Including Visual Indicia Patents (Class 215/230)
  • Patent number: 5048711
    Abstract: A container system and method for indicating the proper orientation of the closure of a container. The system comprises a container and rotatable closure, and a label applied in an overlapping relation to the closure and container. The label has an area which can be separated, and alignment indicators on the two segments of the label which are unaligned. In use, after the label has been applied, the closure is removed by unscrewing, breaking the label. Thereafter, when the closure is reapplied, the closure is overtightened to align the previously unaligned alignment indicators of the label to insure a leak-free containeer system after the closure has been reapplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey S. Weiss, Lawrence G. Ponsi
  • Patent number: 5035341
    Abstract: This relates to a mechanically actuated closure cap which is provided with a tamper indicating feature. The closure cap includes an end panel having a centrally located button that is normally in a button down position, but when the closure cap is applied to a container, it is mechanically actuated to a button up position. A translucent panel is fixedly applied to the closure cap in overlying relation to the end panel and there is positioned between the button and the translucent panel several possibilities of devices for indicating that the closure cap has been applied to a container and either is in its original position relative to the container or has been removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Continental White Cap, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Heilman, H. Darrell Iler
  • Patent number: 5033633
    Abstract: This relates to the formation of a vacuum indicating button in a molded plastic closure. The button is formed by cold working which results in the flow of plastic material from a central portion of the end panel towards the center of the central portion and the automatic formation of an upwardly projecting generally curved button. In all forms the button is formed by cold working of the plastic. The button may be formed by coining between two opposed tools, or the button may be formed by cold working only the top side of the central portion of the end panel by such methods as including spinning, mechanical peening and shot peening. In the case of coining, the button may be formed either by a single annular ring of cold worked, oriented, reduced thickness material or by a plurality of such rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: Continental White Cap, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Heilman
  • Patent number: 5031786
    Abstract: A cartonless recyclable package for protectively enclosing a product, such as photographic film, comprises a recyclable plastic container and mating cap with recyclably compatible plastic labels thereon bearing product information. One such label on the cap has readily tearable tab portions extending therefrom and tautly secured to the container, to tear apart when the cap is first removed. A second label, secured to the container and overlapping the tearable tab portions, includes inner and outer sheets separably adhered together. The outer sheet can be peeled back to reveal information on the interfacing surfaces of both sheets, and then re-adhered to the inner sheet. A third label, separably adhered to the first label on the cap, may be peeled away and re-adhered to some other surface for reference after the product has been removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gaylynn F. Ingram, Evan W. Hutchison, Clark E. Harris, Edgar G. Earnhart
  • Patent number: 5022545
    Abstract: This relates to an improvement of a conventional closure having a tamper evident feature in the form of a safety button. In accordance with the improvement, the surface of the safety button is provided with a coating in the form of a suitable binder incorporating rupturable microcapsules containing an FDA approved colorant. A relatively stiff layer of translucent material overlies an end panel of the closure in position to be engaged by the microcapsules and to effect rupture of the microcapsules when the safety button everts from a lower axial position to an upper axial position and the microcapsules strike against the underside of the layer of translucent material. In order to prevent accidental rupture of the microcapsules prior to the closure being applied to a container, there is incorporated in the coating spacers which normally prevent the rupture of the microcapsules during conditions of manufacture and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Continental White Cap, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Carson
  • Patent number: 5022526
    Abstract: A compact piggyback expandable package assembly safely dispenses labels for attachment to bottles, containers, and closure caps, as well as to other surfaces. The compact package assembly is particularly useful in the pharmaceutical industry, but can also be used for other applications. The package assembly comprises a special foldable package which encloses a set of labels. A resealable tab can be provided to facilitate opening and closing of the package. In the preferred form, the piggyback package assembly has a base or base label which is attached to the package. The underside of the base has adhesive portions so that the package assembly can be mounted upon the top surface of a closure cap of a bottle, a web, or some other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: American Labelmark Company
    Inventor: Lynn B. Crum
  • Patent number: 5018632
    Abstract: This relates to a tamper indicating closure which includes a closure cap having a button which is movable between an elevated position and a downwardly recessed position in accordance with the state of closure of an associated container. In particular, the button is provided with a tamper indicating arrangement which will include a first layer directly attached to the button and an overlying second layer which is connected to the button generally at the periphery thereof. The first layer is in the form of a photoactive layer and the second layer is in the form of a friable filter material. Normally the second layer protects the first layer, but when the button changes its shape, the friable filter layer will crack and expose the underlying photoactive layer to cause a change in the photoactive layer. This change could be in the form of the disappearance of a message, including a UPC code or the developing of a previously formed message on the photoactive layer so as to make that message appear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Continental White Cap Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5016769
    Abstract: This relates to a conventional type of closure having a central button which is normally provided with an "up" convex state and which is movable by a vacuum within an associated container to a "down" concave state. The button, as formed, has a zero or tensile stress state with the stress state changing to a compressive stress state when the button is drawn downwardly by a vacuum within the associated container. In accordance with this invention, the button has been reformed so that it is slightly flattened and this reforming has changed the zero or tensile stress state to a compressive stress state thereby providing the button with more stored energy when it is drawn downwardly by a vacuum within an associated container. This additional stored energy provides for a greater flipping action of the button which can be utilized to operate an irreversible tamper indicating system which may be applied to the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Continental White Cap, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Heilman
  • Patent number: 5012940
    Abstract: An originality guarantee for closures of containers, particularly bottles. It has a label (12) which, after it has been removed or damaged, indicates that the closure has been opened. The closure portions (4,6) which are to be moved apart when it is opened are provided with flat recesses for receiving the label (12). The recesses merge from one closure portion into the other or others and together have the external shape and size of the label. Such a label indicates that the closure has been opened when it is torn or cut through. The invention also prevents the possibility of the label being removed and glued on again. This purpose can be served by the said recess which makes it impossible for a user to engage beneath the label with a finger nail or a tool and to lift it away. Instead of a recess a horseshoe-shaped wall (22) can be provided which surrounds at least a portion of the label. It may be broken away so that the user has access to the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Zeller Plastik GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Koehn
  • Patent number: 5011032
    Abstract: A solid dosage unit dispenser closure cap suitable for use by sight-impaired persons and/or persons with physical incapability to unscrew caps of prescription bottles or containers having a lid integrally attached an annular skirt by a living hinge, wherein the lid has a tab to enable the patient to open the cap easily without twisting. In addition the container for the medicine has a ring attached thereto and to the inner surface of the skirt at the inside near the opening thereof. The ring has an opening sufficiently large to allow only one or perhaps two dosage units to be spilled out by the patient at one time, in addition the ring has a slide attached thereto which can be moved by the patient circumferentially on the ring to stop at indicia on the top of the ring which reminds the patient which dose was last taken or which dose is yet to be taken. A window on the top leg of the slide permits viewing or feeling the indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Bruce L. Rollman
  • Patent number: 5009338
    Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator cap for indicating each time a bottle is opened and re-closed having an outer cover shaped in the manner of a conventional bottle cap with a window in the top piece of the cap. The cap is designed to be attached to the sealing cap of the container such that some motion can occur between the two caps during opening and closing of the container, and this lost motion drive is used to advance the indicator. Underneath the window, and within the body of the device, is an indicator wheel having numbers, days, times, etc. engraved or printed thereon which are visible through the window to indicate the next time a dose of the medication should be taken. The indicator wheel contains a pawl formed therein or attached thereto that engages a set of teeth, formed in the underside of the top piece of the outer cover, only when the device is being opened. This engagement causes the indicator wheel to move to the next index location each time the cap is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Senetics Corporation
    Inventor: Allan Barker
  • Patent number: 5005719
    Abstract: Tamper evident optical device comprising a substrate and a multi-layer taper evident splittable coating carried by the substrate. The coating has a release region formed therein. An adhesive is secured to the tamper evident coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Flex Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Phillips, Vernon C. Spellman, Wayne L. Gossett, Marc A. Kamerling, Paul G. Coombs, David W. Todd, Steven A. Silver
  • Patent number: 4998988
    Abstract: A tamper evident closure for an open container having an outwardly projecting container finish proximate to the container opening is disclosed. The closure comprises a hollow body which includes a tamper evidencing means. The tamper evidencing means is hinged within the body so that removal of the closure from the container requires engagement of the tamper evidencing means with the projecting finish. This engagement results in outward displacement of the tamper evidencing means and creates a visual impression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Kardon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald Zinnbauer
  • Patent number: 4998989
    Abstract: A resilient closure snap fit onto a container having an end wall provided with a plurality of transverse grooves. A resin is deposited on the top surface of the end wall and into the grooves. If the closure is removed from the container, the top layer of resin and a portion of the resin in the grooves will fracture, thus indicating to the consumer that tampering with the container has occurred.In another embodiment, the closure comprises a rotatable portion and a fixed portion. The rotatable and fixed portion have grooves which are filled with a resin. When the rotatable portion is pivoted away from the fixed portion to open the container, a portion of the resin fractures, thus indicating tampering with the container.In another embodiment, the tamper evident closure comprises a closure body having an end wall and a skirt depending from the end wall and a closure lid movably secured to the closure body. The end wall and the closure lid define an upwardly open recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: TSL Incorporated
    Inventor: Yoram Curiel
  • Patent number: 4986429
    Abstract: A tamper-proof seal employed with a container comprising a plurality of frangible cells filled with a harmless colored substance. The cells may either be located between two hermetically sealed plastic sheets or formed on the exterior of the seal and upon puncturing or applying pressure necessary for entry into the container the cells rupture releasing the substance to provide a visual indication that tampering with the container may have occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Inventor: Robert Singleton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4982862
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved can end construction for carbonated beverage cans having a score line defined opening panel therein for beverage dispensing and, more particularly, to can ends for such type cans wherein said panel is incorporated in a selectively contoured spout configuration for accommodation of a resealing cap assembly engageable therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Robert L. La Barge
  • Patent number: 4957211
    Abstract: A vacuum-indicating closure includes a top wall 12 and a skirt 14 depending from the periphery of the skirt with a tamper-evident band 24 formed on the lower edge of the skirt. The top wall has a center deflectable portion 30 formed by a thinned circumferential hinge 32 and the deflectable portion is divided into pie-shaped segments 44 by a plurality of radially-extending thinned hinged 40. The center deflectable portion is moved between a convex position and a concave position with the presence or absence of vacuum within the container to which it is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Len Ekkert, Charles A. Webster, Paul R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4945708
    Abstract: The invention provides a package and associated method for packaging of products which enhances the resistance to tampering with or adulteration of the product, and which also permits a readily visible indication that any such tampering or adulteration has occurred. The invention in one form provides an inner container which is in turn provided with an outer protective layer of epoxide resin. The outer layer is cured and it becomes extremely brittle such that any physical penetration of the outer layer will cause the entire outer layer to shatter. Such shattering will provide a clear indication that penetration of the protective layer has occurred. Also there may be provided an associated dye which will exhibit a color change when the outer protective layer is shattered. A warning message may be provided on said packaging underlying the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: TSL Incorporated
    Inventor: Yoram Curiel
  • Patent number: 4928837
    Abstract: The tamper evident closure is a resilient closure which is snap fit onto a container. The resilient closure has an end wall with a plurality of transverse grooves. A resin is deposited on the top surface of the end wall and into the grooves. If the closure is moved away from the container, the top layer of resin and a portion of the resin in the grooves will fracture, thus indicating to the consumer that tampering with the container has occurred. A portion of the resin will remain in the grooves to indicate that the resin was applied when the closure was initially sealed. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a rotatable portion and a fixed portion. The rotatable and fixed portion have grooves which contain a resin. When the rotatable portion is pivoted away fromt he fixed portion to open the container, a portion of the resin fractures, thus indicating tampering with the container. A portion of the resin also remains in the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: TSL Incorporated
    Inventor: Yoram Curiel
  • Patent number: 4927036
    Abstract: A tamper evident device is disclosed herein comprising in its most basic form a light guide with finished ends; one of which serves to collect light, the other to emit said light to serve as a light emitting indicator. The invention is attached to closures and containers so that upon opening, the light path is interrupted causing the indicator to go dark, thus signalling a tampered condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Inventor: Edward P. Diehl Pojedinec
  • Patent number: 4919285
    Abstract: A tamper evident closure for use on a container neck, the closure including a cap and separately formed security device, connector means for attachment of the security device to the cap, the security device including anchor means disposed to catch beneath a shoulder as provided on the container neck when the cap is attached to the container neck, the connector means comprising a frangible joint adapted to rupture during removal of the cap from the container neck whereby to enable the security device to break away from the cap, the anchor means being engageable with the shoulder of the container for retaining the security device on the container neck when the cap is removed therefrom, the security device thereby evidencing that the container has been opened; and a method of manufacturing such tamper evident closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: Thoroughbred Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: William M. Roof, Eric J. Roberts, Dennis P. Blair
  • Patent number: 4905851
    Abstract: This invention relates to tamper evident closures and packages for indicating teh condition of the packages and particularly to caps for containers or bottles having a stretchable portion which can change color and a separable from the cap, all to provide a clear and unequivocal indicator of the condition of the container or bottle, e.g., that it has been opened or tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Tri-Tech Systems International, Inc.
    Inventor: Mortimer S. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4895266
    Abstract: This relates to a tamper indicating band which is carried by a plastic closure to indicate that the plastic closure has at least in part been unscrewed with respect to an associated container. It is proposed that the tamper indicating band be directly connected to the closure skirt by way of bridges with the bridges having rupturable connections with the skirt and hinge connections with the tamper indicating band. Thus the tamper indicating band may be folded from its as molded state depending from the skirt to a position projecting upwardly into the lower part of the skirt. When the closure is applied to a conventional type of container, the tamper indicating band locks beneath a locking bead on the container neck finish and when the closure is unthreaded, the engagement of the tamper indicating band with the bead will prevent the tamper indicating band to move upwardly with the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Continental White Cap, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Begley
  • Patent number: 4890763
    Abstract: The invention provides a package and associated method for packaging of products which enhances the resistance to tampering with or adulteration of the product, and which also permits a readily visible indication that any such tampering or adulteration has occurred. The invention in one form provides an inner container which is in turn provided with an outer protective layer of epoxide resin. The outer layer is cured and it becomes extremely brittle such that physical penetration of the outer layer will cause the entire outer layer to shatter. Such shattering will provide a clear indication that penetration of the protective layer has occurred. Also there may be provided an associated dye which will exhibit a color change when the outer protective layer is shattered. A warning message may be provided on said packaging underlying the outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: TSL, Incorporated
    Inventor: Yoram Curiel
  • Patent number: 4889249
    Abstract: A urine bottle comprising a body having an internal volume for receiving urine specimens, a neck portion integrally formed with the body, and a cap threadedly connected to an exterior thread on the neck portion. The neck portion defines the mouth of the urine bottle and has an exterior thread extending therearound. The cap forms a liquid-tight seal against the mouth. The cap includes a detachable collar extending at the bottom of the cap. The detachable collar separates from the cap upon the removal of the cap from the neck portion. The neck portion further includes a ring formed outwardly of the neck portion and having a flat lower edge. The detachable collar has a plurality of inward flaps extending upwardly from the bottom of the collar. The flaps are arranged so as to engage the flat lower edge of the ring. The cap has identification information laser-encoded onto the exterior top surface of the cap. A plurality of graduated markings are formed on the exterior surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Walter C. Hulon
  • Patent number: 4877143
    Abstract: A tamper evident indicating means for a vacuum packed package or bottle comprising an indicia printed seal that is separated from a translucent closure member when the package or bottle is under vacuum so that the indicia is not readable or discernible through the closure member, but when the vacuum is lost, as through tampering, the seal contacts the closure and the indicia printed thereon is readable or discernible to warn of possible tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Frank P. Travisano
  • Patent number: 4872570
    Abstract: A second cylindrical element with a side wall oriented generally parallel to the first plane is telescopically interconnected with a first cylindrical element and includes an upper surface. The second cylindrical element is rotationally displaceable between, first, second and third angular positions within a second plane orthogonal to the first plane and is telescopically displaceable between compressed and expanded positions. A biasing device biases the first and second cylindrical elements into the expanded position. A locking device maintains the first and second cylindrical elements in the first angular position when the first and second cylindrical elements are placed in the expanded position. The locking device enables the biasing device to displace the first and second cylindrical elements into the second angular position when the first and second cylindrical elements are displaced from the expanded position into the compressed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Claude J. Harding
  • Patent number: 4860907
    Abstract: A container closure formed in its closed state of a springy, elastomeric plastic, to be snapped onto the neck of a container with a ring-shaped retaining portion (2). The retaining portion (2) is connected via a hinge (10) to a re-closable lid (3). A tear-off strip is formed in the join between the lid and the retaining portion in the area opposite the hinge (10). The strip (4) is defined by scoring (6, 7) to diminish its strength. A seal is provided in the join between the lid (3) and the retaining portion (2), in the circumferential sections between the hinge (10) and the ends of the tear-off member (4), said seal being in the form of material bridges (5) spaced around the circumference of the closure. The tear-off strip (4) extends along approximately half the circumference of the closure and is connected with substantially rigid joins between the lid (3) and the retaining ring (2) so that the closure can be pressed onto the neck of the container without the material bridges (5) being broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Duma AB
    Inventor: Sven Sondal
  • Patent number: 4860892
    Abstract: The film container is particularly adapted for roll film and includes a closed bottom open topped receptacle and a removable open bottom, closed top cap defining therebetween one or a pair of central spaces in which a film roll is held. The receptacle and/or cap has tapered sidewalls so that the cap and receptacle slidingly fit together and releasably lock and seal. The container may also include one or more indicators on the outer surface of the sidewall thereof which indicate whether the film roll inside the container is exposed or unexposed. The indicators may be, for example, an arrow on one of the receptacle and cap alignable with the words "exposed" and "unexposed", or symbols thereof, on the other of the receptacle and cap, or a single ridge matingly receivable on the receptacle or cap in either one of a spaced pair of labelled grooves on the other of the receptacle and cap. Colored ridges of the same or different configuration can be subsituted for the two grooves and ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventors: Keith Roberts, Thomas A. McConnell
  • Patent number: 4842153
    Abstract: A biological product shipping tube comprising a first tubular section having a closed end, a second tubular section integrally connected to the first tubular section, a collar formed at the end of the second tubular section opposite the first tubular section, and a cap-closure arrangement formed at the other side of the collar from the second tubular section. The first tubular section defines the bottom portion of the shipping tube. The second tubular portion has a non-tapered exterior. The interior of the first tubular section communicates and is aligned with the interior of the second tubular section. The collar has a greater outer diameter than the second tubular section. The second tubular section has identification information integrally imprinted onto the exterior surface. The collar has a flat chordal edge along its outer diameter. The identification information is printed adjacent to this flat chordal edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Walter C. Hulon
  • Patent number: 4840281
    Abstract: Tamper evident optical device having at least first and second layers with a spacer layer therebetween and providing a desired optical property. A release layer is disposed between the first and second layers which permits the first and second layers to be separated from each other and to destroy the desired optical property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Phillips, Vernon C. Spellman, Wayne L. Gossett, Marc A. Kamerling, Paul G. Coombs
  • Patent number: 4835035
    Abstract: A thermoset polymer coating with an effective ink-releasing amount of a liquid, organic soluble dimethyl- or methyl/alkyl organopolysiloxane for use in a closure assembly, the assembly including a metal closure with a top and depending skirt, the thermoset polymer coating being applied to the inside closure top and printed with ink indicia, a polyvinyl acetate coating applied over the ink, and the ink indicia being removed on the polyvinyl acetate-coated liner by the customer for promotional purposes such as for prizes, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Anchor Hocking Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Bayer
  • Patent number: 4832214
    Abstract: A non-toxic luminescent nipple retaining collar is provided for baby bottles which enables those bottles to be seen and retrieved in the dark without the aid of light. The invention aids parents in locating the nursing bottle without turning on the light and completely awakening a child or others in the room. The child, if old enough, can retrieve the bottle himself and save the parents a trip. The retaining collar can absorb and store light from any natural or incandescent light source and emit that light for an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventors: Jerome W. Schrader, Kyle R. Weatherby
  • Patent number: 4825801
    Abstract: An improved tamper indicating seal is disclosed, characterized by the generation of a unique signature pattern which, if altered, is indicative of tampering. The seal includes a layer of transparent material which is applied to at least a portion of a secure object or container. A plurality of particles of refective material are randomly arranged within the layer in a unique orientation. When the seal is exposed to light, the particles reflect a portion of the light to produce a unique reflective pattern which corresponds with the orientation of the particles. Alteration of the particle orientation as a result of tampering alters the reflective pattern. Thus when the reflected pattern of a seal does not correspond with its original signature pattern, tampering is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by The Director of National Security
    Inventor: Paul A. Weber
  • Patent number: 4826027
    Abstract: A seal for container locks and the like comprises two units (1,2,3;8,14,15) which are snapped into each other. The snap action is carried out by means of a plug (14) forming part of one of the units (8,14,15) and which normally closes a cavity (13) containing an indicating means (21). When the parts are separated the plug is drawn out from this position and allows the indicating means to leave said cavity. In one embodiment the plug (14) is hollow and is closed by means of a steel pin (15) which when inserted has put the indicating means under pressure and the plug has blocking vanes (18). In another embodiment the plug is not hollow but has a weak lower portion and supports a resilient blocking ring. A steel pin floats in the cavity and can break the weak wall when an attempt to brake the seal is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Tally Safe Systems AB
    Inventor: Nils B. Nilson
  • Patent number: 4826000
    Abstract: A storage container or carrying case for contact lenses has a screw-on cap on which baskets for hanging the lenses vertically inside the canister are swingably suspended on a hinge plate which also holds the annular gasket for the cap closure when it is screwed down on the canister. A single helix thread on the outside of a tubular extension of the canister, for meshing with a similar internal thread on the rim of the cap, has a vertically running gap of a few degrees in width and a shallow channel is recessed in the flat flange surface just below the threading at the same orientation as the gap in the thread. The tightness of the closure is thereby readily adjustable to prevent leakage of a treating solution for the lenses from the closed canister in the event that it is knocked over while at the same time permitting escape of gas when the treating liquid includes hydrogen peroxide and a wafer is provided near the flat bottom of the canister to activate or modify the peroxide action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignees: Chiba Vision Inc., Stockwell Ventures Inc.
    Inventors: Fred J. Danker, Thomas P. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4819819
    Abstract: A tamper evident closure for a container generally having a cylindrical upstanding neck or throat, the neck having an external thread. The closure comprises an annular element which slides into and mates with the throat of the container, a cylindrical cup which frictionally engages the end of the annular element that extends into the container, the bottom of the cup constituting a flat disc having frangible lines which begin at the outer edge of the disc and wind spirally to the center of the disc ending in a pull tab which extends upwardly in the cup, and a clear cap the internal threads of which mate with the external threads of the neck. The annular element is made of rigid plastic material that is suitable for ultrasonic welding to the throat to create an integrity of the throat and closure.The cup is made of a softer deformable material such that when the pull tab is pulled to open the closure the unwound portion will be so deformed that it cannot be replaced in its original condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Bertram D. Robertson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4813559
    Abstract: A container having a tamper evident closure structure. An open top container is closed by a removable cap which includes a skirt secured to the outside of the upper edge of the container. A shrink band encircles the container at the junction between the skirt and the container body. A label encircles the container with its upper portion overlapping and adhered to the shrink band such that removal of the shrink band tears away the upper portion of the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: General Foods Corporation
    Inventor: Maynard A. Kenyon, 2nd
  • Patent number: 4812317
    Abstract: An outer capsule on a transparent, glass bottle of wine that has been sealed with a cork, the capsule being of a clear, see-through material such as clear, transparent plastic, in position where after being sealably engaged around the exterior neck of the bottle, inspectors and workers at a winery, wine merchants, waiters, shoppers, purchasers and ultimate consumers are able to view the condition of the cork and material adhering thereto, and to identify any commercial message, brand name, trademark, or other information imprinted on the exterior of the cork through the see-through material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Walter S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4793500
    Abstract: A tamper indicator includes a first indicator element coupled to a first cylindrical element, a second indicator element positioned within a second cylindrical element and displaceable between a first position spaced apart from the first indicator element and a second position contacting the first indicator element. The first indicator element changes visual states when it contacts the second indicator element. A biasing device biases the first indicator element toward the second indicator element. A locking system maintains the first and second indicator elements in a locked, spaced apart configuration while the first and second cylindrical elements remain in a first location. The locking device enables relative movement to occur between the first and second indicator elements after the first and second cylindrical elements have been displaced from the first position into a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: Claude J. Harding
  • Patent number: 4793498
    Abstract: A cap for a container closure is adapted to receive an insert by engagement of a projection on the insert in a recess in the cap. The cap is recessed to receive the insert in a region near the open mouth of the cap. The cap is outwardly flared in this region so that no significant reduction in wall thickness of the cap occurs in this region, the outer form of the flaring comprising a smooth curve which, in the direction towards the mouth opening of the cap comprises a portion which has an outwardly presented concave curve swelling smoothly from the upper wall of the cap and merging by a convex curve into the lower, larger diameter wall of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: National Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Alan A. Baxter
  • Patent number: 4793499
    Abstract: A tamper evident closure device having a closure with an internally threaded skirt with a groove therein between radially outer and inner skirt portions to receive a tamper evident band having an inwardly extending bead which engages under a transfer ring of a container to hold the tamper evident band down and hence separate it from the closure as the closure is unscrewed from the container. A method of simultaneously stripping the closure and tamper evident band from a common mold core is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Alfatechnic AG
    Inventors: Werner F. Dubach, Kenneth M. Sinnott
  • Patent number: 4792664
    Abstract: A closure counter for counting how many times a screw cap closure has been closed and opened is described, which is back in its initial position after N closing and opening operations.The closure counter includes an open-bottomed housing (10) and a likewise open-bottomed cap-shaped counting unit (11) arranged in the housing for rotation about its longitudinal axis (12), the rotary motion relative to the housing (10) is limited to a fraction 1/N of one full rotation, and a display unit (13) is arranged for rotation about the longitudinal axis (12) of the counting unit (11), the rotation of the display unit (13) relative to the counting unit (11) being allowed in only one direction by a ratchet (14), the click motion likewise corresponds to the fraction 1/N of one full rotation, and there is sliding fit between the housing (10) and the display unit (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Chibret Pharmazeutische GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Schwab
  • Patent number: 4789074
    Abstract: A cap liner for sealing an opening between a bottle and a cap secured to the bottle. The cap liner includes a substantially fluid impervious film and a resilient, compressible foraminous reinforcing web bonded to one side of the film. The cap liner is mounted on the cap so that the opposite side of the film is adjacent to the bottle when the cap is secured to the bottle. The foraminous web is compressed between the bottle and the cap so as to resiliently urge the film into sealing contact with the bottle circumferentially about the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Hak-Rhim Han
  • Patent number: 4784288
    Abstract: An easy-to-open article dispenser preferably made of readily moldable plastic and comprising a container member having a chamber for containing a plurality of articles such as vitamin pills and having a dispenser portion, the article dispenser also comprising a dispenser control member adapted for slideable engagement with the dispenser portion whereby to selectively place a first dispenser aperture in communication with a port or second aperture for opening the dispenser. A plurality of embodiments are disclosed. Some embodiments provide for axial motion and some provide for rotational motion of the dispenser control member relative to the dispenser portion of the container member. A particularly timely improvement relates to a tamper-evident feature which makes it virtually impossible for anyone to tamper with the contents of the dispenser without such tampering being immediately discernible to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Jennings
  • Patent number: 4782966
    Abstract: A prescription vial which counts cyclically, through a window in the cap, how many times it has been opened/closed that day. The construction is unique in that the principal parts can be formed with straight strokes of the forming press, thus they are suitable for mass production. Spring fingers on an index plate extend past the sealing disc to ride on the upper flank of the closure threads. The fingers touch the thread at a flat helical angle. When the cap is rotated in one direction the index plate and fingers move with it; in the other direction the cap turns but the fingers will not pass an abutment on the thread, so force the index plate to turn inside the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Inventor: James D. Thackrey
  • Patent number: 4776476
    Abstract: A closure assembly for a container such as a beer bottle, comprising a twist-to-remove crown cap to be mounted on the container, and a cushioning device for hand gripping and twisting off the crown cap. The cushioning device includes a rupturable member overlying the crown cap, and pad means mounted on the crown cap and facing its skirt. The cushioning device provides a protective medium over the sharp projections on the skirt of the crown cap to protect against injury when twisting off the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Inventor: Laval Simard
  • Patent number: 4775064
    Abstract: A guarantee band for a container closure is connected to an adjacent element of the closure by a breakable separating section having a part stronger than the remainder of the section. The guarantee band has at least two weakened regions spaced around its periphery, one of said weakened regions being weaker than the other or others and the said weaker region being located near to said stronger section part. On removing the closure from a suitable container for the first time, the guarantee band will break at the said weaker region, the breakable separating section will break except at the stronger section part and the remaining weaker region or regions will each provide an articulation causing the guarantee band to adopt a drooping configuration to give an enhanced indication of breakage of the guarantee band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1988
    Assignee: National Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Alan A. Baxter
  • Patent number: 4767016
    Abstract: A liquor bottle capping assembly comprising a perforated member fixedly attachable to the liquor bottle in covering relationship with a threaded opening in the liquor bottle for preventing flame propagation into the liquor bottle; a penetration discouraging device operatively associated with the perforated member for discouraging and providing evidence of penetration of the perforated member as by a hypodermic needle; a sheet fixedly attached to the penetration discouraging device and tearably removably attached to the perforated member for sealing the bottle opening and for providing evidence of tampering with the capping assembly; a cap threadably attachable and detachable on the threaded opening for providing a removable and reattachable closure for the liquor bottle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Adolph Coors Company
    Inventors: Harold Cook, Jr., Bruce A. Moen
  • Patent number: 4765498
    Abstract: A closure for a container of food or the like sold under vacuum comprises a domed lid of sheet material and a screw-top cover adapted to hold the lid in sealing engagement over the mouth of the container. The top panel of the cover has a central opening up into which extends in depressible fashion a button having a flange about its base, the flange being retained between the lid and cover. When the closure is applied to a product under vacuum, the dome of the lid is drawn down. The button will appear "down," and it will feel down and not depressible. If vacuum is lost, the dome is up, and the button will appear "up" and will feel "up" and depressible. Further, when pressed, the button causes the lid to snap or "oil can" audibly to indicate loss of vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Charles A. Rafferty