Resilient Wall Actuated Patents (Class 222/213)
  • Patent number: 6405901
    Abstract: A dispensing valve for dispensing a product from a container. The valve includes a marginal portion, a head portion with a discharge orifice therein, and a resilient, flexible, connector sleeve extending continuously laterally and inwardly from the marginal portion to the head portion. The head portion has an exterior side for interfacing with ambient environment and a peripheral surface. The connector sleeve is connected to the exterior side of the head portion at the peripheral surface of the head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Schantz, Timothy R. Socier
  • Patent number: 6402366
    Abstract: The drum of the drum unit has a plurality of jacket walls. One jacket wall is designed as a freely pivotable lid. A cam disk is located in the drum. In certain positions the lid rests at its free end on the cam disk such that it is controlled by same. When the drum rotates in one direction, the cam disk blocks the lid in its open position such that an automatic discharging of the drum takes place. At a rotating in the opposite direction the lid remains closed due to its force of gravity, so that neither a manual manipulation nor operating apparatuses for a moving of the lid are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Ernst Eichholzer
  • Patent number: 6386395
    Abstract: A multiple-dose bottle (1) with a dosage spout (2) for products, particularly medicines, is of the deformable type and comprises a spout which comprises a nozzle (3) made of substantially rigid material and crossed by at least one aperture (5) for the outflow of the liquid, on which a cap (4) made of flexible material is fitted hermetically; the cap is provided with a dispending port (6) and compression of the bottle cause the liquid to seep between the nozzle and the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: MRP Medical Research and Promotion Establishment
    Inventor: Gianni Lunghetti
  • Patent number: 6363979
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring fluids from a fluid container to a fluid reservoir are disclosed. More particularly, the fluid transfer apparatus is directed to the transfer of fluids from commercially supplied plastic containers to various fluid and lubricant reservoirs. The invention enables contaminant and drip free transfer of fluids from locations both above and below the reservoir opening and provides for the precise volumetric measurement of the fluid transferred. The fluid transfer apparatus may comprise a cap with a bore through its upper surface configured to closely receive a tube. The tube may be extended with a suitable length of flexible tubing having an inner diameter configured to closely receive the tube. The present invention can also be viewed as providing a method for transferring fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Cooltools
    Inventors: William C. Chafin, Mark N. Hobart, Jay W. Wyant, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6286725
    Abstract: A valve for dispensing the fluid contents of a container such that external contaminants such as dust, air or microbes cannot enter the container even after repeated dispensing cycles. The valve comprises a plug-type valve and an elastomeric sheath type valve such as a flapper valve, slit valve, or duck bill valve. All are one-way devices. The plug is provided with a mechanism for resetting it to the closed position at the end of each delivery cycle such that the plug is a one-way device also. The mechanism can be an elastomeric tether, gravity, or the deformation of a valve part. The plug can be provided with channels or other cut or shaped features, e.g. grooves, to facilitate fluid flow. The container used with this invention must be volumetrically reducible and thereby maintain its own internal pressure at the end of a delivery cycle. Alternatively, the valve of the present invention can be made without the outlet valve i.e., the flapper, slit, or duck bill valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Waterfall Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard R. Gerber
  • Patent number: 6241129
    Abstract: A dosing head (1) includes a dosing chamber (30), of axis X, inside which a piston (21) is slidably fitted, a first surface (31) of which is in communication with the interior of a container and a second surface (25) of which is in communication with the dosing chamber (30). The piston (21) is fitted so as to be able to pass from a first position in which the dosing chamber (30) has a maximum volume to a second position in which the dosing chamber has a minimum volume. The dosing chamber (30) includes at least one inlet (12, 13) which is open when the piston (21) is in the first position and is closed when the piston (21) is in the second position. The piston (21) is coupled to a closure member (40) forming at least one passage (27, 28, 100-110) between the said closure member (40) and an outlet (20) for allowing a dose of the product to be expelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Philippe Bonningue, Jean-Louis Bougamont
  • Patent number: 6224283
