About Line Or Point Of Weakness Patents (Class 220/266)
  • Patent number: 7568591
    Abstract: A lid is provided for use as a cover on a beverage container or other dispensing device, wherein the lid includes a dispensing spout therein for dispensing of the container contents therefrom. A flexible connector arm extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the lid and includes a fixed end fixedly attached to the lid at a first arcuate position thereof and a free end frangibly connected to the lid by a frangible tab located at a second arcuate position of the lid. The free end of the connector arm can be detached from the lid by tearing along a tear line provided in the connector arm spaced radially outwardly from the frangible tab. In this manner, detaching of connector arm from the lid occurs by a discrete tear line propagated through the connector arm, rather than through the lid flange, thereby allowing for detachment of the connector arm from the lid without compromising the integrity of the seal between the lid and the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: International Paper
    Inventor: Richard A. Tedford, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090188824
    Abstract: A personal care product has a container component and an absorbent personal care product component. Generally there are four side walls connected in a manner such that the top panel is connected to the bottom panel by the front side wall, the back side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall; and the front side wall is connected to the back side wall by the first side wall and the second side wall. A chamber is able to hold at least one absorbent personal care article component placed within said chamber of the container component. In addition, the container component is devoid of any indicia on the exterior surface of each of the top panel, the front side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall which tends to indicate that the container has at least one personal care product placed within said chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Herb Flores Velazquez, Juliette Alison Hill, Michael J. Thomsen
  • Publication number: 20090173738
    Abstract: A tamper evident container includes a storage element having a flange extending outwardly from a top edge, and a lid having top and outer walls configured to fit over the flange of the storage element with the outer wall extending below a bottom edge of the flange. The outer wall may include an inwardly extending locking indentation engaging the bottom edge of the flange of the storage element to retain the lid on the storage element and prevent it from being removed without permanently deforming at least one of the lid and the storage element, The lid further includes a line of reduced strength extending along a portion of the top wall and/or outer wall to detach a portion of the outer wall and disengage the locking indentation from the flange to allow the lid to be disengaged from the flange without further permanent deformation of the lid or the storage element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: CLEAR LAM PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventors: George Golota, Michael Drozek, James J. Sanfilippo, Roman Forowycz, John E. Sanfilippo, Francisco Javier Soria
  • Can
    Publication number: 20090173736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container or can, especially for use with beverages; with an essentially cylindrical wall (1), which is closed on its top and bottom by a sheet metal cover (2) each joined to the wall (1), and with a sealing element (3), which is inserted into an opening in the sheet metal cover (2) and permits resealable opening of the can, where the opening in the sheet metal cover (2) is surrounded by a first conical part (13) of the sheet metal cover (2) tapering towards the interior of the can and extending between a circular folding edge (17) and the circular rim (20) of the opening, and where the sealing element (3) is provided with an essentially cylindrical holding section (7), which is inserted into the opening of the sheet metal cover (2) and has a peripheral groove (21), which receives the first conical part (13) of the sheet metal cover (2) and is bounded in the direction away from the can by a second projection (8) against which the folding edge (17) rests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Walter Bock, Gerhard Schroll
  • Publication number: 20090134162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1) comprising a bottom, a wall (2) and a closing sheet (4) directed from the bottom for closing the container(1), wherein the closing sheet (4) is directly attached to and in contact with the wall (2). The invention also relates to a method for producing a container (1) according to the invention, wherein preferably the closing sheet (4) is first attached to a ring (5), whereafter the ring (5) is arranged to the container (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: IMPRESS GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Rene Jouillat, Fred Willem Savrij Droste
  • Publication number: 20090120937
    Abstract: A container comprising a base (12) and lid (14) each formed of sheet plastic, wherein after food is loaded into a base cavity (20) and the lid is closed, the lid resists opening. To open the lid, a move-away tab (64) lying along the base rim portion (30) is moved by tearing along at least one line (70) so a lid rim part (50) is exposed and can be grasped to lift the lid. The base has an outer raised rib (32) that blocks access to the lid rim part until the tab, which lies between two gaps (62, 63) in the outer rib, is moved out of the way. The base also has an inner raised rib (34) that projects into a groove (46) in the lid to form a seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Terry Vovan
  • Publication number: 20090101647
    Abstract: Tamper-resistance is provided in spice container closures and containers through use of tamper-evident and/or tamper-resistant elements. A tamper evident closure includes a base, a cover, and a tamper strip, with the tamper strip being joined to the base and cover by a first hinge connecting the tamper strip to the base and a second hinge connecting the tamper strip to the cover. At least one dispensing port in the base is selectively coverable by a flap of the cover. The tamper strip is adapted to be manually torn away and fully released from the cover and base. The flap is hinged to the cover by a third hinge. In addition, or alternatively, a snap lock connection is formed between a container closure and the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: J.L. Clark, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Newberry, Joseph P. Valley, III
  • Publication number: 20090039083
    Abstract: A closure for a container, the closure including a spout having a dispensing nozzle and a tip attached to the spout at a break-away junction. The break-away junction is recessed from the nozzle such that a user is protected from rough or jagged edges that may be created when the tip is broken away from the spout. The spout also has an orifice that is smaller than the dispensing nozzle for controlling the rate or amount of product dispensed from the container, the orifice remaining intact when the tip is broken away from the spout. The tip is sufficiently flexible to absorb an impact, such as from the container being dropped, but is sufficiently stiff that a user can fracture the break-away junction by applying sideways force to the tip. The closure may be attached to the container by a cap body or may be formed integrally with the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Gene Stull, SR., Robert T. Auer
  • Publication number: 20090032534
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for a container lid include a pull structure affixed to at least one end of a tamper evident tearstrip and positioned in an outer flange of the lid, the pull structure having a portion shaped to receive and engage a manipulator such as at least one finger of a user's hand, to assist the user to initiate tearing of the tearstrip from the lid. The shaped portion of the pull structure is configured to eliminate the need to grip the tearstrip between opposing digits of the user's hand. The lid may further include an extendible connection member positioned on at least one end of the tearstrip in an area or space generally defined as a “well.” Among other things, the extendible connection member can provide additional flex to a hinge portion of the lid, without destroying the subsequent tamper-evidencing value of the lid. A satellite ring may be attached to or provided on the lid or container to provide further tamper evidencing and protection to the lid assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Frano Luburic
  • Publication number: 20080314905
    Abstract: A blank capable of being formed into a carton to define a volume for receiving articles is provided. The carton includes a lid formed hingedly connected at a fold at one end and including a line of weakening to facilitate separation of the lid from the main body of the carton. The volume can accommodate introduction of ice or other substance with and/or between the articles and the lid can be hinged between open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Leslie Smalley
  • Publication number: 20080302797
    Abstract: Containers and methods of making them are disclosed. The containers comprise a closure system comprising a fixed element and a removable closure element. The containers may be constructed to improve sanitary conditions of the dispensing portion and allow for easier opening with the ability to be reclosed, over a conventional container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: EVAN IRA PHILLIPS
  • Publication number: 20080251490
    Abstract: A pierceable cap maybe used for containing sample specimens during storage and transport. The pierceable cap may prevent unwanted escape of sample specimen before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable cap may fit over a vessel. An access port in the pierceable cap may allow passage of a tip of a transfer device though the pierceable cap. Multiple frangible layers maybe disposed across the access port. One or more extensions proximate to a lower frangible layer may rotate around one or more coupling regions during insertion of the transfer device. The movement of the one or more extensions may pierce the lower frangible layer to create airways and allow air to escape from a vessel at a reduced velocity. Upper frangible layers may prevent escape of materials from spaces intermediate between the lower frangible layer and the upper frangible layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: BD Diagnostics
    Inventors: Dwight Livingston, Dustin Diemert, A. David Lentz
  • Publication number: 20080245694
    Abstract: A packaging container includes a first clamshell half, a second clamshell half, a connecting portion that connects an edge of the first clamshell with an edge of the second clamshell half, a sealed portion that fastens the first clamshell and the second clamshell to each other, the sealed portion being located at the edge of the packaging container on a side opposite to the connecting portion, and a severed portion that is provided in at least one of the first clamshell and the second clamshell between the sealed portion and a packaged object, which is accommodated in a room created between the first clamshell and the second clamshell when the clamshell halves are fitted to each other, and that is severed off for opening the packaging container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shibata, Teruo Imamaki, Takashi Miki, Susumu Murata
  • Publication number: 20080217337
    Abstract: A container with tamper-evident device includes an open packaging casing, a closure means for closing this open end, a connection means arranged between the closure means and the casing, and a tamper-evident device which is able to engage mechanically at the time of closing the container after filling. The tamper-evident device includes a breakable locking means equipped with a snap-fastening means, positioned in a reserved housing, the locking means having an integral tear-open hinge, and a retaining means located in the closure means capable of receiving the snap-fastening means during the arming of the tamper-evident device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: AIRSEC
    Inventors: Stephane Rault, Dominique Bois
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7395929
    Abstract: The present invention is a cover assembly including a cover for covering at least one compartment of a medication dispenser. The cover includes an inner and outer end portion. A locking tab is formed in the inner end wall of the cover for being received in a slot formed in the medication dispenser for securing the cover to the medication dispenser. The locking tab includes a weakened portion for allowing the cover to be fractured and separated from the locking tab as the outer end potion is lifted away from the medication dispenser during removal of the cover. The weakened portion fractures before the outer end portion of the cover is lifted a distance from the medication dispenser less than or equal to a minimum dimension of a pill for preventing removal of the pill from the at least one compartment without removal of the cover from the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventors: Mark G. Keffeler, David P. Keffeler
  • Patent number: 7374061
    Abstract: A sealing device (2, 2?, 2?) to be arranged between an opening in a drinking container (1?, 1?) and a drinking straw (20), and a method of making the sealing device (2, 2?, 2?). The sealing device (2, 2?, 2?) comprises a region of the drinking container (1?, 1?), or a part connected to the drinking container (1?, 1?), made from a material (14) subjected to a plastic deformation in a portion spanning said opening in the drinking container (1?, 1?). The deformation has the form of a bulge (2a) of thinned material (4). The bulge (2a) is folded upon itself to form a ring-shaped fold (12) on the inside of the drinking container (1?, 1?). The fold (12) encircles the plastically deformed and thinned wall material (4) of bulge (2a), said bulge material (4) forming an inner seal ring (19) around the drinking straw (20) when the bulge material (4) is perforated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Seal AS
    Inventor: Kolbjørn Næsje
  • Patent number: 7353961
    Abstract: An electrical outlet box molded of plastic material has a knockout arrangement in a box wall that is formed by inner, intermediate and outer circular grooves that are eccentrically positioned to overlap at a tangent location and define inner, intermediate and outer eccentrically positioned circular knockouts. The grooves vary in depth from a minimum depth at the tangent location to a maximum depth opposite from the tangent location. Areas of increased weakness are provided in the box wall at the bottoms of at least the inner and intermediate grooves, and screwdriver slots are provided in the knockouts opposite from the tangent location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Lamson & Sessions Co.
    Inventors: Eric G. Hull, Gregory D. Turcovsky, Dennis P. Revlock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7341160
    Abstract: A reclosable package includes a tray, a top sheet, and a fastener. The tray has a well for receiving contents and a peripheral flange surrounding the well. The top sheet is attached to the peripheral flange. The fastener has two interlocking members, one attached to the peripheral flange and the other attached to the top sheet. A tamper-evident feature located on the package prevents access to the fastener and is connected thereto by one or two lines of weaknesses. In one embodiment with one or two lines of weakness in the top sheet, the fastener remains adjacent to the tray's peripheral flange, which is intact after the tamper-evident feature is removed by tearing along these lines of weakness. In a second embodiment with two lines of weakness, the tamper-evident feature, comprised of portions of the peripheral flange and the top sheet, is torn from the package along both lines of weakness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Craig E. Cappel, Gary E. Rehwinkel, Russell J. Talbo, Johann Natterer
  • Patent number: 7311218
    Abstract: There is provided a re-closable closure for a container, wherein the re-closable closure includes a tamper-evident band that provides a stacking surface and stacking step for the stacking of another container and that provides clearance for a membrane lid to seal the opening of the container. The tamper-evident band is connected to a central portion of the closure by a frangible connecting member. The tamper-evident band engages a top edge of the container to connect the closure to the container. After the band has been removed from the central portion and the membrane lid has been removed from the container, the central portion may be connected to the container to re-close the opening of the container. The central portion includes a plug portion that fits into the opening to reseal the container after the initial opening of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Krishnaraju Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 7281636
    Abstract: A bottle cap includes a top and a skirt depending from the top, the skirt having a bottom edge, a locking bead radially extending inward from an interior of the skirt intermediate the top and the bottom edge, a tear tab extending downward from the bottom edge, a first tear line proximate the tear tab and extending upward along the skirt from the bottom edge across the locking bead and terminating at a terminus adjacent to or below the perimeter. The first tear line is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cap. The first tear line and the longitudinal axis define a radially extending plane P. The bottle cap also includes a second tear line proximate the tear tab and spaced from the first tear line. An upper portion of the second tear line extending through the plane P and between the terminus and the longitudinal axis. A method of using the bottle cap is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Sungsuk Steve Kim, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 7267228
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a medication dispenser including a container defining a plurality of open-top medication compartments adapted to be closed by a compartment cover assembly including a plurality of individual covers selectively connected together. Each cover includes an integral fracturable tab depending from one end and coacting means on the container for securing the tabs in a snap-fit relationship when the cover is positioned to close its respective compartments. Each tab is independently secured relative to the container and fractured from its respective cover in response to upward movement of the opposite end of the cover to open the compartment. In one embodiment, the tab has a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therein to create a weakened area to facilitate the separation of the cover from the tab. In another embodiment, a pair of notches extend into the sides of the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: Mark G. Keffeler, David P. Keffeler
  • Patent number: 7243810
    Abstract: An improved underground box and lid for use in irrigation systems and other underground systems is provided. A single box can be inverted, combined and interlocked with a second box to form a single enclosed structure that is twice as high. This can be used for those installations where underground system components are buried in the ground at a greater depth than can be accommodated by a single box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin G. O'Brien, Gerald E. Peterson, James G. Coates, Beatrice John, Barbara E. Booth, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: 7229512
    Abstract: A non-invasive tear mechanism for a flexible packaging, the non-invasive tear mechanism comprises a plurality of junctions formed in the flexible packaging that form a line of weakness in the packaging. The junctions are non-invasive in that the flexible packaging is not cut or scored when the non-invasive tear mechanism is formed. An apparatus for producing a non-invasive tear mechanism in a flexible packaging comprising a carriage, a horn mounted on the carriage, and an anvil having an anvil work surface with a plurality of protuberances extending from it mounted on the carriage. An actuating rod is mounted on the carriage and used for moving the horn and anvil. The protuberances form the non-invasive tear mechanism in the flexible packaging when the horn is activated and the flexible packaging is fused at junctions that correspond with the protuberances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: James G. Streicher
  • Patent number: 7204388
    Abstract: A latching system including both apparatus and methods addresses the need for a reusable latch that is identical on either side of a container opening, thereby facilitating container manufacture. Also disclosed are apparatus and methods for assuring the quality of latchable container enclosed contents and enhancing the safety of container users by providing an unopened condition assurance element such as a tab that is removable from a reusable container latch. A novel latching system with a split insertion element on a first latch side and unitary receptor element on a second latch side is also disclosed. A preferred embodiment involves an elastically obstructed latch as used on a squeeze-openable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: International Molded Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Roderick E. Galland, Hossein Monajjem
  • Patent number: 7137538
    Abstract: A cap to close off an externally threaded aperture of a container is provided. The cap includes a base wall and a peripheral skirt carrying an internal thread for mating with the aperture's external thread. A hollow spigot portion extends from the base wall within the cap, and is co-axial with the skirt and attached to the base wall by a frangible connection. Grooves or thread are formed on the outside wall of the spigot portion to engage the wall of the bore in the aperture. A method of sealing a container including engaging a cap is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Perna Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Wright
  • Patent number: 7118003
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant container with tamper evident feature which includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, and a hinge joining the outwardly extending peripheral flange with the base portion. The upper peripheral edge includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion that is configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed. The hinge includes a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, for facilitating removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Inline Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: Robert Sellari, Peter Boback, Bruce Stein
  • Patent number: 7097037
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a medication dispenser including a container defining a plurality of open-top medication compartments adapted to be closed by a compartment cover assembly including a plurality of individual covers selectively connected together. Each cover includes an integral fracturable tab depending from one end and coacting means on the container for securing the tabs in a snap-fit relationship when the cover is positioned to close its respective compartments. Each tab is independently secured relative to the container and fractured from its respective cover in response to upward movement of the opposite end of the cover to open the compartment. In one embodiment, the tab has a plurality of spaced-apart openings formed therein to create a weakened area to facilitate the separation of the cover from the tab. In another embodiment, a pair of notches extend into the sides of the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventors: Mark G. Keffeler, David P. Keffeler
  • Patent number: 7090088
    Abstract: A combination molded plastic bucket and lid includes a series of outwardly extending ribs on the top edge of the bucket and inwardly extending flanges on a depending outer skirt of the lid which engaged with the bucket ribs to provide a wedging action that holds the lid tightly in a sealing position on the top of the bucket. A zig-zag tear strip permits removal of a portion of the lowermost lid flange. The top of the bucket includes a groove adapted to receive a projection or tongue seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: John W. von Holdt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7086551
    Abstract: A combination molded plastic bucket and lid includes a series of outwardly extending ribs on the top edge of the bucket and inwardly extending flanges on a depending outer skirt of the lid which engage with the bucket ribs to provide a wedging action that holds the lid tightly in a sealing position on the top of the bucket. A zig-zag tear strip permits removal of a portion of the lowermost lid flange. The top of the bucket includes a groove adapted to receive a projection or tongue seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: John W. von Holdt, Jr.
  • 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: 7073680
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident features which includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, a hinge joining the outwardly extending peripheral flange with the base portion and an engagement mechanism for maintaining the peripheral flange adjacent to the upper peripheral edge when the container is closed. The upper peripheral edge includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion that is configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed. The hinge includes a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, for facilitating the disengagement of the engagement mechanism and removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Inline Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Boback, Robert Sellari, Bruce Stein, Daniel A. Landan, Tadeusz J. Klimaszewski
  • Patent number: 6994699
    Abstract: A port, a container and a method for accessing a port for injecting or withdrawing a liquid from the container are provided. The port may allow for the administration of, for example, a drug, to a patient and may be located on the container. The port has a septum having a target area. The port also has a support ring in contact with the septum. A cap is provided to protect the septum. The cap has a ring handle and allows for removal and exposure of the target area of the septum. A needle, for example, may be used to penetrate the septum allowing the addition or withdrawal of a liquid or other drug to or from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Vincent Houwaert, Denis Motta, Patrick Balteau, Francesco Peluso, Silvano Sforacchi
  • Patent number: 6991140
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plastic fitment with child-safe properties for attachment to a container component of film-like plastic material, including a tubular body portion defining a through passage having axially spaced ends, a welding rib, and a cap. Also disclosed are flexible pouch or beverage package comprising the fitment and a process for using the fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignees: E.I. du Pont de nemours and Company, Inc., Kornick Lindsay, Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Anthony Bourque, Daniel Young-Doo Chung, Richard M. Estabrook, Joseph Kornick, Jose Tirso Olivares-Cordoba, Donna Lynn Visioli
  • 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: 6968968
    Abstract: A container closure assembly for closing the neck opening of a container includes a closure plug for threaded engagement with the neck opening, a sealing gasket positioned between the container and the closure plug, and a unitary, molded plastic overcap constructed and arranged for assembly to the closure plug. The overcap includes a top portion defining a pair of weakened score lines that partition the top portion into three sections. A surrounding sidewall connects a pair of flange sections to first and second outer sections of the top portion. A center post axially extends from the center section and includes external threads for engagement with internal threads on the closure plug. The overcap includes a raised portion in unitary construction with the top portion and spanning the pair of weakened score lines so as to visually reveal stress discoloration upon upward movement of the first and second outer sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventors: Simon Buckley, Richard A. Laveault
  • Patent number: 6959832
    Abstract: A lid member for a food container having a layered structure in which a surface sheet is laid on a composite sheet, said surface sheet including an easily-peelable area that is easily separated from the composite sheet, formed by applying a lubricant between the surface sheet and the composite sheet, said surface sheet including a non-peelable area adjacent to said easily-peelable area; a first slit cut vertical-sectionally through the composite sheet, said first slit defining one or more apertures in said lid to form an opening area in said composite sheet; a second slit in said surface sheet defining a boundary between the easily-peelable area and said non-peelable area of said surface sheet; and said surface sheet being adhered to said composite sheet at said composite sheet opening area over an area that is smaller than said composite sheet opening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Nissin Shokuhin Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Sawada, Mitsuo Yoshimura, Hirofumi Kawai, Takashi Takagi, Yuko Zenpuku
  • Patent number: 6877631
    Abstract: A tamper-evident container comprises a body portion (2), a lid portion (4) adapted to engage and close said body portion (2), and at least one tamper-evident element (14) releasably attached to one of said portions (4) by a weakened connection (16), and having an operative position co-operating with means on the other of said portions (2) to prevent removal of the lid portion (4) from the body portion (2), the lid portion (4) only being removable from the body portion (2) subsequent to breakage of the weakened connection (16) between the or each tamper-evident element (14) and the one portion (4) of the container, the or each tamper evident element (14), on breakage, having a displaced position on the other portion (2) of the container providing a visual indication that tampering may have occurred, and the container incorporating means to retain the or each tamper-evident element (14) in its displaced position on the other portion (2) of the container such that removal of the or each tamper-evident element (1
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Audus Noble LTD
    Inventors: David Noble Thompson, Stephen William Bushby, Keith Stephenson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6834769
    Abstract: A hinge cap having a preferable appearance irrespective of opening and closing of a cap cover, to facilitate a one-hand opening manipulation, and to prevent cost increase. In the hinge cap, a cap main body has a top plate, and most of a manipulation body for transmitting pushing force for opening the cap to the inside surface of an opening/closing hinge is covered even in a state that a cap cover is opened. Therefore, the hinge cap appearance is improved and the movement of the manipulation body does not deteriorate because the contents hardly leak into the movable portion of the manipulation body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: M.F.V Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Takahashi, Atsushi Oka, Yasuhiro Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20040239005
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a tool (1a, 1b, 2) for injection moulding of an opening arrangement (20) of plastic in a hole in a packaging material (9), the hole defining a hole edge (8) and the tool displaying a mould cavity (7) which surrounds the hole edge (8) together with a part of a first side (9a), as well as a part of a second side (9b) of the packaging material in connection with the hole edge, the mould cavity (7) displaying an inlet (10) for molten plastic and, opposing the inlet, an end gap (11) for the extension of the packaging material (9) out of the tool, the inlet (10) displaying a deflection from a first flow direction (F1) in a flow gap (5) to a second flow direction (F2) into the mould cavity (7). According to the invention, the tool (1a, 1b) displays, at said inlet (10), a throttle lip (12) which projects in a direction which substantially coincides with said first flow direction (F1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Goran Ek, Hakan Hakansson
  • Patent number: 6817819
    Abstract: The disclosed invention describes a container end that can be easily opened and does not rely on a conventional metal tab, riveted onto the end, thereby avoiding the problems and the cost associated with such a tab. The invention utilizes a traditional container end shell with a separate and distinct piece that is formed independently and is inserted into a countersink which is placed on the outer surface of the container end shell. The removal of this separate piece exerts a force or causes a change in the properties of the container wall in the countersink area, initiating and proliferating a discontinuity in the container wall, thereby creating an opening in the container. This change in the properties of the container wall can be mechanical, chemical, thermal or any other modality, which has the ability to influence the integrity of the container wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Omnitech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Olson, Harold Cook, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040200839
    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: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Plastican, Inc.
