Pivotally Or Slidably Mounted Semispherical Hood-type Closure Patents (Class 220/252)
  • Patent number: 11903373
    Abstract: A container for storing fishing lures is provided. The container includes a main compartment that is subdivided into multiple sub-compartments each for receiving a fishing lure to be stored. The sub-compartments are vertically oriented within the main compartment. Each sub-compartment has a bottom that is positioned above a bottom of the container so as to form a drainage area below the sub-compartments. Each sub-compartment may drain through an opening in the sub-compartment bottom. The container includes a leader storage area above all of the sub-compartments for storage of leaders attached to individual fishing lures. The container may include a drain for draining water from the drainage area. The container may also include a hose fitting for flushing the container with fresh water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Inventor: Gerald Mitchell Mosley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11712699
    Abstract: A device and method for cleaning flowers and buds of plants of leaves and plant matter and particulate is provided. The buds are cleaned within a rotating drum having openings in a circular sidewall which rotates adjacent jets emitting gas. Freezing of the plant material and concurrent impacts from ice crystals formed by emitting gas, cleans the buds and flowers of unwanted plant material and particulate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Walter L Tharp
  • Patent number: 11653754
    Abstract: A novel workstation which incorporates an acoustical dome for increased acoustic and visual privacy for the user. The workstation further is adjustable in height such that it can accommodate a range of users from the 5th percentile seated female to the 95th percentile standing male according to the dictates of ANSI/HFES100-2007 national ergonomic standard. The workstation is further designed to be in electrical and data communication with other workstations to optimize the workstation density in an open working environment without compromising user privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Xybix Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Carson, Barry R. Carson, Steve Holan
  • Patent number: 11465836
    Abstract: A nested liner assembly includes a plurality of nested plastic film liners held by a lifter placed inside an insert fitted to the rim of a trash receptacle. The trash receptacle may have a hinged lid. The insert is adjacent the rim except near the hinge of the receptacle's lid where it extends on the outside of the receptacle below the lid and around the hinge. The two ends of the insert may be fastened together below the hinge to hold the insert in position without interfering with the operation of the lid. The lifter rests in a channel formed in the insert where the insert holds the liners open for use. The nested liners extend through the lifter and are held in place by a plurality of fasteners on the exterior surface of the lifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: WASTE MADE EZ, LLC
    Inventor: Joe Louis Harrison
  • Patent number: 11185179
    Abstract: A liquid consumption monitoring device for monitoring and encouraging consumption of a liquid includes a cup and a lid, which is selectively engageable to the cup to close a top thereof. The user is positioned to tilt the cup to dispense a liquid from the cup, through an opening positioned in the lid, into a mouth of the user. A flow meter engaged to the cup, proximate to the opening, measures a volume of the liquid passing through the opening. An interface is engaged to at least one of the cup and the lid and is operationally engaged to the flow meter. The interface receives a signal from the flow meter when the liquid passes through the opening. The interface selectively actuates at least one of a speaker and a bulb, upon receipt of the signal from the flow meter, to provide a sensory reward to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Briana Zimbelman
  • Patent number: 10986948
    Abstract: A food serving tray cover system that is removably attachable to various food serving trays to form an enclosure wherein the contents of the enclosure will be protected from pests such as birds and insects. The collapsible food serving tray cover system includes an elongated bracket having a U-shape and defining a channel therein that can removably secure a serving tray. A covering assembly including canvas-like material is attached at regular intervals to support ribs which are pivotally connected on the arms of the U-shaped bracket. The covering assembly is deployable such that the canvas material and support ribs move radially along the pivotal connection in a 180-degree manner to form an interior volume over an attached serving tray. A handle provides a gripping area that allows for selective closing and opening of the food serving tray cover system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel Radcliffe, Seth Hopp
  • Patent number: 10751258
    Abstract: The invention includes a pharmaceutical dispensing cell (“PDC”) that includes at least one sidewall having a top edge and a bottom edge; a base plate; and a lid having a first surface and a second surface. The bottom edge of the at least one sidewall is affixed to the base 5 plate, and the lid is rotatably affixed to the at least one sidewall. Also included are methods of regulating the allocation of at least one pharmaceutical unit dosage over time. The method includes inserting a single dosage unit of at least one pharmaceutical dosage in each cell of the dispensing unit of the pharmaceutical dispensing system of the invention. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of PDCs having cells that are configured in grid which has an X-axis and a Y-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Carmen Adamucci
