For Pivoted And Swingable Elements Patents (Class 222/517)
  • Patent number: 4860931
    Abstract: A keg tap described is for domestic use, and in it an axially shiftable valve-opening rod (3) with a valve-opening element (4) is guided through an essentially cylindrical housing (1) enclosing a pressure space (2) and is inserted through a piston (8) which is arranged in the lower region of the housing (1) and which limits the pressure space (2) located here. The valve-opening rod (3) is at the same time a riser pipe and has a continuous liquid passage (7) which leads outwards from the valve-opening element (4) at one end and which, at the opposite end, merges into a liquid duct (17) cut out in a stirrup (15) arranged essentially at right angles to the liquid passage (7) and equipped with a shut-off valve (19) and with a consequently closable outflow (18). The piston (8) closing off the pressure space (2) is connected via piston rods (14) to a handle (5), by means of which the piston ( 8) is actuated independently of the valve-opening rod (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Romneya Trading Co.
    Inventor: Julian D. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 4860930
    Abstract: A quantitative feeding device includes a housing being funnel-shaped, a hollow ball valve capable of sealingly seating in the housing and vertically rotating with respect to the housing between a first and a second positions. The ball valve has an open top and a radial protrusion defining the first position at which the open top upwardly faces when the protrusion contacts with a side wall of the housing and defining the second position at which the open top downwardly faces when the protrusion contacts with an opposite side wall of the housing. An actuating medium for rotating the ball valve between the first and second positions, an elastic member for usually urging the ball valve at the first position, and an oscillating element capable of contacting with the radial protrusion in the course of rotation between the first and second position in order to be oscillating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Ming L. Tu
  • Patent number: 4848612
    Abstract: An improved reinforced snap open hinged dispensing closure for a dispensing container. The closure having the snap open feature such that the closure lid is retained in an open position away from the dispensing opening of the container. The closure lid has a pair of hinges and a central tapered hinge strap formed therebetween. The hinge strap includes at least one reinforcing rib joining the hinge strap to the closure to improve the durability thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Creative Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Beck
  • 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: 4815616
    Abstract: A method for the alignment of a closure having a directional orifice onto a container to provide said directional orifice with a specific alignment with respect to said container as well as the resulting article are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Scott A. Silvenis
  • Patent number: 4813560
    Abstract: This relates to a dispensing cap including a cap body and a cover which are connected together by suitable hinges so that the cover may swing between a fully open position and a fully closed position. In association with the hinges, there is a strap which connects a bendable wall portion of the cover to the cap body. The strap, in the open position of the cover, is located on one side of hinge centers and as the cover is swung towards a closed position, the strap passes through an overcenter position where a greater length of strap is required, thus effecting bending of the cover wall portion between the hinges to provide a spring effect. In the closed position of the cover, the strap is on the other side of the hinge center and bending of the cover wall portion is held to a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Continental White Cap, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Begley
  • Patent number: 4802609
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing solid snack foods and the like comprises a closed container defining a chamber adapted to be at least partially filled with a snack food. A measuring cup is mounted on the container for receiving a measured quantity of the snack food. A dispensing tray is pivotally mounted on the measuring cup to normally close an open bottom thereof and is moveable to an open position for discharging the measured quantity of foodstuff. An elongated screw is mounted in the container, between the chamber and measuring cup, and is adapted to be manually turned to convey the measured quantity of foodstuff into the measuring cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventors: Hugh B. Morse, John V. Ciolino
  • Patent number: 4793501
    Abstract: A watertight hinge closure for a dispensing container. The closure has a lid with a solid unitary one-piece hinge which snaps shut onto a cap body integrally formed therewith. The lid and hinge are formed to leave a minimal space between the lid, the hinge and the cap body when the closure is in the shut position. The top of the cap body has a raised portion which is angled toward the snap fit portion of the lid opposite the hinge to prevent seepage and to avoid stagnant areas which could cause contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Creative Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Beck
  • Patent number: 4793502
    Abstract: A snap open hinged dispensing closure for a dispensing container. The closure having the snap open feature such that the closure lid is retained in an open position away from the dispensing opening of the container. The closure lid has a pair of hinges and a central tapered hinge strap formed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Creative Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: James M. Beck
  • Patent number: 4790457
