Axial Discharge Patents (Class 222/525)
  • Patent number: 8083055
    Abstract: A dispensing cap system for dispensing a supplement material through a bottle neck opening and into the bottle. An exemplary embodiment includes a cap member configured for connection to beverage bottle necks of different sizes. A seal member is arranged to provide a liquid seal against the neck opening. A valve member passes through a storage member attached to the cap member, and is configured for movement between a storage position and a dispensing position, in which passage is permitted of the supplement material from the storage member into the bottle. A nipple member may be positioned over the valve member to allow the bottle contents to be utilized or consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tap the Cap, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher H. Y. Simonian, Jeannine Simonian, Ian J. Fettes
  • Patent number: 8083108
    Abstract: A dispensing cap for a beverage container constitutes a one-piece moulding of plastic material including a first circular section tubular portion for connection to the mouth of a liquid container and a second circular section tubular portion carrying a radially projecting circumferential flange, one end of the first tubular portion being connected to one end of the second tubular portion by a resilient, annular, integral web in which one or more flow openings are formed, the first and second tubular portions being coaxial and relatively movable in the axial direction between an open and closed position. The moulding further including two half shells of semi-cylindrical shape, the upper edge of each is integral with and sealed to the circumferential flange, the lower edge forms a sliding seal with the first tubular portion, whereby within the two half shells, there is a liquid flow space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Carbonite Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Eric Smith, Karl Mondszein
  • Patent number: 8033429
    Abstract: The dispensing device for single use includes a multicomponent cartridge with a closure and a mixer. The cartridge and the mixer form an interconnected unit and the closure, arranged between the outlets of the cartridge and the inlets of the mixer, is configured as a valve arrangement in order to establish a connection between the cartridge outlets and the mixing elements of the mixer after performing a relative movement between the mixer and the cartridge or syringe. In certain embodiments of the invention the connection is effected by rotation of the mixing unit relative to the cartridge, and in other embodiments of the invention by axial displacement of the mixing unit relative to the cartridge. This results in a disposable dispensing unit that can be economically produced and is particularly easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 8033433
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for a container with a long tapered nozzle body has a narrow tapered dispensing end and a wider base end. A passage for fluid runs from the base end to the dispensing end and through an outlet. The dispensing nozzle has a removable cap that fits over the dispensing nozzle when in the closed position which closes the dispensing nozzle's outlet with a penetrating plug located on the interior of the cap. The cap has a narrow closed end that has the penetrating plug on its interior side and the cap has a wider open end. The cap fits onto the nozzle in a tight fit when closed. The invention contemplates that the fluid in the container is strong glue, so that hardened glue makes removing the cap difficult. To solve this problem, the nozzle and the cap have two distinct sets of ramps that provide the initial separating force to twist the cap with respect to the nozzle in order to remove the cap easily and allow dispensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Locite (R&D) Limited
    Inventors: David J. Gibson, Geoffrey F. Seymour
  • Patent number: 8016159
    Abstract: A closure for a container having an opening includes a base cap and an overcap that form a chamber adjacent the opening which is sealed from the contents of the container by a frangible membrane having an inclined line of weakness and by a hinge member having a pocket extending downward adjacent lower and upper terminuses of the line of weakness. The overcap includes a cutting member received within the pocket that severs the line of weakness upon substantial rotation of the overcap with respect to the base cap. A pushing member may cooperate with a cam member to deflect open the membrane upon severance. The pocket may include a stop for the cutting member. The base cap may include a cylindrical structure having an upwardly inwardly projection member to form a seal with an thickened upper portion of the overcap skirt to protect against penetration into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Xiaoli Ma
  • Patent number: 8011534
    Abstract: A dispenser for a bottle that is adapted to contain a consumable beverage. The dispenser may be reusable to facilitate easy use and last minute selection of flavoring component for a consumable beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Cool Gear International, LLC
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth, Marco Wo
  • Patent number: 7997450
    Abstract: The multicomponent cartridge has a container with chambers for the reception of different fluid components, a mixer element fixed on the container for the mixing of the components and a dispensing tube placed onto the mixer element and connected to the container for the dispensing of the mixed components. The mixer element is configured as a guide element for the axial displacement of the dispensing tube between an open position for dispensing of the mixed components and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventors: Rolf Heusser, Andreas Staub
  • Patent number: 7971739
    Abstract: A closure for a container with a cap connecting to a neck of the container has at least one cutter edge placed around a central axis internal of the neck. The edge cuts through a closure film as axially displaced on a holding sleeve, which is held centrally by the cap with a flexible skirt. The holding sleeve contains a component for mixing with the contents of the container. A screw cap holds an initial non-puncturing position and, a stop position after additional screwing on, at which the film is punctured. The cap remains permanently on the neck of the container, and includes a pouring opening. In the stop position, the container contents flow toward the pouring opening. When the screw cap is back into its initial position, flow to the pouring opening is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Rainer Ammann
  • Publication number: 20110095058
    Abstract: A closure for a container, and a container incorporating the same, that minimizes or eliminates leakage between the closure and the container holding the liquid. The closure provides a liquid sealing system that allows irregularly shaped closure tops to be used without sacrificing the effectiveness of the liquid seal. In one embodiment, the closure includes a plurality of struts disposed within an annular space that receives a neck portion of the container to create a seating plane that corresponds to a plane formed by the rim of the neck portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: COLGATE-PALMOLIVE COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Parra, Jeffrey Mayers, James David Faulkner, Elaine Casey, Bruce Cummings, Corrine Elstow, Sam Lucking, John Lamb
  • Patent number: 7909210
    Abstract: A dispenser for a bottle that is adapted to contain a consumable beverage. The dispenser includes a dispenser body defining a chamber therein. The chamber is adapted to hold a flavoring component. The dispenser body has a first dispenser end, suitable for drinking therefrom, and has a second dispenser end, adapted to be positioned within the bottle when the dispenser is engaged with the bottle. The plunger is slidably disposed at least partially within the dispenser body for movement from a first plunger position to a second plunger position, in which the plunger penetrates a portion of the dispenser body to create a passageway. When the plunger is in the second plunger position and a cap is in a first cap position, the plunger end cooperates with the cap to seal the cap opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cool Gear International, LLC
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Publication number: 20110049195
    Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly for a drink container. The assembly has an occludable nozzle able to close a dispensing path way when the nozzle is in one condition relative to an occlusion providing member of the assembly, and to open a dispensing pathway when the nozzle is in a second condition relative to the occlusion providing member. The nozzle is movable from the raised non occluded open and dispensing condition to the lowered occluded non-dispensing closed condition against a bias. The nozzle is releasably latchable in the closed condition. The release involves a rotation of one part of the assembly relative to another to allow axial movement of the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Allin Nicholas Russell, James Richard Manley, Brendan Jon Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7832600
    Abstract: In another aspect the invention is a (drink bottle or container) closure assembly as a unit having an occlusion region providing first component, the first component being adapted for a closing engagement with a complementary bottle or container, and having a liquid passageway to be open from the bottle or container to an outlet below at least part of the occlusion region, as a second component, a spout or top with a dispensing outlet capable of being occluded by the occlusion region to provide a substantially liquid tight-environment from an engaged liquid bearing bottle or container unless the second component rises from its dispensing outlet occluding condition, and a third component, rotation of which controls the rise and fall of the second component relative to the occlusion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sistema Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Brendan Jon Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7815075
    Abstract: A personal squeeze bottle dispenser has a clamshell housing adapted to receive a squeeze bottle having a push/pull dispensing valve. A slide mechanism is received within the housing and has a collar at one end engaging the push/pull valve, and a spring at the other end to effect automatic return of the slide mechanism upon termination of a dispensing cycle. The spring biases the push/pull valve to the closed position. The clamshell housing is configured with an opening for a thumb pad of the slid mechanism to achieve opening of the push/pull valve and accommodating pressure upon the squeeze bottle. An opening on the backside of the housing, opposite the thumb pad, is also provided to allow the user's fingers to access the squeeze bottle for the application of dispensing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Nelson E. Simkins
  • Patent number: 7806303
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sealable pour spout. The pour spout provides a conduit which allows liquid to leave a bottle and a vent which allows air to enter the bottle and replace the liquid. A cap moves vertically along the conduit which provides fluid communication with the interior of the bottle. When the cap is moved upward, the spout opens. A through hole in the side of the cap also allows fluid communication with the interior of the bottle. When the cap is depressed, a stopper occludes the pour hole and closes the spout. The vent is occluded, in the closed position, by the interior surface of the cap. Therefore, the interior of the bottle is completely sealed when the spout is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Hastings
  • Patent number: 7753234
    Abstract: A fluid container is disclosed. The container includes an enclosure for containing liquid and a first closure member. The first closure member is in the form of a fluid discharge assembly which includes a selectively removable valve body mounted for movement between an open position to permit flow of liquid from the enclosure and a closed position to prevent flow of liquid through the fluid discharge assembly. In addition, the closure includes a cap member mountable to a container, and the cap member defines a product outlet passage. The valve body is disposed for movement within the outlet passage between an open position to permit flow of product through the passage from said container and a closed position to prevent flow of product through the passage. The valve body is selectively removable from the outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Robert A. Heiberger
  • Patent number: 7743952
    Abstract: The present invention is a container closure for a bottle or other similar container having a neck. The closure includes a top ring, a downwardly depending skirt, and a hollow generally cylindrical downwardly depending plug seal. The plug seal having a varied thickness with a relatively thick proximal end and tapers to a relatively thinner midpoint. The plug seal further extends at a substantially constant thickness to a distal end. The plug seal includes an upper annular bead and a lower annular bead on the outer surface thereof. The lower bead is slightly larger than the upper bead. The upper bead is located coincident with or near the midpoint of the plug seal and the lower bead is located at or near the distal end of the plug seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Stull Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Auer, Gene Stull, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100116853
    Abstract: A product dispensing apparatus that may include a container unit, collar unit, plunger, and housing unit, wherein the product dispensing apparatus can transition between all open position and a closed position. In the open position, a product housed in the container unit may be dispensed from a product dispensing unit. In the closed position, the product is restricted from being dispensed from the product dispensing unit. The housing unit is be used to transition the product dispensing apparatus between the open position and the closed position without additional manual intervention. The process of engaging the product dispensing unit to the housing unit causes a physical interaction between the housing unit and the product dispensing unit to transition the product dispensing apparatus from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: James C. Wightman, Jeffrey Marc Hayet
  • Publication number: 20100084436
    Abstract: A re-sealable spigot includes a cylindrical structure configured to be attached to a liquid receptacle, wherein said cylindrical structure further comprises a stem, having an upper portion and a base portion, and a top in a coaxial arrangement with said upper portion of said stem, and a cap having a hollow receiving portion shaped as a multi-sided geometrical element, wherein said cap seals said cylindrical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Sports Pouch Beverage Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert ARVIZU
  • Patent number: 7681754
    Abstract: A thermos (with or without a vacuum) with an improved beverage consumption apparatus which enables a liquid to be consumed directly from the thermos when a valve is pushed to the opened condition so that liquid can exit the interior of the thermos. Thermos also contains an improved larger easily locatable circumferential closing ring which facilitates closure of the container when the user is in a darkened area or driving a moving vehicle so that the consumer must have one hand on the steering wheel and is not necessarily looking at the thermos. The thermos also comprises an improved sealing cap to facilitate valve closure. The thermos also contains an improved valve sealing means to assure that even a tiny amount of liquid will not seep out of the thermos when the thermos is placed into a container such as a briefcase which contains written material and valuable electronic objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Ross
  • Patent number: 7677421
    Abstract: In another aspect the invention is a (drink bottle or container) closure assembly as a unit having an occlusion region providing first component, the first component being adapted for a closing engagement with a complementary bottle or container, and having a liquid passageway to be open from the bottle or container to an outlet below at least part of the occlusion region, as a second component, a spout or top with a dispensing outlet capable of being occluded by the occlusion region to provide a substantially liquid tight environment from an engaged liquid bearing bottle or container unless the second component rises from its dispensing outlet occluding condition, and a third component, rotation of which controls the rise and fall of the second component relative to said occlusion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sistema Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Brendan Jon Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7665637
    Abstract: A closure (5) suitable for mounting onto a container (80). A closure comprises a main closure (10) having a top portion (11) that has an aperture (32) therethrough and a skirt (12) depending downwardly from the top portion (11) that is attachable to the container. A sealing rib (16) extends inwardly from the inner surface of the main closure (10) and is adapted to form a seal with the end portion of the container (80). A spout (33) extends upwardly from the top portion (11) and defines a bore that is in fluid communication with the aperture (32) in the top portion (11). A plug (36) having radially outer surface is mounted to the spout (33). The closure further comprises a top cap (50) that is mountable to the spout and is relatively movable between a first position where the plug (36) seals an opening in the top cap (5) and at least a second position where the plug (36) is withdrawn from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Closures and Packaging Services (UK) Limited
    Inventor: David Edward Foster
  • Patent number: 7661560
    Abstract: A tamper-evident outer cap for a tube spout fitment with push-pull cap for a flexible pouch is provided. The tube spout fitment is sealed to the pouch body, and includes a base portion having a seal-engaging surface disposed within the pouch body and a centrally located passageway. An internal tubular spout projects upwardly from the base portion and has a centrally located passageway. A push-pull cap is slidably retained on the internal tube spout, and is a generally cylindrical member having an outer wall, an inner wall parallel to the outer wall, and an upper wall having a central opening formed therein interconnecting the outer wall to the inner wall. A tamper-evident outer cap is disposed over the push-pull cap, and includes an openable portion, a collar portion permanently retained on the tube spout fitment, and a first connecting member interconnecting the openable portion and the collar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Patent number: 7651003
    Abstract: A closure used on a beverage container has an outlet neck centered on an axis. The closure has a mount secured to the neck and a valve body formed with an outwardly open passage extending along a passage axis generally coaxial with the outlet-neck axis. This body is pivotally displaceable in the mount about a valve-body axis generally coaxial with the passage axis and outlet-neck axis between an open position and a closed position and through an intermediate position. Structure on the valve body and mount block flow through the passage in the closed position, allow free flow through the passage in the open position, and limit flow through the passage in the intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Georg Menshen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Albers, Frank Römer
  • Publication number: 20100012686
    Abstract: A fluid container may have a body that defines a void for receiving a fluid. A neck extends outward from the body, and a spout the spout is at least partially located within the neck. The spout is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. When the spout is in the retracted position, a majority of the spout is located within the neck and the fluid is prevented from flowing out of the container through the spout. When the spout is in the extended position, however, the spout extends outward from the neck and the fluid is free to flow out of the container through the spout. An exterior surface of the spout may be at least partially formed from a deformable material, and a protrusion in the neck contacts the material and extends into the material to form a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Terrence Joehnk, Scott C. Holt, Timothy A. Clark
  • Publication number: 20100000887
    Abstract: So as to apply to the refilled content of a bottle a desired substance e.g. a tasting substance, mini-receptacles are provided filled with a respective substance, which are broken open by external manipulation into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Florian Troesch, Simon Troesch
  • Publication number: 20090302071
    Abstract: A multifunctional sealing device for a valve structured for opening of a discharge conduit by virtue of upstream-directed movement of a sealing body relative to the discharge direction. The distinctive characteristic of the invention is that the sealing body is of a radially flexible arrangement; wherein the discharge conduit is provided with at least one storage seal seat for sealing reception of the sealing body when the valve is in a storage mode, and also at least one utility seal seat for sealing reception of the sealing body when the valve is in a closed utility mode; wherein the at least one utility seal seat is provided upstream of the at least one storage seal seat; and wherein both the storage seal seat and the utility seal seat are structured for sealing against the sealing body during downstream-directed movement of the sealing body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Kjetil Naesje, Kyrre Delin Fredriksen
  • Patent number: 7506784
    Abstract: A spout assembly includes a main body coupled on an opening of a container, a lip portion formed on the main body, having an operating portion and a coupling portion, a spouting guide installed in the operation portion of the lip portion, being vertically movable, and an upper cap coupled on the coupling portion to provide seal to the main body. The lip portion is provided with a seal projection having a side exhaust hole, the seal projection sealing a lower end of the spouting guide, and the spouting guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jung Min Lee
  • Publication number: 20080185405
    Abstract: A tamper-evident outer cap for a tube spout fitment with push-pull cap for a flexible pouch is provided. The tube spout fitment is sealed to the pouch body, and includes a base portion having a seal-engaging surface disposed within the pouch body and a centrally located passageway. An internal tubular spout projects upwardly from the base portion and has a centrally located passageway. A push-pull cap is slidably retained on the internal tube spout, and is a generally cylindrical member having an outer wall, an inner wall parallel to the outer wall, and an upper wall having a central opening formed therein interconnecting the outer wall to the inner wall. A tamper-evident outer cap is disposed over the push-pull cap, and includes an openable portion, a collar portion permanently retained on the tube spout fitment, and a first connecting member interconnecting the openable portion and the collar portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: POUCH PAC INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: R. C. Murray
  • Patent number: 7337921
    Abstract: A closure for a container having an opening includes a base cap and an overcap that form a sealed chamber adjacent the opening that is isolated from the contents of the container. The base cap includes an outer skirt having container-engaging structure, a cylindrical well, a frangible membrane connected to the well along an inclined line of weakness and by a hinge member. The hinge member includes a pocket extending downward adjacent lower and upper terminuses of the line of weakness. The overcap includes a body having gripping structure, an inner skirt received within and rotatably connected to the well, and a cutting member depending from a lower end of the inner skirt received within the pocket such that the cutting member extends below the upper terminus. The cutting member severs the line of weakness upon substantial rotation of the overcap with respect to the base cap. A method of using the closure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Mike Xiaoli Ma
  • Patent number: 7306117
    Abstract: A dispenser for a bottle that is adapted to contain a consumable beverage. The dispenser includes a dispenser body defining a chamber therein. The chamber is adapted to hold a flavoring component. The dispenser body has a first dispenser end, suitable for drinking therefrom, and has a second dispenser end, adapted to be positioned within the bottle when the dispenser is engaged with the bottle. The plunger is slidably disposed at least partially within the dispenser body for movement from a first plunger position to a second plunger position, in which the plunger penetrates a portion of the dispenser body to create a passageway. When the plunger is in the second plunger position and a cap is in a first cap position, the plunger end cooperates with the cap to seal the cap opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth, Marco Wo
  • Patent number: 7275665
    Abstract: A vented closure for a liquid container which will not freely pour includes a cap movable between open and closed positions relative to a base collar. The movable cap can be slidable to form a push-pull type closure, or can be rotatable to form a flip-type closure. In an open position, a primary fluid passageway extends through the closure to one or more dispensing opening. One or more air vents of small size are located in the base collar at positions spaced within predetermined ranges of offsets from the dispensing openings. A divider or barrier is located to create a secondary fluid passageway to convey liquid directly into contact with the air vents which can self-seal by surface tension of the liquid and to convey air bubbles through the liquid when the container is tilted. Overlapping portions of the movable cap can protect the vent apertures and/or the dispensing aperture structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Patent number: 7261226
    Abstract: A closure for a container having a foil or membrane sealed opening. The closure includes a cap, a spout and a stem. The stem includes a downwardly extending piercing structure adapted for piercing the foil or membrane of the container upon rotation of the spout relative to the cap. The cap includes a cap top, a cap skirt depending from the cap top, an open sleeve and a stem guide. The open sleeve has an inwardly extending thread adapted to detachably engage the container. The open sleeve extends upwardly from the cap top. The stem guide extends along an internal surface of the sleeve. The spout rotatably engages the sleeve and includes a spout top having an aperture, an outer spout skirt and an inner skirt. The outer skirt depends from the spout top radially outward of the sleeve and rotatably engages the sleeve. The inner spout skirt depends from the spout top radially within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Mike Xiaoli Ma
  • Publication number: 20070181603
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure suitable for dispensing pourable product from a container. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a “twist to open” type closure operated by a twisting action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Filip Dominique Hubert Vangeel, Alex James Orchard
  • Patent number: 7204382
    Abstract: A hydration system is disclosed for carrying readily dispensable fluids, such as water. A removable cap having an annular valve covers a container. A flexible tube is disposed through the center of the annular valve and extends generally to near the bottom of the container. A bite valve is attached to the end of the tube that is external to the container. When the annular valve is closed, the hydration system is substantially closed, preventing fluid loss. When the annular valve is opened, an air channel is created that allows air to enter the container, facilitating the flow of fluid from the container through the flexible tube. The annular valve may be a poppet-type valve having a valve stem that is movable between the closed position and the open position. The hydration system is sufficiently compact to be utilized with narrow-mouthed bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Cezeaux
  • Patent number: 7182230
    Abstract: A resealable closure system that includes a neck having a finish and a closure. The system includes mechanisms for sealing the container and maintaining the container in a closed position, which may be the same. The system can also include a means for preventing the closure from detaching from the container. The finish has an end that includes a post, an opening and a retaining ring, a recess defined by the retaining ring, and a shoulder. The closure slides onto the neck and has a sleeve that is about the same outside size as the neck. The sleeve has a stop on its interior surface. The top part of the closure has a receptacle to receive the post on the finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Kelley, Seungyeol Hong
  • Patent number: 7172095
    Abstract: The present invention relates to controlled flow re-sealable bottle closures containing a beverage concentrate for use in mixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point of consumption by activation of a mixing mechanism allowing the contents of the bottle to co-mingle with the beverage concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Christopher John Marshall
  • Patent number: 7143911
    Abstract: A closure for a liquid container comprising a base including a conduit extending therethrough, the base further including a substantially tubular spout guide and a plug positioned radially within the tubular spout guide, and a substantially annular spout mounted to the tubular spout guide for reciprocation between an open and a closed position, the spout including an annular wall and an annular deck extending radially inwardly from an upper end of the annular wall forming a central orifice, where the plug includes a leading end and an annular, outer seal surface that is received within, and blocks the central orifice when the spout is in the closed position and that is removed from the central orifice when the spout is in the open position, and where at least a substantial portion of the outer circumferential seal surface of the plug is axially recessed with respect to the tubular spout guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Creative Packaging Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Stoneberg, Terry E. Kubitz, Dennis J. Tortorella
  • Patent number: 7108157
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing valve assembly is provided with a vacuum release feature. The valve assembly is adapted to be fastened to a container opening. The assembly includes a unitarily formed one-piece cylindrical base having a vertical center axis. The base a mounting collar; an enclosure portion connected to the mounting collar forming an inner cavity within the base; a spout connected to the enclosure portion having an interconnected axial core substantially positioned within the spout forming an annular liquid passageway; and a gas passageway having at least one inlet orifice located on an outer surface of the spout, the gas passageway including at least one generally horizontally oriented radial pipe section having one end connected to the at least one inlet orifice and another end connecting to a vertically configured pipe section having an exit orifice. The valve assembly may further include a cap having a drain port, wherein the cap adapted to slip fit over the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Philip E. Alei
  • Patent number: 7066360
    Abstract: A push-pull closure including a shell and a tip. The shell includes a body with a fluid opening, a stem extending axially through the opening, and a first lip on the body outer surface and a second lip on the body inner surface, with the lips facing the shell one end with the second lip being further from the shell one end than the first lip. The tip has a pouring aperture with an outer flange having an inwardly extending third lip receivable over the body outer surface and an inner flange having an outwardly extending fourth lip receivable in the body opening and spaced from the stem. The third lip is positioned between the shell one end and the first lip and the fourth lip is positioned between the shell one end and the second lip. The first lip has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the third lip and the second lip has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the fourth lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Coy Hearld, Ramesh Kamath
  • Patent number: 7066354
    Abstract: A mixing and dispensing apparatus has a small bottle which is positioned within a larger bottle. The small bottle contains a concentrated solution, and the larger bottle contains water. The small bottle has a nozzle that is off-center, a grip base that is an integral part of the bottle, and a vent to maintain zero atmospheric pressure internally. The small bottle is inverted and placed within the neck of the large bottle. The nozzle of the small bottle is placed within a narrowed internal passageway at the base of the neck of the nozzle. Once the apparatus is ready for use, the small bottle is pulled upward using a pull ring, thereby opening the nozzle and releasing the contents of the small bottle into the large bottle. The contents are poured out through a separate pour spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Robert E. Stank, Arthur L. Vellutato, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6959840
    Abstract: A cap to be fitted on a double container including a flexible outer container and an inner bag, being composed of a main cap which has a flow opening for discharging the contents and is fixedly fitted on the neck of the double container and a nozzle cap which has an outlet for discharging the contents and is slidably fitted on the main cap. The cap makes a switch between a state with a flow passage shut and a ventilation passage open and a state with the flow passage open and the ventilation passage shut by vertical sliding movement of the nozzle cap on the main cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsugu Iwatsubo
  • Patent number: 6959839
    Abstract: A dispenser for a bottle that is adapted to contain a consumable beverage. The dispenser includes a dispenser body defining a chamber therein. The chamber is adapted to hold a flavoring component. The dispenser body has a first dispenser end, suitable for drinking therefrom, and has a second dispenser end, adapted to be positioned within the bottle when the dispenser is engaged with the bottle. The plunger is slidably disposed at least partially within the dispenser body for movement from a first plunger position to a second plunger position, in which the plunger penetrates a portion of the dispenser body to create a passageway. When the plunger is in the second plunger position and a cap is in a first cap position, the plunger end cooperates with the cap to seal the cap opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth, Marco Wo
  • Patent number: 6959841
    Abstract: The invention provides a dispense closure for a fluid receptacle. The closure includes a cap configured to engage the fluid receptacle threadably. The cap includes at least one aperture. The closure also includes a blister pack having at least one blister thereon. The blister contains an additive and is insertable through the aperture in the cap upon coupling the blister pack and cap. The closure further includes a retainer ring coupled to the cap. The retainer ring supports the blister pack in the cap and seals the cap and fluid receptacle together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: James A. Vlodek
  • Patent number: 6938794
    Abstract: A closure for a liquid container, such as a sports drink bottle, includes a base component that is engaged over the mouth of the container, and a cap component engaged on the base component for movement from a closed position to an open position by pressure from the lips of the consumer. The base component includes a valve element supported on a fenestrated pedestal. The cap component includes a body defining a drinking surface for contacting the lips of the consumer and an annular sealing disc recessed below the drinking surface. The sealing disc is retained by the valve element against the force of a resiliently deformable seal disposed between the base component and the cap component. The seal has a sealing rim that is in constant contact with the base portion and provides an upward spring force to hold the sealing disc in the normally closed position. The seal includes a flexible hinge that allows the resiliently deformable seal to bow outward or bellows when the cap is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Innatech, LLC
    Inventor: Jack E. Elder
  • Patent number: 6874664
