Line Of Weakness Extends Circumferentially Of Receptacle Mouth Opening Patents (Class 215/256)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6378716
    Abstract: A closure for receptacles such as bottles which includes an annular sealing member which is internally reinforced by a cylindrical core. The cylindrical core includes a helically or spirally shaped frangible structure along which the cylindrical core can be pulled, stripped, unwound or torn apart. The closures can be pressed into receptacles using conventional methods. To remove the closures, one pulls, strips or tears the cylindrical core apart. The remaining, unreinforced annular sealing member can be easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Michael S. Gzybowski, Donald G. Rose
  • Patent number: 6341707
    Abstract: A one piece molded push-on tamper resistant closure suited for reusable bottles such as milk bottles comprises a cap portion and a latch ring portion connected thereto by frangible tabs. Ruptures of the tabs serves to detach the cap portion to permit its removal from the bottle, while simultaneously opening the latch ring portion to permit it to be removed laterally from the neck of the bottle. The closure includes a latch ring removal tab disposed on the latch ring portion to provide a levered force for rupturing the frangible tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Stanpac Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Witt, Richard Coulson
  • Patent number: 6332550
    Abstract: A tamper-evident closure for a container includes an outer tamper-evident cap engagable over an inner container sealing cap which may form part of the tamper-evident closure or part of the container, cap retaining prongs on the outer cap which permit placement of the outer cap on the container neck over the sealing cap but prevent upward removal of the outer cap from the container, a tear strip for severing the outer cap between its upper and lower ends to permit upward removal of the upper portion of the outer cap from the container, and a circumferential rupture line along which the outer cap separates to evidence tampering if an attempt is made to forcibly remove the outer cap from the container without tearing the tear strip from the outer cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventors: Paul H. Bennett, Thom M. Perlmutter
  • Patent number: 6283318
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bottle cap comprising an upper body (100) including a plurality of longitudinal grooves (116), an inner cap (114), at least two seals (123, 124), and at least one stopper (120) projection for catching on an upper portion of a bottle; a lower body (102) having a plurality of longitudinal grooves (130) and at least one stopper projection (131), wherein an upper cutting line (132) is formed between the upper body (100) and the lower body (102) except for a non-cutting portion and a vertical cutting line (133) is formed; and a pull-tab (106) to allow the upper body (100) and inner cap (114) to be removed from the bottle by a user. There is further provided a bottle cap comprising an upper body, a side portion, a bottle plug, and a circumferential ring; a lower body including a vertical cutting line and a circumferential groove; and a pull-tab, integrally fixed to one side of the vertical cutting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jeong-Min Lee
  • Publication number: 20010011649
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inner plug easily removable from a neck of a container, and a cap for covering the inner plug. The inner plug comprises an engaging portion to be fitted to a neck of the container, a threaded cylinder, and a lip cylinder connected to said threaded cylinder. The engaging portion comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, and a shoulder wall. The threaded cylinder is arranged on the inner cylinder. The cap has a side cylinder to be engaged with said threaded cylinder of said inner plug, and a cover cylinder covering said shoulder wall and said outer cylinder. The cover cylinder has a diameter larger than a diameter of said side cylinder. The outer cylinder is provided with a cut portion. The shoulder wall is provided with a cut portion connecting to said cut portion of the outer cylinder. The shoulder wall is provided on a lower surface thereof with a tear off groove along the outer cylinder. The groove is connected to said cut portion of the shoulder wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: YOSHINO KOGYOSHO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Fujie, Masaru Tamura, Takao Kishi
  • Patent number: 6260721
    Abstract: A plastic cap of this invention is opened by tearing-off and is comprising a top plate provided with a sealing portion to be engaged with the mouth of a container, a skirt extending perpendicularly from the top plate, and a tear-off portion arranged around the skirt and defining an upper closure portion for resealing and a lower opening band, wherein in the inner surface of the skirt, at an upper position than the tear-off portion, a diametrically inwardly-directed protrusion which is engaged with a jaw of the container is formed peripherally intermittently, simultaneously, at a lower position than the tear-off portion, a flap piece whose tip portion is engaged with the jaw of the bottle is formed peripherally intermittently, and the engaged protrusion and the flap piece are formed at least alternately in most of the peripheral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiko Ohmi, Tateo Kubo, Mitsuo Kumata
