With Movable Flexible Or Remotely Connected Vent Pipes Patents (Class 222/481.5)
  • Patent number: 6968984
    Abstract: A container is provided. The container has a cover that remains thermally, sealingly engaged with the container during the filling and dispensing of the container, and has filling and dispensing channels that are thermally sealed when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore B. Mulle
  • Patent number: 6945433
    Abstract: A dosing and/or dispensing system for use with a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dosing and/or dispensing liquid contents from the bottle. Various different dosing and/or dispensing embodiments are disclosed which enable the liquid to be dosed or dispensed by gravity from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 6926398
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid-feeding device with large liquid-capacity and a simplified structure and capable of stably holding liquid without leakage. An ink-feeding device includes an ink reservoir; an ink chamber; a valve displaced so that a closing member opens an open region by reduction in pressure due to reduction in the ink amount in the ink chamber; a fresh-air communicating hole for communicating with fresh air; and an air inlet tube capable of bringing air, when an amount of ink in the ink chamber is reduced, from the fresh-air communicating hole by the amount of air corresponding to the amount of the reduced ink, wherein a bore diameter of the lower end of the air inlet tube and a water head are determined so that the ink meniscus holding power P at the lower end of the air inlet tube and the water head pressure H corresponding to the height from the bottom surface of an ink ejection unit (nozzle surface) to the lower end of the air inlet tube satisfy the relationship P>H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Ando, Takumi Namekawa
  • Patent number: 6926179
    Abstract: An improved aerated dispensing cap provides an airway tube that does not become plugged when the bottle is turned abruptly for quick dispensing of liquid. This dispensing cap provides for smooth, controlled flow at all flow rates. It includes a dispensing tube and an airway tube having a small diameter lower portion and a large diameter upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventors: George J. Wagner, III, Troy Cleaver
  • Patent number: 6923345
    Abstract: A dispensing system for use on a liquid container such as a bottle or the like for dispensing the liquid contents from the bottle. The outlet opening of the container is closed by a throat plug assembly having a valve positioned therein which is open when the container is mounted in a dispensing fixture which is closed when the container is not mounted on the dispensing system. The throat plug assembly also includes a specifically shaped valve which is opened slightly when the container is being stored or transported to vent vapor pressure from within the container should the same be necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 6908011
    Abstract: A cap device for bottles, which smoothly and naturally removes a vacuum pressure from a cavity containing an additive therein by opening a valve cock in response to a rotating action of a cap body. The cap device having a cap body provided with a cavity to contain an additive therein and tightened to an externally threaded mouth of a bottle. A funnel part being integrally formed in the cap body to discharge the additive from the cavity into the bottle through a lower end thereof. A small vent hole being formed at a top surface of the cap body. A breakable sheet being attached to the lower end of the funnel part to close the lower end of the funnel part. A valve cock being provided at the vent hole of the cap body to open or close the vent hole. A projection being provided at a predetermined position on a top edge of the mouth of the bottle to thrust and open the valve cock with downward rotation of the cap body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Young Kook Cho
  • Patent number: 6892903
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser, for mating with a bottle containing liquid contents and having a top, a mouth at the top, a bottom, and an upper portion. The dispenser includes a base having side walls, a top, and cradle and intermediate plates extending horizontally through the side walls. A pipe has an inlet end centrally located above the intermediate plate and having internal threading for accommodating and securing to the mouth of the bottle, and an outlet end extending horizontally from the base and having a spout. The cradle plate has a central opening which is substantially concentric with the inlet end and supports the bottle at its upper portion. The beverage dispenser is inverted to fasten the mouth of the bottle to the inlet end, and then is turned ‘right-side-up’ to invert the bottle, and allow the contents of the bottle to be easily dispensed through the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Salvatore Bartolotta
  • Patent number: 6874656
    Abstract: A vented closure for closing and venting a container with threaded engagement to a neck portion of the container for dispensing fluid from the container includes a unitary, molded plastic cap constructed and arranged for threaded engagement to the container. The threaded cap defines a septum orifice that is sized and arranged to receive a siphon tube. A gasket is assembled into the threaded cap for sealing the interfit between the vented closure and the container. An elastomeric venting valve is assembled into the threaded cap and the venting valve includes a septum with a slit therein for receiving in a self-sealing manner the siphon tube. A retainer ring is used to capture the venting valve within the threaded cap and a safety ring in unitary combination with the threaded cap retains the vented closure on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Rohr, Jay E. Witte
