For Squeeze Tube (e.g., Toothpaste Tube) Patents (Class 206/277)
  • Patent number: 11052805
    Abstract: A console bin assembly for a vehicle includes a bin surface having a perimeter and a wall extending upward relative to the bin surface. A channel having a first end and a second end is located adjacent to the perimeter of the bin surface and the first wall. A drainage hole located near the first end of the channel. The channel is sloped such that the channel guides liquid entering the channel to the drainage hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazunori Harima
  • Patent number: 10526120
    Abstract: A bottle for holding liquids that is biodegradable and that is made from environmentally sustainable materials. The bottle includes a body, a shoulder, a neck portion, and a cap. According to one aspect, the neck portion of the bottle is made of bioplastic, and the shoulder and body of the bottle are made from thermoformed pulp. The bioplastic neck can mate with, and be adhered to, the shoulder, and the shoulder can mate with, and be adhered to, the pulp body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: LGAB LLC
    Inventors: Adam Berk, Lee Green, Fuad Khan
  • Patent number: 10377559
    Abstract: A holder for a squeeze pouch containing food or beverages is described. The holder may have a one-piece construction, or the holder may include both a housing and a detachable top wall or lid. The top wall or lid of the holder includes a slot adapted to receive and secure the spout of a squeeze pouch. The housing protects the flexible portion of the squeeze pouch from pressure that could cause food or beverages to exit the spout of the squeeze pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Leah Ceee O. Boomsma
  • Patent number: 9889985
    Abstract: A container for transporting an item is provided having an outer case member and a pair of partition members. The container is erectable from a collapsed configuration, in which the container is substantially flat, to an erected configuration in which the partition members form a support structure within an interior cavity of the outer case member to support a portion of the item to be transported. Methods of packaging and transporting an item in a container are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Alliance Packaging, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence L. Rutstrom, George Jamison
  • Patent number: 9810871
    Abstract: An network interface device (NID) cabinet has removably mounted or fixedly mounted cable spools. The NID cabinet is a small enclosure, typically made of plastic, which sits on the outside wall of an end user's building, such as a home or office. Pre-terminated cables are spooled around each cable spool, and the cable connector at one end of each cable is connected to a network interconnection junction within the NID cabinet. A series of interlocking mounting features are formed on both the cable spool and the mating NID cabinet back wall. Two different types of mounting features enable the cable spool to be removably or fixedly mounted within the NID cabinet. When fixedly mounted, the cable spool can still be removed from the NID cabinet, but only if the spooled cabled is completed un-spooled and removed from the cable spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Jonathan Fordham, Joseph John Lommen, Ricky Jay Payne
  • Patent number: 9463143
    Abstract: Methods and devices for orally administering fluids and medical instrumentation to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. An apparatus is described comprising a pacifier configured to hold fluid and configured for sucking. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a balloon positioned within a cavity of the pacifier. The balloon is configured to facilitate expulsion of the fluid from the cavity and to limit a user's ingestion of air. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a cartridge or ampoule configured to store a fluid and expel the fluid through the pacifier. Systems are disclosed which include the pacifier apparatus, a known quantity of fluid or powder, and sterile packaging. Other systems are disclosed whereby various attachments, both medical and non-medical, couple to the apparatus. Methods of using and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Pedia Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Bradley Oates, II, Brian Paul Brock
  • Patent number: 8857664
    Abstract: Provided are tubes with gussets and methods of making such tubes. In one aspect, a tube with gussets includes a fitment with at least one substantially curved concave region, and a tube body joined to the fitment, wherein the tube body is interconnected at a first end to the fitment such as to form at least one side gusset along at least a portion of the length of the tube body and complementary to the at least one substantially curved concave region of the fitment, and wherein the tube body is sealed at a second end distant from the fitment. The tube with gussets allows for the thickness of the film used to form the tube body to be less than the film thickness for a comparably sized tube without the gussets due to the improved tube body stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ampac Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Salvatore Pellingra, Allyson Smith
  • Patent number: 8783487
    Abstract: A container made of silicone resin is sufficiently compactable in a collapsed state. The container includes a tubular barrel portion, a bottom portion having a flat surface, a mouth portion having an opening, and a lid portion sealing the opening of the mouth portion, with at least the barrel portion and the bottom portion formed by molding. One end of a binder is attached to the mouth portion and can hold the rolled-up barrel portion and the bottom portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Masaru Hojo
  • Patent number: 8771813
    Abstract: A container for semi-solid compositions comprising a tube portion having a first paper that defines first, second, and third plies forming an open end and a closed end, the tube portion comprising a lumen containing a semi-solid composition. The tube portion comprises a continuous coating that is a permeation barrier to the semi-solid composition, which is disposed between the first and second plies and the second and third plies. The container also includes a restrictor portion sized and dimensioned to couple with the open end of the tube portion and an end closure member sized and dimensioned to mate with the restrictor portion. The tube portion, restrictor portion, and end closure are made of one or more biodegradable materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Ellery West, Gail West
  • Patent number: 8720679
    Abstract: A container for an orally ingested pharmaceutical composition has, in a container body, a pharmaceutical composition chamber, a chamber for an auxiliary substance for the pharmaceutical composition chamber, and a chamber for the auxiliary substance for a cap. The container for an orally ingested pharmaceutical composition is provided with said cap in addition to a container body. An inter-chamber portion seals the pharmaceutical composition chamber from the chamber for the auxiliary substance for the chamber. A boundary portion seals the chamber for the cap auxiliary substance from the inside of the cap. By the inter-chamber portion and the boundary portion being bent, one end of the container body is removably inserted into the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Morimoto-Pharma Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Morimoto, Yutaka Sakuma
  • Patent number: 8469188
    Abstract: A caulk carrying device includes a plurality of cylindrical compartments for holding tubes of caulk and for holding a caulk dispensing gun. Preferably, of a durable material, the device may be used as an insert or as a free-standing carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: John Jasper Vitale
  • Patent number: 8438763
    Abstract: A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Anastasia Taylor, Allison Marsh, Johnathan Talbot, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo, Eva Jin, David Sapp, Seth Larson
  • Patent number: 8281507
    Abstract: A three-dimensional illuminated greeting card which combines a unique card construction having a 3D pop-out structure with one or more lights contained therein. The 3D pop-out structure forms an internal cavity in which illumination means and other electronic components are contained. One or more sides of the 3D structure are made of translucent or semi-translucent material, creating a screen that can be illuminated from behind by one or more miniature lights, such as LED lights. The light or lights may be connected to an integrated circuit chip that can be programmed with various lighting effects. The greeting card may optionally include other electronic components which are configured to play sound or music or perform other electronic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: Anastasia Taylor, Allison Marsh, Johnathan Talbot, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo, Eva Jin, David Sapp, Seth Larson
  • Publication number: 20120205267
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated material for forming a flexible container for holding a hair dye or the like, the laminated material having a first surface which, in use, forms the internal surface of the container, and a second surface which, in use, forms the external surface of the container, the laminated material comprising an inner layer, an outer layer and an intermediate metal foil barrier layer, wherein the inner layer is on the first surface side of the metal foil barrier layer, and wherein the outer layer is on the second surface side of the metal foil barrier layer, wherein the laminated material has a total thickness of at most 240 ?m, and wherein the inner layer comprises polyethylene and has a mean density of 0.92 to 0.94 g/cm3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ALCAN PACKAGING BEAUTY SERVICES
    Inventors: Thierry Maurice, John Suter, Robert Miskevich
  • Patent number: 8201688
    Abstract: The flexible fluid-carrying pouch for use with a personal hygiene device includes a front panel portion, a rear panel portion and two side edge gussets connecting the front and rear panel portions. The pouch is sealed along a bottom edge. The pouch includes a top edge which has a central portion which is sealed against a spout element, which permits exit of the fluid from the pouch, and further has two sealed side wing portions which extend upwardly alongside the spout element, providing a jogged arrangement for the top edge of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Proctor and Gamble Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Burfiend, Daniel J. Greene
  • Publication number: 20120012480
    Abstract: It is possible to easily swallow a pharmaceutical composition and to suppress the scattering thereof inside the mouth; furthermore, the pharmaceutical composition can be filled in easily. The pharmaceutical composition container 10 is equipped with a plurality of spaces 30 and 32. The portions 70 and 72 between two adjoining spaces are sealed. The portions 70 and 72 between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 10. A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored in the swallowing-aid substance storage chamber 30. An encapsulating item 42 is stored in the encapsulating-item storage chamber 32. The encapsulating item 42 contains the pharmaceutical composition 80. The sheet 20 is provided with a predetermined aperture part 60. The predetermined aperture part 60 is a portion where an aperture is to be formed. The aperture interconnects the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 10 with the spaces 30 and 32.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: MORIMOTO-PHARMA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuji Morimoto, Yutaka Sakuma
  • Patent number: 8096448
    Abstract: An elastic substantially tubular package for a semi-liquid or pasty extractable by a finger pressure product comprises a skirt, a head and optionally a cap. The skirt is formed from a wound foil and is provided with a longitudinal weld seam formed by the overlapping of the edges thereof, and the head is fixed to the circumference of the skirt end and forms an oval cross-section at the level of the skirt fixing area. The end of the longitudinal weld seam contacting the head is located in or near an area where the radius of curvature of the oval cross-section is minimal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Aisapack Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Gerhard Keller, Hugues-Vincent Roy, Jacques Thomasset
  • Publication number: 20120006704
    Abstract: The cleanliness when a pharmaceutical composition is swallowed is improved. A pharmaceutical composition container 10 is equipped with at least three spaces 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 inside a container body 20. The pharmaceutical composition container 10 is further equipped with a cover 22. The portions 140, 142, 144 and 146 between two adjoining spaces are sealed. The portions 140, 142, 144 and 146 between two adjoining spaces open when force is applied from the outside of the pharmaceutical composition container 10. At least one of the spaces is an apertured space 38, which comprises an aperture 60. A swallowing-aid substance 40 is stored in a swallowing-aid substance chamber 30, which is at least one of the spaces. Pharmaceutical compositions 80 and 82 are stored in pharmaceutical composition chambers 34 and 36, each of which is at least one of the spaces. Of the container body 20, the portion forming the apertured space 38 is covered by a cover 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: MORIMOTO-PHARMA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuji Morimoto, Yutaka Sakuma
  • Patent number: 8020698
    Abstract: Disclosed is a product package which includes a packaging sleeve and a product container. The packaging sleeve has a first end that defines an opening and a closed second end. The sleeve includes at least one pair of locking tabs projecting from the first end, each locking tab including a locking edge and each locking tab being folded inwards into the opening. The product container has a body portion for receiving the product and a rigid end cap which sealingly engages with the body portion so as to house the product. The end cap is dimensioned to fit closely within the opening of the sleeve and includes a peripheral rim that, when the end cap is inserted into the sleeve opening, engages the sleeve end and prevents the end cap from being inserted further into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas AGI Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: John A. Gelardi
  • Patent number: 7992709
    Abstract: A biodegradable tube comprises a mom-rigid paper tubular body defining a lumen for containing a semi-solid composition; a paper tubular cap that slidably mates with the body; and wherein interior surfaces of the each of the body and the cap have a coating that is substantially impermeable to the semi-solid composition. In preferred embodiments the tube body and cap have tapered sealed ends, the coating comprises an adhesive, and the walls of the tube/cap comprise a rolled paper material upon which the coating has been applied. Contemplated semi-solid product materials include for example lip balm, facial cream, lotion, deodorant, sunscreen, caulk, grease sticks, mosquito repellant, and shoe polish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Ellery West, Gail West
  • Publication number: 20110127181
    Abstract: A composition and method is disclosed for a wickless semi-liquid candle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: ROBBY CRAIG MITCHELL, Lesinee Mitchell
  • Publication number: 20100288659
    Abstract: The present invention is a hygienic toothbrush holder. In several embodiments the invention is a hygienic toothbrush holder with enhanced drainage features comprising a sloped interior floor for drainage of fluids to an attached extended lip so that fluid can proceed into a sink or other drainage system. In several embodiments it is necessary to have a raised base so that the extended lip can clear a lip of a sink. Other surfaces of the toothbrush holder could be sloped as well to further aid in fluid drainage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: KAYLA DANG
  • Publication number: 20090211928
    Abstract: A card package of rectangular cross section suitable for a toothpaste tube, which has a recessed region, made by folding a card blank comprised of four panels with the recessed portion provided by a foldable recess panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Matthias GEORGI
