Movable Handle Interconnected With Flow Controller Or Closure Patents (Class 222/469)
  • Patent number: 9936830
    Abstract: A pitcher is provided having a container body and a lid sealing assembly. The container body has a liquid retaining cavity. A pour aperture is fluidly associated with the cavity to allow liquid to be poured from the pitcher. The lid sealing assembly is removably connected to the container body. The lid sealing assembly has an actuation assembly having a push-button actuated actuator that operates a seal member. The actuator is moveable between a normal position and a use position. The seal member is positioned outside the cavity and adjacent the pour aperture. The seal member seals the pour aperture when the actuator is in the normal position and the seal member is moved from the pour aperture to open the pour aperture when the actuator is in the use position. When the seal member is moved from the pour aperture liquid can be poured from the pitcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: IGNITE USA, LLC
    Inventors: Sami Elsaden, Paul Hurley, Emilie Williams, Andy Schumacher
  • Patent number: 9392893
    Abstract: A closure may provide controlled access to at least one opening in a lid. The closure may include an activator coupled to the lid, a cover coupled to the lid, and a connecting member coupled to the activator and the cover. The activator, cover and connecting member may form an over center latching mechanism. In addition, the activator may be connected to the lid about a first axis of rotation, the cover may be connected to the lid about a second axis of rotation, the connecting member may connected to the activator about a third axis of rotation, and the connecting member may be connected to the cover about a fourth axis of rotation. The distance between the first and second axes of rotation may be constant, and the distance between the third and fourth axes of rotation may change as the cover is moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: RUNWAY BLUE, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Sorensen, David O. Meyers
  • Patent number: 9072395
    Abstract: A spout interlocking device of a teapot has a first fixing module, a handle module, and a spout cover module. The first fixing module has a first positioning base, and a first base cover covering a top of the first positioning base. The handle module is pivotably mounted on the first positioning base and has a first handle, a second handle, and an interlocking unit. The first handle and the second handle are mounted in the first positioning base. The interlocking unit is mounted on the front ends of the first handle and the second handle and is pivotably mounted in the first positioning base. The spout cover module is mounted on the first positioning base and has a pivot portion pivotably mounted in the first positioning base and a cover body connected with the pivot portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Chen
  • Publication number: 20150102065
    Abstract: The aerosol delivery system is comprised of a strap forming a loop, and an aerosol container placement region formed in the loop by securing the loop together at two points therealong. It is essentially a “figure 8” shape with a loop in the center. When pressure is applied to the loop by pulling the ends away from each other, it causes tension in the center loop, thereby applying pressure to the inserted aerosol can and activating the pressure mechanism in the can to expel whatever product is in the can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Neil Ross MacIntyre, III
  • Patent number: 8991654
    Abstract: A method of spraying a posterior portion of a human person includes disposing an aerosol container in an aerosol container receiving bay of a strap-based aerosol delivery assembly. The aerosol container has product therein and a dispensing button. The aerosol delivery assembly includes: the aerosol container receiving bay having a fixed length perimeter; left and right grip sections disposed on opposing lateral sides of the aerosol container receiving bay. The method includes disposing the aerosol delivery assembly such that the aerosol container receiving bay is disposed posteriorly relative to the person, and while so positioned, dispensing product from the aerosol container toward the person's posterior by pulling the left and right grip sections away from each other, so that a vertical height of the aerosol container receiving bay is decreased to thereby depress the dispensing button of the aerosol container. Related assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Solotan LLC
    Inventor: Neil Ross MacIntyre, III
  • Patent number: 8991651
    Abstract: A reconfigurable applicator system for extrusive dispensing of a work material is provided. The system includes a body portion having an actuator coupled thereto. A frame portion coupled to the body portion defines a support structure for at least one cartridge unit containing the work material. A combination trigger handle portion is coupled to the body portion to be adjustable between angularly displaced first and second grip positions relative to the frame portion. The combination trigger handle portion includes at least first and second selectable triggers coupled to the actuator, which responds to each of the first and second triggers to actuate extrusive dispensing of the work material from the cartridge unit. The combination trigger handle portion in the first and second grip positions alternatively configures the system between overhand and underhand configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Patent & Investment LLC
    Inventor: Stanley Yeh
  • Publication number: 20150069093
