US4756222A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Musical container
Assignee: Olive Can Co
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Filing: 1985-12-30
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Granted: 1988-07-12
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Expires: 2005-12-30
Abstract
Abstract A knob for attachment to a removable lid of a container, the knob containing a selectively actuatable music module. The knob serves both a utilitarian function, as a means for removing a lid from a container, and an entertainment or advertising function, by playing a preprogrammed message. Either function may be utilized separately or in combination as the user selects.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael Armato
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:52
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10H; G10H1/00; G10H1/18; G10H1/26; A; A45; A45C; A45C15/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A knob for attachment to a container comprising: a top portion and a bottom portion, said portions joining together in a registering relationship and forming an internal chamber, wherein hand pressure applied to said top portion causes said top portion to move downward relative to the bottom portion, said top portion overhanging said bottom portion and providing a gripping area; a selectively activatable electronic music module located in said internal chamber, having a flexible pressure bar attached at one end to said music module; a contact pad on said music module located at the opposite end of the pressure bar from its point of attachment, said pressure bar being spaced above said pad, wherein said downward movement of said top portion causes contact between said pressure bar and said pad, activating said music module.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
A knob for attachment to a container comprising: a top portion and a bottom portion, said portions joining together in a registering relationship and forming an internal chamber, wherein hand pressure applied to said top portion causes said top portion to move downward relative to the bottom portion, said top portion overhanging said bottom portion and providing a gripping area; a selectively activatable electronic music module located in said internal chamber, having a flexible pressure bar attached at one end to said music module; a contact pad on said music module located at the opposite end of the pressure bar from its point of attachment, said pressure bar being spaced above said pad, wherein said downward movement of said top portion causes contact between said pressure bar and said pad, activating said music module.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
A knob as in claim 1 further comprising a lid connector portion arranged and configured on said bottom portion to securely mount the knob to a container wherein a portion of said lid connector portion penetrates through the container and locks onto an interior surface of the container.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A knob as in claim 1 wherein said internal chamber has a surface containing a plurality of apertures formed therein.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
A knob as in claim 1 wherein said top portion of said knob is shaped like a concave bowl.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
A knob as in claim 1 further comprising a rib member having a distal end adjacent to said pressure bar and a proximate end attached to an internal surface of said internal chamber, such that pressure applied to said top portion forces the rib member to contact said pressure bar against said contact pad to activate said music module.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
73 words
A knob as in claim 5 wherein said distal end of said rib member has two projecting posts defining a notch formed therebetween, the distal end being arranged and configured to receive said pressure bar between the posts, wherein said posts limit pressure on said pressure bar by contacting a surface of said music module when a maximum pressure is applied to said pressure pad thereby limiting downward movement of said top portion.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-07-12 | 1992-01-11 | 1992-07-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-07-12 | 1996-01-11 | 1996-07-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-07-12 | 2000-01-11 | 2000-07-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |