Pivoted Actuator Patents (Class 222/472)
  • Patent number: 11937715
    Abstract: A device comprising an adjustable lid for covering a glass or cup that covers the top of the glass or cup and prevents substances from being placed in the glass or cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Jake Green
  • Patent number: 11779156
    Abstract: A beverage container assembly including a cup and a lid. The cup includes an outer wall and an inner wall. The cup may have a double truncated cone shape. The lid includes a spout for drinking a beverage held in the cup and a number of holes that allow aroma to escape from the cup. The cup includes an internal protrusion that aids in mixing the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: SPROGO LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Epstein
  • Patent number: 11130363
    Abstract: An in-mold label includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. When the in-mold label is molded on to, or into, a plastic product, the first surface faces outward with respect to the plastic product and the second surfaces faces inward with respect to the plastic product. The substrate includes a full graphics area on the second surface. Ink is applied in the full graphics area to provide a full graphics image. To facilitate the molding process, each of the substrate and the ink having a complementary property to a property of the plastic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: ImageWorks Interactive
    Inventor: Thomas W. Becker
  • Patent number: 10870515
    Abstract: A container sleeve system and method of manufacture thereof can include: a container having a shoulder; and a sleeve having coupling ends coupled together with a handle therebetween, the coupling ends including a rounded overhang, the coupling ends including bottom retention recesses formed within a bottom side thereof, and the shoulder extending through the rounded overhang, and the handle including a handle body providing thickness to the handle, the handle body formed on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventor: Joseph Pearce
  • Patent number: 10870522
    Abstract: A lid is described to reduce spillage or leakage of fluids contained in a beverage container. The lid includes the actuator that opens and closes a dispensing opening of the lid and also opens and closes a valve of the lid to reduce spillage or leakage from the beverage container. As the actuator is opened, the dispensing opening is uncovered and the valve opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: THERMOS L.L.C.
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Patent number: 10071593
    Abstract: An electronic in-mold label includes a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The substrate includes an electronics mounting area on the second surface and an electronic circuit positioned in the electronics mounting area. When the electronic in-mold label is molded on to, or into, a plastic product, the electronic circuit is molded into the plastic product and is operable to perform a function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: ImageWorks Interactive
    Inventor: Thomas W. Becker
  • Patent number: 8985406
    Abstract: The plug includes: a resilient member that is provided on the valve body and serves to bias the valve body in a closing direction; a valve body cover attached to the valve body in order to prevent the resilient member from coming of a rotation member rotatably provided on the valve body cover; at least two engagement claw portions that are provided on the rotation member and serve to allow the valve body cover to be engaged with an upper portion of the valve body; and claw guiding grooves and the recessed grooves serving as steps that are provided on an upper portion of the valve body, the number of the claw guiding grooves being equal to the number of or the integral multiple of the engagement claw portions, the recessed grooves allowing the rotation member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Thermos L.L.C., Thermos K.K.
    Inventor: Katsuaki Tachi
  • Publication number: 20150021363
    Abstract: A cover for a portable fluid dispenser is disclosed. The cover comprises a flip lid component operable to rotate open to provide access to a liquid storage cavity of the portable fluid dispenser. It also comprises a lever operatively coupled to the flip lid component, wherein the lever comprises a press member on one end and an actuation arm on a far end of the lever opposite from the press member. A downward force applied to the press member causes the lever to rotate around a first pivot point. Further, the rotation of the lever around the first pivot point causes the actuation arm to push on the flip lid component at an actuation point, wherein the flip lid component pivots around a second pivot point and rotates open in response to a resulting force applied at the actuation point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Brita LP
    Inventors: Rick T. Nishijima, Daniel C. Nunez, Brett Mcintire, Jessica L. Todd
  • Publication number: 20140367406
    Abstract: A paint can lid assembly having a universal paint cup port member adapted to receive and retain a paint spray cup in an inverted position such that unused paint will drain from the paint spray cup back into the paint can. The paint cup port member has a tubular main body that extends through the upper surface of the mixing lid, the internal bore of the main body being sufficiently sized so as to receive the mating spout of any type or brand of paint spray cup. In a preferred embodiment, the paint cup port member is provided with an annular locking shoulder to better secure paint spray cups possessing retention clip members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Shane Steele
  • Patent number: 8893990
    Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a spray device including a frame having a receptacle configured to receive a self-contained spray can. The spray device further includes a first conductive element configured to contact the self-contained spray can, and a first electrical conductor extending between the first conductive element and an earth ground such that a first electrical potential of the self-contained spray can is substantially equal to a second electrical potential of the earth ground while the self-contained spray can is in contact with the first conductive element. The spray device also includes a corona-charging electrode positioned adjacent to a spray nozzle of the self-contained spray can. The corona-charging electrode is configured to emit a stream of ions toward the self-contained spray can such that a spray of fluid from the spray nozzle passes through the stream of ions and becomes electrostatically charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Finishing Brands Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Seitz, Daniel J. Hasselschwert, Roger T. Cedoz, James P. Baltz, Jessica Rose Bryant
  • Patent number: 8827185
    Abstract: A dispenser for granular materials and a method of seasoning using the dispenser is provided. The dispenser has multiple deflectors. The deflectors can deflect granular materials in tangential and radial directions. The dispenser has a dispensing mechanism actuated by a user-manipulable lever connected to a yoke in which a pin is received for rotating a member of the dispenser. The dispenser achieves consistent quantities with each dispense with three different features. One feature is having a rim partially raised around the first member aperture. Another feature is pushing elements that cooperate with the partially raised rim. A third feature is radially staggered dispensing apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Simmons, Scott G. Peterson, Michael S. Tucker, James E. Johanson, Russell V. Plum, Jr., William C. Mulkey
  • Publication number: 20140246463
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing flow control device according to one example includes a body portion, an actuation lever and a sealing gasket. A sealing gasket is securable over the bottom surface of the body and has a bottom surface with a beverage flow aperture and a vent aperture. The apertures are configured to define a maximum flow position when the sealing gasket is rotationally aligned with respect to the body portion such that the beverage flow aperture does not block the flow aperture of the body portion, and a minimum flow position when the sealing gasket is rotationally aligned with respect to the body portion such that the beverage flow aperture blocks at least the majority of the body's flow aperture while leaving at least a portion of the vent channel unblocked. A plunger is in operable communication with the actuation lever to selectively seal the bottom surface of the gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Poul, Daniel Hsi Ping Chu, Joseph Krawczyk
  • Publication number: 20140217128
    Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly for a container including a main body member (1) which is adapted, in use, to be releasably affixable to the container, that main body member (1) including a dispensing means (4) and a lever or control member (10) which is adapted to be releasably associated with the main body member (1), as well as a flap or closure member (20) which is adapted to be releasably associated with both the main body member (1) and the lever or control member (10) such that movement of the lever or control member (10) allows for selective and controlled movement of the flap or closure member (30) between respective end positions into, and out of engagement with the dispensing means (4) of the main body member (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: The Decor Corporation Pty l.td.
    Inventor: Jim Samartgis
  • Publication number: 20140117055
    Abstract: A dispenser according to one example includes a container portion, a collar base portion and a lever portion. The container portion includes a sidewall, a bottom surface, a hollow interior and an open top. The open top includes an upwardly extending neck. The collar base portion includes a neck receiving recess defined therein, a flow aperture defined therein, a receiving cavity defined therein, a dispensing edge defined in a forward portion thereof, an upwardly extending first pivot member, and a handle portion extending from a rearward portion thereof. The lever portion includes an elongated body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a dispensing end and an actuating end. The lever portion defines a cutoff edge adjacent the dispensing end, a second pivot member extending downwardly from the lower surface, and a biasing member extending generally downwardly from the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SERVICE IDEAS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher L. Peterson, Scott A. Olson, Bob G. Fehr, Aaron J. Munsinger, Gregory D. Poul, Jacob W. Bump, Kenneth V. Bakken
  • Publication number: 20140001208
    Abstract: The invention discloses a container closure (3) for closing a vessel (2). The container closure (3) has a pouring opening (37) for pouring a liquid out of the vessel (2), a closure body (36) by means of which the pouring opening (37) can be closed, and also a closure lever (33) which interacts with the closure body (36). By being pressed by a finger of the user, the closure lever (33) can be pivoted from a closure position, in which the closure body (36) closes the pouring opening (37), to an opening position, in which the closure body (36) unblocks the pouring opening (37). The container closure (3) also has a rotary element (31) which can be rotated about a vertical axis relative to the closure lever (33) in order to form a stop with the closure lever (33) in a blocking position and thereby to block the closure lever (33) in its opening position and to allow the closure lever (33) to pivot between the closure position and the opening position in a release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: PI-DESIGN AG
    Inventor: Jørgen Bodum
  • Patent number: 8528794
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing an adhesive or sealant from a vessel, in particular from a pressurized vessel, via a valve. For this purpose, the dispenser is equipped with a lever with a grip region for actuating the valve. The dispenser also has an attachment, on which the lever is fitted in a pivotable manner, and an actuator with a supporting region for the lever. The actuator is configured such that it can be rotated relative to the attachment, and the supporting region is therefore variable, in order to change the effective lever path for the actuation of the valve, for activating or deactivating the dispenser or for varying the volume flow as product is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Karsten Wolf, Rene Schwarz, Jan Ziegler, Kai Ruthe-Steinsiek, Birgit Rhode
  • Patent number: 8376162
    Abstract: A water stop structure is mounted to a water jar. A main body includes a depression bar device, a resiliency device, and a water stop member. The depression bar device includes a movable depression bar that is releasably connectable to a hanger formed on the main body. The resiliency device includes a rod that maintains the depression bar in position with a first resilient element. A second resilient element maintains the rod in position to have the water stop member blocking a water passage of the main body. When the depression bar is depressed to travel through a first stroke, the depression bar disengages from the hanger to form an opening therebetween for easy hanging and use of the water jar. When the depression bar travels through a second stroke, the rod drives the water stop member away from the water passage to allow a user to drink water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Trim Supply Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8028865
    Abstract: A two-way dispenser cap has a main cap member and a toggle valve. The main cap member has two passages that allow material from inside an attached container to dispense. The first passage leads to a trap chamber that is defined by the main cap member and the toggle valve walls. The second passage leads to an outlet passage for continuous pouring dispensation. The toggle valve pivots in relation to the two-way dispenser cap between one of three positions: no dispensation, metered dispensation from the trap chamber passage or continuous pour dispensation. When the toggle valve pivots to open the trap chamber passage, the trap chamber inlet is closed off. When the toggle valve pivots to open the continuous pour passage, the trap chamber outlet remains closed. When the toggle valve pivots to the closed position, both the inlet passages are in fluid communication with the attached container's interior, but both outlets are closed. The main cap member has a recessed top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: DeJonge Associated, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart W. DeJonge
  • Patent number: 7988677
