Patents by Inventor Charles J. Long

Charles J. Long has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110100947
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a closure assembly for use with a container. The closure includes a generally cylindrical cap portion and an annular skirt extending from, and frangibly coupled to, the cap portion. The annular skirt includes a number of lugs extending inward from an inner portion of the annular skirt. At least one lug of the number of lugs extends circumferentially along the inner portion and includes a top portion, a bottom portion and a generally flat portion that extends therebetween. The generally flat portion is structured to engage a corresponding portion that extends outward from a neck of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Charles J. Long
  • Patent number: 7886921
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a closure having a cap coupled to a sleeve defining a frangible connection between the cap and the sleeve. A preselected geometry is provided between the cap and the sleeve proximate to the frangible connection which allows for formation of a clean break between the cap and the sleeve when the cap is broken away from the sleeve. An extended bead is also provided with consistent material distribution on the bead proximate to a juncture of the cap to the sleeve after the cap is broken away from the sleeve. A projection is additionally provided on the cap which projects at an angle. The projection has a generally tapering leg of reduced thickness that terminates in a vertical wall segment. The projection also has the bead that is formed located on an outer corner of the projection after the frangible connection is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Charles J. Long
  • Publication number: 20090277861
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a closure for a container, such as a bottle or the like, and more particularly, to a resealable, tamper evident closure for a container. The closure consists of a top section connected to a lower skirt portion. The closure is structured such that it would be evident if one were to attempt to remove the closure or tamper with the closure and that the contents of the container should not be consumed due to the risk of possible contamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: CHARLES J. LONG, JR.
  • Patent number: 7604139
    Abstract: A tamper evident closure for a container having a bead provided on the outside surface of the neck thereof. The closure includes a top section and an outer skirt extending downwardly from the top section. The outer skirt includes a tamper evident strip extending along only a portion of the outer perimeter. The tamper evident strip is connected to a remaining portion of the outer skirt by a tear membrane, wherein the tamper evident strip may be separated from the remaining portion along the tear membrane. A first lug is provided at least partially on an inner surface of the temper evident strip and one or more second lugs are provided on an inner surface of the remaining portion of the outer skirt. The first lug and the one or more second lugs are each adapted to engage the bead on container to secure the closure to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080135512
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a closure having a cap coupled to a sleeve defining a frangible connection between the cap and the sleeve. A preselected geometry is provided between the cap and the sleeve proximate to the frangible connection which allows for formation of a clean break between the cap and the sleeve when the cap is broken away from the sleeve. An extended bead is also provided with consistent material distribution on the bead proximate to a juncture of the cap to the sleeve after the cap is broken away from the sleeve. A projection is additionally provided on the cap which projects at an angle. The projection has a generally tapering leg of reduced thickness that terminates in a vertical wall segment. The projection also has the bead that is formed located on an outer corner of the projection after the frangible connection is broken.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Charles J. Long
  • Publication number: 20070272647
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a closure that has a cover and an annular first skirt coupled to the cover that extends downwardly in an axial direction from the cover. A plurality of vertical strips are formed in the annular first skirt. At least a vertical tear band is located between some or all of the vertical strips. Each of the at least a vertical tear band couples adjacent vertical strips together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Charles J. Long, Dieter Sander
  • Patent number: 7228979
    Abstract: A closure is provided with a thread configuration adapted for snap-on or screw-on application to a container neck finish. The closure is optionally provided with at least one member attached to the tamper-indicating ring which cooperates with the arcuate projection to assist in breaking said tamper indicating ring during removal of the closure from the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040251228
    Abstract: A closure is provided with a thread configuration adapted for snap-on or screw-on application to a container neck finish. The closure is optionally provided with at least one member attached to the tamper-indicating ring which cooperates with the arcuate projection to assist in breaking said tamper indicating ring during removal of the closure from the container neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Charles J. Long
  • Patent number: 6793082
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closure with a thread configuration adapted for snap-on or screw-on application to a container neck finish. The closure is optionally provided with at least one member attached to the tamper-indicating ring which cooperates with the arcuate projection to assist in breaking said indicating ring during removal of the closure from the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6769575
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a threaded tamper-evident closure having an annular hook-shaped flange extending radially inward from the inner surface of the tamper-evident band attached to the bottom edge of the closure body. The hook-shaped flange can be continuous or segmented and forms an upwardly angled surface for engaging the sealing flange on the bottle neck. A plurality of elevated areas extend upwardly from the tamper-evident band in spaced relation to the bottom edge of the closure body. The frangible elements connecting the tamper evident band to the lower edge of the closure depending annular flange may be configured to extend from these elevated areas as well as the non-elevated areas of the tamper-evident band. A second preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a threaded tamper-evident plastic closure having a tamper-evident band containing the above-described features, for use with a tamper evident push-pull resealable pour spout which is substantially leak proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6431404
