With Flow Controller Or Closure Patents (Class 222/536)
  • Patent number: 6896160
    Abstract: A disc top dispensing closure which includes a body having an opening and an actuator having a channel mounted to the closure body. The actuator is pivotable between an open position, wherein the channel and the opening of the body form a continuous fluid path, and a closed position, wherein the channel and the opening of the body do not form a continuous fluid path. The actuator is also rotatable between a locked position, wherein the actuator is not movable between the open and the closed position, and an unlocked position, wherein the actuator is movable between the open and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Poly-Seal Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Kaufman, John Tauber, Frank Cassidy
  • Patent number: 6796464
    Abstract: A multi-functional finger-press structure of a spray can is disclosed. The structure includes a pressurized can spray cap, a spray head seat, a spray tube mounting seat, a sealing pad, a spray tube and at least one to two spray heads. The top of the pressurized can spray cap is a recessed through slot having the inner edge of one end thereof connected by a connection arm to the spray head seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Sung Tung
  • Patent number: 6715649
    Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid delivery pump (1) connected to the neck of a container comprising: a cylindrical hollow body (2) defining a suction and compression chamber (5) communicating with outside through a liquid distribution channel (7); a manually actuated piston (8) slidingly coupled to said hollow body (2); elastic means (12) cooperating with a push button (83) connected to said piston; first valve means (13) adapted to connect said suction chamber (5) with a liquid suction tube (6); second valve means (14) adapted to connect said suction and compression chamber (5) with said distribution channel (7) during the delivery phase. Said distribution channel (7) has a first stationary part (71) made in the plug (23) and a second swinging part (30) consisting of a tube (13) having at the end facing the first stationary part (71) a substantially spherical body (32) whose outer surface closes the first stationary part when said second part is substantially perpendicular to the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Taplast SPA
    Inventor: Stefano Santagiuliana
  • Patent number: 6705482
    Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of body fluid collection, transport or storage containers or tubes. The closure includes a ball and socket arrangement, wherein the ball rotates within the socket to align a passageway through the ball with the opening in the tube. To close the closure, a tab or protrusion extending from the ball is pushed to rotate the ball and orient the passageway perpendicular to the opening of the tube. When the closure is in the closed position, the ball and socket form a liquid tight seal to prevent liquid in the tube from leaking out of the tube, evaporating or being contaminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Steven Robert Savitz, Gary S. Grant
  • Patent number: 6691394
    Abstract: A dispensing package for fluent products includes a container of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction having a hollow flexible body, and a rigid integral finish defined by a deck that spans one end of the body, a package dispensing opening in the deck and a wall upstanding from a perimeter of the deck surrounding the deck and the opening. An actuator disk is mounted within the peripheral wall overlying the deck and the dispensing opening, and is pivotal between a closed position closing the opening and an open position for dispensing product from the opening through the actuator disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Craig E. McClean
  • Patent number: 6640828
    Abstract: The flushing apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir having an outlet end movable between a raised position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir, and a down position where liquid stored in the reservoir is flushed out; a counterweight for producing an effect of urging the outlet end of reservoir toward the raised position; a reservoir ballast for cancelling the effect of the counterweight when the liquid stored therein reaches a predetermined amount; a channel for channelling a liquid into an inlet of the ballast when the outlet end of the reservoir is in the raised position; and a means for preventing an overflow of the outlet end of the reservoir. There is also provided a method for flushing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6631833
    Abstract: A dispensing closure is provided for attachment to the discharge port of a standard circular-headed tube. The closure comprises a skirt with a circular cross-sectional shape at its base that merges gradually to an oval-shaped face at its top. When the closure is attached to a standard circular-headed tube, with the long axis of the oval face oriented substantially parallel to the straight crimped edge of the filled tube, the combination of closure and tube appears to the ordinary observer to have a continuously oval cross-sectional shape throughout the length of the combination. The dispensing closure can be manufactured using typical injection-molding techniques, and may be adapted for use with dispensing mechanisms and attachment means known in the personal care products industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: CCL Container Corporation
