Resilient Distortion Of Closure Skirt Holds It In Closed Position Patents (Class 215/317)
  • Publication number: 20080078736
    Abstract: A cover comprising a first cap section for covering the dispenser valve and a second annular section having at least two mounting members configured to engage a circular lip on the aerosol can and firmly attach the second section to the aerosol can. The second annular section further comprises a removable portion that is less than the entire thickness of the second section and includes at least one of the mounting members, such that removal of the removable portion permits the cover to be detached from the can. The cover further includes a tamper evident portion between the first and second sections. An opening force exerted on the first cap section prior to removing the removable portion causes either the tamper evident portion or the removable portion to at least partially separate from the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Rueschhoff
  • Publication number: 20080000869
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a container, particularly a bottle for dispensing an atomized spray of a fragrance product has an inner member configured to engage the neck of the product container. An outer member of the cap assembly has a cover portion and a retainer portion, the retainer portion being axially retained on the inner member, but free to rotate thereabout. The cover portion is supported on the inner member by a bearing so that the cover portion can rotate freely on the container. The cover portion may be imprinted with graphic indicia to provide a pleasing and/or intriguing effect when the cover portion spins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Palmer McGuinness
  • Publication number: 20070181527
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved medicinal container providing a safety closure and at least one rib for aligning a label, said container providing increased surface area for prescribing instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: STACY KAUFMAN
  • Patent number: 7144739
    Abstract: A pressure-sealing, pressure-monitoring closure for non-invasively sealing a reaction vessel to a defined release pressure in microwave-assisted chemistry is disclosed. The closure includes a pressure-resistant, microwave-transparent reaction vessel, one portion of which defines a mouth, a flexible pressure-transmitting releasable cover assembly on the mouth of the vessel, a pressure transducer on the cover and external to the vessel for monitoring the pressure in the vessel as exerted against the flexible cover, and a clamp for urging the vessel, the cover and the transducer together under a defined force so that when the pressure in the vessel exceeds the defined force, the cover can flex and release the pressure from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7134565
    Abstract: A closure for mating with a container has a threaded finish. The closure comprises a flange and a skirt downwardly depending therefrom. The skirt includes a deformable element formed of a different material than that of the flange and skirt and disposed on an interior surface. The deformable element inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the container, and accordingly deforms upon mating the closure with the container. The container threads impress threads into the deformable element to form threads on the closure. The deformable element is formed of a suitable material. The closure of the present invention provides for the use of high-speed press-on capping equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies
    Inventors: Min Miles Wan, Emanuel Shenkar, James L. Martin, Larry Hottle, Galen German
  • Patent number: 7000347
    Abstract: A device and method for preparing a vase or other container to receive a floral arrangement. The device includes a grid cover that is placed around the open end of a vase or similar container. The grid cover has a flat top surface and a peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the edge of the top surface. The grid cover is made of elastomeric material and is initially smaller than the open top of the vase. The grid cover is stretched over the open top of the vase, wherein the peripheral wall of the grid cover passes over the edge of the vase's open top and retains the stretched grid cover element in place. A plurality of openings are distributed throughout the top surface of the grid cover. As the grid cover is stretched over the top of a vase, the openings become positioned across the open top of the vase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Linda Roskin
  • Patent number: 6860397
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container closure with a handle, wherein the handle acts as a lever when squeezed against the neck of the container. The force on the lever handle is transferred to the container closure forcing a portion of the closure to slip over the bead of the container and release the closure's hold on the container's top. Once the closure's hold is released, the closure is easily removed from the container. The closure is reusable and can be replaced over the container opening to secure the container's contents for storage or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Lawrence S. Walters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6799606
    Abstract: An accessory for use in construction includes a conduit (12) that has an inlet end (34) portion and an outlet end (18) portion. The outlet end (18) portion is mountable on a drainage pipe (22) so that the conduit (12) and the drainage pipe (22) are in fluid communication with each other. A removable closure member (40) is mounted on the inlet end (34) portion to close the conduit (12) when not in use or during building construction, so that ingress of material or detritus into the drainage pipe (22) is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Leslie Lawrence Howson
