Closure Pivoted About Receptacle Opening Patents (Class 215/235)
  • Publication number: 20040188374
    Abstract: A stopper incorporates a cylindrical body attachable to the edge of a container or bottle and a cover with a hinge. In the upper part of the body is incorporated a mouthpiece blockable by means of a neck of the cover. On the body of the stopper is a sealing strip joined by breakable points, wherein in-cuts are established for the retaining of corresponding projections in the cover in its closed position. The strip is provided with end wings that are positioned in depressions of the side surface of the cover, without projecting from this, the positioning of a shield of the cover in a depression of the upper edge of the sealing strip, as well as a number of vertical ribbings of the strip and the mouthpiece that are out of line with respect of the centre of the stopper, with a displacement towards the sealing strip area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Alberto Ochoa Laburu
  • Publication number: 20040178166
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device (1) comprising a plastic lid (11) which is articulated to a skirt (12) that is designed to surround the neck (1) of the container (3). The majority (112) of the surface of said lid is made up of an external convex surface (111). Said external surface (111) is provided with a concave recess (113) which is disposed more or less opposite the area (14) in which the lid (11) is articulated to the skirt (12). One section (117) of the lid (11) can rest against a heel which is provided close to the upper edge (123) of the skirt (12) so as to lock the lid in a position in which the device (1) is completely open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory Antier, Niels Damjaer
  • Patent number: 6786447
    Abstract: A removable and replaceable lid for use in dispensing sheets such as wet wipes from a container, a dispenser incorporating the lid, and methods of using the lid and dispenser are provided. An intermediate member is hingedly connected to a base member and a top cover member to form a three-part lid. The base member includes an opening and is removably mountable on a container. The intermediate member includes a recessed portion with a slit or webbing, and is engaged with the base member to cover the opening. The top cover member is engaged with the intermediate member to cover the slit. The opening in the base member is sized to permit access to manually withdraw an initial or starter sheet from the roll of sheets disposed within the container so that the sheet can be pushed through the slit in the intermediate member without having to remove the lid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Geib Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Geib, Jesse C. Geib, Dan Walsh
  • Patent number: 6783029
    Abstract: A tube provided with a head and a skirt having an orthogonal cross section of particular shape in which the largest inscribed circle has a diameter D. The head, which is designed for fixing of a rigid closure, is provided with a circular cylindrical wall extending towards the inside of the tube and enclosing an orifice concentric to the inscribed circle and having a large diameter, typically more than 0.8D, and takes up substantially the internal volume of the skirt end over a height less than D, preferably less than D/3. The invention is further directed to a closure element, in particular a convenience closure, adapted for fixing substantially irreversibly on the tube head, comprising a base having an external outline matching the shape of the orthogonal cross section of the tube skirt, and a skirt having a diameter in the range of 0.5D to 0.9D.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Cebal S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Schneider
  • Patent number: 6776314
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a pourer, adapted to be mounted on the container neck, and an assembly forming a cover adapted to be mounted on said neck and comprising a cap mobile between a first position where it isolates the neck and the pourer from outside and a second position providing access to the neck and the pourer. The assembly forming a cover comprises two catching string rims (411, 412) extending radially inwards from a ring (41), one first string rim (411) being adapted to be engaged with an external flange (26) of the neck (2) while a second string rim (412) is adapted to be engaged with an external flange (36) of the pourer (3), said string rims (411, 412) defining between them a volume (V) for receiving the flanges (26, 36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Odet
  • Publication number: 20040118846
    Abstract: A bottle cap and cap and bottle combination suitable for use with condiments are described. The cap has a small and large orifice and is designed for use on squeezable bottles to ensure complete removal of condiment within the squeezable bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Unilever Bestfoods North America
    Inventor: Thomas Vincent Merolla
  • Patent number: 6753088
    Abstract: A method for at least locally providing an article coated with an organic coating with a layer of readily deformable sealing material (so-called compound), which involves a layer of an intermediate of the compound being applied to the coating layer, after which the article is temporarily kept at an elevated temperature in order to form the compound from its intermediate, wherein the coating layer of the article comprises a polyethylene terephthalate and the compound is chosen from the group consisting of urethanes, amides, mixtures thereof and heteropolymers thereof, and in that the free surface of the coating layer prior to the application of the intermediate of the compound, at least at the location where this intermediate is applied, is briefly subjected to a processing operation from the group of equivalent processing operations comprising a flame treatment in the course of which the coating layer does not melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Corus Technology BV
