With Fastening Means Patents (Class 215/237)
  • Patent number: 7416077
    Abstract: A disposable-type carrying case wherein the parts that house contact lenses cannot be re-sealed is realized via an easy-to-use construction. In the case main unit 10B of a contact lens carrying case 10, when a handle 12 that is integrally formed with a cover unit 20B is rotated in the clockwise direction, end portions 27G and 27H that are integrally formed with the handle 12 are gradually lifted up starting with the parts thereof that are near the handle 12 while engaging members 40G and 40H are fixed in position. When this occurs, first bridges 29G and 29H that are connected to end portions 27G and 27H are strongly pulled in the direction of rotation of the handle 12 while maintaining connection to top portions 41G and 41H. As a result, the first bridges 29G and 29H are sheared off from the end portions 27G and 27H and the engaging portions 40G and 40H detach from the cover unit 20B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nihon Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideharu Kataoka, Takashi Osamura, Yoshiko Teraoka
  • Publication number: 20080179273
    Abstract: A cap for use with bottled water dispensing systems. The cap includes a main cap and a liner. The main cap has an opening which receives and seals against a probe. The liner is gripped between the main cap and the bottle neck and has a outside part and an inner movable part. The inner movable part is linked to the outer part by a large connecting section that serves as a hinge, and breakable or frangible connecting section. When the bottle is lowered onto the dispensing system, the probe enters into the opening in the main cap, breaks the frangible connection, and pushes the inner movable part open like a flap. The liner, at the location of the large connecting section, is resilient such that the inner movable part tends to close when the bottle is removed from the dispensing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Douglas J. Hidding
  • Patent number: 7404495
    Abstract: A child-resistant dispensing closure includes a base having a deck with a dispensing opening and a peripheral skirt. A lid is integrally molded with the base and coupled by a hinge to a periphery of the base so as to be pivotable between closed and open positions. One of the base and the lid has a latch arm resiliently extending from its periphery diametrically opposite the hinge. The latch arm has a pair of oppositely extending tabs adjacent to a free end of the arm. The other of the base and the lid has an axial passage for receiving the latch arm, and a pair of laterally spaced ledges in the passage for engagement by the tabs to lock the lid in the closed position. The latch arm is directly manually engageable by a user from a radial direction external to the closure to pivot the latch arm radially inwardly within the passage and release the tabs from the ledges so that the lid can be pivoted to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Wing-Kwong Keung
  • Publication number: 20080169261
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tamper evidence and locking means for a closure and a tamper evident closure. The tamper evidence and locking means indicate initial opening and allow relocking the closure after initial opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Rodney Druitt, Louis Lagler
  • Patent number: 7374053
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating dispensing closure includes a closure body, and an associated flip-top lid pivotally connected to the closure body for movement between a closed position and an open position. The flip-top lid includes a tamper-indicating flange frangibly connected thereto, with the closure body including a pocket-like retention cavity within which the tamper-indicating flange is received during initial closing movement of the flip-top lid. During initial opening movement of the lid, the tamper-indicating flange is broken away from the flip-top lid, and thereafter permanently retained within the retention cavity to provide a clear, visual indication that the flip-top lid of the closure has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Coy M. Herald, Ramesh Kamath, David A. Szasz
  • Publication number: 20080110933
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating dispensing closure assembly embodying the principles of the present invention includes a closure body, and an associated pivotal flip-top lid. Notably, the flip-top lid includes an integral hinge member, having a retention portion at a distal end thereof. Closure manufacture is effected by use of an over-molding technique, in conjunction with interlocking geometrical features of the retention portion and the closure body, to ensure proper retention of the lid, while facilitating single-handed manipulation of the lid by consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Joao Alberto Ferreira Goncalves
  • Patent number: 7328820
    Abstract: A vented closure for a liquid container which will not freely pour includes a cap hinged at one side and movable between open and closed positions relative to a base collar. In an open position, a primary fluid passageway extends through a shaped mouthpiece which is elongated and tapered to conform to a user's mouth. One or more air vents of small size are located in a protected floor of the base collar at positions spaced within predetermined ranges of offsets from the dispensing opening so as to convey liquid into contact with the air vents in a manner to self-seal the air vents by surface tension of the liquid until an unbalance force is present. The cap and collar mate along an offset diagonal edge, and a grip area for the user's thumb or finger is offset from a center line. The offsets cause the cap to flip open with additional clearance and without obstructing a user's nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Publication number: 20070289936