    Inventors: Ron E. Harriman, Edward F. Csaszar
  • Patent number: 6572827
    Abstract: A biological fluid collection device with a pivotable faucet is disclosed. The device is designed to collect, hold and transfer a biological specimen into a non-evacuated tube through an integrated pivotable faucet component. This device uses no needles, either blunt or sharp, and provides safety from needle puncture. The device works with a non-evacuated tube and a specially designed cap that attaches to the container via the pivotable faucet. The device includes a container for collecting, holding and transferring the biological fluid. The design of the container facilitates use of the tube as a handle in order to position the container to receive collection of the biological fluids. The method of collection begins with using the non-evacuated tube as a handle to hold the container and collecting the biological specimen in the container. A lid is attached to the top of the container to prevent contamination and exposure to the specimen during transfer into the non-evacuated tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Bradley M. Wilkinson, Robert S. Golabek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6564978
    Abstract: A dispensing package for fluent products includes a container of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction having a hollow flexible body, and a rigid integral finish defined by a deck that spans one end of the body, a package dispensing opening in the deck and a wall upstanding from a perimeter of the deck surrounding the deck and the opening. An actuator disk is mounted within the peripheral wall overlying the deck and the dispensing opening, and is pivotal between a closed position closing the opening and an open position for dispensing product from the opening through the actuator disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Safian, Richard R. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20030057235
    Abstract: A device for dispensing a product may comprise a variable-volume receptacle for containing the product and a dispenser head associated with the receptacle. The dispenser head may be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The device may further comprises an outlet orifice in the dispenser head and a dip tube configured to extend into the receptacle. The dispenser head may be movable between a dispensing position in which flow communication between the outlet orifice and an inside of the receptacle is established, and a closed position in which flow communication between the outlet orifice and the inside of the receptacle is interrupted. The product may be dispensed from the outlet orifice in response to a reduction in the volume of the inside of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Louis H. Gueret
  • Patent number: 6520378
    Abstract: A dual-outlet dispensing closure for dispensing fluid products from a dual-chamber container that includes a base for securement to a container and having laterally adjacent outlet openings for alignment with outlets in the container. A turret is mounted on the base for conjoint pivotal movement of dual outlet passages between a closed position in which the turret blocks the outlet openings in the base, and an open position in which the turret passages are aligned with and open to the outlet openings to dispense product. The passages are preferably provided in the form of elongated barrels that are angulated with respect to each other so that the fluid products dispensed from the respective barrels meet and mix with each other at a position spaced from the closure. The base preferably includes vent openings for venting the container chambers to atmosphere as products are dispensed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Michael K. Goettner, Eugene F. Haffner, Jon B. Ogilvie, Gregory A. Geisinger
  • Publication number: 20030029891
    Abstract: A device for sealing an open beverage can employs a cap and clamping jaws articulated from the cap which lock into the top lid of the can to push the can into secure contact with the cap. The cap may include a turret and straw for drinking from the can without removing the cap. Insulating sleeves to keep the beverage cold may be part of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Tony M. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20030015556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure element for a packing for receiving liquid or paste-like material, in particular for a film bag. For an easy opening and re-closing of a closure element which requires little space and tightly closes a packing microbiologically also after the filling process, the closure element comprises a tiltable spout with a spout channel and a spout opening which is closed by the spout in a first tilt position and communicates in a second tilt position of the spout with the spout channel thereof, the spout being connected in the area of the spout opening to a membrane which closes the spout opening and is torn open upon a tilting movement of the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Indag Gesellschaft, Fuer Industriebedarf MBH & Co.
