably attach to a container. The lid can include multiple lid portions can open independently of each other. A first lid portion can open while a second lid portion remains closed and coupled to the container. Similarly, the second lid portion can open while the first lid portion remains closed and coupled to the container. A junction can joint the first and second lid portions and can enable pivoting of the lid so that the first and second lid portions can hingedly move with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Merrick Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Abdi, Katina C. Brown, Sadollah Vahidy, Robert J. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20130320005
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a foldable food tray that includes first and second panels, each having upper and lower surfaces and inner, outer, and side edges. Each panel can also include one or more hinge members and one or more locking members. The hinge member(s) can be operatively coupled to one another to permit the first and second panels to move between a closed position and an open position. The locking member(s) can be configured to releasably lock the first and second panels in the open position, thereby preventing the first and second panels from inadvertently moving from the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: ENVIRONMENTAL DINING, LLC
    Inventors: Michele E. Bardwell, Neal P. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20130228586
    Abstract: A container closure device (20) for a container (10), in particular for a beverage can (10), comprises a lid (30) having an upper face (31), a lower face (32), and an opening (33). The container closure device (20) further comprises a closure (50) having a closure part (51) for opening and closing the opening (33) and an operating device (40) for actuating the closure part (51). The closure part (51) is arranged on the lower face (32) so as to be pivotable about a first axis (A) which extends substantially parallel to the lower face (32). The operating device (40) is arranged on the closure part (51) so as to be rotatable about a second axis (B) and be rotatable from a first position (S1) into a second position (S2). The opening (33) can be closed by rotating the operating device (40) into the first position (S1) and can be opened by rotating the operating device (40) into the second position (S2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: c2c Beteiligungs GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Schandl
  • Patent number: 8517212
    Abstract: An overcap is provided and forms a closure for at least a portion of an access opening on the container. A stand-off rim is formed on the upper surface of the overcap adjacent the peripheral edge. The overcap includes a closure body. A sealing flap is pivotally attached to the closure body and movable between a first position for covering the container access opening and a second position for exposing the access opening. A projection is positioned adjacent the stand-off rim on the closure body and defines a receiving gap for receipt and frictional engagement of the stand-off rim on the sealing flap in the open position. The frictional engagement of the sealing flap releasably retaining the sealing flap in the open second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith E. Antal, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8505768
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a foldable food tray that includes first and second panels, each having upper and lower surfaces and inner, outer, and side edges. Each panel can also include one or more hinge members and one or more locking members. The hinge member(s) can be operatively coupled to one another to permit the first and second panels to move between a closed position and an open position. The locking member(s) can be configured to releasably lock the first and second panels in the open position, thereby preventing the first and second panels from inadvertently moving from the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Envionmental Dining, LLC
    Inventors: Michele E. Bardwell, Neal P. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20130186897
    Abstract: A container and lid assembly is described for storing or transporting contents therein. Embodiments provide a protective security feature in the container and lid assembly. In at least some aspects of the invention a container body is disclosed having an opening, and a lid body is configured to cover the opening of the container body to form an assembly. An extended bumper portion is disposed at a periphery of the container body and substantially at the opening, wherein the bumper portion comprises a removable tear strip integrated into the material of the bumper portion. The tear strip is configured to prevent access to security mechanism of the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: ROPAK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frano LUBURIC
  • Patent number: 8448804
    Abstract: A cover for a container, in accordance with one embodiment that allows quick and easy access to products within the container. The cover for a container includes a pivot score line transversing the cover thereby forming a front cover portion and a back cover portion. The pivot score line pivotally connects the front cover portion and the back cover portion. The cover also includes a fastening device. The fastening device includes a first fastening component mounted on the front cover portion and a second fastening component mounted on the back cover portion. The first fastening component engages the second fastening component upon pivoting the cover at the pivot score line. Using the present embodiment, products may be repeatedly dispensed from a container quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Ropak Corporation
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Patent number: 8355646
    Abstract: Disclosed is an operations-unit angle adjusting device having an operations unit supported so as to freely move in a vertical direction and an adjusting mechanism that changes the vertical angle of the operations unit. The adjusting mechanism has a shaft part that supports the operations unit so as to freely move in the vertical direction, an operating lever that is supported so as to freely move in the vertical direction, and an opening/closing piece that operates simultaneously with vertical movements of the operating lever to perform an opening/closing operation. The opening/closing piece has an engaging part that is engaged with an engaged part provided in the apparatus main body to restrict vertical movements of the operations unit when the opening/closing piece is closed and that is disengaged from the engaged part to allow the vertical movements of the operations unit when the opening/closing piece is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Nishizawa
  • Publication number: 20130001184
    Abstract: The disclosed aspects relate to a dispensing closure with a stay open mechanism. The dispensing closure includes a body portion and a lid portion. The lid portion can be operatively connected to the body portion at a hinge. The body portion can include at least one first stop section and the lid portion can include at least one second stop section. The first stop section(s) and the second stop section(s) can be located adjacent the hinge. Engagement of the first stop section(s) and the second stop section(s) can be configured to retain the lid portion in an open position. The engagement can be created when the lid portion is moved in a first direction (e.g., opening of the closure).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: WEATHERCHEM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Brian David Groubert
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20120279980
    Abstract: A container includes a base and a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the base. The pair of opposed side walls include a first side wall and a second side wall. The first side wall includes a lip at an upper portion thereof. A first lid is pivotably connected to the first side wall. The first lid can be selectively snap-fit connected to the lip of the first side wall to retain the first lid in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Gerald R. Koefelda, Simon John Stewart-Smith
  • Publication number: 20120273512
    Abstract: A double layer lid for a cookware includes a top glass layer having a top glass layer top surface and a top glass layer bottom surface. A bottom glass layer has a bottom glass layer top surface and a bottom glass layer bottom surface. A handle is mounted to the top glass layer. A rim has a top section retaining the top glass layer and a lower section retains the bottom glass layer. A top edge is formed on the rim at a top portion of the rim and a bottom edge is formed on the rim at a bottom portion of the rim. The top glass layer bottom surface is etched with a groove or the bottom glass layer top surface is etched with a groove. The top glass layer is installed over the bottom glass layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Jie Dai
  • Publication number: 20120181296
    Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment housing, in particular the housing of a blood treatment device, having a housing wall 10 and a closing flap 20 for closing an opening in the housing wall 10, said closing flap being rotatably mounted with respect to a coupling element 30 via a second pivot 34, whereby the coupling element 30 is rotatably mounted with respect the housing wall 10 via a first pivot 12, whereby the closing flap 20 can be disposed in at least a second and a third opened working position, in both of which positions the opening 14 in the housing wall is not closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Andreas Syfonios
  • Patent number: 8181820
    Abstract: A mechanism for opening and closing an opening portion is disclosed. The mechanism can simply and reliably open and close the opening portion without requiring a spring but using a simple mechanism and can stably maintain the closed state of the opening portion. When the opening portion is closed by a lid, with the head end side of the opening and closing member being protruded from the opening portion, the head end of the opening and closing member makes contact with the surface of the lid which faces the inner side of the opening portion, causing the lid to rotate about one end thereof which is rotatably supported by a rotation supporting shaft. This changes the state of the opening portion from the closed state to the opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Takeda Brush Inc.
    Inventor: Shiro Takeda
  • Patent number: 8141735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel container (1) for holding foodstuffs. The container is of the type used for a holding bulk food product to be dispensed by a self serving customer in the bulk food section of a supermarket or health food establishment. The container includes a self closing lid (2) and is specially shaped to avoid the existence of a “dead space” which can lead to product in that portion becoming stale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Durapod System Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Paul Woods, Lawrence Basil Hart
  • Publication number: 20120043328
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed and comprises a cap, a body and a connector. The cap has an inner surface defining a hollow. The body includes a vial having a rim and an opening bounded by the rim. The connector couples the cap and body in a manner which permits cap movement between a fully-seated position on the vial, to form a sealed specimen container; and a position apart from the opening, to permit ingress to the vial. The connector can be adapted such that, in use, when the cap is disposed at the position apart from the opening, and in the absence of external forces, the connector holds the cap at the position apart from the opening. Snap-fit intermediate positions of the cap can be provided between the position apart from the opening and the fully-seated position and the cap can be adapted to reduce evaporative losses when intermediately positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: STARPLEX SCIENTIFIC INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Pirner
  • Publication number: 20110309098
    Abstract: An openable and closeable container that includes a container body having a take-out opening; an opening-closing lid provided on the container body swingably about a swing axis X-X on a base end side, the opening-closing lid opening/closing the take-out opening; and plate rubber (an elastic member) provided between the container body and the opening-closing lid. A spring body is provided on the base end side of the opening-closing lid and a sloping portion (a braking portion) with which the spring body comes into contact is provided on the container body side. The spring body is gradually compressed from the state where the opening-closing lid is closed toward the state where the opening-closing lid is opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Hiroo Hayashi, Takeshi Bandoh, Takahiro Ueda, Masaho Hayashi, Hiroshi Uematsu, Toshihiko Uenishi, Norio Ochi
  • Patent number: 8074833
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell and a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, with the lid having a bracket secured to the bottom of the lid. A slot provided adjacent the top of the shell, with the bracket moving through the slot as the lid is opened and closed. A movable lock member provided at the top of the shell, the lock member movable from an extended position where the lock member covers a portion of the slot, to a retracted position where the lock member is clear of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Publication number: 20110198250
    Abstract: An enclosure is described comprising a container for housing equipment, a cover for enclosing said container, and a retention member for retaining the cover in an open position to allow a user to access the interior of said container. The retention member provides a releasable means to secure the cover in the open position and to allow the cover to be closed when the user has completed accessing the interior thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: William C. Biston
  • Patent number: 7984823
    Abstract: An apparatus, for positioning a flipping cover relative to a base, includes a first member being fixed relative to the flipping cover, and a second member being fixed relative to the base. The first member defines an arched guiding channel around a rotating axis of the flipping cover. The first member forms at least one raised ridge extending into the guiding channel. The second member forms a guiding rod parallel to the rotating axis. The guiding rod is slidably received in the guiding channel. The guiding rod is deformable to get through the at least one raised ridge. A casing utilizing the above apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao-Che Peng, Jung-Chang Tai
  • Patent number: 7942289
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing an opening, particularly a man hole. The inventive device comprises a frame (4) and a cover (6) which is articulated to the frame (4) around a first axis (X-X) by means of a hinge (14). The device also comprises a locking means (16) having a locked configuration, whereby the cover is held open in a first position, and an unlocked configuration, whereby said cover (6) is disposed in a second position in which it can be pivoted around the axis (X-X). The aforementioned hinge (14) is designed such that, while resting on the frame, the cover (6) can pivot around a second horizontal axis (Y-Y). Moreover, the cover is pivoted around said second axis (Y-Y) in order to move same between the two positions. The invention is suitable for cast iron man holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Pam
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Hauer, Jean-Paul Pietrzak
  • Patent number: 7870972
    Abstract: The Sliding Safety Hinge Assembly (SSHA) minimizes the degree of personal injury or discomfort that could result from accidental closure of the lid of a box, i.e. “toy box”, by pinching a finger between the lid and box, particularly as the obstruction approaches the side or rear of the box near the hinge. A traditional hinge attached to the lid and rear of box carcass provides a fixed pivot point such that a severe pinch point exists due to the leverage of the lid. The SSHA reduces this potential by a sliding design such that the hinge element normally fastened to the rear of the box is rather installed on a slide assembly allowing free sliding motion in the vertical plane at the rear of the box. The SSHA assembly would include a slide, pivot and counter weight device to reduce the weight of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Dennis James Elefante
  • Patent number: 7845514
    Abstract: The invention relates to tear-back thermoformed high impact polystyrene lids having from at least 10% to about 15% of filler and the specified configuration of the tear-back portion. In particular, the tear back lid comprises a tear back portion defined by two sets of tear back indentations and a left and a right notch cut into a skirt defined by the outer diameter of the lid. The combination of the filler amount and tear-back configuration allows an improved tearability for the filled polystyrene lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Rush, Trung Tran, Virginia Lam, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7784641
    Abstract: A beverage cup lid with a pull back type sipping hole includes a tab that is disposed at a predetermined position of a sipping hole. The tab has a substantially ?-shaped perforated portion extending from the top rim of a wall side to the center of a top side and a turnover portion formed after pulling off the ?-shaped perforated portion. A raised inclined plane is extended from the external side to the center. A straight rib is formed at the external side of the turnover portion beyond the ?-shaped perforated portion in such a manner that the turnover portion may be swiveled forward and downward at 270° and engaged in place, thereby forming a double layered structure on the wall side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Shin-Jai Chou
  • Patent number: 7748564
    Abstract: A transfer tool has a transfer tool main body including a case and a transfer head for applying tape. It also may include a cover housing a rotating shaft configured to engage the case and enable the cover to rotate about the rotating shaft such that the transfer head is exposed when the cover is in an open position and the transfer head is covered by the cover in a closed position. The transfer tool also may includes a latching structure for latching the cover and the transfer tool main body. The latching structure may be located proximate to the rotating shaft and may include complementary concave and convex portions housed on the transfer tool main body and the cover. The cover may be latched to the transfer tool main body in the open, closed and other predetermined positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kokuyo S&T Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Kinugasa, Kinya Matsushita, Hideto Shima
  • Patent number: 7658295
    Abstract: A closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice. A lid is provided for covering the orifice. The body has a bearing member with two spaced-apart walls for defining a channel for receiving a pivot shaft on the lid. At least one deflectable finger projects from one of the body bearing member walls for being temporarily, elastically deflected to accommodate the insertion of the lid pivot shaft into the channel. The finger is resilient, and moves back over the lid pivot shaft to prevent removal of the lid pivot shaft from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Seaquist Closure Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Travis J. Hoepner, James W. Hammond, Cori M. Blomdahl
  • Patent number: 7604142
    Abstract: A container for storing one or more articles (e.g., cosmetic substances, accessories, applicators, etc.) is provided. The container includes a base, a cover pivotally coupled to the base about a hinge, a resilient bar supported at one of the base and the cover, and a first cam surface supported at the other of the base and the cover. The first cam surface is configured to engage the resilient bar when the cover has moved a predetermined angle relative to the base. The resilient bar acting on the first cam surface moves the cover to a closed position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the resilient bar and/or the first cam surface is substantially concealed within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Rexam Beauty and Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: Joachim Banik
  • Patent number: 7578406
    Abstract: A cover includes a cover body, a guide, and an urging member. The cover body opens and closes an opening, formed in an accommodation housing. The guide is disposed in the accommodation housing, and extends in a direction crossing a direction, in which the cover body opens and closes the opening, partially at least. The urging member has a fastened end, fastened to the cover body, and an engagement end, engaged with the guide, and is expandable and contractable for accumulating an urging force as the cover body opens and closes the opening. The urging force urges the cover body in at least one of occasions, when the cover body opens the opening and when the cover body closes the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Katagiri
  • Patent number: 7559433
    Abstract: A trash can assembly has a shell, a lid fitted over the top end of the shell, a foot pedal positioned adjacent the bottom end of the shell, a link assembly coupling the foot pedal and the lid, and a locking member associated with the shell. The locking member engages the rod of the link assembly to maintain the lid in an open position without pressing the foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7549559