  • Patent number: 10730442
    Abstract: A cover for a cup holder device for a vehicle includes a cover unit including a body, and a side surface protrusion group formed to be protruded on both side surfaces of the body and provided in plural along the longitudinal direction of the body; and a support unit installed at the bottom surface side of the cover unit to support the load of the cover unit, and having a structure in which a plurality of support members formed in the shape of a slice, respectively, are installed to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the cover unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SEOYON E-HWA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Min Kim, Bong Ju Choi
  • Patent number: 10542833
    Abstract: Drink containers with mouthpiece assemblies having a dispensing configuration and a stowed configuration. A mouthpiece assembly defines a liquid passage through which drink liquid may be dispensed when the mouthpiece assembly is in the dispensing configuration and includes means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some examples, the means for selectively restricting the flow of drink liquid include a tube that at least partially defines the liquid passage and which includes a crimping region. The crimping region may be constructed of a resiliently and reversibly deformable material that is adapted to restrict the flow of drink liquid through the liquid passage when the mouthpiece assembly is in the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece assembly includes a means for automatically releasing the mouthpiece assembly from its stowed configuration to a dispensing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: CAMELBAK PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Davies, Derek Gavin Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10531764
    Abstract: An insulated serving dish. The insulated serving dish includes a housing having an interior volume and a container disposed within the housing interior volume such that a channel is formed between the housing sidewalls and container sidewalls. The container receives ice therein for maintaining food at a cold temperature during serving. A support tray is removably received by the container volume above the ice stored therein. A plurality of food trays are then supported by the support tray, such that the interior volume of the food tray is positioned within the interior volume of the container. A lid that selectively encloses the container volume has a lower edge that occupies that channel between the container sidewall and housing sidewalls. The lid may be pivotally affixed to the housing and container such that it may be rotated between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Jill Treyes
  • Patent number: 10457475
    Abstract: The invention provides an assembly for dispensing portioned amounts of materials from a container, while keeping the undispensed portions stored within the container, and displaying the dispensed portions for consumption. The cap assembly includes a body member which can reversibly engage the container, and a cap member that transfers predetermined volumes of articles from the interior of a container to a serving vessel that is accessible by an individual consumer, while leaving the remainder of the articles within the container and unavailable to a consumer. The relative position of the body and cap members block or unblock a passageway for dispensing articles through a mouth of the container. The cap member can be used multiple times to dispense additional volumes of articles from the container as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Nickerson, Thomas Stoneberg
  • Patent number: 10310559
    Abstract: A visor assembly may clip onto a mobile electronic device, and may broadly include: an attachment member securable to the device; at least one hinge secured to the attachment member; and a plurality of cascading shroud members, each pivotally coupled to the attachment member using the hinge. Adjacent shroud members are selectively interconnected. Rotational movement of a first shroud member from a retracted position to a first angular displacement, correspondingly drives a second shroud member to rotate in unison. Continued rotation of the first shroud member successively drives remaining shroud members to co-rotate, until it has been rotated to a second angular displacement, and the plurality of shroud members are each then deployed into a respective fully extended position. A friction fit at the interconnection between adjacent shroud members is sufficient to releasably inhibit movement resulting from only a weight of the shroud members and the orientation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Inventor: Ina Holmes
  • Patent number: 9580242
    Abstract: A device for collecting soiled objects, such as used diapers, comprising a collecting container (1) closable by a cover (2) having a cover section (6) with a tubular chamber (7) open at one end providing an inlet/outlet opening (8), said cover section (6) being movable between a first position, in which an object may be deposited from the outside through said opening (8) into said chamber (7), and a second position, in which said object may drop through said opening (8) into the collecting container (1) and a transfer bag (12) of a flexible material removably mounted within said chamber (7), said bag (12) being open at one end and having a bottom cooperating with an expel body (11d) at the opposite end, wherein the collar (12b) of the transfer bag (12) is attached to said opening (8) by a locking ring (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sanalife B.V.
    Inventor: Anthonius Gerardus Adrianus Van Veen
  • Patent number: 9511913
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a reusable pharmaceutical waste container with a restrictive lid. In embodiments, as the amount of pharmaceutical waste increases to a pharmaceutical waste threshold, the pharmaceutical waste may interact with a flywheel to vertically move the axis of rotation of the flywheel from a first position to a second position. Responsive to the axis of rotation of the flywheel being vertically changed to the second position, a first of a plurality of fans of the flywheel may lock the restrictive lid, such that the restrictive lid may not open internally within the restrictive lid so no additional waste may be placed on any of the plurality of fans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher R. Brooks, Jamie Hoff
  • Patent number: 9320411
    Abstract: A table top dishwasher comprises: (a) a tub (10) for accommodating articles to be cleaned; and (b) a cover member (12) forming a water-tight hood over said tub (10), said hood comprising a fixed hood portion (14) and a door (16), the door comprising a central region (30) and two lateral side portions (32) rotatably connected to the fixed hood portion, the door (16) being rotatable between a closed position in which the central region forms part of the hood, and an opened position in which the door is positioned within the fixed hood portion, wherein said side portions (32) each comprise at least one aperture (38, 40, 42, 44, 45) which increases the accessibility for water to flow in between the fixed hood portion and the side portions (32) during operation of the dishwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Mats Lundberg, Luigi Salerno
  • Patent number: 9289095
    Abstract: Described are embodiments of a grilling apparatus and associated methods that can include a bottom portion defining a cavity and a firewall. The firewall can be positioned within the cavity defined by the bottom portion such that the cavity can be divided into a first section and a second section, where the first section can retain a heating element. A grate assembly that can include a grate and a handle can be positioned within the bottom portion and can be configured to rotate relative to the bottom portion. The grilling apparatus can include a lid that can be configured to cover at least a portion of the grate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Ben Douglas Goff, IV
  • Patent number: 9138124
    Abstract: A table top dishwasher generally includes a tub and a water-tight hood located above the tub, the hood including a central region that includes a fixed portion which is joined to two side portions and a door which is rotatably connected to the side portions, the hood includes a sealing arrangement comprising curved side seals and curved abutment surfaces extending along the lateral edges of the door, wherein when the door is closed a contact pressure is exerted between the side seal and the abutment surfaces in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the door, wherein the radius of curvature of the side seals substantially corresponds to the radius of curvature of the abutment surfaces, and the center of curvature of the side seals is offset with respect to the center of curvature of the abutment surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Mats Lundberg
  • Publication number: 20150144639
    Abstract: Described herein is a skid for transporting and storing pallets. The pallets may be loaded with any cargo but in one example are loaded with drilling mud or its components. The skid comprises a base, and a container on the base defining a plurality of compartments each sized to hold a loaded pallet. The container comprises a floor, interior side walls, and exterior side walls, which together define the compartments. The exterior side walls are situated at the periphery of the skid, and each of the exterior side walls is removable to permit a compartment to be accessed, and a pallet to be easily loaded or unloaded from the periphery of the skid. Pallets may be individually accessed from the outside of the skid, and may be removed from the skid by workers using available equipment, with no need to climb, mount, or enter the skid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: John EWANEK
  • Patent number: 8998031
    Abstract: A container for disposing of waste includes a receptacle and a first pivoting member functionally associated with the receptacle. The first pivoting member includes a first disposal surface. A second pivoting member functionally associated with the receptacle includes a second disposal surface. The second pivoting member is operatively coupled to the first pivoting member such that waste deposited on either the first disposal surface or the second disposal surface causes concurrent counter rotation of both the first pivoting member and the second pivoting member to dispose of the waste into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Stericycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Goldstein, Kevin A. Pollack, John C. Japuntich, Scott I. Biba, Mark S. Dirr
  • Patent number: 8985370
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include a drink bottle with a removable lid including an inner lid attached to the mouth of the bottle and an outer lid pivotably mounted to the inner lid. A drink spout extends from the inner lid. The outer lid may be latched into a closed position covering the drink spout. A push button can be selectively actuated to release the latched outer lid, permitting the outer lid to open to access the drink spout. The push button moves a lid slide containing a catch extension that engages a catch notch in the outer lid to latch the outer lid closed. Actuating the push button moves the catch extension out of engagement with the catch notch, thereby opening the outer lid. A push button lock selectively prevents the push button from being depressed and the lid slide from being actuated, thereby locking the outer lid in a latched and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Thermos L.L.C.