  • Patent number: 6253937
    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: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6247605
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inner plug easily removable from a neck of a container, and a cap for covering the inner plug. The inner plug comprises an engaging portion to be fitted to a neck of the container, a threaded cylinder and a lip cylinder connected to said threaded cylinder. The engaging portion comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder and a shoulder wall. The threaded cylinder is arranged on the inner cylinder. The cap has a side cylinder to be engaged with said threaded cylinder of said inner plug, and a cover cylinder covering said shoulder wall and said outer cylinder. The cover cylinder has a diameter larger than a diameter of said side cylinder. The outer cylinder is provided with a cut portion. The shoulder wall is provided with a cut portion connecting to said cut portion of the outer cylinder. The shoulder wall is provided on a lower surface thereof with a tear off groove along the outer cylinder. The groove is connected to said cut portion of the shoulder wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Fujie, Masaru Tamura, Takao Kishi
  • Patent number: 6237789
    Abstract: The invention concerns a burglar-proof container comprising a hollow body with its closing device, said hollow body comprising a fragile line (4) located on its neck (1) at some distance from the top of its mouth, which will be broken and destroyed if the container is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Mei Yi Zhu
  • Publication number: 20010000602
    Abstract: A tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure is used with a specially shaped container neck. The neck has double lead external threads and, below the threads, a conical wall having external ratchet teeth. The closure has an upper skirt having internal threads mating with the neck threads. A conical lower skirt is connected to the upper skirt by a plurality of frangible bridges. The lower skirt has internal ratchet teeth to mate with the neck ratchet teeth. The cap skirt threads are double pitch and slightly over 360° in length. When the cap is applied to the neck it snaps on in two stages. The lower skirt has a tear tab which, when pulled, fractures the lower skirt on a vertical line. Continued pulling on the tab sequentially fractures the bridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Applicant: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 6173853
    Abstract: A tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure is used with a specially shaped container neck. The neck has double lead external threads and, below the threads, a conical wall having external ratchet teeth. The closure has an upper skirt having internal threads mating with the neck threads. A conical lower skirt is connected to the upper skirt by a plurality of frangible bridges. The lower skirt has internal ratchet teeth to mate with the neck ratchet teeth. The cap skirt threads are double pitch and slightly over 360° in length. When the cap is applied to the neck it snaps on in two stages. The lower skirt has a tear tab which, when pulled, fractures the lower skirt on a vertical line. Continued pulling on the tab sequentially fractures the bridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 6170529
    Abstract: A plastic end plug for use with plastic pipe, the end plug having a knock-off disc with dimensions that prevent the entire disc, when separated from the remainder of the plug, from entering the pipe bore. The knock-off disc of the plastic end plug is removable by a force applied to the disc in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis through the pipe bore, and desirably includes an optical indicator observable by the user to determine whether or not the underside of the knock-off disc is wetted by a fluid contained in the pipe segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: LSP Products Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Sam H. Howe
  • Patent number: 6126025
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure for a container having an annular locking ring includes a closure part cap and a pilfer band connected to the closure part at a frangible connection. A plurality of circumferentially spaced substantially rigid tabs extend generally inwardly from an inner surface of the pilfer band, and the length of at least one of the tabs is shorter than the length of the remaining ones of the tabs. The tabs have lengths sufficient to engage the annular locking ring to provide tamper-indication when the closure part is removed from the container, and the length of the shorter tabs is sufficiently less than the length of the remaining ones of the tabs that the shorter tabs are not permanently deformed by the locking ring when the closure is applied to the container. The pilfer band preferably has at least one weakened region, and the shorter tab is positioned adjacent the weakened region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Fabricas Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Luis G. Recendez M.