    Inventor: Rino Conti
  • Publication number: 20040173614
    Abstract: A locking mechanism on a container (1) or a holding device (28), having two interlockable parts (33, 21, 26), wherein one part (2, 21) forms an interlocking recess (9) and the mating part (3, 26) an interlocking tongue (6). In the opening path of the interlocking tongue, a blocking element (8) is provided, as a result of which the interlocking tongue (6) can only be set to the opening position after removing the blocking element by means of a suitable tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Rosler
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040118848
    Abstract: A lid assembly comprising a lid portion and a frame portion, one said portion being adapted to receive the other portion to seal a container fitted with the lid assembly wherein the receiving portion has tamper-evident means connected thereto as a frangible bridge while the other portion has a hinged tab and wherein, in the untampered state, the frangible bridge is intact and prevents rotation of the hinged tab while, on breaking the frangible bridge, the hinged tab is able to rotate about its hinge, allowing opening of the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Neil R Marshall
  • Publication number: 20040094548
    Abstract: A package for heating and dispensing a food product includes a container body having a top opening and an outside thread, and a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes an outer shell having an inside thread and an integrally formed utensil, and an inner disk. The utensil is defined by a weakened segment or outline formed into an end wall of the outer shell and has a convex region. The disk has a protrusion that is shaped to be received into the convex region when the outer shell is placed on the container body and threaded tightly onto the body over the disk. A sufficient friction force exists between the disk and the body that prevents the disk from turning when the outer shell is unscrewed an initial amount. The protrusion forcibly leaving the convex region causes the weakened segment to rupture creating tamper evidence and a vent for heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Laveault
  • Publication number: 20040089664
    Abstract: A retortable container and an easy-opening closure for hermetic sealing of an open end thereof. The closure includes a metal end ring adapted to be double seamed to an open end of the retortable container, an intermediate area extending radially inward and defining an opening to an interior of the container, and a folded area folded into the interior of the container. The folded area extends radially outward from the opening and substantially parallel to at least an adjacent portion of the intermediate area. A first membrane patch overlaps and is bonded to an under side of the intermediate area of the end ring such that the first membrane patch prevents contamination of contents of the container by the metal end. A second membrane patch covers the opening and is bonded to an upper side of the first membrane patch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Rea, Lawrence E. Renck
  • Publication number: 20040050849
    Abstract: A container comprises a body portion (1), a lid portion (41) and, mounted on one of the body portion and the lid portion, a locking member (55). The locking member is movable from an unlocking position to a locking position in which it engages the other of the body portion and the lid portion to hold the lid in engagement with the body portion. The container is provided with a sealing means (79) including a sealing member which extends between the locking member (55) and other of the body portion (1) and the lid portion (41) when the locking member is in its locking position. Movement of the locking member (55) from the locking to the unlocking position is only possible if the sealing member (79) is rendered ineffective for further sealing use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Pickles
  • Publication number: 20040026423
    Abstract: A reclosable package includes a tray, a top sheet, and a fastener. The tray has a well for receiving contents and a peripheral flange surrounding the well. The top sheet is attached to the peripheral flange. The fastener has two interlocking members, one attached to the peripheral flange and the other attached to the top sheet. A tamper-evident feature located on the package prevents access to the fastener and is connected thereto by one or two lines of weaknesses. In one embodiment with one or two lines of weakness in the top sheet, the fastener remains adjacent to the tray's peripheral flange, which is intact after the tamper-evident feature is removed by tearing along these lines of weakness. In a second embodiment with two lines of weakness, the tamper-evident feature, comprised of portions of the peripheral flange and the top sheet, is torn from the package along both lines of weakness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Pharmacia Corporation
    Inventors: Craig E. Cappel, Gary E. Rehwinkel, Russell J. Talbo, Johann Natterer