    Abstract: A hand-held syringe includes a handle configured for suspending and using the syringe with a single hand. The handle includes pivotally connected first and second members. The members of the handle may be pivotally connected at intermediate positions along the lengths thereof or at or near ends thereof. The first member is associated with, and may be pivotally connected to, a syringe barrel, while the second member is associated with, and may be pivotally connected to, a syringe plunger. The syringe may be configured for a single-use (i.e., it may be disposable). Applications of use and methods of using a hand-held syringe are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventor: Shawn P. Fojtik
  • Patent number: 7959043
    Abstract: A tea kettle with a spout and a handle extends from a body, wherein the handle and spout are offset from one another such that when the body is tilted during pouring of a hot liquid contained therein, hot vapor from the liquid substantially is diverted away from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Anderson Associates
    Inventors: Luke Anderson, J. Dwight Anderson
  • Patent number: 7815077
    Abstract: A soap dispensing assembly has a container housing having an interior that retains soap. The container housing has an opening which communicates with the interior. A pump unit secured to the top of the container housing at a location separate from the opening. The pump unit includes a dispensing assembly through which soap from the interior is dispensed. A lid that is removably coupled to the opening to allow for a quick replenishment of the soap without having to remove the pump unit. The pump unit can also include an actuator that has a soap outlet, with the actuator is pivoted to draw soap from the interior of the container housing to the soap outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Adam C. Wade, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7770763
    Abstract: The invention relates to a precision cover (1) with a spout (5) for closing a container of liquid or particulate product of the type in which the top of the cover forms a spout (5) with a sliding seal (2) that is acted upon by a spring (4) and whose motion is controlled by a pivoting opening lever (3). This cover (1) is characterized in that the pivoting opening lever (3) controls at least two different modes of operation of the sliding seal (2), one in which, for a given angular shift of the control lever (3), the seal (2) is moved by a low value relative to the opening of the spout (5), and the other in which, for the same angular shift of the control lever (3), the sliding seal (2) is moved by a higher value relative to the opening of the spout (5) so as to allow the operator to meter the flow rate of the container's contents with very high precision in the first mode and with a high value of opening in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Fillon Investissement S.A.
    Inventor: Pierre-Erik Faure
  • Patent number: 7743948
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a liquid or viscous substance, preferably foodstuff. At least one pump means (4) is provided to perform pump motions for sucking said substance (2) into the dispensing device (1) and dispense or discharge it therefrom. The pump means (4) is provided to divide inner parts of the dispensing device (1) into at least one suction chamber (30) and at least one dispensing or discharge chamber (31) which are interconnected through at least one transfer chamber (32). The pump means (4) is during a first pump motion in one direction (A) provided to suck substance (2) into the suction chamber (30) and simultaneously dispense or discharge substance (2) from the discharge chamber (31). The pump means (4) is during a second pump motion in the opposite direction (D) relative to the first pump motion provided to feed substance (2) from the suction chamber (30) and through the transfer chamber (32) into the discharge chamber (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Sten Drennow
  • Patent number: 7735698
    Abstract: A no-drip carafe (10) is taught that is used for storing and serving a hot or cold beverage, which incorporates a vacuum insulated bottle (20) with a lid (30) engaging the top of the bottle. The lid incorporates a pouring spout (34) with a liquid cavity (36) running completely through and also an integral handle for convenience in handling. A spring loaded lever (56) pivotally snaps into the lid with the lever having an integral downwardly projecting plug finger (58) that engages and completely obstructs the liquid cavity when at rest. When the lever is manually depressed the plug finger is pivoted away from the liquid cavity permitting the beverage to flow freely and when released the integral downwardly projecting plug finger seals the cavity in a no-drip manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20100051652
    Abstract: A handle attachment for mounting to a standardized valve mounting cup of a spray can and operating a push-type dispenser valve. The handle attachment includes a housing that defines a grip and a cap configured to couple with an outer diameter of the valve mounting cup. An actuation device is pivotally mounted to the housing and includes a trigger portion disposed adjacent the grip and a finger portion disposed within the cap for actuating the push-type dispenser valve. A C-shaped rim is disposed on the cap and defines a central opening sized to accommodate the valve mounting cup, a base located on the axis of symmetry of the rim, a circumferential gap located on the axis of symmetry diametrically opposite the base and separating two ends of the rim, and at least one slot disposed between the base and a diametrical chord perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: SAFEWORLD INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Kenneth Jay Becker
  • Patent number: 7556179