  • Patent number: 6868993
    Abstract: A plastic pail having a dispensing closure and a diametrically opposed puncture zone to enable surge free pouring. The dispensing closure has a flexible pouring spout and threaded overcap. The spout dispensing passage is closed off by a tear out sealing diaphragm in initial shipping condition The puncture zone is surrounded by an upstanding retaining collar dimensioned to receive the separated tear out diaphragm which acts as a protective cover for the punctured anti-glug vent during storage and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: American Flange Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Davis B. Dwinell
  • Patent number: 6851584
    Abstract: A liquid-pourer of molded plastics has a spout-portion (1, 17) with a spigot (7, 18) for insertion into a neck (11, 20) of a bottle (10, 19) for pouring liquid from it. Two complimentary segmental passageways (4, 5) extend lengthwise through the cylindrical spout-portion (1, 17) for discharge of liquid and admission of air to the bottle (10, 19) respectively. An elongate handle-portion (2, 24) extends both upwardly and rearwardly from the spout-portion (1, 17) to overlie the bottle (10, 19) to allow balance in holding it with the air passageway (5) above the pouring passageway (4). A ring (6) on the handle-portion (2) retains the cap of the bottle (10), and the spout-portion (1, 17) is attached to the bottle-neck (11, 20) by a screw-threaded collar (8), or a spring clip (15 FIG. 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Teamstudy Consultants Limited
    Inventor: Matthew Edward Thomas White
  • Patent number: 6840410
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing valve for controlling the flow of a fluid through a through-conduit has a retainer and a dispensing valve body. The retainer has an upwardly extending plug and is adapted to be inserted into an inner surface of the through-conduit. A dispensing valve body is bounded by an exterior surface, an interior surface, a valve perimeter, and a dispensing orifice perimeter. The dispensing valve body is shaped to fit within the through-conduit such that the valve perimeter forms a sealing relationship with the inner surface, and the dispensing orifice perimeter fits securely around and seals against the upwardly extending plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Richard C. G. Dark
  • Patent number: 6837403
    Abstract: A rotary valve generally consisting of a housing having a cylindrical chamber provided with an inlet communicable with a zone of a first pressure, a first outlet communicable with a zone of a second pressure greater than said first pressure and a second outlet communicating with the exterior of said housing, a shaft journaled in the housing extending through and disposed coaxially relative to the axis of the chamber, a rotor mounted on the shaft within the chamber, between the inlet and each of the first and second outlets, having at least one set of circumferentially spaced material receiving pockets communicable sequentially with the inlet and the first outlet and the second outlet for receiving material through the inlet and discharging the material through the first outlet, and a device intercommunicating the second outlet and the exterior of the housing for diffusing the flow of gas vented from the rotor pockets through the second outlet to exterior of the housing to muffle the sound of venting gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: The Young Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Mothersbaugh
  • Publication number: 20040217137
    Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief valve permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or valves. A chamber about an opening of an inverted container with an impeller within the chamber which, on rotation, dispenses fluid from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 6793104
    Abstract: A cork device comprises a cork member and a control member. The cork member comprises a lower end to be inserted into a mouth of a bottle and an upper end. The lower end of the cork member including a liquid passage having a lower end communicated with an interior of the bottle and an upper end. The control member is pivotally mounted to the upper end of the cork member and movable between a sealing position and an open position. The control member includes a liquid outlet passage. The upper end of the liquid passage of the cork member is blocked by the control member when the control member is in the sealing position. The upper end of the liquid passage of the cork member is communicated with atmosphere via the liquid outlet passage when the control member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: I-Feng Kao
  • Patent number: 6779694