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft
  • Publication number: 20020179644
    Abstract: A toggle action dispensing closure has a locking mechanism which prevents the closure from being actuated to an open position. This closure includes a base, a lid and a movable lug. The lid is movably mounted to the base. The lug is attached to the lid and engages the base to prevent the lid from being toggled from a closed position to an open position. The lid is moved to an open position by displacing the movable lug to an actuating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher T. Evans, Kenneth R. Jones
  • Patent number: 6478194
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a container (1) having a neck (3) with an open end (4) comprises a closure cap (7) adapted to be attached to the neck to close the container and a dispensing spout (8) formed with a dispensing passage (13) having an inlet opening (14) at one end and an outlet opening (15) at the other end. The spout (8) is mounted on the closure cap (7) for limited sliding movement between a closed position in which the dispensing passage (13) is isolated from the interior of the container and an open position in which the dispensing passage is in communication with the interior of the container. The movement of the spout from its closed to its open position follows a part circular path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Sylvia Maria Haglund, Christopher Paul Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6471101
    Abstract: A receptacle (20) having a pocket (29) in which a spout assembly (24) is stored prior to placing it in an open mode in which the receptacle's content is dispensed. Spout assembly (24) includes a spout proper (25) to which a body formation (27) having a chamber (39) in communication with spout proper 25 and by apertures (41) to receptacle (20). An arm (65) connects the spout proper (25) with a floor (37) of pocket (29). Floor (37) includes a frangible area (48) formed by scoring (49) and which is broken from floor (37) upon introducing a breaking member (47) into the frangible area (48). Body formation (27) includes breaking member (47). Body formation (27) also includes an endless peripheral flange (52) around it and from which an endless lug (54) depends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Gevorg Vardanyan
  • Patent number: 6460729
    Abstract: A one-piece side-dispensing closure including a cap, a dispensing lid, and a flexible actuating section connected between the cap and the dispensing lid is described. The cap has an inner wall connectable with a container, a platform overlying the inner wall and having an aperture, a discharge tube positioned over the aperture, and a top wall supported by the platform. The dispensing lid includes a lever portion, a conduit portion formed on an end of the lid opposite the lever portion, a fulcrum about which the lid rotates, a connector for pivotally connecting the lid to the cap, and a fluid passageway formed in the conduit portion and connected to the discharge tube. The flexible actuating section is connected on its upper end to the dispensing lid by a top hinge and on its lower end to the cap by a bottom hinge. The closure is formed to permit transition from a closed position to an open position when a force is applied to the flexible actuating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Doly-Seal Corporation
    Inventor: W. Gordon Beecroft
  • Publication number: 20020125274
    Abstract: A one-piece side-dispensing closure including a cap, a dispensing lid, and a flexible actuating section connected between the cap and the dispensing lid is described. The cap has an inner wall connectable with a container, a platform overlying the inner wall and having an aperture, a discharge tube positioned over the aperture, and a top wall supported by the platform. The dispensing lid includes a lever portion, a conduit portion formed on an end of the lid opposite the lever portion, a fulcrum about which the lid rotates, a connector for pivotally connecting the lid to the cap, and a fluid passageway formed in the conduit portion and connected to the discharge tube. The flexible actuating section is connected on its upper end to the dispensing lid by a top hinge and on its lower end to the cap by a bottom hinge. The closure is formed to permit transition from a closed position to an open position when a force is applied to the flexible actuating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: W. Gordon Beecroft
  • Patent number: 6439441
    Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing viscous liquids which dispenses from the bottom of the container and which has a self-closing, non-drip dispensing spout. The dispensing spout may be provided on the bottom of an upright container having a cap at the other extremity or as a part of a removable cap for the container having a flat upper surface for storing the container in an inverted position. A self-operating closure allows one-handed operation of the container. The self-operating closure has a pivotable dispensing tube and valve with an open position and a closed position which is operated by the pivoting action of the dispensing tube. The pivotable dispensing tube and the valve are biased into a closed position to make the closure self-operating. A detent may be provided for holding the pivotable dispensing tube in an open position against the bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Cornelius F. Leary
  • Publication number: 20020113097
    Abstract: A dispensing closure is provided for attachment to the discharge port of a standard circular-headed tube. The closure comprises a skirt with a circular cross-sectional shape at its base that merges gradually to an oval-shaped face at its top. When the closure is attached to a standard circular-headed tube, with the long axis of the oval face oriented substantially parallel to the straight crimped edge of the filled tube, the combination of closure and tube appears to the ordinary observer to have a continuously oval cross-sectional shape throughout the length of the combination. The dispensing closure can be manufactured using typical injection-molding techniques, and may be adapted for use with dispensing mechanisms and attachment means known in the personal care products industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Ron E. Harriman, Edward F. Csaszar
  • Patent number: 6431416
    Abstract: A toggle-action dispensing closure includes a base having an upper edge, and internal thread or bead for securement to a container, and a recessed deck disposed beneath the upper edge and having a fluid dispensing opening. A dispensing disk or actuator is pivotally mounted to the base above the deck, and includes a seal for cooperating with the dispensing opening for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening. A lug element on a periphery of the disk has a sharp edge in opposed abutment with the upper edge of the base to resist first movement of the actuator to open the dispensing opening. First movement of the actuator to open the dispensing opening causes permanent deformation at the upper edge of the base and/or at the lower edge of the element, such that the element and the edge present lesser resistance to opening of the actuator after such first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Lohrman
  • Patent number: 6390341
    Abstract: A container closure is composed of a closure body, an outflow tube, and an outer cap. The outflow tube is pivotably mounted on the closure body. The outer cap is mounted on the closure body pivotably between a closed position and an open position. When the outer cap is pivoted from the closed position toward the open position, the outer cap contacts the outflow tube located at the closed position to erect the outflow tube from the closed position to the outflow position. The outer cap is then separated from the outflow tube and brought to the open position. When the outer cap is pivoted from the open position toward the closed position, the outer cap contacts the outflow tube located at the outflow position to tilt the outflow tube from the outflow position to the closed position, and the outer cap is also brought to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiko Ohmi, Tateo Kubo, Mitsuo Kumata, Mituru Shionoya
  • Publication number: 20020036207
    Abstract: There is provided a cap body of a beverage container where a large amount of beverage in a container body doesn't flow out, and a lid member is not vigorously released even if hot beverage is put in the container, and where a degree of freedom to select a spring is improved by alleviating impact force in an opening operation, the cap body of the beverage container comprising: a cylindrically-shaped drinking mouth member releasably provided in a mouth portion of a container body; a lid member connected to the drinking mouth member via a hinge axis; a spring for urging the lid member to the opening direction; and a lock member provided in a position against the hinge axis of the drinking mouth member for maintaining the lid member in a closing state, wherein the drinking mouth member comprises a drinking mouth formed in the lock member side of a peripheral wall of the upper opening; a bottom wall where hinge axis side is made higher than the drinking mouth side; a liquid hole formed in the drinking mouth side a
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Ohuo, Yasuhiro Kowa, Hatsumoto Kunio, Ikuo Miura
  • Publication number: 20020023892
    Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of body fluid collection, transport or storage containers or tubes. The closure includes a ball and socket arrangement, wherein the ball rotates within the socket to align a passageway through the ball with the opening in the tube. To close the closure, a tab or protrusion extending from the ball is pushed to rotate the ball and orient the passageway perpendicular to the opening of the tube. When the closure is in the closed position, the ball and socket form a liquid tight seal to prevent liquid in the tube from leaking out of the tube, evaporating or being contaminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Steven Robert Savitz, Gary S. Grant
  • Patent number: 6343725
    Abstract: A toggle-action dispensing closure includes a base having an upper edge, and internal thread or bead for securement to a container, and a recessed deck disposed beneath the upper edge and having a fluid dispensing opening. A dispensing disk or actuator is pivotally mounted to the base above the deck, and includes a seal for cooperating with the dispensing opening for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening. A lug element on a periphery of the disk has a sharp edge in opposed abutment with the upper edge of the base to resist first movement of the actuator to open the dispensing opening. First movement of the actuator to open the dispensing opening causes permanent deformation at the upper edge of the base and/or at the lower edge of the element, such that the element and the edge present lesser resistance to opening of the actuator after such first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Lohrman
