About Line Or Point Of Weakness Patents (Class 215/253)
  • 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: 7011226
    Abstract: In each of radial grooves 52 which are formed on a sealing disc portion 34 of a packing 10, low strength portions 64 are formed within a predetermined range from the center of the sealing disc portion 34 by decreasing the thickness of each of thin portions 62 by deeply cutting each of the radial grooves 52. When the center of the sealing disc portion 34 is pressed by the pressing means, splits are formed at the low strength portions 64, and extend to curved grooves 54 and circumferential grooves 56. As a result, it is possible to obtain a plugging member in which a draining port can be opened wide with a small amount of pressing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kimiyoshi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 6983859
    Abstract: A child proof and tamper evident container (C) includes a pail (10) and a screw top cover (12) screwed onto the top of the pail to enclose contents of the pail. A latching mechanism (18) is formed on the pail. A plurality of tamper evident tabs (26) and second a child proof tab (14) are formed on the cover. Both types of tabs means engage the latching mechanism as the cover is screwed onto the pail. The one tab provides an indication as to whether or not the contents of the container have been tampered with, and the second tab prevents a child from removing the cover and opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: U.S. Can Company
    Inventor: Francis T. Azzarello
  • Patent number: 6981601
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Richard Laveault, Coy Hearld, Stephen McBride
  • Patent number: 6926165
    Abstract: The combination of a container and a screw-type lid is improved by a tamper-evident feature comprising a locking tab on the exterior of the container having upwardly facing teeth and mating teeth on the lid, the teeth on the container and lid being arranged so as be slidable relative to one another while in mutual engagement when the lid is rotated in one direction and to lock to one another when the lid is urged to rotate in an opposite direction. The tab is tearable to terminate the locking action, thereby evidencing tampering. A catch member formed on the container is positioned to engage and cam one of several latch lugs formed on the lid, whereby to establish a locking action with that latch lug. The catch member prevents removal of the lid from the container until the engaged latch lug is pressed inwardly far enough for it to be released from the catch member, whereupon the lid may be unscrewed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Plastican, Inc.
    Inventor: Rino Conti
  • Patent number: 6923333
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved plastic industrial container which may be used for packaging, shipping and dispersing a variety of liquids while protecting the contents from tampering and theft. The container is manufactured in components which include a pail body, a cover and a nestable pour spout closure. The improved container design facilitates press fit assembly of the cover to the pail in the usual manner, but which blocks tool insertion and undamaged removal of the cover. The invention specifically relates to an improved cover and closure combination which facilitates the press fit assembly of the closure to the cover but which resists tampering. The barrier molded with thin cross section with frangible elements to be easily damaged if tools are used in a prying manner on the closure wall resist tampering by restricting the clearance for tool insertion and closure removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventors: Alfonso N. Arciniegas, Ron Sturk
  • Patent number: 6908013
    Abstract: There is disclosed a tamper-evident device for a closure assembly adapted to be applied to a mouth of a container, for example, a neck of a bottle. There has been identified a need for an improved tamper-evident device which does not have any parts which are removed upon initial opening and which are liable to be reattached by counterfeits or the like. Accordingly the present invention provides a tamper-evident device comprising a sleeve member which comprises a first portion associated with a second portion by a frangible portion therebetween, and wherein said first portion is adapted to be applied to a mouth and neck portion of a container, and said second portion is associated with a container closure member, and wherein an initial container opening operation causes said frangible portion to fracture or break such that when the container is reclosed said first and second portions are located in a spaced apart relationship to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Daniel Montgomery & Son Limited
    Inventors: David William Thomson, Egidio Mezzadra
  • Patent number: 6902076
    Abstract: A bottle and bottle closure assembly for draining a solution contained within a bottle, the bottle closure assembly. The bottle has a base section, a body portion extending from the base and terminating into a neck portion having an outlet through which the solution may pass. A seal is secured to the neck portion so as to cover the opening such that the seal will retain solution within the bottle. A cap member has rupture members designed to assist in the rupture of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Richard W. Bauer, Van W. Huston, Theodore K. Ricks, Thomas D. Jensen, John W. King, Malinda L. McFeaters
  • Patent number: 6874661
    Abstract: A cap member for a dual-compartment adhesive dispensing cartridge comprises a pair of dependent plugs, the cap member is initially integrally secured upon an upper end portion of a dispensing outlet portion by frangible connections which are defined between the plugs and upper end portions of a pair of dispensing conduits that are defined within the dispensing outlet portion by a divider wall. In addition, an axially oriented web member extends upwardly from a central region of the dispensing outlet portion, and the cap member is integrally secured to the upper extremity of the web member by another frangible connection. In this manner, when the cap member is to be separated from the dispensing cartridge, the integral connection defined between the cap member and the web member effectively serves as a pivotal fulcrum about which the cap member can be pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Timmerman, James E. Surjan, Richard P. Babrowski
  • Patent number: 6868978
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing cap for infusion and transfusion bottles. The inventive cap is provided with a flanged cap which encompasses a flanged neck of the bottle, secures a closing plug in the bottle and is provided with a middle recess that is closed by the middle region of a plastic lid in such a way that a ring zone (21) of the plastic lid (2) supports the edge of the middle recess from behind. At least one radially extending desired folding line (I) of the plastic lid (2) is embodied. Said line is formed by thinning the material. The aim of the invention is to indicate when said cap has been used. In an advantageous embodiment, the desired folding line (I) opens into a circumferential weakened area (S) that extends at a radial distance (y) from the center (z) of the plastic lid (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Helvoet Pharma Belgium N.V.
    Inventors: Roland Amschlinger, Udo Bächler
  • Publication number: 20040256347
    Abstract: A closure (10) that is suitable for attachment to a container (20) having an end portion defining an opening of the container. The closure comprises a top (11), a skirt (12), a support ring (30) that is engageable with the end portion of the container and which is hingedly connected to the skirt (12), and a sealing rib (13). The sealing rib (13) has a first portion (14) and a second portion (15). The length of the second portion (15) is such that, during attachment of the closure (10) with the end portion of the container (20), the end portion of the container contacts the second portion (15) and pushes it upwardly and at least towards the first portion (14) so as to form a seal between the end portion of the container (20) and the closure (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney Malcolm Druitt, David Edward Foster
  • Publication number: 20040251228
    Abstract: A closure is provided with a thread configuration adapted for snap-on or screw-on application to a container neck finish. The closure is optionally provided with at least one member attached to the tamper-indicating ring which cooperates with the arcuate projection to assist in breaking said tamper indicating ring during removal of the closure from the container neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Charles J. Long
  • Publication number: 20040238476
    Abstract: The plastic capsule, especially for large-volume bottles for use in dispensers, includes an openable zone (4) which is accessible from the outside and closed by a cap (3) is externally protected by a disc (5) which is made in a single piece with the capsule. The cap (3) is peripherally connected to the openable zone by easy-break ribs (6) and also by a thin annular skin (6a) which hermetically closes an annular space existing between the upper surface (1a) of the capsule and the disc (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Emilio Morini
  • Publication number: 20040217083
    Abstract: There is described a closure for use with a container neck. The closure comprises a cap and an insert. The insert is adapted to be permanently adhered to the container neck and has a sealing surface. The cap comprises a complimentary sealing surface for sealable engagement with the sealing surface provided on the insert and engagement means for releasable engagement with complimentary engagement means provided on the container neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Gerry Mavin, Timothy Stephenson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6793082
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closure with a thread configuration adapted for snap-on or screw-on application to a container neck finish. The closure is optionally provided with at least one member attached to the tamper-indicating ring which cooperates with the arcuate projection to assist in breaking said indicating ring during removal of the closure from the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6790655
    Abstract: A microorganism culture plate and methods for its fabrication and use is provided. The culture plate comprises a splash-guard that attaches to an upper rim of the plate. The splash-guard forms a removable, hermetic seal with the rim to prevent liquid media or other fluids from spilling or leaking out of the plate. The splash-guard as defined by a frame of film, according to an embodiment, has an aperture situated over a volume of the culture plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: George F. Lyman, Joseph C. Wall
  • Publication number: 20040150221
    Abstract: A tamper evident seal for use as an indicator of tampering of, for example, a food or beverage container, is disclosed. The seal includes a tamper resistant layer having physically destructive characteristics that provide a visual indication when the tamper resistant layer is disturbed. An anchoring layer having a topcoat is covered by the tamper resistant layer, the topcoat having a color that is visually distinct from the tamper resistant layer. Upon a breaking of the tamper resistant layer, the colored topcoat of the anchoring layer is visible through the tamper resistant layer to indicate tampering of the seal. The seal is useful to indicate whether a closure of a container, such as a beverage bottle, has been opened or partially opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Brady Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Brown
  • Patent number: 6769557
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the bottle security device on the neck of a bottle. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers that are adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The inner member further includes outwardly extending teeth. The outer sleeve member of the device slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The outer sleeve member further includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms that have inwardly projecting teeth that engage the teeth of the inner member to lock the two members together. A key is used to separate the two pieces and release the security device from the bottle. The key extends down through the top of the outer sleeve member to physically engage the upwardly extending arms and to move them radially outward to where they disengage the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Michael, Nicholas M. Sedon, Christopher G. Gallagher, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Michael S. Jaeb
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6726043
    Abstract: A sealed container including a container and a closure member for sealing the container over a range of internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Coors Global Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6716396
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with a vessel capable of receiving fluid specimens for clinical analysis and diagnosis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between the fluid specimen and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device, and may include a plurality of striations which were discovered to further improve penetrability of the cap. In this way, substances can be dispensed into or withdrawn from the vessel without having to physically separate the cap from the vessel. Also featured are fluid transfer devices and caps having surface ribs and/or grooves which aid in creating passageways for venting displaced air from a penetrated collection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Patent number: 6715646
    Abstract: A closure (V) for a vessel, such as a bottle (1), having a closure cap and a closure lower part, tamper proofing (37) being provided, having a securing part which, on first use, can be displaced into a position which clearly indicates that the vessel has been opened, and, to achieve a simple structure which is reliable in use, the securing part comprises a securing projection (38) which passes freely through the closure cap and is secured to the closure lower part, and the securing projection, to destroy the tamper proofing can be pressed into the closure lower part, and latching elements, which interact in the manner of barbs with the pressed-in securing part, are formed in the closure lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Alpla-Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Udo Suffa
  • Patent number: 6681947
    Abstract: A bottle cap including a top, a skirt, a locking bead, a tear tab, a line of weakness and a gusset. The top has a perimeter. The skirt depends from the perimeter and has a bottom edge. The locking bead radially extends from the skirt intermediate the top and the bottom edge. The tear tab extends downward from the bottom edge. The line of weakness extends along the skirt upward from the bottom edge and onto the top. The gusset extends from the locking bead into the skirt. The cap allows a user to remove the cap from a bottle in a facile manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Sungsuk S. Kim, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 6655553
    Abstract: A closure structure for a container includes a cap and a surrounding tamper-evident sleeve. The tamper-evident sleeve is initially engageable with a retaining element of the container located below the cap to prevent axial upward displacement of the sleeve with respect to the container. The sleeve includes a retention member overlying the cap to prevent manipulation of the cap to an open condition. The sleeve includes a frangible feature arranged to be torn to facilitate removal of the sleeve to permit manipulation of the cap to an open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Staniszewski, David S. Pozgay, Cori M. Blomdahl
  • Publication number: 20030209511
    Abstract: Bottle Insert with an insert that removably resides inside the uppermost portion of a wide mouth bottle. The insert is circular in shape and has sidewalls and an integral base portion. The base portion rises in one or more locations to a flat plane located near the top of the circular shape and extending approximately one third of the diameter distance into the circular shape. The raised flat portions each have a cut out area for the purpose of drinking liquid contained within the bottle. The cut out area follows the inner diameter of the circular shape at one edge and following the contour of the rest of the raised portion of the flat area. The lower base portion has one or more drain holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joshua Numa Guyot
  • 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: 20030178385
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Richard Laveault, Coy Hearld, Stephen McBride
  • Patent number: 6622882
    Abstract: A sealable container is formed by a cylindrical member and a sealing cap for mating with the cylindrical member. A flexible tether is integrally connected to the sealing cap and the cylindrical member. The tether has a slide ring with at least one frangible bridge connecting the ring to the cylindrical member. Alternatively, the slide ring of the tether has at least one frangible bridge connecting the ring to the sealing cap. The sealing cap can have a frangibly connected lower skirt which fractures when the sealing cap is opened. Alternatively, the slide ring connected to the sealing cap by at least one frangible bridge can have a frangibly connected lower skirt which fractures when the sealing cap is opened. The cylindrical member may be a container or a fitment with a flange to attach to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030155321
    Abstract: A bottle and bottle closure assembly for draining a solution contained within a bottle, the bottle closure assembly. The bottle has a base section, a body portion extending from the base and terminating into a neck portion having an outlet through which the solution may pass. A seal is secured to the neck portion so as to cover the opening such that the seal will retain solution within the bottle. A cap member has rupture members designed to assist in the rupture of the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Richard W. Bauer, Van W. Huston, Theodore K. Ricks, Thomas D. Jensen, John W. King, Malinda L. McFeaters
  • Patent number: 6604643
    Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member and an outer member that cooperate to lock the bottle security device on the neck of a bottle. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers that are adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The inner member further includes outwardly extending teeth. The outer sleeve member of the device slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle. The outer sleeve member further includes a plurality of upwardly extending arms that have inwardly projecting teeth that engage the teeth of the inner member to lock the two members together. A key is used to separate the two pieces and release the security device from the bottle. The key extends down through the top of the outer sleeve member to physically engage the upwardly extending arms and to move them radially outward to where they disengage the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Alpha Security Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Michael, Nicholas M. Sedon, Christopher G. Gallagher, Dennis D. Belden, Jr., Michael S. Jaeb
  • Publication number: 20030121879
    Abstract: A container closure includes a shell attachable to a container around a container opening thereof. The shell has a shell opening in fluid communication with the container opening when the shell is attached to the container. A tip is received on the shell movable between a closed position sealing the shell opening and an open position. A cover is releasably attached to the shell in a manner indicative of the tip being positioned in the closed position when the cover is attached to the shell. The cover includes rib engaging ribs for maintaining the cover tip and shell in proper alignment when the cover is attached to the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Erie Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Smith, Matthew E. Stebick
  • Patent number: 6550626
    Abstract: A tamper-evident structure for use in a resealable dispensing closure system includes a lid and a flexible, frangible tamper-evident member extending from the lid to a drop ring. The drop ring is adapted to engage a bottom end of a closure body in the closure system. Preferably, the lid, frangible tamper-evident member, and drop ring are provided as a unitary, integrally molded structure. In a preferred embodiment, the closure body can also be molded as a unitary part of the structure. The lid, frangible tamper-evident member and drop ring are assembled on the closure body by first installing the lid in a closed position on the closure body. The drop ring is then pivoted downward relative to the lid, thereby causing the frangible tamper-evident member to become disposed adjacent the closure body skirt. The drop ring is located at the bottom of the closure body. The system can then be installed on a container so that the drop ring locks under a bead or lip on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Randall
  • Publication number: 20030066815
    Abstract: A sealed container including a container and a closure member for sealing the container over a range of internal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Philip J. Lucas
  • Patent number: 6543654
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for emptying containers (2) filled with liquids, especially canisters and barrels, with an adapter (5)that can be fixed in a bung hole (3) of the container (2). The adapter (5) is fitted with a suction lance (7) pointing towards the container and has a degassing device. The device has a coupling piece (6) that can be attached to the adapter (5) for connecting a suction device (9). The adapter (5) has a set breaking point (10) surrounding the connection of the suction lance (7) by means of which the suction lance (7) can be pushed into the interior of the container. In a special embodiment, the set breaking point (10) is configured as a series of holes surrounding the central part (5b) connected to the suction lance (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OhG
    Inventors: Stephan Uhl, Wolfgang Huber, Frank Rainer Schuster
  • 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: 20030057174
    Abstract: A tamper-proof closure element made of plastic material for containers (1) of drinks comprises a main body (2) with circular-cylindrical shape, circular-cone frustum shape, defined by an upper surface (3) and a lower annular coating (4) in a single body to enclose an end portion of the container (1), and a lateral portion provided with a pair of weakening and/or breakage lines (9a, 9b) extending from the free edge (4a) of the annular coating (4) for a length of a value (C); this pair of lines (9a, 9b) are mutually separated, in correspondence with their final segment situated far from the free edge (4a), by a value (A) and, in correspondence with the free edge (4a), by a value (B); these three values (A, B, C) are mutually computed at least as a function of the diameters (D, D1) and of the height (H) of the neck (6) of the container (1) and of the pressure present or able to be generated inside the container (1), in such a way as to allow, subsequently to the initial opening separation, through related manual
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Enrico Folchini, Steven White
  • Publication number: 20030042257
    Abstract: In each of radial grooves 52 which are formed on a sealing disc portion 34 of a packing 10, low strength portions 64 are formed within a predetermined range from the center of the sealing disc portion 34 by decreasing the thickness of each of thin portions 62by deeply cutting each of the radial grooves 52. When the center of the sealing disc portion 34 is pressed by the pressing means, splits are formed at the low strength portions 64, and extend to curved grooves 54 and circumferential grooves 56. As a result, it is possible to obtain a plugging member in which a draining port can be opened wide with a small amount of pressing force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: KIMIYOSHI UCHIYAMA
  • 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: 6520212
    Abstract: A protective endpiece for the end of a tube (100), the endpiece comprises a sheath (2) about an axis (3) possessing a central housing (4) for receiving the end of the tube (100) and has an open end (5) and a closed end (6). The sheath is provided at its open end (5) with a ring (10) that is detachable from the sheath so that after the sheath (2) has been removed and the end of the tube (100) has been coupled to a piece of equipment (200), the ring forms a stopper on,the end of the tube (100) for closing the gap that exists between the end of the tube (100) and the equipment (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Legris S.A.
    Inventor: Philippe Blivet
  • Patent number: 6513668
    Abstract: A container and closure assembly, which includes a container and a container cap. The container cap is attached to the neck of the container through the use of an annual securing ring, which is incorporated into the cap and approximates the securing ring in the neck of the bottle and is press fit over the neck of the bottle. The opening of the container is covered with a section of cap that extends some distance into the neck of the container. The container is sealed at the surfaces where the inside of the container neck, the lip of the container neck and the outside of the container neck come in contact with the container cap. The contents of the bottle can be dispensed from the inverted position by rotating the container cap circumferentially with respect to the neck of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Patrick Masterton
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6431380
    Abstract: A closure is described wherein a flip top is provided with a child-resistant opening mechanism. The flip top closure is attached to a neck finish, fitment or other container spout and includes a flip top that is hingedly attached to a depending sidewall. The child-resistant mechanism includes a retention tab that engages a retention bead when the flip top is closed, but allows the top to be opened by the alignment of the retention tab with a retention lug, located on the neck finish or fitment, over which the retention tab may slide when upward force is applied to a thumb tab attached to the top. The interaction of the retention tab and the retention lug when the flip top is closed prevents the closure from being automatically aligned for opening, after the closure is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Rexam Medical Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Mark K. Branson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6419101
    Abstract: A closure is provided that includes a closure orifice that is at least as large as the container orifice, thereby enhancing drinking and pouring. A non-living hinge or a two-joint, living hinge enables easy opening and pivoting of a top cover completely away from a closure orifice to enable a user to drink directly from the closure. The top cover includes a plug that seals the closure orifice. A tear band encircles most of the top cover and secures the lid to the base, and provides tamper resistance. After detaching the tear band, the closure may be pivoted open about the hinge to its fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Hessel, Valentin Hierzer, Rick Gaiser
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6405885
    Abstract: A closure structure for a container includes a closure body having a deck and a depending skirt, the skirt being adapted to be mounted on a container neck or formed with the container. A dispensing orifice is formed through the deck. A protruding member extends from a surface of the deck, the protruding member including a first locking ledge at an intermediate position along a length of the protruding member. A lid, hinged at one side to the closure body at a position opposite to the protruding member, has a socket on a side of the lid opposite the hinge. The socket has a receiver cavity open in an axial direction of the lid and includes a second locking ledge extending radially within the receiver cavity. The first and second locking ledges are engageable when the protruding member is positioned sufficiently within the receiver cavity when the lid is initially closed to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: John Elliott
  • Patent number: 6398067
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: CV Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John Belfance, Ronald Supranowicz