US4714173A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Leak-proof closures
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1986-05-12
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Granted: 1987-12-22
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Expires: 2006-05-12
Abstract
Abstract A cover for openings in containers such as plastic or paper cups used, primarily, in fast food restaurants. The cover may include at least one one-way valve mechanism or be made of a porous material that allows air through but not liquids. An orifice with a tubular extension attached thereto provides a suitable engagement with a straw that is used to withdraw the liquid contained on the cup. Anchorage members are provided on the upper surface of the cover so that the straw may be bent when not in use.
Inventors
- 👤 Guillermo E. Ruiz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:14
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D77/00; B65D77/22; B65D77/24; B65D77/28; A; A47; A47G; A47G19/00; A47G19/22; A47G19/2205; A47G19/2266; A47G21/00; A47G21/18; B65D2543/00; B65D2543/00009; B65D2543/00018; B65D2543/00046
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A closure for openings in containers for liquids that are withdrawn with a straw, comprising: A. cover means tightly engaged to the rims of said openings including an orifice connecting the inside of said container to the outside and further including a tubular extension member mounted to the periphery of said orifice and having a diameter that allows a leak-proof fit of said straw; B. one-way valve means mounted to said cover means so arranged and constructed that air is allowed in from the outside and said liquid is not allowed to come out regardless of the position of said container; and C. anchorage means for holding the end of said straw bent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A closure for openings in containers for liquids that are withdrawn with a straw, comprising: A. cover means tightly engaged to the rims of said openings including an orifice connecting the inside of said container to the outside and further including a tubular extension member mounted to the periphery of said orifice and having a diameter that allows a leak-proof fit of said straw; B. one-way valve means mounted to said cover means so arranged and constructed that air is allowed in from the outside and said liquid is not allowed to come out regardless of the position of said container; and C. anchorage means for holding the end of said straw bent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The closure set forth in claim 1 wherein said one-way valve means includes a depression in said cover means having a bottom portion pivotally attached.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The closure set forth in claim 2 wherein said tubular extension member includes an accordion section and said straw includes a mating accordion section thereby forming a leak-proof engagement.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
The closure set forth in claim 3 further comprising: C. at least one one-way valve means mounted to said cover means so arranged and constructed that air is allowed in from the outside when said liquid is withdrawn by said straw and said liquid is not allowed to come out regardless of the position of said container.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The closure set forth in claim 3 wherein said tubular member includes an accordion section and said straw includes a mating accordion section thereby forming a leak-proof engagement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The closure set forth in claim 5 wherein said cover means is made out of a porous material that allows air through but not liquids.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The closure set forth in claim 6 where said material has a plurality of porous of less than 1/20 of one millimeter in diameter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2948453A
Cited
US3335897A
Cited
US3200980A
Cited
US4247016A
Cited
US4494668A
Cited
US4607755A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-12-21 | 1991-06-22 | 1991-12-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-12-21 | 1995-06-22 | 1995-12-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-12-21 | 1999-06-22 | 1999-12-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |