Flexible Locking Member Integral With Or Attached To Closure Patents (Class 215/216)
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Patent number: 6168035Abstract: A closure cap for use in combination with a container outlet is configured with a child-resistant feature involving a pair of abutment projections formed as part of the container outlet and a pair of abutment ribs formed as part of the closure cap. The container outlet is externally threaded and includes a dispensing opening. The container outlet also includes an annular skirt which provides a support surface for the pair of abutment projections. The closure cap is internally threaded and the pair of spaced-apart abutment ribs are designed to ride over each abutment projection during the threaded advance of the closure cap onto the container outlet. During retrograde rotation of the closure cap from the container outlet, the abutment ribs are designed to abut up against the abutment projections. The abutment ribs are manually movable in a radially inward direction for taking each abutment rib out of abutting engagement with a corresponding abutment projection.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Rieke CorporationInventor: Douglas M. McLelland
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Patent number: 6152315Abstract: A safety closure providing a top wall, an annular side skirt depending downwardly from an outer periphery of the top wall and defining a lower end thereof opposite the top wall, an internal thread projecting inwardly from an inner annular surface of the side wall, the internal thread being disposed towards the top wall, and at least one lug projecting inwardly from the side wall inner annular surface, the at least one lug defining an acute angle with the side wall inner annular surface, the at least one lug having a substantially trapezoidal profile, the substantially trapezoidal profile having a base edge disposed parallel to a central axis of the side wall and coincident therewith, a lower edge projecting inwardly from a lower end of the base edge, an inner edge parallel to the base edge and extending upwardly from an innermost end of the lower edge, and an angled edge connecting an upper end of the inner edge with an upper end of the base edge, the base edge upper end being vertically above the inner edgeType: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: November 28, 2000Assignee: Rexam Plastics Inc.Inventor: Gary V. Montgomery
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Patent number: 6112921Abstract: A child-resistant closure that includes a base wall, a peripheral outer wall extending from the base wall, and an inner wall spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall and having an internal thread for securement to a container finish. The outer wall of the closure has diametrically opposed circumferential gaps, and the inner wall extends axially in radial alignment with the gaps in the outer wall for circumferential abutment with lugs on a shoulder of the container. The inner wall is flexible inwardly for clearing the container lugs and permitting removal of the closure from the container finish. The outer wall thus protects the force application area of the inner wall by reason of the fact that such force application area is recessed inwardly with respect to the circumference of the outer wall. The closure resists application of planer force to the removal area of the inner wall, such as by a child biting the closure.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Philip J. Robinson
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Patent number: 6105801Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a closure and container combination wherein the container has a collapsible neck finish. The collapsible neck finish consists of an upwardly extending neck having outwardly extending threads thereon and located above the threads is a spring bead, the spring bead having an outwardly bulged portion and an inwardly bulged portion. The closure for the combination has a retaining bead formed just below the top wall, the area in between receiving the spring bead of the container. The container and closure combination have interlocking structures comprised of locking lug and stop member on the container neck forming a recess therebetween which receives a locking tab on the lower periphery of the side wall of the closure. The interlocking structure is so formed that when the locking tab is located between the locking lug and stop member, the spring bead is firmly held in place below the top wall of the closure.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey C. Minnette
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Patent number: 6102223Abstract: A child resistant cap including relatively thin threads which, when the cap is in a relaxed condition, are spaced from the bottle neck, said spacing permitting the cap to be squeezed inward at points on opposite sides of the cap so that the cap responds to the squeezing by expanding outward at points ninety degrees from the squeezing points so that stops on the cap at the cap expanding location will miss the stops normally engaged when in a relaxed condition, thereby permitting the cap to be removed from the bottle. The cap may also include a guide ring in the cap interior to guide the cap over the bottle neck to help ensure that the cap is centered on the bottle opening. The cap may include pressure pads on the cap skirt outside near the cap bottom showing the user where to press and stiffening the portion of the cap where pressure is to be applied. And, the cap may include a tamper indicating ring which will separate from the cap the first time the cap is removed from the bottle.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Rexam Plastics, Inc.Inventor: Gary V. Montgomery
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Patent number: 6082564Abstract: A secured container closure system is provided for preventing access to the container's contents by small children while allowing ease of access to the container contents by persons of limited strength or dexterity. The system is provided with a first cap having a smooth exterior and being provided with a catch. The first cap is provided within a second cap which has an opening which allows access to the catch. Both the exterior of the first cap and the interior of the second cap are smooth to reduce torque transfer between the second cap and the first cap. A key is provided which may be extended through the opening and engaged to the catch to allow torque transfer between the second cap and first cap for either opening or closing the container. The key may be of an extended length or secured to a wall to allow greater leverage in opening or closing the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1997Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Inventor: Brett J. Trout
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Patent number: 6073809Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially leak proof tamper-evident container closure that combines a reusable, push-pull spout with a snap-on tamper evident closure which is substantially tamper proof. The closure has first and second locking members characterized by the first locking member having an inward flange with an upturned locking edge forming an annular groove in the flange. The push pull resealable pour spout with an opening therein which is partially closed by a second top having a secondary opening therein and a plug space thereabove with upwardly angled legs formed integral with the closure. Integrated into the periphery of the secondary opening is at least one and preferably two annular flanges. The annular flanges engage and create a sealing contact with the annular surface of the plug to provide a seal which is leak proof after many uses.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1996Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment CorporationInventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
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Patent number: 6039196Abstract: A child resistant closure is used with an associated container. The closures includes a closure cap having a circular top wall portion and a depending annular skirt portion. The skirt portion has an edge region spaced from the top wall portion. The cap includes at least one pivotal release tab extending from the skirt portion and connected thereto by a connector. The connector extends between the tab and the skirt portion at about the edge region. The tab further includes a ratchet extending therefrom to engage the container. The closure is removed from the container by urging the release tab inwardly of the closure to disengage the ratchet from the container. The closure can include a tear away tamper-evident band overlying the release tab to provide visibly discernible evidence that the closure has been removed from the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Phoenix Closures, INc.Inventors: Len Ekkert, Albert R. Miller, Bridgett Zemlo
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Patent number: 6036036Abstract: The child-resistant package (100) can be readily opened by an adult with a one-hand operation. The pushtab (123, 123'), which together with the interlocking tooth (119) form the child-resistant feature of the package, is placed on the closure (120). Therefore, an adult user may easily depress said pushtab and at the same time disengage said closure to open said package by using only one hand for both operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Nady Bilani, Johan Willy Declerck, Jelle Dankert Vuijk, Maurizio Pucci
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Patent number: 6016930Abstract: An adapter band for use on a closure, the closure being threadingly engageable with a container neck portion, the container neck portion having at least one locking ramp projecting therefrom, the adapter band providing an annular ring having a groove on an inner surface thereof, the groove being sized to receive an annular lip projecting outwardly from a lower end of the closure; a locking lug extending downwardly from the groove mateable with a recess in the annular lip; and, at least one locking tab projecting from the annular ring, the at least one locking tab being engageable with the at least one locking ramp provided on the container neck portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Rexam Plastics Inc.Inventors: Todd E. Mathes, Randall G. Bush
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Patent number: 6003700Abstract: A safety closure providing a top wall, an annular outer wall depending downwardly from an outer periphery of the top wall, an annular inner wall depending downwardly from an underside surface of the top wall, and, at least one locking lug integrally molded with the outer wall, whereby downward displacement of the top wall causes outward displacement of the at least one locking lug.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Rexam Plastics Inc.Inventors: Randall K. Julian, C. Edward Luker
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Patent number: 5992657Abstract: A safety closure is provided for threadingly engaging a neck portion of a container. The safety closure includes a cap portion and a tamper-indicating band connected to a lower end of a peripheral side wall of the cap portion by a plurality of frangible bridge segments. A cap lug projects downwardly from an outer surface of the cap portion and is sized to engage a band lug projecting upwardly from an outer surface of the tamper-indicating band. At least one bead segment projects inwardly from an inner surface of the tamper-indicating band and is sized to engage a continuous bead projecting outwardly from an outer surface of the container neck portion to prevent removal of the tamper-indicating band therefrom upon a first application thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Rexam Plastics Inc.Inventor: Alberto Friedman
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Patent number: 5988413Abstract: An improved child resistant container and closure assembly allows for ease of use by an adult, while at the same time provides the desired increased child resistance. One or more locking elements mating with recesses formed in the container serve to secure the closure assembly to the container. The closure assembly is also provided with a cup portion that is adapted for comfortably receiving an adult hand. Differential manual pressure applied to the closure assembly flexes an internal annular web, which removes the locking elements from their respective recesses. This allows an adult to easily open the container, whereas a child cannot do so. In an alternate embodiment, the closure assembly is non-removable, and is adapted to permit flow-through of the material held within the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: JSN Product Concepts, Inc.Inventor: Robert C. Nagel
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Patent number: 5988412Abstract: A cap having a top wall and at least one circumferentially extending sidewall having an inner surface with internal threads therealong and a terminating bottom edge of the sidewall defining an open end opposite to the top wall. The terminating edge is provided with an inwardly extending locking lug for engaging with an outwardly extending tab on a threadable neck of a container. The cap may be of double wall construction with an outer wall and an inner wall spaced therefrom wherein the threadable connections for the neck of a container are on the inner surface of the inner wall and the locking lug is on the terminating edge of the outer wall. A window is also provided along the terminating edge of the outer wall, the window being in visible alignment with the locking tab.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Rexam Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Minnette, Clayton L. Robinson
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Patent number: 5979681Abstract: A child resistant package comprises a container, a transition piece (112) and a closure (114). A pushtab (30, 130 or 230) on either the closure or the transition piece and an interlocking tooth (32, 132 or 232) on the other of the closure or the transition piece form the child resistant feature of the package. The pushtab (130) is moved inwardly to disengage the pushtab from the interlocking tooth (132) so that the closure may be unthreaded from the container. The transition piece and the closure are molded in a single piece in one molding process. The frangible connections (40) between the closure and the transition piece break upon the unthreading of the closure for the first time to give a tamper indication.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: PatrickJean-Luc Andre, Jelle Dankert Vuijk, Johan Willy Declerck, Nady Bilani
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Patent number: 5979680Abstract: A child-resistant adult-friendly prescription storage vial is presented with an over-cap which can only be removed from the vial by first orienting the cap at a particular point on the vial and then depressing a pair of push-tabs on the cap. When the cap is properly oriented the push-tabs mechanically operate a pair of locking tabs on the vial which hold the cap in place. The locking tabs are designed so that an extended lip on the tab interlocks with a slit on the cap and can only be removed from the slit when the push-tabs on the cap are manually operated.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas C. Farside
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Patent number: 5944228Abstract: A thermoplastic closure for a fluid container which has a flexible needle-like dispensing extension continuous with and extending from the base and ending at a tip wherein the extension has an internal cylindrical cavity with an interior aperture positioned within the base and an exterior aperture positioned at the tip. The flexible, needle-like extension facilitates ease in refilling reservoirs such as ink-jet cartridges and facilitates control over the rate of flow of the ink from the container into the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1995Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Renewable Resources CompanyInventor: Stephen M. Gray
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Patent number: 5927526Abstract: A child-resistant closure container system allowing easy opening by debilitated adults. The closure has moveable panels on the side wall which, when depressed, allow the unscrewing of the closure from the neck of the jar or vial. The moveable panels include tabs engaging stationary locking lugs on the neck finish annulus, which prevent removal of the closure without depressing the tabs. The annulus and stationary locking lugs can be an integral part of the jar or vial.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.Inventor: James Ellis Herr
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Patent number: 5921417Abstract: A safety closure providing a top wall, an outer skirt depending downwardly from an outer perimeter of the top wall, an inner skirt depending downwardly from the top wall, the inner skirt being disposed radially inwardly from the outer skirt, the inner skirt being coaxial with the outer skirt, a locking tab depending downwardly from a lower end of the outer skirt, a first thumb pad, and, a second thumb pad, the second thumb pad being opposed the first thumb pad about the locking tab, the first thumb pad being angularly offset from the locking tab by a first predetermined angle, the second thumb pad being angularly offset from the locking tab by the first predetermined angle, whereby applying a squeezing force between the first thumb pad and the second thumb pad moves the locking tab radially outwardly.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Rexam Plastics Inc.Inventor: Jayna L. Mull
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Patent number: 5915576Abstract: A double wall squeeze-and-turn child-resistant safety closure wherein skirt flexure stiffening web ribs are integrally molded into the closure so as to extend radially between the mutually facing wall surfaces of the skirts. The ribs are arranged in two sets of diametrically opposed web pairs generally angularly registered with an associated one of the pair of diametrically opposed outer wall squeeze zones. Each rib is also integrally joined to the closure base wall and protrudes therefrom axially of the closure a predetermined distance greater than the axial thickness of the peripheral region of the closure base wall that is joined to the ribs to thereby shift the outer skirt wall flexure swing point. Each pair of ribs is angularly spaced from one another on the closure base wall one on either side of and closely adjacent to a plane oriented at about 90 degrees to a plane intersecting the closure CR lugs to further localize the squeeze zone area.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1998Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Philip J. Robinson
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Patent number: 5915575Abstract: A threaded closure assembly includes a first member having an outer surface including a first outwardly directed thread, and an inner surface including a second inwardly directed thread. A unitary closure member for covering an access opening in the first member includes a first inwardly directed thread engageable with the first outwardly directed thread on the first member, and a second outwardly directed thread engageable with the second inwardly directed thread on the first member. A locking mechanism is provided between the closure member and the first member for permitting rotation of the closure member in a first direction, and preventing rotation of the closure member in a second opposite direction. A third set of threads may be provided between the first member and the closure member. The first member can be an open head container, with the closure member formed as a one-piece lid. The threads between the first member and the closure member are synchronized.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: M&M Industries, Inc.Inventor: Glenn H. Morris, Sr.
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Patent number: 5908125Abstract: A child-resistant bottle and screw-on cap combination that is relatively easy to open for elderly persons with limited dexterity. The cap has a construction that is particularly suited for use with extrusion blow-molded bottles. The cap and bottle locking structures afford reliable performance even when the bottle is formed of relatively soft, inexpensive thermoplastic material.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Weatherchem CorporationInventor: Ovidiu Opresco
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Patent number: 5884815Abstract: A closure for a container having a closure lower member and a screw cap in which the closure lower member is connectable with a base member to the container aperture. The closure lower member has a pouring spout connected to the base member. The screw cap has a cap bottom and a cap side wall with an internal thread adapted to be screwed onto and unscrewed from the pouring spout which has an external thread. The cap side wall of the screw cap in a region of its free end face terminates in at least one latching lug, the latching lugs of the screw cap co-operating with latching projections of the closure lower member to form a latch connection. In a screwing on direction the closure lower member has a shallow rising flank which merges into a steep latching flank and also forms the latching connection with the latching lugs, the connection being reversible by displacement of the latching lugs in relation to the latching projections.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Heinrich Stolz GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Bernd Stolz
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Patent number: 5884787Abstract: The child resistant safety closure is one that uses a common single start thread on the neck of a container and on a closure. In conjunction with this single start thread there is a single mating projection on the neck and on the closure. These mating projections are in an interference fit until the closure is distorted so that the closure bows outwardly in the region of the projections whereby the projection on the neck and the projection on the closure can pass by one another. The distortion is enhanced by having the plastic of the closure in the area of the projection of a decreased thickness and the neck having flattened portions to provide for a easy distortion of the closure. By the use of a single start common thread and one projection the same closure can be used for containers requiring a safety closure and those not requiring a safety closure. The difference will solely be in the neck finish of the container or on the inner surface of the closure.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive CompanyInventors: Daniel Quintard, William James Lloyd
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Patent number: 5873475Abstract: A container closure which can be converted from a child resistant configuration to a non-child resistant configuration. The container closure includes an external cap, an internal cap and a locking element. The locking element is inserted between the external cap and internal cap to form the non-child resistant configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Volpe and Koenig, P.C.Inventor: Anthony S. Volpe
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Patent number: 5865330Abstract: A child-resistant cap and container including an inner and an outer skirt depending downwardly from the top wall of the cap. The inner skirt has an internally threaded surface for engagement with the externally threaded neck of the container. The outer skirt has a pair of longitudinal slots defined in the bottom portion of the outer skirt for forming a flexible tab therebetween. A tooth is radially spaced from the container neck for edgewise engagement with the tab when the cap is in its locked position. The locked cap can be removed from the container only by depressing the tab inwardly to clear the tooth as the cap is rotated in a retrograde or opening direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Van Blarcom Closures, Inc.Inventor: Caetano Buono
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Patent number: 5860543Abstract: The closure cap for sealing a container has an inner skirt shaped and sized to fit externally and to be secured onto the neck of the container. The cap also has an outer skirt projecting from the inner skirt. This outer skirt extends over the inner skirt at a given distance from same, thereby defining a gap there between. The outer skirt is made of a material that is resiliently flexible and can be deformed when an external pressure is applied onto its external surface. The cap further has a foldable cover shaped and sized to close the neck of the container. This cover has a peripheral edge attached to the outer skirt by a hinge. A snap having one part integral to the upper portion of the other skirt and another part integral to the cover is provided for releasably locking the cover in a closed position when it is folded down over the neck of the container.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Bouchons Mac Inc.Inventor: Gilles Decelles
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Patent number: 5836466Abstract: A safety closure and container assembly provided with a safety closure having a top wall and a downwardly-depending annular skirt. A pair of opposed, inwardly-projecting locking lugs are disposed on an inner surface of the annular skirt towards the lower end thereof. The locking lugs are radially offset from the squeeze pads by about 90.degree. and are furthermore sized to engage a pair of cooperating locking tabs provided on the container neck. The locking lugs are back-angled and form an interior angle of at least 30.degree. with an imaginary line extending inwardly and normally from the inner surface of the annular skirt at respective base ends of the locking lugs. The safety closure further includes annular slots disposed at an approximate axial midpoint of the annular skirt. The annular slots are located unsymmetrically between the locking lugs and the squeeze pads and are disposed through an arcuate distance of about 75.degree. beginning about 13.degree.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Rexam Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Marc A. Briere, Christopher B. Clodfelter, William D. Sprick
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Patent number: 5836465Abstract: A child-resistant container and closure assembly having a container neck with a first screw thread and two first locking elements located below the first screw thread on opposite sides of the container neck. A closure for the container neck has a second screw thread complementary to the first screw thread, a resiliently deformable skirt, and two second locking elements on opposite sides of the resiliently deformable skirt. The first and second locking elements mutually engage in ratchet fashion when the closure is screwed onto a fully engaged position on the container neck and subsequently block unscrewing of the closure unless a radial pressure is applied to the skirt at positions spaced from the locking elements to deform the skirt to release the locking elements. The first and second threads are two-start, fast-turn threads so that the closure can be moved from a substantially fully disengaged position to a substantially fully engaged position on the neck by rotation through about 180.degree. or less.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Beeson and Sons LimitedInventor: Roger M. King
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Patent number: 5836467Abstract: A closure is provided having concentric inner and outer spaced cylindrical shells attached at respective first distal ends thereof by a circular top wall. An arcuate groove is provided in an upper surface of the top wall integral with the inner cylindrical shell.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Rexam Plastics Inc.Inventor: Gary V. Montgomery
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Patent number: 5833928Abstract: A specimen transporting and processing system having a tubular container with a collar threadedly secured at one end and with a cap applied to the collar. The collar is temporarily locked in place on the container by means of an extending tab which is bound in place by a tape strip adhering to the tab and to the container. When the tape strip is removed or broken, the collar can then be unscrewed and removed from the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1995Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.Inventors: Janet Ratajczak, Donald R. Harreld, Joseph Kus, John Posey
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Patent number: 5819967Abstract: A child-resistant, elderly-accessible safety container designed for storage of potentially hazardous materials. The closure includes three major components: a rotatable member secured coaxially around the neck of the container and having at least one biasing member disposed along its upper surface, at least one resilient abutment member, extending outward from the neck and terminating in a tip end, and is capable of being distended or compressed by the biasing member, and a closure member having at least one closure member stop disposed along its inner surface. Turning the rotatable member in a predetermined direction causes the biasing member to contact and compress the abutment member tangentially in relation to the outer surface of the neck. Such compression interrupts contact of the tip end of the abutment member with the closure member stop allowing the closure member to be rotated in the opposite direction and removed from the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Pfizer Inc.Inventor: Julian B. Lo
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Patent number: 5769252Abstract: A container closure which can be converted from a child resistant configuration to a non-child resistant configuration. The container closure includes an external cap, an internal cap and a locking element. The locking element is inserted between the external cap and internal cap to form the non-child resistant configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Volpe and Koenig, P.C.Inventor: Anthony S. Volpe
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Patent number: 5765705Abstract: A child resistant closure including a container and a cap. The container includes a body portion defining a chamber, and a hollow neck extending from the body portion. The cap is formed to fit around the neck and includes a base portion and a lid portion connected to the base portion with a hinge. At least one first engagement portion extends from a lever portion attached to the base portion, and is positioned to engage at least one second engagement portion that is integrally formed in the lid portion. The engagement portions are located off set from a location diametrically opposite the hinge. The closure is in a locked position when the first engagement portion engages the second engagement portion. The closure is moved to an unlocked position when the lever portion is pushed inwardly to disengage the first engagement portion from the second engagement portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Poly-Seal CorporationInventor: Donald P. Deubel
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Patent number: 5752612Abstract: A closure 1 for a container comprises a slidable opening member 3 slidable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, substantially no opening force can readily be applied to the opening member 3. In the extended position, an opening force can be applied to the opening member 3 to open the container. A spring or similar device is provided for automatically returning the opening member to the retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1996Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Inventors: Rodger Erich Fritzsche, Alan L. G. Bearne
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Patent number: 5749496Abstract: The present invention is a semi-flexible captive cap closure which includes a non-removable cap that rotates between a closed and open position and has opposing squeeze points that must be biased inwardly in order to open the cap. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a container which has a base and a neck for retaining the cap. The neck has at least one inclined recess track which has at least one impression which is adequately sized to correspond to a protrusion located on the cap. When the cap is in a closed position a user grasps the cap at the opposing squeeze points and applies inward pressure in order to displace the protrusion from the impression and to allow rotation to an open position. The cap is maintained in an open position either by frictional contact between the track and protrusion or by a second corresponding impression.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Primary Delivery Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stuart DeJonge, Sr., Jack Weinstein
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Patent number: 5735417Abstract: A container closure locking assembly (40) includes a plastic container (42) having a body portion (54) for holding the contents, a lower closed end (56) for supporting the container (42), and an upper dispensing end (58). The upper dispensing end (58) includes a neck (60) and a round dispensing spout (64) having a central axis (A). The dispensing spout (64) extends upwardly from the neck (60) and further includes an external closure thread (68), a retaining flange (70), and a rotational positioning formation (72). A plastic lock ring (44) molded separately from the container (42) extends around and is supported by the neck (60) of the upper dispensing end (58) of the container (42) below the external closure threads (68) of the dispensing spout (64).Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Darr, Craig A. Larson
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Patent number: 5732836Abstract: A closure for a container, including means for counting and indicating the number of times the closure has undergone a cycle of closing and opening the container, and further including means for incorporating the closure into means for resisting the opening of the container by a child.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1993Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Senetics, Inc.Inventors: Allan Barker, Gage Garby