    Inventor: Marvin Lane
  • Publication number: 20150021335
    Abstract: An inventive lid with a collar that adjusts to variations in bucket diameters and lip thicknesses is provided. The inventive lid collar has a series of detents for engaging the bucket lip when the lip is within design limits, however when the lip's thickness is greater than designed tolerance, or the buckets diameter is larger than specified, the lid collar has an expandable under hang the grabs the bucket lip. The under hang provides an inward spring force that grabs the bucket lip regardless of whether the lip's thickness is over or under specified tolerances. The inventive lid have an upper recess indent for holding printed material, such as a coupon or illustration, or a smaller container for holding a premium or for holding spices in a single or multi chamber dispenser within the recess or secured inside the dome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Justin Kovitz, Raymond Kovitz
  • Patent number: 8910816
    Abstract: A remotely activated tank hatch system includes an upper frame and a lower frame joined by a hinge assembly. The lower frame is coupled to a collar of an opening of a tank and a hatch is coupled to the upper frame. The hinge assembly allows the upper frame to pivot the hatch between open and closed positions. The lower frame includes at least one catch to receive an edge of the hatch, when the hatch is closed. Spring members on the upper frame urge the hatch toward the upper frame so that the hatch may be swung away from the opening. Inflating a bladder positioned between the upper frame and hatch overcomes the spring pressure and urges the hatch into tight contact with the collar. The hatch system includes a remote control for inflating the bladder and for opening and closing the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: RMC Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin McKenzie, Sal Trejo
  • Patent number: 8875920
    Abstract: A beverage container (1) comprises a container body (3) including an opening, a cap (5) to close the opening, and a collar (7), mountable on the container body (3). The cap (5) and the collar (7) include cooperating securement means (19, 21) by which the cap (5) may be secured to the collar (7), thereby securing the cap (5) to the container body (3) when the collar (7) is mounted on the container body (3). The cap (5), the collar (7) and the container body (3) are configured such that removal of the cap (5) from the container body (3) causes removal of the collar (7) from the container body (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Threadless Closures Limited
    Inventors: Peter Antony Farrar, John Hein, Anthony Henry Joseph Fraser, William George Dando
  • Patent number: 8783494
    Abstract: A waste container (10) comprising a receptacle (11) and a closure (13) connectable to the receptacle (11). The closure (13) comprises a base (14) and a support (15) extending upwardly from the base (14). The support (15) defines a front opening (16) and having a rear wall (17). A tray (18) comprising a shelf (19) and an inferiorly depending guard (21) is also provided in the support (15), with the tray (18) being at least partially rotatable relative to the support (15). The closure (13) further comprises a shield (23) comprising a main body (24) extending from one edge (25) to a free edge (26) and having an upper surface (27) and a lower surface (28). The shield (23) is hingedly connected to the support (15) at or adjacent to the one edge (25) and is moveable between an open position in which it overlies the rear wall (17) of the closure (13) and a closed position in which it is secured to the closure (13) to at least substantially cover the front opening (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Hoong Sim Lee, Neville Chia
  • Patent number: 8651302
    Abstract: An electrical contact coupling for a track-borne vehicle has a coupling housing and a protective flap articulated to the coupling housing. In order to ensure a reliable sealing of the coupling housing in the closed state of the electrical contact coupling, a seal is utilized which exhibits an upper sealing area running parallel to the axis of rotation and a lower sealing area running parallel to the axis of rotation. The upper sealing area associates with a sealing face aligned perpendicular to the housing end face and the lower sealing area associates with a sealing face aligned substantially parallel to the housing end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Lyda, Brunhilde Wenge, Mario Hempel
  • Patent number: 8616390
    Abstract: A bottle including a body portion having a plurality of dividing walls extending from a base portion to a plurality of connection regions; a first chamber for holding a first liquid; a second chamber for holding a second liquid; a third chamber for holding a third liquid; and a removable cap; wherein a height of the plurality of dividing walls is less than an overall height of the body portion and the plurality of connection regions are configured to be a maximum height of the plurality of dividing walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Theodosios Kountotsis
  • Patent number: 8613893
    Abstract: A sealing member includes a sealing portion that is used for a cap attached to a reagent container and covers an opening of the cap with an open-close movement by flapping around a predetermined point. The sealing portion has, on an outer circumference in the predetermined point side, an extending portion that extends outward of the opening. The extending portion contacts with an upper edge of the opening when the sealing portion covers the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Ohashi, Kiyoaki Kobayashi, Tetsuya Abe
  • Patent number: 8474620
    Abstract: A cover display for a container in some implementations having a dome shaped cover base with a flat bottom and a top with a radius of curvature with one or more frame catches positioned near the periphery of the cover base. An adorned Tiara shaped cover with an annular wall supporting frame latches positioned to correspond to said frame catches is affixed over said dome shaped cover base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sillage, LLC
    Inventor: Nicole Mather
  • Patent number: 8474642
    Abstract: A disposal container having a container body, a seal section disposed on top of the container body and having an opening with a seal band around the opening, a transfer barrel pivotally mounted on the seal section, the transfer barrel having a substantially spherical outer surface with an opening on the outer surface, and a handle pivotally mounted on the seal section. The handle and the transfer barrel are mounted to rotate coaxially in synchronization. When the handle and the transfer barrel are rotated to an open position, the opening of the transfer barrel is above the seal band; when they are rotated to a closed position, the opening of the transfer barrel is below the seal band. In another embodiment, a lid rather than a handle is provided and coupled to the transfer barrel to rotate it. Springs are provided to urge the lid toward an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Baby Trend Inc.
    Inventor: Jung Tsai Chen
  • Patent number: 8430239
    Abstract: A carrying case for camera equipment comprising a base portion having a hard outer surface, the outer surface having a convex contour, and an inner surface, the inner surface being lined with a shock-absorbing material, and a cavity defined within the base portion, terminating in an opening, for receiving a camera and at least one camera lens; a lid portion having a hard outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being lined with a shock-absorbing material, the lid portion hingedly attached to the base portion; and a sealing member framing the opening to form a seal when the lid portion and the base portion are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Steven B. Shpiner
  • Patent number: 8322554
    Abstract: A pit cover open/close device including a closing limiting stopper for a pit cover which is disposed in a position corresponding to a top of a roller of a chassis dynamometer, guides disposed on a stationary side of the pit in an opposed relation to both side faces of the roller of the chassis dynamometer and extending along a circumferential direction of the roller of the chassis dynamometer, a two-part split pit cover supported by the guides and including two pit cover parts into which the pit cover is split from a portion thereof corresponding to the position of the stopper, the two pit cover parts being movable in an opening direction and a closing direction, respectively, and a cylinder including a movable rod that is connected to one of the two pit cover parts and a body that is connected to the other of the two pit cover parts, the cylinder being driven to allow the two pit cover parts to move along the guides in the opening direction and the closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Meidensha Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Takamori, Takashi Negishi
  • Patent number: 8267269
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible food guard for displaying and serving food comprising a resilient transparent cover assembly for a substantially planar base. The cover assembly is substantially semi-cylindrical of a predetermined radius and has closed opposing ends. The cover assembly is reversibly pivotably attached to a base and has downward facing edges to seal the cover to the base when the cover is pivoted in the down (closed) position. The semi-cylindrical portion of the cover assembly is a resilient transparent shield that reversibly detachable from the arched surfaces of the closed opposing ends (side walls) and is sufficiently resilient such that when detached form the arched surfaces of the opposing side walls, it assumes the substantially planar shape in which it was initially molded. This resiliency allows the collapsible food guard to collapse into planar elements (side walls, shield and optional base) requiring minimal storage space and providing easy cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Gundersen
