Cap Carried Axial Plug Patents (Class 222/546)
  • Patent number: 6840409
    Abstract: A packaging for fluid product such as a cream or a paste, has a flexible tube (1) provided with a dispensing neck (11), and a convenience closure system (2), including an annular base (20) fixed to the tube (1) on the neck side (11), and a top (21) mobile relative to the base (20). The neck (11) is formed by the wall (10) of the tube which converges towards the main axis (X) of the tube in the direction of the opening (100) with a relatively large radius with respect to its circumference, and the base (20) is engaged in the opening (100) of the tube, and causes the neck (11) to be radially stretched, and is locked relative to the opening along the main axis (X).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: CEP Industrie
    Inventor: GĂ©ry Dambricourt
  • Patent number: 6837405
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided which includes an ovaloid bottle and an ovaloid overcap. The bottle includes a dispensing aperture. The overcap is formed with a roof at a closed end thereof and a surrounding wall with a mouth defining an open end opposite the closed end. A pintel and a circular collar both project from the roof in a direction toward the open end. The pintel is sealingly fittable into the dispensing aperture. The circular collar ensures that the pintel will not misalign with the aperture of the bottle and thereby avoids damage to the soft plastic of the pintel. The bottle has a shoulder which serves as a camming device for easy removal of the overcap in a twist motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Rainey, Raymond Michael Flaig
  • Patent number: 6832700
    Abstract: A toggle-action dispensing closure for a container is provided for manipulation between a closed, non-dispensing orientation and an open, dispensing orientation. The closure includes an actuator pivotally mounted along a tilting axis on a body secured to the container. The actuator is tiltable by applying force to the actuator on one side of the tilting axis so as to move the actuator from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position. The actuator includes a flange having an engagable surface. The closure body includes an annular wall in which the actuator is received, and the annular wall includes an inwardly projecting interference member which underlies the actuator engagable surface and prevents tilting of the actuator unless a sufficient predetermined, initial opening force is exerted on the actuator to cause permanent, plastic deformation of the engagable surface is and/or interference member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Roberts, Terry J. Vandenboom, Nicholas J. Jelich, Catherine F. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20040232169
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing topically applied viscous fluids from a container is provided. The dispenser includes a cap arranged on the container and having a dispensing orifice therein. The dispensing orifice includes a center portion and at least three legs which radiate outward from the center portion such that viscous fluid dispensed from the container has an upper surface with a plurality of ridges formed therein. A lid is also provided. The lid has a projection arranged thereon. The projection on the lid having a configuration that is complementary to the dispensing orifice and being arranged on the lid such that the projection extends into the dispensing orifice when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Alberto-Culver Company
    Inventors: David A. Glover, Kevin C. Held
  • Patent number: 6805256
    Abstract: The pump dispenser plug is a flexible, conical plug that could be easily adapted through the use of removable layers to fit any type of pump dispenser container. When the container is not in use, the plug would be inserted into the pump nozzle opening to prevent the contents from drying and collecting on the outside tip. The plug has a circular base with a perpendicular shaft upon which is mounted a conical structure comprised of removable layers. The conical layers are formed of flexible plastic, and each has a longitudinal access slit cut along its outer surface. To reduce the size of the plug for smaller nozzle openings, the user would simply peel off the appropriate number of layers and discard them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Norma L. Plasterr
  • Patent number: 6786363
    Abstract: A dispensing package for fluid products includes a container having a body for holding a product to be dispensed and a finish having an open mouth. A closure base includes a ledge with a skirt externally secured to the container finish and a wall extending from the ledge coaxially with the container mouth. A collar has a deck with a central opening aligned with the mouth, and a wall secured to the wall on the closure base. A lid is integrally connected to the collar or the base by at least one hinge. A dispensing valve of flexible resilient elastomeric construction has a peripheral portion captured between the collar deck and the base wall for securing the valve in position and simultaneously functioning as a seal between the base and the collar. An intermediate portion of the valve is in facing engagement with the collar deck, and an annular wall portion of the valve extends from the inner end of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Lohrman
  • Patent number: 6766926
    Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a base and a lid integrally connected to the base by at least one hinge element for pivoting the lid between a closed position overlying the base and an open position remote from the base. The base includes a deck wall, a skirt coupled to the deck wall and having an internal thread or bead for securing the closure to a container, and a dispensing opening in the deck wall. The lid includes a skirt that surrounds the deck wall in the closed position of the lid. The lid skirt has an interruption at the hinge element into which the hinge element is received in the closed position of the lid. The deck wall has an upstanding part-annular arcuate wall positioned around a peripheral portion of the deck wall adjacent to the hinge element and internally adjacent to an internal surface of the lid skirt at the hinge element to retard entry of moisture through the lid skirt interruption in the closed position of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney A. Elchert