    Abstract: A soap dispensing assembly has a container housing having an interior that retains soap. The container housing has an opening which communicates with the interior. A pump unit secured to the top of the container housing at a location separate from the opening. The pump unit includes a dispensing assembly through which soap from the interior is dispensed. A lid that is removably coupled to the opening to allow for a quick replenishment of the soap without having to remove the pump unit. The pump unit can also include an actuator that has a soap outlet, with the actuator is pivoted to draw soap from the interior of the container housing to the soap outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Simplehuman LLC
    Inventors: Frank Yang, Adam C. Wade, Joseph Sandor
  • Patent number: 7540652
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a paint can having a tubular cylindrical sidewall, an open top and an outwardly protruding rim around the open top and in which the rim has a downwardly facing angular surface. The cover assembly includes a lid dimensioned to overlie the open top of the paint can. The lid includes a spout for pouring paint from the paint can. At least two spaced apart resilient locking tabs are attached to the paint can which automatically engage the downwardly facing annular surface of the rim as the lid is positioned onto the top of the paint can thereby locking the lid to the paint can. A release lever attached to each locking tab enables the lid to be removed from the paint can when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Dedoes Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Krzywdziak, Raymond Cosson, Brent Mussatto
  • Publication number: 20090071988
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap for a dispenser and a dispenser for a food product that can flow at room temperature such as syrup, honey, chocolate sauce, butterscotch sauce, cream and the like. The dispenser features a dispenser cap removably connected to a container. The dispenser cap has a first piece and a second piece. The first piece compliments to the second piece so that the two pieces fit together but may also be easily separated for cleaning. The present invention includes methods of assembling and disassembling the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Keith G. Nybakke
  • Publication number: 20090057349
    Abstract: A no-drip carafe (10) is taught that is used for storing and serving a hot or cold beverage, which incorporates a vacuum insulated bottle (20) with a lid (30) engaging the top of the bottle. The lid incorporates a pouring spout (34) with a liquid cavity (36) running completely through and also an integral handle for convenience in handling. A spring loaded lever (56) pivotally snaps into the lid with the lever having an integral downwardly projecting plug finger (58) that engages and completely obstructs the liquid cavity when at rest. When the lever is manually depressed the plug finger is pivoted away from the liquid cavity permitting the beverage to flow freely and when released the integral downwardly projecting plug finger seals the cavity in a no-drip manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Shin-Shuoh Lin
  • Patent number: 7455196
    Abstract: A support for manual grease guns has a base and lever-restoring mechanism. Grease guns conventionally have a pumping head with a barrel and lever joined thereto for cycling through pumping and restoring strokes between restored and depressed extremes. The restored extreme has the lever and barrel flared apart. Conversely, since the pumping stroke closes the flare, the depressed extreme has the lever brought alongside the barrel. The base has ground-engaging feet as well as clamps for clamping the grease gun tightly by the barrel, preferably with the lever projecting away for pedal-style depression in a generally vertical plane by a user stepping on it. The lever-restoring mechanism links the lever to the base, and yields under the user's step while the lever moves through pumping strokes, but restores the lever toward the restored extreme therefor as soon as the user takes his or her step off the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Joe M. Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20080190969
    Abstract: The invention relates to a precision cover (1) with a spout (5) for closing a container of liquid or particulate product of the type in which the top of the cover forms a spout (5) with a sliding seal (2) that is acted upon by a spring (4) and whose motion is controlled by a pivoting opening lever (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: FILLON INVESTISSMENT
    Inventor: Pierre-Erik Faure
  • Publication number: 20080110930
    Abstract: A mixing device for use atop a plurality of containers that contain constituents that are to be mixed and dispensed is described. The device includes a head having an outlet and a cartridge that has inlets for accepting constituents from each of the plurality of containers, a mixing chamber, and a nozzle for dispensing a mixed product extending through the opening in the head. The device includes a means for securing the head to the containers. A mixing system can include the device together with the containers holding the constituents to be mixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: MIXTEK SYSTEM, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Wittkamp, James R. Gentry, Jr., Albert J. Scott
  • Publication number: 20080099514