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing solid snack foods and the like comprises a closed container defining a chamber adapted to be at least partially filled with a snack food. A measuring cup is mounted on the container for receiving a measured quantity of the snack food. A combined dispensing tray and chute is pivotally mounted on the measuring cup to normally close an open bottom thereof and is moveable to an open position for discharging the measured quantity of foodstuff. An elongated screw conveyor, having flexible blades, is mounted in the container, between the chamber and measuring cup, and is adapted to be manually turned to convey the measured quantity of foodstuff into the measuring cup. A baffle is movably mounted in the chamber and responsive to rotation of the screw conveyor to shake the foodstuff onto the screw conveyor and to prevent clogging and breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventors: Hugh B. Morse, John V. Ciolino
  • Patent number: 4784301
    Abstract: A dispensing spigot for a container in which the spigot 15 is mounted on a spout 10 and a portion 18 of the deformable diaphragm wall 19 sealingly engages the internal surface of the spout wall 12. To improve sealing a groove 21 is provided in the diaphragm wall and a flange 14 projects from the spout wall 12 into the groove 21 to sealingly engage the surface 23 of groove 21. This arrangement of the flange 14 and groove 21 restricts leakage between the spout 12 and the deformable wall 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Wrichtcel Limited
    Inventor: Peter R. Wells
  • 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: 4776501
    Abstract: A press-to-open dispensing closure is provided for the mouth of a container. It includes a closure body and a nozzle assembly carried by the closure body. The closure body has a deck extending across a portion of the container top, and the deck defines a port through which communication with the container interior is established. The nozzle assembly includes a forwardly projecting dispensing nozzle and a rearwardly projecting actuating member above the deck. The nozzle assembly is pivotably supported in the closure body to accommodate pivoting movement between an open and a closed position. In one embodiment, spring members are provided on the closure body and project upwardly for resiliently biasing the nozzle assembly toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures
    Inventor: Efrem M. Ostrowsky
  • 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: 4759455
    Abstract: A child resistant dispensing closure characterized by a closure member and a lid member which is mounted on the closure member for movement between closed and open positions. A peripheral edge of the lid member abuts an annular shoulder provided on the closure member in the closed position, the point of abutment being concealed by an annular ring provided on the closure member. In the closed position, thickened portions provided on the peripheral edge of the lid member engage in recesses formed in the annular shoulder. The lid member is adapted to be moved upwardly from the closed to an open position when a user applies with one hand a manual compressive force to a panel provided on the exterior skirt of the closure member. This manual force results in deformation of the panel inwardly into a slot formed clearly through an enlarged portion of the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventor: Woodrow S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4739900
    Abstract: A reclosable dispenser package of thin flexible thermoformed plastic material and method of manufacture is disclosed, the package including a base with peripheral edges and a cover thermoformed from a sheet of plastic which includes a cover wall with a dispensing opening therein defined by an inner margin, peripheral edges which are joined to the peripheral edges of the base so that the cover is closed upon and substantially covers the base, and a tubular lid integrally hinged to the cover at a hinge line forming a portion of the inner margin. The tubular lid includes an upper lid wall, a lower wall, and a forward surface. The cover wall further includes an arresting platform on which the tubular lid rests when in its closed position. The tubular lid pivots around the hinge line to open and close the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Placon Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney D. Borst
  • Patent number: 4736858
    Abstract: A closure for selectively closing an opening of a container including a base element arranged to be affixed to a container adjacent an opening therein. An insert having a through opening and defining a recess adjacent the opening is urged sealingly against the container about the opening with its through opening aligned with the container opening. A control element is provided having a pivot portion pivotally mounted to one of the base element and insert at the recess, a stopper portion adapted to be received in the insert opening when the control element is pivoted to a first position, and a presser portion adapted to be engaged by a user's fingertip to pivot the control element to withdraw the stopper portion from the insert opening and dispose the presser portion within the recess at a second position of the control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Inventor: Eugene D. Shastal
  • Patent number: 4732303
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a thermos, or other bottle, which includes a dispensing spout which is movable between a closed and an open position. The dispensing spout has an opening extending through it which becomes aligned with an opening in the cover when the spout is turned to its open position. The spout also includes a vent which becomes aligned with a vent in the cover when the spout is in its open position. The opening and vent in the cover are both closed and sealed by the spout when the spout is turned down to its closed position. The spout is held in its open and closed positions by a snap-acting leaf spring element which causes the spout to be snapped to its open or closed position when the spout is turned manually in one direction or the other. The dispensing spout may be used either to pour the contents out of the bottle, or to receive a drinking straw into the interior of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Inventor: Paul S. Wang
  • Patent number: 4722458
    Abstract: A dispensing valve for a fluid container comprising a tubular body portion having an inlet at one end adapted to be mounted to a container, the other end of the tubular portion is closed by a resiliently deformable diaphragm, a discharge outlet in the wall of the tubular portion, a flow control member positioned within said tubular portion and coupled to the diaphragm for movement relative to the discharge outlet between a closed position and an open position on deformation of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Kiff Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: David J. Van Dal
  • Patent number: 4722460
    Abstract: A granular algaecide dispensing device for dispensing granular algaecide in controlled amounts and in specific locations, such as on algae spots, in a fluid vessel, such as a swimming pool, from a position above the surface of said fluid vessel. The device consists of a tubular chamber which may be filled with a granular algaecide, and has a valve assembly at one end and an end cap and handle at the opposite end. The device is readily removably mounted at the receiving end of any standard swimming pool pole by means of the handle connector. An operator at the opposite end of the pole may position the device at any desired location in the fluid vessel and, by pulling a control line which is attached to the valve assembly and which runs the length of the pole, the valve will be forced to open, and the granular algaecide will be steadily released from the dispenser onto the desired location until the control line is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: Christopher P. Madsen
  • Patent number: 4718578
    Abstract: A bulk goods dispenser having a bin for holding the bulk goods which can be removed by a manipulator mounted in a dispensing unit communicating with the interior of the bin, the removed bulk goods being temporarily collected in a chute prior to being dispensed by a trap door into a bag which is attachable to walls of the chute, the walls being provided with holding horns. The trap door is held in a closed position by a spring member until released by a handle. The manipulator has a scoop for moving the bulk goods over a slanting wall in the bin. The bin has a slidable cover which can be locked. The dispenser unit can also be locked to the bin. A false bottom can vary the holding capacity of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Ready Metal Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John R. Radek, Al Kaminecki, Len Laskowski
  • Patent number: 4718575
    Abstract: The hoppers of several dust precipitators are connected to a common readily accessible monitoring station by discrete conduits each of which has a first open end at a preselected level in the respective hopper, a second open end at the monitoring station and an intermediate portion extending above the corresponding preselected level. Suction which normally prevails in the hoppers tends to maintain closed pivotable flaps for the second open ends of the conduits. If the dust in a hopper accumulates to or rises above the respective preselected level, the corresponding flap is opened by a counterweight and such movement of the flap entails the generation of a signal which is used to evacuate dust from the corresponding hopper and/or to actuate an alarm for the convenience and attention of the persons in charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Walther & CIE Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Becker, Werner Frank
  • Patent number: 4711360
    Abstract: A splash-proof closure for use with liquid holding containers is a one-piece molded structure and includes a body portion with a cap portion, and a hinge integrally formed therebetween. The body portion includes a liquid outlet and a vertically, integrally formed, upwardly extending cap-stopping resilient post for preventing the cap portion from moving towards the liquid outlet during the dispensing mode. The cap portion includes a somewhat domed upper wall which acts as a cam for bending the cap-stopping post at a 45.degree. angle to the body portion when the cap portion is closed, and a closing post integrally formed on the domed wall interior for sealing the liquid outlet when the cap portion is closed on the body portion. The liquid outlet, the cap-stopping post, the closing post and the hinge are all generally along the same line, perpendicular to the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1987
    Assignee: Boardman Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Myron Ullman
  • Patent number: 4679715
    Abstract: An ice cube and cold beverage dispenser has a cabinet with a single inside bin chamber for ice cubes. A cold plate beverage chiller is located in the bottom of the chamber. A ice cube agitator and outlet is spaced above the cold plate. A false bottom is located under the agitator and outlet with the false bottom being spaced above the cold plate and having cube ports for passing cubes downward upon the plate and for precluding dispensing of cubes dropped on the plate, with front and rear walls and the agitator and the cold plate and the false bottom all being canted forward. The agitator is of lesser diameter than the width of the cube bin and is located on one side of the bin and a feeder driven by the agitator in an opposite direction of rotation feeds ice cubes upwards and towards the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Schneider Metal Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Donald G. Hovinga
  • Patent number: 4676411
    Abstract: A stopper for a container including a stopper body provided with an inlet port at the lower end thereof and an outlet port communicating with the inlet port at the front end thereof. A guide cylinder extends from a wall above the inlet port within the stopper body and a push rod extends through and beyond either side of the guide cylinder. The push rod is provided with a valve body for opening and closing the inlet port at a lower end thereof and a receiving seat at an upper end thereof. A spring is disposed between the wall above the inlet port and the receiving seat for biasing the push rod upwardly. A lever is arranged to pivot about a hinge positioned in the front part of the stopper body at the same level or below the upper end surface of the push rod when said valve body is in a position at which it closes the inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: DIA Vacuum Bottle Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masuo Simasaki
  • 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: 4666064
    Abstract: A dispensing device (50) for application to a flexible bag (20) as in a "bag-in-box" packaging system, is fastened to the outer cardboard box (14) of the bag. A first portion (52), connected to a second one (51) via a hinge region (53) is swung up and the still-closed bag (20') is pulled through the opening in the device. After closing and locking (54, 57) the portions (52, 51), clamping or valve members (49, 48) act against each other through the inserted bag (20) and seal it. The protuberant corner of the bag (20') is then opened by the user. By manual action by means of an actuating lever (55) against a closure wall (59) bearing one of the clamping members (49), the opening for the dispensing of the bag filling product can be selectively opened. The swing position of the portions (51, 52) at the hinge (53) is not affected thereby and the portions (51, 52) remain locked in one another (54, 57).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Inventor: John W. Hoehn
  • Patent number: 4666682
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for safely inserting and removing a container of solid or powder detergent cleaner into a detergent dispenser such as for a dishwasher. The device includes a bowl portion and a central, upstanding water spray outlet near the bottom of the bowl which ejects water into the container to remove the detergent from the container, or from bulk powder fed into the bowl.One or more fingers is attached to the inside of the bowl and is biased inwardly by a spring to occlude the spray outlet. When the container of detergent is inserted into the bowl, it biases the finger outwardly and exposes the spray outlet to the detergent. Upon removal of the container from the bowl, it will move out of contact with the finger, which is again biased inwardly by the spring to occlude the spray outlet and protect the operator.Dissolved detergent and wet powder and particles are deposited on, and seep through, a perforated plate or screen adjacent the spray outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: James L. Mayer
    Inventors: James L. Mayer, William K. Russell
  • Patent number: 4658994
    Abstract: An apparatus for replaceably mounting a pouring tube in engagement with a discharge nozzle of a vessel includes an arm mounted for pivotal movement about a vertical axis and for tilting movement about a horizontal axis. A first end of the arm has a fixture for supporting a pouring tube. An operating member is mounted adjacent a second end of the arm to tilt the arm about the horizontal axis between a clamping position, where the pouring tube is pressed against a discharge nozzle of a vessel, and an open position, where the pouring tube is spaced from the discharge nozzle. When the arm is in the open position it may be pivoted about the vertical axis between a first position, where the pouring tube is aligned with the discharge nozzle, and a second position, where the pouring tube is spaced from the discharge nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Stopinc Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Fricker
  • Patent number: 4658992
    Abstract: An apparatus for discharging powder and/or pellets from a hopper defining an outlet adjacent the base thereof. The apparatus includes a control member associated with the outlet to control the rate of flow of the powder and/or pellets and a chute located under the control member to receive the powder and/or pellets, there being an outlet from the chute through which the powder and/or pellets may be discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Peleus & Co. KB
    Inventor: Agne Peleus
  • Patent number: 4645100
    Abstract: A dispensing spigot for a container in which the spigot 15 is mounted on a spout 10 and a portion 18 of the deformable diaphragm wall 19 sealingly engages the internal surface of the spout wall 12. To improve sealing a groove 21 is provided in the diaphragm wall and a flange 14 projects from the spout wall 12 into the groove 21 to sealingly engage the surface 23 of groove 21. This arrangement of the flange 14 and groove 21 restricts leakage between the spout 12 and the deformable wall 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Wrightcel Limited
    Inventor: Peter R. Wells
  • Patent number: 4638916
    Abstract: A closure with a snap type hinge cap comprising a first part adapted to interengage with the open neck of a container, a second part forming a cap and an integral hinge interconnecting the first and second parts. Each of the first and second parts comprises a base wall and a peripheral skirt. A pair of hinge straps extends from the skirts and are positioned on opposite sides of the integral hinge. The radial length of the pair of hinge straps is less than the length of the arc through which the second cap part moves to and from and closed position relative to the first part such that the pair of straps stretch to function as springs. The ends of the pair of straps are attached to the skirts radially inwardly of the periphery of the skirts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Beck, Robert D. Rohr
  • Patent number: 4625898
    Abstract: An integrally molded, unitary, plastic dispensing closure comprising a body, a lid, and a "living" hinge that joins the lid to the body. Cams and cooperating wall surfaces in the vicinity of the hinge provide forces that temporarily deform the hinge, within its plastic limits, and facilitate the movement of the lid to either an opened, or a closed, position. In one embodiment, recesses are formed at the rear of the closure body to accommodate the cams when the closure is in its closed position. In another embodiment, recesses are formed in the skirt of the lid to accept upwardly extending posts, and a cavity is defined in the upper surface of the closure body to accept cams, or lugs, depending below the lid. An efficient, aesthetically pleasing, low profile dispensing closure is achieved in each instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Hazard
  • Patent number: 4623077
    Abstract: A dispensing closure valve comprising a stem having an annular wall defining an opening. The dispensing closure valve includes a closure including an outer annular wall, an inner annular wall and an integral portion connecting the inner and outer annular walls at the outer end of the closure. The inner annular wall has a transverse wall. The inner wall and transverse wall having a sufficiently thin cross section such that they will flex. A tab integral with the transverse wall extends outwardly from the inner surface thereof for flexing the transverse wall extends outwardly from the inner surface thereof for flexing the transverse wall and inner wall to permit fluid to flow from the opening of said stem. Interengaging portions are provided between the tab and the closure body which are operable upon movement of the tab to open the valve to hold the valve in open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter T. Swartzbaugh
  • Patent number: 4621750
    Abstract: A valve for dispensing fluid products includes a valve body comprised of a first portion including a first open ended passageway therethrough, and a second portion having a second passageway open at a first end and substantially closed at a second end. A port in the side wall of the second portion is disposed so that the first and second passageways are disposed in fluid communication with each other. A handle is operatively connected to the body and extends partially into the second passageway. A generally tube-like seal member is closely housed in the second passageway and is adapted to close the port for blocking fluid communication between the two passageways. The seal member is selectively shiftable by the handle between a first, normal position in blocking relation to the port and a second position in spaced relation to the port. The valve body and handle may be integrally molded with each other from a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: The Meyer Company
    Inventor: Henry G. Roethel
  • Patent number: 4610378
    Abstract: A container for food powders, particularly for automatic beverage distributing machines, comprises a delivering and dosing member revolving inside a duct bearing a delivering mouth which is closed, in non-working conditions, by a plate closing member. The closing member is opened by the delivering and dosing member during its rotational motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Inventor: Lucio Grossi
  • Patent number: 4610375
    Abstract: A refrigerator door comprises an inner panel and an outer panel forming the wall of the door and has a drink container removably associated with the inner panel. A drink-delivery tube communicates with the interior of the container and is hingedly movable against a resilient bias from an inoperative position to a delivery position, the tube extending through the wall of the door and terminating in a spout. A slide is associated with the tube for effecting such movement thereof and is movable from the outside of the door in a vertical opening formed in the outer panel of the door wall. A compartment accessible from the outside of the door without opening the same is provided in the door, the compartment being divided into a lower compartment for placement of a cup and an upper compartment for reception of the tube spout. A pivotal partition controllable by the slide separates the lower compartment from the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Franco Germi, Franco Moretti
  • 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: 4591078
    Abstract: A dripless pouring cap having a funnel-shaped pouring spout with an outwardly curved pouring lip is screwed onto a container. Below the pouring lip are two catch basins to trap small amounts of liquid that has dripped from the pouring lip. A hinged lid is pivottally connected to the cap to facilitate opening and closing of the pouring spout. The catch basins and lid are so arranged so that opening and closing of the lid will not splash liquid trapped in the catch basins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1986
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Neal V. Weissman
  • Patent number: 4568005
    Abstract: Plastic dispensing closures adapted for use on bottles containing products such as syrup and the like and which have an integral handle include a snap-on base adapted to be securely attached to the neck of the bottle and shaped to form a pouring spout, and a pivotal lidi based into engagement with the base, the lid having a thumb-engagable extension positioned adjacent to the handle to facilitate opening and closing of the lid. The closures include a non-releasable tear-away inner seal connected to a pull ring, and are attached to the bottle such that they cannot be removed without being permanently deformed, thereby affording a tamper-evident closure. The closures are capable of accommodating a rather large dimensional bottle tolerance, thereby enabling them to be employed on plastic as well as glass bottles. The closures may be formed as either one-piece or two-piece structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: General Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Charles M. Jalovec, Denise L. Wynne, Roy Watson, Edward A. Kozloski
  • Patent number: 4562941
    Abstract: A system of dispensers for bulk material is provided. The system includes a free-standing rack and a plurality of dispensers for bulk material having bottom panels and mounted on the rack. Each dispenser includes an enclosed container, an access door on the upper portion of the container, a spout connected to the bottom panel and defining an outlet in the bottom of the container. A downwardly directed taper is formed inside in its lower portion, the narrow portion of the taper being offset from the outlet. A passage extends generally longitudinally between and communicates with the narrow portion of the taper and the outlet. A feed slide assembly is slidably disposed on the inside of the bottom panel under the narrow portion of the taper and in the bottom of the passage. The feed slide assembly includes a knob and rod connected at one end for gripping to manually slide the assembly in to-and-fro movements longitudinally thereof and a spring in contact with the other end of the slide assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Inventor: Jasper B. Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 4555049
    Abstract: In a refrigerator having a cabinet which defines an opening, an ice dispensing apparatus within the opening dispenses ice pieces through a delivery chute. An inner ice door is mounted on hinges within the delivery chute and movable to a first position which blocks the delivery chute from the passage of ice pieces, or to a second position which allows the passage of ice pieces through the delivery chute. An ice guard is provided which protects the hinges from ice pieces which pass from the ice dispensing apparatus through the delivery chute, as well as from becoming frozen in the first closed position. The ice guard comprises a sweeper member which is biased against the inner ice door and sweeps against it as the inner ice door is moved from the first to the second position, thus removing any ice pieces or water from the inner ice door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold S. Mawby, Carl W. Frisbie
  • Patent number: 4545495
    Abstract: A snap-action closure is provided with a body for being mounted on a container and with a cover hinged to the body. The closure includes two spaced-apart connecting elements. Each connecting element is joined to the body with a first hinge and to the cover with a second hinge so as to locate the connecting elements offset on one side of the main hinge axis when the cover is in the open position. Each connecting element has a generally linear configuration adjacent the cover and body when the cover is in the closed position and has a non-linear configuration lying generally in a plane parallel to the main hinge axis when the cover is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Assignee: Seaquist Valve Company
    Inventor: John P. Kinsley
  • Patent number: 4535920
    Abstract: An apparatus for applying lap sealant including a frame having wheels and supporting a container of lap sealant and a pressurized agent for delivering the sealant to a nozzle. The nozzle is positioned beyond the side of one wheel to permit a lap seam to be accurately followed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Inventor: Leon M. Troup
  • 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: 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: 4489860
    Abstract: A safety dispensing conversion device for converting storage containers of inflammable fluids such as gasoline or the like, such as the well-known "jerry can", into a container with safety dispensing features. A pour spout, a flame arrester extending from the pour spout interiorly of the container, a safety cap in a normally closed relation to the pour spout, and a spring-biased operating handle and linkage arrangement mounted on the upper end of the container and connected to the safety cap to cause opening of the safety cap upon movement of the operating handle in an opening direction, and insuring closing of the safety cap due to the action of the biasing spring when the operating handle is released, in modular form, is integrated into such a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Frank S. Flider
  • Patent number: 4488666
    Abstract: Motor controlled dispenser apparatus for a washing appliance includes a first dispenser for storing and dispensing a first treating agent having a dispensing member movable between a closed position in which the interior of the dispenser is sealed and an open position in which the interior of the dispenser is exposed to enable the dispensing of a first treating agent; a second dispenser for storing and dispensing a second treating agent; a dispenser actuating member movable between a rest position, a first dispensing position and a second dispensing position; and a gear assembly coupling the dispenser actuating member to a motor-driven shaft, for controlling the rate of movement of the dispenser actuating member in accordance with the rate of rotation of the shaft. The dispensing member is coupled to the dispenser actuating member for movement therewith. The rate of movement of the dispensing member from its closed to its open position being determined by the rate of rotation of the motor-driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: LeRoy J. Herbst, John L. Preher
  • 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: 4441624
    Abstract: Drinking cover for a beverage container comprising a circular top wall and annular side wall with sealing means on the bottom periphery of the side wall for securing the cover to the upper rim of a beverage container. The top wall is tapered downwardly from front to back and contains an opening. A sealing flap underlies the opening and is attached to the bottom surface of the top wall so that the flap is movable from a closed position to an open position with respect to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Inventor: Bronislaw Sokolowski