Released By Axial Or Radial Pressure Patents (Class 220/281)
  • Patent number: 6349831
    Abstract: The invention relates to child-resistant package having a shell with a first locking part and a tray having blister card coupled to a tether having a second locking part. In a closed position the first locking part engages the second locking part to limit the movement of the tray relative to the shell. A release part is provided and is operable to disengage the first and second locking parts and free the tray to move from the closed position to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Fisher Clinical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Buss
  • Patent number: 6341710
    Abstract: A sheathed receptacle device for securing objects within an associated enclosure includes an object receptacle having outwardly-extending tabs which engage with respective slots in the enclosure to secure the receptacle within the enclosure. In a particular embodiment, the receptacle includes gripping portions integrally formed with the outwardly-extending tabs in a cantilevered body having a spring action such that manual depression of the gripping portions directly actuates the tabs into and out of respective slots in the associated enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: BCB Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Danielson, Robert A. Danielson
  • Patent number: 6202879
    Abstract: A fuel cap assembly for use with a filler neck of a fuel tank. The cap assembly includes a tubular housing having a shaft. The housing secures the cap assembly to the filler neck of the fuel tank. An exterior cover is mounted to the housing for relative rotation about the housing. The cover has an integral hollow handle. The cap assembly is characterized by a pair of actuating fingers movably mounted within the handle. The fingers engage the shaft of the housing to selectively interlock the cover to the housing. A lost motion connection is created between the cover and the housing when the fingers are in a non-engaged position. When the fingers are squeezed to an engaged position, the cover is interlocked to the housing and rotation of the cover imparts rotation upon the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Tesma International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Gericke
  • Patent number: 6202869
    Abstract: A child-resistant/senior-friendly container includes a cap assembly having a retainer that is adapted to thread onto the container, and an outer skirt loosely fitted around the retainer. The skirt includes at least one grasping member which is pivotal between a disengaged position wherein the skirt may freely rotate with respect to the retainer and an engaged position wherein the skirt engages the retainer. In the engaged position, both the skirt and the retainer may be rotated and removed from the container. The retainer cannot be rotated when the grasping member is located in the disengaged position. A handle may be attached to the skirt, between two opposing and pivotal grasping members so provide leverage in rotating the cap from the container when the grasping members are in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Scott L Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6199606
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling flowable material, particularly particulate material, which is held in a discharge container such as an IBC having an opening normally covered by a transport cap, comprises a device which is adapted to engage and remove the transport cap and a device to cover at least a rim of the cap during such removal. The problem of contamination is overcome using the apparatus which is in the form of an annular metal (in the embodiment) cowl which has two peripheral spaced apart upstanding walls, the inner wall rising from an internal base in the embodiment and from which also rises the engaging and removing device, which in the embodiment shown comprises a pneumatic piston and cylinder arrangement. The piston carries an extractor in the form of an annular disc or spider having a depending peripheral wall which carries an inflatable ring or tire. The external surface of the inner wall carries at its rim a lip seal which is mounted over an inflatable ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Matcon (R&D) Limited
    Inventor: Ivan Semenenko
  • Patent number: 6189719
    Abstract: The plastic cover is easily removed from a metal container to allow the plastic cover and the metal container to be separately recycled. The lip that holds the plastic cover to the metal container has two or more circumferential ends which have a lower degree of engagement than the remaining portion of the lip. A press point on the cover which transforms the circular cover into an elliptical shape is positioned on the outside of the cover opposite the circumferential ends and a shoulder is mounted inside the cover opposite the press point. The shoulder bears against the container to assist in removal of the cover. Where the cover has both an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder, a rib is employed to connect the inner cylinder of the cover to the outer cylinder of the cover and to transfer pressure from the press point to the inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Mitani Valve Co.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kanoya, Hideo Okada
  • Patent number: 6112920
    Abstract: A child-proof, senior-friendly safety closure for medicine containers is formed with a cylindrical wall including a continuous mid-level band and slotted upper and lower walls. The slotted walls, in conjunction with the mid-level band, form a plurality of lever-like locking elements which can be pivoted about the region of the mid-level band with which they are integrally associated. The associated receptacle is formed with a dispensing neck having an internally projecting locking flange arranged to engage with notches at lower ends of each of the cylindrically arrayed locking levers, the latter being resiliently biased to remain in locking engagement with the flange. To release the cap, an adult finger is inserted downward into the upper end of the cap, the dimensions of which are such that insertion of an adult finger causes the upper ends of the locking levers to be displaced radially outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Pierre Lahaussois
  • Patent number: 6102223
    Abstract: A child resistant cap including relatively thin threads which, when the cap is in a relaxed condition, are spaced from the bottle neck, said spacing permitting the cap to be squeezed inward at points on opposite sides of the cap so that the cap responds to the squeezing by expanding outward at points ninety degrees from the squeezing points so that stops on the cap at the cap expanding location will miss the stops normally engaged when in a relaxed condition, thereby permitting the cap to be removed from the bottle. The cap may also include a guide ring in the cap interior to guide the cap over the bottle neck to help ensure that the cap is centered on the bottle opening. The cap may include pressure pads on the cap skirt outside near the cap bottom showing the user where to press and stiffening the portion of the cap where pressure is to be applied. And, the cap may include a tamper indicating ring which will separate from the cap the first time the cap is removed from the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Rexam Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary V. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6039195
    Abstract: A child resistant package which includes a container having an open end and multiple threads on the external surface of the container adjacent the upper end. A closure having a base wall and a peripheral skirt has an inner surface formed with single or multiple threads corresponding in number to the multiple threads on the container for engaging the threads on the container. A deflectable release element is formed integrally on the container. The release element includes an integral axially deflectable lug extending upwardly toward the open end of the container. The closure has at least one locking lug on the skirt of the closure, the number of locking lugs preferably corresponding to the number of threads on the container and closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Prescription Products Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Konefal, Noel T. Vander
  • Patent number: 6003700
    Abstract: A safety closure providing a top wall, an annular outer wall depending downwardly from an outer periphery of the top wall, an annular inner wall depending downwardly from an underside surface of the top wall, and, at least one locking lug integrally molded with the outer wall, whereby downward displacement of the top wall causes outward displacement of the at least one locking lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Rexam Plastics Inc.
    Inventors: Randall K. Julian, C. Edward Luker
  • Patent number: 5927535
    Abstract: An improved child-resistant plastic safety closure for containers has a depending skirt on it for attaching the closure to the top of a container. The top of the closure has an opening through it, which extends over a major portion of the total area of the top. A lid with upper and lower surfaces is hinged at one edge of the opening in the top for closing the opening. Tongue-and-groove inter-engagement members between the lid member and the top, around at least part of the periphery of the opening, hold the lid closed in the opening. Diametrically-opposed, spaced-apart first and second fulcrum extensions are located on opposite sides of the opening a predetermined distance from the hinged edge of the lid member; and these fulcrum extensions are located below the lower surface of the lid member when it is closed in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Top Seal Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Goth
  • Patent number: 5897015
    Abstract: A disc shaped container (2) comprising a body portion (4) and a lid (6) which is a press fit on the body portion (4); the body portion (4) having a base (8), a circumferential side wall (10) and a groove (12) in an outer face (14) of the side wall (10); the lid (6) having a top (16) and a circumferential side wall (18); the container (2) being such that the side wall (18) of the lid (6) overlaps the side wall (10) of the body portion (4) when the lid (6) is on the body portion (4); and the body portion (4) and the lid (6) both being made of a plastics material such that the side wall (18) of the lid (6) is pressable into the groove (12) in the outer face (14) of the side wall (10) of the body portion (4) in order to cause the lid (6) to separate from the body portion (4) with a sliding action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Courtaulds Packaging Limited
    Inventor: Mark Sheahan
  • Patent number: 5887736
    Abstract: A container having a hinged stopper with a safety latch to deter unauthorized persons from opening the container. The underside of the stopper is provided with a channel which carries a slide pin movable to first and second positions: a first latching position in which an enlargement at the end of the slide pin is seated in a recess in the lip of the container and a second unlatched position in which the enlargement is freed from the recess enabling the stopper to be opened. The slide pin is biased to the latched position, and the slide pin should be pushed against the bias to unlatch the stopper, and while maintaining this force, the stopper must be simultaneously opened. The requirement of two simultaneous pushing motions is beyond the capability of most young children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Bob Mar
  • Patent number: 5884815
    Abstract: A closure for a container having a closure lower member and a screw cap in which the closure lower member is connectable with a base member to the container aperture. The closure lower member has a pouring spout connected to the base member. The screw cap has a cap bottom and a cap side wall with an internal thread adapted to be screwed onto and unscrewed from the pouring spout which has an external thread. The cap side wall of the screw cap in a region of its free end face terminates in at least one latching lug, the latching lugs of the screw cap co-operating with latching projections of the closure lower member to form a latch connection. In a screwing on direction the closure lower member has a shallow rising flank which merges into a steep latching flank and also forms the latching connection with the latching lugs, the connection being reversible by displacement of the latching lugs in relation to the latching projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Heinrich Stolz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernd Stolz
  • Patent number: 5862935
    Abstract: The container includes a lower part and a lid. The lower part is of a single wall structure and is reinforced at its upper edge area by a reinforcing wall. The lower end of the reinforcing wall is curved inwards and extends into the side wall. Thus, an edge at the lower end of the edge area is prevented. The upper edges of the lid are also rounded and run smoothly into the reinforcing wall. The lid includes ribs which, when the lid is placed on the lower part, come to lie onto corresponding ribs of the lower part. The lid is connected to the lower part by a snapping mechanism. The lid includes an opening, into which a ledge of the snapping mechanism can be snapped in. This ledge is accessible through this opening to release the ledge to disengage the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Georg UTZ Holding AG
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Dubois, Bernd Frommherz, Thomas Jaussi, Boris Schwab
  • Patent number: 5860543
    Abstract: The closure cap for sealing a container has an inner skirt shaped and sized to fit externally and to be secured onto the neck of the container. The cap also has an outer skirt projecting from the inner skirt. This outer skirt extends over the inner skirt at a given distance from same, thereby defining a gap there between. The outer skirt is made of a material that is resiliently flexible and can be deformed when an external pressure is applied onto its external surface. The cap further has a foldable cover shaped and sized to close the neck of the container. This cover has a peripheral edge attached to the outer skirt by a hinge. A snap having one part integral to the upper portion of the other skirt and another part integral to the cover is provided for releasably locking the cover in a closed position when it is folded down over the neck of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Bouchons Mac Inc.
    Inventor: Gilles Decelles
  • Patent number: 5850951
    Abstract: A package has a "push-pull" type dispensing closure either threadably engaged with or in press-fit engagement with the container mouth. The closure includes an outer skirt that is pliable and inwardly deformable when squeezed and a dispenser plug member selectively positionable to seal or unseal a dispensing orifice. The container has a mouth and a shoulder below the mouth which slants upwardly and inwardly. When the outer skirt of the closure is squeezed inwardly, the lower skirt edge engages the shoulder causing an upward camming of the closure, whereby the plug member unseals the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Anchor Hocking Packaging Company
    Inventor: Thomas H. Hayes
  • Patent number: 5848719
    Abstract: A housing (12) for a portable electronic device (10) has a battery compartment cover (14) and a latch (20). The latch has a cantilevered beam (42) that rotates about a base (40) fixed to the housing. The cover has a notch (38) on an inner surface (36). An engagement end (44) of the cantilevered beam rotates into the notch for securing the cover to the housing. Application of an external force on the cover approximately opposite the latch in a direction toward the latch causes the engagement end of the cantilevered beam to rotate out of the notch to disengage the latch. Application of an external force on the cover in a direction only toward an opened position for the cover causes the latch to engage the cover with more force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 5816428
    Abstract: To provide a can-lid with pop-out-spout, a folded, plastic spout is secured on the underside of a metal can-lid, which is conventionally roll-seamed onto the can-body. This is achieved either by gluing, or by plastic-coating the underside of the lid and heat-sealing the spout to the lid, or by incorporating the tips of the spout's flange in the roll-seamed joint of the can-lid, or other appropriate means. When the can is opened, the spout is released and either unfolds automatically due to the beverage's pressure (in case of carbonated beverages), or can be pulled out by the user. The spout is provided wither with a screw-closure, or with a twist-off, flick-open closure. In one version, the spout is completely covered by the can-lid, which is provided by an opening feature which enables an opening large enough for the spout to pass out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: George Plester
  • Patent number: 5816422
    Abstract: Package with safety lid and seal including a cylindrical body with a lid coupled by a thread at the mouth thereof and which includes an outside coaxial skirt having projections on its inside face. It is characterized in that the package body comprises around the body a seal made up with a strap weakly joined to this body, this strap having on the periphery, at least, one recess into which the corresponding projection of the skirt of the lid is fitted, preventing in this way the unscrewing of the lid. One of the ends of the sealing strap includes a handlelike extension facilitating through pulling, the tearing off and separation of the sealing strap with respect to the package body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: C.T.X., S.A.
    Inventor: Armand Puiggros Roig
  • Patent number: 5788064
    Abstract: Storage container for test strips with a holder in which the test strips are contained and which is closed by a lid. The lid has an elastic seal on its inner side which, when the storage container is closed presses against a rim of the holder preventing an invasion of moisture into the storage container. Holder and lid are connected to one another by a hinge. When the storage container is closed, the seal is deformed and pushes the lid after release of a locking means such that the storage container is at least partially opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Sacherer, Gregor Bainczyk
  • Patent number: 5740938
    Abstract: A child resistant box including a receptacle and an associated cover which form an enclosure for blister-packs, pills, medication or other small articles. The box includes latches located around the perimeter of the box to hold it closed. The latches can only be disengaged by applying pressure to all the latches simultaneously. In addition, the latches are spaced from each other so that two hands are required to simultaneously activate the latches. Openings are advantageously placed near the latches to allow the user to exert inward pressure on the walls of the box, which pressure acts to disengage the latches. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom wall of the box has a plurality of holes sized and spaced to conform to the size and spacing of blister-pack compartments so that the blister-pack contents can be dispensed through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Hofmann, Alex J. Kutaj
  • Patent number: 5722568
    Abstract: An improved overcap for an aerosol container comprising a top portion interconnected with an annular skirt via a sidewall to form a closed cap which is opened at one end thereof. The skirt contains a release mechanism which has a tab and a leg which, when the tab is biased in a first direction, functions as a fulcrum prying a portion of the overcap adjacent the release mechanism away from a mounting cup of an aerosol container thereby releasing the overcap from the mounting cup. An inwardly facing surface of the skirt contains a rib for engaging an outwardly facing surface of a mounting cup curl while the release mechanism contains a rib for engaging an inwardly facing surface of the mounting cup curl for maintaining the overcap in engagement with the mounting cup. The release mechanism is provided with a pair of frangible members which interconnect with the release mechanism with the overcap to indicate, when broken or fractured, tampering of an aerosol container incorporating the improved overcap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Summit Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy Smith
  • Patent number: 5699912
    Abstract: A container for wetted tissues comprises a container body, a stationary lid member and a movable lid member each molded from a suitable synthetic resin material. The stationary lid member fits on the container body to close an upper opening of the container body and the movable lid member is hinged to the stationary lid member so as to cover an opening formed substantially in a central zone of the stationary lid member through which the wetted tissues will be picked out. Any one of an upper surface of the stationary lid member and an inner surface of the movable lid member is provided with an elastic strip fixed across the hinged portion. As the movable lid member is closed, the elastic strip is curved generally in a U-shape or .OMEGA.-shape within a space defined between the inner surface of the movable lid member and the upper surface of the stationary lid member and thereby charged with an elastic energy biasing the movable lid member to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Ishikawa, Yasuhiko Kenmochi, Takeshi Bando, Masaho Hayashi, Norikazu Shinogi
  • Patent number: 5699922
    Abstract: A container closure system includes a plurality of equally circumferentially distributed pins extending outwardly from the tubular neck of the container near the opening. A detachable cap consists of nested inner and outer cap members. The inner cap member is dimensioned to receive the container neck and includes a plurality of sidewall openings for receiving the pins. The outer cap member has a plurality of locking wedges disposed on its inner surface. The inner and outer cap members are assembled so as to permit mutual rotation. Thus, when the cap is emplaced over the open end of the container, the pins are received in the openings to thereby inhibit mutual rotation between the inner cap member and the container. Then, a twist of the outer cap member in a clockwise direction brings the ramp portion of each locking wedge into engagement with one of the pins, thereby drawing the cap and the tubular member together to effect a secure closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: MHD Corporation
    Inventor: Claude J. Harding
  • Patent number: 5680952
    Abstract: A container (e.g., drawn and ironed) with modified end constructions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the end piece which is seamed onto the sidewall of the container body includes a push-down tab for opening the container. This tab includes at least one engagement section which is offset in relation to the center of the push-down tab and which is for interfacing with the consumer's finger (e.g., thumb) in a manner which facilitates a more effective opening of the push-down tab. The engagement section curves upwardly progressing toward the perimeter of the tab and therefore may be characterized as a generally ramped surface. In one embodiment, two such engagement sections are utilized and ramp upwardly in generally opposite directions. The integral end of the container body also includes a multi-stage center panel or dome for allowing stacking of filled containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: Howard Curtis Chasteen
  • Patent number: 5651940
    Abstract: The sealing apparatus of the present invention is a sample cuvette cap having a hole for inserting the nozzle of an auto-sampler therethrough. Located within the lumen of the hole is a small detent ball that can be positioned to block the lumen. The detent ball, which can be spring-operated or gravity-operated, blocks the fluid flow in the hole in its normal, closed position. When the auto-sampler nozzle hits the ball, the ball becomes deflected to one side into a recess, due to a difference in the nozzle axis relative to the center of the ball. By the dislocating the detent ball, the nozzle can be inserted into the cuvette smoothly as the air goes in and out through the space around the nozzle. This allows the pressure in the cuvette to be kept constant. After the nozzle is removed, the ball returns to its original position by gravity or by the force of a spring, resealing the cuvette. All of the parts for the sealing apparatus are solid parts which can be easily cleaned and reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Val Buonaiuto, Taro Nogami
  • Patent number: 5624051
    Abstract: A container (10) includes a base portion (11) and a cover (12). The base portion (11) has a bottom surface (22) with opposed walls (23, 24, 25, 26) extending upwardly therefrom to form an open top to be closed by the cover (12). A handle (30) is formed on opposed corners (27). A flap (18) is positioned on one of the corners (17) of the cover (12), the corner (17) being selected such that the flap (17) will not be positioned over a corner (27) of the base portion (11) carrying a handle (30). The base portion (11) is also divided by a wall (31) of the shape of an inverted U so that the base portion (11) of one container (10) can be stacked on the base portion of a like container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard B. Ahern, Jr., Dennis K. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5605241
    Abstract: A device for controllably retaining a liquid to prevent spillage when the bottle is tilted or inverted for positioning the bottle to discharge the container's liquid contents into the intended orifice. The hydraulically operated plug forms an air tight seal with the smooth inner surface of the neck of the container, permitting the container to be inverted and positioned over the intended receptacle without releasing any fluid. Upon squeezing the flexible container, the lid is forced from the container by the hydraulic pressure exerted on the inner surface of the lid, permitting the liquid to pour freely from the container into the intended receptacle. A tether attaching the plug to an exterior location on the container allows the plug to fall clear of the stream of flow while preventing the plug from becoming lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Rosemarie V. Imperioli
  • Patent number: 5603422
    Abstract: A closure for wine bottles comprising a rigid head 1 and a tear-off safety portion 10, 11. The tear-off portion 10, 11 is in the form of a skirt having an upper ring 10 and a lower truncated conical portion 11 narrowing in the direction of the ring 10. This ring 10 is connected to the head 1 of the closure by a tear-off zone 17 and a generatrix of the skirt 11 is provided with a tearing off portion 33.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Ernst Herrmann
  • Patent number: 5597096
    Abstract: A condiment shaker including a vertically elongate base of generally conical configuration and defining an upwardly opening mouth. A separate unitary seal releasably snap-mounts over the mouth and includes hinge-joined lower and upper walls having annular outer portions selectively moveable to expose dispensing openings in the lower wall, and selectively moveable to seal the dispensing openings in the lower wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Hanne D. Jeppesen, Jakob Heiberg, Stig Lillelund
  • Patent number: 5579932
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating, child resistant closure for a threaded bottle includes an inner cap and an outer driver telescoped over the inner cap. The inner cap includes a top wall having spaced apart upstanding ribs. The outer driver includes a top wall having a pair of top wall segments hinged for pivotal movement to, and being spaced apart from each other by a spacing rib also forming part of the top wall of the driver. Each of the top wall segments initially is secured to contiguous sections of the outer driver by frangible, tamper-indicating tabs, and the top wall segments are moved from a generally horizontal position to a generally vertical position after the tamper-indicating tabs have been broken to form a driving section in the top wall of the driver. This driving section then is directed into the space between the upstanding ribs associated with the top wall of the inner cap by moving the inner cap and outer driver axially toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Lincoln Mold and Dye Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Drozd, Vincent Comitini
  • Patent number: 5579935
    Abstract: A baby feeding bottle of the disposable bag liner type comprising a hollow open ended rigid tubular body (1) to receive a bag (2) having an open top end which can be folded over the top rim of the tubular body. A feeding teat (7) having an outwardly extending annular flange engages and rests on the portion of the bag (2) folded over the top rim of the tubular body (1). A teat retaining ring (3) is fitted to the tubular body (1) to retain the teat (7) and the folded over bag portion (2) thereon in sealing engagement therewith and a removable base (5) is mounted in the open bottom end of the rigid tubular body (1). A removable base (5) is mounted in the tubular body (1) by means (14,17) which allow the base (5) to be fixedly mounted in the tubular body (1) in a plurality of different positions along the length thereof whereby the base is not movable from its selected position when an axial pressure is applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Cannon Rubber Limited
    Inventors: Edward Atkin, Roger L. Williams
  • Patent number: 5524788
    Abstract: A closure for a beverage bottle includes a recessed compartment for accommodating a hidden prize or gift therein for promotional purposes. The compartment has an access opening with a snap-fit door therein. When the closure is on the beverage bottle the door can not be opened. However, when the closure is removed from the bottle it may be squeezed to snap open the door and provide access to the compartment to expose the prize or gift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: George Plester
  • Patent number: 5507407
    Abstract: A container lid (10) is disclosed for enclosing a container (12). The lid has a top wall (14), and a peripheral rim flange (18) dimensioned to flex outward and receive the upper rim of the container therebetween. The rim flange (18) terminates at a downturned skirt (20). A lever arm skirt portion (32) is provided to extend vertically downward from the lid rim flange, and tapers inward from a top end (38) to a bottom end (40). The lever arm (32) is pivotal outward, whereby applying a force moment to the rim flange (18) which serves to break the seal between the rim flange and the outside rim surface (34) of the container (12), and allow the lid to be easily removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: David L. Feer, William A. Pesa
  • 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: 5497893
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant enclosure for use in installing cable, such as a splitter for television cable, wherein a base plate is secured to a wall of a building and after a cable connection has been made a cover having an opening therein is attached to the base plate and wherein during the attachment of the cover a portion thereof is deformed over a projection from the base plate so that as the cover resiles the projection passes through the opening and a flange portion on the projection moves into contact with a portion of the cover surrounding the opening. Also, the projection has an opening extending therethrough to enable a portion of a tamper indicating sealing device may be passed therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Peter G. Mangone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5482175
    Abstract: A pressurized container end has a frangible member covering an opening in the end. The frangible member is cut away from the end by the action of increased pressure from within the container against the member. A protrusion in a portion of the end is depressed into the container for increasing pressure in the container. In an alternate form of the invention, the container itself is depressed inwardly for causing the increased pressure sufficient to cut the frangible member away from the end. Various opening geometries are each formed with a cutting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Naseem B. Arrar
  • Patent number: 5472108
    Abstract: A fuel tank cap assembly is provided which includes a plug portion sealingly engageable with a fuel tank filler pipe and a cover portion that is positionable in blending contiguous relationship with adjacent portions of the automotive vehicle body when the plug portion is positioned in a sealing position with respect to the fuel tank filler pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Donald A. Skudlarek
  • Patent number: 5437387
    Abstract: A container for transporting and storing vessels containing hazardous liquids and a method for making such a container. The container has a cylindrical housing and a cap that screws into the mouth of the housing and is locked by a latch. When the cap is screwed into place, an elastomeric sealing ring on the cap is compressed against the housing to provide a liquid-tight seal between the housing and cap. Interlocking hook-shaped members that project from the housing and from a central location of the latch act as a fulcrum on which the latch can be pivoted. Under the bias of a serpentine tongue, a locking member that projects from an end of the latch protrudes through a bore in the housing and is adapted to be received by a hole in the cap, thus locking the cap until the other end of the lever is depressed to disengage the locking member from the hole of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James A. Burns
  • Patent number: 5425467
    Abstract: A container lid (10) is disclosed for enclosing a container (12). The lid has a top wall (14), and a peripheral rim flange (18) dimensioned to flex outward and receive the upper rim of the container therebetween. The rim flange (18) terminates at a downturned skirt (20). A lever arm skirt portion (32) is provided to extend vertically downward from the lid rim flange, and tapers inward from a top end (38) to a bottom end (40). The lever arm (32) is pivotal outward, whereby applying a force moment to the rim flange (18) which serves to break the seal between the rim flange and the outside rim surface (34) of the container (12), and allow the lid to be easily removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated
    Inventors: David L. Feer, William A. Pesa
  • Patent number: 5413230
    Abstract: A refillable compressed gas capsule, in particular, for household uses and for compressed-gas hand-operated devices, includes a valve body pretensioned by a spring and slidably held against a valve seat by the inner pressure of the compressed-gas capsule and against the pretension towards the interior of the capsule, which body is held in a holding means inserted into an opening provided in the face side of the capsule limiting the opening path of said valve body and comprising at least one opening leading into the interior of the capsule. In order to produce such a compressed-gas capsule in a very simple manner, it is provided that the holding means and the valve seat are held at least indirectly by an inwardly directed flanged edge of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: ISI Metallwarenfabrik Ges. m.b.H.