  • Patent number: 8245864
    Abstract: A diaper pail includes a pail, an upper enclosure having a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface, and a drum assembly mounted within the upper enclosure for transferring a soiled diaper into a disposal bag while minimizing the release of odor from previously disposed diapers already within the disposal bag. The outer surface of the upper enclosure and drum cooperate to form a smooth continuous outer surface which is easily cleaned. The drum assembly includes a flexible plastic seal received around an opening in the lower portion of the drum housing. A deck portion of the seal engages an outer surface of the drum, with the free edge of the flexible seal being movable relative to fixed edge to conform to irregularities in the outer surface of the drum. An actuator handle actuates movement of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas A. Garland
  • Patent number: 8141735
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel container (1) for holding foodstuffs. The container is of the type used for a holding bulk food product to be dispensed by a self serving customer in the bulk food section of a supermarket or health food establishment. The container includes a self closing lid (2) and is specially shaped to avoid the existence of a “dead space” which can lead to product in that portion becoming stale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Durapod System Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Paul Woods, Lawrence Basil Hart
  • Patent number: 8070009
    Abstract: A remotely activated tank hatch system includes an upper frame and a lower frame joined by a hinge assembly. The lower frame is coupled to a collar of an opening of a tank and a hatch is coupled to the upper frame. The hinge assembly allows the upper frame to pivot the hatch between an open and closed position. The lower frame includes at least one catch to receive an edge of the hatch, when the hatch is closed. Spring members on the upper frame urge the hatch toward the upper frame so that the hatch may be swung away from the opening. Inflating a rubber bladder positioned between the upper frame and hatch overcomes the spring pressure and urges the hatch into tight contact with the collar. The hatch system includes a remote control for inflating the bladder and opening and closing the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: RMC Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin McKenzie, Sal Trejo
  • Patent number: 8043269
    Abstract: A dispenser head for mounting on a fluid dispenser, said dispenser head comprising a body (1) provided with a dispenser orifice (10), said head being provided with a cap (2) that is displaceable between a closed position, in which it covers said dispenser orifice (10), and an open position, in which it does not cover said dispenser orifice, said cap (2) being connected in permanent manner to said body (1), regardless of the position of said cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Valois SAS
    Inventors: Olivier Fourment, Samuel Pruvot
  • Patent number: 8033060
    Abstract: A personal observatory structure includes a base having an open top, and a hemispherical dome having a center point. The dome is shaped to be mounted on the base and to selectively enclose the open top. The hemispherical dome includes a first dome segment and a second dome segment pivotally connected to the first dome segment. The second dome segment has an outer radius smaller than the inner radius of the first dome segment. The first dome segment and second dome segment are connected together by pivotal connectors for movement about a pivot axis. One of the domes can be pivoted from a lowered position, in which the dome segments together enclose the open top of the base, to a raised position which exposes the interior and nests one dome segment within the other. The pivot axis may be a horizontal pivot axis that extends through the center point, and the dome segments may be shaped generally in the form of a quarter sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: 1537636 Ontario Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne J. Parker, Farhat Hanna
  • Publication number: 20110226768
    Abstract: A lid assembly for a storage container base with an interior storage space and an open top end. The lid assembly has a closure section positionable over the open top end of the base. The closure section has a top panel, an access opening through the top panel or formed by the top panel with the closure section installed on the storage container, and a perimeter extending around at least a portion of the closure section and being removably attachable to the base. The lid assembly also has a hub and a cover section mounted to the closure section and rotatable about the hub between a closed position covering the access opening and an open position uncovering the access opening. A transparent part of the cover section can be positioned over the access opening in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph M. Sexton, Michael P. Dawson, Ian W. Cunningham, Radmond Vincent Arceta