    Abstract: A closure includes a shell of relatively rigid plastic material having a deck and a peripheral skirt, at least one recessed shoulder in the deck adjacent to the skirt, and a plurality of angularly spaced external channels extending along the skirt from the recess. An external feature of flexible resilient second plastic material different from the first plastic material is integrally molded onto the shell within the recessed shoulder and the channels. By way of example only, the shell may be of polypropylene material and the external feature may be of thermoplastic elastomer material. Lock elements, such as openings in the deck recessed shoulder and/or pegs in the skirt channels, cooperate with the external feature molded onto the shell to retain the external feature on the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Darin M. Pugne
  • Patent number: 7303088
    Abstract: A tamper-evident closure includes a body adapted to mount on a container, a cap, and a hinge coupled to the body and to the cap. A tamper-evident tear strip is coupled to the cap to retain the cap temporarily in a fixed position relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Duane Sawyer, Ryan Davidson, Robert C. Weilminster, Frederick R. Middlestadt
  • Patent number: 7299937
    Abstract: A device for closing a container and a container equipped with such a device, wherein the device includes: a first portion forming a closure element; a second annular portion positioned around a neck; a third portion forming a tamper-evident tab linking the first portion to the second portion, and which is connected to the first and second portions by frangible means so that the tamper-evident tab must be removed upon first use so as to release the closure element; and storage means for allowing the insertion of the tamper-evident tab therein once the tamper-evident tab has been separated from the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Gregory Antier, Georges Adabachian
  • Patent number: 7281638
    Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Rick Gaiser, Gordon Beth
  • Publication number: 20070235406
    Abstract: A bottle cap includes a mouthpiece having a dispensing orifice, a collar which extends downward from the mouthpiece to engage the bottle, a cover connected to the collar by a hinge and movable between open position and closed position covering the orifice, and a tamper-evident strap connecting the closed cover to the collar. The strap is hingeably joined to the collar by a lower portion of the strap and connected to the cover by a barbed upper portion. The upper portion cooperates with the cover to retain the strap to prevent manipulation of the strap to open the cover without severing the strap. The strap has a severable mid point which severs when the cover is first opened. When the cover is opened, both portions of the strap remain attached to the bottle and the lower portion swings away from the collar providing visible evidence of prior opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: John Young
  • Publication number: 20070228061
    Abstract: A child-resistant lift-top container is disclosed. The container includes a vessel, a lift-off inner cap and an outer locking cap. The outer locking cap engages the lift-off inner cap and is rotatable about the inner cap. The vessel includes a generally downwardly-facing abutment that engages an upwardly-facing abutment on the locking cap to lock the container and prevent the lift-off inner cap from opening. The container is opened by rotating the outer locking cap to disengage the abutments, permitting the lift-off inner cap to be lifted to open the container. The outer locking cap includes at least one spring that engages a spring-engaging surface on the vessel as the outer locking cap is rotated to assist in disengaging the abutments and to allow the outer locking cap to return to its closed and locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Giraud
  • Patent number: 7258255
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes a base having a first end configured for mounting on a container and a second end enclosed by a top portion. The container includes a first projection extending from an outside wall. The top portion includes a platform having at least one opening for dispensing material from the container. At least one flap is coupled to the top portion and movable between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. A second projection extends from an inside wall of the base toward the top portion and is configured to coact with the first projection on the outside of the container, so that the closure is configured to resist separation from the container once the closure has been attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Vogel, Terrence M. Parve
  • Patent number: 7198161
    Abstract: A leakproof, resealable container and cap assembly, consisting essentially of: a container having a rim at its upper portion and a cap having a circular base with an outer periphery, a cylindrical tubular skirt having an inner wall with at least one recess, a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container, and a hinge connecting the cap to the container, and in a closed portion, the skirt of the cap overlies the container and the rim of the container is situated within the recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bucholtz
  • Patent number: 7073679
    Abstract: A closed injection moulded plastic closure (20) having a first closure part and a second closure part (22). The first closure part is connected to the second closure part by snap-on hinged connection. The first and second closure parts have no main hinged connection with each other, but are connected to one another by two connecting elements and four hinged connections bordering the two connecting elements on nonadjacent sides. Coupling elements may serve as an original warranty seal for indicating opening for the first time. If required, a catch and a counter-element serve as a locking mechanism and prevent unintentional opening of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Creanova AG
    Inventors: Louis Lagler, Rudolf Rentsch
  • Patent number: 7044317
    Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice, a channel, and a retention member projecting over a portion of the channel. The system includes a lid for being moved between a closed position and an open position. An anchor member is provided for being received in the channel and has an engaging portion for engaging the retention member when the anchor member is received in the channel. At least one frangible web initially connects the anchor member with the lid so that the frangible web breaks when the lid is initially lifted from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Walter W. Peterson, Joseph W. Staniszewski
  • Patent number: 7040499
    Abstract: Capped containers for use on a residence counter have caps which swingably connect the cap to the container for closure. If the contents of the container is a thin or watery liquid the ordinary closure may not prevent leakage during vibration, travelling or pressure. There is here provided a container with an additional closure formed when a sleeve is arranged to move to an extended position and then to thread to both the cap and the container to provide a fluid tight connection to each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Y. Reif
  • Patent number: 7000792
    Abstract: A self-opening mechanism for a cap is capable of maintaining a restoring force of an elastic member and easily and tightly locking the cap and also releasing the locking. The mechanism has an elastic member (4) that is attached to an inner side of a hinge (3), and also a stopper block (7) is provided in a direction in which the elastic member (4) deforms so that the elastic member (4) deforms to an S-shaped form. Engagement pieces (10, 10a) in the cap (2) side are inserted into and fixed between hooks (16, 16a) of a push piece (18) and a protruding engagement pieces (15, 15a) to lock the cap more tightly. As the hook (16, 16a) moves upward and moves away from the protruding engagement pieces (15, 15a) when the push piece (18) is pressed, the engagement pieces (10, 10a) are released and a cover (2) automatically opens due to the restoring force of the elastic member (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Takemoto Yoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Arai
  • Patent number: 6848603
    Abstract: A flip-top type tamper evident closure for dispensing material from a container includes a body portion having a dispensing opening, a lid portion hingedly connected to the body portion and a tamper evident band that is frangibly connected to the body portion. The tamper evident band is constructed and arranged to engage structure on the lid portion in an interlock arrangement in order to retain the lid portion in a closed position prior to the closure first being opened by a consumer. Advantageously, as an additional security measure the tamper evident band is further lightly spot-welded to the lid portion, which prevents or makes evident any attempt to overcome the interlock arrangement. A method of making the closure is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Gaiser, Ray Burg
  • Publication number: 20040245206
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device designed to close a container (3) provided with a neck (2). Said device comprises: a first portion designed to form a closure element (4); a second annular portion (5), designed to be maintained around the neck (2); and a third portion forming a tamper-evident tab (6) linking the first (4) to the second portion (5), which is connected to said first and second portions (4, 5) by frangible means (8, 9) and which is designed to be removed upon first use so as to release the closure element (4). Said device defines means (14) for storing (F) the tamper-evident tab (6; 106), once said tamper-evident tab has been separated from the first and second portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory Antier, Georges Adabachian
  • Publication number: 20040245204
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a bottle (1) comprising a bottle neck (3) and a snap-on adapter (6) and/or a sealing cap (7) that is/are held on the bottle neck (3). The aim of the invention is to produce a structural shape of great mechanical strength that is easy to assemble. To achieve this, both a snap-on projection (8) and an alignment projection (9) are configured on the bottle neck (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Udo Suffa
  • Publication number: 20040238540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser closure (10) for a container that contains a flowable product, especially for a beverage container. Said dispenser closure comprises: a closing body (100) with a cover (120) from whose outer rim a jacket (110) extends downward that can be fastened via an opening of the container on the same, an outlet opening (126) in an upper face of the closing body (100), which communicates with the opening of the container, and a closure element (200) for opening or closing the outlet opening (126) of the closing body (100), and a dome-shaped raised section (124) of the closing body (100), which is disposed around the outlet opening (126) of the closing body (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhard F.K. Jackel, Franz Lenz, Eldon Schaffer
  • Publication number: 20040217139
    Abstract: A closure for a bottle that defines a cavity opening to a mouth. The closure includes a closure body having a base portion configured to engage the bottle with the closure body positioned over the mouth. A liquid passageway is defined by the base portion and extends at least partially therethrough. A connector is disposed on the closure body and is adapted to allow the closure body to be detachably connected to an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Donna Roth, Henry Roth
  • Publication number: 20040200836
    Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Rick Gaiser, Gordon Beth
  • Publication number: 20040188374
    Abstract: A stopper incorporates a cylindrical body attachable to the edge of a container or bottle and a cover with a hinge. In the upper part of the body is incorporated a mouthpiece blockable by means of a neck of the cover. On the body of the stopper is a sealing strip joined by breakable points, wherein in-cuts are established for the retaining of corresponding projections in the cover in its closed position. The strip is provided with end wings that are positioned in depressions of the side surface of the cover, without projecting from this, the positioning of a shield of the cover in a depression of the upper edge of the sealing strip, as well as a number of vertical ribbings of the strip and the mouthpiece that are out of line with respect of the centre of the stopper, with a displacement towards the sealing strip area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Alberto Ochoa Laburu
  • Patent number: 6769558
    Abstract: A leakproof, resealable container and cap assembly, consisting essentially of: a container having a rim at its upper portion and a cap having a circular base with an outer periphery, a cylindrical tubular skirt having an inner wall with at least one recess, a thumb tab for facilitating the opening and closing of the container, and a hinge connecting the cap to the container; and in a closed portion, the skirt of the cap overlies the container and the rim of the container is situated within the recess of the inner wall of the skirt of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: CSP Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Bucholtz
  • Publication number: 20040089627
    Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice, a channel, and a retention member projecting over a portion of the channel. The system includes a lid for being moved between a closed position and an open position. An anchor member is provided for being received in the channel and has an engaging portion for engaging the retention member when the anchor member is received in the channel. At least one frangible web initially connects the anchor member with the lid so that the frangible web breaks when the lid is initially lifted from the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Walter W. Peterson, Joseph W. Staniszewski
  • Publication number: 20040065669
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a moisture-proof resealable non-cylindrical container and cap assembly, comprised of: a non-cylindrical container and a correspondingly shaped non-cylindrical cap integrally attached to the container; wherein the container having an upper portion and an inner and outer surface, the container having an upstanding rim at the upper portion, the rim is defined as that portion of the container that contacts an inner wall of the cap, the rim having an inner and outer wall rim, whereby the inner rim wall is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the container; a cap having a base with an outer periphery and a skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery of the base, the skirt having an inner wall, the inner wall of the skirt comprising at least four portions, a first portion that is a conically tapered, extends downward from a top portion of the skirt and is substantially planar, a second portion connected to the first portion and that is substanti
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Jean Pierre Giraud, Michael Bucholtz
  • Publication number: 20030209510
    Abstract: A method for sealing a pouring opening of a container and a container with corresponding structure are described. A sealing element formed of a flat laminated material that covers the pouring opening is connected peripherally of said pouring opening, preferably by welding, to a rim portion of the container. Furthermore, the sealing element is connected e.g. by adhesion, to a lid covering the pouring opening of a closure capmounted on the container. The adherence force of the connection between the closure cap and the sealing element is greater than that between the sealing element and the rim portion of the container. In order to break the sealing element away from the rim portion of the container, the lid must be pivoted away. The arrangement consisting of a container and a closure cap is particularly suitable for storing powdery chemical substances, such as are used e.g. in photographic developing equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Bernd Klatte, Peter Huber, Gunnar Kreinfeldt
  • Patent number: 6644487
    Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice, a channel, and a retention member projecting over a portion of the channel. The system includes a lid for being moved between a closed position and an open position. An anchor member is provided for being received in the channel and has an engaging portion for engaging the retention member when the anchor member is received in the channel. At least one frangible web initially connects the anchor member with the lid so that the frangible web breaks when the lid is initially lifted from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Walter W. Peterson, Joseph W. Stanizewski
  • Publication number: 20030205549
    Abstract: A closure structure includes a closure body having a deck and depending sidewall, and a dispensing orifice through said deck. A closure cap has a lid part attached by a hinge to the body, and a cover part frangibly connected to the lid part, on a side of the lid part opposite the hinge. The lid part is latched to the body at lateral positions located between the hinge and the cover part. The cover part covers a lifting lip extending from the lid part. Removal of the cover part exposes the lifting lip for lifting by the user to open the lid part from the closure body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: John E. Harrold, Bruce M. Mueller, Richard A. Gross
  • Patent number: 6631820
