About Line Or Point Of Weakness Patents (Class 222/541.6)
  • Patent number: 7681764
    Abstract: A delivering tap for a liquid vessel of the “bag in box” type, and a process for making the delivering tap, where the delivering tap has a substantially-cylindrical elongated body equipped with an end cam and a plane abutting member against the vessel; and further has a plug with a cylindrical end and an operating knob operatively connected to the body where the plug is made in a single piece, where the plug has a tamper-preventing warranty seal adapted to signal a possible tampering of the tap when opening; and where the body has a housing adapted to contain the tamper-preventing warranty seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Vitop Moulding S.R.L.
    Inventor: Diego Nini
  • Patent number: 7661565
    Abstract: A multi layered frangible seal is bonded over the pour spout opening of flexible plastic bottles containing pourable products such as motor oil. The seal provides a leak proof closure that is strong enough to remain intact when the filled uncapped container is held in an inverted position, and at the same weak enough to break open and dispense the contents into a fill opening when a consumer squeezes the inverted container. The seal is constructed from a first layer of leak proof frangible sheet material that is bonded to a second layer of strengthening sheet material. The strengthening layer contains a cut out void configuration that forms a breaking pattern which forces the seal to break open only in the weaker single frangible layered configuration of the cut out void forming the breaking pattern when the container is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Brian F. Jackman
  • Publication number: 20090266841
    Abstract: A flexible package for holding a flowable material therein and method of use to enable the flowable material to be introduced into a dispensing system via an inlet tube. The flexible package has a body portion and a projection which forms a mouth for the package and is in communication with the interior of the package. The projection is openable for receipt of the inlet tube and is arranged to be clamped into engagement with the inlet tube to form a fluid-tight interface by use of a clamping mechanism. The fluid-tight interface is releasable, when desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: FRES-CO SYSTEM USA, INC.
    Inventor: John S. Thomas, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090039083
    Abstract: A closure for a container, the closure including a spout having a dispensing nozzle and a tip attached to the spout at a break-away junction. The break-away junction is recessed from the nozzle such that a user is protected from rough or jagged edges that may be created when the tip is broken away from the spout. The spout also has an orifice that is smaller than the dispensing nozzle for controlling the rate or amount of product dispensed from the container, the orifice remaining intact when the tip is broken away from the spout. The tip is sufficiently flexible to absorb an impact, such as from the container being dropped, but is sufficiently stiff that a user can fracture the break-away junction by applying sideways force to the tip. The closure may be attached to the container by a cap body or may be formed integrally with the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Gene Stull, SR., Robert T. Auer
  • Patent number: 7373959
    Abstract: A flexible bag container (10) is filled by a system (500) and method for filling the bag container (10). The flexible bag container (10) has a pair of walls (12, 14) and a spout member (18) attached to one side wall of the container. This spout member is opened and closed in the filling system. A plug member (22) is inserted into the spout member (18) from outside of the bag container (10) and is withdrawable in the opposite direction in order to open the bag container. The bag container is filled via the spout member after removal of the plug member outwardly of the bag container and into a filling head, and then the plug member is replaced from within the filling head into the spout member to close the bag container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Simon Peter Edwards, Douglas Kent Stricklin, Chester Savage, Donald E. Ripley
  • Patent number: 7350677
    Abstract: A fluid product dispenser having a reservoir of fluid product defining a moveable actuating wall, a distribution orifice, and a spring structured to act on the actuating wall to produce a state of maximum volume of the reservoir. The spring co-operates with an arming element structured to cause the spring from an initial state in which the spring does not bias the actuating wall to a state in which the spring biases the actuating wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Valois S.A.S
    Inventors: Frédéric Duquet, Hervé Pennaneac'h
  • Patent number: 7337928
    Abstract: A pressure activated self opening frangible closure seal is bonded over the interior nozzle opening of a pressure operated cartridge container used for storing and dispensing flowable material when pressurized in an application gun. The seal provides a leak proof closure that is strong enough to remain intact during the filling operation of the cartridge, and at the same weak enough to break open and dispense the contents out through the nozzle when a consumer pressurizes the cartridge with the application gun. The seal is constructed from a first layer of leak proof frangible sheet material that is bonded to a second layer of strengthening sheet material. The strengthening layer contains a cut out void configuration that forms a breaking pattern which forces the seal to break open only in the weaker single frangible layered configuration of the cut out void forming the breaking pattern when the cartridge is pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Brian F. Jackman
  • Publication number: 20080029556
    Abstract: A liquid soap leakage-proof structure for soap dispensing apparatus comprising a pointed end portion which is integrally extended from the bottom end of a liquid soap discharge opening of the liquid soap dispensing apparatus to prevent liquid soap from leaking during storing or transportation. The pointed end portion has an upper end connecting to the liquid soap discharge opening on which a weaker portion is formed so that the pointed end portion can be broken as desired to expose the discharge opening to discharge the liquid soap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Jan-Sun Chen
  • Patent number: 7306130
    Abstract: A cartridge, particularly a two-component or multi-component cartridge, with at least one cartridge neck and one outlet opening that is closed with a seal that is integrally connected to the cartridge neck, wherein this connection is sectionally realized at least in sections in the form of a predetermined break point, and wherein the cartridge can be opened by tearing off this connection. In order to allow a simple opening of the seal, it contains at least one cap that is integrally connected to the cartridge neck and at least one tear-off element that is integrally connected to the cap, wherein the connection between the cap and the cartridge neck can be torn off manually by exerting tensile force on the tear-off element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Nikolaus Brugner
  • Patent number: 7296711
    Abstract: A child resistant safety cap having a cover and a safety mechanism by which finger dexterity is required to open the cap, while the safety mechanism capable of being released if it is unnecessary. The cap comprises a cap body 1 having a skirt 3 with at least one stopping piece 9 at one side thereof. The stopping piece 9 has a base end fixed to a lower portion of the skirt 3 such that the stopping piece is pushable inwardly and swayable about the base end. The leading end portion of the stopping piece 9 is confronting at its outside with the insides of an outer tube 14 of the cover, and first and second engagement means 10, 18 are provided at confronting sides of the stopping piece 9 and the outer tube 14 for providing mutual engagement, such that when the stopping piece 9 is in an initial position, the first and second engagement means 10, 18 are engaged unless the stopping piece 9 is pushed inwardly against its elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Hayakawa, Takayuki Goto
  • Patent number: 7281638
    Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Obrist Closures Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Rick Gaiser, Gordon Beth
  • Publication number: 20070228073
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pliable package that is tear resistant, requires a greater degree of dexterity to open, and prevents accidental discharge during or after opening of the package. The package includes a flexible, liquid storage reservoir having a funnel-shaped outlet passageway leading to a opening. The package also includes a reinforced tear resistant tab portion that may prevent accidental discharge of liquid when the tab portion is bent about the score line. The funnel-shaped outlet passageway may be shaped to allow the liquid to be dispensed in a controlled manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Inventor: Giovanni Mazzarino
  • Patent number: 7241066
    Abstract: A compartmentalized container for holding and dispensing flowable material and method for making such a compartmentalized container includes opposite sheet portions selectively sealed together to define a plurality of single use dispensers and a header portion that is integral with the dispensers. Each of the dispensers includes a closed cavity defined by an area of the sheet portions that is not sealed together. Each of the dispensers is separable from the container and openable to dispense the flowable material from a respective one of the cavities. The dispensers may be separable from the container via cutting or tearing the dispensers from one another or from the header portion. The header portion may include product information and may include a means for hanging the container. Each of the dispensers may include an applicator brush formed or defined at an edge portion of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: American Grease Stick Company
    Inventors: Ian K Rosen, Logan D Pitts
  • Patent number: 7237698
    Abstract: A multi layered frangible seal is bonded over the pour spout opening of flexible plastic bottles containing pourable products such as motor oil. The seal provides a leak proof closure that is strong enough to remain intact when the filled uncapped container is held in an inverted position, and at the same weak enough to break open and dispense the contents into a fill opening when a consumer squeezes the inverted container. The seal is constructed from a first layer of leak proof frangible sheet material that is bonded to a second layer of strengthening sheet material. The strengthening layer contains a cut out void configuration that forms a breaking pattern which forces the seal to break open only in the weaker single frangible layered configuration of the cut out void forming the breaking pattern when the container is squeezed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Francis Jackman