    Abstract: A vented closure for a fluid container which will not freely pour includes a cap movable between open and closed positions relative to an annular base collar. The movable cap can be slidable to form a push-pull type closure, or can be rotatable to form a flip-type closure. In an open position, a primary liquid passageway extends through the closure to a dispensing opening. One or more air vents of small size are located in the base collar at positions spaced within a predetermined range of offsets from the dispensing opening. A divider is located to create a secondary liquid passageway to convey liquid directly into contact with the air vents which self-seal by surface tension of the liquid. The vent aperture can be protected by overlapping portions of the movable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Publication number: 20040155071
    Abstract: A push/pull closure is disclosed the closure includes a body part (3) and a slider part (41). The slider part (41) can be moved between closed and opened positions. The body part (3) includes a nozzle section (15), a container neck engaging section (21), and an annular section (23). One feature of the closure is that the annular section (23) operates in an overcentre action to move the body part (3) from a raised position to a lowered position. As the annular section (23) moves to the lowered position the closure pierces a container membrane (7) to allow the container contents to be dispensed. Another feature of the closure is that the nozzle section (15) includes an air vent (71) that opens into a cavity (35) in which the slider part (41) slides between the open and closed positions. The air vent (71) spaced away from an outlet end (11) of the nozzle section (15) in order to minimised air entrainment as the contents of the container are being dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Phillip Higgins
  • Patent number: 6772911
    Abstract: A flow controller for a container including a slide member guide, having a first peripheral flange on an outer surface, and configured to be either integral with the container or to be attached separately to a neck of the container. The neck includes a seal. A slide member is slideably and rotatably carried within the slide member guide. The slide member includes a second peripheral flange attached to an outer surface of the slide member to provide a space for insertion of a shipping pin between the first and second peripheral flanges. The shipping pin prevents an inner edge of the slide member from contacting and puncturing the seal. The container can include a lancing pin disposed on the inside of the container and is configured to contact the slide member at a top end and actuate an air vent at the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Gee, John M. Naber
  • Patent number: 6763964
    Abstract: A leak proof lid for a beverage container has a rocker arm which may be moved between open and closed positions by one hand. The lid is provided with drinking and venting apertures and respective basins within the lid. The rocker arm includes venting and drinking seals for sealing the respective aperture when the rocker arm is in the closed position. The rocker arm is easily removable from an upper side of the lid to facilitate cleaning the venting and drinking aperture and seals on the rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Market, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Hurlbut, Tami L. Fujii, Sara E. Hill, B. Cameron Smith, Scott C. Thielman
  • Publication number: 20040134940
    Abstract: A dispensing closure assembly includes an outer closure body having an upper tubular portion which can function as a mouthpiece for users. The closure assembly includes a flexible valve member mounted within the tubular portion of the closure body for dispensing of liquids or like contents by either the application of suction by a consumer, or by squeezing the associated container. By the provision of a liquid seal lip which coacts with an inside surface of the flexible valve member, the closure assembly can be configured to facilitate convenient use by consumers, while avoiding undesirable leakage attendant to normal handling during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Alcoa Closure Systems International
    Inventors: Coy Hearld, Lawrence Smeyak, Hassan Najdawi, David Babcock, Ramesh Kamath, Mark Powell, Zinovy Royzen
  • Publication number: 20040112919
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closure with integrated ventilation, comprising a pouring nozzle (1), a closing seal (2), which may be torn off and which closes the flow passage, fixing elements (3) for an essentially sealed connection with a container opening and ventilation tongues (4), extending radially inwards on a section of the pouring nozzle (1), lying axially on the inside of the closing seal (2). According to the invention, a closure with integrated ventilation in which the known positive pouring properties of closures provided with tongues is retained, whilst also providing a rapid pouring of liquids avoiding an uneven glugging of the pouring fluid caused by a corresponding incremental intake of air bubbles into the container may be achieved, whereby the ventilation elements are comprised partly of tongues (4) extending radially into the flow passage, which are separated by slots and partly of openings (5) in the wall of the flow passage (2) in the region between the tongues and the closing seal (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Gunter Krautkramer, Lothar Brauer, Okten Gassner, Axel Tombarge
  • Publication number: 20040108340
    Abstract: A spout affixed to a fluid-dispensing container that allows unobstructed fluid flow until the spout end becomes immersed. The anti-spill and self-venting features are achieved by establishing an airway from the top of the spout and extending into the container in the form of a flexible tube. A float attached to the tube lifts the end to the surface of the fluid within the container. As fluid exits, air enters the container allowing for smooth fluid discharge. When the spout end becomes immersed, fluid is drawn into the vent instead of air. An air vacuum develops that is equal to fluid pressure within the container. Fluid flow is interrupted until the container is returned to an upright position. This allows for fluid to evacuate from the floating vent and back into the contained. The self-venting feature of the spout is then reestablished.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Dale Witt
  • Patent number: 6742678
    Abstract: A pour spout assembly for providing a pour spout attachable to a bottle and including a cap securable to the pour spout between uses. The pour spout assembly includes a spout member having an attachment portion adapted for coupling to various sizes of bottle openings. The spout member further includes exterior threading on an outer perimeter of a spout portion extending from the bottle when the spout member is attached to the bottle. A cap member is provided for covering the spout portion of the spout member. The cap member has threading on an interior surface complimentary to the threading on the spout portion of the spout member to permit securing of the cap member to the spout member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Krystopik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6736792
    Abstract: A nasal-nasopharyngeal-cleaning (NNC) system is disclosed for removing harmful substances from a human's nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities. Harmful substances herein include infectious agents, chemicals, dust, small particles and dirt deposits in nasal cavities and in the nasopharynx. The NNC system includes a NNC solution, a solution container, a liquid transfer tube, a valve means and a flat-head nostril fitting. The two-step cleaning process comprises cleaning the nasal cavity first with the NNC system and then cleaning the nasopharyngeal cavity with the NNC system. The NNC system is also used to prevent snore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: James Zhou Liu
  • Patent number: 6726063
    Abstract: A shape memory retaining valve for use with a flexible walled container and for dispensing product through the valve to form creative shapes and dispersions. In one embodiment, the valve is provided with an air passage such that when the container is capped, inward airflow continues allowing the container walls to recover their initial shape and reverse any container deformation occurring through product dispensing. When closed onto the container, a cap restricts the valve from opening out but does not restrict the valve from opening inwardly to let in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Stull Technologies
    Inventors: Gene Stull, Robert T Auer
  • Patent number: 6719173
    Abstract: A package for dispensing a liquid product that includes an outer shell having a flexible resilient sidewall, a base wall and a finish surrounding an outlet opening. An inner bag-shaped liner is disposed within the outer shell, and is unattached to the sidewall and the base wall of the outer shell so as to be collapsible with respect to the outer shell as product is dispensed from the liner. A dispensing structure is secured to the finish. An opening in the base wall of the outer shell vents the volume between the shell and the liner to atmosphere. An atmospheric vent valve includes a base secured over the base wall of the outer shell, a valve pocket within the base having an atmospheric vent opening, and a valve disk received in the valve cup so that air pressure holds the valve disk against the base over the atmospheric vent opening when the container sidewall is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Safian
  • Patent number: 6708850
    Abstract: The present invention provides a discharging container whose main part is a squeeze-bottle adapted for use as eyedroppers and transparent to such a degree as required. This container has to perfectly shut off ambient air and bacteria not to flowing into a liquid content of the container so as to keep it sterilized even after unsealed for use. The discharging container has a laminated bottle 2, and a stopper 3 attached to a finish 2a of the laminated bottle, the bottle being composed of an outer layer 21 and an inner layer 22 delaminating from the outer layer 21. A vent hole 4 is formed in the outer layer so as to introduce ambient air in between the outer and inner layers 21, 22. A discharging passage 10 is formed in the stopper 3 so as to exude through it a liquid content inside the inner layer 22, and the stopper further has a check valve 8 and a filter 7 disposed on the downstream side of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignees: Taisei Kako Co., Ltd., Nihon Tenganyaku Kenkyusyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yorihisa Uetake, Keiji Hamamoto, Yasuyuki Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 6702160
    Abstract: The invention discloses a no spill container where the user can properly position the dispensing port and release the contents of the container by means of a release assembly integral with the cap of a displacement port. The contents are released when the cap of the displacement port is rotated into an open position and the integral release stem lifts the sealing means that is adjoined to the stem on the opposite end at the dispensing port. The lifting of the stem causes the sealing means at the dispensing port to disengage from the dispensing port allowing the contents of the container to be expelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: H Russell Griffith