    Abstract: A pourer (10) couplable to an opening (12) of a container (14). The pourer (10) includes a spout (20), which has an outlet passage (22) for discharging liquid from the container (14) and a breather passage (24) for intake of air into the container (14). At least a portion of the spout (20) being deformable, and the outlet passage (22) and breather passage (24) co-extending through the deformable portion. A closure device (34) is used to selectively clamp the deformable portion of the spout (20), thereby closing the spout (20) by constricting both passages (22, 24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel Carter, Glenn Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7303100
    Abstract: A kettle for heating water or other liquid has a lid and lid actuator to move the lid between open and closed positions. The lid actuator may be connected to the container and movable relative to the opening about a pivot that is below a pivot about which the lid may move between the closed and open positions. The lid actuator may also lock the lid in position, such as in the open or closed position. The lid and lid actuator may also be arranged for movement independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Palm, James Wilson, John Costello, Richard G. Groth
  • Patent number: 7152764
    Abstract: A safety can for storing flammable liquid is disclosed. The safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism can include a body assembly, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, a trigger assembly, and a handle. The body assembly of the valve mechanism can be mounted to the receptacle. The body assembly can include a fill spout and a separate pour spout. The fill cover assembly can be pivotally mounted to the body assembly about a fill cover axis. The pour valve assembly can be movably mounted to the body assembly and be disposed therein. The safety can includes a trigger assembly for convenient multi-functional operation of the safety can. The trigger can be positioned to allow the can to be filled, to pour from the can, and to place the container in a safety position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Mack, Jr.
  • 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: 7044404
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device for supplying fluids, particularly automotive fluids supplied to fluid reservoirs. To attain this, a vessel configured to hold a liquid includes a pressurized gas inlet configured to receive gas into the vessel through a passageway in an integral handle upon actuation of a handle-mounted trigger. Liquid is displaced from the vessel by the gas. In an embodiment, the trigger includes a stem having a solid portion and a hollow portion, and actuation of the trigger aligns the hollow portion with the passageway such that gas may flow. Liquid flows through a hose extending from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Michael A. Kricheldorf
  • Patent number: 6935536
    Abstract: Cap for a container, including a body having an inlet, a spout and a passageway therebetween. The cap also includes a valve movable between a first position wherein the passageway is blocked and a second position wherein the passageway is at least partly unblocked, the valve being biased towards the first position. Furthermore, the cap includes an actuator mounted to the body and engaging the valve. Selective control of the state of the valve is associated with movement of the actuator in a different direction than for securing the valve in the open position. The combination of movements required to lock the valve in the open position is sufficiently complex to reduce its probability of opening unintentionally. Meanwhile, the combination of movements is simple enough to be performed by a single finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Trudeau Corporation 1889 Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Tardif
  • Patent number: 6805266
    Abstract: A safety device for a liquid-containing vessel for preventing accidental spilling of the liquid contained in the vessel, the liquid having a rest level. The safety device comprises a lid assembly having a lower partition, the partition dividing the vessel into a first lower liquid containing portion and a second upper portion empty from liquid and having a second liquid opening, the lower partition comprising a movable flap and a first liquid opening that is located lower than and below the second liquid opening in an upright position of the vessel, the flap having positive magnetic attraction with the first liquid opening and being configured to seal the first liquid opening against passage of the liquid. In an upright position of the vessel, the entire safety device is located higher than and above the rest level of the liquid and the flap is normally open with respect to the first liquid opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventors: Av Doron, Shlomo Shaine
  • Patent number: 6772918
    Abstract: A safety can for storing flammable liquid is disclosed. The safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism can include a body assembly, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, a trigger assembly, and a handle. The body assembly of the valve mechanism can be mounted to the receptacle. The body assembly can include a fill spout and a separate pour spout. The fill cover assembly can be pivotally mounted to the body assembly about a fill cover axis. The pour valve assembly can be movably mounted to the body assembly and be disposed therein. The safety can includes a trigger assembly for convenient multi-functional operation of the safety can. The trigger can be positioned to allow the can to be filled, to pour from the can, and to place the container in a safety position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Mack, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6648183
