Nonmetallic Patents (Class 222/107)
  • Publication number: 20090101672
    Abstract: A description is given of a semifinished product (20) for producing plastic tubes comprising a substantially cylindrical body (1), the one longitudinal end of which goes over into a head part (2) with a closable squeezing-out opening and the other longitudinal end (5) of which is formed in an open manner. The semifinished product (20) is produced in an extrusion blow-moulding process, in which an extruded parison of plastic comprising one or more layers is inflated in a blow mould in conformity with the cavity of the blow mould. The squeezing-out opening provided in the head part (2) is provided with a one-way closure (27), which has been created during the inflation process within the blow mould. A plastic tube comprising an elongated body (1) which is sealed by a pinch/weld portion (6) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Alpla-Werke Alwin Lehner Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Johann Kunz
  • Publication number: 20090095769
    Abstract: A tube for dispensing a material such as toothpaste has a tube wall with a sealed first end and s second end having a dispensing opening. A plurality of rows of cooperating fasteners are disposed in plural columns along opposite sides of the tube wall. As the tube is rolled up during consumption of the material therein, the fasteners are brought into juxtaposition with each other and mated together to secure the tube in the rolled up position. The fasteners may be male and female snaps that are integrally molded into the tube side walls during manufacture of the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Roei Avraham
  • Patent number: 7513397
    Abstract: A dispensing container tillable with a liquid includes a squeezable reservoir for holding the liquid prior to dispensing; a substantially flat dispensing head which is integral with the squeezable reservoir and having a distal end and a proximal end; an outlet at the distal end of the dispensing head for dispensing the liquid from the container; a passage interconnecting the squeezable reservoir and the outlet; and a stop disposed near the proximal end of the dispensing head to prevent over-insertion of the dispensing head into a user's mouth when the container is used to dispense the liquid to the user. Containers that are pre-filled with liquid and a method of making the containers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Holopack International Corp.
    Inventors: Walter Zahn, Shawn W. Miller, David Rocheleau, Mohammad R. Sadeghi, Bernd Hansen
  • Publication number: 20090071979
    Abstract: A packet comprises at least two opposing sidewalls comprising a more rigid flat and a film pouch; and an expressing-shaped first closure end and a second closure end; the sidewalls and closure ends defining an enclosure; wherein at least the more rigid flat comprises a rigid material that can be folded or rolled to compress the enclosure to express a content through the expressing shaped closure end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Phillip Neal Sharp, Sven Newman, David C. Thomsen, Anita G. Mooy, Jeffrey J. Davis
  • Publication number: 20090071978
    Abstract: an article of manufacture for dispensing a viscous material, comprising; a display card comprising at least one first crease at least partially along an axis of the card; and a viscous material dispenser, comprising a container suspended from the display card along the at least one first crease to permit folding the card at the crease to compress the container to express material from the container through a container tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Phillip Neal Sharp, Sven Newman, David C. Thomsen, Anita G. Mooy, Jeffrey J. Davis
  • Publication number: 20090065528
    Abstract: A tube package system, includes a closure attached to a body that defines a reservoir for retaining and dispensing product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: iTHINK PACKAGING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P. Bray
  • Publication number: 20090050655
    Abstract: A condiment packet is configured to be supported on a surface in a free-standing and upright position. The condiment packet is also configured to be easily opened and manipulated with one hand. The body of the condiment packet preferably has a generally pyramidal or conical shape and a generally flat base. The condiment packet may include a resilient band disposed on the condiment packet that flexes when the condiment packet is squeezed and springs back when pressured is released. Also, the condiment packet may be provided with a closure comprising a frangible bubble disposed in the opening of the condiment packet that can be ruptured by squeezing between the thumb and forefingers to open the condiment packet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Frank Ianna, Robert Ianna
  • Patent number: 7487894
    Abstract: A dispensing container fillable with a liquid includes a squeezable reservoir for holding the liquid prior to dispensing; a dispensing head which appears substantially flat in profile and which is integral with the squeezable reservoir and having a distal end and a proximal end and having a bottom surface and a top surface one or both of which has an indented portion; an outlet at the distal end of the dispensing head for dispensing the liquid from the container; a passage interconnecting the squeezable reservoir and the outlet; and a stop disposed near the proximal end of the dispensing head to prevent over-insertion of the dispensing head into a user's mouth when the container is used to dispense the liquid to the user. Containers that are pre-filled with liquid and a method of making the containers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Holopack International Corp.
    Inventors: Walter Zahn, Shawn W. Miller, David Rocheleau, Mohammad R. Sadeghi, Bernd Hansen
  • Publication number: 20090026221
    Abstract: Procedure (25) for the manufacture of a tube (31) made of flexible materials provided with a skirt and head, in which a skirt-semihead unit (26) of the tube (31) is manufactured in a first in-mould injection process (9) that includes in-mould labelling, the head (20) of the tube (31) then being applied on the skirt-semihead unit (26) in a second process (29), preferably an over-moulding process and with the head (20) embedding the semihead (27). By means of this procedure (25) it is possible to avoid the use of printing machines as well as the use of alternative out-of-line decoration machines, thereby cutting manufacturing times and costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Tuboplast Hispania, S.A.
    Inventor: Javier Fernandez De Mendiola Quintana
  • Patent number: 7482047
    Abstract: A squeezable, multi-layer container provides for the accurate dispensing of a controlled amount of liquid product, preferably an adhesive product. The container includes a container body having a dispensing opening and a container interior. The container body is defined by a wall having an inner and outer layer wherein the inner and outer layers are partially delaminated upon manual squeeze pressure applied to the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Steven Tremley, Alan Thomas Crampton
  • Publication number: 20090020559
    Abstract: A dispensing bag for product includes a product containment portion and at least one spout receiving portion in communication with the product containment portion. The bag further includes a lower sealed region adjacent a bottom end of the containment portion including at least one bag alignment indicator, wherein the bag alignment indicator allows alignment with a valve to position the spout receiving portion to receive a dispenser spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo, Jeanne Skaggs
  • Patent number: 7478736
    Abstract: A hand-held icing dispenser for use by a person in decorating a cake with icing dispensed through an icing tip, comprising a dispensing nozzle constructed of an integrally formed cylindrical base section with a threaded exterior surface, an integral intermediate offset funnel section extending from said cylindrical base section and a tubular dispensing section extending from said funnel section positioned angularly from the center axis of the cylindrical base section. The tubular dispensing section has an external threaded portion at its distal end and a ring member is mounted on a threaded portion of the cylindrical base section to hold a flexible bag secured on the cylindrical base section. A decorator tip is removably mounted on said the tubular dispensing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Fletcher Morgan
  • Publication number: 20090001098
    Abstract: A crimp tube having a sealed throat opening at one end and an open end crimped close at an opposite end is provided with an internal stiffener which is resilient and will return to its original shape upon release of pressure. The stiffener is generally cylindrical and has generally radial openings therethrough communicating to the space between the outer diameter of the stiffener and the inner diameter of the tube to allow contents to flow to the interior of the stiffener and from the interior of the stiffener to the area between the stiffener and the inner diameter of the tube. The tube being formed of soft material is collapsible against the stiffener and further collapsible with the stiffener to dispense materials from the tube subsequent to opening the closure at the throat. On release of pressure the stiffener will return to its uncompressed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Fang-Pin Chen
  • Publication number: 20080302832
    Abstract: This invention provides a deformable dispensing tube (1) with an internal device (8). The device is contained within the deformable dispensing tube but is a separate physical entity to the deformable dispensing tube and has the ability to move within the deformable dispensing tube. The object of the device is to aid the dispensing of part or all of the contents (16) of the deformable dispensing tube by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: William A. Bell, Jonathan F. Jones
  • Publication number: 20080265067
    Abstract: A sachet (1) having walls of flexible material is disclosed. The walls are joined so as to form an impermeable seal, thereby defining a cavity within the sachet (1). A conduit (2) passing through the seal and having inner and outer ends is disposed with the inner end within the cavity and the outer end outside the sachet (1) such that the cavity is in fluid communication, via the conduit, with the outside of the sachet. The cavity contains a volume of liquid (8) in use, and the conduit (2) is adapted to prevent the liquid (8) flowing from the cavity without the application of an additional stimulus, irrespective of the orientation of the sachet (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: AERSTREAM TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: David Waterman, Alastair Pirrie
  • Publication number: 20080257909
