Separately Formed Flexible Hinge Patents (Class 220/847)
  • Patent number: 11098510
    Abstract: A hinge has a hinge body forming an articulating section extending between a first end and a second end of the hinge. The articulating section is adapted to bend from a neutral axis when the first and second ends are parallel to an angular range in which the first end is arranged among a plurality of angles within the angular range relative to the second end. The hinge body may define a receptacle along the articulating section, and an insert may be provided for insertion into the receptacle. The insert can modify the stiffness of the hinge in the angular range and is arranged parallel to the neutral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: OSSCUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Larus Gunnsteinsson, Bjorn Omarsson, Sindri Pall Sigurdsson, Henry Hsu
  • Patent number: 10753129
    Abstract: A hinge has a hinge body forming an articulating section extending between a first end and a second end of the hinge. The articulating section is adapted to bend from a neutral axis when the first and second ends are parallel to an angular range in which the first end is arranged among a plurality of angles within the angular range relative to the second end. The hinge body may define a receptacle along the articulating section, and an insert may be provided for insertion into the receptacle. The insert can modify the stiffness of the hinge in the angular range and is arranged parallel to the neutral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: OSSUR ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Larus Gunnsteinsson, Bjorn Omarsson, Sindri Pall Sigurdsson, Henry Hsu
  • Publication number: 20150096996
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for molding a vessel, such as a bottle, with a high quality sealing surface are described herein. In one embodiment, a stepped blow pin can be used to form the sealing surface of a bottle. A stepped blow pin can include a body with a distal end and a proximal end. The blow pin can include a first region that includes a first diameter and a first engagement surface. The blow pin can further include a second region that includes a second diameter. The second region can be positioned between the first region and the distal end. A transition section can be positioned between the first region and second region. The blow pin can also include a top surface position at the proximal end, and a bottom surface positioned at the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Teodor H. Gelov
  • Patent number: 8960491
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container (100) for loosely stored products, comprising a container body (10) having a connecting means (16), the container further comprising a cover (11) having a connecting means (19), said connecting means (19) of the cover (11) having a hinge (21), wherein said connecting means (19) of the cover (11) is engaged with said connecting means (16) of the container body (10) from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Clariant Production (France) S.A.S.
    Inventors: Valere Logel, Dominique Bois
  • Publication number: 20150041482
    Abstract: The present application provides an electronic cigarette case; and the electronic cigarette case comprises a case body, a case cover hinged with the case body via a hinging portion, and an elastic member is fixed in the case body; the elastic member includes a first flange protruding towards the case cover, and a first extension arm slantly extending from a side of the first flange and extending along a direction away from the case cover; a protruding portion is formed on the case cover, and the protruding portion slidably abuts against surfaces of the first extension arm and the first flange facing the case cover. The structure of the electronic cigarette case is simple, and the case cover can be opened or closed by a small external force. Thus, the opening and closing operations are easy, and the user's experience is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 8942773
    Abstract: A protection case for a portable electronic device includes a case having a front part and a rear part, and the portable electronic device is accommodated between the front and rear parts. A rear cover is connected to the rear part and a front cover is connected to the front part. The front cover has a front decoration plate, a connection member and a locking member. The front decoration plate is removably connected to the front part. The connection member is flexible and has a first end connected to the front decoration plate and a second end of the connection member is clamped between the front and rear parts. The locking member has a hook hooked with the groove. The protection case can be easily replaced and changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Jenn Yaw J. Y. Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 8360269
    Abstract: A communication box includes a box body and a box lid. The box body has an accommodation space therein. The box lid includes a lid body and two engaging members. Upper and lower ends of the two engaging members are detachably connected to the box body. The two engaging members are respectively and pivotally connected two opposing sides of the lid body, so that the two engaging members are rotatable relative to the lid body. Compared the conventional communication box, the communication box of the present invention can be opened in different ways. Through one of the two engaging members, either side of the box lid can be opened. Alternatively, the box lid can be detached from the box body through disengagement of the two engaging members. The present invention can be used in different occasions and is convenient for operation, without limitation of space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: General Jack Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Fan Chang
  • Patent number: 8353421
    Abstract: A container includes a body portion having a side wall and a base wall, a first lid, and a second lid. The first lid is removably mounted to the side wall and the body portion and the first lid forms a first compartment. The second lids is connected to the body portion along a hinge and forms at least a part of the base of the container. The body portion and the second lid form a second compartment which is located on the opposite side of the base wall to the first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Rosazza, Ashley Mark Salter
  • Patent number: 8308022
    Abstract: A stopper for application to a container of the type with a base, an emptying duct, a lid, mounted on the base to pivot between an open and a closed position, a hinge with elastic return which holds the lid in the open position thereof and locking means, for locking the lid on the base. The stopper comprises positive unlocking means for the lid from the base, which are manually operated to provide a force to disengage the holding means. The base is a unitary construction and made from plastic material, the lid is made from the same plastic material and the leaf of the hinge is in an elastomeric plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: The Zebra Company
    Inventors: Bertrand Barre, Xavier Gibert, Francis Lepage
  • Publication number: 20120061413
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container assembly comprising a container part with a circumferential wall and a bottom wall, and a lid part comprising a connection portion for connection to a rim of said circumferential wall and a lid which is pivotably connected to said connection portion, said connection portion comprising an upper wall provided with an access opening which can be sealed with said lid, and said connection portion is provided with stacking provisions which enclose said access opening and which are complementary with stacking provisions at the bottom of said container part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: N.V. NUTRICIA
    Inventors: Merijn DOLS, Alexander Josephus Maricus VAN PUIJENBROEK
  • Patent number: 8016153
    Abstract: A connecting device for attaching a lid to an insulated container. The connecting device has a barb arranged and configured to be inserted into a socket and to engage the walls of the socket upon rotation. The barb may engage the walls of the socket by displacing material or engaging receptors, such as threads, in the socket. The geometry of the barb is such that, after rotation, the barb remains connected to the body and lid without the aid of screws, rivets, or other means. The connecting device may also have a sliding or other connector for connecting the connecting device to the lid. The connector may be in the shape of a dovetail and the lid may have a recess configured to receive the dovetail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: The Coleman Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James Michael Boenig, Timothy M. Holub
  • Patent number: 7963416
    Abstract: A food package has a container and a lid. The lid includes a planar surface and a convex dome that is above the planar surface. A transparent window in the convex dome attracts the attention of consumers since it is raised relative to the remainder of the lid. The lid also includes a concave dome that frames a raised logo or raised text within the dome. By framing the logo, the concave dome helps to direct a consumer's attention to the logo or text and helps to protect the logo or text from wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Morenstein, Vivian Barad, Brian Cutter
  • Publication number: 20100000993
    Abstract: A hinged connector for joining a metal lid and metal bottom to form a hinged container is provided. The metal lid and metal bottom have generally matching formed edges preventing interfitting of the container lid and bottom. The hinged connector is formed of plastic and includes a pair of ring members that are pivotable relative to one another via an integral hinge. The two ring members are continuous about a periphery that is generally shaped to the periphery of the lid and bottom. The ring members form seats for engaging the formed edges of the lid and bottom. The ring members securely grip the formed edges of the lid and body to form the container. By connecting the lid and bottom through the living hinge, the hinge connector allows the lid and bottom to pivot relative to one another between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward P. Cronin
  • Patent number: 7475788
    Abstract: A molded plastic container and closure combination in which the closure is provided with a manually removable tear band between upper and lower locking structures. Once the tear band has been removed, it is possible to hinge the closure open while allowing it to remain attached to the container. Various features adding hoop strength and stacking strength are provided. A bail and bottom handle facilitate pouring from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Letica Corporation
    Inventor: Stefan H. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 7322468
    Abstract: A modular disc storage case comprises a plurality of disc-mounting plates each having an edge that is attached to an edge of an adjacent plate by a spine that comprises a number of hinges that are fastened to at least one of the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Tat Tsuen Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Tat Ming Kwan
  • Patent number: 7048158
    Abstract: A closure and container package are provided in which the closure has an elongated orifice. A spout cover disposed on an underside surface of the cap portion of the closure receives a spout portion disposed about the orifice. A spud urges the spout into contact with the spout cover to enhance contact therebetween. A snap hinge couples the cap with the closure body. The spout cover forms a sealing contact with an exterior surface of the spout to form an outside seal that does not become contaminated upon dispensing of the contents of the container. The spout cover includes a protrusion or bead on an inner surface that cooperates with a bead on the spout exterior surface to lock the cap in its fully closed position. An annular seal extending downwardly from a portion of the closure seals the closure head-space to present vapor infiltration and condensation therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Valentin Hierzer
  • Patent number: 6892897
    Abstract: A collapsible storage device comprising a resilient frame and sheet material with respect to which the frame is located. The resilient frame and sheet material form the side walls of the device and are movable between a flattened condition and an erected condition to which the resilient frame is biased. At one end of the device there is provided a base and at the other end there is provided an opening. The opening has a single closure element which has a first part attached to one side of the opening and a leading edge which can be moved about a pivotal point between a position at the said one side of the opening so that the storage device is open and a position at or in contact with the other side of the opening to close the opening. The closure element is movable with the storage device between flattened and erected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Spin Master Limited
    Inventor: John Stewart
  • Publication number: 20040256387
    Abstract: A lid for a container holding a flowable substance wherein the lid has a body with a top wall, a side wall, and a mounting portion for connecting the lid on the container. The body has a drink opening and at least one retaining member positioned in the top wall in various positions with respect to the drink opening. The lid further has a closure member that is movable between a first position wherein a portion of the closure member is received in the opening, and a second position wherein a portion of the closure member is received in the retaining member. The opening and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the opening. The retaining member and the closure member are cooperatively dimensioned such that the closure member is removably inserted in the retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Alan Smith
  • Publication number: 20040238540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser closure (10) for a container that contains a flowable product, especially for a beverage container. Said dispenser closure comprises: a closing body (100) with a cover (120) from whose outer rim a jacket (110) extends downward that can be fastened via an opening of the container on the same, an outlet opening (126) in an upper face of the closing body (100), which communicates with the opening of the container, and a closure element (200) for opening or closing the outlet opening (126) of the closing body (100), and a dome-shaped raised section (124) of the closing body (100), which is disposed around the outlet opening (126) of the closing body (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhard F.K. Jackel, Franz Lenz, Eldon Schaffer
  • Publication number: 20040173612
    Abstract: A container and cap assembly for storing and packaging moisture-sensitive items comprising an assembly with a container and a cap, a portion of the cap includes a lid that is attached by a hinge to the cap portion, the container has a container base, and a sidewall depending upwardly from the base, a top container surface extends inward from the sidewalls, the top container surface is provided with an opening that permits access to the interior of the container, the cap portion has a base portion with an outer periphery that extends over at least a portion of the container portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Giraud
  • Patent number: 6761279
    Abstract: A package, particularly suited for containing viscous foodstuff, comprising a wide-mouth generally rectangular container and a dispensing closure. The closure seals onto the container with a push-on motion and includes a resealable flip-up hinged lid. The container is originally sealed, after being filled, with a seal membrane applied to the container mouth. The closure is configured to permit the seal membrane to be conveniently removed from the container mouth while the closure remains assembled on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Weatherchem Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas S. Martin, Joel Wennerstrom
  • Patent number: 6742666
    Abstract: A lid for a container is provided generally comprising a main body and a door having a flip section pivotally connected to a push section, the push section pivotally connected to the main body. The main body includes a recess that defines a pivot wall. The flip section is positioned to engage the pivot wall and rotate relative to the push section in response to downward pressure on the push section. The floor of the recess includes a dispensing hole sized to dispense large items. Preferably, the dispensing hole is sized to accommodate a person's fingers while gasping an item. Additionally, the flip section of the door includes a sealing ring projecting from the underside of the door. The sealing ring is sized to engage the inner periphery of the dispensing hole to provide a seal to preserve organic or other perishable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Bried, George Solowiejko, Gary D. Johnson, C. Alan Peet, Philip M. Baerenwald, Michael A. Yarbro
  • Publication number: 20040069783
    Abstract: An easily usable bottle cap includes a cap base, an upper cap, two press buttons, a flexible sucking tube and a straw. The cap base has a lower connect member to engage with an upper end of a bottle containing water or the like. A user only presses the two press buttons inward to compress two coil springs for disengage engage blocks from the upper cap so as to let the upper cap swung up by resilience recovery of the flexible sucking tube. Then a user can use the sucking tube to drink liquid contained in a bottle threadably combined with the cap base through the straw connected with the sucking tube. The upper cap can be kept closed on the cap base by swinging down to engage the engage blocks with hooks of the upper cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Sin-Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6712233