  • Patent number: 6116445
    Abstract: A sealing cap for the mouth of a container facilitates both the sealing of new bottles containing unused contents, and the re-sealing of those bottles already in use so as to preserve their contents. The sealing cap includes an inner cap and an outer cap. The inner cap includes a shielding plate which is fixed on the mouth of a container, and an annular strip which is provided at the lower end of the outer circumferential wall of the inner cap. The outer cap, which is fixed on the inner cap, includes a top lid, and a main cap with a guide tube having a lower-end sharp edge located opposite the shielding plate. By removing the annular strip from the inner cap and pressing down the outer cap, the lower end of the outer cap engages the outer circumference of the mouth of the container, and at the same time, the lower-end sharp edge of the guide tube pierces the shielding plate. The user then opens the top lid of the outer cap to access the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Fancl
    Inventors: Kenji Ikemori, Takeharu Ohta
  • Patent number: 6102226
    Abstract: A bottle cap has a tab formed with internal gripping features which engage mating features on the bottle neck to retain the cap in place until a portion of the skirt is torn. A tab extends from below the bottom edge of the cap. At least one vertical score lines extends up from the bottom edge of the skirt. In one form of the invention, there are two vertical score lines, one on each side of the tab and one preferably extending higher than the other. A rib is formed on either external side edge of the tab and extending partially upward on the exterior of the skirt. The tab angles outward relative to a downward projection of the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph R. Verderber
  • Patent number: 6102225
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating container-closure package assembly is composed of a container including a base, a sidewall portion extending upward from the base, and a finish portion connected to an upper region of the sidewall portion defining a mouth of the container. The finish portion includes a threaded portion located inside the mouth which can include at least one interruption for allowing venting of the container as a closure is removed. A seal seat is recessed inside the mouth, yet is situated above the threaded portion, while a radially outwardly bulbous portion protrudes outside of the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen R. Lynn
  • Patent number: 6102227
    Abstract: There is disclosed a press-on bottle cap which is convertible to a screw reclosure lid. The cap is formed with a circular disc having an integral, downwardly dependent circumferential skirt. The skirt has a raised helical bead on its inside wall which extends an angular increment from 270 to about 400 degrees and a raised circumferential bead located beneath the helical bead and at least one tear line defined by a circumferential band of weakened strength located between the circumferential and helical beads. A tear tab extends from the outer wall of the skirt adjacent the tear line which can be pulled by the user to sever a reclosure lid having the helical bead which can be threaded onto the neck of the bottle to seal its contents. For this purpose, the undersurface of the disc of the cap has a compressible sealing gasket which is engaged by an annular lip of the upper end of the bottle neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Cochrane
  • Patent number: 6092682
    Abstract: A flanged closure insert is provided for the socket of a hermetically sealed thermoplastic container. The closure insert has an outwardly extending peripheral flange that facilitates sealing of the container. The thermoplastic material of the container may be welded to the flange for an enhanced seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Automatic Liquid Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard H. Weiler
  • Patent number: 6082567
    Abstract: A container, preferably of small capacity, such as a school milk plastic bottle, has a neck having an in-turned lip flange, a vertical surface spaced below the lip flange and an external shoulder below the vertical surface. A second external shoulder below the first-mentioned shoulder is preferably slanted upwardly-outwardly. A cap for the neck has a top and a skirt depending from the top formed with internal bead segments which snap under the first mentioned shoulder. The lower edge of the skirt fits tightly against the second shoulder to prevent the fingernails from being used to overcome the tamper-evident feature of the cap. A tear tab (preferably chevron-shaped in cross-section) depends from the skirt. An external, vertical scoreline adjoins the tab and at its upper end is adjacent a second scoreline which is formed on the interior of the top. Pulling the tab tears the skirt from the top for about 342.degree. of its circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Bietzer, Kurt A. Krischke, Richard E. Repp
  • Patent number: 6079579
    Abstract: A preform adapted for being subjected to blow molding into a container is provided. The preform has a bottom (4), and a tubular wall (1) extending upwardly from the bottom (4) in an elongated manner. The part of the wall (1) opposite bottom (4) forms a pouring spout (20) with a profiled neck (3) encompassing a pouring opening. The pouring spout (20) is integral with the tubular wall (1). The spout (20) has a symmetrically rotational configuration, the neck (3) being provided with an externally extending annular projection (24) forming a first pouring no-drip rib at the opening. The rib includes a downwardly extending pouring surface which extends outwardly from the wall (1). The external profile of the neck (3) is provided with at least one further annular projection (21, 22) forming at least one second no-drip rib (21, 22). The first pouring no-drip rib and the at least second no-drip rib (21, 22) delimitate an annular recess (28) therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Resilux
    Inventor: Dirk De Cuyper
  • Patent number: 6073809
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6070765
    Abstract: An aerosol valve cover (10) having a generally cup-shaped plastic body (12) with a cylindrical base wall for releasable attachment to an annular collar (52) of an aerosol valve mounting cup (51), a plurality of locking tabs (56A, 56B, 58A, 58B) carried by the base wall (16) extending inwardly from the base wall for locking receipt beneath a lower edge (50) of the annular collar, a plurality of preweakened score lines (32) in the base wall (16) to enable the base wall (16) to resiliently flex radially outwardly to be press fit down onto the annular collar (52) until the locking tabs resiliently pass over the edge and snap radially inwardly into locking receipt beneath the lower edge of the annular collar (52). An unlocking member (34) releasably attached to the base wall (16) at a break-away section (24) with an elongate neck (36) extending outwardly from the break-away section (24) to a distal manually engagable end (38) which is cantilever supported by the elongate neck (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Delta Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Holzboog
  • Patent number: 6068151
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating plastic closure for a container includes a closure part and a pilfer band connected to the closure part at a frangible connection. A plurality of circumferentially spaced recesses are molded into the pilfer band adjacent the bottom edge of the pilfer band. A vertical break line is cut into the pilfer band, but terminates above the bottom edge of the pilfer band. Preferably, it terminates above the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Fabricas Monterrey, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Luis G. Recendez M.
  • Patent number: 6050436
    Abstract: A tamper-evident closure for a container includes an outer tamper-evident cap engagable over an inner container sealing cap which may form part of the tamper-evident closure or part of the container, cap retaining prongs on the outer cap which permit placement of the outer cap on the container neck over the sealing cap but prevent upward removal of the outer cap from the container, a tear strip for severing the outer cap between its upper and lower ends to permit upward removal of the upper portion of the outer cap from the container, and a circumferential rupture line along which the outer cap separates to evidence tampering if an attempt is made to forcibly remove the outer cap from the container without tearing the tear strip from the outer cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventors: Paul H. Bennett, Thom M. Perlmutter
  • Patent number: 6016931
    Abstract: A cap comprises a cap body fitted and secured to the mouth of a container, an upper closure provided in the cap body, and a ring-like member which covers the outer surface of a skirt portion of the cap body. The ring-like member and the skirt portion are coupled together through breakable bridge portions. These two members are separated away from each other via cut surfaces but are intimately contacted to each other at the cut surfaces. The cap can be easily removed by hand from the mouth of the container, and can be separated from the container at the time of disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hidehiko Ohmi, Tateo Kubo, Mitsuo Kumata
  • Patent number: 6006932
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure (1) for the security closure of containers. It is usefully applied in the field of diagnosis and especially on containers full of a chemical reagent into which a sample of a substance to be analysed is injected. The closure (1) is provided with a cap (2) having at least one portion (3) made of a material which can be pierced by a syringe needle. The portion (3) is covered by a cover (4). The cap (2) is associated to a first security ring (5) such as to detach from the cap (2) in an axial direction to the container. A second security ring (6) is associated to the cover in such a way as to detach therefrom following a raising of the cover (4) so as to uncover the pierceable portion (3) and permit a needle to be introduced into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Bormioli Rocco & Figlio S.p.A.