  • Patent number: 6330959
    Abstract: A tamper evident closure for use on a container has a closure overcap shaped to fit onto a dispensing cap, the dispensing cap being shaped to fit onto the container. The closure overcap is connected to a tamper evident band by fragmentable webs, and the tamper evident band attaches to the dispensing cap, as described below, so that removal of the closure overcap requires the fragmentable webs to be broken, thus providing evidence of the access. The fragmentable webs are strong enough so that it is only easy to break the fragmentable webs one at a time. The dispensing cap includes an upwardly extending cam that functions to break the fragmentable webs one at a time when the closure overcap is twisted with respect to the dispensing cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Richard C. G. Dark
  • Publication number: 20010048008
    Abstract: A dispenser package for a fluent product that includes a plastic container having an axially extending cylindrical neck, and a closure secured to the open end of the neck. The closure includes a plastic fitment having a dispensing opening and a cylindrical wall received within the neck. The container neck has a radially opening circumferential channel, while the fitment has a radially projecting circumferential bead received by snap fit into the channel to secure the fitment to the neck. A top is pivotally secured to the fitment or to the container neck for selectively opening and closing the dispensing opening. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the dispensing opening is circular, and the top has an annular wall that forms a plug seal within the dispensing opening when the top is in the closed position. The top is flush with the fitment or the axial end of the container neck in the closed position to form a compact visual structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: CRAIG E. MCCLEAN, ROBERT E. HARMAN
  • Patent number: 6325252
    Abstract: A dispensing package that includes a container having a body with a shoulder of predetermined peripheral contour and a dispensing closure assembly secured to the finish container. The dispensing closure assembly includes a dispensing engine having a base secured to the container finish and a valve element mounted to the base for opening and closing a dispensing opening in the engine base. A shell has an upper surface with a pocket within which the base of the dispensing engine is mounted so that the valve element is flush with the upper surface of the shell in the closed position of the valve element. The shell pocket has a base wall against which the engine base rests, and the engine base extends through an opening in the shell base wall for securement to the container finish. The shell is firmly captured between the dispensing engine and the container shoulder. The shell has an outer peripheral wall that depends from the upper surface to adjacent the shoulder of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Leonora M. Brozell, Richard D. Lohrman
  • Publication number: 20010035436
    Abstract: A double opening container of various sizes and shapes having different size openings at either end. The larger opening serves as the base with a wide enough diameter relative to the size of the container to allow the container to stand securely on this end. The screw on caps provide for ease of dispensing, refilling and washing the container from the larger opening. The smaller opening serves as the dispensing end with interchangable caps depending on the application for use. Both ends and their caps have adaptable threads and screw on caps to provide tight enough application to prevent leakage. The container and caps are composed of a durable material such as plastic to allow for repeated washing, drying and reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Patrick L. Foley, Patrick L. Foley
  • Patent number: 6283333
    Abstract: A toggle-action dispensing closure for a container is provided for manipulation between a closed, non-dispensing orientation and an open, dispensing orientation. The closure includes an actuator pivotally mounted along a tilting axis on a body secured to the container. The actuator is tiltable by applying force to the actuator on one side of the tilting axis so as to move the actuator from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position. The actuator includes a striker rib extending downwardly at a position between an edge of the actuator and the tilting axis. The body includes a deck defining a dispensing aperture and supporting a post. The post extends vertically to underlie the actuator, preventing tilting of the actuator unless a sufficient opening force is exerted on the actuator to cause the striker rib to shear, or permanently deform, the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Knickerbocker, Jeffrey T. Randall, Nicholas J. Jelich, Robert M. Pieters, Catherine F. Schultz, Kelly A. Smith, Terry J. Vandenboom
  • Patent number: 6267265
    Abstract: A pill dispenser to dispense a pill received from a pill container engaged therebelow. The pill dispenser comprises a cavity, said cavity having an exposed end and shaped to form a conical surface therein. The conical shape of the dispenser cavity, advantageously, allows pills to be engaged therein and dispensed therefrom, one at time, regardless of the shape and size of the pills. Optionally, the pill dispenser is disposed within a cap or closure member, mountable to common containers available at most retail outlets. Further optionally, the pill dispenser is disposed within the container itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Hassan Issa