    Abstract: A plastic lid for a pail. The lid has an edge section that extends exterior to the pail, one section of the edge section forming a hinge section. The remainder of the edge section has three sections. Each of the sections extends peripherally around the edge of the lid. One section, intermediate between the other sections is integrally formed with the other sections, and tearable therefrom. The hinge section being integral with one section and has a portion of reduced thickness juxtaposed to the rim of the container. The lid is rotatable about the hinge for opening of the pail after removal of the tearable section. The lid and pail are tamper-evident, and the lid is retained on the pail after opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen H. Arshinoff
  • Publication number: 20040056040
    Abstract: An adaptor enables a child to drink from a cup having a bead extending around an open end of the cup. The adaptor has an annular collar that supports the cup by engaging a lower portion of a bead of the cup around a substantial portion of a periphery of the bead. A lid is removably engageable with the collar. The lid has an annular flange depending from a lower surface toward the collar with the flange being located to abut an interior side of the wall of the cup when the lid engages the collar to form a fluid seal with the cup. The lid has a channel formed therein and located between the flange and a periphery of the lid and encircling the flange. The channel encloses an upper portion of the bead of the cup. The lid has a child drinking spout on an exterior surface of the lid adjacent a peripheral edge of the lid. The spout is in fluid communication with the cup during use of the adaptor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Scott W. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6702137
    Abstract: A plug for a liquid container comprises an outer plug, an inner plug and a fixing device. The outer plug is substantially a cylinder shape with a bottom wall and detachably installed onto a liquid container, wherein a liquid passage hole is penetrated through the bottom wall, and a liquid passage is formed between the bottom wall and an upper opening of the outer plug body. The inner plug is pivotally connected to the outer plug through a hinge, wherein the inner plug further comprises a liquid inlet seal member for sealing the liquid passage hole and a liquid outlet seal member for sealing an inner wall near the upper opening of the outer plug. The fixing device is used for fixing the inner plug onto the outer plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corp.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kowa, Takashi Ohno, Ikuo Miura
  • Publication number: 20040016714
    Abstract: A hinge structure is provided for connecting two members, such as a container closure base and lid, so as to accommodate movement between an open position and a closed position. An elastomeric element extends from one of the members to the other of the members. The elastomeric element has an outer surface that is outwardly exposed when the two members are in the closed position as well as when the two members are in the open position. The elastomeric element exerts a force to urge the two members from the closed position toward the open position. In one embodiment, the elastomeric element has two lateral margins, and the hinge structure is free of structure laterally of the elastomeric element so that the two lateral margins are laterally exposed when the two members are in the closed position as well as when the two members are in the open position. The elastomeric element outer surface is in tension when the two members are in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wood, Charles E. Roberts, Milton R. Dallas
  • Publication number: 20030205549
    Abstract: A closure structure includes a closure body having a deck and depending sidewall, and a dispensing orifice through said deck. A closure cap has a lid part attached by a hinge to the body, and a cover part frangibly connected to the lid part, on a side of the lid part opposite the hinge. The lid part is latched to the body at lateral positions located between the hinge and the cover part. The cover part covers a lifting lip extending from the lid part. Removal of the cover part exposes the lifting lip for lifting by the user to open the lid part from the closure body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: John E. Harrold, Bruce M. Mueller, Richard A. Gross
  • Patent number: 6637618
    Abstract: A covering device for a container (1) having an annular rim (2), such as a drink can, a yogurt cup, a glass, or the like. The device includes a lid (4) adapted for pivoting about an axis (3) on a holder (5) that is adapted for securing the device on the container by means of a clamping element (6) positioned on the outside of the annular rim and a counter support (7) cooperating with the clamping device (6) and positioned on the inside of the annular rim. The clamping element includes two annularly spaced apart jaws (8), which can be moved by an actuation element (9) from a clamping position to an open position where the rim is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Rudiger Friederich
  • Patent number: 6626315
    Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, molds a closure directly onto the carton. The machine includes a carton erection station adapted to receive a carton in a generally flat form and to erect the flat form carton into a tubular form defining an internal carton region. A direct injection molding station has an internal mold tool and an external mold tool. The internal mold tool is configured for receipt within the internal carton region and the internal mold tool and the external mold tool are configured to receive and clamp the carton therebetween. The direct injection molding station further includes a polymer injection system for injecting polymer from a location external of the carton to the internal mold tool. The closure is directly molded in place on the carton. A mold tool set, a method for carrying out the molding and a closure molded thereby are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: John Lees, Terry Erickson, Terry Berglin, Mike Robertson, Nicholas Cook, Russell Stacy-Ryan, Jens Mogard