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cap having a plurality of readily assembled parts that provide a passage for a beverage or liquid through the cap from the pitcher to the exterior thereof. The cap has a cap body made up of top and bottom portions that are formed so as to snap fit together. The cap body defines an interior cavity or passage from an entry defined by the bottom portion to an exit cooperatively defined by the top and bottom portions. The entry is selectively opened and closed to allow fluid or liquid passage through the cap by a valve that is biased into a closed position. In a preferred embodiment the valve is attached to a plunger having a cylindrical configuration and including a plurality of upwardly and outwardly extending shape memory retentive legs that are confined within a receiving collar attached to the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith G. Nybakke
  • Publication number: 20030150886
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cap having a plurality of readily assembled parts that provide a passage for a beverage or liquid through the cap from the pitcher to the exterior thereof. The cap has a cap body made up of top and bottom portions that are formed so as to snap fit together. The cap body defines an interior cavity or passage from an entry defined by the bottom portion to an exit cooperatively defined by the top and bottom portions. The entry is selectively opened and closed to allow fluid or liquid passage through the cap by a valve that is biased into a closed position. In a preferred embodiment the valve is attached to a plunger having a cylindrical configuration and including a plurality of upwardly and outwardly extending shape memory retentive legs that are confined within a receiving collar attached to the bottom portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Keith G. Nybakke
  • Patent number: 6520380
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser is provided for dispensing either one or both of two liquid products and includes a housing defining two liquid reservoirs. Two pump assemblies are respectively mounted in the liquid reservoirs for incrementally feeding two different liquid products out of two respective discharge outlets. Two operating levers are articulatably mounted on the housing and are respectively operatively associated with the two pump assemblies. One lever is effective to dispense one liquid product. The second lever is effective to dispense the second liquid product. The second lever is selectively operatively associated with the first lever to dispense both liquid products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Prince Castle, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren J. Veltrop, Lawrence G. Banovez
  • Patent number: 6427880
    Abstract: A liquid inlet located in the lower position of a liquid passage is sealed with the valve guide of a valve body. The lever pushes the valve guide of the valve body to open up the liquid inlet. A pair of fixing arms is provided on the edge of the lever. An insertion hole of the pivot installed in a protruding manner or two sidewalls of the liquid passage is formed on each fixing arm. When moving the lever in the direction opposite to operation around each fixing arm, the boss member is abutted on sidewalls to widen the gap between each fixing arm to remove the insertion hole from the pivot. This makes it easy to take apart and assemble the structured parts of the plug and makes it washable in every nook and corner inside the plug structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Hirose, Eiji Otsuka
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6336396
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus comprising a container (1) closed with a lid (6) storing the product to be dispensed, a cylinder communicating with the container (1) and whereof the bottom is provided with an outlet, a piston (12) traversed by at least one orifice (13), sliding in the cylinder, a check valve (25) mobile between positions opening and closing the orifice (13), said check valve (25) being urged by a spring towards its opening position, a dispensing nozzle communicating with the outlet and provided with a normally closed plug which opens by the effect of the pressure of the product contained in the cylinder, and means for actuating the piston from outside the container (1). The invention is useful for making pancakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: André Sala
  • Patent number: 6290110
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lid member for an original container of a liquid paint component. The lid member is usable with a system for dispensing the paint component from its original container into a paint receptacle according to a paint formula to form a liquid paint mixture. The lid member includes a base portion that is adapted to releasably engage an open top of the paint component container. The base portion has a pour spout through which the paint component can be dispensed, and a movable cover element. The cover element is movable between a closed state, wherein the cover element covers the pour spout, and an opened state, wherein the pour spout is uncovered and the paint component can be dispensed from its original container and into the paint receptacle. A resilient seal mechanism is positioned between the pour spout and the movable cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: X-Pert Paint Mixing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Arie Boers
  • 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