    Abstract: A one piece dispensing component that includes a flip cap and a body, wherein the flip cap is connected to the body with a hinge. The body includes a shoulder permanently connecting the body to a container and a nozzle connected to the shoulder. A one piece dispensing component comprising a body, a flip cap, and a hinge. The body including a nozzle and a shoulder connected to a product container, wherein a longitudinal axis of the nozzle is offset from a longitudinal axis of the body. A process of manufacturing a one piece dispensing package that includes the steps of producing a one piece dispensing component, producing non-injection-molded tube having an open end and a closed end opposite the open end, and permanently connecting the one piece dispensing component to the open end of the tube. The one piece dispensing component includes a shoulder, a nozzle, a flip cap, and a hinge attaching the flip cap to the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Ping Wang, Christopher Miles Miller
  • Publication number: 20080247684
    Abstract: A beverage container includes a pair of flexible sidewalls defining therebetween a pouch area for containing a beverage. The flexible sidewalls are comprised of a material having at least two material layers coupled to, or integrated with, one another. The layers include at least an outer layer comprised of an outer barrier material and an inner layer including an inner barrier material. The inner barrier material is operable to be exposed to the beverage contained in the pouch area while resisting migration of contaminants through the sidewalls and into the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Craig C. Binks, Robert L. Sasser
  • Publication number: 20080245817
    Abstract: A container comprising a flexible bag and a dispenser apparatus. The flexible bag has walls and seals which cooperate to define a cavity. A spout is coupled to the walls and provides fluid communication with the cavity. The spout has an elongated opening terminating at an outer edge. The dispenser assembly has a cap member with a base and an outer rim hermetically sealed to the elongated opening proximate the outer edge. The cap member further has an elongated outlet extending from the base. The elongated outlet has an outer surface and an inner surface wherein the inner surface is in fluid communication with the elongated outlet. A hose member has a first end and a second end opposite of the first end. An inner elongated passage is defined by the hose member which terminates proximate the second end. The hose member is formed from a polymer which is saturated, such as an SEBS material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: David J. Bellmore
  • Publication number: 20080210716
    Abstract: A container and dispenser in conical shape for edible or non-edible substances is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Pieter WEYTS
  • Publication number: 20080173671
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a fluid dispenser (1, 2) comprising a fluid reservoir (1) and a closure member (2), the reservoir comprising at least one flexible sheet (11) provided with an opening (14) cut out in the sheet, the closure member (2) being mounted in said opening (14); and a flexible covering (3) wrapped around the dispenser, the covering including a window (34) through which the closure member (2) can be accessed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: VALOIS SAS
    Inventor: Herve PENNANEAC'H
  • Publication number: 20080164288
    Abstract: The dispensing package of the present invention provides a package that can be loaded with a flowable particulate material and sealed to provide a package for storage, shipment, and distribution of the of the particulate material. The dispensing package has a series of internal seals that are spaced apart from each other to define distribution flow channels through which the particulate material can be controllably dispensed from within the package. The dispensing package can be reclosed and resealed by the consumer after opening to allow for storage of the remaining particulate material until needed. A dispensing package can be used to dispense and distribute a wide variety of materials. For example, it is particularly useful for dispensing particulate materials having a relatively small average cross section such as pellets, grains, powders, seeds, plant nutrient, insect dust, and chalk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Lisa Singleton
  • Publication number: 20080149668
    Abstract: A collapsible container having at least two opposed flexible walls, an opening through which liquid can be removed, and a flange around the opening. The inner surface of each of the two sidewalls and the internal surface of the spout flange preferably have depressions and raised areas between the depressions. Typically, the depressions are not continuous and the raised areas are continuous. The depressions of one wall or flange cooperate with the depressions on the opposed wall to form liquid flow pathways when the wall or flange contacts the opposed wall. The liquid flow pathways allow liquid to pass therethrough instead of being blocked by the contact between a wall or flange and the opposed wall. A method of use and a method of making the bag are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Lars S. Johnson, James D. Ryndak
  • Publication number: 20080149667
    Abstract: A viscous material dispenser comprises a container having at least two opposing sidewalls; a first closure end; and a second closure end; the sidewalls and closure ends defining an enclosure, and at least one closure end comprising an expressing shape and at least one sidewall comprising a crease running from the expressing shaped closure end to the other closure end to permit folding the container at the crease to express a content from an interior of the container through the expressing shaped closure end to an exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Phillip Neal Sharp, Sven Newman, David C. Thomsen, Jessica W. Wolma, Anita G. Mooy, Jeffrey J. Davis
  • Patent number: 7387218
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of using a cap containing an internal thread form matching an external thread form on a flexible throat for a collapsible tube enclosing at least one contained product. Twisting the cap engages the internal thread form and the external thread form. These collectively urge the cap and the flexible throat to seal the contained product into the collapsible tube. Deforming the flexible throat through squeezing the collapsible tube dispenses essentially all the product. The collapsible tube may preferably include an external thread form on a flexible throat coupled to a flexible shoulder. The external thread form mates to a cap with an internal thread form urging the flexible throat to seal against the cap when the cap is twisted onto the flexible throat. The flexible throat and flexible shoulder flatten to dispense essentially all of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventors: Susan Pottish, Howard Mullin, Scott Anderson, Morris Pottish
  • Patent number: 7380987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for closing an opening or filling through an opening in a sack (25) for storing materials (26). The device (10) comprises an elongated means (11) for introduction into the sack (25) through the opening, wherein the elongated means (11) is introducible into the sack (25) for closing or filling thereof. The device (10) further comprises a plate (12) having at least one substantially flat side for abutment against an outer side around the opening of the sack (25). The elongated means (11) is projecting substantially perpendicular from the substantially flat side of the plate (12). Also included is a method for closing an opening or filling through an opening in a sack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Persson
  • Patent number: 7381455
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tube comprising a wall made of C4-C10 linear ethylene-olefin copolymer or a mixture of C4-C10 linear ethylene-olefin copolymer having a melt index ranging between 3 and 10 g/mn, and a density ranging between 0.880 g/cm3 and 0.935 g/cm3 inclusive. The skirt has a mid-height wall thickness ranging between 0.30 and 10 mm inclusive, and a length between 40 and 200 mm inclusive. Furthermore, the skirt and the dispensing head are made in a single injection molding operation in an injection mold. The invention is useful for making tube-like packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: CEP Industrie
    Inventor: GĂ©ry Dambricourt
  • Publication number: 20080093379
    Abstract: A collapsible tube construction for dispensing a fluid material such as toothpaste, and the like, which employs a hinged lid or closure. The construction includes a shoulder element having a dispensing orifice which seals an open end of the tube when engaged by the lid element. One of the lid element and shoulder element forms a recess communicating with the periphery thereof, the other of said lid element and shoulder element forming an axially-extending tab including a hinge, and end portion of the tab engaging the recess to be retained therein. An inner surface of the lid element includes an axially-aligned projection which selectively engages the dispensing orifice when the lid element is in closed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: K. Jacques Sassouni
  • Publication number: 20080083778
    Abstract: Dispensers for viscous fluids are shown. Also, various caps that can be used on such dispensers are shown. In one embodiment, the dispenser has creases along the side of the dispenser. The creases permit the side to fold inwardly as a viscous fluid is dispensed from the dispenser. In another embodiment, a cap for a dispenser is shown. The cap comprises a base and a lid, which are slidably coupled to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Hannah Ji-In Chung
  • Patent number: 7350669
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile closure device that is particularly suited for flexible containers, or pouches, that contain medical fluids. The sterile closure device provides a port for a conventional spike set to puncture in order to attach a patient feeding line. The sterile closure device features at least two protection mechanisms that enhance sterility. Between the two protection mechanisms is a sterile chamber that minimizes leakage of medical fluid from the flexible container when the protection mechanisms are breached by a the spike set. The sterile closure device also features finger support to facilitate the user in grasping and puncturing the sterile closure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Robert G. Rani
  • Patent number: 7337923
    Abstract: A variable tip nozzle and cap assembly is disclosed for a dispensing pouch which contains a confectionery, the assembly including threaded portions of different diameters which receive decorating tips for application of the confectionery as a decoration to cakes and cookies, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Decko Products, Inc.
