Receptacle Interior Communicable With Exterior With Closure In Applied Position (e.g., Vented) Patents (Class 215/307)
  • Patent number: 7328820
    Abstract: A vented closure for a liquid container which will not freely pour includes a cap hinged at one side and movable between open and closed positions relative to a base collar. In an open position, a primary fluid passageway extends through a shaped mouthpiece which is elongated and tapered to conform to a user's mouth. One or more air vents of small size are located in a protected floor of the base collar at positions spaced within predetermined ranges of offsets from the dispensing opening so as to convey liquid into contact with the air vents in a manner to self-seal the air vents by surface tension of the liquid until an unbalance force is present. The cap and collar mate along an offset diagonal edge, and a grip area for the user's thumb or finger is offset from a center line. The offsets cause the cap to flip open with additional clearance and without obstructing a user's nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Patent number: 7328548
    Abstract: A device comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. The plug is positioned within the housing to occlude a port hole in the housing. The housing is positioned within a container so the port hole faces a wall of the container. A hole is created in the container above the port hole. To evacuate or inject air into the container, a hose adaptor with a specialized hose tip is connected to a vacuum or air hose. When inserted into the port hole, the hose tip temporarily displaces the plug from the port hole. Vents within the housing allow air to move through the housing and into or out of the hose tip. Removal of the hose tip allows the plug to resume position over the porthole to maintain the vacuum or air pressure within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph M. Waldron
  • Patent number: 7325381
    Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph M. Waldron
  • Patent number: 7314146
    Abstract: There is described a neck structure in combination with a closure. The neck structure defines a neck opening with a cylindrical sealing surface surrounding the neck opening and an external neck surface. The closure comprises a cap formed of resilient material having a top and a downwardly extending skirt portion depending from the top. An annular plug depends from an underside of the top and one or more ribs are formed on an internal surface of the downwardly extending skirt portion. The annular plug and the one or more ribs are arranged concentrically and are dimensioned such that, upon application of the cap to the neck structure, the annular plug projects into the neck opening and engages the cylindrical sealing surface. At the same time the one or more ribs engage the external neck surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Portola Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Gerry Mavin
  • Patent number: 7309603
    Abstract: Multiwell plates with lids that reduce evaporation in the wells adjacent the edge of the plates are disclosed. The lids control the amount of evaporation from the multiwell plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Sha Ma, Wang Hongming
  • Patent number: 7306108
    Abstract: A closure device includes a top wall, a skirt depending from the top wall, and a plurality of pads arranged circumferentially on the top wall, the pads extending into a space formed by the top wall and the skirt, the spaced pads configured to vent gas between adjacent pairs of pads during molding of a liner material against the top wall. A method of forming a liner in a closure device includes applying a moldable material to a top wall of the closure device, engaging a face of a punch of a liner-molding device with pads arranged on the top wall, the pads extending into a space formed by the top wall and a skirt depending from the top wall, compressing the moldable material by the punch against the top wall to form the liner, and venting gas between adjacent pairs of pads during the compressing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce Cleevely
  • Patent number: 7275665
    Abstract: A vented closure for a liquid container which will not freely pour includes a cap movable between open and closed positions relative to a base collar. The movable cap can be slidable to form a push-pull type closure, or can be rotatable to form a flip-type closure. In an open position, a primary fluid passageway extends through the closure to one or more dispensing opening. One or more air vents of small size are located in the base collar at positions spaced within predetermined ranges of offsets from the dispensing openings. A divider or barrier is located to create a secondary fluid passageway to convey liquid directly into contact with the air vents which can self-seal by surface tension of the liquid and to convey air bubbles through the liquid when the container is tilted. Overlapping portions of the movable cap can protect the vent apertures and/or the dispensing aperture structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Patent number: 7143903
    Abstract: A stopper for closing wine bottles. The stopper has a tubular duct to communicate residual interior gaseous atmospheric volume with the outer ambient. A membrane is secured transversely in the duct to allow the passage of gaseous atmosphere through the membrane and to selectively block the passage of liquid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Marco Musaragno
  • Patent number: 7117654