  • Publication number: 20040140329
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided which includes an ovaloid bottle and an ovaloid overcap. The bottle includes a dispensing aperture. The overcap is formed with a roof at a closed end thereof and a surrounding wall with a mouth defining an open end opposite the closed end. A pintel and a circular collar both project from the roof in a direction toward the open end. The pintel is sealingly fittable into the dispensing aperture. The circular collar ensures that the pintel will not misalign with the aperture of the bottle and thereby avoids damage to the soft plastic of the pintel. The bottle has a shoulder which serves as a camming device for easy removal of the overcap in a twist motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicants: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA,, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Rainey, Raymond Michael Flaig
  • Publication number: 20040129738
    Abstract: An improved dropper cap, for use in controlled dispensing of liquid from a container, comprises an antechamber, a baffle and an elongated nozzle. The nozzle may comprise a flared spout to ensure clean separation of the liquid from the dropper cap, reducing dripping and smearing of the liquid on the dropper cap, as well as precise dispensing of the liquid. The baffle physically prevents splashing of the liquid from the container, and includes openings to control the flow of liquid into the nozzle. The baffle and antechamber cooperate to draw back undispensed liquid from the nozzle and prevent spurting of the liquid from the container between uses. Further, the dropper cap is threaded to allow easy attachment and removal from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Vidas Stukas
  • Publication number: 20040129729
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tamper-evident device for a closure assembly adapted to be applied to a mouth of a container, for example, a neck of a bottle. There has been identified a need for an improved tamper-evident device which does not have any parts which are removed upon initial opening and which are liable to be reattached by counterfeits or the like. Accordingly the present invention provides a tamper-evident device comprising a sleeve member which comprises a first portion associated with a second portion by means of a frangible portion therebetween, and wherein said first portion is adapted to be applied to a mouth and neck portion of a container, and said second portion is associated with a container closure member, and wherein an initial container opening operation causes said frangible portion to fracture or break such that when the container is reclosed said first and second portions are located in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: David William Thomson, Egidio Mezzadra
  • Publication number: 20040118881
    Abstract: A container and closure package in that includes a container having a body, a finish wall extending from the body with at least one external thread, a circular throat at an axial edge of the finish wall remote from the body and having a lesser inner diameter than the finish wall, and a pour spout extending axially from the throat at greater inner diameter than the throat. The container body, finish wall, throat and pour spout are of integrally blow molded construction as formed, with the inside diameter of the throat being optionally reamed as required for sealing engagement with the closure. The closure has a base wall, a peripheral outer skirt extending from the base wall with an internal thread for receipt over the external thread on the container finish wall, and an internal skirt extending from the base wall and spaced radially inwardly from the outer skirt for sliding plug-sealing receipt within the throat, with the pour spout being disposed between the inner and outer skirts of the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: William W. Brecheisen, John W. Safian
  • Patent number: 6749089
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure for a container which provides for, among other things, an internal drainage system. Preferably, the closure is molded as a single integral unit that includes a base, cap and hinge arrangement joining the base and the cap and further includes a tamper-evident structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Stull Technologies
    Inventors: Gene Stull, Robert T. Auer
  • Publication number: 20040079766
    Abstract: A lower portion of a nozzle is held hermetically in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the tubular neck of a container, and an inner surface of a cap is mounted to an outer surface of the tubular neck. A discharging hole of the nozzle is hermetically sealed by an inner top surface of the cap. A ring-shaped projection is formed on an upper portion of the nozzle for hermetically contacting an inner surface of the cap. Thereby, double sealing is provided in cooperation with hermetic sealing of the discharging hole of the nozzle by the inner top surface of the cap. The nozzle prevents a liquid leak and liquid dripping from the nozzle and form liquid drops independently of a dripping angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigehiko Kokubo
  • Publication number: 20040026465
    Abstract: The inventive closure includes an annular part, to which a lid is joined by a hinge, and a the spout that is pushed inside the annular part. When pushing the spout into the annular part, the edge of the spout abuts against segments and is thus brought into the optimal drop-preventing shape. When closing the lid, the air in the slot can escape through the outlets so that it does not impede the closing or have the tendency to open the closure. Also during closing, the upper end of the spout comes into contact with the supporting surfaces, which are arranged in an interspaced manner inside the slot, whereby remaining liquid can be accommodated in the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: ALPLA-WERKE ALWIN LEHNER GMBH & CO., KG.
    Inventor: Manfred Klopfer
  • Publication number: 20040020943
    Abstract: The bottle cap unit (1) of this invention comprises an inner cap (2), which is tightly fitted to the bottleneck (24) to form a pour spout, and an outer cap (15)
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Natuo Shinozaki, Masaru Tamura
  • Patent number: 6672487
    Abstract: A dispensing package for fluid products includes a container having a body for holding a product to be dispensed and a finish having an open mouth. A closure base includes a ledge with a skirt externally secured to the container finish and a wall extending from the ledge coaxially with the container mouth. A collar has a deck with a central opening aligned with the mouth, and a wall secured to the wall on the closure base. A lid is integrally connected to the collar or the base by at least one hinge. A dispensing valve of flexible resilient elastomeric construction has a peripheral portion captured between the collar deck and the base wall for securing the valve in position and simultaneously functioning as a seal between the base and the collar. An intermediate portion of the valve is in facing engagement with the collar deck, and an annular wall portion of the valve extends from the inner end of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Lohrman
  • Publication number: 20040000561
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising two sheets (1, 2) co-operating to define a fluid reservoir (15), at least one of the two sheets defining a deformable actuating wall (13, 23) on which it is possible to press to put the fluid under pressure in the reservoir, said fluid dispenser being characterized in that it further comprises a dispensing piece (3) to which at least one of the sheets is fixed, said piece defining a dispensing orifice (344) that is closed off by a removable closure member (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Isabelle Lallemant, Alex Milian
  • Patent number: 6648188
    Abstract: A container and closure package in that includes a container having a body, a finish wall extending from the body with at least one external thread, a circular throat at an axial edge of the finish wall remote from the body and having a lesser inner diameter than the finish wall, and a pour spout extending axially from the throat at greater inner diameter than the throat. The container body, finish wall, throat and pour spout are of integrally blow molded construction as formed, with the inside diameter of the throat being optionally reamed as required for sealing engagement with the closure. The closure has a base wall, a peripheral outer skirt extending from the base wall with an internal thread for receipt over the external thread on the container finish wall, and an internal skirt extending from the base wall and spaced radially inwardly from the outer skirt for sliding plug-sealing receipt within the throat, with the pour spout being disposed between the inner and outer skirts of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Brecheisen, John W. Safian
  • Patent number: 6637627
    Abstract: An aerosol container for dispensing material or fluid such as an adhesive under pressure is retrofitted with an adapter means for preventing clogging of the discharge valve with old hardened materials or fluid after use. The adapter means comprises an interior sleeve inserted within an exterior dispensing tip where the assembly is retrofitted into the discharge valve of the aerosol container. A trigger mechanism attached to the top of the aerosol container engages the aerosol can discharge valve to facilitate bias engagement of the discharge valve of the aerosol container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: The Glidden Company
    Inventors: Lance Liljeqvist, Edward Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 6622895
    Abstract: A dispenser package for a fluent product that includes a plastic container having an axially extending cylindrical neck, and a closure secured to the open end of the neck. The closure includes a plastic fitment having a dispensing opening and a cylindrical wall received within the neck. The container neck has a radially opening circumferential channel, while the fitment has a radially projecting circumferential bead received by snap fit into the channel to secure the fitment to the neck. A top is pivotally secured to the fitment or to the container neck for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the dispensing opening is circular, and the top has an annular wall that forms a plug seal within the dispensing opening when the top is in the closed position. The top is flush with the fitment or the axial end of the container neck in the closed position to form a compact visual structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. McClean, Robert E. Harman
  • Publication number: 20030150888
