Non-removable Member Or Portion Patents (Class 220/268)
  • Patent number: 5680952
    Abstract: A container (e.g., drawn and ironed) with modified end constructions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the end piece which is seamed onto the sidewall of the container body includes a push-down tab for opening the container. This tab includes at least one engagement section which is offset in relation to the center of the push-down tab and which is for interfacing with the consumer's finger (e.g., thumb) in a manner which facilitates a more effective opening of the push-down tab. The engagement section curves upwardly progressing toward the perimeter of the tab and therefore may be characterized as a generally ramped surface. In one embodiment, two such engagement sections are utilized and ramp upwardly in generally opposite directions. The integral end of the container body also includes a multi-stage center panel or dome for allowing stacking of filled containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Howard Curtis Chasteen
  • Patent number: 5566850
    Abstract: An injection molded thermoplastic closure for a container having a generally planar wall and an integrally molded push-in tab within the area of the wall. The push-in tab has its boundary formed by discontinuities in the closure wall and the discontinuities are hermetically closed with a sealant applied locally in an arcuate pattern by rotation of the closure relative to a sealant applicator. A hinge line of the push-in tab has a construction that improves hinge integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Weatherchem Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Forsyth, Bruno A. Mediate, David E. Pecot
  • Patent number: 5535911
    Abstract: A can opener device, mounted on a can top, comprising a front portion, a top portion and a rear portion. The front portion having a pair of front portion tear edges, which can be severed by applying pressure. The rear portion having a u-bend where pressure is applied to sever the front portion tear edges. The top portion attached to the front portion and to the rear portion, the top portion in a plane above the can top, pressure applied to the top portion pushes the front portion into the can after the front portion tear edges are severed. The can top comprises a plurality of rings, each having a thin portion and a thick portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Alejandro Cortez
  • Patent number: 5526954
    Abstract: The invention, which relates to an injection-molded plastic bucket with a bottom, a wall expanding conically from there to the upper edge and a carrying handle, where the upper edge of the wall is provided with receiving elements for a carrying handle at diametrically opposite points, and a process for manufacturing an injection-molded plastic bucket, is based on the task of specifying a plastic bucket and a process for its manufacture, of which the technical outlay and, thus, the mold costs can be reduced and of which the universal utility of the molds can be improved, this task being solved in that the plastic bucket is molded in one piece, where the carrying handle is located in the parting surface between the hollow mold and the female mold during molding, the carrying handle is at least indirectly connected to the remaining bucket body via ties designed as predetermined breaking points, and pins protruding outwards are integrally molded on the upper edge at the locations of the receiving elements, these
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Jokey Plastik Wipperfurth GmbH
    Inventor: Robert G. Georgiadis
  • Patent number: 5503289
    Abstract: A container lid adapted for removable reception over a rim portion of a associated container having a center panel portion and a peripheral skirt portion depending therefrom and having a small pin latch opening extending through the center panel portion and also including an access flap formed by portions of the center panel and the peripheral skirt adapted to provide access to the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Robert M. Fox
  • Patent number: 5439124
    Abstract: A closure unit for a container for storing and handling flowable products is made from at least two different thermoplastic materials, the different materials fulfilling different functions. A basic thermoplastic material (A.2) is used for sealing against the container (G.2), and an area made of another different thermoplastic material (B.2,C) is provided to fulfill additional sealing functions, to increase mechanical stability, to have a reduced permeability, and to provide increased elasticity for additional opening and closing and/or absorption characteristics. The closure unit is produced by a multimaterial injection molding process, so that contact surfaces between the different thermoplastic materials can be interconnected by reversible or irreversible positive engagement and/or by more or less pronounced melting into one another. The closure unit is in two parts and comprises a pouring part (1.2) and a closure part (2.2), or is in one part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 5437386
    Abstract: A plastic container defines a sidewall closed at one end and open at the other end. A container lip is defined at the other end which comprises a pair of spaced walls surrounding the longitudinal axis of the container, to define a recess between the walls for receiving and locking a peripheral container lid portion on the container. The outer of the pair of walls defines at least one pair of spaced points of tearing weakness to permit breaking of the outer wall and outward folding of that part of the outer wall positioned between the points of tearing weakness, to provide access to the peripheral lid portion for lid removal. The container may be designed so that the lid cannot be removed without the breaking of the points of tearing weakness, to provide tamper indication to the container and lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: John W. Von Holdt
  • Patent number: 5413238
    Abstract: A closure unit has, for additionally securing a new state, a predetermined breaking point (5), which at least partly passes around the pouring opening circumference and connects the pouring part (1) and the closure part (2). In order that the predetermined breaking point (5) is protected against damage and can only be broken by a force directed in the same direction as that necessary for opening the closure unit, on the outside of the closure unit the predetermined breaking point (5) is covered by a protection/support zone (10) and can also be supported on the inside of the closure unit by support zones (11), wherein the predetermined breaking point (6) is made of a different material (A) from the material (B) of the protection/support zone (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Tetra Alfa Holdings S.A.