    Abstract: A closure structure includes a closure body having a deck and depending sidewall, and a dispensing orifice through said deck. A closure cap has a lid part attached by a hinge to the body, and a cover part frangibly connected to the lid part, on a side of the lid part opposite the hinge. The lid part is latched to the body at lateral positions located between the hinge and the cover part. The cover part covers a lifting lip extending from the lid part. Removal of the cover part exposes the lifting lip for lifting by the user to open the lid part from the closure body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Harrold, Bruce M. Mueller, Richard A. Gross
  • Publication number: 20030136783
    Abstract: A plug comprises a plug body serving as the plug of a container for holding beverage and a lid body. A hinge and a lock device are arranged opposing to each other. A lip portion protrudes from the top plate of the plug body. A liquid-passage hole is formed in the lip portion. The upper surface of the lip portion is made into a tapering shape that is highest at the lock device side and lowest at the hinge side. The resilient member that forces the lid body towards an opening direction protrudes from the top plate of the lid body. An air hole is set in the top plate of the plug body and the resilient member is set to vertically block the air hole when the lid body is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Kunio Hatsumoto, Takashi Goto
  • Patent number: 6591986
    Abstract: A liquid container for a comestible product such as milk or juice includes a base having a substantially planar region, a top surface having a substantially planar region parallel to the substantially planar region of the base and having a pour spout. A sidewall is integrally formed with and extends between the base and top surface, and includes a structural load distributing feature that transfers loads from the top surface to the base. A handle is interposed between the base and top surface and integrally formed with the base, top surface, and sidewall. The containers can be arrayed into units and stacked on top of one another. A first flexible material such as a shrink wrap holds the individual containers together and a second flexible material maintains the stacked array of containers together so that cases that typically hold the containers can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Soehnlen, Dale Panasewicz, Lawrence A. Becks
  • Patent number: 6578744
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a container that contains a flowable product such as a bath gel includes a body member that is constructed and arranged to be mounted to the container, that includes a dispensing opening and a further includes an upper deck portion, a lid member that is hinged to the body member and that includes a cover portion and at least one downwardly depending sidewall, and a snap fit mechanism for releasably locking the lid member to the body member. The downwardly depending sidewall portion of the lid member and the upper deck portion of the body member are advantageously configured to form therebetween a watertight seal when the lid member is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Rick Gaiser, Robert Simpson
  • Publication number: 20030089746
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising a pourer (3) designed to be permanently fixed on the neck (2) of a container, and an assembly (4) forming a cover adapted to be mounted on the neck and/or the pourer and comprising a cap (45) mobile between a first position wherein it isolates the neck (2) and the pourer (3) from the outside and a second position where it allows access to the neck (2) and to the pourer (3), the pourer (3) being arranged at least partly inside the neck (2). The cap (45) is provided with a skirt (452) extending, in the first position and from an inner surface (453) of the cap, up to inside the neck (2). Said skirt (452) bears at least a flange (456) capable, when the pourer (3) is in the first position and against an inner radial surface (31a) thereof, of exerting a force (F3) urging the pourer (3) against an inside edge (22) of the neck (2). The invention is useful for closing plastic containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Philippe Odet
  • Publication number: 20030062369
    Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Rick Gaiser, Gordon Beth
  • Publication number: 20030034323
    Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice, a channel, and a retention member projecting over a portion of the channel. The system includes a lid for being moved between a closed position and an open position. An anchor member is provided for being received in the channel and has an engaging portion for engaging the retention member when the anchor member is received in the channel. At least one frangible web initially connects the anchor member with the lid so that the frangible web breaks when the lid is initially lifted from the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Walter W. Peterson, Joseph W. Staniszewski
  • Patent number: 6510971
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing closure for bottles and the like comprising a one-piece body having an end wall for covering the mouth of the bottle and a depending skirt for threading onto the neck of the bottle. A dispensing aperture in the end wall is surrounded by a spout that affords directional control of a stream of liquid being dispensed and reduced dribbling when dispensing is discontinued. A flap is hinged on the end wall to open and close the aperture with an associated depending plug that fits in the spout. The end wall, spout and hinged flap are arranged in a manner relative to one another that permits the flap to be advantageously molded in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Weatherchem Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas S. Martin
  • Patent number: 6484895