    Abstract: The invention concerns a flexible tube comprising a neck whereof the outer surface is provided with irreversible securing means and whereon is mounted a transverse end wall bearing a cylindrical vent. The invention also concerns a rigid end cap provided at least with a sealing shirt and a securing skirt provided with matching securing means, said vent of the flexible tube and said sealing and securing skirt being arranged so as to obtain sealed attachment with longitudinal locking of the rigid end cap on the neck by a simple longitudinal translational movement. Additional means such as those described in FR 2 707 256 or FR 9901530 (elliptical tube) enable by slight rotation after depression, complete rotational locking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: CEBAL S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Schneider
  • Publication number: 20030132246
    Abstract: A container and closure package in that includes a container having a body, a finish wall extending from the body with at least one external thread, a circular throat at an axial edge of the finish wall remote from the body and having a lesser inner diameter than the finish wall, and a pour spout extending axially from the throat at greater inner diameter than the throat. The container body, finish wall, throat and pour spout are of integrally blow molded construction as formed, with the inside diameter of the throat being optionally reamed as required for sealing engagement with the closure. The closure has a base wall, a peripheral outer skirt extending from the base wall with an internal thread for receipt over the external thread on the container finish wall, and an internal skirt extending from the base wall and spaced radially inwardly from the outer skirt for sliding plug-sealing receipt within the throat, with the pour spout being disposed between the inner and outer skirts of the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: William W. Brecheisen, John W. Safian
  • Patent number: 6575330
    Abstract: A cap for a container may comprise a body, an outlet orifice for dispensing a product from a container, a lid configured to selectively cover at least a portion of the outlet orifice, a snap hinge coupling the lid to the body, and at least one shut-off flap. The at least one shut-off flap may selectively allow the product to be dispensed from the outlet orifice. The at least one shut-off flap and the body may be a single piece formed of a material substantially the same as a material forming the snap hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Guilhem Rousselet
  • Patent number: 6575333
    Abstract: A method for removing a child-resistant spout closure cap from a spout on a container and a child-resistant spout closure for a container configured to hold either a liquid or a solid material, with the container including a fill opening to the interior of the container and an elongated hollow spout having a distal end and a proximate end, with the proximate end configured to align with the fill opening of the container. The child-resistant spout closure comprises a lip formed on the distal end of the spout defining a spout opening in fluid communication with the interior of the spout, with the lip having a closure recess extending through the lip to a spout wall; and, a cap configured to fill the spout opening. The cap has a lock nub configured to engage the lip and seal the spout opening and selectively pass through the closure recess when the lock nub and the closure recess are aligned. When the lock nub and the closure recess are aligned, the cap is removable from the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald K. Raboin
  • Patent number: 6550646
    Abstract: A container including a tube member having a truck portion which is elastically squeezable, and a wide-mouthed neck portion extending upwardly from the trunk portion, a top wall closing a top surface of the neck portion and having a discharge port, said top wall also having a peripheral portion connected to a top end of the neck portion, from which the peripheral portion is made undetachably, and a cover plate connected by a hinge to the neck portion and having a plug for closing the discharge port, the plug depending from an underside of the cover plate, wherein the top wall has a first breaking line which is formed within the peripheral portion of the top wall, and a knob for tearing the first breaking line, said knob is formed on the top wall within the first breaking line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Takahara, Takao Kishi, Shigeo Iizuka, Tatsuharu Ida, Kazuaki Nose
  • Patent number: 6550644
    Abstract: An applicator for masking fluid comprising a fluid reservoir and a supply which feeds the fluid to a dispensing nib. The nib consists of a hollow tube through which fluid flows. The applicator incorporates an end cap having a prong which passes through the nib for the purpose of sealing and cleaning the nib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Leonard Cruddas
  • Patent number: 6536627
