Snap-acting Outlet Element Patents (Class 222/498)
  • 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: 5271536
    Abstract: A plastic dispensing closure including a closure body, a lid, a resilient "living" hinge joining the lid to the closure body, and camming members defined between the lid and the closure body to temporarily deform the hinge, within its elastic limits, as the lid is moved between its opened and closed position. One end of the hinge is secured to a flexible holder situated at the rear of the closure. Such holder functions as a cantilever beam and serves as a spring to minimize the stress forces imposed upon the "living" hinge. The closure body, lid, and hinge may be integrally molded, and the holder may be situated upon the closure body, or upon the lid, as design considerations dictate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventor: Steven B. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5248070
    Abstract: A volumetric measuring/dispensing device for liquids is provided which has a measuring container having graduation markings thereon for measuring the quantity of liquid in the container. The container has an upper valve housing and a lower valve housing mounted in the top and bottom of the container. A valve stem having a single handle extends through the upper and lower valve housings and is selectively turnable by a turning the single handle to a selected one of three different positions, namely: a filling position, a closed position and an emptying position. When in the filling position, the upper and lower housings in conjunction with the valve stem respectively provide for the entrance of liquid into the interior of the container while at the same time provide for the exit of air out of the container. When in the closed position, the upper and lower housings in conjunction with the valve stem respectively provide for the closure of all entrances into and exits out of the container by both liquid and air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Nolte, Timothy C. Churchill
  • Patent number: 5246150
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a squeeze container comprises a closure cap having a discharge spout terminating in a discharge orifice, and a spout cover hingedly connected to the cap for manual rocking movement about a transverse hinge axis between discharge orifice closed and open positions. The cover has a lid overlying and sealing the orifice closed and is snap locked thereto in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Calmar Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Delia
  • Patent number: 5244113
    Abstract: A lid assembly for a container is provided having a pour opening and a drinking straw opening, each opening having a corresponding closure hingedly connected to the lid. Each closure employs a novel sealing plug that matingly engages the opening to seal the opening with both a friction seal and a snap-fit seal. The lid assembly also has an independently formed handle hingedly connected to the lid for carrying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Northwestern Bottle Company
    Inventor: Charles A. Stymiest
  • Patent number: 5213235
    Abstract: A monoblock tube includes a monoblock body having a cylindrical configuration and a cap comprising a first portion and second portion hingedly connected by at least one hinge member. The body includes an upper part and a lower part, the upper part of the body including a circular area of a smaller diameter than the body and concentric therewith. The circular area includes a substantially T-shaped recessed portion which includes a cap fixture portion located toward a base of the "T" shape and a non-centralized substantially circular spout located opposite the fixture portion, the spout being in fluid communication with an interior side of the tube. The cap is substantially T-shaped to fit within the recessed portion of the circular area and the first portion is adapted to be releasably attached to the cap fixture portion. The second portion is hingedly movable by the hinge between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Bunzl Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Renato Miranda
  • Patent number: 5199617
    Abstract: A first vertical hollow cylinder is secured at an open lower end to the open end of the container. The first cylinder having a closed upper end with a small centrally disposed first opening therein and has a raised peripheral first lip. A curved vertical wall is secured to and extends upwardly from this upper end of the first cylinder. The wall engaging the first lip at two spaced apart positions and curves around one side of the first opening. A second vertical hollow cylinder open at both ends and secured to the upper end of the first cylinder so that its axial bore is vertically aligned with the first opening. A horizontally elongated member defines a figure 8 with left hand and right hand like half sections, each half section having a hole therein. One hole is sealed, the other hole being open. The member rests slidably on top of the second cylinder, with one member side slidably engaging the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Robert A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 5086756
    Abstract: A device for irrigating the oral cavity with liquid from a commercially available, factory prepared package or container which includes a discharge nozzle and a hand operated pump unit for delivering an antiplaque or similar liquid of therapeutic value to areas in the oral cavity which are remote and difficult to reach. The package or container is provided with a female module having a specifically configured opening to accept a male module on the pump unit with the modules including interlocking components which are engaged and disengaged by a partial rotation and including a seal which provides a leak proof communication between the interior of the container or package and the pump unit with the configuration of the modules being such that a specific mating configuration must be used in order to connect the modules. The package or container includes an upper end portion that is openable and separate from the liquid containing portion to provide a storage area for the pump unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Inventor: James R. Powell