    Inventors: Renauld Robert Belvroy, Jan Willem Van Veenen
  • Patent number: 6742666
    Abstract: A lid for a container is provided generally comprising a main body and a door having a flip section pivotally connected to a push section, the push section pivotally connected to the main body. The main body includes a recess that defines a pivot wall. The flip section is positioned to engage the pivot wall and rotate relative to the push section in response to downward pressure on the push section. The floor of the recess includes a dispensing hole sized to dispense large items. Preferably, the dispensing hole is sized to accommodate a person's fingers while gasping an item. Additionally, the flip section of the door includes a sealing ring projecting from the underside of the door. The sealing ring is sized to engage the inner periphery of the dispensing hole to provide a seal to preserve organic or other perishable items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Bried, George Solowiejko, Gary D. Johnson, C. Alan Peet, Philip M. Baerenwald, Michael A. Yarbro
  • Patent number: 6732873
    Abstract: A lid for a container is provided generally comprising a main body and a door having a flip section pivotally connected to a push section, the push section pivotally connected to the main body. The main body includes a recess that defines a pivot wall. The flip section is positioned to engage the pivot wall and rotate relative to the push section in response to downward pressure on the push section. A detent mechanism is used to control opening the door in at least two stages. In the first stage, the detent mechanism substantially fixes the push section in a closed position, and in the second stage substantially fixes the push section in an open position. In one embodiment, the floor of the recess is sloped to increase container space and limit flexure of the push section of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Bried, George Solowiejko, Gary D. Johnson, C. Alan Peet, Philip M. Baerenwald, Michael A. Yarbro
  • Publication number: 20040079720
    Abstract: A mini-stein bottle cover includes a bottle neck engagement clip including a semi-flexible generally U-shaped arcuate bottle neck engagement section and a lid mount section and a bottle cover lid pivotably mounted on the lid mount section above the bottle neck engagement clip. The bottle neck engagement section of the bottle neck engagement clip includes left and right curved arms operative to be flexed outwards from one another to fit around a bottle neck and to flex towards one another upon being released to frictionally engage a bottle neck thereby frictionally supporting the bottle neck engagement clip on a bottle neck. Finally, the bottle cover lid is pivotable between a covering position to cover a top opening in a bottle and an open position pivoted upwards and outwards from the bottle neck engagement section such that a top opening in a bottle is accessible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Ray Allen Croskrey
  • Publication number: 20040065697
    Abstract: An improved dispensing closure system for dispensing a product from a container includes an elongate or oblong dispensing orifice for dispensing a ribbon of product. One form of the dispensing closure system also includes a spout having a dispensing orifice that is oriented at an angle relative to the closure deck and relative to the flow direction of product from the orifice. The closure provides for the dispensing of product in a clean and controlled manner without mess. One form of the closure system also incorporates conical geometries in transition surfaces extending from the container opening to the dispensing orifice. The conical geometries of the transition surfaces provides for a smooth transition of product flow from the container opening to the dispensing orifice, while minimizing the volume defined by the closure system spout and thereby providing increased “suck-back” and an abrupt “cut-off” of product compared to prior art devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: SEAQUIST CLOSURES FOREIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Susan DeGroot, Cori M. Blomdahl, David S. Pozgay
  • Publication number: 20040060890
    Abstract: A fluid distribution device, in particular of cosmetic product, of the type comprising a bottle adapted to contain the fluid and having a distribution orifice, a decorative case (8) covering the bottle, said case having a body (12a, 12b) and retaining means (24, 16) adapted to retain the body with respect to the bottle. The retaining means comprise a collar (16) integral with the decorative case and articulation means (18) connecting the collar to the body. The collar comprises an internal passage (16a) traversing the collar from one side to the other and an external section (16b) inserted tightly in the distribution orifice (6) of the bottle (12a, 12b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: QUALIPAC
    Inventor: Laurent Van Parys
  • Patent number: 6702137
    Abstract: A plug for a liquid container comprises an outer plug, an inner plug and a fixing device. The outer plug is substantially a cylinder shape with a bottom wall and detachably installed onto a liquid container, wherein a liquid passage hole is penetrated through the bottom wall, and a liquid passage is formed between the bottom wall and an upper opening of the outer plug body. The inner plug is pivotally connected to the outer plug through a hinge, wherein the inner plug further comprises a liquid inlet seal member for sealing the liquid passage hole and a liquid outlet seal member for sealing an inner wall near the upper opening of the outer plug. The fixing device is used for fixing the inner plug onto the outer plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nippon Sanso Corp.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kowa, Takashi Ohno, Ikuo Miura
  • Patent number: 6685041
    Abstract: A one-piece integrally molded container includes a finish having a deck and a pair of outlet openings surrounded by associated annular walls. A peripheral ring extends upwardly from the deck, and has a radial lip that helps retain the container in the mold tooling during the forming operation. The finish has a radial bead over which a bead on the inside diameter of a closure skirt snaps to secure the closure to the container. Annular walls on the closure surrounding the closure dispensing openings are received in plug sealing engagement within the annular walls surrounding the outlet openings on the container finish deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Geisinger
  • Publication number: 20040016714
    Abstract: A hinge structure is provided for connecting two members, such as a container closure base and lid, so as to accommodate movement between an open position and a closed position. An elastomeric element extends from one of the members to the other of the members. The elastomeric element has an outer surface that is outwardly exposed when the two members are in the closed position as well as when the two members are in the open position. The elastomeric element exerts a force to urge the two members from the closed position toward the open position. In one embodiment, the elastomeric element has two lateral margins, and the hinge structure is free of structure laterally of the elastomeric element so that the two lateral margins are laterally exposed when the two members are in the closed position as well as when the two members are in the open position. The elastomeric element outer surface is in tension when the two members are in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wood, Charles E. Roberts, Milton R. Dallas
  • Patent number: 6644487
    Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice, a channel, and a retention member projecting over a portion of the channel. The system includes a lid for being moved between a closed position and an open position. An anchor member is provided for being received in the channel and has an engaging portion for engaging the retention member when the anchor member is received in the channel. At least one frangible web initially connects the anchor member with the lid so that the frangible web breaks when the lid is initially lifted from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Walter W. Peterson, Joseph W. Stanizewski
  • Patent number: 6631820
    Abstract: A closure structure includes a closure body having a deck and depending sidewall, and a dispensing orifice through said deck. A closure cap has a lid part attached by a hinge to the body, and a cover part frangibly connected to the lid part, on a side of the lid part opposite the hinge. The lid part is latched to the body at lateral positions located between the hinge and the cover part. The cover part covers a lifting lip extending from the lid part. Removal of the cover part exposes the lifting lip for lifting by the user to open the lid part from the closure body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Harrold, Bruce M. Mueller, Richard A. Gross
  • Patent number: 6622895
    Abstract: A dispenser package for a fluent product that includes a plastic container having an axially extending cylindrical neck, and a closure secured to the open end of the neck. The closure includes a plastic fitment having a dispensing opening and a cylindrical wall received within the neck. The container neck has a radially opening circumferential channel, while the fitment has a radially projecting circumferential bead received by snap fit into the channel to secure the fitment to the neck. A top is pivotally secured to the fitment or to the container neck for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the dispensing opening is circular, and the top has an annular wall that forms a plug seal within the dispensing opening when the top is in the closed position. The top is flush with the fitment or the axial end of the container neck in the closed position to form a compact visual structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. McClean, Robert E. Harman
  • Publication number: 20030150191
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a pourer, adapted to be mounted on the container neck, and an assembly forming a cover adapted to be mounted on said neck and comprising a cap mobile between a first position where it isolates the neck and the pourer from outside and a second position providing access to the neck and the pourer. The assembly forming a cover comprises two catching string rims (411, 412) extending radially inwards from a ring (41), one first string rim (411) being adapted to be engaged with an external flange (26) of the neck (2) while a second string rim (412) is adapted to be engaged with an external flange (36) of the pourer (3), said string rims (411, 412) defining between them a volume (V) for receiving the flanges (26, 36).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Philippe Odet
  • Publication number: 20030121876
    Abstract: There is a tube container that is resistant to water infiltration into the cavity between the head and the cap. The tube container has a body wall and a head. The body wall defines a chamber therein. The head has a shoulder, which has an orifice therethrough in communication with the chamber. The shoulder has a ridge extending therefrom adjacent its periphery. The ridge substantially blocks the infiltration of water when the cap is secured to the head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Vincent, Douglas A. Abbott, Daniel L. King
  • Publication number: 20030116879
    Abstract: A molded article is produced by a method of compression molding employing a specially shaped billet of thermoplastic material which is positioned at a predetermined location in a predetermined orientation with respect to the mold cavity surfaces of a mold part. In a preferred embodiment, the billet has a generally egg shape and is located adjacent a mold surface defining a small mold cavity region between two larger cavity regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Mueller, Ben Nejad, Dieter F. Lay
  • Publication number: 20030102323
    Abstract: A lid type vessel of an elastic plastic material for laboratory use, specifically in the PCR procedure, comprising a tubular vessel which has a vessel bottom at one end and a vessel opening at the other end, a lid which has a lid bottom and has at least one hollow cylinder on one side of the lid bottom, which is adapted to be inserted into a sealing seat at the vessel inner wall through the vessel opening, and/or which is adapted to be placed onto the end of the vessel having the vessel opening and in a sealing seat on the vessel outer wall in the area of the axial portion, and at least one axial portion of the hollow cylinder or vessel in the area of the sealing seat by means of which the hollow cylinder or vessel is alternately subdivided into harder and softer segments in a circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Jurgen Lohn
  • Patent number: 6564958
    Abstract: A snap-on or screw type, tamper evident closure having first and second relatively moveable plastic parts (16, 18) which move from an initial position to a new limiting position when the closure is first opened, the new limiting position being visually distinguishable from the initial position to provide the tamper evidence. The two plastics parts are formed in mutually intimate association but have inter-engaging complimentary formations (22, 28, 40, 42) which become irreversibly disengaged on first opening of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Ramsey, Philippe Odet, Michael Barrie Simpson, Peter Frank Woodward, Donald E Griffiths, Robert McDonald Gillies
  • Publication number: 20030057209
    Abstract: The plastic closure consists of an upper closure part (1) and a lower closure part (2) which in the condition of being used form separate parts (1,2). These two closure parts (1,2) are connected to one another as one piece via a hinge (7) or hinging strip (7), which permit the closure parts (1,2) to be pivoted apart by 180°. In this pivoted apart condition the closure is then injected as one-piece part in one go. The hinge (7) or hinging strip (7) is connected to one or both closure parts (1,2) via break-off locations. It may be torn away from these by hand and thus serves as a first-opening guarantee.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Fritz Seelhofer
  • Patent number: 6530493
    Abstract: A single piece injection molded flip top cap for a beverage (or any other non-beverage) container is comprised of a base portion and a lid portion. The base portion forms a substantially large opening to allow for liquids to freely flow through the cap. When the lid is in the closed position, the contents of the container are sealed within the container. By pressing up on a thumb lever, the lid is flipped to an open position allowing the contents to be poured from the container without removing the cap from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Raymond G. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030034323
    Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice, a channel, and a retention member projecting over a portion of the channel. The system includes a lid for being moved between a closed position and an open position. An anchor member is provided for being received in the channel and has an engaging portion for engaging the retention member when the anchor member is received in the channel. At least one frangible web initially connects the anchor member with the lid so that the frangible web breaks when the lid is initially lifted from the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Walter W. Peterson, Joseph W. Staniszewski
  • Patent number: 6520370
    Abstract: A closure adapted for use with a product dispensing container is provided. The closure includes a closing lid moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the product dispensing container. The closing lid has projections engageable with the product dispensing container to substantially fix the closing lid in the second position via continuous engagement therebetween. The closure may include a tamper indicating portion that includes a removable tearband. The closure can have a retention collar for securing the closure to the product dispensing container. A hinge may connect the retention collar with the closing lid. The hinge can elastically connect the retention collar to the closing lid such that the hinge resiliently biases the closing lid towards the first position. The projections may flexibly extend from the closing lid and are deflectable upon engagement with the product dispensing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Paradigm Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry H. Nyman, Aleksey Zats, Alexander Tsvaygoft
  • Publication number: 20030010742
    Abstract: A closure device and method includes a mounting member, a cap member and an actuator. The mounting member may be removably secured proximately to a container opening. The actuator is manually operable to move the cap member to open and close an opening in the container and is biased by a spring so that the cap member closes the opening but is movable to an open position. The closure device is especially adapted as part of a writing instrument that has a body to receive contents for dispensing, such as a marker. The mounting member may be annular piece that engages a neck of the container with the actuator being a pair of angled, parallel levers that pivot on the mounting member. In one embodiment, the cap member may be latched in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Errol D. Kobilan
  • Publication number: 20020175137
    Abstract: A dispensing cap for a container includes a body defining a dispensing orifice and an opening/closing member. The opening/closing member can be hinged to the body. The cap includes a deformable portion which can deform to uncover a push region of the opening/closing member. The deformable portion can be integral with the body around the deformable portion's entire perimeter. Force applied to the push region causes the opening/closing member to move from a closed position to an open position in which the orifice is at least partly open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: L'OREAL
    Inventor: Guilhem Rousselet
  • Patent number: 6481588
    Abstract: The invention provides a cap for hermetically closing a receptacle having a retention flange, the cap being constituted by a lid surmounting a lateral skirt which is provided, in a bottom portion, with means for snap-fastening beneath said flange and in a top portion, with a removable tamperproofing strip occupying a fraction of the periphery of the skirt where it provides a temporary connection with said lid, and also providing a hinge in its complementary fraction; the cap being characterized in that said lid carries a locking tab whose free end is provided with a retractable catch suitable for coming into abutment against the flange of the receptacle in the fully-open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: L & M Services B.V.
    Inventor: Armand Wagner
  • Publication number: 20020166835
    Abstract: A cap (10) for use with a container, such as a bottle, tube, or can, wherein the cap (10) provides a flip-top storage compartment (16) operable to store one or more small objects in close association with the container's contents. In one contemplated embodiment, the cap (10) is adapted for use with a conventional pill bottle containing a primary medication, and the storage compartment (16) is used to store a secondary medication, such as aspirin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Carter
  • Patent number: 6478184
    Abstract: A two piece hinged closure for a container. The closure includes a base installed on the container and a hinged cap positioned on the base. The hinge of the cap includes a caming tab and the base includes a caming surface against which the tab moves when the cap is moved between its closed and open positions to retain the cap in said open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Courtesy Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Berge, Thomas C. Stoneberg
  • Patent number: 6478175
    Abstract: An orientationally sensitive closure for mounting to a container in a specific orientation includes a closure body and a flange. A spout portion extends from one side of the flange and an orienting projection extends from a side of the flange opposite of the spout. The flange and spout may be coaxial with on another, with the spout centrally disposed thereon. The projection extends from the flange in a non-coaxial relation to the spout and flange. An apparatus for orienting the closure prior to mounting to a container includes a body defming inlet and outlet regions extending along a longitudinal axis of the body. Flange and projection receiving channels extend between the inlet and outlet regions. The flange channel defines a substantially straight-through path through the apparatus, along the longitudinal axis. The projection channel defines a path having at least two bends therein defming a portion generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: Ronald Tuckner, Glen Peterson
  • Publication number: 20020162839
    Abstract: A container having an air intake value, enables a minimal amount of air to enter the container that the one way directional airflow eliminates the flexible walls of a container from being drawn inward and container distortion (product paneling) due to temperature and altitude changes. The inside design of the cover cap makes direct contact with the valve top slit area but generally not the outside of the slit area. With the top cover cap in place and covering the soft concave valve, the slits are restricted from opening outward because to the bottom contour contact fit of the cover cap. The flexible slit valve pieces are unrestricted from moving inward and open automatically to let air in when necessary and eliminating the paneling affect. In the closed position the top snap cover cap is designed not to be completely airtight with two butt joint areas on the hinge side of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Gene Stull, Robert T. Auer
  • Patent number: 6460718
    Abstract: A plastic cap has one or more hinged flaps that cover openings in the cap, as well as a stepped sealing ring against which the top of a plastic bottle seals. The sealing ring is stepped, much like the rows of seats in a circular stadium. This stepped arrangement permits the cap to be used with many different bottle rim diameters and automatically corrects any ovality of the bottle rim by forcing it to flex into a more circular shape as it engages the steps of the stepped ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics Incorporated
    Inventor: William C. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6460726
    Abstract: A flip-top type closure resealably seals a fluid container. The closure includes a body portion, which is attachable to the fluid container, and a cap portion. The cap portion is connected to the body portion by two hinges and is rotatable about the two hinges so that a spout of the body portion may be inserted into the mouth without interference by the cap portion. The closure may include a tamper-evident band to visually indicate tampering with the contents of the fluid container. The closure may also include a pull-tab seal secured to the spout to prevent spillage and/or leakage of the contents of the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Brian Hessel, Eugene Dorsch
  • Patent number: 6460712
    Abstract: A closure structure is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The closure structure includes a closure base for extending around the container opening. A lid is provided on the closure base and is connected to the base by a hinge web. The hinge web has a first end connected to the closure base, a second end connected to the lid, and two sides which each extends between the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Charles E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20020134746
    Abstract: A bottle closure assembly for providing access to the fluids within a bottle without the complete removal of the closure. The bottle closure apparatus comprising a cap and a sleeve connected by a hinge. Both the cap and the sleeve containing internal threads for twisting the closure apparatus onto a threaded bottle opening. The closure sealing the container when fully threaded on to the threaded opening, while providing access to the fluid therein when only partially threaded (sleeve only) by allowing the cap to pivot about the hinge. In addition, position nubs may be provided along the threads to resistively indicate when the cap is pivotable. Additional embodiments are presented wherein an opening is formed in a top end of the cap for receiving a nipple allowing the bottle closure assembly to be used on a baby bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Bryan L. Reidenbach
  • Publication number: 20020130134
    Abstract: Cap comprising a base surface having a dispensing opening, closure means enabling the dispensing opening to be closed or opened, retaining means for holding the cap in position relative to a bottle, and a skirt which is to be inserted tightly in the filling opening of the bottle. The skirt also has a substantially cylindrical outer surface extending continuously around the entire skirt. The retaining means comprise a resiliently deformable peripheral protuberance which is arranged in the vicinity of the free end of the skirt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: QUALIPAC
    Inventor: Patrick Rennie
  • Publication number: 20020125203
    Abstract: A lid for a container is provided generally comprising a main body and a door having a flip section pivotally connected to a push section, the push section pivotally connected to the main body. The main body includes a recess that defines a pivot wall. The flip section is positioned to engage the pivot wall and rotate relative to the push section in response to downward pressure on the push section. A detent mechanism is used to control opening the door in at least two stages. In the first stage, the detent mechanism substantially fixes the push section in a closed position, and in the second stage substantially fixes the push section in an open position. In one embodiment, the floor of the recess is sloped to increase container space and limit flexure of the push section of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: David K. Bried, George Solowiejko, Gary D. Johnson, C. Alan Peet, Philip M. Baerenwald, Michael A. Yarbro
  • Patent number: 6439410
    Abstract: Plastic snap-on hinged closures each having a bottom part and a cap that are attached to each other by a snap-on hinge tend to tear on the lateral borders. This is due to the geometry of closures having a round or oval shape when viewed from the top since only the flexibility of the outer walls have been used so far. This unresolved problem can be solved by a curvature with varying height and wall thickness extending along the joint. The curvature is elastic when pressure is exerted in the middle and when pulled from the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Soplar SA
    Inventor: Werner Fritz Dubach
  • Publication number: 20020108922
    Abstract: A closure and container package are provided in which the closure has an elongated orifice. A spout cover disposed on an underside surface of the cap portion of the closure receives a spout portion disposed about the orifice. A spud urges the spout into contact with the spout cover to enhance contact therebetween. A snap hinge couples the cap with the closure body. The spout cover forms a sealing contact with an exterior surface of the spout to form an outside seal that does not become contaminated upon dispensing of the contents of the container. The spout cover includes a protrusion or bead on an inner surface that cooperates with a bead on the spout exterior surface to lock the cap in its fully closed position. An annular seal extending downwardly from a portion of the closure seals the closure head-space to present vapor infiltration and condensation therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Valentin Hierzer
  • Patent number: 6431380
    Abstract: A closure is described wherein a flip top is provided with a child-resistant opening mechanism. The flip top closure is attached to a neck finish, fitment or other container spout and includes a flip top that is hingedly attached to a depending sidewall. The child-resistant mechanism includes a retention tab that engages a retention bead when the flip top is closed, but allows the top to be opened by the alignment of the retention tab with a retention lug, located on the neck finish or fitment, over which the retention tab may slide when upward force is applied to a thumb tab attached to the top. The interaction of the retention tab and the retention lug when the flip top is closed prevents the closure from being automatically aligned for opening, after the closure is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Mark K. Branson
  • Patent number: 6431381
    Abstract: Positive orientation systems are provided for packages formed by the combination of a container and closure. In one embodiment, the invention provides a closure having a plug seal with at least one plug seal lug that cooperates with a container neck lug formed on a shoulder on an interior surface of the container neck. In another embodiment, at least one neck lug is provided on an end of the container neck and the closure body is provided with at least one closure deck lug extending from the closure deck and adapted to engage a corresponding one of the at least one neck lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Randall
  • Publication number: 20020096532
    Abstract: A two piece hinged closure for a container. The closure includes a base installed on the container and a hinged cap positioned on the base. The hinge of the cap includes a caming tab and the base includes a caming surface against which the tab moves when the cap is moved between its closed and open positions to retain the cap in said open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Courtesy Corporation.
    Inventors: Gary Berge, Thomas C. Stoneberg
  • Patent number: 6419101
    Abstract: A closure is provided that includes a closure orifice that is at least as large as the container orifice, thereby enhancing drinking and pouring. A non-living hinge or a two-joint, living hinge enables easy opening and pivoting of a top cover completely away from a closure orifice to enable a user to drink directly from the closure. The top cover includes a plug that seals the closure orifice. A tear band encircles most of the top cover and secures the lid to the base, and provides tamper resistance. After detaching the tear band, the closure may be pivoted open about the hinge to its fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Hessel, Valentin Hierzer, Rick Gaiser
  • Publication number: 20020088813
    Abstract: A closure adapted for use with a product dispensing container is provided. The closure includes a closing lid moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the product dispensing container. The closing lid has projections engageable with the product dispensing container to substantially fix the closing lid in the second position via continuous engagement therebetween. The closure may include a tamper indicating portion that includes a removable tearband. The closure can have a retention collar for securing the closure to the product dispensing container. A hinge may connect the retention collar with the closing lid. The hinge can elastically connect the retention collar to the closing lid such that the hinge resiliently biases the closing lid towards the first position. The projections may flexibly extend from the closing lid and are deflectable upon engagement with the product dispensing container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Henry H. Nyman, Aleksey Zats, Alexander Tsvaygoft
  • Patent number: 6412664
    Abstract: A cap for use in dispensing viscous liquids from containers without the accompaniment of lower viscosity liquid present in the container. The cap has a top portion with an outside surface and an inside surface and an elongated conduit formed at a pre-determined angle. The elongated conduit has an outlet and an inlet. The outlet is situated either eccentrically or concentrically on the outside surface of the top portion such that at least one point on the circumference of the top portion is greater than 10 millimeters from the edge of the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Floyd Wolff, Steven Wolff
  • Patent number: 6409034
    Abstract: A hinged cap with a cap body having a raised portion with an outlet opening in its upper boundary wall, a hinged lid connected via a hinge to said cap body, and a locking arrangement formed on cap body and on hinged lid. At least the raised portion is formed of an elastically deformable material, and the hinged lid positions tight against at least the lip of the outlet opening in a closed position, exerting pressure on the raised portion in the direction of closure. An element formed of an elastically deformable material is provided on the hinged connection which generates a biasing between the cap body and the hinged lid in order to bring the hinged lid into an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Kunststoffwerk Kutterrer GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Horst Schorner
  • Patent number: 6398067
    Abstract: A tamper-proof container and cap assembly is provided, comprising a container having an upper portion and an outer surface. The container has a rim at the upper portion. The upper portion includes a flexible and detachable protrusion having a contact element and a break point. The container also has a cap having a base with an outer periphery and a skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery of the base. The cap has a hinge and a tap with a first and second slot wherein the first slot is capable of housing the protrusion, and the second slot has an interlocking device that mates with the protrusion. In an empty stage, the protrusion is positioned within the first slot. In a filled stage, the cap is placed upon the container and the protrusion is repositioned within the second slot and the contact element engages the interlocking device to form a tamper-proof seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: CV Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John Belfance, Ronald Supranowicz