    Abstract: A process is provided for minimizing moisture accumulation in a product package that is sprayed with a cool water shower. The product is placed in a container, and a closure is installed on a container. The product is heated before it is placed in the container or during its placement in the container, or after it is placed in the container, or while the closure is being installed on the container, or after the closure has been installed on the container. The internal atmosphere within the closed closure is allowed to expand from the heat and to vent through a vent channel. The package is cooled with a cooling water shower, and the vent channel minimizes the transient pressure differential so as to minimize the amount of water infiltration into the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Danks
  • Patent number: 7063221
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a stopper (2) of cork of natural and/or synthetic origin for a bottle of sparkling wine of the Champagne type, said stopper (2) having a base suitable for constituting a fraction of the inside wall (17) of said bottle (6) and an outside wall (30) suitable for bearing against the inside wall (24) of the neck (4). The method consists: in acting during closure of said bottle (6) to deform said outside wall (30) of said stopper (2) longitudinally over at least a portion extending to its base, so as to provide at least one channel-forming groove (18, 33) in said stopper; and in maintaining the longitudinal deformation throughout the period said bottle (6) is closed by said stopper (2) so that said channel-forming groove (18, 33) persists when said bottle is partially opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Au Lieguer-ETS J. Pontneau Denis
    Inventors: Enrique Garcia-Cuenca, Jacques Pitoux, Michel Pitoux
  • Patent number: 6983857
    Abstract: A venting cap liner used in a pressurized container closure arrangement. The cap liner includes a multi-layer sandwich structure having a first layer and a generally flat resilient intermediate layer. The layers include at least one perforation extending through the layers to enable gas flow therethrough. The first layer has a first surface including at least one channel extending from one edge of the first layer to another edge of the first layer. The intermediate layer is responsive to a gas pressure level in the container such that, at a first selected pressure level, the perforation extending through said second layer opens to allow gas to flow through the perforation and at a second selected pressure level, the intermediate layer expands to close the perforation thereby resisting gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures
    Inventors: Albert R. Miller, David N. Moore
  • Patent number: 6889863
    Abstract: A compensation reservoir is provided that includes a connecting socket and a cover having a bottom and a circumferential collar for attachment to the connecting socket, preferably by thread means. The attachment is configured for air interchange between the air of the ambient atmosphere and an inner space of the reservoir which inner space is limited by the bottom. Air interchange is provided by an integrated duct that interconnects a radical outward section of the inner space and an opening within the cover, wherein lateral walls of the duct are casted in one piece from the material of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Hans-Jörg Feigel, Peter Tandler
  • Patent number: 6877625
    Abstract: A closure member for a container, including a first member having a first set of threads with a predetermined pitch and a first orifice formed therethrough, and a second member having first and second sets of threads, both with the same pitch as the first set of threads of the first member, and a first orifice formed therethrough. When the threads of the first and second members are fully engaged, alignment between the first orifices formed through the first and second members occurs only when the first set of threads of the first member engages the first set of threads of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew W. Alley
  • Patent number: 6840394
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for limiting the loss of carbonation from a body of carbonated liquid such as champagne within a container. The apparatus includes a container that has an exit positioned above the liquid. A pouring portion defines a passageway from the interior of the container to the exit. The apparatus also includes a control device that includes an elongated control section and a support section for supporting the control section in the passageway. The control section and the passageway are sized, configured and proportioned relative to one another so that the control section can be within the passageway with a clearance space between it and the passageway wall along the full length of the control section. This allows at least some leeway or latitude in the lateral or transverse positioning of the control section in the passageway. This also allows a single control device to accommodate manufacturing variations in container passageway size, and some different specified size container passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Susan Fleischer
  • Publication number: 20040200798
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus allowing for gas flow into and/or out of a container assembly. The container assembly comprises a container having a sealing surface, and a cap having a sealing surface. The sealing surface of the container, the cap, or both is prepared by either being made of a coarse texture or polished so that the sealing surface of the container and the cap may cooperate with one another to form a seal, yet allow gas to flow into or out of the container assembly, as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Ekkert