  • Patent number: 5048730
    Abstract: A screw on container closure has a hinged flap on a dispensing aperture for spooning out product. The flap and aperture have a sealing flash structure that provides a moisture resistant seal therebetween. An integral resilient sealing flange within the closure provides a moisture-resistant seal on the mouth of a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Weatherchem Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Forsyth, Craig C. Wiedman
  • Patent number: 4928852
    Abstract: The container of flexible or semi-rigid material is adapted to receive a liquid such as a maintenance product and has two planar bearing sides 2 for bearing against a support plane 4, these sides forming a dihedron whose angle .alpha. is less than 90.degree. when the container is filled with liquid and has its normal shape. The two halves 1 of the container are fixed together along a rigid assembly bead 3 and the container has spherical bulging portions 7 for closing the container. The container outlet is at the end opposite the apex of the dihedron and arranged so it is always above the liquid maximum level in the container when it is resting on one of the bearing sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventor: Michel Guiffray
  • Patent number: 4915268
    Abstract: A container closure is provided with a body defining a dispensing orifice and a cover disposed on the body for being pivoted between a closed position occluding the orifice and an open position spaced away from the orifice. A hinge connects the cover to the body. The body has a generally smooth applicator surface around the dispensing orifice. The cover has an inwardly projecting sealing protrusion for entering at least partially into the dispensing orifice and sealingly engaging the body at the periphery of the dispensing orifice when the cover is in the closed position. The body and the cover together cooperate to define latching means, such as (1) an engagement between the protrusion and a portion of the body around at least part of the periphery of the orifice or (2) engaging ribs on the body and cover for releasably holding the cover in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignees: Pittway Corporation, Chesebrough-Pond's Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter F. Lay, Michael H. Lombardi
  • Patent number: 4911337
    Abstract: A closure is provided for a container. The closure has a body for being mounted over the container opening and defines an orifice for communicating through the container opening with the container interior. The body also defines a pair of spaced-apart bearing cavities. A lid is mounted to the body with a pair of trunnions for each being received in one of the bearing cavities. A compression link member has first and second ends with the first end connected to the body and the second end pivotally connected to the lid at a location spaced from the trunnion axis. The bearing cavities are configured and located to provide a clearance at least on opposite sides of each trunnion when the compression link member is in the full open position and in the full closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Bielsteiner Verschlubtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 4911324
    Abstract: A plastic closure having a lower part and an upper part that fit together, the upper part being connected to the lower part by a film hinge. The upper part has, on its inner side, an extending portion with projecting sealing elements which form, with the outlet of a container, a sealing connection. The upper part is additionally connected with the lower part in a pivoting manner by a snap hinge. The snap hinge is connected with the upper part by a film hinge, and connected with the lower part by a film hinge. For purposes of opening, the film hinge connecting the upper part and the lower part is bent. The closure can be placed or screwed onto a container with its lower part. The closure can be produced in a closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Alfatechnic AG
    Inventor: Werner F. Dubach
  • Patent number: 4901892
    Abstract: A tamper evident container closure has a skirt for permanent attachment to the mouth end of a container and a closure crown supported by the skirt. A cover on the closure is displaceable for exposing a well on the closure crown normally closed by the closure. The well has a floor which may be part of a crown panel of the container closure and the well floor has a dispensing opening therein. A rip-out tamper evident element is fixed in closing relation to the opening and requires destructive removal for dispensing access to the opening. A digitally manipulatable handle attached to the element is confined within the well in the closed condition of the cover and is accessible when the cover is displaced from the well for digital manipulation of the handle for forcibly destructively displacing the element from the opening. The portion of the cover over the well may have a sealing surface engageable about the well in the closed position of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Magenta Corporation
    Inventor: John S. Song
  • Patent number: 4898308