    Abstract: A spout interlocking device of a teapot has a first fixing module, a handle module, and a spout cover module. The first fixing module has a first positioning base, and a first base cover covering a top of the first positioning base. The handle module is pivotably mounted on the first positioning base and has a first handle, a second handle, and an interlocking unit. The first handle and the second handle are mounted in the first positioning base. The interlocking unit is mounted on the front ends of the first handle and the second handle and is pivotably mounted in the first positioning base. The spout cover module is mounted on the first positioning base and has a pivot portion pivotably mounted in the first positioning base and a cover body connected with the pivot portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Kuo-Chang Chen
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150069092
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a novel utensil for transferring ingredients into a container with a small opening and for minimizing ingredient spillage during the transfer. In some embodiments, the utensil comprises a hollowed-out scoop, a cover that folds over the scoop to cover ingredients in the scoop, a funnel through the bottom of the fold-over cover, a handle for orienting the scoop, a hinged element that is connected at opposite sides to the scoop and the cover at a scooping end of the hinged element and is connected to the handle at the other end of the hinged element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Evan Eric SCHUELKE
  • Patent number: 8757446
    Abstract: A fluid supplying device of the present invention includes a reservoir, an outer tube, an inner tube disposed in the outer tube, a pressing rod, and a positioning handle. The outer tube disposed in the reservoir and is partially exposed outside the reservoir. The pressing rod is slidably disposed in the inner tube. The positioning handle is pivotably disposed to the reservoir and is able to altervatively abut against the pressing rod to prevent the pressing rod from moving. The reservoir forms a relief hole, and the positioning handle forms a through hole. When the pressing rod is restricted by the positioning handle, the relief hole is deviated from the through hole, and vice versa. Thereby, the present invention can prevent gas-leakage and prevent the pressing rod from bouncing up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Cosda Manu Facturing Company
    Inventor: Lai-Cheng Liu
  • Patent number: 8690028
    Abstract: A portable filter container for manually transporting large quantities of a liquid is described. The container includes an extendible handle that allows for easy transportation of the container on a set of wheels. The handle also actuates a pump to provide pressure to the inside of the container in order to force the liquid through a filter. The handle can actuate the pump either using a piston or a lever motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: SimpliPure, Inc.
    Inventor: Tareq Risheq
  • Patent number: 8602273
    Abstract: A safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism connected thereto. The valve mechanism can include a body, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, and a trigger assembly. The body can include a fill port and a separate pour port. The fill cover assembly can be adapted to selectively move between a closed position to cover the fill port and an open position to allow the receptacle to be filled. The pour valve assembly can be adapted to selectively move between a closed position to cover the pour port and an open position to allow fluid to be poured from the receptacle through the pour port. The trigger assembly can be operated to move the pour valve assembly. The pour valve and the pour port can be disposed along a longitudinal pour axis. The fill port can be disposed in offset relationship to the longitudinal pour axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company LLC
    Inventors: Glen A. Carter, Mark T. Goddard
  • Patent number: 8235689
    Abstract: A reciprocating piston liquid pump and piston driver mechanism includes a reciprocating piston liquid pump having a piston chamber and a piston reciprocating in the piston chamber from an unactuated position to an actuated position, with movement of the piston from the unactuated position to the actuated position causing the advancement of product. The piston driver mechanism includes a first driver member having an axis and a sloped circumferential surface extending along its axis, and a second driver member having an axis and a sloped circumferential surface extending along its axis. The first and second driver members are aligned along their axes and mate at an unactuated position along at least a portion of their sloped circumferential surfaces. Rotation of one of the driver members about its axis relative to the other of the driver members causes the second driver member to advance away from the first driver member toward an actuated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick E. Ciavarella, David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8152031
    Abstract: A kettle includes a kettle body, a lid and a handle. The lid includes an inner seat having a connecting hole, an outer seat mounted on the inner seat, a sealing unit movable relative to the inner seat to open or close the connecting hole, a push rod secured to the sealing unit to move the sealing unit, and a drive shaft having a drive plate to move the push rod toward the sealing unit. The handle is connected with the drive shaft to drive and rotate the drive shaft relative to the push rod. Thus, the lid is closed at a normal state to interrupt a connection between the lid and the kettle body, so that the liquid in the kettle body will not flow outwardly from the lid even when the kettle body is inclined or upset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Heng-De Yang
  • Publication number: 20120048895
    Abstract: A safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism connected thereto. The valve mechanism can include a body, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, and a trigger assembly. The body can include a fill port and a separate pour port. The fill cover assembly can be adapted to selectively move between a closed position to cover the fill port and an open position to allow the receptacle to be filled. The pour valve assembly can be adapted to selectively move between a closed position to cover the pour port and an open position to allow fluid to be poured from the receptacle through the pour port. The trigger assembly can be operated to move the pour valve assembly. The pour valve and the pour port can be disposed along a longitudinal pour axis. The fill port can be disposed in offset relationship to the longitudinal pour axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: JUSTRITE MANUFACTURING COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: GLEN A. CARTER, MARK T. GODDARD
  • Patent number: 8122876
    Abstract: An ash bin and chimney system comprising: an open topside and at least one side wall forming a device cavity, and the device further comprises at least one screen and a movable flap situated within the device cavity, the flap further comprises a leg, and the leg is in an extended position when the flap is in a generally perpendicular position relative to the screen during a chimney function, and the leg is in a folded position when the flap is in a generally parallel position relative to the screen, and the leg in its extended position prevents the device from being inserted within the internal cavity of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Original Idea, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert DeMars
  • Publication number: 20110127295
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hand application device (1) having improved handling capability, in that its individual elements (2, 7, 12) are rotatable and adjustable to one another around four rotational axes (8, 10, 13, 28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas Hilfiker
  • Patent number: 7854350
    Abstract: A distribution assembly includes at least two containers or receptacles, each containing a product, and being fitted with a valve having an actuator rod. A distribution device is mounted on top of the containers and includes a distribution nozzle fitted with at least one distribution orifice. The distribution device further includes a movable actuator element to provoke the simultaneous distribution of two products in a mixed or separate state. Further, an intermediate body is separate from the actuator element and includes two skirts. The intermediate body is able to engage respectively on the two actuator rods of the containers, and at least one inner channel allows the flow of products towards the distribution nozzle. The actuator element and the intermediate body are arranged to co-operate on operation of the actuator element so as to allow the passage of products from the recipients to the distribution nozzle via the inner channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Pierre-Andre Lasserre, Marcel Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20100243682
    Abstract: A kettle includes a kettle body, a lid and a handle. The lid includes an inner seat having a connecting hole, an outer seat mounted on the inner seat, a sealing unit movable relative to the inner seat to open or close the connecting hole, a push rod secured to the sealing unit to move the sealing unit, and a drive shaft having a drive plate to move the push rod toward the sealing unit. The handle is connected with the drive shaft to drive and rotate the drive shaft relative to the push rod. Thus, the lid is closed at a normal state to interrupt a connection between the lid and the kettle body, so that the liquid in the kettle body will not flow outwardly from the lid even when the kettle body is inclined or upset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Heng-De Yang
  • Patent number: 7762437
    Abstract: A container for liquids and a lid for the same are shown and described. The disclosed embodiments incorporate a container and a lid, the lid having: a base removably, sealably coupled to the container; a mouth adapted to facilitate drinking and/or pouring liquid out of the container; and a valve member positioned therebetween. The valve member is rotatable between an open orientation in which an aperture in the valve member aligns with openings in the base and mouth, and a closed orientation in which the aperture does not align with one or both of the openings. A handle/actuator can be used to manipulate the valve member, and can be oriented to function as a handle for the container when the valve member is in the closed configuration, and to be moved out of the user's way when the valve member is in the open orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Chef'n Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Holcomb, Jason O. Germany, Adam A. Jossem
  • Patent number: 7717306
    Abstract: The invention is a dual-axis force transmission mechanism that operates as an actuator for the valve of fluid dispensing devices. It comprises a rotating trigger member (101) that pivots as a force is applied by the operator. The transmission mechanism preferably includes a rack and pinion arrangement in which a pinion gear (108) located on the rotatable trigger member (101) intermeshes with a rack gear (107) located on the opposing force transmission frame. This mechanism inter-converts a force applied to the rotatable trigger (101) into a rectilinear force that is then transmitted to operate the fluid dispensing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Davis Asbury White, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7520447