    Abstract: A push-pull dispenser is shown having a base portion, an upwardly extending neck portion, a stem extends upwardly from the neck and has at least one stem lug depending from an upper portion of the stem. The stem lug may have four sides including an upper tapered or beveled surface and a lower horizontal surface. The push-pull dispenser also comprises a slidable dispensing cap disposed over the stem and at least one folding finger extending upwardly from a lower portion of the slidable dispensing cap. The at least one folding finger has an upper horizontal surface which engages the lower horizontal surface of the stem lug and inhibits resultant forces which typically cause slidable dispensing caps to deflect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Gary V. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6851580
    Abstract: A mixing and dispensing apparatus has a small bottle which is positioned within a larger bottle. The small bottle contains a concentrated solution, and the larger bottle contains water. The small bottle has a nozzle that is off-center, a grip base that is an integral part of the bottle, and a vent to maintain zero atmospheric pressure internally. The small bottle is inverted and placed within the neck of the large bottle. The small bottle is then rotated so that the neck of the nozzle comes between two arms of a release mechanism which is an integral part of the large bottle. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the nozzle is centered, and is pushed through the arms of the release mechanism. Once the apparatus is ready for use, the small bottle is pulled upward using the base grip or a pull ring, thereby opening the nozzle and releasing the contents of the small bottle into the large bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Veltek Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Stank, Arthur L. Vellutato, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6845889
    Abstract: A container for liquid includes a body portion for accommodating liquid and a release portion for selective release of liquid contained in the body portion. The body portion and the release portion together define a container structure shaped to facilitate manual throwing and/or catching of the container and/or rolling of the container along the ground while liquid is accommodated within the container. The container structure defined by the container is suitably substantially spheroidal. The body portion is preferably substantially deformable, to facilitate expulsion of liquid contained in the body portion by external squeezing. The release portion includes a frame portion and a seal portion. The seal portion is displaceable relative to the frame portion to occlude or to expose a discharge outlet for the passage of liquid through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventors: Noel Killoran, Dominic Logan, Gabriel Harris
  • Publication number: 20040262337
    Abstract: A vented closure for a liquid container which will not freely pour includes a cap movable between open and closed positions relative to a base collar. The movable cap can be slidable to form a push-pull type closure, or can be rotatable to form a flip-type closure. In an open position, a primary fluid passageway extends through the closure to one or more dispensing opening. One or more air vents of small size are located in the base collar at positions spaced within predetermined ranges of offsets from the dispensing openings. A divider or barrier is located to create a secondary fluid passageway to convey liquid directly into contact with the air vents which can self-seal by surface tension of the liquid and to convey air bubbles through the liquid when the container is tilted. Overlapping portions of the movable cap can protect the vent apertures and/or the dispensing aperture structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Patent number: 6834782
    Abstract: In a cartridge closure with opening and closing means comprising a mouth piece with an open end and a closure part having a sleeve portion axially movably supported on the mouthpiece, a transverse wall is supported by support webs in axially spaced relationship from the open end of the mouthpiece and the closure part includes a neck portion of a smaller diameter than the sleeve portion with a transition area between the neck portion and the sleeve portion which includes a conical seal surface area which, in the closing position of the sleeve portion, sealingly engages a circumferential edge of the transverse wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Ritter GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Georg Ritter
  • Publication number: 20040178231
    Abstract: A resealable closure system that includes a neck having a finish and a closure. The system includes mechanisms for sealing the container and maintaining the container in a closed position, which may be the same. The system can also include a means for preventing the closure from detaching from the container. The finish has an end that includes a post, an opening and a retaining ring, a recess defined by the retaining ring, and a shoulder. The closure slides onto the neck and has a sleeve that is about the same outside size as the neck. The sleeve has a stop on its interior surface. The top part of the closure has a receptacle to receive the post on the finish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: GRAHAM PACKAGING COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Kelley, Seungyeol Hong