Plural Container And/or Compartment Patents (Class 222/94)
  • Patent number: 6358494
    Abstract: A composite toothpaste product comprising a toothpaste containing a hydroxyapatite as a main active ingredient and another toothpaste containing a fluorine compound as a main active ingredient, which are enclosed with a container made of, for instance, a flexible tube but separated from each other by a partition united to the container. In the composite toothpaste product, the toothpastes are separated from each other with no contact when it is out of use, and are squeezed out of the container, when in use, in such a manner that the latter toothpaste is enclosed with the former. It is far more effective in removing bacterial plaque, improving tooth whiteness, and preventing dental caries than the conventional toothpaste products containing only either a hydroxyapatite or a fluorine compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Tokyo Bioceramics Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Aoki, Marehito Aoki, Hidenao Aoki
  • Publication number: 20020023934
    Abstract: In a multi-chamber tube in which a partition extending longitudinally through the body portion of the tube divides the interior thereof into the plurality of chambers each for containing respective substances to be discharged in combination from the tube, unwanted fluctuations in the amount of substances discharged from the tube can be reduced by the partition extending through the tube at an angle relative to the closure seam at the filling opening at the bottom of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Fredy Scheifele
  • Patent number: 6347726
    Abstract: A dual dispense container, for example, a collapsible dual dispense tube, is provided that has a dual dispense orifice whose shape generally corresponds to a cloverleaf. The cloverleaf-like shape of the dual dispense orifice renders the dual dispense container capable of simultaneously dispensing two products with the same or similar flow characteristics in the same or substantially the same volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Jackson, Joseph Leboeuf, Justin E. McDonough
  • Patent number: 6347725
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a closed flexible sachet in the form of an individual portion provided for extraction under pressure, containing ground roast coffee, which sachet includes two identical flexible sheets or a single folded flexible sheet of circular, oval or polygonal shape. A space for a powdered beverage is created between the two sheets or between the two faces of the folded sheet. The two sheets or the two faces of the folded sheet are welded over their periphery so that the sachet is substantially symmetrical with respect to its welding plane. The sachet is opened through the rise in pressure which takes place upon injection of an extraction fluid, in which the two flexible sheets or the two faces of the folded sheet extend over one side of the sachet beyond their welding line to provide, between the sheets or between the two faces of the folded sheet, a channel which allows the arrival of the extraction fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 6345733
    Abstract: A two-compartment package is provided which includes a unitarily formed hollow sleeve with first and second openings on opposite ends. First and second compartments are formed from the sleeve through a crimp between the first and second ends, the crimp preventing fluid communication between the compartments and allowing sufficient hinged flexibility for the compartments to align parallel to one another. The cap with projections coupling together the first and second compartments maintains those compartments in parallel alignment. A variety of consumer products may be filled into the package, most particularly it is suitable for a toothpaste with mutually incompatible ingredients being separated into respective compartments, such as a peroxide and baking soda.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Alfread Bennett
  • Patent number: 6341716
    Abstract: A dual-outlet dispensing closure for dispensing fluid products from a dual-chamber container that includes a base for securement to a container and having laterally adjacent outlet openings for alignment with outlets in the container. A turret is mounted on the base for conjoint pivotal movement of dual outlet passages between a closed position in which the turret blocks the outlet openings in the base, and an open position in which the turret passages are aligned with and open to the outlet openings to dispense product. The passages are preferably provided in the form of elongated barrels that are angulated with respect to each other so that the fluid products dispensed from the respective barrels meet and mix with each other at a position spaced from the closure. The base preferably includes vent openings for venting the container chambers to atmosphere as products are dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Goettner, Eugene F. Haffner, Jon B. Ogilvie, Gregory A. Geisinger
  • Patent number: 6322773
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved dental compositions and methods for bleaching teeth. More specifically, this invention is directed towards hydrogen peroxide-containing compounds that are maintained at a substantially constant pH range of 6.0-10.0 during the tooth-bleaching procedure in the presence of a calcium chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignees: Idex Dental Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Eric Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6311871
    Abstract: A device for pressing out and dispensing dosed quantities of flowable multi-component compounds by application of a pressure on flexible bags for the different components comprising a housing with at least two receiving spaces for the flexible bags, the end of which can be closed by a removable cover element, two plunger-like inserts guided for sliding movement in the receiving spaces, for exerting the pressure on the flexible bags, a mixing device equipped with an ejection nozzle and a drive unit comprising an electric motor and a drive spindle, which drives both the plunger-like inserts and the mixing device, is characterized by the fact that the two receiving spaces open into a mixing space accommodating the mixing device and formed in the cover element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kress-Elektrik GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Alfred Binder
  • Patent number: 6312670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved dental compositions and methods for bleaching teeth. More specifically, this invention is directed towards hydrogen peroxide-containing compounds that are maintained at a substantially constant pH range of 6.0-10.0 during the tooth-bleaching procedure in the presence of a calcium chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignees: R. Eric Montgomery, Idex Dental Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Eric Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20010035430
    Abstract: A portable, waterproof, and refillable storage and dispensing system for liquid toiletries comprises a multi-tube storing and dispensing portion and a carrying and hanging strap. The storage and dispensing system may be used for holding a customized arrangement of personal toiletries such as shampoo, hair conditioner, liquid soap, etc., for easily transporting the arrangement to remote locations, such as on vacation or to a health spa, and for easily refilling. The assembly is completely waterproof and designed such that when hanging, it will drip-dry quickly and will not be damaged or adversely affected by moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Paula Proko Litscher
  • Patent number: 6308862
    Abstract: A dispenser package for dispensing dual viscous products which are separately retained within the package and merged at a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing package comprises a container having a compressible portion and a hanger and pouch assembly of plastic material suspended in the container. The hanger has an upper portion with a pair of openings. A flexible film pouch having an opening is bonded in each opening in the hanger and has portions bonded to the hanger. The hanger has lower portions comprising of spaced flexible walls associated with each pouch. The head assembly includes a one-way valve associated with each opening in the hanger and a portion which maintains the viscous products from each of the pouches separate until they pass from a nozzle on the head assembly to the exterior when the compressible portion of the container is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Fillmore, Raj Krishna
  • Patent number: 6299023
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a base substance and a booster substance in a user selectable ratio includes a dispenser head having a pair of spaced apart outlet ports, a first cartridge containing the base substance which is removably coupled onto the dispenser head and a second cartridge containing the booster substance which is removably coupled onto the dispenser head. Each of the first and second cartridges include a collapsible plastic liner which is mounted onto a supporting frame, the supporting frame of each cartridge having a uniquely shaped flange. A first pump assembly is disposed within the dispenser head and serves to draw a fixed amount of the base substance from the first cartridge and dispense the fixed amount of base substance out one of the outlet ports upon depression of a trigger which is slidably disposed in the dispenser head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Miles Arnone
  • Patent number: 6287612
    Abstract: An article of manufacture that combines a squeezable food product and a packaging unit for storing and consuming of the food product. The squeezable food product includes a first food component forming a base component and a second food component forming a filling component. The first food component and the second food component form a combinable food product upon consumption having sensory and nutritive properties close to a solid metal. The packaging unit is a supple pouch having a main external squeezable body and at least one partition layer which divides the squeezable body into at least two separate cavities. The first and second food components are separately stored in different cavities. On extrusion and recombination, the two food components are perceivable as two different components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Rao Mandava, Klaus Kempin, Jorgen Holm
  • Publication number: 20010013523
    Abstract: In a dispensing system comprising a container having at least two storage chambers, each for a fluent material, the finishes of the respective chambers are arranged in a contiguous pair defining a cylindrical surface having outer threads, except for two anti-rotational flats. Each finish defines an outlet. A valve of a type that remains closed until opened by a differential between inside pressure and outside pressure overlies the outlet defined by each finish. A fitment defines a mixing chamber having two inlets, one for each storage chamber, and having an outlet. The fitment has two skirts, each having an inner surface having at least one rib, each defining an antirotational flat. The fitment fits over the paired finishes and over the valves so that the anti-rotational flats on the ribs engage the anti-rotational flats on the paired finishes. A collar having inner threads is threaded onto the paired finishes so as to hold the fitment, which holds the valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Daniel G. Schantz, Alan P. Hickok, Timothy R. Socier
  • Patent number: 6264065
    Abstract: The invention includes a device for dispensing in atomized powder form a single dose of a fluid product. A fluid product container contains a single dose and is connected to an atomizing orifice. At least one gas container is connected to the orifice. A means is provided for simultaneously emptying the fluid product container and the gas container so as to cause a biphasic atomization of the fluid product with the gas at the atomizing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Valois S.A.