    Abstract: A fluid-containing brush (10) has a housing (11) with a generally cylindrical side wall (12) closed at one end by a base (20) carrying brush bristles (25) and at the other by a removable cap (50). The housing (11) defines a fluid reservoir and the base (20) has a central bore (21) therein closed by a valve member (32) for dispensing liquid to the brush bristles (25). A valve stem (31) extends up to an actuator button (58) formed on the cap (50). The button (58) is made of elastomeric material and is used to actuate the valve to dispense cleaning fluid. A sealing ring (64) is provided between the cap (50) and housing (11) to ensure a fluid tight connection between the cap (50) and the side wall (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Hayco Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Donald Hay
  • Patent number: 6216915
    Abstract: A dual chamber package for containing and simultaneously dispensing two individually contained fluent products which are not continuously externally pressurized. The package has an outer container body formed of a resilient plastic material, which is closed at one end, and a pair of collapsible containers contained within the outer container body for containing the fluent products out of contact with one another. A single elevator is positioned in within outer container body, initially near the closed end thereof, and in contact with closed ends of each of the collapsible containers. The elevator receives the free end of a walking stick in a one-way connection, and lifting of the walking stick causes the elevator to rise, thereby simultaneously dispensing small doses of the packaged products from the collapsible containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Harman, Jeffrey J. Baltzell, Craig E. McClean
  • Patent number: 5971232
    Abstract: A system is provided for holding a dispensing valve that has a peripheral mounting flange and that is operable to discharge the contents from the interior of a container. The system includes a body for extending from the container. The body has a seat for engaging part of the valve mounting flange. The body has a resilient hinge and a protrusion that (1) extends from the hinge, and (2) has an abutment surface. The system includes a retainer for mounting to the body. The retainer has a seat for engaging part of the valve mounting flange. The retainer has a resilient hinge and an engaging member that (1) extends from the retainer hinge, and (2) has an abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Rohr, Milton R. Dallas, Jr., Thomas P. Kasting
  • Patent number: 5924605
    Abstract: A dispensing head for the dispensing a product of a liquid to viscous consistency from a container includes a rigid cap (2) and an elastic closing element (4) joined to the cap (2), and a zone of smaller thickness delimited by the edges of a groove (6) made in the elastic element. The zone of a smaller thickness ruptures under the effect of a pressure exerted on one side or the other of the elastic element (4) to define at least one slit (5) capable of opening under the thrust of the product with a view to its dispensing, and returning to its contiguous position when this thrust ceases to be applied. The rupture may occur during manufacture to form the slit or may be caused by a user squeezing the container prior to first use of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Gilles Baudin, Nicolas Albisetti
  • Patent number: 5894962
    Abstract: This present invention relates to a soda bottle cap having a shell with a spout and a flexible top, and a seal that has an opening through which liquid can flow out when the flexible top is pressed down. With the structure of this soda bottle cap it is possible to release the carbonated liquid from the soda bottle using the high pressure of CO.sub.2 gas inside. When the flexible top is pressed down, the seal changes shape and does not block inner hole (6) so that the liquid in the bottle can be pushed out through the tube(12), and then through the center hole(9) of the seal, and then through channels (10) of the seal, and then through the inner hole (6) of the shell, and then through the spout (4) by the inner hole (6) of the shell, and then through the spout (40 by the high pressure of CO gas in the bottle. When the force on the flexible top (7) is released after use, the flexible top and the seal go back to its original shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventors: Jerng-Sik Song, Chung-Hwa Song, Christopher Chan-Woo Song, Teresa Won-Kyung Song
  • Patent number: 5845817
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable substance, which includes a rigid open channel or basin-shaped first main part having a dispensing channel with a dispensing opening, and a basin- or channel-like second main part which is comprised of a resilient material and has a shape complementary to the first main part, wherein the first main part and the second main part are joined together to form a closed dispensing container, and wherein the second main part has an end wall that includes a closure part which is complementary to the dispensing channel of the first main part and which lies resiliently against the dispensing opening. Pressure applied to the upper part of the end wall causes it to pivot on pivot points causing the closure part to swing upwardly and open the dispensing opening to permit discharge of the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Cenova AB
    Inventor: Billy Nilson
  • Patent number: 5803311
    Abstract: A dispenser for discharging media to be used in conjunction with a pressure chamber comprises: a medium outlet; an outlet channel leading into the medium outlet, the outlet channel defining a medium flow in operation, the outlet channel, at a distance from the medium outlet, having a channel portion provided to connect to the pressure chamber and operable for producing a delivery pressure in a range of increasing medium pressures, from a relatively lower medium pressure to a relatively higher medium pressure, the outlet channel having adjustable passage cross-sections; and, a controller for increasing the passage cross-sections to a relatively larger cross-section at relatively lower medium pressure and to constrict the passage cross-sections smaller than the relatively larger cross-section at the relatively higher medium pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 5725131
    Abstract: A valve and dispensing assembly for dispensing powdered material from a container includes a flexible tube intended to be collapsed to actuate a valve which permits the tube to selectively open for dispensing the material through the tube. The assembly includes a flexible tube apparatus including a body attachable to the container and a valve releasably received within the tube and normally closing it off. Collapse of the tube causes it to move relatively of the valve to unseat it and open the tube for material discharge. The assembly also includes a declumper secured to the tube for movement therewith during collapse of the tube. The valve closes off the tube when in its uncollapsed condition while the tube and declumper move relatively of the valve during collapse to open the tube. A portion of the declumper is bifurcated and has serrated opposed edges which can engage the head of the valve during the tube collapse to assist in breaking up clumps which may have formed in the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Bell, Michael J. Dolan, John M. Tosill, J. Christopher Wysocki
  • Patent number: 5605241
    Abstract: A device for controllably retaining a liquid to prevent spillage when the bottle is tilted or inverted for positioning the bottle to discharge the container's liquid contents into the intended orifice. The hydraulically operated plug forms an air tight seal with the smooth inner surface of the neck of the container, permitting the container to be inverted and positioned over the intended receptacle without releasing any fluid. Upon squeezing the flexible container, the lid is forced from the container by the hydraulic pressure exerted on the inner surface of the lid, permitting the liquid to pour freely from the container into the intended receptacle. A tether attaching the plug to an exterior location on the container allows the plug to fall clear of the stream of flow while preventing the plug from becoming lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Rosemarie V. Imperioli
  • Patent number: 5605257
    Abstract: Dispenser has a nozzle with a tip seal valve and an internal check valve defining a discharge chamber between them. The tip seal valve actuator extends along the squeeze bottle side so that it can be actuated at the same time as the bottle is squeezed. Because of the check valve, there is no "suck back" as bottle is released. A bottle vent permits air in, but does not allow liquid to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Walter C. Beard
  • Patent number: 5499748
    Abstract: A cleaning product and system is described that includes a fluid cleaning composition, a dispenser for holding the composition and a wall mount that receives and supports the dispenser. An engagement mechanism, such as a curved recess in respective parallel side walls of the dispenser, functions to support same within a U-shaped bracket of the wall mount. The bracket includes left and right arms parallel to one another projecting outwardly and form-fittingly coupling with the recesses on the dispenser side walls. A suction cup is joined to a rear surface of the bracket functioning to attach the wall mount to a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Iaia, Mark Dziersk, Javier Verdura, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5499741
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing carbonation flavoured drinks has a number of features. Water introduced to a water break from the mains supply holds a value open whilst the carbonation chamber is being filled. A concentrate supply includes a metering chamber into which concentrate flows under gravity and from which concentrate is discharged by gas pressure. The concentrate containers include means to indicate the type of concentrate therein and the degree of carbonation of water is controlled by detecting this indication. Change-over from one gas supply bottle to another is achieved utilising the pressure of the gas in the bottle to displace an element which effects the change-over. Concentrate in supply containers thereof is cooled by coolant used from cooling the carbonation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventors: Alistair Scott, Allen J. Pearson, James T. Collins
  • Patent number: 5485938
    Abstract: This relates to a resealable lid and cup assembly and method for using the same. The resealable lid has an opening through which liquid flows and a valve mechanism for selectively closing the opening. The valve mechanism is provided on the underside of the lid and is biased to the open position by inward deflection of the side wall of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Drew H. Boersma
  • Patent number: 5460299
    Abstract: Dispenser for dispensing a liquid, in particular a drug, such as for instance eye drops, which dispenser comprises two half portions which can be assembled by means of a snap lock to form a closed chamber adapted to surround a plastic bag containing the liquid, said bag having a constricted portion into which the reservoir of the bag extends, the constricted portion forming a neck with a dosage duct, through which the liquid, after breaking of the constricted portion, may be squeezed by compression of the plastic bag, one wall of the chamber of the dispenser being resilient to such an extent that the plastic bag can be compressed, and the dispenser comprising a shut off for sealing the dosage opening when no liquid is to be supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Eva Willadsen
    Inventor: Jan U. Prause
  • Patent number: 5456294
    Abstract: A bottle cap having a valve which provides a water tight seal to prevent spillage when a water bottle is inverted for installation onto a water dispenser, but which can be opened after the water bottle is installed by generating a hydraulic shock wave within the bottle to open the valve. A first embodiment has a triple valve seal with mechanical interference between the valve pieces to create an initially water tight seal. A second embodiment employs a dual valve structure. A third embodiment employs a single valve structure. In the first three embodiments, the valves are pivotally attached to the valve body by flexible living hinges. A fourth embodiment has a single linearly sliding valve. Three methods are presented for generating the hydraulic shock wave to open the valve. In the first method, the water bottle is positioned just above the water dispenser and lowered rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Innostar, Inc.
    Inventors: Chein-Hwa Tsao, Robert N. Lee, Boris Shteynberg, Cecil Davis
  • Patent number: 5439146
    Abstract: A dispensing device for flowing substances comprises a tube (19) of flexible material adapted to receive the substance in question from a conduit (13) and a valve arrangement (20) for regulating flow of substance from the tube out through a discharge opening (21). The valve arrangement has two or more valve parts (23), which are adapted to each other so as to in a first relative position shut the flow past the valve and in a second relative position open for flow therethrough. A cooling device (10) is arranged along at least a part of the conduit (13) for cooling the conduit and the substance located therein, so that particularly in the case of food substances a degradation thereof is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Jan-Anders Niss
  • Patent number: 5385272
    Abstract: A hand held, free standing, bottom dispensing dispenser, generally made of plastic, for the dispensing of thick liquids such as lotions, shampoos, and processed foodstuff, having a resiliently walled reservoir that sits atop a stand that offers fulcrum for a mechanical linkage. The linkage has a top portion engaged to the reservoir side wall allowing the user's hand to grasp and manipulate the linkage while grasping and manipulating the reservoir, and a bottom portion coupled to dispensing valve disposed and adapted to open and close a discharge element affixed to an outlet in the bottom end of the reservoir. Thus, when hand pressure is applied to the linkage top portion at the same time the reservoir is squeezed and the motion transmitted by the linkage to the dispensing valve opens the latter to dispense a portion of the content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Michel M. Aoun
  • Patent number: 5365260
    Abstract: An ink jet cartridge is composed integrally of a recording head and an ink tank, which are constructed in mutually separable manner, in order to enable repeated use of the recording head by replacement of the ink tank. In an ink supply part in the ink tank, an elastic partition wall is provided with a slit which is normally closed but is opened under a predetermined pressure difference. The slit is so designed as to generate an appropriate negative pressure on the recording head, thereby preventing ink leakage. Also a slit shielding valve member is provided to shield the slit at the abrupt inhaling action of the ink tank at the detaching of the ink tank, in order to prevent air intrusion into the ink tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Kitani, Yoshifumi Hattori, Etsurou Suzuki, Hideo Saikawa, Masami Kojima, Kenji Kawano, Koichi Tanno, Kenji Aono
  • Patent number: 5363890
    Abstract: A device which prevents spillage when a water bottle is inverted for installation onto a water dispenser. The device establishes the flow of water from the water bottle into the water dispenser after a predetermined time delay from when the bottle is inverted. The device is a membrane closure which initially provides a water tight seal on the mouth of the water bottle, but which opens up to allow water to flow from the bottle after a predictable time delay. Thus, the user can slowly and carefully invert the water bottle and place it in the correct position. Three embodiments are presented: 1) a membrane seal which is folded multiple times to create an initially water tight seal, which, when the water bottle is inverted, slowly unfolds due to the hydrostatic pressure, thereby opening the seal and allowing the water to flow; 2) a membrane seal of a moisture sensitive material which is coated with a water impermeable material and which is scored in a desired rupture pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Innostar, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Yeung, Robert N. Lee, Chein-Hwa Tsao
  • Patent number: 5348194
    Abstract: The atomizer bottle (10; 110), operable by manual squeezing, comprises in addition to the actual bottle (12, 112) containing the liquid to be atomized an atomizer capsule (22; 122) which closes the mouth (20: 120) of the bottle (12; 112). In the capsule (22; 122) there is inserted an atomization insert (26; 126) comprising a nozzle (27; 127) from which the atomized liquid emerges. The atomizer bottle (10; 110) also comprises a conventional pump (32; 132) with the relative dip tube (60; 160). The pump (32; 132) is enclosed within the bottle (12; 112) and is operable by axially pressing a hollow shaft (30; 130) projecting from it. The hollow shaft (30; 130) of the pump is rigid with the capsule (22; 122), and the interior of the shaft (30; 130) communicates with the nozzle (27; 127).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: SAR S.p.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Mascitelli, Enrico Bonelli
  • Patent number: 5339972
    Abstract: Total and immediate closure device which can be fitted on various containers, in particular bottles, tubes and jars, whether rigid or flexible, includes a hood (10) made of an elastic deformable material which can be fitted on the mouth (21) of a container (2). Hood (10) is pierced axially with an opening (11) into which there is tightly inserted a cylindrical body (22) an end of which is located inside of the container (2) penetrating into the opening (21) thereof and is rigidly fastened to the inner part (24) of said container (2) so as to provide a space along the outside of body (22) for the passage of the contents (23) from the said container (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventors: Daniel Crosnier, Jean-Marie Dulery
  • Patent number: 5328483
    Abstract: An intradermal injection device, comprised of a fine gauge injection needle and hub, is enveloped by an attached flexible tear-drop shaped bulb containing a reservoir, and which is itself attached to an integral sliding needle guard. The device contains a prepackaged dose of medication to be administered, which is sealed into the hub and bulb reservoir. Using the hub as a convenient handle, the needle is injected into the skin and the medication is discharged by squeezing the bulb between the thumb and forefinger; afterward the sliding needle guard is deployed by the same squeezing action. A hypodermic injection device, longer needle variation, is accomplished by a modification in the form of an extension to the bulb of a sleeve folding or invaginating over itself, allowing the integral sliding needle guard, when deployed, to extend over the longer needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Richard M. Jacoby
  • Patent number: 5303750
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a drain by opening a container within a dispenser and dispensing drain cleaner from the container, through an outlet of the dispenser, and into the drain. The dispenser may have an upwardly extending pin for opening the container. Alternatively, the dispenser may have a cutter for opening an angled end of the container. In another alterative, the container may include a plug and a cooperating stem for opening the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Block Drug Company
    Inventors: Arthur Sternheimer, Anthony Delia
  • Patent number: 5301845
    Abstract: A squeeze container has a flexible and resilient sidewall and a top mouth closed by a cap through which a measuring tube extends into the container to terminate adjacent the container bottom wa1. A normally-closed check valve is fitted to the tube bottom end to allow liquid in the container to enter the tube in a measured quantity when the side wall is squeezed and for retaining the measured quantity of liquid when the tube sidewall is released. The measured liquid in the tube is discharged when the container is inverted and squeezed. After liquid discharge, outside air is admitted within the container to nearly re-establish atmospheric pressure, either through the measuring tube or through a check valve located at the cap. In the first case, the measuring tube check valve is not hermetic when closed, so as to permit air entrance at a slow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Labonte
  • Patent number: 5271513
    Abstract: Total and immediate closure device which can be fitted on various containers, in particular bottles, tubes and jars, whether rigid or flexible, includes a hood (10) made of an elastic deformable material which can be fitted on the mouth (21) of a container (2). Hood (10) is pierced axially with an opening (11) into which there is tightly inserted a cylindrical body (22) an end of which is located inside of the container (2) penetrating into the opening (21) thereof and is rigidly fastened to the inner part (24) of said container (2) so as to provide a space along the outside of body (22) for the passage of the contents (23) from the said container (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventors: Daniel Crosnier, Jean-Marie Dulery
  • Patent number: 5261565
    Abstract: A thin film beam spring valve is provided for use in a squeeze pump package. The squeeze pump package includes a resilient outer bottle and an inner flexible bag with a rigid fitment. An apertured diptube is utilized to enable substantially all of the product within the bag to be dispensed. The outer bottle of the package has a substantially cylindrical finish which includes an aperture therethrough and an internally extending ledge at its lower end. The thin film beam spring is located above the ledge in a cavity created between the bottle finish and the rigid fitment of the inner bag. The central portion of the beam spring is located adjacent to the aperture of the finish such that the beam spring will seal the aperture upon exposure to a positive dispensing pressure within the bottle. The beam spring will allow air to enter the bottle upon the application of negative pressure within the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: James L. Drobish, H. Norman Reiboldt, Ronald W. Kock
  • Patent number: 5259535
    Abstract: A container having a threaded tubular neck out through which a contained liquid can be poured is provided with a screwed on outlet funnel. The outlet funnel houses a liquid-buoyant, invertible stopper, which is heavier towards an end provided with a sealing-preventing feature, than towards a diametrically opposite end provided with a sealing-providing feature. The container itself may be of conventional construction. The funnel possibly telescopes for selectively locking the stopper in place in either an orientation in which it seals to prevent liquid from entering the funnel from the container, or to prevent liquid from pouring from the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventor: James M. Boyte, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5248212
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the delivery of any type of product held in a reservoir with flexible and deformable wall. The device is essentially comprised of means (4) for the delivery of a product, which means are housed in a reservoir (2) with flexible and deformable wall (3) and which may be actuated by an outside pressure (F) exerted on the deformable wall of the reservoir. The device applies for example to the delivery and application of a cosmetic product on the skin or the nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: L V M H Recherche
    Inventor: Francois Lhuisset
  • Patent number: 5125539
    Abstract: A pasty product dispenser (1) comprising a body defining a chamber for storing at least one main pasty product and pumping system defined by a wall surmounting the storage chamber and by an intake valve member, the wall carrying on the side of the storage chamber a separator tube enclosing the valve member and comprising passages for at least one secondary pasty product contained between the separator tube and the body, the passages being outside the separator tube, the wall having a rotating cover with traversing apertures, rotation of the cover progressively masks or exposes the passages, the apertures being occluded by the valve member when it is in its low position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Cebal
    Inventor: Bernard Schneider
  • Patent number: 5123570
    Abstract: A container for dispensing engine oil including a self-contained plunger with a cutting head that permits dispensing of the oil in an inverted position in cramped spaces. The container includes a foil or other frangible seal across the spout opening that is pierced by manual actuation of the plunger after the container is inverted. The container base includes a flexible area for pressing manually against the plunger end. The invention permits dispensing of oil into an engine without spillage in engine compartments having limited space for positioning the oil container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventors: Brian C. Dubow, Andres Barcenas
  • Patent number: 5102017
    Abstract: A mechanical actuator for liquid dispensing taps which provides a mechanical advantage by means of a combination of levers, linkages, and sets of floating and fixed hinges. In a preferred embodiment the actuator improves the ergonomics of using the dispensing tap by providing a more natural hand position and better visibility of the product flow from liquid dispensing taps typically used on large volume liquid containers such as bag-in-box packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Robert S. Dirksing
  • Patent number: 5088622
    Abstract: Pressurized gas tank comprises a casing provided with an opening communicating with an orifice and connecting the inside of the tank with the outside. Gas flow through the orifice is controlled by a flow control valve. The casing is elastically deformable in response to the gas pressure contained in said tank (1). Deformation of the tank is transmitted to the flow control valve to control the flow of gas therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme dite: Aerospatiale Societe Nationale Industrielle
    Inventors: Yves H. G. Valy, Pascal D. Coquet, Michel Amagat
  • Patent number: 5074440
    Abstract: A multiple use container for dispensing fluids, particularly preservative free preparations in variable doses, includes a squeezable container for holding the fluid. A dispenser assembly associated with an exit opening from the container includes a hollow dispensing tip which encloses a fluid valve. The fluid valve utilizes a piston head which sealingly seats in a valve seat. A resilient biasing means holds the piston head in a normally sealed or closed position. A second opening in communication with the interior of the bottle is covered by a hydrophobic filter having a pore size that prevents microbial contaminants from entering the container but prohibits fluid from leaving the container. The bottle is squeezed to force fluid to overcome the biasing pressure of the fluid valve to dispense fluid from the bottle. Upon release of that pressure, the fluid valve closes and air passes through the filter to replace the dispensed fluid. The air entering the container is sterilized by the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Clements, Fred M. Killinger
  • Patent number: 5060833
    Abstract: A water system that allows a bicyclist to drink liquids anytime he desires. The system has a collapsible container of water or other liquid stored within a flexible back pack that is removably secured at a location between the shoulders of the bicyclist. A resilient mouthpiece adapted to be held in the mouth of the bicyclist is connected to the container by a length of tubing. The mouthpiece is a valve device and has a cylindrical sidewall that forms a chamber. A spring biased valve element located inside the chamber normally prevents flow therethrough. When the opposed sidewalls of the chamber are compressed between the teeth, liquid flows through the mouthpiece. This allows the mouthpiece to be held securely between the lips and whenever the sidewalls are compressed by the teeth, fluid flows from the container, through the tubing and into the mouth of the bicyclist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Fastrak Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Edison, Arthur D. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5037005
    Abstract: A hand holdable, disposable dispension container of low cost construction, generally of plastic, for the dispensing of fluent, generally viscid materials, including processed foodstuff such as ketchup, relish, mustard and jams; creams, handcreams, lotions, colloidal solids such as toothpaste and the like, has a base portion on which the container is free standing, and a valved dispensing outlet located on a lower side face of the container, in underhung protected relation adjacent to the base, to permit downward dispensing of selected quantities of the contents without having to resort to invention of the container. The container incorporates a self-venting pressure balance capability. The container content is always located in the lower part of the container, due to the influence of gravity for immediate dispensing, by squeezing of the container walls, and making possible the dispensing of substantially all of the contents so that virtually none is wasted and thrown out with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventors: Paul Appleby, Jerry N. Moscovitch
  • Patent number: 5033652
    Abstract: A hand-held, manually-actuated dispenser for selective discharge of a stored fluid includes a discharge outlet and a reciprocatable actuating member movable between a first position normally closing the outlet and a second position opening the outlet to enable a discharge of stored fluid. The actuating member carries an inadvertent-actuation locking element which is automatically engageable with an inwardly-displaceable portion of the dispenser housing. When an associated closure cap is seated about the discharge end of the dispenser during periods of nonuse of the device, the housing portion is inwardly-displaced by the cap into cooperative engagement with the locking element whereby movement of the actuating member out of its first, outlet-closing position and, accordingly, any release of stored fluid from within the dispenser interior are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Photofinish Cosmetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nate Kay, Donald W. McNab
  • Patent number: 5025957
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing nozzle assembly is provided for mounting on a liquid container and dispenser having a flexible wall and liquid storage cavity for manually squeezed dispensing of a liquid from the cavity through the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly maintains the liquid, such as contact lens saline solution, in sterile condition during storage and repeated dispensing of the liquid from the container cavity. The nozzle assembly includes a liquid conduit for communication from the container cavity to a liquid discharge port from the nozzle assembly to enable dispensing of the liquid displaced by manually squeezing the flexible wall of the container. The nozzle assembly also includes an air aspiration conduit separate from the liquid conduit for aspirating air into the container cavity to replace the dispensed liquid. The nozzle assembly includes a partitioned diaphragm including separate portions respectively included in the liquid conduit and the air aspiration conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignees: Ryder International Corp., pK Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph V. Ranalletta, Fred E. Williams, Jr., Rowland W. Kanner
  • Patent number: 5020930
    Abstract: A dispenser for viscous material, such as shoe polish, comprising a substantially cylindrical reservoir having near one reservoir end a filling discharge passage terminating in a distribution channel extending through a porous applicator. At least a part of the dispenser wall is deformable for pressing the filling out of the reservoir through the filling discharge passage into the distribution channel. The dispenser is characterized in that at the other end of the reservoir (16,24), there is provided a follower piston (6,28) which, while confining the filling at the discharge end of the reservoir, under the influence of a force exerted axially on the piston body (6,24), is movable stepwise in the direction of the filling discharge passage (9,29). The dispenser is further provided with pumping means operative upon deformation of the deformable portion (3,34) of the dispenser wall (2,25), which portion is resilient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventor: Peter H. A. N. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 5000354
    Abstract: A container for fluids made of a container body having a flat bottom, a wall extending from the bottom, and a fluid-filling hole opposing the bottom. The wall of this container is made of an elastic material and has at least one internal stop. A actuation rod is disposed within the container and is made of a main rod, a head portion at one end of the main rod, elastic legs on the end of the main rod opposing the head portion, and at least two supports attached at an intermediate portion on the main rod. The elastic legs are in the shape of an inverted Y, and when the actuation rod is inserted in the container body the elastic legs contact its bottom. The supports contact the stop of the wall. A cap seals the fluid-filling hole of the container and has a discharge hole at its center. The head portion of the actuation rod closes the discharge hole of the cap when the container is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventors: Young J. Lee, Kyoung S. Kim
  • Patent number: 4984923
    Abstract: In the application instrument provided in accordance with the present invention, an operating member inserted in the middle cylinder so as to be movable backward and forward in the axial direction thereof is operated so that a valve mechanism provided in the front portion of the middle cylinder is operated to supply the penpoint with the applied liquid stored in the rear portion of the middle cylinder. The valve mechanism includes a valve seat having a valve hole, a valve spindle provided with a valve element for opening and closing the valve hole, and a stretchable member for moving the valve spindle backward and forward. The stretchable member is elongated and shortened in the axial direction of the middle cylinder as the bent portions of the bent arms are bent less and more, respectively. The operating member is disposed behind the valve mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Pilot Ink Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Ota
  • Patent number: 4966483
    Abstract: A valve operating mechanism comprises a valve having a valve member and a valve seat, the valve seat having a fluid passage hole is arranged at an end of a fluid chamber containing fluid such as liquid or gas, the valve member which is axially moved relative to the valve seat, to thereby control the passage of fluid, an axially movable member spaced a certain distance from the valve seat, radially displaceable members such as thread-shaped members, linear members or bar-shaped members through which the axially movable member is interconnected with a rear part of the body, and means for causing, when a grasping force is applied to the radially displaceable members the valve seat moves relative to the valve member, thus opening the valve, and for causing, when the grasping force is eliminated, the valve seat comes into abutment against the valve member, thus closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Ancos Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Hashimoto, Haruo Yamashita
  • Patent number: 4962870
    Abstract: A distributor for pasty products having a sliding piston and a distribution head. The distribution head has a tubular, deformable pumping member, an actuator acting on the pumping member and an expelling valve. An upper end of an upper tube of the pumping member forms an annual end edge. The expelling valve has a flexible disk with a periphery kept in engagement with the end edge of the tube by a central bearing member of the disk. The bearing member is connected to the actuator, the flexible disk and the end edge of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Cebal
    Inventor: Bernard Schneider
  • Patent number: 4961516
    Abstract: A processing solution container is provided which can contain two or more fluids separately. The container includes an expandable housing for receiving processing solution therein having a port for charging and discharging the solution, and a partition in the housing for dividing the interior of the housing into a plurality of compartments, but allowing fluid communication between the compartments when the housing is expanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 4949857
    Abstract: A bottle seal that can be manual pressure broken after bottle cap is removed and the spigot end of the oil bottle is entered into the engine oil filler opening in a breakable pattern that retains the seal affixed to the empty oil bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventor: Carl D. Russell