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a dispenser comprising a container (A) for holding a product to be dispensed and a dispensing mechanism (B), said dispenser comprises i. a container body (Q) having a bottom (E), and a means for interconnecting said bottom with a side opposite thereto; said container body further including at least one outlet opening (F) arranged in or near the side opposite to said bottom, preferably in or near the upper half of the means interconnecting the bottom with the side opposite to said bottom, ii. a conduct (G) connecting said container body, extending from the outlet opening (F), with said dispensing mechanism, iii. a trigger sprayer (H) and, iv. a neck (K) connecting said trigger sprayer (H) with said conduct (G) wherein said neck (K) and said conduct (G) are linked to said container body (Q) so that said neck (K) and said conduct (G) form a swan-neck or a U-shape extending from said outlet opening (F) so as to exchange air pressure and product to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Monsanto Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Wim Engelen, Hugo Smid
  • Publication number: 20090065534
    Abstract: A kettle includes a kettle body defining an interior chamber with a spout positioned on the kettle body. The spout has a pour opening in communication with the interior chamber. The kettle also features a handle having a leading end, a gripping portion and a leaf spring. The leaf spring includes a leading portion attached to the gripping portion and a trailing portion attached to the kettle body. A spout lid is pivotally attached to the kettle body so as to selectively cover the pour opening. The leading end of the handle is pivotally mounted to the spout lid at a position where the leaf spring urges the leading end of the handle in a direction away from the trailing portion of the leaf spring so that the spout lid covers the pour opening when the kettle is in a level position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Samuel Lebowitz
  • Patent number: 7124915
    Abstract: A handle assembly for engaging a pressure container having an outlet valve, the handle assembly including a base for engaging the pressure container and a handle pivotally connected to the base so as to locate the pivotal connection at least proximal to a vertical projection of a center of mass of the pressure container. The handle assembly also includes a flow control mechanism for continuous operable engagement with the outlet valve independent of the orientation of the handle and the container about a pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: The Fountainhead Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Mario J. Restive
  • Patent number: 7096617
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a draft beverage tap handle. The handle includes a body portion and a handle portion. The body portion includes a battery, a light source, a microprocessor, a motion sensor, and a timer. The microprocessor controls electrical current supplied to the light source from the battery. The motion sensor detects when the beverage tap handle has been moved to dispense a beverage. The timer causes electrical current to be interrupted to the light source from the battery when a predetermined period of time has expired. The handle portion is made from a translucent material having an internal cavity for accepting the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Edward William Bydalek, Walter F. Lewis, Leonard R. Missler
  • Patent number: 7048144
    Abstract: A teakettle has a vessel defining a storage chamber with a spout, a handle connected to the vessel and including a hollow portion communicating with the chamber, a closure member disposed within the spout and movable for opening and closing the spout, an actuator on the handle, and a linkage assembly extending through the hollow portion of the handle and coupling the actuator to the closure member for opening the closure member inwardly of the spout in response to actuation of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Eric Chan, Jeff Miller
  • Patent number: 6962319
    Abstract: A safety switch for a water dispenser includes a sealing ring movably received in the channel to alternatively block communication between the inlet and the outlet, a guiding rod securely received in the sealing ring and having a first spring compressibly mounted around an outer periphery of the guiding rod, a handle adapted to be pivotal relative to the water dispensing tube and having a first distal end securely connected to a second distal end of the guiding rod, a support engaged with an outer periphery defining the channel and a sliding block movably sandwiched between the support and the handle so that movement of the sliding block relative to the support allows the pivotal movement of the handle, which initiates an upward movement of the guiding rod as well as the sealing ring such that the communication between the inlet and the outlet is resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: GD Midea Holding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fang-Zhen Zheng
  • Patent number: 6755120
    Abstract: A coffeepot comprises a body, a handle assembly, a lid connecting assembly, a discharge control assembly, a check valve, a disc-shaped abutment assembly, a push member, and a disc-shaped lid. In a closed state of the check valve, press the push member to lower the discharge control assembly a distance with a spring of the discharge control assembly being compressed, a gap is formed between a base of the discharge control assembly and the lid connecting assembly, a coffee discharge passageway is formed from the gap to a spout through a passageway of the lid connecting assembly, and tilt the body will pour coffee out of the spout via the coffee discharge passageway. Further, in an open state of the check valve, releasing the push member will close the coffee discharge passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Uni-Splendor Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 6695180
    Abstract: A lifting and closing device for a beverage bottle comprises a stopper made of elastic material, a clamping mechanism which clamps the stopper closed in the neutral position, a handle, and a trigger integrated into the handle for actuating the clamping mechanism for the temporary opening of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: RMD Engineering AG