  • Publication number: 20040035894
    Abstract: A pouring apparatus for containers having an annular channel with an open top, a bottom wall, an inner wall and an outer wall. A plurality of tubes depend from the bottom wall and define fluid passageways in communication with the annular channel. The pouring apparatus is designed for insertion into a container, with the annular channel being disposed in the neck of the container and the tubes extending outward therefrom. Alternatively, the pouring apparatus may be built into the container as an integral part thereof during manufacture of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph F. Gobbini, Frank P. Damiano
  • Publication number: 20040031822
    Abstract: A plastic pail having a dispensing closure and a diametrically opposed puncture zone to enable surge free pouring. The dispensing closure has a flexible pouring spout and threaded overcap. The spout dispensing passage is closed off by a tear out sealing diaphragm in initial shipping condition The puncture zone is surrounded by an upstanding retaining collar dimensioned to receive the separated tear out diaphragm which acts as a protective cover for the punctured anti-glug vent during storage and handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Davis B. Dwinell
  • Patent number: 6685059
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing device, at least one valve that distributes a diluent, a concentrate pump that distributes concentrate, a support structure that supports the foregoing components, and exterior cladding attached to the support structure. The exterior cladding provides the appearance of a real leaf brewer. The diluent valve and concentrate pump distribute the diluent and concentrate into the dispensing device to form a mixture to be dispensed therefrom. The diluent can be hot water and the apparatus further includes an air ejector device for eliminating air bubbles from the hot water prior to mixing. In addition, an improved sensor can accurately determine when the supply of concentrate is depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Jones, David N. Evans, Scott A. Dzibela, John C. Nordenstrom, Sanjay Kumar, Russell J. Duchene, Allen L. Rogala, Michael J. Fodor, William K. Henninger, Amir A. Faroqui
  • Patent number: 6679403
    Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing liquid from a container, the dispensing device including a main body which includes an end wall having an internal side face directed towards the interior of the container and an external side face, a dispensing outlet, and a closure moveable relative to the main body between open and closed positions to selectively open and close the dispensing outlet, a chamber between the external side face and the dispensing outlet, a liquid transfer port in the main body for permitting liquid flow from the container interior to the chamber and a breather port in the main body providing communication between the container interior and the chamber, the liquid transfer port and the breather port being spaced apart from one another so as to form a static head therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventors: Donald Terry Goodall, Harvey Mckenzie Milne
  • Patent number: 6675991
    Abstract: A ram plate which allows easy lifting and dropping of the plate even when a complete seal has been made with high-viscosity liquids inside a barrel. The system contains two alternative methods of depressurizing the internal liquids in order to more efficiently avoid vacuum and suction effect when the user attempts to raise the plate. The bleed stick components of the plate are completely independent of vent ports components. Such bleed stick components are levers which, when depressed, will move a cover and expose the internal liquids to outside air pressure via air vents. The vent port components operate through both gravity and potential energy of an internal spring, which place a given amount of downward pressure on a pneumatic cylinder which may or may not be enough pressure to move the cylinder and expose a vent to the outside atmosphere pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Todd L. Johnson, Troy A. Eidenschink
  • Patent number: 6669060
    Abstract: A valve element may be configured to be mounted in an air intake passage of a container. The valve element may be at least partially elastically deformable. The valve element may include a valving member configured such that, when vacuum pressure inside the container is less than a predetermined threshold differential from atmospheric pressure, the valving member is in sealed contact with a seat formed on the container. The valving member may also be configured such that the valving member moves away from the seat when the predetermined threshold differential is reached, so as to allow air to be taken into the container. By elastic return, the valving member may return to a position in sealed contact with the seat when the vacuum pressure inside the container drops back to less than the predetermined threshold differential. The valve element may be placed in a functional configuration via an elastically irreversible modification thereof during mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: L'Oreal S.A.