  • Patent number: 6220313
    Abstract: A dispenser for bulk goods comprises a storage container, and a discharge device connected thereto, a dosing means and a discharge chute extending to a collecting point. The dosing means comprises a valve flap which is pivotable between a closing position and a discharge position. An operating device is adapted to pivot the valve flap between said two positions. A locking device prevents the valve flap from pivoting from the closing position to the discharge position in the absence of a collecting receptacle or bag at the collecting point. Preferably, the operating device comprises two operating handles which are operatively connected to the valve flap for pivoting thereof. In this operative connection, a sensor mechanism is included, which permits power transfer merely in essentially parallel or synchronous actuation of the operating handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Estlander
  • Patent number: 6161737
    Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing viscous liquids which dispenses from the bottom of the container and which has a self-closing, non-drip dispensing spout. The dispensing spout may be provided on the bottom of an upright container having a cap at the other extremity or as a part of a removable cap for the container having a flat upper surface for storing the container in an inverted position. A self-operating closure allows one-handed operation of the container. The self-operating closure has a pivotable dispensing tube and valve with an open position and a closed position which is operated by the pivoting action of the dispensing tube. The pivotable dispensing tube and the valve are biased into a closed position to make the closure self-operating. A detent may be provided for holding the pivotable dispensing tube in an open position against the bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Cornelius F. Leary
  • Patent number: 6161712
    Abstract: A closure for sealing the open end of body fluid collection, transport or storage containers or tubes. The closure includes a ball and socket arrangement, wherein the ball rotates within the socket to align a passageway through the ball with the opening in the tube. To close the closure, a tab or protrusion extending from the ball is pushed to rotate the ball and orient the passageway perpendicular to the opening of the tube. When the closure is in the closed position, the ball and socket form a liquid tight seal to prevent liquid in the tube from leaking out of the tube, evaporating or being contaminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Steven Robert Savitz, David Robert Schiff, Karl Dallas Kirk, III
  • Patent number: 6158631
    Abstract: A gun for dispensing fluids having a positionable spout comprises a handle provide with a trigger which is posteriorly coupled, by means of a rotatable connection, to a flexible fluid feed pipe and which anteriorly bears a spout destined to be introduced into an access of a container to be filled with fluid. The spout is sealedly connected to the handle by means of a connection which is rotatable about an axis of rotation which is not parallel to an axis of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: PIUSI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Otto Varini
  • Patent number: 6152329
    Abstract: A closure cap for a container is disclosed which has a body disposed over e mouth of a container. The body has a passage for fluid flow from the mouth of the container to an opening. The closure cap also has a top plate pivotally attached to the body for movement between open and closed positions. A locking lever is provided which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis and having a fulcrum so that the upper end of the locking lever can be located in the path of movement of the top plate when it is closed to thereby obstruct movement of the top plate to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Innocos Innovative Verpackungen fur Die Kosmetische Industrie GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Rosenthal, Norbert Filip
  • Patent number: 6119898
    Abstract: A tamper evident spouted closure, contains a base (1) supporting a pivotally mounted spout (4). A tab (7) is integrally connected to a pair of frangible webs (6) and those webs are serially integrally connected to the distal end of said spout, the webs and tab extending from the spouts end. A tab seat (10) is integrally formed in the closure base and a weld permanently joins the tab to the seat. The frangible web thereby obstructs the initial movement to lift and open the spout. When the spout is pulled open, the frangible web easily breaks. The broken web serves as visual evidence that the spout was previously opened and then re-closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Richard C. G. Dark
  • Patent number: 6119894
    Abstract: A pill dispensing cap assembly to dispense a pill or the like received from a pill container engaged therebelow. The assembly comprises two components, namely a pill transferor to dispense one pill and a base. A cavity in said pill transferor is provided, said cavity having an exposed end and being shaped to form a conical surface therein. The conical shape of the pill transferor cavity, advantageously, provides for the engagement and dispensing of one pill from the pill container regardless of the shape and size of the pills. The base is adapted to pivotably receive said pill transferor, the base having an opening for pill communication between the pill container and the cavity, and a bottom portion of the base adapted to engage the pill container in a child proof manner. In addition, there are two opposed pins extending outwardly on lateral surfaces of the pill transferor to engage the base. A cam on a bottom portion of said pill transferor engages said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Issa Hassan
  • Patent number: 6029866
    Abstract: A dispensing structure is provided for an opening to a container. The dispensing structure includes a body for extending from the container around the opening. The dispensing structure defines a discharge aperture communicating with the container opening. An actuator, which defines a pivot axis, is pivotally mounted on the body for occluding flow from the container through the discharge aperture when the actuator is in a closed position and permitting flow from the container when force is applied to the actuator to tilt the actuator to an open position. The actuator includes a first, generally rigid piece which is molded from a material and which defines a force-receiving region on one side of the pivot axis. The actuator includes a second piece which is molded from a material onto the first, rigid, force-receiving region and is bonded to the first, rigid piece to define a finger pad against which a finger may be pressed to tilt the actuator to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Wood, Marian Singer, Walt Witkowski
  • Patent number: 6029864
    Abstract: A container (1) for petrochemical products comprises a pour adapter (19), provided with a pour spout (20) and is parallelepiped-shaped, the pour adapter (19) being disposed within an upper corner area (recess 28). In order to control and facilitate respectively a tilting of the container always in a direction towards the pour adapter (19) partly a diagonally disposed handle (9) in the top side (2) of the container is provided and partly on the bottom side (3) of the container a depression (13). Provided one hand seizes the handle and the other hand holds the depression, an automatically controlling outflow moment diagonally through the container towards the pour adapter (19) is simultaneously attained. The pour spout (20) can be swung out from an entirely recessed position into a diagonally outwardly bent position. Also, particular means (11) for filing and/or ventilation are provided, possibly via means mounted in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Nillson, Hugo
    Inventors: Hugo Nilsson, Karl-Eric Johnsson
  • Patent number: 5988434
    Abstract: An adjustable amount of liquid is reproducibly withdrawn from a container having a pre-chamber in free flow communication with the interior of the container. The pre-chamber is initially filled with an amount of liquid from the container and is in communication with a measuring chamber. The measuring chamber has an adjustably pre-set volume and is in communication with a closeable outlet. Thus, after the amount to be withdrawn from the measuring chamber has been adjusted, discharge of the preset volume is effected through the outlet without the necessity of additional manipulations such as shaking the container or separating the dosage metering part from the container to effect the discharge of a precise amount of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Merz & Co. GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Keil, Karl Heinz Zulauf, Hartmut Erlinghagen
  • Patent number: 5979717
    Abstract: A flow regulator for controlling the flow of material from a container is disclosed, wherein the container includes a container outlet through which the material freely flows when the container outlet is not closed. The flow regulator includes a material passageway having an inlet. The inlet of the material passageway is moved relative to the container between a first position where the inlet of the material passageway is not aligned with the container outlet to prevent the free flow of material between the container and the material passageway and a second position where the inlet of the material passageway is aligned with the container outlet to permit the flow of material between the container and the material passageway. The regulator also includes a regulating flap, configured to substantially cover the container outlet, coupled between the container outlet and the inlet of the material passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: David Andrew Dalton, Eric Francis Henry
  • Patent number: 5908126
    Abstract: A cap assembly includes a first part for mounting to a bottle and a second part coupled to the first part, and a sucking member pivotally disposed to a top of the first part. The top of the first part has two stands, a support located between the two stands and a stop extending therefrom, wherein the support has a passage defined therethrough and extending through the top. The sucking member has a sphere member rotatably supported between the two stands and is rested on a first annular flange extending from a top of the support. The second part has two clamping members extending from a bottom thereof so that when the second part is mounted to the first part, the sucking member is clamped by the clamping members and pivoted and laid on the stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 5884793