  • Publication number: 20090139884
    Abstract: A tube-type container is disclosed that can be squeezed to dispense its remaining contents for 1˜2 additional times of use and refilled with contents. The container includes: a tube that is configured by a cylindrical body whose inside is hollow, whose one end is closed by a crimp seal, and whose other end has an opening, the tube having a receiving space therein; a closure for closing the opening of the cylindrical body of the tube, the closure having a spout at its outer surface, wherein the spout forms a dispensing hole at its center and forms a thread on its outer surface; and a lid that is coupled to the thread and closes the dispensing hole. The container further includes a cutting means or a coupling member. The cutting means is formed close to the opening of the cylindrical body and separates the cylindrical body into two parts. The coupling member is located between the tube and the closure and uncouples and couples the tube and closure from and to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Chang-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7413075
    Abstract: A stand-alone packaging (1) for tubes (14) of different shapes and sizes being placed in the packaging (1) having a back wall (2) and a front wall (3), which are linked at a top side (4), a bottom wall (5) and a platform surface (6), which is linked to the back wall (2) and the front wall (3), the back wall (2), at its bottom side, has a tab (8) that fits into an opening (9) at a fold between the bottom side of an interior front wall (15) and the bottom wall (5), the platform surface (6) is connected to the bottom wall (5) by the interior front wall (15) which becomes visible when opening the back wall (2), the platform surface (6) has a flap (11) linking the platform surface (6) to the front wall (3), the platform surface (6) is parallel to the bottom wall (5) and has an opening (7) in which the tube (14) fits, wherein the tube (14) is placed upside down in the packaging (1) with the tube (14) fitting narrowly into the opening (7) of the platform surface (6), and the portion at which the tube (14) is sealed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre David, Reto Egli, Sandra Grandhaye
  • Publication number: 20080135429
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tube to dispense a pair of liquids, such as, for example, different colored gels or pastes that are combined to form a toothpaste to be applied to a toothbrush. First and second exit ports from which the pair of liquids are dispensed communicate with first and second fluid chambers that are created by a partition wall that extends completely across the interior of a hollow tube body. A flip-up end cap is integrally connected to the tube body by means of a thin, flexible hinge so that the end cap is rotatable from a closed position at which to cover the first and second exit ports to an open position at which the exit ports are uncovered. A pair of exit port closures project from the flip-up end cap to be received within and block respective ones of the first and second exit ports when the end cap is rotated to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Howard Wright
  • Publication number: 20080011637
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant plastic package having a plastic sleeve with at least one open end into which a product carrier tray, also made of plastic, can be inserted into sliding and interlocking engagement with the sleeve. The sleeve desirably comprises a continuous side wall having sufficient length and cross-sectional area to receive the product carrier tray into sliding engagement therewith. The product carrier tray is preferably thermoformed from another plastic sheet made of the same or a different plastic material. The plastic sheets used to make the sleeve and product carrier tray each preferably further comprise one or more structural elements, as described in greater detail below, that cooperate to provide a mechanical interlock when the product carrier tray is fully inserted into the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Steve R. Young, Richard Charles Thibault
  • Patent number: 7270239
    Abstract: A compact personal package for tooth stain prevention between regular brushings includes a small brush and a small quantity of specially formulated cleaning material enables a user to immediately remove stain-causing substances from the teeth and freshen the breath as promptly as possible after exposure to such substances, so as to prevent the stain from setting in. A first embodiment is directed to a disposable product for essentially one-time usage, while a second embodiment is directed to a re-usable product. Variations in packaging are provided for maximum personal convenience as well as for commercial distribution efficiency. The products offer substantial promotional potential as complimentary guest gifts in restaurants, motels and hotels, as well as retain items directed to the general public.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Karen L. Ross
  • Patent number: 7137508