    Inventor: Emilio Morini
  • Patent number: 6000570
    Abstract: An innovative container lid having an integrally formed tamper evident band that goes through a series of changes or metamorphoses during the manufacturing and application process. The tamper evident band is attached to the lid at weak points on dogs formed around the periphery of the lid. Before use, the tamper evident band has a diameter substantially larger than the outer diameter of the lid. When the lid is installed in a container, and tangential and radial forces are applied to the periphery of the lid, the attachment points of the tamper evident band rupture and the band is displaced in a rippling effect with the dogs locking into sockets formed in the sidewall of the tamper evident band. Continued pressure is applied to the side of the tamper evident band until it is pressed firmly around the entire periphery of the lid against the side of a container with all the dogs engaged in sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: James L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5975321
    Abstract: A tamper-evidencing, snap-on, screw-off closure is used with a specially shaped container neck. The neck has a neck stretch with multiple neck threads and a locking wall below the neck stretch with a plurality of external teeth. The closure has an upper skirt with multiple closure threads which mate with the neck threads and a tamper-evidencing band with a plurality of internal teeth shaped and positioned to engage the external teeth. The teeth are shaped to guide the teeth into side-by-side interengage during axial application of the cap to the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5975320
    Abstract: A tamper-evident closure and container neck. The closure has a top and a skirt depending from the top having at least one engagement member on the interior of the skirt which cooperates with at least one engagement member on the neck to retain the closure on the container neck. The closure includes a tab to facilitate removal of the closure from the container neck. The tab includes a longitudinal axis and wall portions extending outwardly from the axis and terminating in a plane spaced from the longitudinal axis for reinforcing the tab. Frangible sections prevent removal of the cap from the neck so long as the frangible sections are intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Bietzer, Kurt Krischke, Daniel Luch, Richard E. Repp
  • Patent number: 5971183
    Abstract: Disclosed is a closure for a container, such as a blow molded jug having a neck surrounding an opening therein, the closure having a first annular portion and a second annular portion. The first annular portion in the closure has a wiper seal and a lip seal. The second annular portion exerts an upward pressure on the lip seal which causes improved sealing and leak-tight properties during shipping, handling, etc. The upward pressure also enhances the effectiveness of the wiper seal. The second annular portion may include an annular tear skirt having a pull tab for the removal thereof to facilitate removal of the closure from the container. The closure may also include a plug seal, and a lower annular portion extending from the second annular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Eric R. Bartsch
  • Patent number: 5967352
    Abstract: A container neck is used with a tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure. The neck has a multiple of four first helical threads on a neck stretch portion, and at least one external ratchet tooth on a locking wall portion below the neck stretch. The closure has an upper skirt having second helical threads mating with the first helical thread of the neck and a lower skirt with at least one internal ratchet tooth shaped and positioned to engage the external ratchet tooth when the closure is applied to the neck. The teeth formed on the skirt interior and neck exterior are arranged to provide at least one circumferentially extending stretch of the tamper-evident band where the teeth are not engaged. A line of weakness extending vertically through the disengaged stretch of the tamper-evident band is ruptured when the closure is unscrewed from the neck. The number of helical threads is preferably eight and, in any event, a multiple of four.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Repp, Laszlo G. Sandor, Jack L. Watts
  • Patent number: 5955163
    Abstract: A gasket for a crown cap to be used on a carbonated beverage, especially a twist-off crown or for a bottle which is to be pasteurized, is formed of a thermoplastic material, which is preferably free of polyvinyl chloride, and which contains a hydrogenated copolymer of styrene and a conjugated diene, or a functionalized derivative thereof. The material is resistant to heat, and provides a gasket with advantageous sealing properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Steven Andrew Carl White
  • Patent number: 5904259
    Abstract: An improved, tamper-evident label and bottle cap to be used with standard five gallon bottles; such bottle cap of the type having a central tube section capable of receiving a dispensing probe which is part of a dispensing system. A micro-thin, plastic label is heat-sealed to the face of the bottle cap, thereby protecting the central tube section from any external contaminants. An edge of the label is left unsealed to provide a means for peeling the label from the bottle cap when the bottle is to be installed. By virtue of the heat-sealing method of attachment, the tamper-evident label cannot be reattached to the face of the bottle cap, or any other surface, once it is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventors: Walter E. Hidding, Douglas J. Hidding
  • Patent number: 5901870
    Abstract: A pilferproof or tamper resistant cover or lid for a container comprising a skirt having on its inner surface a circumferential nose for engaging a flange at an upper end of the container and a tear-off safety band having an inwardly inclined generally half tear-shaped cross-sectional form adapted to be snugly received in a groove of the container below the flange thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Lynes Holdings S.A.
    Inventor: Armand Wagner
  • Patent number: 5887738
    Abstract: A tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure which is used with a specially shaped container neck is provided with a foil liner. Once the closure is applied to the neck, the foil liner is sealed to the neck of the container. The foil liner includes a tab for removal of the seal disc from the neck. The closure is characterized by the absence of a second liner between the top of the cap and the foil liner. The closure, neck and the foil liner are formed to inhibit adherence of the tab to the cap interior and the neck exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Bietzer, Rawson L. Chenault, Daniel Luch, Richard E. Repp
  • Patent number: 5875908
    Abstract: A one piece molded push on tamper resistant closure suited for reusable bottles such as rnilk bottles comprises a cap portion and a latch ring portion connected thereto by frangible tabs. Rupture of the tabs serves to detach the cap portion to permit its removal from the bottle, while simultaneously opening the latch ring portion to permit it to be removed laterally from about the neck of the bottle. The closure may also include a pull tab disposed on the cap portion to provide a levered fore for rupturing the frangible tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Stanpac Inc
    Inventors: Stephen H. Witt, Miles Colin Keller
  • Patent number: 5860545
    Abstract: A closure tear handle which prevents damage to the closure tear skirt under large application forces when the closure is applied to the bottle; this invention also provides a tear skirt which is easier for consumers to remove. A weak region is placed at the base of the intersection of the tear handle and the wall of the tear skirt. This weak region of the closure is designed such that upon contact with the neck finish of a bottle, which puts the tear skirt into tension, it attracts the tensile forces and relieves stress from the adjacent weak point of the closure tear skirt to prevent damage to this area that would be offensive to consumers and result in wasted product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Eric R. Bartsch
  • Patent number: 5857580
    Abstract: A closure for a beverage bottle includes a plug element having a disk shaped head portion and a hollow cylindrical portion which seals with the inner surface of the opening of the bottle. An annular projection is formed around the circumference of the bottle 12 near its mouth. The closure further includes a cap element which fits over the plug element and which includes with a skirt having an annular recess which locks onto the annular projection of the bottle. A first precut line is provided in the cap, extending around its circumference and a second precut line portion extends from the distal edge of the skirt to the first precut line across the annular recess. The cap may be disengaged from the bottle by cutting through the second precut line and the first precut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Sanshu Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuguo Iidaka
  • Patent number: 5829613
    Abstract: A container closure system comprising a threaded cap and a threaded neck wherein the cap is affixed to the neck by direct axial application so that the mating threads slip past one another and into engagement. The cap further includes sealing means to capture and constrict the outer diameter of the neck, and valve means to plug the container opening in the neck and expand the outer diameter of the neck, so that the sealing means and valve means cooperate to improve sealing of the cap and neck. The cap and neck further include tamper-indication means to prevent removal of the cap without activation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Superseal Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel Erick Wohlgemuth, Charles Hogan
  • Patent number: 5829611
    Abstract: A tamper-evident cap and overcap including a cap with an upstanding cap portion and a lower base, the base defining a circumferential channel. An overcap is positioned to enclose the upstanding cap portion, with the overcap carrying a circumferential projection or skirt permanently retained in the circumferential channel, typically by force-fit. A frangible line of weakness permits separation of the overcap and the circumferential projection. At least the circumferential projection, and typically also the overcap, are of a color that contrasts with the color of the cap, so that, upon removal of the cap, the remaining edge of the circumferential projection gives an indication that the overcap has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Beck
  • Patent number: 5823377
    Abstract: A plastic screw cap for the closure of a plastic container is provided for the closure of a container made of plastics. The screw cap has a simple configuration similar to corresponding closures for metal containers, but nevertheless ensures stable and sealed seating of the closure on the container opening. The screw cap is provided with an extension, extending radially over the side of the screw cap, which is made from a material which can be welded to the material from which the container lid is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Jacob Berg GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gunter Jakob Krautkramer
  • Patent number: 5775528
    Abstract: A container closure system comprising a threaded cap and a threaded neck wherein the cap is affixed to the neck by direct axial application so that the mating threads slip past one another and into engagement. The cap further includes sealing means to capture and constrict the outer diameter of the neck, and valve means to plug the container opening in the neck and expand the outer diameter of the neck, so that the sealing means and valve means cooperate to improve sealing of the cap and neck. The cap and neck further include tamper-indication means to prevent removal of the cap without activation thereof. The tamper-indication means includes a novel skirt, pull tab and membrane configuration. The container neck may include interrupted threads which do not traverse the parting line and an additional annular seal below the threads on the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Superseal Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel E. Wohlgemuth, Charles Hogan
  • Patent number: 5769252
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Volpe and Koenig, P.C.