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Patent number: 5727703Abstract: A child resistant package including a plastic container having a body portion and a finish with internal threads. The plastic container has a radial flange extending outwardly from the finish and an upwardly extending axial wall extending axially upwardly from the periphery of the radial flange. The axial wall has at least one lug extending radially inwardly from the axial wall. A plastic closure has a base wall and a peripheral skirt having external threads engaging said internal threads on the container. The closure has a radial flange engaging the radial flange on the finish when the closure is threaded on the finish and a finger engaging tab thereon having a flexible portion which engages the lug on the container when the closure is fully threaded on the finish to prevent the closure from being removed. Radial inward deflection of the tab permits the closure to be rotated past the lug in order to remove the closure from the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. Fuchs
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Patent number: 5722546Abstract: A child-resistant closure and container package having push tabs formed in the closure to prevent rotation relative to the container until the push tabs are deflected radially inwardly to disengage from lock members on the container to permit unthreading rotation of the closure relative to the container. Simultaneous squeezing of the push tabs and rotation of the closure permit removal of the closure from the container. Also, a tamper indicating feature is associated with the push tabs.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Rexam Closures Inc.Inventor: Marc Briere
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Patent number: 5709306Abstract: An adult container according to the present invention comprises a container body and a cup-shaped closure which is installed telescopically over the open end of the container body. An annular rib, a plurality of longitudinal ramps and an annular groove and retaining lip are provided on the adjacent walls of the container body and the closure to coact with one another as the closure is longitudinally urged from a closed position to an open position. A cylindrical plug seal extends from a top wall of the closure to engage the open end of the container body when the closure is in the closed position. The closure has a side wall aperture which is unblocked to form a dispensing orifice when the closure is in the open position. The closure wall aperture is formed by relieving or omitting a portion of the cylindrical side wall of the closure from a bottom edge of the aperture through the top wall, with side edges extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the closure.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Magenta CorporationInventor: Richard W. Hofmann
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Patent number: 5687863Abstract: A squeeze and turn child resistant package including a container having a finish and a closure having a base wall and an outer peripheral flexible wall depending from the base wall. The wall has an internal thread on the inner surface thereof, the finish has an external thread thereon. The closure has an internal surface with spaced flexible chordal lugs extending circumferentially in the direction of removal of the closure. The container finish has opposed radially extending abutments. Each abutment includes a radial abutting surface. The finish of the container includes an integral radial projection adjacent the radial abutting surface of the abutment which has a lesser radial extent than the abutment. The radial projection has a chordal surface extending to the intersection of the radial abutting surface on he finish such that the chordal lug on the closure is forced toward the intersection when a closure is rotated in a retrograde direction to remove the closure without flexing the peripheral wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1996Date of Patent: November 18, 1997Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Maximillian Kusz
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Patent number: 5685445Abstract: An anti-backoff, removable closure for connecting a manually actuated liquid dispenser to a container includes a closure cap having internal threads for mating engagement with similar threads on the outside of the container neck finish, both the cap and the neck finish having mutually engageable ratchet teeth mechanically retaining the closure to the container. The teeth inside the cap each have a trailing face lying in a plane sloping in a loosening direction of the cap relative to the central axis of the cap for producing a camming action between the cap teeth and the neck finish teeth, tending to cam the cap off the container in response to closure unthreading rotation.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Calmar Inc.Inventor: Douglas B. Dobbs
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Patent number: 5676268Abstract: A container neck and child-resistant closure for the neck are disclosed. The closure includes an inner part and an outer part, and castellations on the parts which mate when the outer part is displaced axially, to lock the parts together for rotation. A ratchet mechanism including ratchet ramps and cantilever leaf springs biases the inner and outer parts axially and rotationally apart, and allows relative rotation of the parts in one direction of rotation, when the castellations are not engaged. The angle through which outer part has to be turned to enable the castellations to be engaged may be less than 45.degree. and preferably less than 25.degree.. The closure may be moved between fully opened and closed positions by rotation through less than 360.degree. and preferably about 90.degree.. A tamper-evident ring, and a retaining means for retaining the closure in the closed position, may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Beeson and Sons LimitedInventor: Roger Milner King
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Patent number: 5671853Abstract: A child-resistant closure container system allowing easy opening by debilitated adults. The closure has moveable panels on the side wall which, when depressed, allow the unscrewing of the closure from the neck of the jar or vial. The moveable panels include tabs engaging stationary locking lugs on the neck finish annulus, which prevent removal of the closure without depressing the tabs. The annulus and stationary locking lugs can be an integral part of the jar or vial.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1995Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.Inventor: James Ellis Herr
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Patent number: 5657905Abstract: The present invention is a spray dispenser device closure. It includes a main closure base for attachment to a container, an outer ring, a spray mechanism attached to the base, a semi-flexible tether, and an overcap. The main closure base has a top portion with a circular horizontal track thereon for attachment with an outer ring. The outer ring has a circular inside wall with a horizonal track thereon for attachment to the track of the base so as to connect them in such a way as to be horizontally and freely rotatable thereabout. The outer ring has a top with an outwardly or, alternatively, an inwardly biased ledge for retaining an overcap and has at least one cut out on the ledge to permit an overcap to be inserted and removed from the outer ring. The overcap has a circular bottom adapted to be inserted into or, alternatively, onto the outer ring and over the spray mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
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Patent number: 5649646Abstract: A fluid substance may be dispensed from a container with a fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser has a housing connected to the container and a passage for providing fluid communication between a nozzle attached to the housing and the container. A pump positioned within the housing draws the fluid substance from the container interior and pushes the substance through an orifice in the nozzle. Attached to the housing is a pivotable door which is moveable between an open position wherein the fluid substance may be dispensed and a closed position wherein the door inhibits the fluid substance from being dispensed. The door has an aperture located remote from the nozzle orifice.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Contico International, Inc.Inventors: Donald D. Foster, Philip L. Nelson
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Patent number: 5638969Abstract: A child-resistant container and closure assembly having a container neck with a first screw thread and two first locking elements located below the first screw thread on opposite sides of the container neck. A closure for the container neck has a second screw thread complementary to the first screw thread, a resiliently deformable skirt, and two second locking elements on opposite sides of the resiliently deformable skirt. The first and second locking elements mutually engage in ratchet fashion when the closure is screwed onto a fully engaged position on the container neck and subsequently block unscrewing of the closure unless a radial pressure is applied to the skirt at positions spaced from the locking elements to deform the skirt to release the locking elements. The first and second threads are two-start, fast-turn threads so that the closure can be moved from a substantially fully disengaged position to a substantially fully engaged position on the neck by rotation through about 180.degree. or less.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Beeson and Sons LimitedInventor: Roger M. King
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Patent number: 5590799Abstract: A container neck and child-resistant closure for the neck are disclosed. The closure includes an inner part and an outer part, and castellations on the parts which mate when the outer part is displaced axially, to lock the parts together for rotation. A ratchet mechanism including ratchet ramps and cantilever leaf springs biases the inner and outer parts axially and rotationally apart, and allows relative rotation of the parts in one direction of rotation, when the castellations are not engaged. The angle through which outer part has to be turned to enable the castellations to be engaged may be less than 45.degree. and preferably less than 25.degree.. The closure may be moved between fully opened and closed positions by rotation through less than 360.degree. and preferably about 90.degree.. A tamper-evident ring, and a retaining means for retaining the closure in the closed position, may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: January 7, 1997Assignee: Beeson and Sons LimitedInventor: Roger M. King
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Patent number: 5588545Abstract: A container neck and child-resistant closure for the neck are disclosed. The closure includes an inner part and an outer part, and castellations on the parts which mate when the outer part is displaced axially, to lock the parts together for rotation. A ratchet mechanism including ratchet ramps and cantilever leaf springs biases the inner and outer parts axially and rotationally apart, and allows relative rotation of the parts in one direction of rotation, when the castellations are not engaged. The angle through which outer part has to be turned to enable the castellations to be engaged may be less than 45.degree. and preferably less than 25.degree.. The closure may be moved between fully opened and closed positions by rotation through less than 360.degree. and preferably about 90.degree.. A tamper-evident ring, and a retaining means for retaining the closure in the closed position, may also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1995Date of Patent: December 31, 1996Assignee: Beeson and Sons LimitedInventor: Roger M. King