    Inventors: Martin Rohrer, Roy Schaerer
  • Patent number: 6474443
    Abstract: A portable suction device for removing liquid from an engine includes a plastic tank including a pump aperture for enabling removal of air or gases from the tank and a receiving aperture for receiving a liquid or gas from an engine. The suction device includes a pump apparatus for creating a negative pressure in the plastic tank. The pump apparatus includes a metal cylindrical tube, a plastic piston surrounded by the cylindrical tube, a metal piston rod having an end secured to the piston and a pump handle secured to the other end of the piston rod. A plastic support bracket supports a first end of the cylindrical tube adjacent the pump handle by securing the tube to a protrusion at a top end of the tank. A pump support cap receives the second end of the cylindrical tube for securing the tube at the pump aperture of the plastic tank. Due to the arrangement of the cylindrical tube above the plastic tank, the cylindrical tube functions as a portable suction device handle for carrying the plastic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kristus, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry A. Kearns, Curtis Taylor
  • Patent number: 6398083
    Abstract: A beverage server comprises a container having a top, a bottom, and side walls joined so as to form a water-tight vessel. The container has a fill opening in the top thereof that provides access to the interior of the container. The container also has a spout formed through a side wall of the container and opening onto the fill opening formed into the top and a handle connected to a side wall of the container opposite the spout. A lid having a top with a skirt wall depending downwardly therefrom is constructed and arranged to be received within the fill opening of the container. The skirt wall has a pour opening formed therethrough that may be aligned with the spout formed through the sidewall of the container to allow liquids to be poured from the beverage server. The lid is rotatable between three positions: a first, open/close position; a second, closed position; and a third, pouring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith G. Nybakke
  • Patent number: 6390153
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety container for inflammable liquids, including a single valve body that has a pour-spout and a fill-spout, as well as a concerted venting means which are all located within the single valve body, thus eliminating user confusion and increasing safety by having one valve body containing all of these said functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company LLC
    Inventors: Frank S Flider, Ted E Holmes
  • Patent number: 6367661
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a main housing 28 having a slide track 30 with slide plate 22 attached above the interior orifice 32 of the release spout 24. Riding within the slide track 30 is a slide plate 22 controlled and operated by an external spring handle 26. The spring handle 26 consists of a pin 20 and lock device 40 in which the removable slide plate 22 is held captive. When the spring handle 26 is squeezed, the removable slide plate 22 is extracted from blocking the interior spout hole 32 allowing the batter to be released and then the spring handle pushes the slide plate back, riding within the track 30, in a closed position over the interior spout hole blocking the flow of the batter. The main housing 28 has a sanitary lid 16 that provides access to the interior of the housing to fill or for cleaning. Mounted to the exterior of the main housing are two stand adapters 18 which provide for attaching a four legged stand 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent Valente
  • Patent number: 6352166
    Abstract: A lid for a container having an opening is configured to close the opening. The lid includes a base adapted to fit the container opening and an actuator configured to engage the base. The base includes a deformable portion which, when deformed, will pass the contents of the container therethrough. The actuator is moveable between a closing position and an opening position and is operable to deform the deformable portion such that, when the actuator is in its closing position, the contents of the container are blocked from passing through the deformable portion and, when the actuator is in its opening position, the contents of the container will pass through the deformable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: William Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce W. Copeland
  • Publication number: 20010030205
    Abstract: A beverage server comprises a container having a top, a bottom, and side walls joined so as to form a water-tight vessel. The container has a fill opening in the top thereof that provides access to the interior of the container. The container also has a spout formed through a side wall of the container and opening onto the fill opening formed into the top and a handle connected to a side wall of the container opposite the spout. A lid having a top with a skirt wall depending downwardly therefrom is constructed and arranged to be received within the fill opening of the container. The skirt wall has a pour opening formed therethrough that may be aligned with the spout formed through the sidewall of the container to allow liquids to be poured from the beverage server. The lid is rotatable between three positions: a first, open/close position; a second, closed position; and a third, pouring position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Keith G. Nybakke
  • Patent number: 6234364
    Abstract: The present invention is a spill-resistant beverage server ideally suited for pouring beverages aboard airliners in flight. The server utilizes a plurality of small pour openings and a closed top which prevents accidental spillage in the event of rough flying conditions. A thumb actuator lever opens the pour openings when in use and a closing device closes the pour openings when the thumb actuator is released. The server is shaped to provide a low center of gravity, even when the container is full, thereby providing a stable server resistant to tipping. A rubber coating over the handle gives the operator a positive grip and prevents accidental dropping. The server also incorporates an indicator device used to display the type of beverage contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith G. Nybakke, Greg A. Loffler
  • Patent number: 6216903
    Abstract: A bi-directional closure to dispense liquid through the open mouth of a container having a projecting handle. The closure includes a closing member fitting into the container open mouth to seal the mouth and the closing member has a pair of spaced outlet ports. A lid is rotatably mounted relative to the closing member and has a pair of spaced liquid pouring openings and a pair of spaced air holes and an operating lever is mounted on one of the closing member and lid and projects therefrom for rotating one relative to the other. When the lid is in a home position relative to the closing member with the operating lever aligned with the container handle the pair of outlet ports of the closing member are sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Hirose, Yasuhiro Kowa, Toru Goto
  • Patent number: 6006959
    Abstract: A kettle is provided which includes a body defining a storage unit and including a spout coupled to the body and defining an opening. The kettle also includes a handle having first and second ends and coupled to the body for rotation about a second axis disposed between the first and second ends and engageably coupled to the spout lid, wherein the rotation of the handle in a first direction causes movement of the lid to its open position and rotation of the handle in a second direction causes movement of the lid to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: General Housewares Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Naden, Donald Strum
  • Patent number: 5967380
    Abstract: A reservoir tank for use with an apparatus to provide liquid thereto, which includes a cylindrical tank open at one end with an end cap removably engaged therewith, which has a spring urged arm with a stem and stopper which normally closes off an opening in the cap, the arm is depressed to allow liquid to enter the tank for filling, and the arm is engaged by an upstanding pin from the apparatus when the tank is inverted and placed in the liquid receiving portion to allow liquid to flow out to fill the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Lasko Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Litvin
  • Patent number: 5706985
    Abstract: A combination cap and handle for use with a detachable humidifier reservoir tank. Extending through the cap is a tubular aperture containing a biased plunger that interacts with a base pin in the water receiving portion of the humidifier. The plunger is attached to a flap such that when the reservoir tank is placed into the body of the humidifier, the plunger and flap are urged into the reservoir tank, allowing the water in the reservoir to fill the humidifier. Extending radially from the plunger aperture on the external surface of the cap are raised handles. These handles allow for a mechanical advantage when the user wishes to remove the cap from the reservoir, or to transport the reservoir more easily both when full and when empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Holmes Products Corp.
    Inventor: David L. Feer
  • Patent number: 5300991
    Abstract: An image forming machine having an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a developing device that develops the latent image and a toner replenisher that replenish toner to the developing device. The toner replenisher has a cover attached to the upper opening portion thereof which can be opened or closed when a pivotable member having a rack, provided to the toner replenisher, is moved. A pinion is rotated by the rack, and the pinion rotates a shaft to move rotatable members, which in turn open or close the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventor: Fumiaki Hiraike
  • Patent number: 5135128
    Abstract: A water kettle is equipped with a handle, a first end of which is joined to lower regions of the side of the kettle by a hinge, and a second end of which is fitted on the diametrically opposite side with a spout lid for covering (and opening) the kettle's spout. When the kettle is in the rest position, as a result of its weight the handle will drop until the handle comes to stop on the spout and the spout lid covers the spout opening. When the kettle is lifted by the handle or tipped into the pouring position, the handle swings back to a stop in the spout and the associated spout lid is removed from the spout opening. Following this swiveling movement, the raised spout lid is brought into a position which deflects steam flowing out of the spout opening in such a way that a user's hand holding the handle is not directly exposed to the steam. The spout lid is provided with a device for emitting an acoustic signal when the boiling point is reached in the interior of the kettle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Heinrich Kuhn Metallwarenfabrik AG
    Inventor: Jacques Kuhn
  • Patent number: 4963047
    Abstract: A two piece brush for dispensing and applying a material in gel form comprises a brush element having a plurality of bristles and an elongated handle pivotably secured to the brush element for movement from a position adjacent the brush element to a position substantially at right angles to the brush element. An opening is provided extending through the brush element to the bristles which aligns with an opening in the elongated handle entering into a gel retainer in the handle, when the handle is positioned at right angles to the brush element. A flange disposed on the brush element is effective to seal off the opening in the elongated handle with the elongated handle positioned adjacent the brush element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Trotta
  • Patent number: 4917521
    Abstract: A pen type dispenser structure attachable to a container for ink correction liquid. The dispenser includes a frusto-conical liner wall formed into a spiral configuration; a shaft extends from the small end of the liner wall into a liquid discharge opening formed in the tip end of a surrounding cover. A manually-squeezable lever is mounted on the container for rotating the cover. A wedge surface on the cover interior surface is slidably engaged with a wedge surface on the spiral liner wall, such that rotation of the cover causes the spiral liner to move the internal shaft away from the liquid discharge opening at the tip end of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Kung-Chung Lai
  • Patent number: 4802609
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing solid snack foods and the like comprises a closed container defining a chamber adapted to be at least partially filled with a snack food. A measuring cup is mounted on the container for receiving a measured quantity of the snack food. A dispensing tray is pivotally mounted on the measuring cup to normally close an open bottom thereof and is moveable to an open position for discharging the measured quantity of foodstuff. An elongated screw is mounted in the container, between the chamber and measuring cup, and is adapted to be manually turned to convey the measured quantity of foodstuff into the measuring cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventors: Hugh B. Morse, John V. Ciolino
  • Patent number: 4735348
    Abstract: A thermo-insulated vessel is provided with a plurality of sealed inserts containing a freezable substance adapted to cool a liquid stored in said vessel. The vessel is also provided with means to carbonate the liquid and to dispense the carbonated liquid upon demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Norcarl Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl V. Santoiemmo, Robert M. Beardslee
  • Patent number: 4624385
    Abstract: An actuating device for opening and closing a whistling cap of a whistling kettle, wherein the whistling cap is rotatably mounted on the spout by means of a first pivot, comprising an actuating rod which is rotatably mounted on the whistling cap by means of a second pivot, and a spring for continuously biasing the cap into a closed position. The actuating rod has a longitudinal axis which extends in a direction at an obtuse angle .theta. with respect to a line connecting the first and second pivots in the closed position of the whistling cap. The actuating rod can move into a locked position past a dead point at which the longitudinal axis of the rod and the first and second pivots are aligned on a same line when the rod is moved to open the whistling cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: Hokusei Nikkei Household Utensils Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yano
  • Patent number: 4572411
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a dispensing head with a conventional gooseneck type dispensing spout for filling carafes and the like type containers has a single bore in the center line of the dispensing head for mounting the dispensing spout and operating elements of a valve for controlling the flow of the fluid being dispensed to the inlet or lower end of the dispensing spout, the lower end of the dispensing spout forms the valve head for the valve maintained normally closed, and manual actuating device is provided to lift the dispensing spout so as to move the valve to open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co. (H&H Precision Products Div.)
    Inventor: Richard C. Dreibelbis
  • Patent number: 4491251
    Abstract: On a safety can for the storage and dispensing of liquid fuel and other volatile liquids from which the contents usually are dispensed at more or less frequent intervals, the pouring spout of the can has a cover which is at a free end of a lever which is spring biased to normally keep the cover tightly closed. The can has a fixed lifting handle in the form of a flat arch in a central area of the top of the can with the top of the arch providing a hand grip removed from the spout and its cover, a secondary handle extending above the lever on which the cover is secured and pivotally secured through an upwardly offset connection to the lever toward the free end of the biased lever terminates in a hand grip parallel with but spaced radially from the hand grip formed by the flat arch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Eagle Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Clarence L. Pratz, Archimede DiClemente
  • Patent number: 4460010
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a portable gas supply station comprising two or more gas bottles or cylinders for welding and other applications.The gas cylinders are mounted via their necks in a block. A movable handle makes it possible to open and close the gas lines simultaneously. In its carrying position, the handle ensures closure which allows complete safety.The gas supply station is particularly suitable for welding, soldering, flame cutting and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Zivko Paravigna, Jack Boursaud, Christian Tassart
  • Patent number: RE39431
    Abstract: A kettle is provided which includes a body defining a storage unit and including a spout coupled to the body and defining an opening. The kettle also includes a handle having first and second ends and coupled to the body for rotation about a second axis disposed between the first and second ends and engageably coupled to the spout lid, wherein the rotation of the handle in a first direction causes movement of the lid to its open position and rotation of the handle in a second direction causes movement of the lid to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Mark Naden, Donald Strum