  • Publication number: 20040131506
    Abstract: A closure assembly is provided for a specimen collection container. The closure assembly includes a bottom ring and top ring assembly. The bottom ring is removably attachable to the open end of the container. The top ring assembly, which is removably attached to the bottom ring, includes a mounting ring and a pierceable, resealable septum that closes the bottom ring and permits pierceable instrument access therethrough. The container interior can also be accessed by the removal of the bottom ring from the open end of the container or by the removal of the top assembly from the bottom ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Robert G. Zurcher
  • Patent number: 6726043
    Abstract: A sealed container including a container and a closure member for sealing the container over a range of internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Coors Global Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6726042
    Abstract: A closure for a container has a cap portion with screw threads to engage screw threads on the container and a tamper evident band connected to the cap by frangible bridge elements. The tamper evident band includes segments that engage a retaining flange on the container to separate the band when the closure is first removed from the container. Expansion segments on the band permit the closure to be initially installed on the container without breaking the frangible elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Delta Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lothar Schweigert, Ui Hwan O
  • Publication number: 20030106874
    Abstract: There are various ways to latch a closure onto a container. It has been found that for blowmolded containers that the support flange for the bottle preform can later be used as a part of the latch mechanism to secure a closure onto the container. Preforms have a support flange by which the preform is handled prior to being placed into the mold and in the mold. Prior to being placed in the mole, the preform is heated to about 85oC to about 200oC. During this time and in the mold, it will be supported by the support flange. This support flange is used after the container is blown and filled as one part of the latching mechanism of the closure. The closure will have a portion that is an interference fit with the support flange of the bottle to thereby secure the closure to the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Charles R White , David Ziegenhorn
  • Publication number: 20020108924
    Abstract: There are various ways to latch a closure onto a container. It has been found that for blowmolded containers that the support flange for the bottle preform can later be used as a part of the latch mechanism to secure a closure onto the container. Preforms have a support flange by which the preform is handled prior to being placed into the mold and in the mold. Prior to being placed in the mole, the preform is heated to about 85° C. to about 200° C. During this time and in the mold, it will be supported by the support flange. This support flange is used after the container is blown and filled as one part of the latching mechanism of the closure. The closure will have a portion that is an interference fit with the support flange of the bottle to thereby secure the closure to the bottle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Charles Raymond White, David Ziegenhorn
  • Publication number: 20020030032
    Abstract: A packaging means includes a first member, in particular a container (1), a tube or a bottle, having a peripheral wall (4) which is flexible at at least a portion thereof in a direction perpendicularly to the peripheral direction and a second member in the form of a bandage (2) which encompasses the peripheral wall (4) and comprises first inter-engagement means (30, 31) which can engage in complementary first inter-engagement means (11, 12) on the peripheral wall of the first member (1) whereby the bandage and the peripheral wall are jointly deformable in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction. The bandage (2) may consist of a synthetic material having a softer surface texture than that of the synthetic material of the peripheral wall (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Roemer
  • Patent number: 6299005
    Abstract: A closure (1) for a container is disclosed. The closure has a cap (11) which includes a top wall (13), a side wall (15), and a closure member (25) that can be moved into a closed position in which the closure member engages a reaction surface of the container. In this closed position the closure member resists release of the cap from the container and generates a downwardly-acting force which results in a seal being formed between the cap and a rim (71) of the container. The closure member is connected to the side wall so that it can move in an overcenter action between an open position in which the closure member does not engage the reaction surface and the closed position in which the closure member engages the reaction surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Amcor Packaging (Australia) Pty. LTD
    Inventor: Phillip Higgins
  • 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: 6237790
    Abstract: A bottle cap (10) having a top panel (12) with an inner skirt (16) and an outer skirt (14) having an exterior bead (24) at the bottom edge thereof. Exterior bead (24) includes an inward projection as well. Outer skirt (14) has a reduced thickness in order to reduce the mass of the cap and exterior bead (24) provides sufficient de-ovalization support to keep skirt 14 cylindrical in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolph R. Verderber