    Inventor: Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 5397023
    Abstract: A straw-insertable disposable lid is disclosed including a flexible disk-like body having a top surface for covering an opening of a cup, a plurality of intersecting lines of weakness each extending between two ends with the lines of weakness being located on the body and adapted to permit the insertion of a drinking straw through the top surface of the lid and a plurality of intersecting troughs for accommodating a respective one of the intersecting lines of weakness, with the troughs acting to stop the propagation of the tearing of the lines of weakness in a radially outward direction when a straw is inserted into the lid and for closing the plurality of intersecting lines of weakness in response to a fluid pressure force acting on an underside of the top surface of the lid should a filled cup incorporating such lid be inadvertently tilted over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: James River Corporation of Virginia
    Inventors: Thomas R. Toczek, Jonathan E. Rush, Michael T. Grolemund
  • Patent number: 5397012
    Abstract: A plastic tamper-proof sealing plug assembly for use in securely sealing the vale outlet of a pressurized bottle or any other type of container. The tamper-proof assembly has a tubular gasket provided with a central opening, sized to fit into and seal a valve outlet, and a sealing plug element with a plug projecting from it, which is sized to snugly fit into the tubular gasket in order to close the valve outlet. The tamper-proof assembly also has a security seal in the form of a strap has one end attached to one side of the sealing plug element and also has another free end. The strap projects outwards from the side of the sealing plug element and is long enough to surround the valve. The tamper-proof assembly further has a fastener for irreversibly fastening the free end of the strap to the sealing plug element so that the strap must be broken in order to remove the plug and the gasket if necessary, from the valve outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Payge International Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Tison, Christian Major, Brad Wood
  • Patent number: 5370883
    Abstract: A package for heating food has a cover for covering a tray and provides an aluminum laminate for covering the tray side wall. The cover is configured to extend over the top opening or over the base of the tray and cover the tray side wall. In one embodiment, only side edge portions of the cover are formed of an aluminum laminate. In another embodiment, the entirety of the cover is formed of an aluminum laminate, in which case, the cover has lines of weakening positioned therein for tearing and removing a central portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Christiane-Monique Saunier
  • Patent number: 5346087
    Abstract: A beverage can end for connection with a can body having a necked-down top, and wherein the center expansion panel of the end forms a gate which is pushed downwardly into the can to open it. This provides, essentially, an open-top-can wherefrom a beverage may be drunk in the same manner as if it were a glass or a cup. The can end, of drawn metal, includes a triple fold reinforcement ring constituting a chuck panel adjacent to the chuck wall of the peripheral seaming ring of the end. The upper layer of the triple fold connects with the bottom of the chuck wall and the lower layer with the center expansion panel. A score-cut about the underside of the lower layer, with a short uncut portion forming a hinge, permits the center expansion panel to be separated from the triple fold and pushed downwardly to open the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Gerald B. Klein
  • Patent number: 5335812
    Abstract: A lid formed from plastics material and used as a closure for a drinking vessel is disclosed. The lid includes a main disc closure portion and a perimeter wall for mounting the lid on the open top end of the vessel. The lid is characterized by a rupturable depression in the main disc portion which receives and can be ruptured by one end of a drink through straw when pushed by hand. The depression has an annular sleeve like sidewall which terminates in a bottom end wall and which at their juncture provides a predetermined tear line. The depression also includes a formation in each portion of the side and bottom wall which extends from a first selected area of the sidewall in a direction towards another selected area in the sidewall which is spaced from the first area. The formation is engageable with the one end of the straw and when the straw is pushed into the depression, initiates rupture in the depression adjacent the second area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Lily Cups Inc.