    Abstract: Resealable caps and tops for directional pour spout containers currently available for liquid and semi-solid products are either a spout and cap design, in which the tip is cut off to pour or squeeze out the container contents, or a non-spout, hinged top-and-bottom design, which defines a flat surface with an opening. These designs have many limitations. For example, the closure portion of a conventional spout closure can become detached, leading to production line delays, lost tips in transit, product recall at the store level, loss of shelf life and potential chocking hazards to children and pets. The non-spout hinged, top-and-bottom design does not offer the directional dispensing capabilities. This invention addresses the shortcomings of conventional caps and tops by providing a one-piece directional pour spout container cap in which the base has an upwardly directed spout and a hinged flip top cap is attached to the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Conroy Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslee Ann Conroy, James Lawrence Conroy, William Patrick Conroy
  • Patent number: 7513382
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lid for a beverage container. The lid has a mounting portion configured to connect the lid to the container and an annular side wall extending upward from the mounting portion. The lid also includes a top wall extending radially inward from the side wall, wherein the top wall has both a circular outer periphery and a circular inner periphery. An upwardly extending protrusion is pivotally connected to the top wall by a hinge. A central portion is positioned radially inward of the top wall, wherein the central portion has a circular outer periphery. The central portion is vertically positioned between the mounting portion and the top wall. The protrusion is pivotable about the hinge between a sealed position and an open position to define a drink opening residing entirely within the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Solo Cup Operating Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Norman Clarke, Peter Robert Wills, Nigel Frank Taylor
  • Patent number: 7448512
    Abstract: A device for closing an opening, particularly a man hole. The device includes a frame and a cover articulated to the frame around a first axis by a hinge. The device also includes a locking mechanism having a locked configuration, whereby the cover is held open in a first position, and an unlocked configuration, whereby the cover is disposed in a second position in which the cover can be pivoted around the first axis. The hinge is designed such that, while resting on the frame, the cover can pivot around a second horizontal axis. Moreover, the cover is pivoted around the second axis to move between the two positions. The device is suitable, e.g., for cast iron man holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Pam
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Hauer, Jean-Paul Pietrzak
  • Patent number: 7448513
    Abstract: A box has a floor, end walls projecting upward from the floor, side walls projecting upward from the floor and bridging the end walls, and a pair of cover halves hinged at upper edges of the side walls and each pivotal between a closed position and an open position. Respective latches on the cover halves each have an outer grip part projecting from the outer face of the respective cover half and an inner latch part projecting from an inner face of the respective cover half. The end walls have keeper formations in which the latch parts are engageable in the closed position. The latches are shiftable on the respective cover halves to disengage from the respective keeper formations. Formations on the outer faces of the side walls latchingly engage the grip parts in the open position for retaining the cover halves in the open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Fritz Schafer GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Patent number: 7445120
    Abstract: A reusable display package having a first body with a first pocket and a second body with a second pocket is provided. A hinge connects the first body to the second body to move the first body relative to the second body from an open display position to a closed carrying position. At the open display position, the first body and the second body are coplanar and the packaging is capable of displaying products. At the closed carrying position, the first body is substantially parallel to the second body. Retaining members lock the hinge at the open display position and are removable for moving the bodies to the closed carrying position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products
    Inventor: Thaddeus Brej
  • Publication number: 20080245792
    Abstract: A beverage cup lid with a pull back type sipping hole includes a tab that is disposed at a predetermined position of a sipping hole. The tab has a substantially ?-shaped perforated portion extending from the top rim of a wall side to the center of a top side and a turnover portion formed after pulling off the ?-shaped perforated portion. A raised inclined plane is extended from the external side to the center. A straight rib is formed at the external side of the turnover portion beyond the ?-shaped perforated portion in such a manner that the turnover portion may be swiveled forward and downward at 270° and engaged in place, thereby forming a double layered structure on the wall side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Shin-Jai Chou
  • Patent number: 7188726
    Abstract: A toolbox is disclosed to include a box body, a top cover pivoted to the box body, a plurality of tool holders respectively pivoted to the box body and linked to one another, and an actuating arm coupled between the box body and one tool holder in such a manner that the tool holders are turned out of the box body for arrangement of storage tool members when opening the top cover, or turned into the inside of the box body when closing the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Hung-Lin Lin