    Abstract: A pourer spout for a composite package of the carton brick type, arranged to be located level with the opening zone of the latter. The pourer spout comprises a base (2) fixed onto the container around the opening zone, and an articulated cover (4), able to reclose the container after opening. A perforating piece (6) is mounted pivotally on the base (2), facing the opening zone, in order to be moved between an initial position in which it is situated entirely outside the container to a final position in which it is situated substantially inside the container. A striker (8) is mounted pivotally on the base (2) in order to push the perforating piece (6) towards the inside of the container while perforating the wall of the latter and to more or less take the initial position of the perforating piece (6), the striker (8) in this last position acting as pourer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Claude Benoit-Gonin, Andre Orsaud
  • Patent number: 6520387
    Abstract: A cap assembly cooperates with a container to form a vent portion and a pour portion when a cap is oriented in an open position relative to the container. The cap is dimensioned to seal the container opening in a closed position. The cap and opening are oblong, preferably oval in configuration, and have cooperating thread assemblies that permit the cap to be selectively rotated between the open and closed positions. The cap preferably has a threaded shank that is engaged along a portion of its periphery by central threaded portions disposed on opposite sides of the generally oval container opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen
  • Publication number: 20030024949
    Abstract: The present invention is a fluid product dispenser comprising a distribution orifice and a variable volume reservoir that varies by displacement of a mobile wall in order to reduce the volume of the reservoir. The dispenser is provided with actuation means to move the mobile wall of the reservoir. Advantageously, the actuation means are rotary and comprise a thread that is engaged with the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Alex Millian
  • Patent number: 6488186
    Abstract: A closure for dispensing a viscous material such as mustard or ketchup from a container includes a threaded closure body having a dispensing orifice through which viscous material may flow during dispensing, and a collection space for collecting a volume of thin liquid that may form on top of the viscous material during storage. The collection space acts to intercept the thin liquid as the container is inverted to dispense the viscous material. As the material continues to be dispensed, the thin liquid is re-mixed into the material, thereby keeping the solid to liquid ratio of the material in the container relatively constant. Additionally, a valve may be placed in the orifice for at least partially precluding passage of the thin liquid through the orifice during initial dispensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Gaiser, Val Hierzer, Bob Simpson
  • Patent number: 6398085
    Abstract: A cover member for elongate members such as dispensing outlets for hardenable materials. The cover member defines an open end, a closed end, and an elongate wall extending between the open and closed ends. In one embodiment, a wall thickness of the cover member at the closed end is greater than a wall thickness of the cover member adjacent to the open end. In another embodiment, an inner projection is formed at the closed end. In yet another embodiment, an insert member is arranged in the closed end. In still another embodiment, the cover member comprises first and second wall layers defining the closed end and at least a portion of the elongate wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: R. Coyne Foster
  • Patent number: 6394323
    Abstract: A dispenser package for a fluent product that includes a plastic container having an axially extending cylindrical neck, and a closure secured to the open end of the neck. The closure includes a plastic fitment having a dispensing opening and a cylindrical wall received within the neck. The container neck has a radially opening circumferential channel, while the fitment has a radially projecting circumferential bead received by snap fit into the channel to secure the fitment to the neck. A top is pivotally secured to the fitment or to the container neck for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the dispensing opening is circular, and the top has an annular wall that forms a plug seal within the dispensing opening when the top is in the closed position. The top is flush with the fitment or the axial end of the container neck in the closed position to form a compact visual structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. McClean, Robert E. Harman
  • Patent number: 6371316
    Abstract: A child resistant closure and container having a lid base recess. A closure includes an annular inner member defining an opening, the inner member having a camming recess. The closure also includes an outer member engageable with the inner member, the outer member including a lid base, a lid hingably connected to the lid base, and an annular guard ring surrounding the lid and lid base. The annular guard ring is frangibly connected to at least one of the lid and lid base, preferably along a frangible line formed by a plurality of bridges. The outer member can be formed integrally as one piece. When the inner member and outer member are joined, the guard ring preferably separates from the lid and lid base, and the lid base is at least partially retained within the camming recess. Once separated from the lid and lid base, the guard ring is movable between a guarding position in which it obstructs access to the lid, and a revealing position in which the lid can be rotated or lifted upward, away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Herr, Mark R. Fricke