    Inventor: Peter K. Boller
  • Patent number: 5330899
    Abstract: A sterile inoculation assembly includes an inoculation device (20), a storage container (84) and a handling tool (60). The inoculation device (20) includes an elongated body (22) having an inoculation end (26) and an opposed gripping end (24). The container (84) is formed with at least one cavity (86) with an opening (88) thereto. The cavity (86) is dimensioned to receive the inoculation device (20) in an orientation which permits the gripping end (24) to be grasped through the opening (88). A sheet-like cover (98) is positioned across the opening (88) to seal it and to retain the inoculation device (20) in the cavity (86). The cover (98) is capable of being punctured for grasping of the gripping end (24) and removal of the inoculation device (20) by a handling tool (60). This handling tool (60) telescopically engages the gripping end (24) for releasible securement thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Bio-Plas, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald H. DeVaughn
  • Patent number: 5307948
    Abstract: A tamper-proof and tamper-evident closure system is for use with a plastic container body and lid of the type wherein the container body has an opening defined by a continuous side wall and the lid has a depending skirt terminating at a lower edge, with the skirt overlapping the side wall adjacent the opening when the lid covers the opening. The closure system comprises a shield flange projecting outwardly from the side wall of the container body immediately adjacent the lower edge of the lid when the lid covers the opening of the container body and a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the shield flange along a separation path spaced from the side wall of the container body. The shield flange bars access to a substantial portion of the lower edge and includes a cut-out section providing access to a minor portion of the lower edge of the lid to permit removal of the lid from the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Cardinal Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur H. Blackburn, Imre J. Buza, Terry L. Hartman, Jerry L. Knox, Lee McKinnon, David R. Brown
  • Patent number: 5307947
    Abstract: A container end member having a peripheral wall portion and an integral central wall portion is provided and which has at least one severable tab portion integral with the central wall portion and having a hinge portion having spaced apart ends and wherein a recessed portion is formed between the central end wall portion and the severable tab portion and has an axial thickness less than the axial thickness of the remaining portions of the central end wall portion and the severable tab portion and at least one severable score line groove having a main body portion and integral end portions defining the spaced apart ends of the hinge portion is formed in the recessed portion and at least a portion of the at least one score line groove extends in a transverse direction in the recessed portion. Also, apparatus is provided for controlling the amount of force applied to a container end member during the formation of a score line groove therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Moen, Harold Cook, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5292025
    Abstract: A metallic or composite container (2) comprising a side forming a partly openable lid (4) having a fixed part in which an opening panel (16a) is delimited by a line of reduced strength (8), a connection zone (15) however remaining between the fixed part and the panel so that, by exerting on the panel a pressure in a direction toward the interior of the container, the line of reduced strength (8) is ruptured and the panel is swung toward the interior of the container about the connection zone (15). The fixed part of the lid is so shaped as to define a cavity extending toward the interior of the container, the cavity having a lateral wall (12) and a bottom wall in which the opening panel (16a) is at least partly formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Sollac
    Inventor: Jacques F. Dubreul
  • Patent number: 5191171
    Abstract: A circular inner knockout and a non-circular outer knockout formed in a wall are individually connected to the wall by frangible webs located opposite from one another. The frangible web connecting the inner knockout to the wall is stronger than the frangible web connecting the outer knockout to the wall. The periphery of the outer knockout includes by a plurality of interconnected discrete circular curved portions, and does not completely surround the inner knockout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Bordwell
  • Patent number: 5176277
    Abstract: An end closure for a container having a substantially planar first lid portion including an engaging element for engaging an upper rim of a container to be closed, a second substantially planar lid portion rotatably mounted to an upper surface of the first lid portion, the second lid portion having an opening defined therethrough, and an openable lid portion defined in the first lid portion. The openable lid portion includes a flexible hinge extending along first and second edge portions thereof and a frangible coupling extending along the remaining edges thereof including an edge segment which extends between and interconnects the first and second edge portions of the flexible hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Specialty Packaging Group Inc.