    Inventors: Christian Folter, Franz Grobl
  • Patent number: 5390810
    Abstract: Closure devices provide squeeze to open capabilities wherein a section of a lip including the rim 10 of the container may be manipulated outwardly of the closure device by squeezing the container and thereafter returned to the closure device by relaxing the squeeze. A top plating is provided below the rim engaging the container, with diverging corrugations 25 providing compressible sections 15 permitting the lip be manipulated outwardly for drinking therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventors: Crystal L. Stroble, William F. Stokes, Fairey S. Bradford, Nancy S. Stroble
  • Patent number: 5390807
    Abstract: A container for a photographic film, fully made of expanded (polystyrene) plastic, is comprised of a box made up of two basic members of substantially prismatic, rectangular and equal shape. The basic members are provided with thick side walls and with the base wall forming a thin lateral contour rim. The free edge of each basic member is provided with a projecting rib and a recessed step laterally adjacent the rib. The rib and the step of the two basic members form complementary halves of their contours when the two basic members are placed one over another. A pair of bosses in the form of semicircular arcs formed on the interior of each basic member provide end cradles for the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Nuno C. Galaburda
  • Patent number: 5348201
    Abstract: An improved flip top closure device for a dispensing opening of a container, comprising a first body member with a flip top adapted to be mounted on the container, and a second body member mounted on the first body member and having a part which is usually in overlapping relation with the flip top to prevent opening thereof, which part is displaceable from said overlapping relation to expose the edge of the flip top for opening thereof and which, by virtue of spring tabs which provide restorative force, will return to the overlapping position without need for external physical manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James Y. C. Koo
  • Patent number: 5346086
    Abstract: A lid (2) for a closed container incorporates an opening which can be closed by a door (5) provided with side walls (18) so that even when the door is open, the only access to the interior of the container is through a slot (8) in a wall (7) of the door unit. Needles or other sharps may be introduced through the opening (8) into the container for safe storage. When the door (5) is pushed down to close the opening, a two-part live hinge formed by grooves (14) acts to bias the door into the closed position. Re-opening is achieved by pressing on the flange (6) incorporating the grooves (14). A flap (21) provides a secondary closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Frontier Plastics (South Wales) Limited
    Inventor: John Harris
  • Patent number: 5285917
    Abstract: A child-resistant container closure constructed according to the present invention comprises a disk shaped cover plate attached to body section formed as a substantially cylindrical wall. A movable handle or tab is attached to the cover plate to aid a user in pulling the closure from a container in which the closure is installed. A well or recess is provided in cover plate to house the handle in a closed position. A ridge on the end of the handle cooperates with a mating ridge in the wall of the recess to retain the handle in a closed position. A resilient spring is provided in the recess so that when the handle is released from the recess, it is urged into a position in which it may be conveniently gripped by a user. An undercut groove or notch is provided on the outside surface of the cylindrical wall adjacent the cover plate. The notch engages a mating lip or ridge extending inward from the inner surface of the mouth of the product container to secure the closure to the product container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5275291
    Abstract: A child-resistant, elderly friendly dispensing container comprises a housing having an opening in its top wall and a drawer which slideably fits in the housing. The drawer has a front cavity section and a rear latch section. The latch section includes a horizontally disposed resilient panel formed with an upward button which, when the drawer is closed, extends up through the opening in the top wall of the housing and forms an automatic latch, holding the drawer closed. In order to open the drawer, the button must be depressed and, at the same time, the drawer must be pulled out from the housing. The top of the housing is formed, adjacent the opening for the button, with a relief zone into which the button moves when the drawer is in dispensing position and blocks further opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Tredegar Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Larry C. Sledge
  • Patent number: 5273177
    Abstract: A press-to-open dispensing closure with a flexible arcual top surface(22) in convex orientation is provided which includes a flexible, aperture cover(26) having an arcuate hinging connection to the top surface. The hinging connection of the appeture cover articulates between a convexly arcuate closed condition and a concavely arcuate open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Phillip J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5236107
    Abstract: A dispensing cap construction having a closure button which is pivotally mounted in the upper portion of a tubular cap body. The closure button and the cap body have communicating discharge passages, and the button has an orifice at the end of its discharge passage. The button orifice is normally closed by the upper wall of the cap body, and such wall is resilient and has a bulge which extends into the button orifice to act as a detent thereby to minimize the likelihood of the botton becoming inadvertently opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Stull Closure Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lambert Spaanstra, Sr.