  • Publication number: 20110084071
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible food guard for displaying and serving food comprising a resilient transparent cover assembly for a substantially planar base. The cover assembly is substantially semi-cylindrical of a predetermined radius and has closed opposing ends. The cover assembly is reversibly pivotably attached to a base and has downward facing edges to seal the cover to the base when the cover is pivoted in the down (closed) position. The semi-cylindrical portion of the cover assembly is a resilient transparent shield that reversibly detachable from the arched surfaces of the closed opposing ends (side walls) and is sufficiently resilient such that when detached form the arched surfaces of the opposing side walls, it assumes the substantially planar shape in which it was initially molded. This resiliency allows the collapsible food guard to collapse into planar elements (side walls, shield and optional base) requiring minimal storage space and providing easy cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Craig Gundersen
  • Patent number: 7922023
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and storing a soiled item has a container and a cover, which can be rotated about spindles. The cover comprises a casing in which a movable body can move to and fro. The moveable body is placed inside a compartment at the closed end of a flexible holder. A soiled item can be put inside the casing and subsequently the cover can be rotated around spindles. The moveable body will fall downwards under the force of gravity, pushing the soiled item inside the container. The flexible holder is fixed inside the casing with a firm closed elastic band at the location of the rim of its open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Combicraft Enterprises Inc. (HK)
    Inventor: Johan Dommerholt
  • Publication number: 20100219191
    Abstract: A waste receptacle has an outer cabinet housing and a waste or trash bag support frame that can be moved from a position where it is at least partially within the cabinet, to a position where the support frame is extended sufficiently so it can be rotated about an upright axis to provide access to a bag held on the support frame. The support frame has an open ring on which a waste bag can be placed. The ring is spaced upwardly from the bottom of the bag support frame so that when the waste bag is full, it can be detached from the ring and dropped down for removal, rather than being lifted up through a container opening or support. The waste receptacle can have a cover that can be actuated to move from a closed position overlying the bag support frame to an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Troy A. Prosa
  • Patent number: 7690524
    Abstract: A bottle includes a container and a closure device. The closure device includes a threaded cap for closing up the container, a slidable spout for opening and closing the fluid flow path from the container by means of two sealing elements on the spout, a vent check valve for permitting air to rapidly enter the container without passing through the spout and a multi-fold protective cover and, more particularly, to a two-fold protective cover for achieving the leak-proof by forcing the spout to a close position and closing up the vent check valve by a projection extended from the protective cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Yiu Chau Chau
  • Publication number: 20090288970
    Abstract: A tool container assembly includes a container, rollers, a handle, and a slidable closure member. The container includes an upper and a lower storage space therein, a rear wall, opposing side walls, a lower front wall and a front opening above the lower front wall. The front opening generally lies along a plane that extends away from the rear wall as it extends downwardly. The slidable closure member is slidably movable between a first position wherein it substantially covers the front opening and a second position wherein it exposes the front opening. The closure member moves to a position wherein it generally lies between the plane and the lower front wall, and at an angle with respect to the plane, when it is moved to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ZAG Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Amir Katz, Gil Vilkomirski
  • Patent number: 7607550
    Abstract: Portable and stackable multipurpose containers are disclosed. The containers have an oval base and an oval top in communication with sides of the wall extending perpendicularly from the base. The oval top is slidably positioned to open from both sides, which are perpendicular to the oval sides; the top is slidable. The multipurpose container is adapted for storing nails, screws, and similar items useful to craftsmen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Steelworks Hardware, LLC
    Inventors: Pei-Ying Lin, Chanwa Nguy
  • Patent number: 7540391
    Abstract: A door shutter is disposed in a device having an opening, and side portions for defining the opening. The other side of the opening extends higher than the one side. Guide grooves are formed along the side portions. The shutter includes main bodies bendable in a sliding direction for opening and closing the opening on the device, and projecting portions projecting from lateral sides of the main bodies in a width direction thereof and slidably engaging the guide grooves. The main body has first and second sides corresponding to the one and the other sides of the device. The wall thickness at the second side is thicker than that at the first side corresponding to the other side to form a substantially uniform surface from the one to the other sides through the main bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Masakatsu Kato
  • Publication number: 20090120510
    Abstract: A cover for a fluid connection that has a first positioning element and an opening. The cover includes a first portion that is positioned to cover a portion of the opening and a second portion that includes a second positioning element. The second portion is movable with respect to the first portion between a first position, in which the first positioning element and the second positioning element are engaged, and a second position, in which the first positioning element and the second positioning element are disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Edwin Evans, George Brown, Louis Halper
  • Publication number: 20090120821
    Abstract: A kit for medical waste disposal comprising a plurality of containers; a hood assembly configured to substantially cover an open end of a respective one said containers, the hood assembly defining a passage through which medical waste can be passed to the open end of said container; and a plurality of lids, separate from the hood assembly, each configured to be placed over an open end of a respective container and to substantially close the open end of said container when said container is at least partially filled with medical waste; each of said containers being configured for separation from the hood assembly for disposal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Sherwood Services AG
    Inventors: John JAPUNTICH, Mark Brian Finnestad, Anton M. Smudde
  • Patent number: 7482561
    Abstract: A spatter guard for covering food in an oven. The guard includes: a first shell configured to cover food, having: a first semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Additionally, there is a second shell pivotally coupled to the first shell to substantially form a hemispherical barrier and an array of substantially parallel semi-hemispherical barriers. The array includes a second semi-hemispherical barrier member with a plurality of apertures therein. Moreover, the first shell has a plurality of protrusions extending downwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member to space the first shell from a surface. Further, there is a flange that extends outwardly from a bottom of the first hemispherical barrier member. Further, the second shell has a protrusion extending outwardly therefrom and is configured to be used as a handle for actuating the second shell between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Bradley Henderson
  • Publication number: 20080179207
    Abstract: A portable medical sharps disposal device and methods are disclosed including a container having an opening for receiving items including medical sharps for disposal. A reversible cap or lid covers the opening of the container in two different orientations, and locks with the container for disposal. The cap or lid may be provided as having a one side for use in an unlocked orientation, with the cap or lid having another side for use in a locked or sealed orientation. Various embodiments are disclosed in which the cover may be flipped over, rotated, or slid with respect to the opening of the container to facilitate the respective unlocked or locked orientations. The device may alternatively be provided with an indicator for showing when the cover is in the unlocked orientation or when the cover is in the locked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: MEDPORT, LLC
    Inventors: Katherine Stowe, Charles Miga
  • Patent number: 7383835
    Abstract: A barbecue grill has a grill body, two hinge plates, a rear cover, a front cover and holding pins. The hinge plates are mounted on the grill body and respectively have a mounting foot and a mounting and adjustment panel. Each mounting and adjustment panel has a pivot hole and adjusting holes. The rear cover is connected pivotally to the hinge plates and has a curved panel, two side panels and two pivot pins. Each side panel has positioning holes. The pivot pins protrude out from the side panels and extend through the pivot holes. The front cover is mounted around the rear cover and has a curved panel, two side panels and two pivot collars. Each side panel has positioning holes. The pivot collars are protruded out the side panels and mounted around the pivot pins. The holding pins are extended through the adjusting holes and the positioning holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: George C. M. Liu