    Inventors: F. William Niggemyer, Robert E. Simonton
  • Publication number: 20080037910
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid vessel including a liquid lead-out portion for directing liquid out and a flexible liquid containing portion formed of a film for containing the liquid, wherein the liquid containing portion includes a first sealing portion having a body portion having a tubular shape formed by adhering both ends of one film to each other, a second sealing portion which includes gore portions having a pair of mountain-shaped folding portions folded at opposed side surfaces of the body portion in a longitudinal direction and a valley-shaped folding portion between the pair of mountain-shaped folding portion and seals an opening in a state in which the liquid lead-out portion is inserted into the opening of the body portion, and a third sealing portion which seals another opening of the body portion, and wherein the mountain-shaped folding portions configuring the gore portions have mountain-shaped maintenance portions which maintain a state in which inner surfaces of facing films at least partially
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hitoshi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7328856
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airless dispenser which is used to dispense low doses of liquid products. The inventive dispenser is characterised in that it consists of: a first part comprising a spray nozzle which is communicated with a network of channels on the wall of an inner truncated-cone-shaped bore, and a second part comprising a deformable container which equipped with a rigid flange for fixing the first part in the aforementioned bore. The outer periphery of the flange comprises an inclined surface which defines a vortex chamber, opposite the above-mentioned network of channels, and which, together with the wall of the first part, forms an internal peripheral outlet groove. The outlet groove is defined radially by a flexible lip forming an inlet valve which is supported by the first or second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Rexam Dispensing Systems S.A.S.
    Inventors: Richard Bloc, Herve Lompech
  • Patent number: 7325703
    Abstract: A single-use, multi-chamber package for housing and common administration of at least two flowable substances. The package includes at least first and second product storage cavities; and at least first and second product application channels. At least one separation line selectively reduces the strength of a predetermined area of the package and generally defines a tab. Steps of use include: 1) applying a force to tab creation areas to separate a portion of a tab; 2) removing the tab from the blister package by tearing across the product application channels to form wings, exposing the interior of the product application channels; 3) rotating the wings to pivot the channel openings toward one another, and 4) applying a force to the storage cavities to dispense the products. The package may contain more than two substances by employing multiple storage cavities and application channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: R.P. Scherer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Gherdan, Dennis Chadwick, David Barndt
  • Patent number: 7322465
    Abstract: A transparent or partially transparent polymer packet is described containing a hand sanitizing fluid in which floats a printed insert. Inclusion of the message-bearing insert promotes the distribution and use of the hand sanitizing fluid for improving hand hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: William Anthony Harper
  • Publication number: 20080006655
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spout having an evacuation structure for a flexible container. The evacuation structure ensures that the walls of the flexible container do not block the spout of the container during evacuation of fluid from inside the container. The evacuation structure additionally pivots away from the spout during the filling of the container so that the evacuation structure does not impede the fluid entering the container during filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, Daniel Petriekis
  • Patent number: 7316329
    Abstract: A “bag-in-a-drum” container for storage and dispensing of fluids. The container is adapted to minimize volumetric space requirements in storage, transport and use of the container. The containers are usefully employed in a system of supplying liquid in containers to an end user market and refabricating containers subsequent to consumption of the liquid from the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Wertenberger
  • Publication number: 20070295766
    Abstract: Bubble device 10 permits a user to directionally disperse a product under compressive pressure toward zone of concern 10Z. Opposed webs 10S and 10C are pressed together to form sealed perimeter 10P around a central enclosure, forming dispersing bubble 12. The perimeter has a breaching seal 10B for product dispersion and a non-breaching seal 10N along the remaining perimeter. Product 10P for dispersion and compressible product transport fluid 12F are contained within the dispersing bubble. The transport fluid is compressed and the force of compression causes the bubble to bulge toward the frangible breaching seal (see FIG. 1C). The web separation occurs inside the dispersing bubble, forcing an edge breach 12E in the breaching seal. The compressed transport fluid rapidly escapes as a released blast through the edge breach. The stored energy of compression within the bubble is released as kinetic energy of the escaping transport fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: William S. Perell
  • Patent number: 7293645
    Abstract: While clean, disinfected hands are widely recognized as a principle means for controlling the spread of infections, disease, and similar health problems to both self and others, the prompt and repeated application of such materials as soap and water or waterless gels is necessary to maintain sanitary hands. So well recognized is this fact that many professional and governmental guidelines backed by regulations have been drawn to enforce compliance. This invention relates to compliance monitoring of hand sanitizing fluids and gels used to reduce the hand-borne transmission of pathogens. Disclosed is a simple, low-cost method of which a key aspect is the employment of a wristband dispenser with plural individual applications of hand sanitizing fluid in a convenient dispensing form. Inclusion of a use activated timing device provides a means of monitoring an individual's elapsed time since last use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventors: Judith Lee Harper, William Anthony Harper
  • Patent number: 7284681
    Abstract: A self-standing type bag-shaped vacuum container has a self-standing container including a wall formed of a soft sheet, a pouring port, and a check valve mounted in the pouring port. The check valve is opened to allow the migration of a content of the container when subjected to a pressure in the pouring direction, but is closed when subjected to a pressure in a filling direction, so that the inside of the container is evacuated. The self-standing container can be optimized for storing beverages or the like which are negatively effected by contact with air, because the content will be oxidized with the air. The vacuum type container will not lose its self-standing property even if the content is reduced, and can stand stably by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Tadashi Hagihara
  • Publication number: 20070228073
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pliable package that is tear resistant, requires a greater degree of dexterity to open, and prevents accidental discharge during or after opening of the package. The package includes a flexible, liquid storage reservoir having a funnel-shaped outlet passageway leading to a opening. The package also includes a reinforced tear resistant tab portion that may prevent accidental discharge of liquid when the tab portion is bent about the score line. The funnel-shaped outlet passageway may be shaped to allow the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Giovanni Mazzarino
  • Publication number: 20070205217
    Abstract: A malleable metal insert installed longitudinally in the container cavity of a squeezable, flexible, collapsible wall, plastic container used to package and dispense viscous material. The insert is made from malleable, bendable metal such as copper, aluminum or steel and can be protectively coated to avoid chemical reaction with the packaged product. The insert is installed before or after the tube and contents are sealed. When the tube is squeezed and folded/rolled, the malleable insert bends and conforms to the folded/rolled tube holding the folded tube in position permitting the tube to be either partially or fully emptied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventor: Robert T. Scott
  • Publication number: 20070199959
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous material in a selected one of a multiplicity of configurations comprises a container for a volume of a viscous material and having a squeezable body and a neck with a discharge opening at its upper end. Engaged on the container is a closure body of generally circular cross section having a top wall and a skirt, and the top wall has a discharge passage therethrough aligned with the discharge opening of the neck. The body top wall has a generally circular recess therein extending from the periphery thereof and beyond the discharge passage of the closure. Disposed in the circular recess is a generally circular rotating disc which has a multiplicity of discharge openings spaced about the disc in a circular array, and the discharge openings have a multiplicity of configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen B. Getsy
  • Publication number: 20070194046
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a flowable substance includes a tubular reservoir (12) forming a reservoir chamber (14), which is closed on one end and changes into a neck section (16) with a discharge opening (18) on the end facing away from the closed end. A closure (20) is molded onto the neck section (16), which closes the discharge opening (18) and can be separated from the neck section (16) in order to activate the device. The neck section (16) is surrounded by an application device (26). The closure (20) is developed in form of a mandrel which penetrates the application device (26) in such a manner that it projects beyond the application device (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Alberto C. Sogaro
  • Publication number: 20070175920
    Abstract: To provide a pouch for storing granules which can smoothly pour out the granular content even when filled with various granules. A pouch for storing granules where the perimeter of a front and back pair of synthetic resin film are sealed, wherein: a pouring spout with an easily opened port is formed to protrude out from the top perimeter region of the pouch, and opening support member is placed at the pour spout, and the front and back pair of synthetic resin film are prevented from mutually contacting by the opening support member in the region where the opening support member is established and surrounding regions thereof, so that the opening of the pour spout is always maintained in an open condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Yasuharu Takada, Toshihiko Mori, Shizuka Fujita
  • Patent number: 7201291
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for a flowable product, particularly for a beverage and, in particular, for still or sparkling mineral water. The container according to the invention includes a body having in a greater section a dimension d1 and of at least one neck with an internal diameter d2 which can be closed by a member for closing off and/or of distributing the flowable product from the container. The wall or walls forming the body of the container are preferably made of a flexible plastic which can deform for constant surface area, particularly under the weight of the flowable product from the container when the wall or walls encounter a point or bearing surface, so as to form, at least locally, a non-planar wall portion and wherein the ratio d2 to d1 is between 1:3 and 1:10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nestle Waters Management & Technology
    Inventors: Murielle Vigny, Alain Contal, Jean-Paul Cerveny, GĂ©rard Denis
  • Patent number: 7163101
    Abstract: A transparent or partially transparent polymer packet is described containing a hand sanitizing fluid in which floats a printed insert. Inclusion of the message-bearing insert promotes the distribution and use of the hand sanitizing fluid for improving hand hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: William Anthony Harper
  • Patent number: 7143910
    Abstract: A pouch style containment and dispensing package for flowable products is provided. The package comprises at least three layers of thin materials selected from a group of materials including heat sealable plastic films, metal foils, oxygen barrier films, plastic moisture barrier films, adhesives, coextrudable plastics and high strength plastics. The package includes an aperture or aperture forming means and a flap portion that is folded over and sealed to cover the aperture or aperture forming means, so that when the flap portion is folded back and away, an aperture is exposed or created. The layers may be selected so that a contact face of the flap member is sealed at a lower temperature than a sealing temperature for forming edge seals on the inner product contacting wall layers. Also, one layer may comprise a high strength layer that will not lose a significant amount of strength at temperatures substantially higher than the edge sealing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Sanford Redmond
  • Patent number: 7100802
    Abstract: A single-use dispensing device for dispensing liquid, pasty and other flowable and fluid substances includes a fillable and sealable plastic container for receiving a substance. The container has a neck end, a filling end opposite to the neck end, and lateral sealing seams defining a lateral contour of the container. An opening provided in the neck end extends through the neck end for dispensing the substance. A plug-like closure means for closing the opening extends throughout the neck end toward an outer portion of the neck end. A first transversal sealing seam extends transversely through the lateral sealing seams of the container at the outer portion of the neck end sealing the closure means from all sides. A tearable perforation seam provided in a portion of the neck end extends transversely through the lateral sealing seams. The perforation seam being displaced relative to the first transversal sealing seam towards the filling end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Dentaco Dentalindustrie-und Marketing GmbH
    Inventor: Alberto C. Sogaro
  • Patent number: 7059487
    Abstract: A collapsible, semi-rigid container includes neck and bottom wall portions and a peripheral side wall extending between the neck and bottom wall. The side wall includes a rigid upper portion and a flexible lower portion. The lower portion of the side wall collapses into the upper portion reducing the internal volume of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventor: Per Ohlsson
  • Patent number: RE39520
    Abstract: A dispensing structure, and a package with a dispensing structure, is provided with a valve. In one embodiment, the dispensing structure is a multi-piece fitment. The multi-piece fitment includes a base for mounting to the container and a valve carrier for mounting to the base. A flexible, self-sealing slit-type valve is mounted within the carrier. In another embodiment, a fitment is mounted in the opening of a thin-walled, flexible, collapsible container, and the flexible valve is mounted in the fitment. In yet another embodiment, a package includes a container having a corner wall defining an opening, and a fitment is sealingly mounted to the corner wall at the opening. A valve is disposed within the fitment. A removable and disposable cover extends from the container over the fitment and at least a portion of the corner wall to define a hermetically sealed volume around the fitment. The cover may be pulled away from the container to expose the fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hess, III, Stuart R. Brown, Joel R. Robinson, Timothy R. Socier