Playtex Products, Inc.

Joseph M Clark

Richard S Chomik

Francis X Manganiello

A container for holding a fluid that includes a hollow body defining an inner volume and an elastomeric membrane that is integrally formed with the hollow body forming a unitary container having a vent area. The vent area vents the inner volume such that air is selectively permitted to flow into the inner volume through the vent area and the fluid contained in the inner volume is substantially prevented from flowing out of the inner volume through the vent area. The elastomeric membrane is co-molded with the hollow body.

Vented container

There is provided a spill proof cup assembly having a cap with at least one spout outlet, a cup with an upper open portion adapted to securely and sealingly receive the cap, and a thermoplastic elastomer, or similar elastomeric material, co-molded bottom portion with a vent disposed therein for allowing air to enter the cup as fluid exits through the spout outlet. The result is a one-way flow of air.

A vent disc for a container is provided. The vent disc has a concavely curved domed central panel with a plurality of perforations extending therethrough along radii that form the concave curvature of the domed central panel. The domed central panel can have a plurality of upwardly extending depressions therein that leave residual central panel above the depressions. The depressions have center lines that are coincident with radii that form the concave curvature of the domed central panel. The perforations extend through the residual of central panel material. Methods and apparatus are also provided for forming the vent disc with the perforations and depressions therein.

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Naugatuck, CT, United States of America

Joseph M Clark