  • Publication number: 20020014501
    Abstract: A product dispensing system is provided which includes a container having an open end including a neck portion. The neck portion defines an opening. A fitment is configured for mounting with the opening of the neck portion and forming a substantial seal therewith. The fitment defines an orifice. A closure is integrally connected to the fitment and mounted to the open end of the container. The closure includes a closing lid that is flexibly attached thereto. The closing lid includes an orifice plug configured to engage the orifice of the fitment and form a substantial seal therewith. The closure may engage a cavity of the fitment for integral connection therewith. The product dispensing system may include a tamper evident portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Henry H. Nyman, Donald Robinson
  • Publication number: 20010052531
    Abstract: A fitment is provided for incorporation into a closure assembly to provide at least one high-pressure seal suitable for maintaining high-positive pressures in a container having pressurized contents, such as carbonated beverages. The fitment and closure assembly also provide for bi-modal dispensing operations, because the fitment it can be removed from the closure assembly to provide alternative flow characteristics from the container through the closure assembly. The fitment may also be provided with one or more projections adapted to engage a thread on the closure body such that rotation of the closure body relative to the container results in removal of the fitment from the container. The fitment may also be provided with one or more projections for engaging the closure body to limit its movement relative to the container, thereby defining a fully open dispensing position of the closure body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Randall, Kelly A. Smith, Corinne M. Blomdahl
  • Publication number: 20010050291
    Abstract: The packaging tube (10) comprises a tubular pipe (11) which has an opening (19) and a hinged cover seal (12) with a tubular sealing neck (14) which contains a spout (16) and an opening (18). The hinged cover seal (12) is manufactured in one piece, substantially from a said polypropylene, by injection moulding and comprises a hinged cover (13) which is integrally connected to the sealing neck (14) by way of a hinge (17). The tubular pipe (11) consists of a composite film (20) with two external films (21, 24) of a said polypropylene and an intermediate film (23) with barrier effect. The sealing neck (14) is drawn with its opening (18) over the tubular pipe opening (19) of the tubular pipe (11) or engages therein and forms an overlap area (30) with the tubular pipe (11), in which the hinged cover seal (12) is welded to one of the external films (24) of the tubular pipe composite film (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Wilfried Jud, Karl-Heinz Senger
  • Patent number: 6325256
    Abstract: An aerosol container for dispensing adhesives under pressure is retrofitted with an adapter means for preventing clogging of the discharge valve with old adhesive after use. The adapter means comprises an interior sleeve inserted within an exterior dispensing tip where the assembly is retrofitted into the discharge valve of the aerosol container. A trigger mechanism attached to the top of the aerosol container engages the aerosol can discharge valve to facilitate bias engagement of the discharge valve of the aerosol container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Glidden Company
    Inventors: Lance Liljeqvist, Edward Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20010040176
    Abstract: A container and closure package for dispensing a fluent product that includes an integrally molded plastic container and a one-piece molded plastic closure. The closure is secured to the container within a recess in the upper portion of the container so that the closure conforms to the outlines of the container body. The closure has a base with an annular wall and an interior bead that is received by snap fit over an exterior bead on an annular wall surrounding the outlet opening of the container. A pair of laterally opposed aprons depend from the closure base, and have interior beads that are received by snap fit over exterior beads on the container for enhanced retention of the closure on the container. Strengthening webs extend along the recessed portion of the container to the annular wall surrounding the container outlet opening to strengthen the container against buckling during application of the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: Bradley J. Kimble, John W. Safian, Robert E. Harman
  • Patent number: 6315160
    Abstract: A closure for dispensing a viscous material such as mustard or ketchup from a container includes a threaded closure body having a dispensing orifice through which viscous material may flow during dispensing, and a collection space for collecting a volume of thin liquid that may form on top of the viscous material during storage. The collection space acts to intercept the thin liquid as the container is inverted to dispense the viscous material. As the material continues to be dispensed, the thin liquid is re-mixed into the material, thereby keeping the solid to liquid ratio of the material in the container relatively constant. A method of dispensing viscous material such as ketchup or mustard is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Gaiser, Val Hierzer, Bob Simpson
  • Publication number: 20010032865
    Abstract: A cover member for elongate members such as dispensing outlets for hardenable materials. The cover member defines an open end, a closed end, and an elongate wall extending between the open and closed ends. In one embodiment, a wall thickness of the cover member at the closed end is greater than a wall thickness of the cover member adjacent to the open end. In another embodiment, an inner projection is formed at the closed end. In yet another embodiment, an insert member is arranged in the closed end. In still another embodiment, the cover member comprises first and second wall layers defining the closed end and at least a portion of the elongate wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: R. Coyne Foster
  • Patent number: 6299033
    Abstract: A snap-on closure prevents flaps from coming unsnapped or popping open during assembly of the closure onto the neck of a container. The snap-on connection between the container and the closure includes a circular groove and a circular rib projecting into the groove. The closure includes dispensing ports such as sifter holes, a pouring hole, and/or a spooning hole which are closed by hinged flaps which snap-on the horizontal platform of the closure. The flaps may include plugs which project into their respective dispensing openings and provide a seal against the wall of the opening. The closure also includes a resilient crush seal which engages the neck of the container to provide a seal between the closure and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: J. L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon E. VerWeyst, Alfred I. Gray
  • Patent number: 6290109
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser head for a receptacle (R) for a liquid, the receptacle being of the type comprising a manual bearing face (1) for actuating the delivery means (P) for delivering the liquid, and an ejection nozzle (2) provided with an internal evacuation duct (20) that is suitable for being fed by said delivery means via a connection element (3) that may or may not be removable, the dispenser head being characterized in that the nozzle (2) is constituted by a hollow rod (21) inclined towards the receptacle (R) and adapted to receive a removable cap (4) that is constituted by a tube (40) closed at one end and designed to be slidably fitted over the outside of said rod (21), via its other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Rexam Sofab
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Bougamont, Jean-Pierre Alleard, David Leuliet
  • Patent number: 6257431
    Abstract: A dispensing cap which fits on a container containing a fluid product. The cap includes a body provided with a dispensing orifice and a hinged lid which is hinged to the body about an axis. The body and lid are made of a rigid or semi-rigid material. The lid includes a plugging pip for plugging the dispensing orifice when the lid is closed. A coating of elastomeric material is arranged on the outer wall of the pip to produce a seal between the pip and the orifice when the lid is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin
  • Patent number: 6202901
    Abstract: A modular cap delivery system comprising an elastomeric seal and conformably engaging seat can be affixed to or integrated in the neck of a container such as a bottle, flexible bag, tube, or any container having a neck and holding a quantity of a flowable medium. The configuration of the seal and seat eliminate the influx of air, airborne pathogens, or any contaminant into the container of flowable medium to which the delivery device is attached, thereby maintaining the integrity and sterility of a flowable material, even when challenged by direct contact through immersion in suspensions of bacteria or viruses. The delivery device is highly scalable in size, can work for viscous fluids that are difficult to flow, and enables a flowable material to be reformulated without preservatives or antioxidants. This provides the advantage of an enhanced therapeutic effect for many medications, particularly eye care solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Waterfall Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard R. Gerber, Jyotirmay Deb
  • Patent number: 6170710
    Abstract: A closure consisting of a lid and a body is provided, wherein part of the body can be depressed radially, be fixed in the depressed state and forms a recessed grip. The fixation of part 3 can be permanent and undetachable and can thus render a closure tamper proof by indicating that a closure is opened for the first time. Furthermore, an indicator plate, which breaks away when the depressible part is depressed, can additionally render a closure tamper proof. Furthermore, the depressible part can return to its original position after the lid is lifted so that when closing the lid again, the closure cannot be opened before the depressible part is depressed again. In this embodiment an indicator plate arranged on the depressible part renders the closure tamper proof, and, furthermore, the return of the depressed part into the original position renders the closure child proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Zeller Plastik GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Suffa
  • Patent number: 6143229
    Abstract: A method for making a dispensing structure with a finger well formed after molding of the dispensing structure for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The dispensing structure includes a body or base for extending around the container opening and for defining a dispensing orifice. A lid is molded from at least one synthetic polymer material and is hingedly connected to the body for movement between (1) a closed position over the body dispensing orifice, and (2) an open position spaced from the closed position. The lid includes an occlusion member for occluding the dispensing orifice when the lid is in the closed position. The lid includes a finger well to facilitate opening the lid. The finger well is formed by deflection or deformation of a portion of the lid from an as-molded convex condition to a concave condition relative to the exterior of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Socier
  • Patent number: 6116477
    Abstract: A two piece hinge closure including a base and a separately formed cap. The cap includes an attachment ring and a hinge connecting the cap to the ring. The base has an upstanding spout surrounded by a circular channel formed in the base. The ring is adapted to be secured in the channel to hold the cap securely on the base, with the cap being pivotal with respect to the base about the hinge connected to the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Courtesy Corporation
    Inventors: Walter J. Kreiseder, Thomas C. Stoneberg, Gary Berge
  • Patent number: 6095374
    Abstract: An improved supporting closure for a container adapted to hold a viscous liquid and having an externally threaded neck comprising a pivotably connected dispensing cap and a container support. The dispensing cap has an internally threaded, dual diameter, section arranged to fit two sizes of threaded necks, and a projecting end piece defining a dispensing outlet. The container support comprises a substantially dish-shaped member with a peripheral skirt adapted to rest on a flat supporting surface and a central recessed section to receive the projecting end piece of the dispensing cap and a plug to block the dispensing outlet when the container is supported in an inverted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Good Idea!, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Ricard, David Kroll, Robert Engman
  • Patent number: 6095354
    Abstract: A closure according to the present invention includes an annular inner member defining an opening, the inner member having a camming recess. The closure also includes an outer member engageable with the inner member, the outer member including a lid base, a lid hingably connected to the lid base, and an annular guard ring surrounding the lid and lid base. The annular guard ring is frangibly connected to at least one of the lid and lid base, preferably along a frangible line formed by a plurality of bridges. The outer member can be formed integrally as one piece. When the inner member and outer member are joined, the guard ring preferably separates from the lid and lid base, and the lid base is at least partially retained within the camming recess. Once separated from the lid and lid base, the guard ring is movable between a guarding position in which it obstructs access to the lid, and a revealing position in which the lid can be rotated upward, away from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Herr, Mark R. Fricke
  • Patent number: 6089411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing head for a product of a liquid to viscous consistency, as well as a dispensing unit fitted on this head. This head has a rigid cap capable of being fixed on a reservoir for the product. An elastic flow reducing element is joined to the cap and is fitted with at least one slit provided with edges capable of moving away from one another under the thrust of the product and of returning to an initial position when the thrust stops. In the initial position, the edges of the slit are noncontiguous and are spaced from one another at a predetermined distance so as to define an opening through which the product cannot flow to any appreciable extent by gravity, substantially reducing the thrust to be applied for causing the product to emerge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Gilles Baudin, Stanislas De Nervo, Nicolas Albisetti