  • Patent number: 7225947
    Abstract: The spout seal for combipacks consists of a bottom part (2) and a hinged lid (1) attached to it for opening and closing the seal. The bottom part (2) is fused onto a combipack with its level bottom side. It has a circular, upward-projecting overhang (11), which forms a pouring spout. The inside of the overhang (11) is open. The lid (1) forms a mold (21) that bulges out upwards on it when swiveled open, which forms a level top side that form-fits into the clearance opening (9) surrounded by the projecting lip (11) in the bottom side of the bottom part (2) when swiveled shut. This level top side either lies flush with this bottom side of the bottom part (2) or projects downward from this bottom side by up to 0.5 mm. This top side of the bulge (21) is bonded with the punched-out spot in the combipack or fused with the sealing foil of a combipack exposed through punching. When swiveling the lid (1) open, the sealing foil is cleanly torn out in the entire clearance section of the bottom part (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: SIG Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Markus Leuenberger, Jochen Kraus
  • Patent number: 7213726
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid substance sample dispenser comprising a cylinder defining a chamber for receiving said substance and closed by a plunger adapted to slide inside said cylinder and by a cap, rotatably mobile between an open position and a closed position; said dispenser comprising locking means; said cap comprising a skirt adapted to be pressed against the wall of said cylinder, said skirt having a first radial slot designated to co-operate with a second radial slot provided in said cylinder in the open position such that said chamber projects outwards, and said locking means including a tubular member maintaining said cap in said closed position and locking it in translation, said tubular member having a cleavable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Rexam Dispensing SMT
    Inventor: Eric Rossignol
  • Patent number: 7185790
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed container having a nozzle that defines a dispensing orifice closed by a unitary but removable cap. Accumulation of container contents in the cap is minimized by a constriction in the nozzle situated at least 0.1 inches from the dispensing orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Weiler Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard H. Weiler
  • Patent number: 7156247
    Abstract: A stopper incorporates a cylindrical body attachable to the edge of a container or bottle and a cover with a hinge. In the upper part of the body is incorporated a mouthpiece blockable by means of a neck of the cover. On the body of the stopper is a sealing strip joined by breakable points, wherein in-cuts are established for the retaining of corresponding projections in the cover in its closed position. The strip is provided with end wings that are positioned in depressions of the side surface of the cover, without projecting from this, the positioning of a shield of the cover in a depression of the upper edge of the sealing strip, as well as a number of vertical ribbings of the strip and the mouthpiece that are out of line with respect of the center of the stopper, with a displacement towards the sealing strip area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Betapack, S.A.
    Inventor: Alberto Ochoa Laburu
  • Patent number: 7152760
    Abstract: A tamper-evident cap for a threaded outlet includes a top and a cylindrical side. The tamper-evident cylindrical side is initially engaged with threads of a valve outlet to prevent axial displacement of the cylindrical side with respect to the valve outlet. The cylindrical side includes a plurality of undercut barbs to prevent manipulation of the cap to an open condition. The cylindrical side includes a frangible tear strip connected to a pull tab and connected to the remainder of the cylindrical side by lines of weakness, which tear strip arranged to be torn to facilitate displacement of the cylindrical side to permit manipulation of the cap to an open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Steven R. Peabody
  • Patent number: 7152766
    Abstract: An all-metal beverage can with a pour spout is disclosed. The can includes a can body for containing a beverage and a closure member. The closure contains a metal pour spout and a cap covering the pour spout. The pour spout and cap are in a recessed condition within the can body prior to opening the can, allowing the can to be shipped and stacked in the normal fashion. The closure further comprises a first layer forming the pour spout, a second layer forming the cap, and a scored area formed in the second layer. The cap separates from the closure by the user grasping the cap and breaking of the scored area (e.g., by twisting) and then removing the cap from the pour spout. When the container is opened, the pour spout is extendable from the can body to facilitate pouring of the beverage. In one possible embodiment, the pour spout is threaded. The cap threads onto the pour spout, enabling a resealing of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Rexam Beverage Can Co.