    Inventor: Dave Schuermann
  • Patent number: 5148935
    Abstract: A cap for substantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container wall having an opening therein circumscribed by a sealing surface has an end wall and a depending skirt with a portion for securing the cap to a container wall, and a tab for manual engagement to rotate the cap between a container wall sealing surface engaging position and a storage position. The cap has a vent region provided by a weakened zone that is preferably located on or near the tab. The weakened area may include removal of a portion of the cap skirt, thinning a portion of the cap skirt, variations in wall thickness of portions of the cap skirt or top wall in a predetermined manner, configurating the portion of the tab which connects with the cap in such a manner as to facilitate ready circumferential expansion of the cap. Combinations of these weakening features may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Jay W. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5147057
    Abstract: A single service container having a closure cap with a recessed portion extending generally interiorly of said container. A tab is defined by a score line which, upon deflection of a an actuating member on the cap, substantially separates from the remainder of the recessed portion forming an opening in the cap. Once the tab has been separated, it is deflected through the opening and prevented from obstructing the opening by the actuating member being positioned in an interference relationship between the interior of the container, adjacent the opening, and the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Marshall, Bora Tekkanat, Bryan L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 5133473
    Abstract: Plastic container closures which are preferably injection molded through a centrally placed ingot are disclosed. The closures include a cover panel with a circumferential rim and a pouring opening which corresponds to only a portion of the area of the cover panel. The closure also includes an integral grip and a tearing denotation provided by a reduced thickness groove in the cover panel around the periphery of the portion of the cover panel which is to be removed and in which that groove extends from a point in the proximity of the circumferential rim towards a point displaced from the center of the cover panel at a location beyond the center with respect to the first point, and in which the reduced thickness groove is interrupted to provide a hinge for the portion of the cover panel to be removed subsequent to opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: AB Akerlund & Rausing
    Inventors: Lars-Erik Piltz, Patrick Duvander
  • Patent number: 5121851
    Abstract: An improved easy open can end construction for resealable easy open beverage cans having a hinged and inwardly depressible opening panel defined by an involuted spiro-circular score line having an initial portion that at least partially encircles a pressure application zone, an intermediate portion that continually recedes therefrom and an end portion of circular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Jay W. Lyon, Scott C. Biondich, James M. Holthaus, Frank E. Maier
  • Patent number: 5103973
    Abstract: A lid for a can-shaped container which lid is adapted to be connected to a peripheral wall of the can-shaped container is disclosed which comprises a can-shaped container lid base having a gas barrier-type multi-layer base, a thermoplastic resin layer, a score portion formed by thinning part of the thermoplastic resin layer on the upper surface of the bottom of the base into an annular shape; and a synthetic resin tab for opening the can-shaped container lid. The tab is connected to an upper surface of a tab seat constituted by that portion of the thermoplastic resin layer disposed inwardly of the score portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventor: Wasuke Sato
  • Patent number: 5090584
    Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable container lid for releasably mounting to a disposable container. The lid includes a central portion having a rim engaging means about the circumference of the central portion. An access strip is provided by a pair of tear impressions extending from the rim engaging means to a hinge means located in the central portion. By breaking the tear impressions, the access strip can be pivoted back from the hinge means to create an access opening through the lid. The central portion of the lid has a primary slit therein which is preferably arcuate. At each end of the primary slit there is a tab forming slit, each forming an inwardly directed retaining flap. A deflection flap is formed by the combination of the primary slit and the tab forming slits. To lock the access strip in a non-interfering position, it is folded back and pushed against the central portion of the lid thereby causing the deflection flap to deflect down toward the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Scott Paper Company
    Inventors: Clifford J. Roberts, Edward Batson, John H. Kurz
  • Patent number: 5065882
    Abstract: A new can top structure is provided in a can containing beverage liquid therewithin. On the can top, a ring serving as a jig for forming an opening therein is attached by way of a rivet at the center thereof. The ring has a pull side free end and a push side free end. There is also formed a tear-out portion defined by a scored line in the can top and the push side free end of the ring overlaps part of the tear-out portion. Since the ring is oriented slantwise with respect to the tear-out portion, the ring stays out of the way at the time of consuming the beverage liquid even though the pull side free end of the ring is erected to cause the push side free end to drive part of the tear-out portion into the can such that an opening is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Shigeru Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 5062542