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Patent number: 6662976
    Abstract: A dosing spout for mounting on a container has a liquid outlet valve which, at placing of the spout in an electric field, can be actuated by the field for opening of outflow of liquid directly from the container and out through the mouth of the spout, and an air inlet valve which can let air from the surroundings directly into the container as compensation for the quantity of liquid flowing out. The armature of the liquid outlet valve and the armature of the air inlet valve are arranged consecutively in their longitudinal direction of displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Lindberg & Jensen ApS
    Inventors: Bjørn Slot Jensen, Frank Lindberg, Peter Lindberg
  • Publication number: 20030226856
    Abstract: In this invention there is provided a pouring vessel of the squeezable, delaminated bottle type, which can be squeezed smoothly to the last moment of discharge operation so that little content remains in the vessel. The vessel or container of a delaminated bottle type comprises the outer shell layer that forms a squeezable outer container and the inner layer that forms an inner container for receiving its content inside and capable of being deflated and deformed inward with the decrease in inner pressure; and the container is also provided with a discharge cap. In this configuration, a pair of vertically extending adhesive resin strips is formed by adhering the outer shell layer and the inner layer over the roughly entire height of the container. The relationship of the peripheral length between the two adhesive resin strips to the width of each strip is determined to give such a range that the inner container can be almost completely deflated and deformed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakamura, Masashi Yoneyama, Takayuki Goto
  • Patent number: 6659311
    Abstract: A swivel pump dispenser for dispensing liquid from a selected one of a plurality of liquid compartments arranged side-by-side, includes positive venting to atmosphere of each liquid compartment during dispensing, and the sealing of the liquid compartment vents closed during periods of non-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Calmar Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Prueter
  • Publication number: 20030201286
    Abstract: Liquid soap dispensers including a vacuum relief valve which comprises an enclosed chamber having an air inlet open to the atmosphere and a liquid inlet in communication with liquid in the reservoir and in which the liquid inlet opens to the chamber at a height below a height at which the air inlet opens to the chamber. The vacuum relief valve permits relief of vacuum from the reservoir without moving parts or valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 6612468
    Abstract: A hand operated non-aerosol foam dispenser comprising a combined liquid pump and air pump for mounting at the top of a container of foamable liquid, the liquid pump having a liquid cylinder and a liquid piston defining between them a liquid chamber, the air pump having an air cylinder and an air piston defining between them an air chamber, and the liquid piston and air piston being reciprocable together in their respective cylinders by the action of a pump plunger which carries said pistons; an air inlet valve and liquid inlet valve being provided for the air chamber and liquid chamber respectively; an air discharge passage and a liquid discharge passage leading from the air chamber and the liquid chamber respectively, the air discharge passage and liquid discharge passage meeting one another for mixing the pumped air and liquid which passes to an outlet passage of the dispenser by way of a permeable foam regulation element; one or more vent openings being provided to admit air into a cap chamber and into
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Rieke Corporation
    Inventors: David John Pritchett, Brian Robert Law, Jeffrey William Spencer
  • Publication number: 20030136803
    Abstract: A nozzle unit is attached onto the lower side of a bottom plate of a plug body. A fin and a pair of side plates protrude from the nozzle unit. The fin is arranged below and apart from the liquid-passage hole in the bottom plate in horizontal direction. The side plates are arranged in vertical direction, and put the liquid-passage hole and the fin between them. When a hot drink is poured into the container body to increase the inner pressure of the container body, the fin and the side plates can obstruct the exhausting flow rate of the inner pressure so that the inner pressure cannot be exhausted rapidly. When the fin is bent towards the liquid-passage hole due to the increased inner pressure, the inner pressure can be exhausted efficiently according to its magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kuwano, Kunio Hatsumoto, Yasuhiro Kowa