    Inventor: Claude Jouillat
  • Patent number: 6260735
    Abstract: The present dual chamber sachet overcomes the problem of non-uniform dispensing when the sidewalls of the sachet are depressed. Through the use of a relatively thin intermediate divider wall, rounded corner edges at the lower end of each chamber of the sachet, tapered side edges up to the exit channel of each chamber of the sachet, and a relatively wide dispensing opening uniform dispensing can be achieved. This structure prevents the downward flow of substances in each chamber during dispensing. The substances are directed upwardly by the rounded lower corners of the sachet, the tapered upper walls and the wide dispensing opening. This relatively wide dispensing opening minimizes the back pressure caused by the substances flowing to a dispensing exit of a width less than that of the product chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Orlando Fuquen
  • Patent number: 6257450
    Abstract: A dual dispense container, for example, a collapsible dual dispense tube, is provided that has a dual dispense orifice whose shape generally corresponds to a cloverleaf. The cloverleaf-like shape of the dual dispense orifice renders the dual dispense container capable of simultaneously dispensing two products with the same or similar flow characteristics in the same or substantially the same volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Jackson, Joseph Leboeuf, Justin E. McDonough
  • Patent number: 6250346
    Abstract: A device for maintaining ingredients separately within a bottle container of the type having a removable container cap has a sub-container body formed with squeezable plastic outer walls and inner divider walls forming multiple compartments having respective orifices for dispensing the ingredients contained therein. Each compartment can be separately opened (by removing a sealing element) and its ingredient can be dispensed into the container by squeezing on corresponding portions of the outer walls. In different embodiments, the device may be formed with the sub-container body in a cylindrical shape, the divider wall aligned with the cylinder axis or transverse to the cylinder axis, and the cylinder body snap-fitted to the underside of the cap or fixed to a collar which is held on the container neck by the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: James Anzai Castillo
  • Patent number: 6247617
    Abstract: A single use container for accurately dispensing separately housed sterile compositions with minimal contact to non-sterile surfaces of the container is disclosed. Embodiments include a container having a first and second chamber within the container for housing a first and second sterile composition. Each chamber has an angled channel which defines an axis for directing the sterile composition from their respective chambers. The angled channels are directed toward each other and are so angled as to minimize contact of the escaping sterile compositions with a non-sterile surface of the container, e.g. the tip. A plurality of tear-off closures seal the angled channels to prevent the sterile compositions from escaping from their respective chambers and a tab portion is provided joining the plurality of closures. Removing the tab portion causes all of the solid closures to be removed in a single action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Allen Clyde, Steven Frank Simmons
  • Patent number: 6244466
    Abstract: A substance packaging container, preferably for packaging a liquid or powder substance, includes a sealed first chamber (4) for the substance (6) to be packaged. The substance chamber (4) is comprised of a flexible material, such as a foil material. The container also includes a sealed, rigid second chamber (8) which is disposed inside the substance chamber (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Ingemar Näslund
  • Patent number: 6241412
    Abstract: An improved toothbrush is disclosed having a supply of liquid dentifrice located within the handle of the toothbrush, and a dispenser mechanism for dispensing the stored dentrifice to the bristles of the toothbrush when the need arises. The dentrifice-dispensing toothbrush is adapted to utilize replaceable, dentrifice-storing cartridges. In another preferred embodiment a dentrifice-dispensing toothbrush is provided which is effective in operation, durable, attractive in appearance, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Norbert Spies, L. Paul Lustig, Andrew P. Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 6234352
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and dispensing in liquid form a blend of fluids which normally fractionate upon boiling. The apparatus includes a container having an internal bladder dividing the container into two chambers. The first chamber contains the liquid blend, and the second chamber contains a pressurizing fluid in sufficient quantity to maintain the pressure on the other side of the bladder in the first chamber above the bubble point pressure of the liquid blend. In this manner, the vapor space above the fluid blend is eliminated, and thus the effect of fractionation caused by vaporization is essentially eliminated during dispensing or leakage of the blend from the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Richard, Rajiv Ratna Singh, H. Michael Hughes
  • Patent number: 6223943
    Abstract: A container for dispensing two flowable products in desired proportions includes a multichamber squeeze tube with a pair of nested tubes and a dispensing neck on it that are integrally molded with a transverse wall as a single piece. Apertures in the end wall provide dispensing openings for a first chamber inside the inner tube, and for a second chamber between the two tubes. The transverse wall has an annular stepped wall portion in it between the two tubes that is generally parallel with the outer surface of the dispensing neck and has a dispensing opening through the stepped wall portion. The openings through the stepped wall are formed by parting line contact between the mold surfaces of the mold used to form the squeeze tube. The single piece, two chamber squeeze tube is molded in a straight draw mold with a split mold piece only required to release external threads formed on the neck. A cap with internal threads screws onto the threaded neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignees: Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company, RXI Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Richmond, Thomas F. Wiegner
  • Patent number: 6223942
    Abstract: A container for dispensing two products kept separate prior to application, for example, surfactant and skin benefit agent. The container comprising two chambers, adhered to each other. Although the chambers are essentially identical when viewed from their respective distal walls, they are adhered to each other at an offset so that from any view, both chambers can be seen. Preferably, the chambers include in their proximal walls complementary raised and recessed portions, e.g., protuberances and depressions, which assist the alignment of the chambers in an offset. A closure preferably comprises a peripheral flange and a wall extending transversely of the flange and including at least two product egress openings. Product egress channels on the underside of the transverse wall may lead to the product egress openings. Preferably attached to the closure base, for example by a hinge, is a closure cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Markey, Frank Edward Gonda, James Lynn Turbett, David Scott Laubach
  • Patent number: 6223944
    Abstract: A device for sanitary dispensing from a flexible package a heated flowable material, such as cheese sauce, to be maintained at or above a predetermined temperature level after the package is opened. The dispensing device includes a housing defining heated compartment, a heating unit for maintaining the compartment at or above the predetermined temperature level, a package support in the compartment arranged to promote gravity flow of the material and a valve for selectively controlling flow of the material from the package and having a dispensing portion disposed substantially entirely in the compartment or the package support. The valve is removably connected to a package outlet and a valve member mounted in a valve body is moved from a closed position to an open position by an operator to discharge cheese sauce through a discharge opening in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventors: John P. Gehl, Carol J. Nikolaus, Tim Freeman, David A. Borsheim, Arnold A. Jahn
  • Patent number: 6216915
    Abstract: A dual chamber package for containing and simultaneously dispensing two individually contained fluent products which are not continuously externally pressurized. The package has an outer container body formed of a resilient plastic material, which is closed at one end, and a pair of collapsible containers contained within the outer container body for containing the fluent products out of contact with one another. A single elevator is positioned in within outer container body, initially near the closed end thereof, and in contact with closed ends of each of the collapsible containers. The elevator receives the free end of a walking stick in a one-way connection, and lifting of the walking stick causes the elevator to rise, thereby simultaneously dispensing small doses of the packaged products from the collapsible containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Harman, Jeffrey J. Baltzell, Craig E. McClean
  • Patent number: 6206239
    Abstract: Provided is a novel device for applying frosting or icing to a cake or pastry from a cartridge containing pastry dough, frosting or icing. The device has a walled cartridge container and a hand-held gun for dispensing pastry dough, icing or frosting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur H Romer
  • Patent number: 6176395
    Abstract: A dual dispense container is comprised of an inner container and an outer container, the outer container neck base having a groove, a latch and an undersurface, and the inner container neck having a bead engaged in the groove, and ribs below the bead which abut the undersurface and cause the latch of the outer container to lock the bead in the groove and thereby lock the inner container within the outer container. A method of locking an inner container within an outer container of a dual dispense container comprises abutting ribs of the inner container against the undersurface of a latch at the base of the neck of the outer container, to latch and lock a bead of the inner container neck in a groove in the base of the outer container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Abbott, Justin E. McDonough
  • Patent number: 6174393
    Abstract: A process to produce multi-chamber packaging which comprises a tube pipe, a tube head connected to the tube pipe and a partition housed in the tube pipe comprises changing a mandrel with a partition, applying the tube pipe to the mandrel changed with the partition and bonding a tube head to the partition and the partition to the tube pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: KMK Lizence Ltd.
    Inventor: Fredy Scheifele
  • Patent number: 6164822
    Abstract: A dispensing package formed of a flexible material, e.g., a plastic film or laminate, and having two separate compartments for holding paste-like materials therein until they are to be dispensed together from the package. The package also includes an outlet in the form of a fitment having a removable cap coupled to the two compartments. The first compartment is formed by an outer panel of the package and one section of a gusset panel which forms a first inner panel. The second compartment is formed by another outer panel of the package an another section of the gusset panel which forms a second inner panel. One outer panel and its immediately adjacent inner panel are secured together along their bottom marginal edges. The other outer panel and its immediately adjacent outer panel are welded together along their bottom marginal edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Fres-co System USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Beer
  • Patent number: 6161729
    Abstract: A dual-chambered dispenser is provided including a pair of elongated hollow tubes containing separate flowable material streams, a manifold for directing the flow through separate chambers, a cap fitting over dispensing openings of the manifold and a metering valve located within the manifold downstream from the dispensing openings. The valve is present to adjust differences in flow rates between the two material streams. In a preferred embodiment, the tubes are juxtaposed along their respective flat outer walls which may include a series of ribs/depressions allowing for coupling of the tubes and strengthening the flat walls against collapse relative to other wall areas of the tubes. Advantageously the valve is a duckbill type and the tubes taper in a pear shape, the broader portion being near the open end of the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco
    Inventors: James Louis Gentile, Robert Alfread Bennett
  • Patent number: 6155457
    Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing liquid toner concentrate including a container containing liquid toner concentrate, mounting apparatus operative to secure the container while allowing for axial movement of the container and air pressure apparatus for causing axial movement of the container and movement of a movable partition in the canister to aid in selective dispensing of the liquid toner concentrate from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Indigo N.V.
    Inventors: Benzion Landa, Oded Sagiv
  • Patent number: 6129243
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adaptor which enables two premade tubes such as toothpaste tubes of varying sizes to be fitted together, one inside the other to obtain a dual tube dispenser providing for separate storage of two dissimilar substances and its co-extrusion from the dispenser as and when desired upon application of external pressure on the latter. The adaptor includes a threaded component in the form of a cap with internal threads to match the threads of the neck portion of conventional toothpaste tubes. A central passage provided in the adaptor communicates with the inside of the tube to which it is screw-fitted. The adaptor is further provided with press-fitting studs to hold the tube coaxially within a larger tube to obtain a dual tube dispenser, the press-fitting studs being capable of forming a press-fit connection in the internal portion of the neck of the larger tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagesh Keshav Pal, Shashank Vaman Dhalewadikar, Colin Prottey
  • Patent number: 6129244
    Abstract: Arrangement for dispensing a mixed dental multi-component composition, with tubular bags (5, 6) which contain the components of the composition that are to be mixed, and with a unit for pressing the components out. This unit has a head piece (9), with channels (38, 39) for guiding the pressed-out components to attachments (10, 11) provided on the head piece (9), and with a mixer (15) which can be attached thereto. According to the invention, the head piece (9) including the attachments (10, 11) is firmly connected to the tubular bags (5, 6) and can be exchanged along with these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Ernst Muhlbauer KG
    Inventor: Hans Horth
  • Patent number: 6116466
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for dispensing through at least one outlet at least two products. The dispenser includes a container for containing a first product, and a dispensing member extending from the container. The dispensing member is capable of being actuated to permit flow of the first product from the container. The dispenser is provided with an actuation control element. The actuation control element controls actuation of the dispensing member and defines a reservoir for containing a second product, and first and second flow paths in flow communication with at least one outlet of the dispenser. The first flow path includes at least one passage in flow communication with the dispensing member for conveying the first product, and the second flow path is in flow communication with the reservoir for conveying the second product. The reservoir is configured so that pressure of the first product flowing from the container causes flow of the second product through the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
  • Patent number: 6102256
    Abstract: An assembly for dispensing a fluid product includes a container with two separated compartments; and a dispensing head containing a channel for dispensing the product. The channel is two dispensing passages, each associated with a respective compartment, and each terminating in a dispensing orifice opening to the outside. A closure member is located at the dispensing orifices. The closure member is a springy leaf at least partially in contact with a seat at the dispensing orifices, when dispensing is not taking place, moving away at least partially, from the seat by flexing under the pressure of the product being dispensed and coming back, by elasticity, to its initial position, when dispensing ceases by the action of a stressing member. The springy leaf is a flexible material and the stressing member is a heel attached to the dispensing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