  • Patent number: 6189719
    Abstract: The plastic cover is easily removed from a metal container to allow the plastic cover and the metal container to be separately recycled. The lip that holds the plastic cover to the metal container has two or more circumferential ends which have a lower degree of engagement than the remaining portion of the lip. A press point on the cover which transforms the circular cover into an elliptical shape is positioned on the outside of the cover opposite the circumferential ends and a shoulder is mounted inside the cover opposite the press point. The shoulder bears against the container to assist in removal of the cover. Where the cover has both an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, a rib is employed to connect the inner cylinder of the cover to the outer cylinder of the cover and to transfer pressure from the press point to the inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mitani Valve Co.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kanoya, Hideo Okada
  • Patent number: 6179139
    Abstract: This relates to the provision of a button type closure with a tamper-indicating element that visually indicates when a container has been opened. A deflectable button on an actuator panel is utilized to fracture a disk of brittle material situated between the button and a rigid transparent plastic holder into which the actuator panel and brittle disk are inserted. The plastic holder not only carries the actuator panel and brittle disk, but it also has provisions to hold the deflectable button in its down position by pressing the down button tightly against a rib on the underside of the holder, thus holding the deflectable button in the down position before the closure is applied to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert John Heilman
  • Patent number: 6092658
    Abstract: A gift package simulating a baby nursing bottle, the package being composed of a cylindrical container housing a miniature doll or other gift and a molded plastic cap that fits on the open mouth of the container. The container is formed of transparent plastic material, the rim of the mouth being rolled to define an annular bead. The cap has an upper section shaped to simulate the nipple-cap ring of a baby bottle, a lower section in the form of a cylindrical stopper that fits into the mouth of the container, and a circular flange at the junction of these sections. Formed on the stopper section is a circumferential array of ledges which are shaped to permit the ledges to slide into the mouth of the container, the upper ends of the ledges being spaced from the flange to define a circular socket therebetween. To put the cap on, the stopper section is pressed into the mouth of the container to cause the annular bead to snap into the socket, thereby latching the cap in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Goldberger Doll Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Pietrafesa
  • Patent number: 6076559
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable protective cover which securely yet releasably attaches to a conventional plumbing fixture via locking tabs, thereby reserving an annular space around the fixture and the underlying pipe during floor construction and allowing easy and rapid access to the fixture once the floor construction has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Gregory N. Castillo
    Inventors: Gregory N. Castillo, Bradley E. Castillo
  • Patent number: 6024246
    Abstract: A structure of squeeze lid is provided. The squeeze lid includes a cyliner container having an upper opening and a sloped flange slightly extending outward from the opening; a squeeze lid of a circular body having a first and second lower flanges concentrically formed and extending downward from the edge of the body to define an annular gap therebetween engageable with the sloped flange of the container, an upper flange extending upward from the edge of the body including a plurality of radial slits fromed spaced apart in the circulity of radial slits fromed spaced apart in the circumference and a reinforcement ring engageable into a circular space moving outward so as to effect the second lower flange to move inward in order to tightly close the upper opening of the container which may decorate with patterns to be used as a cup or vase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Hsien-Tu Huang
  • Patent number: 5921282
    Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable protective cover which securely yet releasably attaches to a conventional plumbing fixture via locking tabs, thereby reserving an annular space around the fixture and the underlying pipe during floor construction and allowing easy and rapid access to the fixture once the floor construction has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: TCI Products
    Inventors: Gregory N. Castillo, Bradley E. Castillo
  • Patent number: 5908048
    Abstract: A reusable dust cap for tubing connectors on medical devices has an internal shoulder or ridge which engages a barb or groove on the connector to hold the cap during shipment. A grasping nub is provided on the cap to allow the cap to be forcibly disengaged from the barb or groove by the end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Van Driel
  • Patent number: 5853097