    Abstract: The invention relates to a folding box (1) for displaying and/or packaging an article (90). The folding box comprises a rear wall (2), on which in each case one side wall (3), (4) is articulated laterally, a base flap (5) is articulated at the bottom and a rear flap (6) is articulated at the top. A collar (9) is articulated via the rear flap (6), this collar being located perpendicularly to the rear wall (2) and having a cutout (190), in which the article which is to be packaged can be positioned. The side walls (4) and (3) are positioned such that they can fix the article (90). Above the collar (9), a folding part (11), (10) is articulated on the respective side walls (4) and (3) via a respective scoring formation (111) and (110) such that the fold parts (10, 11) are positioned, if appropriate adhesively bonded, one above the other. The base flap (5) is located perpendicularly to the rear wall (2) and has two insertion noses (14, 15), which are each connected to the inside of the side wall (3), (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventors: Günther Schultz, Stefan Rüster
  • Patent number: 6895976
    Abstract: A toothbrush and toothpaste case in which two housings are fastened together at their open edges by snap fittings to form a partially split chamber that contains both a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. One of the two housings has a single chamber. The other housing has a dual chamber wherein the two chambers are separated by a septum. The septum preferably includes an elongated slit. Each of the two housings is made of a single piece of molded plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventors: Gayle C. Hetzler, David N. Cohen
  • Patent number: 6789678
    Abstract: A carton for packaging fragile article comprising an outer sleeve and an inner article receiving structure. The inner structure comprises an inner sleeve having a first pair of opposed side walls secured to a first pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve and a second pair of opposed side walls spaced apart from a second pair of opposed side walls of the outer sleeve. The inner structure further comprises a first bridging closure panel hingedly connected to one end of the inner sleeve for movement between an open position where the bridging closure panel allows the inner and outer sleeves to collapse into a flat form and a closed position where the bridging closure panel forms a first brace structure between one of the second pair side walls of the inner structure and the adjacent one of the second pair side walls of the outer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
  • Publication number: 20040089560
    Abstract: A container that consists of a looped component for linking up to various types of key holder components, compartments to insert toothbrush and toothpaste bottle, and an enclosing cover to these compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Masakazu Sueda
  • Patent number: 6719834
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single-component or multiple-component polyelectrolyte cement containing at least two reaction partners: (a) at least one metal-cation-releasing compound and (b) one or more polyelectrolytes capable of being converted into a solid state, wherein at least one of the polyelectrolytes is at least partially water soluble, and wherein at least a part of the reaction partner (a) and/or (b) is coated with an organic surface-coating agent. In one preferred embodiment, at least one part of the formulation constituents of the cement is present in granulated form, wherein at least a part of the reaction partner (b) serves as an essential granulation agent. The polyelectrolyte cement is particularly stable in storage and can be easily mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: 3M ESPE AG
    Inventors: Peter Braun, Jürgen Glaser, Hermann Nirschl, Klaus-Peter Stefan
  • Patent number: 6672457
    Abstract: A card gripper cap for a container is provided having one end releasably connectable to a container and an opposing end having a slot formed by adjacent flanges for receiving a display card. The flanges are interposed by fingers having hooks at their exposed ends for gripping or extending through the display card. The cap further has a piercer for perforating a product seal over an opening in the container and a nozzle releasably connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Buffalo Brothers Studios East, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Aylesworth, Richard E. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20030234206
    Abstract: A toothbrush and toothpaste case in which two housings are fastened together at their open edges by snap fittings to form a partially split chamber that contains both a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. One of the two housings has a single chamber. The other housing has a dual chamber wherein the two chambers are separated by a septum. The septum preferably includes an elongated slit. Each of the two housings is made of a single piece of molded plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Gayle C. Hetzler, David N. Cohen
  • Patent number: 6648176
    Abstract: A soft, non sharp toothpaste container for use after inspection for tampering and having a clear packet sized to include sufficient toothpaste gel for one brushing. A toothpaste gel is put in the packet, the gel being essentially transparent. The packet is sealed during manufacture to prevent insertion of additional contents without visible violation of the packet. The packet may contain printing that is sufficiently clear to permit visual inspection of the packet prior to use. When the packet is formed as a toothpaste tube having a removable cap, the cap and body of the tube are soft and flexible. Otherwise, the packet includes a score cut to permit opening by tearing on the score cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Donovan
