The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 20, 1993
Filed:
Apr. 20, 1992
Ninh G Pham, Houston, TX (US);
Joseph A Decker, Jr, Katy, TX (US);
Guy L McClung, III, Spring, TX (US);
Canh S Bui, Herdon, VA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A device for preventing or minimizing spillage of liquid from an inverted container of liquid, and containers with such a device the device, in one embodiment, having a body for securement to the container, the body having a fluid channel therethrough through which the liquid can flow and a movable closure member which, if not held against the body, moves away from the fluid channel so that fluid flow is not impeded and which, if pressure is placed against it, is held against the body to prevent fluid flow. In one embodiment, an air vent is provided through the body to facilitate flow. Another embodiment provides a frangible cover for an opening of a container of liquid and a container with such a cover. Another embodiment provides a container with a closure adhesively attached sealingly across its opening, the cover secured in one area by adhesive so that it will separate from the container in that area upon the application of force to the cover permitting fluid flow from the container. Methods for using such items. In another aspect a device according to this invention includes a channel for receiving a straw or other similar item which, when the device is closed, prevents the straw from exiting from or rising in a container of liquid, but which, when the device is opened allows the straw to rise in the container for use by a person, and a container with such a device and with such a straw.