    Inventors: William Walsh, Gopalaswamy Rajesh
  • Patent number: 7137538
    Abstract: A cap to close off an externally threaded aperture of a container is provided. The cap includes a base wall and a peripheral skirt carrying an internal thread for mating with the aperture's external thread. A hollow spigot portion extends from the base wall within the cap, and is co-axial with the skirt and attached to the base wall by a frangible connection. Grooves or thread are formed on the outside wall of the spigot portion to engage the wall of the bore in the aperture. A method of sealing a container including engaging a cap is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Perna Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Wright
  • Patent number: 7121409
    Abstract: A sachet [(10, 22, 110, 210, 510)] for the packaging and dispensing of an item or a flowable substance [(125)], such as a liquid, powder or paste, has a semi-rigid member [(112)] with a weakened region [(120)] formed thereon so that upon bending across the weakened region [(120)] the semi-rigid member [(112)] will fracture along the weakened region [(120)]. The sachet [(110)] also has a reservoir [(114)] formed by overlaid first and second flexible film layers [(116,118)] which are adapted to contain the flowable substance [(125)]. In one form, an annular region [(128)] of the second flexible film layer [(118)] immediately surrounding the aperture region [(126)] is sealed to the adjacent region of the semi-rigid member [(112)] so as to prevent leakage of the flowable substance [(125)] from within the reservoir [(114)]. In use, fracturing along the weakened region [(120)] will expose the aperture [(126)] so as to allow the flowable substance [(125)] to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Snap Pak Industries (AUST) Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Colin Henry Hamilton, Peter Charles Wilson, William Louis Pittelkow
  • Patent number: 7077294
    Abstract: A device for stoppering a container and drawing off a fluid includes a fixed piece, fixed to the container, with a lateral fluid output opening and a passage that allows air to enter. Another, movable piece includes a tube with a lateral fluid output opening. This tube can move in rotation inside the fixed piece and also in axial translation between a maximum “pushed-in” position and an extracted position so that lateral openings can be brought into coincidence through rotating the movable piece. The movable piece has an internal skirt enabling the channeling of fluid toward the output opening to prevent leakage through the passage for the entry of air. The fixed piece includes a guide for displacing the movable piece with respect to the fixed piece from the maximum “pushed-in” position to the extracted position that displays a coincidence of the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: BERICAP
    Inventors: Philippe Nusbaum, Frédéric Granier, Antonio Jubany Claret, Oriol Aran Garcia
  • Patent number: 7055720
    Abstract: A flexible stand-up package having a releasably securable closure, a fitment pour spout and a handle. The package includes a hollow interior of the package arranged to be filled with a flowable material, e.g., cherries in syrup, whereupon the bottom of the package assumes a generally planar configuration to support the package, while portions of the panels making up the package assume a vertical orientation, with the pour spout located in a recessed position, whereupon the filled package can be located immediately adjacent similar filled packages without wasted space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Fres-co System USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Pritchard
  • Patent number: 7044317
    Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure system is provided for a container. The system has a body for extending from the container at the container opening. The body defines a dispensing orifice, a channel, and a retention member projecting over a portion of the channel. The system includes a lid for being moved between a closed position and an open position. An anchor member is provided for being received in the channel and has an engaging portion for engaging the retention member when the anchor member is received in the channel. At least one frangible web initially connects the anchor member with the lid so that the frangible web breaks when the lid is initially lifted from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly A. Smith, Walter W. Peterson, Joseph W. Staniszewski
  • Patent number: 7028863
    Abstract: A container closure apparatus having a base for attachment to the container. The base has an opening for passing the contents of the container. A lever is hinged to the base, such that an upward force on a rearward portion of the lever causes a frontward portion of the lever to depress the container material creating an opening directly beneath the opening in the base. A portion of the lever is adapted to seal the opening in the base, and thus the container, when the lever is in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: SIG Combibloc, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven G. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7028862
    Abstract: A container and storage apparatus with an attached, but functionally separate, labeling portion is provided. The apparatus has a primary chamber containing a predetermined agent separated from the labeling portion. An optional contamination barrier region may increase the separation. A preferred embodiment may be formed by a blow-fill-seal method from thermoplastic, allowing one piece molding of the apparatus. A removable cap allows a dispensing point to be opened into the primary chamber for removal of the agent. Indicia may be formed in or on the labeling portion, which may be smaller, larger, or the same in size and shape as the primary chamber. Inks, adhesives or other substances incidental to the indicia will be less likely to migrate across the apparatus wall and into the primary chamber due to the functional separation provided between the primary chamber and labeling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: R.P. Scherer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Q. Poynter
  • Patent number: 7025229
    Abstract: An assembly of a package that includes a flexible sheet-like foil material containing a viscous material, with apparatus for metered emptying of the package. The apparatus includes a frame, a guide, and a substantially flat two-part supporting surface. A metering control is movable along the supporting surface. The guide holds the metering control in a substantially fixed orientation relative to the supporting surface. The metering control empties the package by nipwise pressing the package flat onto the supporting surface. The frame includes a stationary part and a movable part, which parts form a continuous, uninterrupted supporting surface in a first position and which parts close off an open package by squeezing it shut in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Intercon Holland B.V.