  • Patent number: 6581803
    Abstract: A discharging container having outer and inner layers with an ambient air inlet formed solely in the outer layer without a valve. The inlet has an opening smaller than the opening of a discharging outlet mouth formed in a cap, so that the outer layer's body part may be squeezed to compress the air between the inner and outer layers, whereby the compressed air depresses the inner layer inwardly and radially to exude a liquid content outwards through the discharging outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Taisei Kako Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Yoshimoto, Masaharu Nakao
  • Publication number: 20030111493
    Abstract: A cork device comprises a cork member and a control member. The cork member comprises a lower end to be inserted into a mouth of a bottle and an upper end. The lower end of the cork member including a liquid passage having a lower end communicated with an interior of the bottle and an upper end. The control member is pivotally mounted to the upper end of the cork member and movable between a sealing position and an open position. The control member includes a liquid outlet passage. The upper end of the liquid passage of the cork member is blocked by the control member when the control member is in the sealing position. The upper end of the liquid passage of the cork member is communicated with atmosphere via the liquid outlet passage when the control member is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: I-Feng Kao
  • Publication number: 20030106909
    Abstract: A liquid-pourer of molded plastics has a spout-portion (1, 17) with a spigot (7, 18) for insertion into a neck (11, 20) of a bottle (10, 19) for pouring liquid from it. Two complimentary segmental passageways (4, 5) extend lengthwise through the cylindrical spout-portion (1, 17) for discharge of liquid and admission of air to the bottle (10, 19) respectively. An elongate handle-portion (2, 24) extends both upwardly and rearwardly from the spout-portion (1, 17) to overlie the bottle (10, 19) to allow balance in holding it with the air passageway (5) above the pouring passageway (4). A ring (6) on the handle-portion (2) retains the cap of the bottle (10), and the spout-portion (1, 17) is attached to the bottle-neck (11, 20) by a screw-threaded collar (8), or a spring clip (15 FIG. 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Matthew Edward Thomas White
  • Patent number: 6571995
    Abstract: A spout assembly for a liquid container includes a tube-shaped main body formed on a container cap and projected upward by a predetermined length, an operating tube inserted into the tube-shaped main body and extending into a container by a predetermined length, and a spout seal cap fitted on an upper portion of the tube-shaped main body. So as to enable the tube-shaped main body and the operating tube moves between a first position where the main body and the operating tube can be vertically erected on a surface of the container cap and a second position where the main body and the operating tube can be secured parallel to the surface of the container cap, a first pleated expansible and flexible part is provided on the main body and a second pleated expansible and flexible part is provided on the operating tube to correspond to the first pleated expansible and flexible part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Jung Min Lee
  • Patent number: 6533145
    Abstract: A viscous liquid dispenser includes a housing that defines an internal liquid reservoir. A dispensing pump mechanism is disposed in communication with the reservoir and has a delivery end extending from the housing for manual operation by a user. A mounting mechanism is configured as an integral component of the housing and provides the dispenser with the ability to be detachably connected to complimentary mounting structure on a wall surface. A unique vent is disposed in the top wall of the housing to vent the reservoir upon actuation of the pump mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Cleary E. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Mayberry, Paul F. Tramontina, David J. Powling, Mark A. Bennett, Randall M. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 6523720
