Abstract: A drinking spout and closure combination for a beverage container includes a drinking spout constructed and arranged to snap onto a neck of the container and a closure constructed and arranged to snap onto the drinking spout. The neck of the beverage container defines an opening and the neck is shaped with an enlarged annular lip. The spout includes an annular channel having an inwardly protruding ridge that cooperates with the annular lip of the neck for a snap-fit assembly onto the neck. An inner wall of the spout seals against an inner surface of the neck. The closure includes an annular channel that is constructed and arranged to snap onto an annular lip portion of the drinking spout. The closure includes a pull tab for severing a portion of the closure to facilitate removal of the closure from the spout.

Abstract: A product dispensing apparatus for a granule product includes a unitary, plastic housing having an open first end closed by a cap and an open second end for the dispensing of product. The housing includes a product storage compartment that is accessible by way of the first end when the closing cap is removed. A plunger is received within the housing and defines a cavity for receipt of product from the storage compartment. The plunger is a two-component assembly including a unitary body member and a unitary slide member, the slide member fitting within the body member and being movable relative thereto to vary the cavity size. As the plunger travels during its cycle, product is transferred into the cavity and then dispensed from the cavity through the second end. The size of the cavity defines the volume of the dose to be dispensed.

Abstract: A product-dispensing apparatus for manually dispensing a quantity of product, such as a herbicide with a foam consistency, includes a gripping member in the form of a handle and a cooperating container holder that is assembled with the gripping member and is constructed and arranged to receive a product-dispensing container. The container is preferably a foamer positioned in an inverted orientation utilizing a depressing plunger to dispense a foam-consistency product. The gripping member and container holder are assembled to a dispensing tip such that there is relative movement between the container holder and the dispensing tip for activation of the container plunger. A child-resistant locking ring is received by the container holder and cooperates with the dispensing tip for alternately configuring the product-dispensing apparatus in either a locked or unlocked condition. In the locked condition, foam product is not able to be dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A plastic closure for a container includes a top wall portion, an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion, and a removal tab projecting downwardly from the skirt portion for manipulation of the closure during removal. A sealing plug depends from the inside surface of the top wall portion for disposition generally within the mouth of an associated container. The closure includes a pair of weakened regions which extend along the skirt portion on respective opposite sides of the removal tab, and which further extend along the closure top wall portion on respective opposite sides of the sealing plug.

Abstract: A snap-on plastic closure for a container includes a top wall portion, an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion, and a removal tab projecting forwardly from the skirt portion for manipulation of the closure during removal. A sealing plug depends from the inside surface of the top wall portion for disposition generally within the mouth of an associated container. The skirt portion of the closure includes a deformable region positioned beneath the removal tab so that during closure removal, the deformable region is permanently stretched and deformed for tamper-indication.

Abstract: A container closure assembly for closing the neck opening of a container includes a closure plug for threaded engagement with the neck opening, a sealing gasket positioned between the container and the closure plug, and a unitary, molded plastic overcap constructed and arranged for assembly to the closure plug. The overcap includes a top portion defining a pair of weakened score lines that partition the top portion into three sections. A surrounding sidewall connects a pair of flange sections to first and second outer sections of the top portion. A center post axially extends from the center section and includes external threads for engagement with internal threads on the closure plug. The overcap includes a raised portion in unitary construction with the top portion and spanning the pair of weakened score lines so as to visually reveal stress discoloration upon upward movement of the first and second outer sections.

Abstract: A container closure assembly for closing the neck opening of a container includes a closure plug for threaded engagement with the neck opening, a sealing gasket positioned between the container and the closure plug, and a unitary, molded plastic overcap constructed and arranged for assembly to the closure plug. The overcap includes a top portion defining a pair of weakened score lines that partition the top portion into three sections. A surrounding sidewall connects a pair of flange sections to first and second outer sections of the top portion. A center post axially extends from the center section and includes external threads for engagement with internal threads on the closure plug. The overcap includes a raised portion in unitary construction with the top portion and spanning the pair of weakened score lines so as to visually reveal stress discoloration upon upward movement of the first and second outer sections.

Abstract: A package for heating and dispensing a food product includes a container body having a top opening and an outside thread, and a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes an outer shell having an inside thread and an integrally formed utensil, and an inner disk. The utensil is defined by a weakened segment or outline formed into an end wall of the outer shell and has a convex region. The disk has a protrusion that is shaped to be received into the convex region when the outer shell is placed on the container body and threaded tightly onto the body over the disk. A sufficient friction force exists between the disk and the body that prevents the disk from turning when the outer shell is unscrewed an initial amount. The protrusion forcibly leaving the convex region causes the weakened segment to rupture creating tamper evidence and a vent for heating.

Abstract: A snap-on plastic closure for a container includes a top wall portion, an annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion, and a removal tab projecting forwardly from the skirt portion for manipulation of the closure during removal. A sealing plug depends from the inside surface of the top wall portion for disposition generally within the mouth of an associated container. The skirt portion of the closure includes a deformable region positioned beneath the removal tab so that during closure removal, the deformable region is permanently stretched and deformed for tamper-indication.

Abstract: A closure includes a plurality of decorative display elements arranged at regular intervals around an outside surface of the closure, the decorative display elements, and gaps between the display elements, serving as engagement locations for a chuck to rotate the closure. According to one aspect of the invention, the display elements are peaked upwardly from an open bottom end of the closure, having wider base ends than distal ends, and the gap formed between the elements is tapered in a downward direction. In one embodiment, the display elements are stepped in profile having different levels of raised planes providing a three dimensional decorative display. The regularly spaced decorative elements also provide an enhanced gripping surface for the fingers of a consumer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a blended stream of articles, such as for use in connection with product promotions and the like. The invention contemplates that first and second streams of discrete promotional articles are blended so that the resultant stream includes articles at a predetermined ratio. The present invention facilitates creation of a blended product stream comprising all winning promotional articles with differing values, with subsequent formation of a blended article stream comprising winning and non-winning promotional articles. Precise and cost-effective introduction of the winning and non-winning promotional articles into the marketplace can thus be effected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for creating a blended stream of articles, such as for use in connection with product promotions and the like. The invention contemplates that first and second streams of discrete promotional articles are blended so that the resultant stream includes articles at a predetermined ratio. The present invention facilitates creation of a blended product stream comprising all winning promotional articles with differing values, with subsequent formation of a blended article stream comprising winning and non-winning promotional articles. Precise and cost-effective introduction of the winning and non-winning promotional articles into the marketplace can thus be effected.