    Inventors: Victor Robert Bochno, Cornelis Willem Blom
  • Patent number: 6997355
    Abstract: A fluid product dispenser having a reservoir of fluid product defining a moveable actuating wall, a distribution orifice, and a spring structured to act on the actuating wall to produce a state of maximum volume of the reservoir. The spring co-operates with an arming element structured to cause the spring from an initial state in which the spring does not bias the actuating wall to a state in which the spring biases the actuating wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Volois S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frédéric Duquet, Hervé Pennaneac'h
  • Patent number: 6988642
    Abstract: A dispenser bottle and associated closure has a sifter disposed in the neck thereof, either in the form of castellated vents formed in the interior peripheral edge of the neck or a separate sifter element. A rotatable cap is positioned over the sifter. The cap has holes that align with the vents or holes in the sifter to dispense material from the bottle. A removable lock ring is removeably conjoined to the cap to evidence tampering. One embodiment employs a squeeze tab that is depressed to open the bottle thereby increasing the dexterity required for opening. Another embodiment employs a rotatable sifter that must be held by one hand while the cap is held and rotated relative to the sifter by the other hand. A detent provides resistance to opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies
    Inventors: Anthony B. Gallo, Jr., Douglas M. Lund, Gary A. Meade, Rocco Palaia
  • Patent number: 6945391
    Abstract: This invention provides a container (10) in the form of a sachet having a body (11) defining a reservoir (12). The body (11) includes a flexible first wall (13) having a line of weakness (14), and a relatively more flexible second wall (15) sealingly joined to the first wall (13), along its periphery. The line of weakness (14) is configured to open up to form an opening in the first wall (13) when the first wall (13) is folded about the line of weakness (14). The invention is characterised in that the line of weakness (14) is bent, resulting in the advantages that the first wall (13) opens in a controlled fashion and the container (10) is able to withstand relatively rough handling and a substantial amount of bending, without the first wall (13) opening accidentally along the line of weakness (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Flexi-Pac (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventor: Malcolm Melsetter Moodie
  • Patent number: 6942643
    Abstract: A prefilled syringe of cartridge barrel having a tamper evident closure. Tamper evidence is provided by: a frangible tip seal which is integral with the tapered tip of the barrel; a frangible tip cap covering the tip, the tip seal and a portion of the distal end of the barrel; and an overwrap covering the frangible tip cap and the distal end of the barrel sealed to the distal end of the barrel by a tamper evident seal. The tapered tip is optionally equipped with a luer collar to receive an external luer connector. Alternatively, the tapered tip can be provided with a bore therethrough which can be closed with an elastomeric plug and the external connector can be a tubing conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Eakins, Ernest Balestracci, Ernst Schramm, John J. Niedospial, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6874661
    Abstract: A cap member for a dual-compartment adhesive dispensing cartridge comprises a pair of dependent plugs, the cap member is initially integrally secured upon an upper end portion of a dispensing outlet portion by frangible connections which are defined between the plugs and upper end portions of a pair of dispensing conduits that are defined within the dispensing outlet portion by a divider wall. In addition, an axially oriented web member extends upwardly from a central region of the dispensing outlet portion, and the cap member is integrally secured to the upper extremity of the web member by another frangible connection. In this manner, when the cap member is to be separated from the dispensing cartridge, the integral connection defined between the cap member and the web member effectively serves as a pivotal fulcrum about which the cap member can be pivoted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Timmerman, James E. Surjan, Richard P. Babrowski
  • Patent number: 6874665
    Abstract: The invention is a nozzle assembly (3, 20) with a re-useable break off cap (20) for dispensing a product from a container (1). On a dispensing end (5) of the nozzle (3) a break-off cap (20) is integrally formed thereon and closes off the dispensing end (5) of the nozzle (3). The break-off cap (20) is removable by breaking a frangible connection (22) between the nozzle (3) and the break-off cap (20). Removing the break-off cap opens the dispensing end (5) of the nozzle (3) thereby allowing product to be dispensed through the nozzle (3). The break-off cap (20) removed from the nozzle (3) can then be re-engaged with the nozzle (3) to close off the dispensing end (5) thereby preventing further product from being dispensed. The cap can be attached to or removed from the nozzle (3) as often as a user requires. The invention also includes packaging which includes a tray (111) or pouch into which the nozzle assembly (3, 20) and container (1) can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Loctite (R&D) Limited