  • Patent number: 6802428
    Abstract: A container assembly comprises a container having a sealing surface, and a cap having a sealing surface. The sealing surface of the container, the cap, or both is prepared by either being made of a coarse texture or polished so that the sealing surface of the container and the cap may cooperate with one another to form a seal, yet allow gas to flow into or out of the container assembly, as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Ekkert
  • Publication number: 20040173564
    Abstract: Container closure, such as is suitable for being mounted in the exit aperture of the container and hermetically closing the exit aperture, and which comprises a first inflatable part (1) and a second part (3) suitable for being secured in the exit aperture, and means of separation (7) suitable for preventing a liquid held in said interior of said container from passing to said first inflatable part (1). The means of separation (7) can comprise a semi-permeable filter (8), suitable for allowing the passage of gases and for preventing the passage of liquids, or a hermetic division.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Albert Montserrat-Marsal
  • Patent number: 6783015
    Abstract: A closure cap comprises in a transition range (7) between the cap base (2) and the cap skirt (3) a bulge (6) for pressing a sealing disk (5) against a container opening. The bulge (6) comprises an undercut (8) and in sections (9) is provided with weakenings (10) which give the bulge (6) a radial flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Udo Bösl, Georg Pfefferkorn
  • Patent number: 6779694
    Abstract: A vented closure for a fluid container which will not freely pour includes a cap movable between open and closed positions relative to an annular base collar. The movable cap can be slidable to form a push-pull type closure, or can be rotatable to form a flip-type closure. In an open position, a primary liquid passageway extends through the closure to a dispensing opening. One or more air vents of small size are located in the base collar at positions spaced within a predetermined range of offsets from the dispensing opening. A divider is located to create a secondary liquid passageway to convey liquid directly into contact with the air vents which self-seal by surface tension of the liquid. The vent aperture can be protected by overlapping portions of the movable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Patent number: 6769559
    Abstract: A venting plastic closure for use with an associated container includes an outer plastic cap having a top wall portion and an annular depending skirt including an internal thread formation. A disc-shaped sealing liner is positioned on the inside surface of the top wall portion for creating a top/inside seal with the associated container. In order to facilitate venting of gas pressure from within the container, and to facilitate removal of the closure from the container by consumers, the closure includes one or more positive stop elements which engage the container after the sealing liner of the closure has been sealingly engaged therewith. The stop elements act to limit the degree of sealing engagement between the sealing lines of the closure and the finish of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: John D. Ziegler, David E. Babcock, Coy Herald
  • Publication number: 20040011793
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a compensation reservoir (6) with a cover (1) for a hydraulic brake system. An object of the present invention is directed to simplifying the prior art cover (1) that typically comprises several parts in such a manner that it can be made from one piece, without reducing the demands being placed on the cover. According to the present invention, this object is achieved in that a cylinder opening (11) extending in a radial direction is shaped into the material of the cover, said opening providing an air duct (11) that starts from the center axle of the reservoir (16) and extends to the radial, external inner space of the cover (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Hans-Jorg Feigel, Peter Tandler
  • Patent number: 6679395
    Abstract: A closure cap (1) with a cap base (2) and with a cap skirt (3) comprises an inner seal (4). The inner seal is provided with bleeding reliefs (11) which lift the sealing effect as soon as the cap base (2) is displaced axially upwards. The closure cap (1) comprises a first abutment and a second abutment (8). On screwing-on firstly the second abutment (8) comes into engagement with the container opening. By way of this a weakening zone (9) in the region of the cap base (3) is pretensioned to a predeterminable value. On account of the predeterminable pretensioning of the weakening zone (9) a bleeding at an exactly defined excess pressure is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Georg Pfefferkorn, Udo Bosl
  • Patent number: 6659297
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating closure for a beverage package includes a base wall having a peripheral skirt with at least one internal thread for securing the closure to a container. A tamper-indicating band is frangibly connected to an edge of the skirt, and a stop flange extends axially and radially from an edge of the band for abutment with a stop bead on the container finish. A plurality of circumferentially spaced drain openings extend axially through the juncture of the band and the flange. A plurality of circumferentially spaced channels extend axially through the internal thread on the closure skirt, with at least some of the channels being axially aligned with the drain openings. The stop bead on the container is in the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced bead segments separated from each other by circumferential gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Gregory, Stephanie L. Kurtz-Rooney, David P. Piccioli, Suppayan M. Krishnakumar, Q. Peter Zhang
  • Patent number: 6640988
    Abstract: A closure for a container with a neck portion and an external helical thread formed on the neck portion includes an upper wall and a skirt formed integrally with and extending generally downwardly from the upper wall. An internal helical thread is formed on the skirt for engaging the external helical thread of the neck portion to thereby secure the closure to the container. The internal helical thread is preferably asymmetrical in cross section. A first annular seal extends generally radially inwardly toward a central axis of the closure from the inner skirt surface. The first annular seal sealingly engages the outer surface of the neck portion. A second annular seal extends generally axially downwardly from the upper wall and sealingly engage an inner surface of the neck portion. A thickness of the neck portion between the first and second annular seals is greater than the distance between the first and second annular seals before installation of the closure on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Saad Taha
  • Patent number: 6637611
    Abstract: A tamper-evident, snap-on, screw-off closure is used with a specially shaped container neck. One 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. Another neck has a neck stretch with multiple neck threads and a locking wall below the neck stretch with a plurality of external teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Luch
  • Publication number: 20030173325
    Abstract: There is described a neck structure in combination with a closure. The neck structure defines a neck opening with a cylindrical sealing surface surrounding the neck opening and an external neck surface. The closure comprises a cap formed of resilient material having a top and a downwardly extending skirt portion depending from the top. An annular plug depends from an underside of the top and one or more ribs are formed on an internal surface of the downwardly extending skirt portion. The annular plug and the one or more ribs are arranged concentrically and are dimensioned such that, upon application of the cap to the neck structure, the annular plug projects into the neck opening and engages the cylindrical sealing surface. At the same time the one or more ribs engage the external neck surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Gerry Mavin
  • Publication number: 20030155323
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus allowing for gas flow into and/or out of a container assembly. The container assembly comprises a container having a sealing surface, and a cap having a sealing surface. The sealing surface of the container, the cap, or both is prepared by either being made of a coarse texture or polished so that the sealing surface of the container and the cap may cooperate with one another to form a seal, yet allow gas to flow into or out of the container assembly, as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Leonard Ekkert
  • Publication number: 20030127421
    Abstract: A venting plastic closure for use with an associated container includes an outer plastic cap having a top wall portion and an annular depending skirt including an internal thread formation. A disc-shaped sealing liner is positioned on the inside surface of the top wall portion for creating a top/inside seal with the associated container. In order to facilitate venting of gas pressure from within the container, and to facilitate removal of the closure from the container by consumers, the closure includes one or more positive stop elements which engage the container after the sealing liner of the closure has been sealingly engaged therewith. The stop elements act to limit the degree of sealing engagement between the sealing lines of the closure and the finish of the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: John D. Ziegler, David E. Babcock, Coy Herald
  • Publication number: 20030121877
    Abstract: A child-resistant closure and container package includes a container having a finish with an external thread and pockets in the thread. A closure has a base wall, a peripheral skirt with an internal thread and lugs on the internal thread for receipt in the pockets, and a spring element on the base wall for engagement with the container finish to bias the closure away from the container finish and resiliently urge the lugs into the pockets. A liner is urged by the spring element into engagement with the container finish. The liner may include a base with metal and plastic layers for induction-welded sealing engagement with the finish such that, upon removal of the closure, the metal and plastic layers remain secured to the finish and the liner base is removed with the closure. The metal and plastic layers may be removed by a user for access to the contents of the container, and the liner base continues to serve as a package seal during use of the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Brian J. Brozell, Robert A. Perry
  • Patent number: 6571837
    Abstract: A transfer set assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a conventional medical vial, having a sealed open end and a second container such as a conventional IV infusion bag. The transfer set includes a collar having a proximate tubular end portion for securement to the container, a needle cannula and holder assembly, which is telescopically received in a distal tubular portion of the collar, and a closure including a tubular body portion having an open proximate end which is telescopically received over the needle cannula and holder assembly and the distal tubular portion of the collar, a closed distal end portion and an inner tubular portion which is integral with the closed distal end. The inner tubular portion includes a free end having spiral camming surfaces which mate with spiral camping surfaces on the inside surface of the tubular distal portion of the needle cannula holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Publication number: 20030062329
    Abstract: A closure member for a container, including a first member having a first set of threads with a predetermined pitch and a first orifice formed therethrough, and a second member having first and second sets of threads, both with the same pitch as the first set of threads of the first member, and a first orifice formed therethrough. When the threads of the first and second members are fully engaged, alignment between the first orifices formed through the first and second members occurs only when the first set of threads of the first member engages the first set of threads of the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew W. Alley
  • Patent number: 6502710
    Abstract: A closure cap (1) for a container consists essentially of a cap base (2), of a cap skirt (3) and of a sealing disk (5) which bears at least partly on the cap base (2). A circumferential bulge (6) is arranged in the transition region (7) between the cap base (2) and the cap skirt (3). The bulge (6) serves for pressing the sealing disk (5) onto the container opening. The bulge (6) is divided by interruptions (8) into several blocks (9). On the inner side (10) of the cap base (2) there is arranged at least one rib (11) running radially outwards. The, rib seen in the circumferential direction, is located neighboring one of the interruptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Steal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Udo Bösl, Georg Pfefferkorn
  • Patent number: 6499618
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for sealing a bottle containing a sparkling wine and includes a stopper, particularly made of cork or a synthetic material, capable of being inserted in the neck of the bottle, maintained thereon by a wire cap, and run through in the axial direction, by a conduit having first and second ends capable of communicating respectively with the bottle's internal volume and external volume. The second end is closed by a retractable closer. The device is characterized in that the stopper is axially run through by an orifice designed to receive the conduit and having an adjusted and tight cross-section relative to the conduit external section, the latter being provided at its second end, with a support flange capable of resting against the stopper upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignees: Etudes et Creation E.C.B.
    Inventors: Pascal Leclerc, Jean-Louis Ballu
  • Patent number: 6491176
    Abstract: A sealing valve 10 for container openings made from rubber elastic material and having a stopper member 11 which can be introduced into the container opening up to a stopper collar 12 projecting beyond the stopper member 11 in a radial direction 26. At least one control channel 16 is formed on the stopper member 11 and extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 24 of sealing valve 10 from one end of the stopper member 11 facing an inner region of the container 20. A sealing lip 15 is formed on the stopper collar 11 and can seat in a sealing fashion on a container edge 25 surrounding the container opening. The stopper collar 12 has a control channel section 29 transverse to the control channel 16 of a stopper member 11 which extends this control channel 16 up to the sealing lip 15. A reliable venting is guaranteed while simultaneously securing sealing to prevent the escape of battery liquids. Economical production with large yield is also facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Busak + Shamban GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Gerd Schollenberger, Juergen Bauer, Thomas Schoeck
  • Patent number: 6491175
    Abstract: A closure for a container with a neck portion and an external helical thread formed on the neck portion includes an upper wall and a skirt formed integrally with and extending generally downwardly from the upper wall. An internal helical thread is formed on the skirt for engaging the external helical thread of the neck portion to thereby secure the closure to the container. The internal helical thread is preferably asymmetrical in cross section. A first annular seal extends generally radially inwardly toward a central axis of the closure from the inner skirt surface. The first annular seal sealingly engages the outer surface of the neck portion. A second annular seal extends generally axially downwardly from the upper wall and sealingly engage an inner surface of the neck portion. A thickness of the neck portion between the first and second annular seals is greater than the distance between the first and second annular seals before installation of the closure on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Saad Taha
  • Patent number: 6484895
    Abstract: A two stage dispensing cap for a carbonated beverage container is described. The cap has a flip top which is hingedly connected to a collar wherein the collar is rotatable on the container. The cap, upon rotation of the collar, is first opened into a venting position wherein the flip top vents the pressurized contents of the container but remains locked partially closed. Continued rotation of the cap releases the locked flop top to allow the container to be fully opened. A set of cams on the container neck work in conjunction with annular beads to first allow partially opening of the flip top into the venting position and then allowing it to fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignees: The Coca-Cola Company, Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Gary V. Montgomery, Joseph M. Ladina
  • Patent number: 6484897
    Abstract: A container of variable volume includes an inner flexible member substantially enclosed in a number of interlocking outer sleeves. The volume of the container can be varied by moving at least one outer sleeve relative to another outer sleeve. The outer sleeves are moved to vary the volume of the container by rotating screw-threaded outer sleeves, moving an outer sleeve relative to another by a ratchet, or by using a multi-level bayonet type connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Amcad Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Alan Mark Crawley
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020113096
    Abstract: A closure assembly for a container containing substantially flowable contents generally comprises a closure cap, a sealing peg having a flat portion such that a small orifice is created between the cap and the sealing peg which remains slightly open when the closure is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: JOSEPH P. VALLEY
  • Publication number: 20020056695
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of an apparatus for providing a vented closure (10) for a container having complementary non gas-tight features (52, 54) by which the closure may be removeably attached to close the container, by fitting a venting member (12) to form a liquid-tight, gas-venting seal between the closure and the container and provide a venting gas path from the container through the venting member to atmosphere via the complementary closure and container features; the venting member may replace or by-pass the existing sealing member in a closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Michel Boulange, Philippe Davous
  • Publication number: 20020017525
    Abstract: A container for a carbonated beverage has an interrupted external screw thread surrounding its mouth opening engageable with an internal screw thread of a rotatable closure. The rotatable closure is in two parts and has a stiffened top member and a separate, rotatable depending rim to rotatably engage on the container and hold the top member in sealing engagement with the opening of the container. To prevent missiling on opening, pressure venting means such as slots extending through the closure may be provided. Alternatively, the rotatable closure may be configured to have a two stage opening movement. As the rotatable closure is made in two parts it has a low opening torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Matthew J. Searle, Karl Mondszien
  • Publication number: 20010032827
    Abstract: A two stage dispensing cap for a carbonated beverage container is described. The cap has a flip top which is hingedly connected to a collar wherein the collar is rotatable on the container. The cap, upon rotation of the collar, is first opened into a venting position wherein the flip top vents the pressurized contents of the container but remains locked partially closed. Continued rotation of the cap releases the locked flop top to allow the container to be fully opened. A set of cams on the container neck work in conjunction with annular beads to first allow partially opening of the flip top into the venting position and then allowing it to fully open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Gary V. Montgomery, Joseph M. Ladina
  • Patent number: 6299006
    Abstract: A whistling beverage bottle construction (10) including: a cap member (20) adapted to engage the threaded neck portion (31) of a bottle member (30) having a peripheral lip (33) which surrounds the mouth opening (32) of the bottle member (30). The peripheral lip (33) is provided with a notch (34) and a resilient sealing gasket member (40) disposed intermediate the cap member (20) and the peripheral lip (33) such that carbonated gases escaping through the notch (34) in the peripheral lip (33) of the bottle member (30) as the cap member (20) is initially disengaged from the bottle member (30) produces a whistling sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Michael E. Samonek
  • Patent number: 6234338
    Abstract: A container for a carbonated beverage has an interrupted external screw thread surrounding its mouth opening engageable with an internal screw thread of a rotatable closure. The rotatable closure has a top member which is inwardly domed or indented or otherwise shaped to impart the necessary stiffness thereto. To prevent missiling on opening, pressure venting means are provided. Such pressure venting means may comprise slots extending through the closure, and/or the rotatable closure may be provided with stops which impart a two stage opening movement thereto. A rotatable closure with a low opening torque is made into parts and has a top member and a freely rotatable peripheral rim carried by the top member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Matthew J. Searle
  • Patent number: 6227391
    Abstract: A container closure assembly that includes a container neck having an opening and a closure for the container neck, wherein the closure has a base portion and a skirt portion. A first screw thread on one of the container neck and the closure, the first screw thread comprising one or more first thread segments and a second screw thread on the other of the container neck and the closure, the second screw thread having a plurality of second thread segments, each of the second thread segment including upper and lower thread surfaces. A seal that forms a seal between the container neck and closure when the closure is screwed down on the container neck. Mutually engageable elements on the container neck and closure to block or restrict rotation of the closure in an unscrewing direction beyond an intermediate position when the closure is under an axial pressure in a direction emerging from the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Beeson and Sons Limited
    Inventor: Roger Milner King
  • Patent number: 6209738
    Abstract: A transfer set assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a conventional medical vial, having a sealed open end and a second container such as a conventional IV infusion bag. The transfer set includes a collar having a proximate tubular end portion for securement to the container, a needle cannula and holder assembly, which is telescopically received in a distal tubular portion of the collar, and a closure including a tubular body portion having an open proximate end which is telescopically received over the needle cannula and holder assembly and the distal tubular portion of the collar, a closed distal end portion and an inner tubular portion which is integral with the closed distal end. The inner tubular portion includes a free end having spiral camming surfaces which mate with spiral camping surfaces on the inside surface of the tubular distal portion of the needle cannula holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 6202717
    Abstract: A closure member for use with a bottle wherein the bottle is threadably connected to a filling head of an apparatus for diluting and dispensing a concentrated chemical product. The closure member is frictionally fitted into the neck of the bottle and has threads to interconnect the bottle to the filling head. In a preferred manner, the frictional fit between the closure member and the bottle neck is provided by flexible finger members extending from the closure member and a rib member extending from the neck of the bottle. In another preferred manner, the closure member includes a core section for housing a valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson Commercial Markets, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Markey, John A. Boticki
  • Patent number: 6202871
    Abstract: A container assembly includes a container and a closure that has plural vents formed proximate its top member, preferably at a transition between the top member and the skirt. The closure includes a feature that spaces apart an edge of a liner, outside of which the vents are formed, and provides tamper protection. The closure and the container neck form a top and corner seal therebetween while the closure is in a fully closed position, and provide a gap when the closure is in a vented position. P gases within the container escape through the gap and the vents when the closure is unthreaded from the fully closed to the vented position. The vents may be configured such that the vent outlet is oriented substantially vertically to vertically direct the outbound gases to prevent closure blow-off and to avoid impinging against a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Kelly
  • Patent number: 6202870
    Abstract: A bottle cap is provided that allows for venting of gases generated in a bottle. A single or multiple ridges are formed on the inner surface of the cap top such that the ridges sit on the bottle mouth rim when the cap is threaded onto the bottle. A single or multiple slots may be formed across each of the ridges. Alternatively, a single or multiple grooves may be formed on the inner surface of the cap top. The ridge(s) or groove(s) may also be formed on a disc fitted over the inner surface of the cap top. When the cap is threaded on to the bottle, gases generated in the bottle can escape through the slot(s) formed across the ridge(s) or through the groove(s) formed on the inner surface of the cap top. A liner having an opening formed through its thickness may be placed in the cap. The liner opening allows the passage of gases from the bottle to the slot(s) or groove(s) formed on the cap top or disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Woodrow W. Pearce
  • Patent number: 6170683
    Abstract: A two stage dispensing cap for a carbonated beverage container is described. The cap has a flip top which is hingedly connected to a collar wherein the collar is rotatable on the container. The cap, upon rotation of the collar, is first opened into a venting position wherein the flip top vents the pressurized contents of the container but remains locked partially closed. Continued rotation of the cap releases the locked flop top to allow the container to be fully opened. A set of cams on the container neck work in conjunction with annular beads to first allow partially opening of the flip top into the venting position and then allowing it to fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Gary V. Montgomery