Patents by Inventor Michael G. Knickerbocker

Michael G. Knickerbocker 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).

  • Patent number: 8215481
    Abstract: A container closure is disclosed for retaining an additive material to mix with a container material within a container. The container closure comprises a reservoir having a sleeve and a plunger for retaining the additive material. A resilient seal is located at a first end of the sleeve and a frangible wall is located at a second end of the sleeve. The plunger is slidably received within the sleeve with the resilient seal interacting between the sleeve and the plunger. A severable member coacts between the base and the plunger for spacing a plunger projection from the frangible wall. The severable member is removable for enabling the plunger to be moved into a depressed position to fracture the frangible wall to permit the additive material to enter the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6921004
    Abstract: A finger operated pump assembly comprising a pump body (60, 160) having a base (64, 164) supporting an outer housing (62, 162) and an inner housing (66, 166) and defining a first portion of a compression chamber (68) therebetween. A piston (82) has an annular lip and has a piston outlet defined by a poppet valve seat. A poppet (98) is accommodated by the inner housing (66, 166) and biased away from the base into engagement with the poppet valve seat by a spring (104). The poppet (98) and inner housing (66, 166) define an interior cavity (100). A peripheral passageway (74) communicates with the compression chamber (68) and includes a one-way valve (76). A ventilation port (110) is provided int the interior cavity (100) so that during operation of (98), it may operate at ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6854619
    Abstract: A flip-top closure, for dispensing a product from a container, comprising a base member having a neck and a dispensing orifice. A cap is formed integral with the base member and connected thereto by a hinge which facilitates pivoting motion of the cap relative to the base member. The cap is pivotable from an open position to a closed position, and vice versa. The cap carries a sealing member which facilitates sealing of the dispensing orifice when the cap is in the closed position. The flip-top closure includes a child resistant locking system, which resists opening of the flip-top container by a child, comprising at least one hook member carried by one of the base member and the cap and at least one latching surface, carried by the other of the base member and the cap. The hook member is located to engage with the latching surface and retain the cap in a locked position and resist opening of the flip-top container by a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Summit Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20040074919
    Abstract: A flip-top closure, for dispensing a product from a container, comprising a base member having a neck and a dispensing orifice. A cap is formed integral with the base member and connected thereto by a hinge which facilitates pivoting motion of the cap relative to the base member. The cap is pivotable from an open position to a closed position, and vice versa. The cap carries a sealing member which facilitates sealing of the dispensing orifice when the cap is in the closed position. The flip-top closure includes a child resistant locking system, which resists opening of the flip-top container by a child, comprising at least one hook member carried by one of the base member and the cap and at least one latching surface, carried by the other of the base member and the cap. The hook member is located to engage with the latching surface and retain the cap in a locked position and resist opening of the flip-top container by a child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6612464
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves axially, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal an outlet, and thereby initiate a spray burst. A pawl extends from the diaphragm, and engages a retention surface to resist movement of the diaphragm and prolong the accumulation phase. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Michael G. Knickerbocker, David J. Houser
  • Publication number: 20030127468
    Abstract: An improved spray delivery system and method for aerosol containers is provided. The system and method provide improved selectable spray pattern characteristics. In addition, the system is provided with multiple automatic features to prevent unintended actuation of the aerosol container as well as an override system to selectively disable these characteristics and automatically return the device to a safety position without requiring the user to see the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Kamran Loghman-Adham, Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6588627
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal a valve stem, and thereby initiate a spray burst. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure. A barrier prevents the aerosol container from resupplying the accumulation chamber at a high rate during the spray phase, preferably due to a textured interface between the barrier and a passageway in which it is housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Thomas Jaworski, David J. Houser, Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20030106912
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves axially, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal an outlet, and thereby initiate a spray burst. A pawl extends from the diaphragm, and engages a retention surface to resist movement of the diaphragm and prolong the accumulation phase. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, Michael G. Knickerbocker, David J. Houser
  • Publication number: 20030080141
    Abstract: A valve assembly can automatically dispense aerosol content from an aerosol container at predetermined intervals without the use of electric power. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm moves, carrying with it a leg so as to unseal a valve stem, and thereby initiate a spray burst. The diaphragm assumes its original position when the pressure within the accumulation chamber falls below a threshold pressure. A barrier prevents the aerosol container from resupplying the accumulation chamber at a high rate during the spray phase, preferably due to a textured interface between the barrier and a passageway in which it is housed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Grace C. Petterson, Thomas Jaworski, David J. Houser, Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6533141
    Abstract: An valve assembly is provided that automatically dispenses aerosol content from a can at predetermined intervals. A diaphragm at least partially defines an accumulation chamber that receives aerosol content from the can during an accumulation phase. Once the internal pressure of the accumulation chamber reaches a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm flexes to initiate a spray phase, during which the aerosol content is delivered from the accumulation chamber to the ambient environment. A rotatable pawl provides resistive pressure and control of diaphragm movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Tor H. Petterson, Michael G. Knickerbocker, David J. Houser
  • Patent number: 6397805
    Abstract: A resilient retainer is disclosed for a rocker arm coupling joining a valve assembly to a rocker arm assembly in an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm coupling comprises a first coupling member having a socket for receiving a ball extending from a second coupling member. The resilient retainer consists of unitary polymeric material comprising a resilient mounting portion and a resilient restricting portion. The resilient mounting portion is engageable with a recess delineated within the first coupling member for resiliently securing the resilient retainer. The resilient restricting portion permits insertion of the ball into the socket upon deformation of the resilient restricting portion with the resilient restricting portion inhibiting removal of the ball from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6364169
    Abstract: An anti-clog device for a terminal orifice of a dispenser is disclosed for dispensing a particulate material from the terminal orifice. The particulate material clusters into aggregates larger than the terminal orifice and are prevented from being dispensed through the terminal orifice. The anti-clog device comprises an array of projections disposed about the terminal orifice for dividing the large aggregates of particulate material into smaller aggregates of particulate material for dispensing through the terminal orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6283333
    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 striker rib extending downwardly at a position between an edge of the actuator and the tilting axis. The body includes a deck defining a dispensing aperture and supporting a post. The post extends vertically to underlie the actuator, preventing tilting of the actuator unless a sufficient opening force is exerted on the actuator to cause the striker rib to shear, or permanently deform, the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Knickerbocker, Jeffrey T. Randall, Nicholas J. Jelich, Robert M. Pieters, Catherine F. Schultz, Kelly A. Smith, Terry J. Vandenboom
  • Patent number: 6244469
    Abstract: A child resistant trigger is disclosed for a fluid dispenser. The fluid dispenser comprises a body pivotably supporting the trigger for dispensing the fluid from a container upon movement of the trigger between an extended position and a retracted position. The trigger comprises a latch movably mounted on the trigger. The latch is biased into a locking position whereat the latch engages the body for inhibiting the movement of the trigger from the extended position. The latch is movable into an unlocking position whereat the latch disengages from the body for permitting the movement of the trigger from the extended position into the retracted position for dispensing the fluid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 6199526
    Abstract: A resilient retainer is disclosed for a rocker arm coupling joining a valve assembly to a rocker arm assembly in an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm coupling includes a first coupling member having a socket for receiving a ball extending from a second coupling member. The resilient retainer consists of unitary polymeric material including a resilient mounting portion and a resilient restricting portion. The resilient mounting portion is engageable with a recess delineated within the first coupling member for resiliently securing the resilient retainer. The resilient restricting portion permits insertion of the ball into the socket upon deformation of the resilient restricting portion with the resilient restricting portion inhibiting removal of the ball from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 5772078
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a combined turret and closure seal for a hand operated dispensing device having a closure for securing to a container to dispense a fluid from the container. The turret comprises a tubular portion and a gasket portion with the tubular portion engaging with the pump body. A closure is securable to the container and defines a closure shoulder. A boss is disposed on one of the tubular portion of said turret and the pump body for cooperating with the closure shoulder to interlock the turret and the pump body to the closure for securing the pump body to the container with the gasket portion of the turret providing a seal between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Aptar Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 5568886
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a combined turret and closure seal for a hand operated dispensing device having a closure for securing to a container to dispense a fluid from the container. The turret comprises a tubular portion and a gasket portion with the tubular portion engaging with the pump body. A closure is securable to the container and defines a closure shoulder. A boss is disposed on one of the tubular portion of said turret and the pump body for cooperating with the closure shoulder to interlock the turret and the pump body to the closure for securing the pump body to the container with the gasket portion of the turret providing a seal between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: D375263
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Aptar Group
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: D376103
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: APAR Group
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: D382805
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Aptargroup
    Inventor: Michael G. Knickerbocker