    Abstract: A two stage dispensing cap for a carbonated beverage container is described. The cap has a flip top which is hingedly connected to a collar wherein the collar is rotatable on the container. The cap, upon rotation of the collar, is first opened into a venting position wherein the flip top vents the pressurized contents of the container but remains locked partially closed. Continued rotation of the cap releases the locked flop top to allow the container to be fully opened. A set of cams on the container neck work in conjunction with annular beads to first allow partially opening of the flip top into the venting position and then allowing it to fully open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignees: The Coca-Cola Company, Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Gary V. Montgomery, Joseph M. Ladina
  • Publication number: 20020148802
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a hinge cap having a preferable appearance irrespective of opening and closing of a cap cover, facilitate a one-hand opening manipulation, and prevent cost increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Masami Takahashi, Atsushi Oka, Yasuhiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6460718
    Abstract: A plastic cap has one or more hinged flaps that cover openings in the cap, as well as a stepped sealing ring against which the top of a plastic bottle seals. The sealing ring is stepped, much like the rows of seats in a circular stadium. This stepped arrangement permits the cap to be used with many different bottle rim diameters and automatically corrects any ovality of the bottle rim by forcing it to flex into a more circular shape as it engages the steps of the stepped ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics Incorporated
    Inventor: William C. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6460726
    Abstract: A flip-top type closure resealably seals a fluid container. The closure includes a body portion, which is attachable to the fluid container, and a cap portion. The cap portion is connected to the body portion by two hinges and is rotatable about the two hinges so that a spout of the body portion may be inserted into the mouth without interference by the cap portion. The closure may include a tamper-evident band to visually indicate tampering with the contents of the fluid container. The closure may also include a pull-tab seal secured to the spout to prevent spillage and/or leakage of the contents of the fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Brian Hessel, Eugene Dorsch
  • Patent number: 6460712
    Abstract: A closure structure is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The closure structure includes a closure base for extending around the container opening. A lid is provided on the closure base and is connected to the base by a hinge web. The hinge web has a first end connected to the closure base, a second end connected to the lid, and two sides which each extends between the first and second ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Charles E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20020104843
    Abstract: A closure structure is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The closure structure includes a closure base for extending around the container opening. A lid is provided on the closure base and is connected to the base by a hinge web. The hinge web has a first end connected to the closure base, a second end connected to the lid, and two sides which each extends between the first and second ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Charles E. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20020088814
    Abstract: A tamper-proof container and cap assembly is provided, comprising a container having an upper portion and an outer surface. The container has a rim at the upper portion. The upper portion includes a flexible and detachable protrusion having a contact element and a break point. The container also has a cap having a base with an outer periphery and a skirt extending perpendicularly and outwardly around the outer periphery of the base. The cap has a hinge and a tap with a first and second slot wherein the first slot is capable of housing the protrusion, and the second slot has an interlocking device that mates with the protrusion. In an empty stage, the protrusion is positioned within the first slot. In a filled stage, the cap is placed upon the container and the protrusion is repositioned within the second slot and the contact element engages the interlocking device to form a tamper-proof seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: John Belfance, Ronald Supranowicz
  • Publication number: 20020079282
    Abstract: A closure structure includes a closure body having a deck and depending sidewall, and a dispensing orifice through said deck. A closure cap has a lid part attached by a hinge to the body, and a cover part frangibly connected to the lid part, on a side of the lid part opposite the hinge. The lid part is latched to the body at lateral positions located between the hinge and the cover part. The cover part covers a lifting lip extending from the lid part. Removal of the cover part exposes the lifting lip for lifting by the user to open the lid part from the closure body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: John E. Harrold, Bruce M. Mueller, Richard A. Gross
  • Patent number: 6409033
    Abstract: A device for maintaining effervescence of a beverage within a container having a body for attachment to the container and a snap cap pivotally mounted on the body. A squeezable bulb provide a source of air pressure to the container. A pair of valve assemblies control air flow to permit pressurization and maintainence of pressure within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Jokari/US
    Inventors: Gerald Wilhite, Donald Saller
  • Patent number: RE38816
    Abstract: A dispensing cap intended to equip a reservoir containing a liquid or viscous product includes a body provided with at least one dispensing opening and a lid articulated to the body around an axis. The lid is intended to stopper the dispensing opening in the storage position. The body and the lid are made of a rigid or semirigid material. At least one gripping zone is arranged on the lid and/or the body to facilitate the opening and/or closing of the lid, the gripping zone being formed by an elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin