Puncturing Tool Serves As Closure Patents (Class 220/278)
  • Patent number: 6763963
    Abstract: A method and device for opening a drink can provided with a frangible obturator which can be pushed back inside the can using a tongue that is fixed in a horizontal position in the middle of the lid by means of a rivet on which the tongue can pivot as a lever to produce an opening which is later closed by a movable case that is adapted on the tongue which is pivoted around the river in order to move onto the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Akline
    Inventor: Didier Martin
  • Publication number: 20040074905
    Abstract: A container for gelatinous food stuffs materials has a pair of inwardly directed blades (30, 32) formed on the inner surface of the lid (10). As the lid (10) is rotated to remove it from the receptacle (12), the blades (30, 32) cut through the food stuff and release it from the interior walls of the receptacle (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Tim Michael Debonnaire Haggard
  • Publication number: 20040056033
    Abstract: A device for opening a beverage can to allow a beverage to flow out while also restricting access of insects to the can's interior. The device comprises a collar, configured to receive the top or bottom of a beverage can, and a blade holder, that is moved relative to the collar to allow blades to penetrate the beverage can within the collar and form at least two slits in the can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Guy Bohlman
  • Publication number: 20030155360
    Abstract: The invention to a container, especially a beverage container. The lid wall (2) is provided with a specified rupture line (6) which, when torn open, frees an opening (9) provided for drinking and pouring. A lid turn-lock fastener (10) comprises a wall (13), which spans the lid wall (2), and comprises means for tearing open the opening (9) provided for drinking and pouring. The lid turn-lock fastener is supported on the can when it is turned in order to tear open the opening (9) provided for drinking and pouring. The opening (9) provided for drinking and pouring extends between the rotational axis (4) and the circular periphery of the lid wall (2) and, in a radial direction, measures at least half of the radius length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Hermann Gotz, Bruno Ackermann, Dieter Folland
  • Patent number: 6571974
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for inhibiting unused adhesive paste held within a commercially available dispensing squeeze tube from becoming unwanted hardened solids trapped within the mouth and nozzle of the squeeze tube. The invention provides a knurled knob or knurled cap griping means for pushing-in, pulling-out, and twisting an elongated spike into the mouth of the squeeze tube so that the spike can either minimize the amount of unwanted hardening of the any unused adhesive in the squeeze tube or to penetrate the resulting unwanted hardened solids at or near the mouth of the squeeze tube so as to create a fluid exit route for any remaining unused paste so that the contents are efficiently stored and used. The knurled knob or knurled cap also provides a safe means of preventing the user from being exposed to any unwanted unused adhesive onto the user's fingers and hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Ferri
  • Publication number: 20020117501
    Abstract: An apparatus removes a tamper-proof seal from a mouth of a container and retains the tamper-proof seal to prevent any of the seal from falling into the container. The apparatus includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface. A sidewall circumscribes the body and extends substantially perpendicularly from the top surface of the body. A first projection extends substantially perpendicularly from the top surface and is disposed radially inward from the side wall. A plurality of second projections extend from the top surface of the body and are disposed circumferentially around body top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Alex H. Amanat, Paul H. Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 6415939
    Abstract: An aperture forming structure for a sealed containment and dispensing package for flowable products is provided. The structure includes a breakaway tip member of thermoformable plastic. In one embodiment a cap may be integrally formed with the aperture forming structure and may be used to protect the tip member or for reclosing the aperture. An alternative embodiment relates to a pouch, wherein a flap member portion of the pouch is folded over and sealingly attached to the body of the pouch. When the flap member portion is pulled away from the body, an outlet aperture is produced through the surface of the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Patent number: 6386385
    Abstract: An apparatus removes a tamper-proof seal from a mouth of a container and retains the tamper-proof seal to prevent any of the seal from falling into the container. The apparatus includes a body having a top surface and a bottom surface. A sidewall circumscribes the body and extends substantially perpendicularly from the top surface of the body. A first projection extends substantially perpendicularly from the top surface and is disposed radially inward from the side wall. A plurality of second projections extend from the top surface of the body and are disposed circumferentially around body top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Minimizim, LLC
    Inventors: Alex H. Amanat, Paul H. Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 6364164
    Abstract: The device has a frame fixable on a package, a tubular member connected to the frame and internally defining a pouring opening, and a cap connected by an elastic hinge to the tubular member for rotation about a first axis for opening and closing the pouring opening. The tubular member is movably connected to the frame for rotation about a second axis extending perpendicularly with respect to the first axis. A lug connected to the cap slidably engages a protrusion connected to the frame for preventing rotation of the tubular member about the second axis, until completion of a predetermined angular displacement of the tubular member with respect to said frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Troiano
  • Publication number: 20020000441
    Abstract: An aperture forming structure, which when attached to or integrally formed in dispenser packages for flowable substances allows reclosure and single or multiple uses. The aperture forming structure includes a break away tip member of thermoformable plastic. The break away tip includes a hollow protrusion from a surface. The intersection of the hollow protrusion and the surface is a fault line. Rupturing of the fault line creates an aperture from which the contents of the dispenser package may exit. A cap may be integrally formed with the aperture forming structure and detached for protecting the hollow protrusion or for closing the aperture created when the fault line is ruptured. The aperture forming structure can be made by heating a relatively stiff substantially flat thermoformable sheet of and then stretching the sheet to create a first and a second hollow protrusion in a tiered configuration. A rupture line is placed at the intersection of the first and the second protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Patent number: 6299012
    Abstract: An aperture forming structure, which when attached to or integrally formed in dispenser packages for flowable substances allows reclosure and single or multiple uses. The aperture forming structure includes a break away tip member of thermoformable plastic. The break away tip includes a hollow protrusion from a surface. The intersection of the hollow protrusion and the surface is a fault line. Rupturing of the fault line creates an aperture from which the contents of the dispenser package may exit. A cap may be integrally formed with the aperture forming structure and detached for protecting the hollow protrusion or for closing the aperture created when the fault line is ruptured. The aperture forming structure can be made by heating a relatively stiff substantially flat thermoformable sheet of and then stretching the sheet to create a first and a second hollow protrusion in a tiered configuration. A rupture line is placed at the intersection of the first and the second protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Patent number: 6223924
    Abstract: The reclosable opening device (1) has a frame (2) integratable with a package to be opened, a pouring opening (6) defined by the frame member, and a reclosable cap (4) releasable connected by screw threads (5) to the frame (2) for sealing the pouring opening (6). An indicator member (7) is rotatably associated with the frame (2) and releasably connected to the reclosable cap (4) by rupturable connection bridges (12a-12f) for indicating a sealed condition of the opening device in a first position. A ratchet mechanism (13 , 15-17) is interposed between the frame (2) and the indicator member (7) for retaining the indicator member (7) in a second position, which is spaced from the first position, for indicating an opened condition of the reclosable cap (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Göran Ek, Antonio Troiano
  • Patent number: 6206222
    Abstract: An easy-open, reseable closure assembly for a beverage can (10) comprises a metal lid (12) and two threadedly connected molded plastic closure elements (40, 60) with engageable annular reseal surfaces (46, 76). The lid is scored (30) to define a circular tear panel (28) and a hinge (32). The spout element (40) is attached to the lid (12) with the bottom surface of the cap element (60) directly above and aligned with the periphery of the tear panel (28). Rotation of the cap element (60) by a user ruptures the tear panel and pivots the tear panel (28) downward about the hinge (32), providing a passage through the spout element (40) for pouring and driking. Initial rupture and rupture propagation of the tear panel (28) is controlled by the spacing of the cap element (60) from the tear panel (28) and their configurations. When the cap element (60) is replaced on the spout (40), reseal surfaces (46, 76) engage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel F. Cudzik
  • Patent number: 6182845
    Abstract: A cut and pierce closure molded from a rigid plastic material for a container whose open mouth is normally sealed by a thin membrane applied to a rim of the container. The closure is removably applied to the container in a closing orientation by interengaging helical threads on the exterior of a neck of the container and an annular skirt of the closure. To dispense the contents of the container, the closure is removed and reapplied in an inverted orientation, a flange extension of the closure skirt surrounding the rim of the container and serving to center the closure in its inverted orientation on the container. A top panel of the closure is provided with a double-ended arcuate shoulder that engages the membrane when the closure is in its inverted orientation on the container to maintain tension in the portion of the membrane in engagement with the shoulder. The arcuate shoulder also serves, in combination with the flange extension, to trap the rim of the container therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Wolfe, James G. Mierzwiak
  • Patent number: 6116445
    Abstract: A sealing cap for the mouth of a container facilitates both the sealing of new bottles containing unused contents, and the re-sealing of those bottles already in use so as to preserve their contents. The sealing cap includes an inner cap and an outer cap. The inner cap includes a shielding plate which is fixed on the mouth of a container, and an annular strip which is provided at the lower end of the outer circumferential wall of the inner cap. The outer cap, which is fixed on the inner cap, includes a top lid, and a main cap with a guide tube having a lower-end sharp edge located opposite the shielding plate. By removing the annular strip from the inner cap and pressing down the outer cap, the lower end of the outer cap engages the outer circumference of the mouth of the container, and at the same time, the lower-end sharp edge of the guide tube pierces the shielding plate. The user then opens the top lid of the outer cap to access the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Fancl
    Inventors: Kenji Ikemori, Takeharu Ohta
  • Patent number: 6062413
    Abstract: An aperture forming structure, which when attached to or integrally formed in dispenser packages for flowable substances allows reclosure and single or multiple uses. The aperture forming structure includes a break away tip member of thermoformable plastic. The break away tip includes a hollow protrusion from a surface. The intersection of the hollow protrusion and the surface is a fault line. Rupturing of the fault line creates an aperture from which the contents of the dispenser package may exit. A cap may be integrally formed with the aperture forming structure and detached for protecting the hollow protrusion or for closing the aperture created when the fault line is ruptured. The aperture forming structure can be made by heating a relatively stiff substantially flat thermoformable sheet of and then stretching the sheet to create a first and a second hollow protrusion in a tiered configuration. A rupture line is placed at the intersection of the first and the second protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Patent number: 6056142
    Abstract: A closure is provided for a container and includes a base and a lid. The base includes a body for mounting to the container, and the body defines a dispensing orifice. A tamper-evident seal extends across the dispensing orifice. The lid includes a peripheral frame, a flexible panel, and a penetrator member extending from the panel for penetrating the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: John Elliott
  • Patent number: 6039198
    Abstract: A cut and pierce closure molded from a rigid plastic material for a container whose open mouth is normally sealed by a thin membrane applied to a rim of the container. The closure is removably applied to the container in a closing orientation by interengaging helical threads on the exterior of a neck of the container and an annular skirt of the closure. To dispense the contents of the container, the closure is removed and reapplied in an inverted orientation, a flange extension of the closure skirt surrounding the rim of the container and serving to center the closure in its inverted orientation on the container. A top panel of the closure is provided with a double-ended arcuate shoulder that engages the membrane when the closure is in its inverted orientation on the container to maintain tension in the portion of the membrane in engagement with the shoulder. The arcuate shoulder also serves, in combination with the flange extension, to trap the rim of the container therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Wolfe, James G. Mierzwiak
  • Patent number: 5992668
    Abstract: A closure is provided for a container and includes a base and a lid. The base includes a body for mounting to the container, and the body defines a dispensing orifice. A tamper-evident seal extends across the dispensing orifice. The lid includes a peripheral frame, a flexible panel, and a penetrator member extending from the panel for penetrating the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: John Elliott
  • Patent number: 5947318
    Abstract: The opening device (1) for packages of pourable food products has a frame (3) connectable to a package, and a sleeve-like portion (10) defined by the frame (3) and having a circular aperture (12) provided therein. A cap (2) releasably engages the sleeve-like portion in a liquid-tight relationship therewith. A cylindrical portion (7) defined by the cap (2) is rotatably accommodatable inside the circular aperture (12), and cutting teeth (17) are connected to the cylindrical portion (7) for cutting packaging material located beneath the circular aperture (12), whereby to open a package. Cam-followers (23a-23c) connected to an inner annular wall (13) of the sleeve-like portion (10) slidebly engage cam-defining contoured slots (22a-22c) formed on the cylindrical portion, for converting unidirectional rotation of the cap (2) with respect to said frame (3), into bi-directional axial movement of the cylindrical portion with respect to the sleeve-like portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Lars Erik Palm
  • Patent number: 5947315
    Abstract: The closure assembly includes: a container having an access opening; an inner closure with a rim attached to the container, a central portion covering the access opening, a weakened portion in the central portion, and a separably interlocking portion in the central portion, as a threaded portion; a removable closure covering the inner closure and separably interlocking the inner closure; whereby twisting the removable closure as by threading action on the inner closure breaks the inner closure at the weakened portion and opens the container. Also discloses a method for opening a closure assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: The Elizabeth and Sandor Valyi Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Emery I. Valyi, Herbert Rees
  • Patent number: 5947316
    Abstract: A package opening and closing device for a brick-type package is fastened thereon near an opening region defining a pouring region for the product contained in the package. The opening region is provided with prescoring to allow the package to be opened during the first use. The device includes a peripheral ring fastened to the package near the perimeter of the opening region, a lid to seal off the opening region reversibly and being fixed to the peripheral ring, and a lever hinged by a hinge pin in the horizontal plane containing the device to rupture the pouring region along the prescoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: International Paper Emballages Liquides SA - Ipel SA
    Inventor: Michel Guillonnet
  • Patent number: 5869328
    Abstract: In a cuvette for performing a diagnostic test on a specimen, a base defines a first chamber for receiving a reagent, and a second chamber for receiving a test specimen. The second chamber is defined by four side surfaces forming a rectangular configuration, and a base surface extending between the side surfaces. The base surface defines a frangible wall which is breakable in order to place the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber. A cover is coupled to the base and is moveable between an open position spaced away from the second chamber for permitting introduction of the specimen into the second chamber, and a closed position overlying and enclosing the second chamber. A self-aligning piercing member is provided on the cover and defines a tip engageable with the base surface of the second chamber upon movement of the cover into the closed position to thereby break the frangible wall, and in turn allow the test specimen to mix with the reagent in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: CDC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Antoci, James Hennessy
  • Patent number: 5860540
    Abstract: A teat unit for use when dispensing directly into the mouth from a fluid-containing disposable package of a thin sheet-shaped plastic or cardboard material. The teat unit includes an upwardly extending teat part, an intermediate radial flange and a downwardly extending insertion part. The insertion part has structure for holding the teat unit in position during dispensing with the radial flange having a downwardly facing side in engagement with the top side of the package, and structure for puncturing the top side of the package through an exposed opening in the top side of the package. The radial flange is shaped as a cover plate having substantially the same extent as the area of the top side of the package for the package size with which the teat unit is to be used, and the holding structure is adapted to hold the cover plate to bear against the top side of the package and to hold the top side of the package in direct sealing engagement with the downwardly facing side of the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Baby Pack Holding ApS
    Inventor: Steen Bock
  • Patent number: 5848690
    Abstract: A tennis ball container assembly includes a generally cylindrical container having an open top end, a membrane seal which is secured to the open end of the container for holding pressurized gas in the container, and a cap which is screwed onto the top of the container. The cap includes a flexible portion and a prong on the flexible portion for piercing the membrane seal when the flexible portion is pushed downwardly toward the seal. After the internal pressure in the container is vented, the cap can be unscrewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: Bryce C. Granger, Michael A. Soltis
  • Patent number: 5806699
    Abstract: A venting closure for use with an associated container includes a closure cap having a circular top wall portion and a depending annular skirt portion. The closure is used with a pressurized container having a threaded neck portion defining a land surface at the top thereof. The closure includes a liner therein adjacent and in spaced relation to the top wall, which liner is positioned between the top wall portion and the land surface and defines a pressure release region with the top wall portion. The top wall portion includes an outwardly extending annular bead-like protecting element having a depending inner wall and a contiguous outer wall. The inner wall is oriented generally transverse to a top wall plane. A flexible portion having a piercing element extending inwardly therefrom toward the liner is positioned centrally of the annular protecting bead and is movable so that piercing element contacts and fractures the liner to release pressure from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Len Ekkert, Jeffrey Ullrich, David N. Moore
  • Patent number: 5797506
    Abstract: A closure for sealing a container having an opening covered by a seal. The closure includes a peripheral wall and a nub extending upwardly from the top of the cap. The nub is radiused and includes a rounded peripheral edge. The nub also includes a planar outer surface facing the peripheral wall. The size, location and geometric shape of the nub are selected so that when the closure is inverted, placed over the opening, and rotated 360 degrees or more, the nub will tear the seal only partially away from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley P. Lehmkuhl, Mark F. Mettler
  • Patent number: 5758788
    Abstract: A closure device for containers comprising a cap having a piercing member, the cap moving first downward and then upward relative to a container to which it is affixed, when first rotated in the direction used to open the container, the piercing member capable of causing rupture of a seal on the container during the downward motion and the upward motion resulting in removal of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Lifshey
  • Patent number: 5709311
    Abstract: A container cap having cutting elements and a recess for removing and storing a container seal. The cutting elements are positioned within the recess and a lid covers the recess. After removing the cap, the cap is inverted so that the cutting elements pierce the seal. The cap is then rotated to cut the seal. The lid is then replaced thereby storing the seal within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Valent USA Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Butler, David A. Wustner, Judith R. Epstein
  • Patent number: 5590798
    Abstract: A cap and tube assembly comprising: a tube for containing a product. A nozzle at one end of the tube has a thin wall portion defining a diaphragm puncturable to provide a discharge opening for dispensing of products. The cap is engagable over the nozzle and has puncturing means depending inwardly from the top of the cap operable upon actuation of the cap relative to the nozzle to puncture the diaphragm. Rib means on the interior of the cap snugly embraces the nozzle during axial movement of the cap to ensure alignment of the piercing element with a diaphragm during the piercing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Wheaton Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard O'Connell
  • Patent number: 5590780
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a container having a body portion and a nozzle at one end of reduced cross-section, a closure cap engagable over the nozzle portion, at least one internal rib in the container adjacent the juncture of the body portion and nozzle extending downwardly into the body portion a predetermined depth whereby when container and cap are nested, and the cap portion of a first container cap assembly engages interiorly the body portion to a point where it abuts the ribs, there is defined a gap of predetermined axial distance between the lower edge of the body portion of the first container cap assembly and the transition shoulder between the body portion and nozzle of a second container cap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Wheaton Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. O'Meara
  • Patent number: 5580530
    Abstract: A method and device for enhancing the vapor sterilization of the lumen of medical instruments and like articles under reduced pressure. A vessel containing a small amount of a vaporizable liquid antimicrobial solution is attached to the lumen. The antimicrobial vaporizes and flows directly into the lumen of the article as the pressure is reduced for the sterilization cycle. Preferred embodiments illustrate a sealed chamber containing the antimicrobial and an opener for opening the chamber with the device already attached to the article. Preferably, the opener comprises a hollow spike. A ring between the opener and chamber must be removed prior to opening the chamber and removal of the ring destroys the ring so that it can not be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhard Kowatsch, Toby Soto, Charles Howlett
  • Patent number: 5505326
    Abstract: A closure device for a container having an opening sealed with a membrane comprises: a cap adapted to engage the opening of the container for closing same and comprising a first cylindrical wall connected to one side of a circular base; and a membrane-penetrating element comprising a second cylindrical wall connected to the reverse side of the circular base and, within the second cylindrical wall, means for penetrating a membrane when the element is pressed into contact with the opening of a container sealed with the membrane, the means comprising a plurality of arciform cutters that are connected to the base and are coaxial with and in close proximity to the inner surface of the second cylindrical wall, the plurality of arciform cutters together comprising a total of at least 300 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Theodore P. Junko
  • Patent number: 5482177
    Abstract: A closure of a double cartridge for a dispensing appliance comprises piercing members for piercing a membrane provided on the outlet openings of the cartridge, the piercing members including two stoppers which are tapered at their front sides. With the closure, it is possible when using the cartridge to pierce the membrane without searching for a suitable object and to reuse the cartridge without soiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 5477972
    Abstract: Tamper indicating closure device for securely sealing a container in the form of a clear cap and indicator element. The cap includes knife blades in the form of ramp shaped projections which extend from the bottom side of the cap surface. Each knife blade is radially offset from the center of the cap and extends generally parallel to the radius of the cap terminating in a generally vertical planner knife face that extends in an axial direction. A tamper indicating element including a first covering layer and a second color layer is inserted into the cap prior to securing the cap and indicating element to a container. When the cap is screwed onto the container, the ramp like shape of the knife blades cause the knife blades to pass over the indicating element without tearing or piercing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: William M. Lester
  • Patent number: 5469980
    Abstract: A container-closure assembly comprising a container having a nozzle portion with a puncturable diaphragm defining a discharge opening and a closure of generally of cup-like form positionable over the nozzle and having a piercing element recessed in the closure of a predetermined axial length less than the diameter of the piercing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Wheaton Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. O'Meara, David R. Cistone, Louis Travalent, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5370261
    Abstract: A multi-function cover is composed of a lid, a seat, and a fixture ring. The lid is pivotally attached to the seat at one end and has a circular groove at inner end for seating on a circular protuberance on the seat when the lid is closed. A cutter is formed at the inside of the seat and extends downward. A plurality of posts are formed at a bottom portion of the seat for insertion into holes on the fixture ring for connecting purposes. A circular groove is formed in the fixture ring for grasping the leading edge of a cap firmly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Chin-Fa Lin
  • Patent number: 5292025
    Abstract: A metallic or composite container (2) comprising a side forming a partly openable lid (4) having a fixed part in which an opening panel (16a) is delimited by a line of reduced strength (8), a connection zone (15) however remaining between the fixed part and the panel so that, by exerting on the panel a pressure in a direction toward the interior of the container, the line of reduced strength (8) is ruptured and the panel is swung toward the interior of the container about the connection zone (15). The fixed part of the lid is so shaped as to define a cavity extending toward the interior of the container, the cavity having a lateral wall (12) and a bottom wall in which the opening panel (16a) is at least partly formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Sollac
    Inventor: Jacques F. Dubreul
  • Patent number: 5273171
    Abstract: A disposable nursing rectangular container having an interior space for holding a nursing liquid. A removably covered nipple attachment piece having an attached nipple, is located on the top of the container. A puncture piece on the nipple piece is used to pierce an access port on the top of the container so that liquid can flow into the nipple. Preferably the container has a liquid level gauge area on an end to allow viewing of the amount liquid in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Maricoma Steele-Rowland
    Inventors: Maricoma Steele-Rowland, Robert Williams
  • Patent number: 5255813
    Abstract: An opening arrangement for laminated container packages or cartons of the single-use disposable type is disclosed. The opening arrangement includes an inner pouring spout, which is formed as a closed part continuous with the container package, and an outer, screw stopper-like sealing portion. The outer sealing portion consists of an outer, left-hand threaded part, an inner, right-hand threaded portion, and a pull-off ring disposed therebetween. Penetration devices are provided in the inner part of the outer sealing portion for cutting off a portion of the inner pouring spout when the container package is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Tetra Alfa Holdings S.A.
    Inventors: Goran Berggren, Ulf Nedstedt
  • Patent number: 5248054
    Abstract: An opening arrangement for laminated container packages or cartons of the single-use disposable type includes an inner pouring spout, which is formed as a closed part continuous with the container package, and an outer, screw stopper-like sealing portion. Penetration devices are provided in the outer sealing portion, the penetration devices severing the inner pouring spout when the package is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Tetra Alfa Holdings SA
    Inventors: Goran Berggren, Ulf Nedstedt
  • Patent number: 5205430
    Abstract: Plastic closure having a lid with a rim suitable for engagement with a plastic container to close said container, with the lid having an access opening therein, and a barrier liner adhered to the underside of the lid and having a raised portion thereof extending through the access opening. A cap is provided adjacent the top of the lid operative to cut the raised portion and form a closable opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventor: Emery I. Valyi
  • Patent number: 5148937
    Abstract: A cap is disclosed, for use on a container having a neck defining an opening sealed by a protective foil that has to be removed when the container is used for the very first time. The cap comprises a top sized to close the opening and a peripheral skirt that projects from the top and is detachably connectable to the wall of the neck. The cap also comprises at least one and preferably two open slots made in the skirt, the slots extending at angle from the bottom edge of the slot and being wide engage to receive the wall of the neck. The slots make the skirt to define spikes that preferably are oppositely oriented for use by right-handed or left-handed persons to perforate and remove the protective foil sealing the neck of the container when the latter has to be opened for the very first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Dero Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Huard
  • Patent number: 5148935
    Abstract: A cap for substantially gas-tight sealing engagement with a container wall having an opening therein circumscribed by a sealing surface has an end wall and a depending skirt with a portion for securing the cap to a container wall, and a tab for manual engagement to rotate the cap between a container wall sealing surface engaging position and a storage position. The cap has a vent region provided by a weakened zone that is preferably located on or near the tab. The weakened area may include removal of a portion of the cap skirt, thinning a portion of the cap skirt, variations in wall thickness of portions of the cap skirt or top wall in a predetermined manner, configurating the portion of the tab which connects with the cap in such a manner as to facilitate ready circumferential expansion of the cap. Combinations of these weakening features may be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Jay W. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5125522
    Abstract: A closure which permits the opening of a membrane seal of an enteral nutritional product container in a single-action motion while maintaining product sterility. This closure includes a general cylindrical side wall having threads along the inner surface thereof, a planar top surface having first and second upwardly extending projections. The first projection is associated with a filter means for allowing air to enter the container, while the second projection has a base which is a spikable membrane. A bottom surface having an annular raised portion is provided. The bottom surface has a downwardly projecting plow member as well abutting against gasket means positioned between the annular raised portion and the inner surface of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Paul A. Pezzoli, Thomas Joyce, Mark Larkin
  • Patent number: 5121851
    Abstract: An improved easy open can end construction for resealable easy open beverage cans having a hinged and inwardly depressible opening panel defined by an involuted spiro-circular score line having an initial portion that at least partially encircles a pressure application zone, an intermediate portion that continually recedes therefrom and an end portion of circular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Jay W. Lyon, Scott C. Biondich, James M. Holthaus, Frank E. Maier
  • Patent number: 5106597
    Abstract: A disposable CO.sub.2 gas generator cartridge of cylindrical construction and including inner and outer coaxial reagent chambers which are interconnected when installed in a cylindrical pressure vessel and having a top cover assembly including a pusher type activating mechanism which is operated by a cam surface located on a handwheel. The cover assembly connects to a carbonated drink dispenser by means of a quick disconnect coupling activated by the operation of a manually operated pull down lever assembly including the handwheel. Operation of the handwheel acts to start gas generation and also vent the cartridge to atmosphere when spent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: George Plester, Horst Kohl, Rolf Preuss, Georg Troska, Frederick D. Schorr
  • Patent number: 5094367
    Abstract: An opening-closing device for a flexible containing a liquid includes a cylindrical spout attached to the outer surface of the bag, and a stopper for the spout which includes a blade for perforating an area of the bag located within the spout when the bag is to be opened. An arrangement of tongues or wings extend from the sides of the spout so that a user may grip the tongue or wing while perforating the area of the bag within the spout upon insertion of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Societe Generale des Eaux Minerals de Vittel
    Inventor: Daniel Chatourel
  • Patent number: 5090582
    Abstract: A bottle cap having a cutting means located inside the cap for selectively opening a sealed bottle is described. The cap can be rotated in either direction over the seal to cause the seal to be punctured and to cause a "C"-shaped cut in the seal. In the preferred embodiment, the center of the "C"-shaped cut portion of the seal is dragged away from the center of the mouth of the bottle, and a portion of the linear remains uncut as the cap is rotated to prevent the liner from dropping down into the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory R. Art, Frank M. Podsiadlik, Albert Lackland
  • Patent number: 5082136
    Abstract: Difficulties in removing a film-like seal (14) from the access opening (12) of a container (10) may be avoided in a container and cap construction including a container (10) whose access opening (12) has an edge (20) of circular shape and of a particular inside diameter, a cap (16) for the opening (12), snap-fit components (28, 30) or threads (140, 142) for removably holding the cap (16) on the container (10) to occlude the access opening (12), a membrane or foil-like seal (14) bonded to the container (10) about the access opening (12) to be free of the cap (16) and at least one cutting tooth (50, 104) carried by the cap (16) and displaced from a rotation point (54) on the cap (16) about which the cap (16) may be rotated relative to the access opening (12) a distance equal to or slightly more than one-half of the particular diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Enviro-Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Schumann