  • Patent number: 6098848
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to simplify the process of connecting a reservoir for charging and discharging 2 or more fluids with a pipeline for conveying said fluid and to assist the automation of this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignees: Nisso Engineering Co., LTD, Kanto Kagaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kawashima, Koji Ueda, Tsugio Saito, Kenji Kageyama
  • Patent number: 6089406
    Abstract: A packaged food warmer and dispenser that includes an open interior sized to receive a pair of collapsible containers including food product. A paddle assembly including a movable paddle member is positioned within the open interior to divide the open interior into a storage area and a dispensing area. A collapsible container of food product is received in both the dispensing area and storage area. The collapsible bag of food product in the dispensing area is connected to a pump assembly and dispensed from the food product warmer and dispenser. The collapsible container of food product in the storage area exerts a bias force on the pivotable pressure paddle to urge the food product from the collapsible container in the dispensing section. The pressure paddle includes a heating element positioned between a front face surface and a back face surface to heat each of the collapsible containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Server Products
    Inventor: Paul R. Feldner
  • Patent number: 6083528
    Abstract: Varying the daily dose of either or both of the estrogen and the progestogen administered for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is readily and inexpensively accomplished, without the necessity of the physician prescribing a new product each time the daily dose of the estrogen or progestogen is changed, by administering preferably transdermally the estrogen and the progestogen contained in separate extrudable pharmaceutical compositions from a dispenser which contains means, preferably adjustable only by the attending physician or dispensing pharmacist, for varying the volume of either or both of the respective compositions which is dispensed as a single dose from the dispenser in response to a defined digital dispensing manipulation of the dispenser thereby facilitating optimal compliance to a combination of HRT with individually adjusted dosages of the estrogen and progestogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jorg Elliesen, Jutta Riedl
  • Patent number: 6082585
    Abstract: A double bag for application of a fluid substance including an outer bag having at least two adjoining each other edges, and an inner bag for receiving the fluid substance, located in the outer bag and having a length and a width which are shorter than inner dimensions of the outer bag, with the two adjoining each other edges of the outer bag and the inner bag defining together a free flooding region along the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Nutrichem Diat + Pharma GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Mader, Michael Krause, Horst Schwietz, Franz Fritzmeier, Karlheinz Baumann
  • Patent number: 6065643
    Abstract: A two-compartment container (10) comprises two flexible "D" shaped cross section tubular housings (11) each having a respective shoulder (17) with a nozzle (25). The two tubular housings (11) each have a flat portion (14) and an arcuate portion (15) and are held in side-by-side relationship so that the flat portions (14) are in contact over substantially their entire widths and lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Betts UK Limited
    Inventors: John W. Harvey, John D. Sawkins
  • Patent number: 6065644
    Abstract: A squeezeable dispensing container for paste-like substances comprising, a closed tube having flexible side-walls and a selectively closeable dispensing aperture, a plurality of paste containing capsule members disposed in serially connected chains within the container, each capsule having an open base end and a convex end, and each having a check valve in the vertex of the convex end thereof that is openable and closable as a function of lateral pressure exerted on the capsule. Lateral pressure on the container and the capsules acts to extrude paste out of one capsule and into the next capsule in the chain. The check valves in each of the capsules prevents the paste from regressing in the container, permitting only the forward movement of the paste. toward the container's aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Byron B. Shipp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6056157
    Abstract: A device for sanitary dispensing from a flexible package a heated flowable material, such as cheese sauce, to be maintained at or above a predetermined temperature level after the package is opened. The dispensing device includes a housing defining heated compartment, a heating unit for maintaining the compartment at or above the predetermined temperature level, a package support in the compartment arranged to promote gravity flow of the material and a valve for selectively controlling flow of the material from the package and having a dispensing portion disposed substantially entirely in the compartment or the package support. The valve is removably connected to a package outlet and a valve member mounted in a valve body is moved from a closed position to an open position by an operator to discharge cheese sauce through a discharge opening in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Gehl's Guernsey Farms, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Gehl, Carol J. Nikolaus, Tim Freeman, David A. Borsheim, Arnold A. Jahn
  • Patent number: 6026989
    Abstract: A container for dispensing two flowable products in desired proportions includes a multichamber squeeze tube with a pair of nested tubes integrally molded with an end wall as a single piece. Apertures in the end wall provide dispensing openings for a first chamber inside the inner tube, and for a second chamber between the two tubes. Preferably, the two tubes have out of round cross-sections, generally ellipsoidal in configuration, and the outer tube has a cylindrical neck with a shoulder joining it to the out of round main section. The out of round inner tube extends up into the neck of the outer tube to the end wall and is integrally molded along a major axis to the shoulder of the outer tube. The single piece, two chamber squeeze tube is molded in a straight draw mold with a split mold piece only required to release external threads formed on the neck. A cap with internal threads screws onto the threaded neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: RXI Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Richmond
  • Patent number: 6019251
    Abstract: The invention relates to extrusion equipment C in that a pushing plate 12 is disposed on a base plate 1 to incline vertically with both tubes 2 containing two-part reactive curing materials interposed between them, the pushing plate 12 is inclined downward to squeeze both tubes 2 to simultaneously extrude both materials when a grip 8 disposed on the bottom face of the base plate 1 is held to pull a lever 9 positioned in front of the grip 8, and a coating device A provided with a nozzle B which is connected to both tubes 2 set on the extrusion equipment C to jointly discharge both materials which are extruded from both tubes 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Koga
  • Patent number: 5967197
    Abstract: A system for delivery and refilling a dispenser of potable liquids provides a delivery container with rigid sidewalls and refill liquid containers with flexible sidewalls. Complimentary fitments on the dispenser and refill containers permit leak free docking under ascetic conditions when transferring liquid from the refill container into the liquid dispenser. The refill containers are easy to lift and handle, are used one time only and are then recycled. When empty the delivery container is nestable with others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Richard L. Shown
  • Patent number: 5957336
    Abstract: A viscous fluid dispenser is provided including an upper extent constructed from a flexible material and having a top face and a peripheral side wall with an inverted frusto-conical configuration defining a lower peripheral edge. Further provided is a lower extent constructed from a rigid material and having a planar bottom face coupled with respect to the lower peripheral edge of the upper extent. The bottom face of the lower extent has at least one bore formed therein. Next provided is a lid hingably coupled to the lower extent for selectively closing the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Dan Radassao, Antoinette Radassao
  • Patent number: 5954230
    Abstract: A device for mixing and dispensing a multipart solution is descried. The device includes a flexible pouch having a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are divided by a barrier that is at least partially breakable. The first compartment can contain a first solution and the second can contain a second solution, such that breaking the breakable barrier results in the mixing and the first and second solutions to form a multipart solution. The flexible pouch contains a dispenser to provide access to the solution within the flexible pouch. A system and method for mixing and dispensing a multipart cleaning solution are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Russell E. Blette, Brian A. Kubicek
  • Patent number: 5954234
    Abstract: A multichamber container must have certain characteristics in order to uniformly dispense the contents of each chamber from the container. The outer wall of the container and the inner divider web walls must have certain characteristics. The inner divider web walls must be highly flexible while the outer container wall must be less flexible. The Deflective Force for the outer wall must be greater than the Deflective Force for the web walls. In addition, to alleviate the problem of suckback of air into the container chambers, the outer wall should exhibit a specific Retention Index. This is a measure of the outer wall to remain deflected after the removal of the deflecting force. The inner divider web wall will have a lower Retention Index than the outer wall. By the proper selection of outer wall and web walls, there can be uniform dispensing from the dispenser. The Stiffness of the outer wall also should be less than the Stiffness for the inner web divider walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Patrick Andre Connan, Robert Mack, Ramon Armando Mejia Mustafa
  • Patent number: 5954231
    Abstract: A dual chamber closure and dual closure chamber package including dual chambers which have outlets and a common wall between the outlets. The closure comprises a first portion that is snapped into position on the outlets and a second portion hinged to the first portion and providing a cover closing the outlets. Each outlet has a top surface with an annular groove. The second portion of the closure includes complementary annular beads which engage the grooves and provide a seal. The second portion of the closure preferably includes an inner skirt that surrounds and engages an axial wall on the first portion. The second portion further includes an outer skirt that engages a shoulder on the first portion of the closure. Each outlet further includes an annular wall having an annular bead on the external surface thereof which is engaged by snap action with an internal annular bead on the annular wall of the first portion of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Leonora M. Durliat, Maximillian Kusz