    Abstract: A container for holding consumable liquids for commercial food service (e.g., bar service) has a body that defines an inner cavity and has a neck extending to an opening. The neck of the container defines a first thread adapted to receive a cap to seal the cavity. The container also defines a second thread, of a diameter larger than the first thread, adapted to mate directly with a thread of a standard threaded pour spout to retain the pour spout on the container for serving liquids from the container cavity. The container is sized to fit within standard bar service speed racks and can be heat-sealed to contain perishable liquids, such as fruit juice or drink mixes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
    Inventor: Zebulon S. Robbins, III
  • Publication number: 20030034363
    Abstract: A pouring spout for liquid containers to allow for a dosed and continuous ventilation of the container interior and thus a regular pouring of the liquid independent of the degree of tilt of the container, includes a ring-shaped upper part and a tubular segment attached to the ring-shaped upper part and having at least one ventilation opening through which the air enters in a dosed manner. Provided in the lower part of the tubular segment is a partition which extends on an inner side of the tubular segment in substantial parallel relationship to the tubular segment and is connected laterally with the tubular segment. The partition wall has an upper part distal bottom wall for connection to the tubular segment to form a so-called air trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: MAUSER-WERKE GMBH & CO.
    Inventor: Ingolf Morgenroth
  • Publication number: 20030034362
    Abstract: A mechanically pressurized aerosol dispensing system comprising a cap which houses a piston, an actuator moveably attached to the cap, forming together with the cap a dispensing head assembly, and an expandable elastic reservoir. The system is fitted over a standard container holding a liquid product, and includes a dip tube assembly to draw liquid into the dispensing head assembly, where the contents are released through the dispensing head assembly, via the aerosol nozzle and valve. A twist of the threaded cap raises a piston, thereby opening a charging chamber within the dispensing head assembly. This creates a vacuum with the resulting suction pulling the product up through the dip tube to fill the charging chamber. Twisting the cap in the opposite direction lowers the piston in a downstroke which closes the charging chamber, forcing the product into the expandable elastic reservoir where it is then discharged through the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: William S. Blake
  • Patent number: 6502725
    Abstract: A dispensing device for a beverage container, preferably a large bottle such as a 2 or 3 liter soda pop bottle has a base and separate pathways to admit make-up air and withdraw fluid. The pathways are controlled by a valve which opens the pathways separately. This invention is especially characterized by the use of an expandable bladder to prevent loss of carbonation into the headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Tony M. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20020190079
    Abstract: A dispensing container comprises a delaminating bottle (2) as a member for shutting off a liquid content from ambient air so that, without aid of any preservatives, a liquid residue is protected from contamination at a region adjacent to an outlet hole (3a). The container has a flexible nozzle (31) and a rod-shaped closer (32), both disposed in the mouth of bottle (2). The nozzle (31) is made of a pliable and elastic material, with the closer (32) being shaped to close a distal end region of the outlet hole (3a). By squeezing the barrel of bottle to increase its internal pressure, the flexible nozzle (31) expands to make a deformation, which in turn causes the outlet hole (3a) to take an outward open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Taisei Kako Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Keiji Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 6494346
    Abstract: A dispensing system is provided to dispense a fluent product from a container that has an opening to the container interior. A support base is provided for supporting the container with the container opening oriented at least somewhat downwardly to accommodate gravity flow of the fluent material out of the container through the container opening. The support base has (1) a receiving aperture for receiving the container opening, (2) a discharge aperture, and (3) a flow path extending between the receiving aperture and the discharge aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Daniel G. Schantz, Alan P. Hickok, Timothy R. Socier