  • Publication number: 20030168451
    Abstract: Methods of making one-piece lidded containers are described along with containers made by such methods. In one embodiment, the method entails providing a first length of thermoplastic material and a second length of thermoplastic material where a portion of the two lengths of thermoplastic material are brought into an overlapping or abutting orientation to provide a juncture of thermoplastic material. The juncture of thermoplastic material is subsequently secured. The one-piece lidded container is completed by forming a first container and a corresponding lid on the first and second lengths of thermoplastic material. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy Bohrer
  • Publication number: 20030089746
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a pourer (3) designed to be permanently fixed on the neck (2) of a container, and an assembly (4) forming a cover adapted to be mounted on the neck and/or the pourer and comprising a cap (45) mobile between a first position wherein it isolates the neck (2) and the pourer (3) from the outside and a second position where it allows access to the neck (2) and to the pourer (3), the pourer (3) being arranged at least partly inside the neck (2). The cap (45) is provided with a skirt (452) extending, in the first position and from an inner surface (453) of the cap, up to inside the neck (2). Said skirt (452) bears at least a flange (456) capable, when the pourer (3) is in the first position and against an inner radial surface (31a) thereof, of exerting a force (F3) urging the pourer (3) against an inside edge (22) of the neck (2). The invention is useful for closing plastic containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Philippe Odet
  • Publication number: 20030038142
    Abstract: A storage container, such as a tackle box, with well protected latches and hinges which can be easily repaired if they are damaged. The front latches and rear hinges preferably use inserts which are formed separately from the upper and lower tackle box trays. The rear hinge insert, for example, preferably takes the form of a U-shaped piece of molded plastic with a thinned plastic section in its middle to act as an internal hinge for the insert. The walls of this U-shaped insert are pressure fitted into slots formed into the interior of the upper and lower trays. The front latch insert is preferably formed from an approximately flat piece of plastic which has a bar at an open spaced end and a solid, flanged snap at the other end. Both the bar and the snap for this front insert are received into grooved catches which are formed onto both the upper and lower trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Applicant: HYI
    Inventor: Patrick Gee
  • Patent number: 6523713
    Abstract: A lid and a container using the lid are disclosed, the lid having a central panel of paperboard with a resilient plastic skirt joined about its perimeter. A metal foil membrane having heat activated adhesive layers is attached to the lid and the rim of the container by inductive heating. Detents project from an inside surface of the skirt and cooperate with the rim on the container to hold the lid in an open position. A stacking lip extends from the skirt and interfits within an identical lid to allow the lids to be stacked for shipment. A hinge extends transversely across the central panel and divides the lid into movable and fixed portions. Weakened regions on the skirt separate when the lid is opened and provide evidence of potential tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Double “H” Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Helms
  • Publication number: 20020195456
    Abstract: A covering device for a container (1) with a rim (2), in particular a drink can, a yogurt cup, a glass, or the like, with a lid (4) adapted for pivoting about an axis (3), and a holder (5) that is used for arranging the device on the container, is designed and constructed with respect to a safe arrangement on any type of container (1) with a rim (2) such that the holder (5) comprises a clamping element (6) and a counter support (7) cooperating with the clamping device (6), and that the rim (2) can be pressed by the clamping element (6) against the counter support (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Rudiger Friederich
  • Patent number: 6474493
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first part and a second part articulated to the first part. A label is bonded onto at least a portion of the surface of each of the first and second parts. The label has at least one connecting strip capable, when the assembly is being opened and being closed, of occupying an intermediate position in which it intersects a geometric axis about which the assembly is hinged. The label experiences maximum tension and, after passing through the intermediate position by a relative movement of the first and second parts in a first direction, elastically returns the second part to a closed or almost closed position. After passing through the intermediate position in a direction which is the opposite of the first direction, the label elastically returns the second part to an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Frank Lacout
  • Publication number: 20020134746
    Abstract: A bottle closure assembly for providing access to the fluids within a bottle without the complete removal of the closure. The bottle closure apparatus comprising a cap and a sleeve connected by a hinge. Both the cap and the sleeve containing internal threads for twisting the closure apparatus onto a threaded bottle opening. The closure sealing the container when fully threaded on to the threaded opening, while providing access to the fluid therein when only partially threaded (sleeve only) by allowing the cap to pivot about the hinge. In addition, position nubs may be provided along the threads to resistively indicate when the cap is pivotable. Additional embodiments are presented wherein an opening is formed in a top end of the cap for receiving a nipple allowing the bottle closure assembly to be used on a baby bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Bryan L. Reidenbach
  • Publication number: 20020134783
    Abstract: A plastic lid for a pail. The lid has an edge section that extends exterior to the pail, one section of the edge section forming a hinge section. The remainder of the edge section has three sections. Each of the sections extends peripherally around the edge of the lid. One section, intermediate between the other sections is integrally formed with the other sections, and tearable therefrom. The hinge section being integral with one section and has a portion of reduced thickness juxtaposed to the rim of the container. The lid is rotatable about the hinge for opening of the pail after removal of the tearable section. The lid and pail are tamper-evident, and the lid is retained on the pail after opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen H. Arshinoff
  • Publication number: 20020130100
    Abstract: An injection molded assembly forming a sealing device for a threaded or non-threaded container using a double cap concept with pressure responsive convex sealing; also disclosed is a wiping mechanism, a one piece construction, a tamper resistant construction, a limited air exchange construction while allowing easy access to fluid contents, a sterile air venting and filter construction, a one piece tamper evident closure with a tethered container, and a frangible tether means molded with the formation of the sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020130134
    Abstract: Cap comprising a base surface having a dispensing opening, closure means enabling the dispensing opening to be closed or opened, retaining means for holding the cap in position relative to a bottle, and a skirt which is to be inserted tightly in the filling opening of the bottle. The skirt also has a substantially cylindrical outer surface extending continuously around the entire skirt. The retaining means comprise a resiliently deformable peripheral protuberance which is arranged in the vicinity of the free end of the skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: QUALIPAC
    Inventor: Patrick Rennie
  • Publication number: 20020125256
    Abstract: A hinge lid for a food container is provided, which is adapted to fasten over the rim or lip of any different size and shape containers at a point(s) by means of a clamp, and includes a flip-open section, which allow easy quick repeated opening and closing with one hand. The edge of the flip-open section may contain a small open section to anchor a serving utensil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Maria T. Sack, Matthew T. Sack
  • Publication number: 20020125203
    Abstract: A lid for a container is provided generally comprising a main body and a door having a flip section pivotally connected to a push section, the push section pivotally connected to the main body. The main body includes a recess that defines a pivot wall. The flip section is positioned to engage the pivot wall and rotate relative to the push section in response to downward pressure on the push section. A detent mechanism is used to control opening the door in at least two stages. In the first stage, the detent mechanism substantially fixes the push section in a closed position, and in the second stage substantially fixes the push section in an open position. In one embodiment, the floor of the recess is sloped to increase container space and limit flexure of the push section of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Bried, George Solowiejko, Gary D. Johnson, C. Alan Peet, Philip M. Baerenwald, Michael A. Yarbro
  • Publication number: 20020108922
    Abstract: A closure and container package are provided in which the closure has an elongated orifice. A spout cover disposed on an underside surface of the cap portion of the closure receives a spout portion disposed about the orifice. A spud urges the spout into contact with the spout cover to enhance contact therebetween. A snap hinge couples the cap with the closure body. The spout cover forms a sealing contact with an exterior surface of the spout to form an outside seal that does not become contaminated upon dispensing of the contents of the container. The spout cover includes a protrusion or bead on an inner surface that cooperates with a bead on the spout exterior surface to lock the cap in its fully closed position. An annular seal extending downwardly from a portion of the closure seals the closure head-space to present vapor infiltration and condensation therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Valentin Hierzer
  • Patent number: 6431393
    Abstract: A storage device (2) comprising a resilient frame (6) held in a housing with respect to sheet material, the resilient frame (6) and sheet material forming the sidewalls (4) of the device (2). The resilient frame (6) is movable between a flattened condition in which the resilient frame (6) is compressed and an erected condition to which the resilient frame (6) is biased. At one end of the device there is provided a base (8) and at the other end there is provided an opening (10) with closure means 11. The closure means (11), when moved to a closed position in one embodiment extend away from the opening and in all embodiments do not require any storage space in the device to be left unused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Worlds Apart Limited
    Inventor: John Stewart
  • Publication number: 20020096532
    Abstract: A two piece hinged closure for a container. The closure includes a base installed on the container and a hinged cap positioned on the base. The hinge of the cap includes a caming tab and the base includes a caming surface against which the tab moves when the cap is moved between its closed and open positions to retain the cap in said open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Courtesy Corporation.
    Inventors: Gary Berge, Thomas C. Stoneberg
  • Publication number: 20020088813
    Abstract: A closure adapted for use with a product dispensing container is provided. The closure includes a closing lid moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the product dispensing container. The closing lid has projections engageable with the product dispensing container to substantially fix the closing lid in the second position via continuous engagement therebetween. The closure may include a tamper indicating portion that includes a removable tearband. The closure can have a retention collar for securing the closure to the product dispensing container. A hinge may connect the retention collar with the closing lid. The hinge can elastically connect the retention collar to the closing lid such that the hinge resiliently biases the closing lid towards the first position. The projections may flexibly extend from the closing lid and are deflectable upon engagement with the product dispensing container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Henry H. Nyman, Aleksey Zats, Alexander Tsvaygoft
  • Patent number: 6375028
    Abstract: An improved sealing device for a container is provided with a sealing member that varies the sealing capacity of the device in response to pressure changes within the container. The sealing member is further provided with very small vent channels that aid in the sterile air venting of the container. In further embodiments, the sealing device is constructed with a pipette tip wiping mechanism, a tamper evident tethered one piece assembly, filtering capability and the ability to store chemicals, tissue samples etc. in the closure itself for ease of testing and/or evaluations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020040909
    Abstract: A cap body of beverage container wherein a lid plate of lid body forming a connection mouth at a drinking straw member is mounted with an air hole between a hinge axle for rotatively supporting a cap and the connection mouth, and a straw unit for being connected to the connection mouth of the drinking straw member is formed thereunder with a closing unit for covering the air hole, while the cap is disposed with a bend member for bending the drinking straw member and a blocking protruder for blocking the air hole via the closing unit, whereby the drinking straw member can be bent to enable to close the cap with one touch operation and to surely block the air hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Applicant: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Goto, Yasuhiro Kowa, Hatsumoto Kunio, Matsuyama Shin
  • Publication number: 20020036207
    Abstract: There is provided a cap body of a beverage container where a large amount of beverage in a container body doesn't flow out, and a lid member is not vigorously released even if hot beverage is put in the container, and where a degree of freedom to select a spring is improved by alleviating impact force in an opening operation, the cap body of the beverage container comprising: a cylindrically-shaped drinking mouth member releasably provided in a mouth portion of a container body; a lid member connected to the drinking mouth member via a hinge axis; a spring for urging the lid member to the opening direction; and a lock member provided in a position against the hinge axis of the drinking mouth member for maintaining the lid member in a closing state, wherein the drinking mouth member comprises a drinking mouth formed in the lock member side of a peripheral wall of the upper opening; a bottom wall where hinge axis side is made higher than the drinking mouth side; a liquid hole formed in the drinking mouth side a
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Ohuo, Yasuhiro Kowa, Hatsumoto Kunio, Ikuo Miura
  • Patent number: 6360909
    Abstract: A closure for sealing a product container. The closure includes a body, a frangible seal and a lid. The body includes a flange which projects downward from the seal and a skirt which projects upward from the seal. The flange is engagable with the interior surface of the container and the skirt retains a reclosable lid in its closed position. The frangible seal covers an opening in the body and has a tear strip which is defined by a pair of spaced-apart grooves. An integral finger grip is located at one end of the tear strip. The finger grip has a pair of upwardly-angled gripping tabs which are attached to the tear strip by a spacer. The lid is tethered to the skirt and includes a lifting tab. The tether and the lifting tab are located in respective notches in the upper edge of the skirt when the lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Bridge