  • Publication number: 20030173238
    Abstract: A box formed from a single piece of cardboard and having a closure panel which can be folded up about a folding line provided on a side wall of the box in proximity to the free edge of a pocket housing an illustrative leaflet, to enable the leaflet to be gripped and easily extracted from the box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: GI.BI.EFFE SRL
    Inventor: Carmelo Lo Duca
  • Publication number: 20030034269
    Abstract: An receptacle and a blank for forming a receptacle carrier for packaging fragile articles includes a plurality of side wall panels hinged together to form a collapsible upright tubular structure for receiving an article and article support structure at the lower end of the tubular structure for supporting the article. The support structure has a plurality of displaceable strips secured together such that when the tubular structure is erected from a flat collapsed form, the displaceable strips are automatically displaced into the tubular structure to form the supporting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
  • Publication number: 20020180114
    Abstract: A squeezable tube-shaped plastic container (10, 100) having a one-piece construction formed by extrusion blow-molding techniques. The container (10, 100) has a retractable end wall (26, 126) which is positionable into an outwardly projecting position and an inverted position. The end wall (26, 126), as blown, is in the outwardly projecting position and is thereafter inverted so that a tamper indicating covering (28, 128) can be attached to the end (14, 114) of the container (10, 100) thereby sealing the end wall (26, 126). The inverted end wall (26, 126) permits the container (10, 100) to be free standing on the standing ring (20, 120). In use, the flexible sidewall (12, 112) of the container (10, 100) is squeezed to snap the end wall (26, 126) from the inverted position to an outwardly projecting position to enable ready access to a dispensing opening (32, 132) on the end wall (26, 126).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: David W. Cargile, Earle L Ellis, Roy N Krohn, David A Kesselman, Edward Roubal, Rafael F Berrittella, Norberto O Gomez
  • Patent number: 6484876
    Abstract: A box made of cardboard or similar material is formed from a single-piece, pre-cut, substantially flat blank delimiting four faces joined together along substantially parallel longitudinal fold lines so as, after folding, to form a sleeve whose ends are closed by two end wall panels. A wedging structure is provided for wedging the object inside the box, the wedging structure being formed of a portion of the flat blank extending substantially in the continuation of a first face, to which the portion is connected by a first transverse fold line. The portion has one end adjacent to the first face, and a free end intended to be fixed to a second. The box is suitable particularly for packaging a tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Florent Duqueroie
  • Publication number: 20020079241
    Abstract: A pouring mouth member for a container includes an intermediate resin layer having barrier property and a fold-back portion is formed on at least one end portion of the intermediate resin layer having barrier property. Further, due to an inner layer resin and/or an outer layer resin provided to an outer periphery of this fold-back portion, the exposure of the resin having barrier property can be surely prevented and, at the same time, a cut edge of the intermediate resin layer having barrier property is effectively sealed between the inner and outer layer resins since the cut edge is also in a fold-back state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoshi Matsuo, Tsuneo Imatani, Kimio Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6298995
    Abstract: A one-piece inner package is disclosed to be made from a single plate. A shoulder with a seat portion supports one end of the product, while an opening on a slope portion supports the other end of the product. Movement of the product inside the outer box is therefore prevented by the seat portion, the opening, as well as by a back wall of the outer box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Package Development Company
    Inventor: Charles P. Schwester
  • Patent number: 6193081
    Abstract: A holder for cylindrical articles is provided that comprises an open frame design. The slanted, article supporting base extends somewhat further than the length of the articles to be stored allowing for the retention of potential spillage of material from the articles while in an upright position. Attached to the base are two side panels. The first side panel includes a slot for permitting the inserting and withdrawing of articles that are stacked upon the base. Additionally, the first side panel may contain a means of closure such as a gate to insure retention of the articles in the holder regardless of the position of the holder. The opposing side panel has a smaller slot to receive the narrow end of the articles that are inserted into the holder thereby retaining the articles, and, with the assistance of the slanted base, effectively sliding the articles toward this second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy L. Ewing
  • Patent number: 6162349
    Abstract: The integrity of the dividing partitions walls of a multichamber container can be tested for voids after the filling of the containers. This is particularly useful for multichamber tube containers. These containers can have relatively thin tube divider partitioning walls which can have voids in the partitioning, in the attachment of the partitioning to the container walls, or in the case of a tube container the attachment of the dividing partition wall to the shoulder. The container chambers are filled with the substances which also are electrolytes and at the time of filling or just subsequent to filling, a potential difference is applied to each of chambers. Since the substance in each chamber is an electrolyte the potential difference extends throughout each side of the barrier. If there are one or more voids in dividing partition, there will be decrease in the potential difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Ramon Armando Mejia Mustafa
  • Patent number: 6159566
    Abstract: A flexible package is provided made of plastic, having a wall made of a thermoplastic blend containing a first and of a second polymer, wherein the first polymer is a propylene homopolymer (PP) and the second polymer is a copolymer of propylene (PP) and of ethylene (PE), and a method for producing the package by injection molding of the blend in a suitable mold. The package can be an injection-moulded tube, and is particularly suitable for the packaging of small volumes of cosmetic and/or dermatological products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Patrice Barre
  • Patent number: 6126923
    Abstract: A method for forming a striped dentifrice wherein a first dentifrice which appears unstriped when stored in a container having sidewalls at least a portion of which is transparent, is transformed into a striped dentifrice upon extrusion from the container, which method comprises storing the first dentifrice in the container provided with discharge means and striping means within the discharge means, sequentially filling the container with a striping dentifrice having a color which distinguishes the striping dentifrice from the first dentifrice, the striping dentifrice being stored in an area of the container separate from the first dentifrice, followed by filling the container with the first dentifrice, applying pressure on the dentifrices to cause the striping dentifrice to be applied to the first dentifrice within the container area in which the second dentifrice is stored and be simultaneously extruded together from the container, so that upon extrusion, the extruded dentifrice appears to have been magical
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Burke, Veerle De Bondt, Jean-Paul Delvenne, Tessa Plen, Gary Tambs, Benjamin Y. Mandanas, Prakasarao Mandadi, Mike Wong
  • Patent number: 6127011
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus wherein a container is formed, decorated by rotating the container and then the base of the contianer is cut off for a plastic tube, a container is formed with a diametral lug on the base to facilitate rotating the container during decorating. In another form, opposed diametral surfaces are provided on the lower end of the container adjacent the base. In another form, the diametral surfaces are arcuate. In another form, the lower end of the container includes a frustoconical surface. In another form, circumferentially spaced axial grooves are provided in the frustoconical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastics Products Inc.
    Inventors: Roger P. Smith, Thomas J. Krall, Jeffery S. Lugar, Michael D. Norton
  • Patent number: 6112893
    Abstract: A box for packaging a tubular container whose bottom is formed with a closing line, the container having a width that increases in the direction towards the closing line. The box is obtained by successively folding a blank in a single piece so as to be able to wedge the container inside the box and guide the container during its insertion into the box. To this end, the box has two V-shaped recesses disposed on either side of the object and separated by a distance smaller than the greatest width of the container, the recesses opening out in the vicinity of one of the ends of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Laurent Aubry, Philippe Benivay
  • Patent number: 6085941
    Abstract: In a film tube containing a flowable substance, a fold 11 is formed in the film, which fold is so shaped that it abruptly decreases the cross-section at this location of the tube. The fold 11 may be fixed by a V-shaped weld 12. When the film tube is compressed, maximum stress is exerted on the area of the film close to the apex 13 of the V-shaped weld 12, so that the tube starts to rupture and form a dispensing opening at this location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Thera Patent GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Gerd Brandhorst
  • Patent number: 6016764
    Abstract: A removably attachable automatic squeeze bottle utilization cycle counting device comprises a squeeze bottle, a nozzle, a removable nozzle cap for isolating the nozzle from the outside environment and a hinged mechanism which attaches onto the squeeze bottle and nozzle in a removable manner. This mechanism locates the nozzle cap relative to the nozzle and indicates the number of times the nozzle cap has been removed or replaced in a given cycle. The mechanism comprises upper and lower clips for removably attaching the mechanism to the bottle and nozzle cap, a rotatable part, a set of symbols, an indicator and mechanical means for indexing the rotatable part. Each time the nozzle cap is removed, or each time it is replaced, the rotatable part is automatically indexed to the next sequential position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel Charles Giveen