    Abstract: A closure for use with an associated container having a finish with an external securing member formed thereon, includes a closure cap having an enlarged top wall portion defining an outermost edge and an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion inwardly of the outermost edge. The skirt portion has an outer wall and an inner wall having an internal securing member engageable with the container external securing member. The closure cap includes a plurality of parallel, spaced apart, tapered ribs. At least some of the ribs extend between the top wall portion and the skirt outer wall. Each rib defines an outer edge and tapers inwardly or thins from the closure cap to the outer edge to define a region adjacent to a juncture of each rib and the closure cap having a cross-sectional area that is greater than a cross-sectional area at the outer edge of each respective rib. The ribs can taper in one or more directions. The ribs are separated from one another by parallel recessed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: Len Ekkert
  • Patent number: 5848717
    Abstract: A snap-on seal arrangement comprising a container and a sealing cap is provided. The sealing cap comprises an elastically expandable cylindrical wall and at least one elastically deformable retaining bead for attachment to a container mouth having an external bead. An engagement surface of the retaining bead can be brought into effective engagement with an engagement surface of the external bead, wherein after the cap has been placed on, the engagement surface of the retaining bead of the sealing cap works together with the engagement surface of the external bead on the container mouth to enclose a radially outward-expanding gap. The retaining bead is elastically deformable such that the gap decreases in size or closes under the action of positive pressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Crown Cork AG
    Inventors: Udo Bosl, Michael Kirchgessner
  • Patent number: 5836468
    Abstract: The plastic snap closure possesses a snapping means (3) on the inside surface of the cap wall (2), said snapping means being able to be snapped over a bead on the container mouth. In order to display initial opening of the closure, approximately vertical weakened zones (4) are provided on the lower edge of the closure cap. The cap wall (2) will tear on initial opening of the snap closure in the area of at least one of these weakened zones (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Crown Cork AG
    Inventors: Udo Bosl, Kelvin Pitman
  • Patent number: 5788101
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container neck (10) and closure (12), particularly useful for foil-sealed containers. The neck (10) and closure (12) include complementary threads (14, 16) or projections and complementary tapered surfaces (18, 20) which are adapted to form an interference fit and seal the closure (12) to the neck (10) at a region clear from the lip (30) of the neck (10) and the crown (120) of the closure (12). Any foil seal (28) present on the container neck (10) remains free from contact with the closure (12) during application and tightening. Preferably the neck (10) includes a recessed lip (30, 32) further to protect the seal and to inhibit drop formation. An outer edge of the container lip may be chamfered to provide a pull tab on the foil seal. Additionally, the foil may be of a larger diameter than the lip of the container, so that it provides an overhanging edge of foil to facilitate the removal of the foil, but not of such a large diameter that it touches the inner surface of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Beeson and Sons, Limited
    Inventor: Roger Milner King
  • Patent number: 5725123
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for closing cylindrical containers, such as Petri dishes, for example, with a cover cap whose cover apron presses against the outer surface of the lateral wall of the container. In particular, the present invention provides a cylindrical container and cover system having a simple and convenient, yet secure, closing and opening mechanism which consists of as few individual parts as possible. The cover cap of the present invention has individual elevations on the inner surface of the cover apron. The elevations press against the outer surface of the container walls to hold it in a non-positive manner. The elevations are made as knobs or elongated struts, and are arranged on opposite circular sections of the cover apron in such a way that at least two opposite sections of at least 130.degree. of the periphery of the cover apron have no elevations. In accord with the invention, a simple mechanism for removing the cover cap from the container is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Heraeus Instruments GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Otto-Nagels
  • Patent number: 5695987
    Abstract: A vessel and closure assembly for culturing cells wherein a gas permeable membrane is provided in the closure to allow rapid and uniform equilibration of gases between the atmosphere of the vessel and the atmosphere of the incubator. A plug is provided for occluding passage of gases through the gas permeable membrane when the vessel is removed from the controlled atmosphere of the incubator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: John J. Kayal, Susan L. Barker, John M. Janson
  • Patent number: 5687865
    Abstract: Two cap modifications are disclosed for use on water bottles to be installed in water dispensers. A central conical well in the top of the cap is formed with a scoreline. When the bottle is lowered into a dispenser, a probe of the dispenser enters the well and causes it to split along the scoreline. When the bottle is raised, the well substantially returns to initial condition, inhibiting spillage of any liquid remaining in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Hoa Pham, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5680946