    Abstract: A removable package for dispensing syrup in a post-mix soft drink dispensing system and having an actuated closure mechanism. The package includes an upper body portion from which a lower discharge portion extends outwardly therefrom and which further includes an outwardly facing discharge port. The closure assembly includes a movable outer cap member pivotally attached to a facing member. The facing member fits over the discharge port and includes a syrup outlet opening and an air inlet opening therein. The cap member includes means for closing off both openings when in contact with the facing member. An actuator including a spring biased roller contacts the cap member such that when a dispensing operation is required, the cap member is swung outward by means of the roller away from the facing member, exposing the syrup outlet and air inlet openings. When the dispensing operation is completed, the roller forces the cap member back into contact with the facing member to reseal the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Arthur G. Rudick
  • Patent number: 4893734
    Abstract: An improved dispensing container which includes side walls, a top wall, a dispensing spout and a closure removably securable to the spout. The closure includes a skirt portion adapted for removable securement to the spout, and with a cap hingedly secured thereto. The cap and a portion of the skirt have matable elements which in mating relationship releasably secure the cap in a closed position. The cap further includes a locking member which is matable with a member on the spout when the cap is in the closed position to preclude removal of the closure from the spout. In one embodiment, the closure further includes a top wall which defines an opening therein which serves to vent the container and at the same time permits squirt-type dispensing of the contents of the container. In such embodiment, the cap when closed closes the top wall opening. The closure is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Walter K. Chlystun
  • Patent number: 4887747
    Abstract: A container closure is provided with a structure that permits it to be readily disassembled and assembled for use on a container defining an opening communicating with the container interior. The closure includes a body and a cover separate from the body. The cover is adapted to be pivoted about an axis between a closed position occluding a dispensing orifice in the body and at least one open position spaced away from the dispensing orifice. An axis-defining structure is provided on either the cover or the body for defining the pivot axis of the closure, and also includes a cam surface around the axis. The other one of the cover or body is provided with a receiving structure for engaging the cam surface to mount the cover to the body for pivoting about the axis. Either or both of the cover and body is elastically deformable. The deformable structure is least stressed when the cover is at one of the open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures, a division of Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Efrem M. Ostrowsky, John P. Kinsley
  • Patent number: 4881668
    Abstract: A closure is provided for use on a container that has an opening communicating with the container interior. The closure includes a body for being mounted to the container over the container opening and for defining at least a first aperture communicating through the container opening with the container interior. The body includes a peripheral side wall outwardly of the first aperture. The closure includes a cover on the body for defining at least a first lid to cover the first aperture. The closure includes a first hinge for accommodating pivoting of the first lid between a closed position occluding first aperture and an open position spaced away from the first aperture and for connecting the first lid directly to another part of the cover or the body. The first lid includes a first engaging arm for engaging the body side wall when the first lid is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures, A division of Pittway Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Kitterman, Robert D. Rohr
  • Patent number: 4848600
    Abstract: A one piece self closing dispensing valve of molded polymer material is used in combination with a beverage container. The valve is of the kind containing a movable actuator which in response to a force applied thereto by a user, such as pressure exerted by the users finger, opens the valve to dispense liquid under force of gravity. A leaf spring operable over the range of actuator movement and normally biasing the actuator responds to the withdrawl of the applied force to return the actuator to its normal position and thereby close the valve. An integral dripless spout is defined between the actuator and the valve body; the effective size of which is inversly dependent on the position of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Richard C. G. Dark
  • Patent number: 4798324
    Abstract: A valve for use primarily for dispensing liquids from non-reusable containers comprising a conduit formed by bonding a flexible sheet of thermoplastic material to a second sheet of resilient thermoplastics material. The second sheet is of a springy nature and is provided with a shoulder portion directed to the first sheet. The shoulder portion positioned adjacent to a deformable member formed into the second sheet. The conduit is closed by the first sheet being stretched tightly over the shoulder. However by deforming the deformable member towards the first sheet the latter is raised from the shoulder thereby opening the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: FGL Projects Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Gannon
  • Patent number: 4782985
    Abstract: A drop and stream dispensing closure is provided for use on a container. The closure includes a closure structure for being mounted to the container, and the closure structure defines a dispensing opening and a vent opening. A cover is provided on the closure structure and includes sealing plugs for sealing both the vent and dispensing openings. The cover may be moved to an orientation in which the dispensing opening is open but the vent opening is closed. The cover may also be moved to a fully open orientation wherein both the vent opening and dispensing opening are open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures
    Inventor: John P. Kinsley
  • Patent number: 4778071
    Abstract: A closure with a snap type hinge cap comprising a first part adapted to interengage with the open neck of a container and a second part forming a cap. Each of the first and second parts comprises a base wall and a peripheral skirt. A pair of hinges extends between the skirt of the first part and the skirt of the second part to hinge the parts about a hinge line. A short strap connects the skirt of the first part and the skirt of the second part circumferentially between the hinges. The short strap is axially rigid and has its ends hinged to the skirt of the first part and the skirt of the second part, respectively. The radial length of the strap is less than the length of the arc through which the second cap part is guided for movement by the hinges to and from open and closed positions relative to the first part. The portion of the skirt of the second part to which the strap is connected is capable of flexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Fillmore
  • Patent number: 4760938
    Abstract: An aperture formed through a spring member increases the size of the angle of inclination which the spring member assumes relative to a vertical side wall of a dispenser box. The spring member is utilized in a box closure for opening and closing the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Inventor: Harry Wenger
  • Patent number: 4700858
    Abstract: A hollow vertical cyliner is open at its lower end. A deck having an opening communicating with the interior of the cylinder seals the upper end of the cylinder. A cap for the top end has essentially the same shape and size as the top end. The cap has a first relatively small section and a second relatively large section. The first section is secured to a corresponding portion of the top end. The two sections have facing edges which are spaced from each other except for a common central region which defines a second integral living hinge. A prong is secured to the second section and is insertable into and removable out of the opening in the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1987
    Assignee: Anchor Hocking Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4699299
    Abstract: An adjustable dispensing closure including a body member provided with an opening and a lid member formed with a plurality of apertures of different sizes. The lid member is rotatable relative to the body member to permit regulated dispensing of the contents of the container. The lid member is held relative to the closure body by complementary annular rings for rotation through a full 360 degrees between closed and selected open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Sunbeam Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Peter P. Gach
  • Patent number: 4674661
    Abstract: A container suitable for dispensing compositions, particularly dental preparations, has a dispensing tube (14) which constitutes a separate part and is supported for pivotal movement about a pivot axis extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (18) of the container. It is thereby possible to pivot the tube (14) to the operative position most favourable for the respective application, while there is no risk of a cross-sectional constriction or even breakage which might occur on bending. Furthermore, a closing position may be provided in which a bearing member (15) integrally formed with the tube (14) interrupts communication between the tube (14) and the container compartment (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1987
    Assignee: ESPE Stiftung & Co. Produktions- und Vertriebs KG
    Inventor: Wolf-Dietrich Herold
  • Patent number: 4669622
    Abstract: A hollow vertical cylinder is open at its lower end. A deck having an open communicating with the interior of the cylinder seals the upper end of the cylinder. A cap for the upper end has essentially the same shape and size as the top end. The cap has a first relatively small section and a second relatively large section. The first section is secured along a portion of its periphery to a corresponding portion of the upper end periphery by an integral living hinge. The two sections have adjacent edges disposed along a curved line which extends across the deck, these edges being secured to each other at opposite ends of the line and being otherwise unsecured to each other. The secured edges at each end of the line each constitute a separate integral living hinge. The first section is secured to the top end in a region spaced from both hinges. A prong is secured to the second section and is insertable into and removable out of the opening in the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1987
    Assignee: Anchor Hocking Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4650097
    Abstract: A developer material supply arrangement which includes a developer hopper mounting portion for detachably mounting a developer hopper on the mounting provided portion at an opening at the upper portion of a developing tank of an electrophotographic copying apparatus, a hopper-shaped container for a developer material, a supply port provided at a lower portion of the hopper-shaped container and formed into a configuration which can be detachably mounted with respect to the developer hopper mounting portion, and a valve member provided within the supply port for selective opening or closing of the supply port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideaki Hagihara, Masaru Nishijima
  • Patent number: 4648534
    Abstract: The valve for dispensing liquids which contain or are free from gas, more especially drinks containing carbon dioxide, from containers, comprises a housing with a socket which can be fitted on to the container opening, a riser duct which opens into the socket and to which is connected a riser extending into the container, a dispensing duct which extends to the lateral face of the housing and is connected to said riser duct, and a valve member which is displaceable in a bore between a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Inventor: Gerhard Esser
  • Patent number: 4629097
    Abstract: The depressible actuator of the pump has a closure plug hingedly and integrally attached thereto in association with an integral toggle so that the plug may be snapped between a pair of opposite over-center positions about the hinge point. In one of the positions, the plug may be inserted snuggly into the otherwise open end of the dispensing spout of the pump so as to close and seal the latter, while in the other over-center position the plug is snapped back into a fully clearing relationship with the spout to not only open the latter but also remain out of the path of discharging travel of product emanating from the spout. When the plug is securely received within the spout, it cannot be pulled out merely by depressing the actuator, and thus the actuator becomes effectively locked against depression at that time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Realex Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Moore
  • Patent number: 4615462
    Abstract: A unitary snap hinge made of plastic with two hinge parts which are connected with each other by means of a main joint. A flexible connecting piece is connected with the hinge parts by means of secondary joints, whereby the secondary joints have a distance from the main joint transverse to the joint axis and that the joints are designed as film joints. The hinge parts have the tendency to snap into the one or other end position from a position of an unsteady balance within their own pivot range. The snap hinge is a separate structural element. The one hinge part supports a locking element for a removal opening, the other hinge part supports at least one adapter piece with arresting elements. Thereby, the snap hinge can be mounted on a container or on the locking piece of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Assignee: Zeller Plastik, Koehn Grabner & Co.
    Inventors: Klaus D. Sacherer, Erich Weiss, Jochen Koehn, Ulrich Brach
  • Patent number: 4607768
    Abstract: This relates to the provision of latch mechanisms for a dispensing closure of the type having a well formed in the top wall thereof with the well being of a stepped bottom construction and there being a closure member which includes a hinge strap and a cover panel with the cover panel having an outline generally corresponding to that of the well and being divided by a transverse hinge line into a cover element and an opener. when the opener is depressed, the cover element automatically swings to an upstanding position uncovering a dispensing opening or openings. Latch mechanisms are provided to retain the opener within the well and to retain the cover element in an upstanding out-of-the-way dispensing position. This abstract is not to be construed as limiting the claims of the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Continental White Cap, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Taber, Stephen J. Kras
  • Patent number: 4601413
    Abstract: A hinge apparatus is disclosed, in which at least two flexible strips (1-3) are articulated, each via two articulation grooves (7, 8), to two parts (5, 6) that are movable relative to one another and are substantially cylindrical in embodiment, in such a manner that upon a relative movement of the two parts with respect to one another out of one stable position into the other stable position, the flexible strips are located in a substantially radial plane of the two parts (FIG. 3a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Creanova AG
    Inventor: Alois Krawagna
  • Patent number: 4592493
    Abstract: A tubular dispenser container having a dispensing passageway through a flat end seal provided with a valve formed of confronting, distended side wall portions having differing curvature which portions are flexed to one side of the end seal and to the other side to open and to close the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Unette Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Smith
  • Patent number: 4558806
    Abstract: A closure cap for a container of granular solid contents. The cap has a body and a coverflap. The body has pouring apertures, hinge post receivers and a relief. The coverflap has hinge posts that fit into the hinge post receivers, sealing protrusions that can seal the pouring apertures and a depressable end. The depressable end can be depressed into the relief on the body, allowing lever action. The sealing protrusions and the pouring apertures can be disengaged by application of pressure to the depressable end, and the contents can then be removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Inventors: Lyle F. Shabram, Sr., Lyle F. Shabram, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4533071
    Abstract: A dispensing closure valve for a container comprising a stem for attachment to the container, and stem having an annular wall defining an opening and a closure having an annular wall, a radial wall engaging the free end of said stem, a transverse wall being curved and defining a convex surface facing inwardly of the container. The closure includes a downwardly and inwardly inclined integral annular portion defining a sealing surface at the juncture of the axial wall and transverse wall. The stem has a downwardly and outwardly inclined surface engaged by the downwardly and inwardly inclined sealing surface of said closure. An actuator comprising a tab extending axially from the inner surface of the transverse wall for manipulation of the closure to flex the axial wall and the transverse wall and thereby permit the contents to flow between the wall of the stem and the wall of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert R. Uhlig
  • Patent number: 4513888
    Abstract: A dispensing cap having an integral spring hinge concept for a snap lid cap. The dispensing cap includes integral child resistance means which requires that a certain amount of pressure be applied to a portion of the dispensing cap in order to expose an under portion of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Inventor: John J. Curry
  • Patent number: 4505400
    Abstract: A slide type cap closure is disclosed comprising a cylindrically shaped closure member and a slidably interfitting disk member. The closure member forms a seal about the opening of the container on which it is mounted and includes an orifice extending upward from a recess formed along the top surface of the member. The recess has a pair of grooves extending along its length into which downwardly depending rails of the disk member slidably interfit. The disk member is dimensioned so as to move in a snap action manner along the upper surface of the closure member between open and closed positions. The disk member does not extend beyond the periphery of the closure member. The disk member in combination with the slightly protruding upper termination of the orifice forming member forms an extremely tight seal with the orifice when in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Inventor: Robert A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 4503991
    Abstract: A biasing hinge is disclosed which is made up of a first hinge member and a second hinge member integrally hinged together along a curved line. The hinge members are shaped so that when one hinge member is swung relative to the other, the members are resiliently deformed or stressed and energy is stored in said hinge members. This stored energy will bias the hinge members to swing to an open or a closed position depending on which position is nearest said hinge member at a particular time. The hinge can be molded with the hinge members having the desired shape to provide the necessary stresses to provide the desired biasing. The hinge can also be molded as an integral part of a cap or closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Inventor: Michael Joyce
  • Patent number: 4500016
    Abstract: A rotatable closure and dispensing device for collapsible tubes and/or containers, wherein a cap member is rotatably mounted to the nozzle of a tube. The cap is formed having a discharge port which is offset from the central axis of the cap and the nozzle, so as to be rotatably aligned with a second discharge port disposed in the nozzle. The cap and nozzle are provided with interlocking members whereby the cap can be sealed and locked in either an open or a closed position. The cap includes a tamper indicator that must be broken in order to rotate the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Inventor: Horst Funfstuck
  • Patent number: 4457458
    Abstract: A dispensing cap for a container. The cap has a tubular body of circular transverse cross-section with a wall closing the top end of the tubular body. An upwardly opening slot is formed in the top end wall and extends across the tubular body with a generally flat wall forming the bottom of the slot. An aperture extends through the bottom of the slot into an area surrounded by the tubular body. A hinge assembly is located in the slot and includes an upstanding member formed on the flat bottom wall of the slot at a location inwardly of the circular perimeter of the tubular body. A flap is integrally connected to the upstanding member of the hinge assembly by a strap. A portion of reduced thickness is formed in the strap to create a hinge at the juncture of the strap and the upstanding member. The portion of the reduced thickness of the strap is formed by an inclined slot cut in the tubular body near the top end wall and extending into the upstanding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: Knight Engineering & Molding Co.
    Inventor: Alois R. Heinol
  • Patent number: 4444340
    Abstract: A removeable and replaceable self-sealing valve formed of resiliently flexible plastic which has inner and outer concentric walls spaced to provide an axially inwardly-opening socket for receiving the outer end of a semi-rigid plastic spout carried by a flexible plastic bag. The spout has one or more inner anular sealing ribs formed therein at a location spaced axially-inwardly from its lip and the inner wall normally resiliently engages this seal. A toggle lever is connected to the inner wall to flex it so that a portion thereof is flexed away from the sealing rib to open a dispensing passage to an outlet in the outer wall beyond the spout lip. A removable seal retainer insert holds the inner wall in sealed position until the valve is to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis J. Bond, John G. Ulm
  • Patent number: 4386720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tap for connection to a tube extending from a container for liquids. It includes a barrel having a substantially continuous hollow configuration open at one end and having an outlet opening in its sidewall. The open end of the barrel is adapted for fastening the barrel to the container. There is included a seat surrounding the outlet opening and complimentary plug extending into the interior of the barrel and carried by the closed opposite end of the barrel. At least a portion of the barrel is of a flexible thin-walled diaphragm-like configuration and is adapted to be inverted by a snap action from an open position to a closed position with the plug engaging the seat when in the closed position to shut off the flow of liquid through the tap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Speedie