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a bottle includes a cap member mounted to the bottle and having a top with an opening defined therein. A wall member and a flexible connecting member respectively extend from a periphery defining the opening, the flexible connecting member connected to the wall member so as to define an aperture between a top of the wall member and a top of the connecting member. A tube extends from a periphery defining the aperture. A cover is pivotally and detachably mounted to the cap member such that the tube is pushed by an underside of the cover when the cover is mounted to the cap member and the flexible connecting member is folded downwardly and the aperture is sealed by the downward folded connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 5871127
    Abstract: A dispensing cap including a rotary valve communicating with an external open-ended dispensing tube portion, the valve being configured to communicate, in a venting position, with a venting pathway and to communicate, in a dispensing position, with an internal dispensing tube portion, wherein the valve is configured to pass from a closed position through a venting position to a dispensing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Ronald F. Overaker, Brian C. Dodge, David L. Epstein
  • Patent number: 5868283
    Abstract: An improved container and closure therefore. The improved container includes a finish, a body extending downwardly from the finish, a fitment fit within the finish, the fitment including a pour spout extending upwardly, and a closure. The closure includes an upper wall having a product exit, which permits egress of the product. The product exit is reclosable so that in the closed position no product can escape from the container, wherein as in the open position product can be selectively dispensed from the container without removing the entire closure from the bottle. If so desired, the consumer can leave the product exit in the closed position, unscrew the closure from the bottle and use the inverted closure as a measuring cup for the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracie Wilson, Gregory Alan Lathrop
  • Patent number: 5865352
    Abstract: A container for storing and dispensing viscous liquids which dispenses from the bottom of the container and which has a self-closing, non-drip dispensing spout. The dispensing spout may be provided on the bottom of an upright container having a cap at the other extremity or as a part of a removable cap for the container having a flat upper surface for storing the container in an inverted position. A self-operating closure allows one-handed operation of the container. The self-operating closure has a pivotable dispensing tube and valve with an open position and a closed position which is operated by the pivoting action of the dispensing tube. The pivotable dispensing tube and the valve are biased into a closed position to make the closure self-operating. A detent may be provided for holding the pivotable dispensing tube in an open position against the bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Cornelius F. Leary
  • Patent number: 5862963
    Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a body on which an actuator supporting an outlet passage is pivoted about a transverse pivot axis. A post is integrally supported on the upper part of the body and extends adjacent and below the pivot axis. The actuator includes an abutting surface which extends axially when the actuator is in a position to close the outlet and is adjacent the post. Upon the first movement of the actuator, the abutting surface contacts the post with a transverse force that breaks the post. In a preferred embodiment, the post is formed on a transverse wall of the body and extends axially along an inner surface of the body. The post extends axially in cantilever fashion. A thin membrane may connect the post to the upper part of the body. The abutting surface is provided on an annular skirt on the actuator and comprises a recess in the skirt defining the abutting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuchs, James M. Bianca, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5813577
    Abstract: A collapsible dispenser includes a main storage tank for storing material contents, a hook structure for catching a used-up portion of a collapsible side wall of the main storage tank to be kept folded, a top cap attached to the main storage tank for outputting the material contents from the main storage tank, and a bottom plug. The main storage tank includes a tank base and a collapsible side wall. The hook structure extends from the inside shoulder of the top cap and includes a keeper wall extended from the inside shoulder, a thickened lower edge formed at a lower edge of the keeper wall, and a hook formed at the end of the edge. A bottom plug is attached to the tank base of the main storage tank for refilling the material contents inside the main storage tank. The collapsible side wall includes a plurality of bellows folds. Each of the folds has a circumferential protruded lip which conforms to and cooperates with the hook for preventing sliding of a folded portion of the collapsible side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Wan Ki Lee
  • Patent number: 5741090
    Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquid/solid mixtures into porous pulse media, such as earth, is disclosed. A two-tank arrangement where liquid only is stored and run through a main pump, while a liquid/solid slurry is stored and moved to join the liquid under pressure by a chemical injector pump is shown. Finally, a displacement wheel commands solenoid valves, for pulsing the pressured liquid, through a distance measuring device such as a laser interacting with a laser target operatively coupled to a ground traveling wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Levant G. Dunning, Ardith Arlene Dunning, K. C. Doyle Forbes