    Abstract: A dynamic joint connection is provided between the neck region of a base and the engagement end of a cap. The neck region comprises a reduced diameter end of the base which is offset from the base outer wall by a flat ledge. Located above the ledge a first axial distance, is a first convex rib. The interior surface of the cap engagement end is provided with a cap rib which is located a third axial distance above its abutment end. The third distance will locate the cap rib against the first rib on the down-sloping portion of its surface when the cap abutment end is in contact with the neck region ledge. The compressive force of the cap ring against the first rib will cause the abutment end to be biased downwardly against the ledge. This unstable condition creates a dynamic connection that maintains its integrity throughout rough handling, internal pressures and varying ambient conditions. The neck region can include a second rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Spatz Laboratories
    Inventor: Monroe A. Cochran
  • Patent number: 5678720
    Abstract: A lid is provided for closing off the open end of one of respective first and second containers, each container a different diameter and having a peripherally disposed bead at its open end. An axially disposed annular inner wall projects downwardly from a central cover portion, and defines a generally circular first annular channel open towards the bottom face of the lid. The upper limit of insertion of the peripherally disposed bead of a first container is defined by a generally planar edge. The wall defining the first annular channel has a radially inwardly extending central portion that forms a first reduced waist portion, which is shaped and dimensioned to retain the peripherally disposed bead of the first container, and also defines the upper limit of insertion of the bead of a second container which has a larger diameter, into a second channel formed in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Amhil Enterprises
    Inventor: Hugh Van Melle
  • Patent number: 5662231
    Abstract: The present invention employs a plastic snap-on cap which engages the neck crown and is internally threaded to engage the neck threads of a conventional container. A foam gasket under the top of the cap prevents leakage by sealing against the neck lip. The cap has internal threads which snap over and then engage under the neck threads. Vertical "barriers" below the cap threads prevent unscrewing the cap so long as the cap skirt is intact. Score lines extend from the bottom edge of the cap skirt to above the internal cap bead which engages the neck crown and extend up to the cap threads. A tear tab is used to tear a vertical strip of the skirt which extends up between the score lines. The cap is thus tamper-evident since it cannot be removed so long as the cap is intact but can be removed by tearing the aforementioned strip. In one modification, a well is formed in the center of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5598938
    Abstract: A capsule of plastic material for infusion bottles comprises a capsule body adapted to be fitted on a neck of a bottle for retaining a pierceable plug in place, and a capsule cap to be fitted on the capsule body, the capsule body having a top wall provided with a hole and a downwardly extending annular ridge formed around the hole at a distance from the latter, the capsule cap having a plug formed so as to fit into the hole of the capsule body and provided with an annular rim on its periphery so as to be folded outwardly and to fit into a space defined by the pierceable plug, the top wall of the capsule body and the annular ridge of the capsule body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Capsulit S.p.A.
    Inventor: Vanna P. Rizzardi
  • Patent number: 5597096
    Abstract: A condiment shaker including a vertically elongate base of generally conical configuration and defining an upwardly opening mouth. A separate unitary seal releasably snap-mounts over the mouth and includes hinge-joined lower and upper walls having annular outer portions selectively moveable to expose dispensing openings in the lower wall, and selectively moveable to seal the dispensing openings in the lower wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Hanne D. Jeppesen, Jakob Heiberg, Stig Lillelund
  • Patent number: 5595907
    Abstract: A vessel and closure assembly for culturing cells wherein a gas permeable membrane is provided in the closure to allow rapid and uniform equilibration of gases between the atmosphere of the vessel and the atmosphere of the incubator. A plug is provided for occluding passage of gases through the gas permeable membrane when the vessel is removed from the controlled atmosphere of the incubator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: John J. Kayal, Susan L. Barker, John M. Janson
  • Patent number: 5578491
    Abstract: A vessel and closure assembly for culturing cells wherein a gas permeable membrane is provided in the closure to allow rapid and uniform equilibration of gases between the atmosphere of the vessel and the atmosphere of the incubator. A plug is provided for occluding passage of gases through the gas permeable membrane when the vessel is removed from the controlled atmosphere of the incubator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: John J. Kayal, Susan L. Barker, John M. Janson
  • Patent number: 5542528
    Abstract: The bottle (1) comprises a body (5) closed by a capsule (8). Within the capsule (8) there is a separator element (9) which closes its concavity to prevent mixing of the substances contained in the capsule (8) and in the body (5) respectively. To mix the substances the separator element (9) is removed by deforming the capsule (8).To prevent the bottle (1) being able to be opened without mixing of the substances having taken place, the outer surface (15) of the capsule (8) and the inner surface (6) of the container mouth (4) carry respectively an annular projection (14) and an undercut ledge (7) which mutually engage only by the effect of the radial expansion of the capsule (8) when the separator (9) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: INGE S.p.A.
    Inventors: Antonio Lanfranconi, Giorgio Munari, Adelelmo Zappettini, Roberto Rizzo
  • Patent number: 5513763
    Abstract: The present invention employs a plastic snap-on cap which engages both the neck crown of a container having a rectangular body and a neck having screw threads and is internally threaded to engage the neck threads of the conventional container. A foam gasket under the top of the cap prevents leakage by sealing against the neck lip. The cap has internal threads which snap over and then engage under the neck threads. Vertical "barriers" below the cap threads prevent unscrewing the cap so long as the cap skirt is intact. Score lines extend from the bottom edge of the cap skirt to above the internal cap bead which engages the neck crown and extend up to the cap threads. A tear tab is used to tear a vertical strip of the skirt which extends up between the score lines. The cap is thus tamper-evident since it cannot be removed so long as the cap is intact but can be removed by tearing the aforementioned strip. In one modification, a well is formed in the center of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5395003
    Abstract: A covered airtight container capable of preventing a soup from leaking therefrom. The covered airtight container comprises a body made of hard plastics and a cover made of soft plastics wherein the cover has a reverse channel-shaped edge portion piece formed by bending the upper end edge thereof upward and reversing it downward so as to cover the upper end portion of the body. The body has an annular stepped portion to which the cover is retained at the inner peripheral surface of the upper end portion of the peripheral wall. The cover has an annularly projected fin for elastically contacting the edge of said annular stepped portion. The covered airtight container may be formed square shaped with circumferential surfaces of the body and cover being slightly curved shape close to a circle. Particularly, the leaking prevention effect can be conspicuous since the sealing effect or state is assured at the inner and outer surfaces of the peripheral wall of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Maruwa Seisakusho
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Matsuda
  • Patent number: 5395590
    Abstract: A cover for placement on a container to allow transfer of fluid from the container to a second container comprising a lid having a skirt at its outer edge for liquid-tight attachment to the liquid filled container, a valved region centrally located on the lid, a connector located within the valve portion, and normally closed ports located within the connector. After the second container is attached to the connector the liquid-filled container with the lid attached is inverted and the lid is flexed causing the port to open and the fluid to flow from the first liquid filled container into the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: James R. Swaniger, Edward E. Elson
  • Patent number: 5383565
    Abstract: Neck finishes suitable for containers formed of rigid materials are shaped to overcome problems which would otherwise occur if standard closures which perform satisfactorily with less rigid containers are used. One problem is that plugs (inner skirts) of closures are cut or shaved if they are oversize relative to the inner neck diameter. This problem is overcome by forming a chamfer or radius at the lead-in to the inside corner of the neck. A second problem ("ovality") occurs when the neck is not uniformly round; this problem is overcome by forming a cut-out section at the upper outer corner of the neck so that the maximum neck diameter engages the inside of the outer cap skirt below the top edge, thereby lessening outward distortion of the outer skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5368178
    Abstract: An improved container and closure therefore particularly adapted for use in storing pressurized liquid contents, such as carbonated beverages. As contrasted with conventional crown seals which employ a sealing gasket, the closure effects a sealing action between corresponding frustoconical sealing surfaces on the container finish and an inner surface of the cap, thus eliminating the need for a gasket. The closure includes a tamper indicating means at a lower peripheral edge thereof which is damaged upon engagement with an opening tool or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Edward J. Towns, Edward M. Brown
  • Patent number: 5344036
    Abstract: A container system for reagents and other substances used in a medical diagnostic apparatus. The container system includes a vial made of blow-molded plastic, which can withstand lyophilization. The bottom portion of the vial has an annular groove and is shaped as a truncated cone below the annular groove. An auxiliary member can be snap-connected to the vial at the annular groove so that the vial will stand upright on a flat surface and contains a central aperture through which the vial remains in contact with the flat surface. The container system also includes a stopper at the mouth of the vial and a snap-on plastic cover to secure the stopper. The cover has a tab which is kept at a raised position by a lifter protrusion which bears against the stopper. The cover has tearslots which are ripped when the tab is pulled. One of the tearslots is shorter than the other and keeps the tab from being entirely detached from the remainder of the cover when the tab is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Akzo N.V.
    Inventors: Liana V. Stanescu, Timothy J. Fischer, Kristin L. Leese, Kenneth J. Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 5303835
    Abstract: A sealing cap (2, 2a) is mounted to the open mouth of a pharmaceutical-containing container (20) which is to undergo lyophilization. The container has an outwardly extending mouth ring (26) with a shoulder (28) spaced apart from and facing away from the mouth (22). The sealing cap includes a body (4, 4a) having a through hole (6) covered by a piercible septum (16). The body includes radially deflectable fingers (30, 30a) which engage the mouth ring when the cap is at an open position, at which fluid flow into and out of the interior (38) of the container is substantially unhindered. The fingers also include surfaces (42, 42a) which engage the shoulder of the mouth ring when the cap seals the container mouth. The cap is locked into place using a lock ring (44, 44a) which engages the distal ends (47, 47a) of the fingers to keep the fingers engaged beneath the mouth ring. The sealing cap moves from the open to the sealed position using straight line, axial movement with simple fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Habley Medical Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Haber, William H. Smedley, Clark B. Foster
  • Patent number: 5292017
    Abstract: A child resistant package includes a snap-on closure of rigid and stiff material on a container having a neck finish with an annular locking rib having at least one notch. The closure has a locking lug extending radially inwardly from its skirt in alignment in a fire position with the notch upon rotation of the closure to permit removal of the closure when in the fire position. A finger tab extends radially outwardly from the skirt in alignment with the locking lug, and the skirt has rib structure extending radially inwardly from the skirt circumferentially spaced from the locking lug. The locking rib and rib structure having coacting cams for resiliently expanding the skirt upon snap locking the closure to the neck finish and upon removal of the closure. The locking lug and the rib structure are interengaged with the locking rib upon snap locking and the rib structure becomes disengaged from the locking rib upon removal of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Calmar Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. Reifers
  • Patent number: 5280809
    Abstract: A breather cap for protecting the ends of tubing and barbed connectors during sterilization and until use in which interference is at a detent spaced from the conduit end, or a positive stop is provided for the conduit end, or a flat handle is provided to facilitate removal of cap from conduit, or two or all of these features are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Tive
  • Patent number: 5242069
    Abstract: A closure cap for a bottle having an external bead projecting from its neck. The cap is secured to the bead by an annular retaining part. A sealing disk is disposed beneath the cap-like retaining part, the periphery of which seals against the upper edge of the bottleneck i.e., the mouth of the bottle. An elastic member biases the sealing disk against the bottleneck. The sealing disk will lift off the bottle mouth to relieve any excess pressure generated by the contents of the bottle. A stop projecting from the retaining part defines the space between the cap and the neck to control the biasing force of the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Michael Hertrampf
  • Patent number: RE39340
    Abstract: Two cap modifications are disclosed for use on water bottles to be installed in water dispensers. A central conical well in the top of the cap is formed with a scoreline. When the bottle is lowered into a dispenser, a probe of the dispenser enters the well and causes it to split along the scoreline. When the bottle is raised, the well substantially returns to initial condition, inhibiting spillage of any liquid remaining in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Hoa Pham, Daniel Luch