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a threaded tamper-evident closure having an annular hook-shaped flange extending radially inward from the inner surface of the tamper-evident band attached to the bottom edge of the closure body. The hook-shaped flange can be continuous or segmented and forms an upwardly angled surface for engaging the sealing flange on the bottle neck. A plurality of elevated areas extend upwardly from the tamper-evident band in spaced relation to the bottom edge of the closure body. The frangible elements connecting the tamper evident band to the lower edge of the closure depending annular flange may be configured to extend from these elevated areas as well as the non-elevated areas of the tamper-evident band. Pairs of cooperating ratchets may be used in lieu of or in combination with the elevated bridge areas to reduce the stress placed upon frangible elements and/or during cap application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: International Plastics & Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6357628
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a threaded tamper-evident closure having an annular hook-shaped flange extending radially inward from the inner surface of the tamper-evident band attached to the bottom edge of the closure body. The hook-shaped flange can be continuous or segmented and forms an upwardly angled surface for engaging the sealing flange on the bottle neck. A plurality of elevated areas extend upwardly from the tamper-evident band in spaced relation to the bottom edge of the closure body. The frangible elements connecting the tamper evident band to the lower edge of the closure depending annular flange may be configured to extend from these elevated areas as well as the non-elevated areas of the tamper-evident band. Pairs of cooperating ratchets may be used in lieu of or in combination with the elevated bridge areas to reduce the stress placed upon frangible elements and/or during cap application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6305579
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closure with a thread configuration adapted for snap-on or screw-on application to a container neck finish. The present invention preferably provides at least one annular sealing bead depending from the outer surface of the closure valve which are compressed against the inner surface of the container neck to form a seal as the closure is snapped onto the container neck. The present invention also preferably provides plurality of elevated areas extend upwardly from the tamper-evident band in spaced relation to the bottom edge of the closure body to support the tamper evident band in resisting vertical movement imparted by insertion of the closure on the bottle neck, thereby protecting the frangible elements during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6073810
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially leak proof tamper-evident container closure that combines a reusable, push-pull spout with a snap-on tamper evident closure which is substantially tamper proof. The closure has first and second locking members characterized by the first locking member having an inward flange with an upturned locking edge forming an annular groove in the flange. Optionally, a third annular member can be positioned above the second annular locking member to cooperate with the bottle neck finish and the second annular locking member to ensure a more secure engagement of the second annular locking member with the cooperating structure on the bottle neck finish. The push pull resealable pour spout with an opening therein which is partially closed by a second top having a secondary opening therein and a plug space thereabove with upwardly angled legs formed integral with the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6073809
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially leak proof tamper-evident container closure that combines a reusable, push-pull spout with a snap-on tamper evident closure which is substantially tamper proof. The closure has first and second locking members characterized by the first locking member having an inward flange with an upturned locking edge forming an annular groove in the flange. The push pull resealable pour spout with an opening therein which is partially closed by a second top having a secondary opening therein and a plug space thereabove with upwardly angled legs formed integral with the closure. Integrated into the periphery of the secondary opening is at least one and preferably two annular flanges. The annular flanges engage and create a sealing contact with the annular surface of the plug to provide a seal which is leak proof after many uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6070766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially leak proof tamper-evident container closure that combines a reusable, push-pull spout with a snap-on tamper evident closure which is substantially tamper proof. The closure has first and second locking members characterized by the first locking member having an inward flange with an upturned locking edge forming an annular groove in the flange. The push pull resealable pour spout with an opening therein which is partially closed by a second top having a secondary opening therein and a plug space thereabove with upwardly angled legs formed integral with the closure. Integrated into the periphery of the secondary opening is at least one and preferably two annular flanges. The annular flanges engage and create a sealing contact with the annular surface of the plug to provide a seal which is leak proof after many uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6024255
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially leak proof tamper-evident container closure that combines a reusable, push-pull spout with a snap-on tamper evident closure which is substantially tamper proof. The closure has first and second locking members characterized by the first locking member having an inward flange with an upturned locking edge forming an annular groove in the flange. The push pull resealable pour spout with an opening therein which is partially closed by a second top having a secondary opening therein and a plug space thereabove with upwardly angled legs formed integral with the closure. Integrated into the periphery of the secondary opening is at least one and preferably two annular flanges. The annular flanges engage and create a sealing contact with the annular surface of the plug to provide a seal which is leak proof after many uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5862953
    Abstract: A resealable push-pull pour spout closure having an annular secondary closure with a central opening through which a plug is adapted to engage to close a container. The central opening is defined by an annular wall having at least one internally extending annular flange. The diameter of the central opening is substantially the same as that of the plug. The plug takes the form of a circular closure disk having an integrally molded depending annular skirt projecting from the periphery of the disk that attaches to angularly extending legs that connect the plug to the spout thereby defining a hollow cavity for the plug interior and increasing the structural flexibility of the plug. The annular seal flange projects radially into opening for form fitting engagement with the plug to substantially eliminate any leakage when the plug is positioned in the central opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.