    Abstract: An easy-open and reclosable container has a non-circular scored portion on the top lid and an opening and resealing device pivotally fastened on the scored portion for selectably separating it from the top lid to provide an aperture, and selectably resealing the aperture by putting the separated portion back into the aperture and rotating it so as to lock it under the inner surface of the top lid. The opening and resealing device has a compression sealing member for resealing the aperture while the scored portion is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignees: City of Hope, Lucille T. Morton
    Inventor: Jay Morton
  • Patent number: 5031264
    Abstract: A can top cleaning system includes a premoistened pad which is sealed in a packet mounted to the underside of a self opening can pull tab. The packet includes a tear line or a pull strip along its bottom panel for opening the packet and exposing the pad. Once the pad is exposed, rotation of the pull tab effects wiping of the can top by the pad. Alternately, the pad is completely removable from the packet and may be used to manually wipe the can top or may be placed beneath the pull tab for wiping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: William M. Muster
  • Patent number: 4998641
    Abstract: A top member for a beverage container which includes a scored portion which can be displaced to provide an access opening, in which the improvement relates to the provision of raised portions adjacent the access opening area to reduce or prevent spillage when drinking from the container. The raised portions can be integral with the top member and can be continuous along two side edges and the front edge of the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: D. Dean Willoughby
  • Patent number: 4982862
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved can end construction for carbonated beverage cans having a score line defined opening panel therein for beverage dispensing and, more particularly, to can ends for such type cans wherein said panel is incorporated in a selectively contoured spout configuration for accommodation of a resealing cap assembly engageable therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Robert L. La Barge
  • Patent number: 4976368
    Abstract: A beverage can end of drawn metal is provided with a lipped opening upstanding from the expansion panel of the end. The expansion panel may be convex, flat or concave. The lipped opening is proportioned to facilitate drinking and pouring from a can. A height of the lip of 0.25 inches is sufficient for this purpose. The lip is formed as a circular wall with a pushdown gate positioned within the lip, the gate being mounted on a seating and hinging means which preferably is a triplefold of drawn metal. The hinging and seating means within the lip is of a smaller diameter than the lip wall, and is supported by a bridging means connecting with the top of the lip wall. The bridging means includes a circular panel and may include an inner wall portion. In a first embodiment, the circular panel is the top of the lipped opening and the seating and hinging means is at the base of an inner wall, whose top is at the inner edge of the circular panel to space the inner wall from the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Gerald B. Klein
  • Patent number: 4969572
    Abstract: An end closure for a container for grated or powered products having a push open lid portion for providing access to material within the container and a rotatable closure portion for selectively closing off the opening defined by the push open lid portion. The push open lid portion includes elements on the openable lid portion which cooperate with corresponding gripping elements defined on the undersurface of the end closure so the latter will engage the former to retain the lid portion in its open disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: The Specialty Packaging Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John vanKerkhoven, deceased, James Kick
  • Patent number: 4966302
    Abstract: A snap locking device for a container with a cover which is lockable to the container via a bistable loosening flange. The flange is provided on the cover or the container and is adapted to cooperate with a locking edge on the container or the cover, respectively. The bistable loosening lines, and its portions disposded between at least two weakened lines are exteriorly provided with wall reinforcements which extend axially over the bistable loosening flange. The wall reinforcements preferably extend axially over the stationary cover flange disposed in extension of the loosening flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Lagan Plast AB
    Inventor: Jorgen Hjordie
  • Patent number: 4909407
    Abstract: A stamped and scored one-piece container lid with an integral push-in tear tab has a tab-defining score line formed with a bottom wall, an inclined first side wall and a second side wall opposite to the first side wall and which is upset onto the bottom wall and the lower portion of the first side wall forming a ring around the latter with the result that the tab is relatively easy to push in, but is able to withstand an appreciable outward force due to pressure inside the associated container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Inventors: G. Steven Lambert, Michael P. Lambert
  • Patent number: 4848614
    Abstract: Tamper-evident plastic closures are disclosed for use in connection with containers in which the closures include an internally threaded upper portion and a depending lower skirt portion with a number of frangible bridges connecting same. The depending lower skirt includes an inwardly projecting stop bead which can project upwardly from the inner surface of the skirt towards the lower surface of an annular collar on the container when the closure is completely threaded onto the container and to engage that lower surface when the closure is unscrewed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: General Kap Corporation
    Inventor: Edward F. Csaszar
  • Patent number: 4821912
    Abstract: A easy-open beverage container which can be selectably reclosed and reopened, after the container initially is opened. The reclosure structure may be contained on an opening tab, or alternatively may be separate from the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: Robert A. Wells
  • Patent number: 4802603
    Abstract: A can end (1) made from metal for cans whose contents is under inside pressure is provided with at least one opening tab (4) partly punched from the end leaving a hinge area (6) and a relative aperture (2) formed by the partial punching, with the opening tab (4) and/or the area of the end surrounding the aperture (2) being cold formed so that the edge area (8) of aperture (2) covers the edge area (4a) of opening tab (4) on the end outside (1a). On the end inside (1b), plastisol (10) is applied in ring-form to the edge areas (4a, 8) of opening tab (4) and of aperture (2) and jellied under heating. Before its application and gelation respectively, the plastisol (10) has a viscosity .eta..sub.D4441s -1 (40.degree. C.) of about 2000-2800 mPa.s, and an edge angle .alpha. of about 0.4-1.0 N/mm.sup.2, and a maximum elongation of 120-250%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited
    Inventors: Gunter H. R. Schmidt, Hans-Dieter Joge, Wilhelm R. Sauer, Abraham C. Spruit
  • Patent number: 4723684
    Abstract: A stamped and scored one-piece container lid with an integral push-in tear tab has a ridge embossed in the tear tab and a push location to the rear of the ridge. When the push location is depressed, the tab tears along its score line and rotates into the container. The ridge prevents the user's digit from sliding along the declining tab through the opening in the lid left by the tab and possibly contacting the sharp edge thereof. Special indentations may be formed in the lid at or near the opposite ends of the score line which make it easier to depress the tab to produce a large effective pour opening in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventors: G. Steven Lambert, Michael P. Lambert
  • Patent number: 4723683
    Abstract: A pop-in tab container lid for sealed association with a container body is disclosed. The lid includes a closure panel having a severable score line which extends about a portion of the panel and terminates in spaced oppositely disposed extremities to define a depressible tab and a tab hinge portion between the extremities. The tab has a short stiffening rib and a long stiffening rib extending between the hinge portion and a segment of the score line which is diametrically opposite the hinge portion. Each rib has an inner end opposing that of the other rib so that the ribs are arranged end to end along a common line. An outer end of the short rib terminates at the segment of the score line and an outer end of the longer rib terminates at the hinge portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Clarence J. Carlson
    Inventor: Matt W. Colbert
  • Patent number: 4655363
    Abstract: A container (10) is disclosed as including a receptacle (12), a cover (14), and a tether (16) that are molded from plastic unitary with each other with the receptacle and cover connected by the tether. Downward cover movement over the receptacle provides a snap action engagement of locking surfaces on mating helical threads (30) and (32) of the receptacle and cover in order to prevent opening movement of the cover without unthreading rotation. The tether (16) has a length that is sufficiently long to permit the initial cover closing and sufficiently short to limit unthreading rotation of the closed cover for opening with the tether intact. Tether (16) is frangible by either cutting with a knife or scissors, etc. or by breaking upon the application of unthreading cover rotation to thereby provide a visual indication of the cover opening in order to render the container tamperproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Plastipak Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Neat
  • Patent number: 4648528
    Abstract: A closure for closing the open end of a container having contents therein which dissociate a gas therefrom. The closure is adapted to provide an opening for access to the contents. The opening is adapted for a snap assembly with a plastic cap to effect a substantially gas-tight seal of the opening under high pressures to enable resealing of the container after dispensing a portion of the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Robert L. LaBarge, Robert E. Heffner
  • Patent number: 4585140
    Abstract: A stamped and scored one-piece container lid with an integral push-in tear tab has a ridge embossed in the tear tab and a push location to the rear of the ridge. When the push location is depressed, the tab tears along its score line and rotates into the container. The ridge prevents the user's digit from sliding along the declining tab through the opening in the lid left by the tab and possibly contacting the sharp edge thereof. Special indentations may be formed in the lid at or near the opposite ends of the score line which make it easier to depress the tab to produce a large effective pour opening in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Inventors: G. Steven Lambert, Michael P. Lambert
  • Patent number: 4562936
    Abstract: An easy-open container having top and bottom end panels and a body portion, all of laminate construction comprised of an outer layer of stiff material, an intermediate layer of substantially gas-impermeable material, and a continuously sealed thermoplastic inner layer. The container's top end panel has a line of weakness in its outer stiff layer defining a tear-out section with opening means such as a tape tab non-critically bonded thereto. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is opened by pulling the opening means such that the tear-out section separates from the outer stiff layer along with the substantially coinciding portions of the intermediate layer and the inner layer that are attached thereto, thereby defining a dispensing aperture in the container's top end panel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the container is provided with easy-open/reclosing means such as a rigid, plug-type member that is used to open and reclose the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Joseph F. Deflander
  • Patent number: 4553684
    Abstract: A thin flat disc has a coplanar member or tab disposed therein. The tab has a straight edge integral with the remainder of the disc which constitutes a portion of the tab periphery. The remaining portion of the periphery is scored and defines a border. A horizontally elongated bar is integral with the tab. The bar lies in an essentially vertical plane, extends upward from the disc for a short distance and is essentially parallel to the straight edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Robert A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4548332
    Abstract: A container (10) is disclosed as including a receptacle (12), a cover (14), and a tether (16) that are molded from plastic unitary with each other with the receptacle and cover connected by the tether. Downward cover movement over the receptacle provides a snap action engagement of locking surfaces on mating helical threads (30) and (32) of the receptacle and cover in order to prevent opening movement of the cover without unthreading rotation. The tether (16) has a length that is sufficiently long to permit the initial cover closing and sufficiently short to limit unthreading rotation of the closed cover for opening with the tether intact. Tether (16) is frangible by either cutting with a knife or scissors, etc. or by breaking upon the application of unthreading cover rotation to thereby provide a visual indication of the cover opening in order to render the container tamperproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Inventor: Benjamin C. Neat
  • Patent number: 4518096
    Abstract: A drink-through lid for beverage containers is disclosed in which a pre-scored drink-through section is included which is removable by squeezing gripping surfaces on opposite sides of a score line which fractures the score line and permits the section to be pulled from the lid while causing the score to initiate a tearing action through the peripheral bead cavity of the lid to facilitate such removal. A continuous thermo-forming and scoring process and apparatus are provided to manufacture lids with scored sections having a predictable response to applied squeezing pressure on the gripping surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Maryland Cup Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas W. Winstead
  • Patent number: 4465203
    Abstract: A stamped and scored one piece push-in tear tab can lid has a beak embossed in the tear tab along with a finger or thumb push area to the rear of the beak. When the push area is depressed the beak tears the tab loose and rotates with the tab into the can, buckling at a hinge line between the tab and push area. As the user's digit applies pressure behind the opening and not over it as in prior constructions, there is little opportunity for the user's finger or thumb going into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Inventor: Michael P. Lambert
  • Patent number: 4449015
    Abstract: A cable connector cover for use primarily with telephone cable connectors is provided with knock-out panels for bringing a connector half into the cover from an outlet box and for creating screw openings for mounting on the outlet box. Further mounting is possible by the use of snap-in inserts fitting within diagonally arranged pockets on the rear of the cover, which inserts may magnetically or adhesively be joined to an external object. Screws for holding the cover on an outlet box are carried in a press-fit holder within the cover, and the holder is spaced above an underlying wall by a sufficient distance that tape segments for use on the inserts can be stored between the wall and screws. Further knock-out panels provide mounting for modular jacks. Adjustable cable passage openings seal around various cable sizes or may be closed by plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Proto Production Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Hotchkiss, John A. Popken, Nellie S. Griffith
  • Patent number: 4446984
    Abstract: This relates to a closure for containers, particularly containers such as containers for beverages and the like which are packaged under pressure. The closure includes an outer retaining ring portion and an inner sealing plug portion which are preferably initially molded as a unitary product, but wherein the sealing plug portion is connected to the ring portion primarily by a rupturable connecting line. The retaining ring portion is interlocked with an extreme end of the neck finish of a container and the sealing plug portion is interlocked in sealing relation with an internal shoulder of the container neck finish, which shoulder defines a pour opening. The sealing plug portion is retained in association with the retaining ring portion by a hinge strap which is elongatable under tension. The sealing plug portion is also provided with a vent opening which is normally closed by a vent valve which is held in its closed position by internal pressure and which is movable manually to a vent position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Continental Packaging Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Roth, John Walter, Charles S. Kubis
  • Patent number: RE34263
    Abstract: An end closure for a container for grated or powered products having a push open lid portion for providing access to material within the container and a rotatable closure portion for selectively closing off the opening defined by the push open lid portion. The push open lid portion includes elements on the openable lid portion which cooperate with corresponding gripping elements defined on the undersurface of the end closure so the latter will engage the former to retain the lid portion in its open disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: The Specialty Packaging Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John vanKerkhoven, deceased, James Kick