    Inventor: Anthony S. Volpe
  • Patent number: 5770290
    Abstract: An easy open end for food and beverage cans having reduced aluminum content is provided in an end having a metal polymer metal laminate construction. An opening panel as defined in the end body by a pair of first and second spaced apart score lines disposed in the first and second major surfaces, respectively. Each of the first and second score lines define an area of reduced thickness for both the metal layer and the adjacent polymer layer. The opening panel can be displaced from the remainder of the end body to provide an easy opening can by perforating the end body at a point along the first and second score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Robert J. McHenry, Dominique Petit
  • Patent number: 5758793
    Abstract: The invention provides a glue-on closure for a composite can or the like that affords an original hermetic seal. A tamper-evident tear band allows the closure to be conveniently opened. Separate end wall and sidewall parts of the closure are configured to provide reclosability with a surface-to-surface contact plug fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Weatherchem Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Forsyth, Matthew A. Dudas, Larry J. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 5755348
    Abstract: A tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure is used with a specially shaped container neck. The neck has at least one first helical thread on an upper neck stretch portion, and a first tamper-evident structure having a first locking member. The closure has an upper skirt having at least one second helical thread mating with the first helical thread of the neck. The closure includes a second tamper-evident structure having a second locking member shaped and positioned to engage the first locking member when the closure is applied to the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Luch, Richard E. Repp
  • Patent number: 5740933
    Abstract: A tamper indicating, child proof, container cap designed for easy manipulation by arthritic fingers of a user includes an annular tear strip and a rotatably indexing latch finger on the cap which engages a raised annular retainer ridge with bypass opening on the neck of the container. A tactile indicator of the rotational location of the bypass opening is under the tear strip for sensing by the user's finger that is in simultaneous contact with the cap when the tear strip is removed. A lower ridge includes an index key for orienting the latch finger away from the bypass opening during assembly of the system. The top of the cap includes an extended axial length portion that is shaped for easy grip by arthritic fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: American Safety Closure Corp.
    Inventors: Vincent N. Conti, Don Yeager
  • Patent number: RE37243
    Abstract: A blow molded container has a cylindrical neck portion with novel seven circumferentially spaced continuous spiral thread configurations on its exterior to immediately receive and engage an improved tamper indicating flexible cap comprising a top with an annular depending wall on its peripheral edge and seven circumferentially spaced continuous spiral thread configurations on the inner surface of the annular depending wall. The novel constructions enable the tamper indicating flexible cap to immediately engage the lead-in ends of the seven circumferentially spaced thread patterns on the exterior of the neck of the container without the heretofore necessary rotation of the prior art caps in order to engage the single spiral thread configuration on the neck of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Luca Molinaro, Robert E. Crisci, Harry E. Crisci
  • Patent number: RE36729
    Abstract: A thin-walled, wide mouth molded plastic container is provided with a tamper evident band initially molded as a straight-walled cylinder spaced outwardly of the lip of the container and connected thereto by a frangible horizontal bridge. The upper edge of the cylindrical band extends above the level of the container lip. Subsequent to molding and preferably before capping, the band is curled inward by application of a curling tool. The container lid is axially applied, the outer edge of the lid displacing the curled band outward. The resilience of the band and bridge permits outward deflection and immediate restoration of the curl to its initial position. The curl prevents removal of the lid without fracture of the bridge and removal of the tamper-evident band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Luch, Rawson Chenault