  • Patent number: 4358032
    Abstract: A container closure such as a bottle top or the like is provided having a base portion for assembly onto the container forming a top to the container, the base portion having an orifice therethrough set in a generally planer top surface. A top member lies atop the planer surface and has a hinge defining the top member into two portions, one of which has structure for affixing it in face to face relationship with the planer surface on top of the base. The other portion is movable about the hinge from an orifice closing position atop the planer surface to an orifice open position extending at an angle to the planer surface. A flexible tongue extends into the area of the hinge and is capable of undergoing a snap movement from one side to the other of a raised rib in the planer surface to hold the second portion of the top in the orifice open position at an angle to the planer surface. The second portion of the top may be equipped with a stopper insertable into the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1982
    Inventor: Sidney M. Libit
  • Patent number: 4291818
    Abstract: A lid made of a synthetic resin and swingable like a cover for a book to open or close the opening of a container. A leg or legs of desired length extending rearwardly from the rear end of a lid plate renders the lid plate capable of maintaining a desired open position, and moving automatically into its open and closed positions. Such capabilities of the lid plate depend on the force created by a flat surface carrying a hinge base to urge the free end of the leg upwardly, the elasticity of a hinge and the hinge base, and the distance defined between the hinge and the free end of the leg which has been moved. The lid is particularly suitable for a compact for a cosmetic, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamitsu Nozawa, Takaharu Tazaki
  • Patent number: 4278179
    Abstract: A container closure lid and container dispensing top including a container dispensing top and a closure lid pivotally mounted on the container top and movable between an open position and a closed sealing position. The container lid further includes elongated serations disposed in an opposing relationship such that upon closure the serations will mate and form a multiple lock. The container lid is pivotally mounted to the container top through pivot points below the closure surface of the container top and the container top closure surface is generally inclined downwardly toward the pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Inventor: Richard L. McWilliams
  • Patent number: 4211348
    Abstract: A spigot for dispensing the liquid contents of a container having a filling and dispensing spout adjacent the bottom thereof comprising an integral elastomeric member of generally cup shape having a peripheral wall complementary to and adapted to fit within and seal against the inner surface of the spout axially inwardly of the lip of the spout, a transverse wall at the inner end of said peripheral wall for closing off the spigot and the spout, and a manipulatable lever on said transverse wall for flexing said transverse wall and a portion of said peripheral wall to move said portion of said peripheral wall radially inwardly away from the spout to permit the dispensing of the contents of the container, said walls automatically and resiliently snapping back into their spout sealing positions upon release of said manipulatable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1980
    Inventor: William R. Scholle
  • Patent number: 4158902
    Abstract: An improved integral snap action hinge comprises first and second main parts joined together by a plurality of hinge straps each of which includes a flexible intermediate portion which portions are aligned to define a hinge line which accommodates opening and closing of the hinge. Improved hinge also includes first and second hinge members, at least one of which is comprised of a flexible, resilient material. The first hinge member extends upward from the first main part between two of the hinge straps. The second hinge member extends upward from the second main part between the same two hinge straps, and confronts the first hinge member when the hinge is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1979
    Inventors: Milton P. Chernack, Armand A. Fiorenza
  • Patent number: 4124151
    Abstract: A "toggle" type dispensing closure can be constructed so as to utilize a first closure part such as a cap or the top of a container upon which there is pivotally mounted a second closure part such as a lid so that the second closure part may be pivoted between a closed position in which an opening through the first part is closed off and an open position in which material may be moved through the opening. With such a closure one end of a spring is pivotally connected to the first closure part and the other end of the spring is pivotally connected to the other closure part. The spring is connected to these two parts at spaced locations such that the distance between the ends of the spring is decreased as the second closure part is moved between these positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Hazard
  • Patent number: 4083476
    Abstract: An improved manually actuated liquid-atomizing pump assembly for non-pressurized pharmaceutical atomizers comprising a pump actuator unit and a pump unit, which causes a spray of substantially the same particle size spectrum to be discharged from the atomizer nozzle with each actuation of the pump; the improvement resides in a resilient mechanical resistance interposed between the manual pump actuator and the pump, where the resilient resistance requires a very definite amount of force to be overcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Schwartz, Helmut Franz