    Inventors: Michael A. Doherty, Peter C. Rushe
  • Patent number: 6869242
    Abstract: A dispenser (10) for use in dispensing liquid or solid material. The dispenser (10) includes wall portions forming a sealed first chamber (18) containing the material and wall portions forming a second chamber (20) and a molded, rupturable membrane (34) disposed between the first chamber (18) and the second chamber (20). The rupturable membrane (34) is preferably a circular disk with a series of molded radial depressions (40) or weld seams (40) extending from a center point of the disk. When pressure is applied directly to the membrane (34), the membrane (34) is fractured along the depressions (40) or weld seams (40). A method is provided for forming the dispenser (10) by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: James Alexander Corporation
    Inventor: Richard James May
  • Patent number: 6860405
    Abstract: A container and storage apparatus with an attached, but functionally separate, labeling portion is provided. The apparatus has a primary chamber containing a predetermined agent separated from the labeling portion. An optional contamination barrier region may increase the separation. A preferred embodiment may be formed by a blow-fill-seal method from thermoplastic, allowing one piece molding of the apparatus. A removable cap allows a dispensing point to be opened into the primary chamber for removal of the agent. Indicia may be formed in or on the labeling portion, which may be smaller, larger, or the same in size and shape as the primary chamber. Inks, adhesives or other substances incidental to the indicia will be less likely to migrate across the apparatus wall and into the primary chamber due to the functional separation provided between the primary chamber and labeling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: R.P. Scherer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Q. Poynter
  • Patent number: 6854612
    Abstract: The invention relates to a non-refillable tamper evident liquid container closure assembly which is applied to a mouth and neck portion of a container for liquid. The closure assembly provides a sleeve which is adapted to lie around the mouth and provided with three projection means projecting inwardly of the sleeve, the projection means are movable radially of the sleeve in a stiffly resilient manner and are engageable with an outer lip portion of the bottle neck. The assembly also includes a valve seat body which is receivable within the neck portion of the bottle, and is surrounded by the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Daniel Montgomery & Son Limited
    Inventor: David William Thomson
  • Patent number: 6845883
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser capable of dispensing individual quantity controlled amounts of toothpaste in a sanitary manner without the possibility of cross contamination. The dispenser includes an elongated strip having a plurality of one time use sachets formed integrally therewith, each sachet containing a measured quantity of toothpaste therein suitable for a single use. The strip is provided with weakened portions so that individually numbered sachets may detached from the strip. The individual sachets may be opened after they are detached from the strip and the contents may be squeezed out. In addition, the sachets may be color coded which is useful when the usage of more than one child is being monitored. A parent may monitor the usage of the individual sachets by reviewing the number, and if more than one child is in the family, the color of the emptied sachet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Pieri
  • Patent number: 6845887
    Abstract: A spill-proof pouring device for fixing inside the neck of a bottle includes a skirt sealing to the inside of the neck on its outer surface and having an internal channel. An upper flared portion of the skirt protrudes beyond the lip of the neck, and is formed of a flexible material. The flared portion joins the skirt at a point of union of reduced thickness to permit flexing action by the protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Alimentaire
    Inventors: Jacques Granger, Jean-Marie Bourreau
  • Patent number: 6832703
    Abstract: A cover for fracturing the neck of a glass ampoule or vial of the type having a glass body, a glass top and a glass neck joining the body to the top and dispensing fluid therefrom. The cover has a first portion with a hollow interior sized to sealingly receive and resiliently capture the body portion of the ampoule. The device has a second portion including a first hollow interior section sized to engage and capture the top of the ampoule. The second portion of the device has a second section in the form of a pouring spout in fluid communication with the ampoule neck and includes an opening for dispensing the liquid contents of the ampoule which opening is covered by a filter. A resiliently expandable portion connects the first and second portions. The expandable portion is in a contracted position before the neck of the glass ampoule is broken and expands upon breaking the neck thereby moving the top of the ampoule away from the ampoule body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Christopher Scott, Anthony J. La Rosa
  • Patent number: 6805263
    Abstract: A fluid product dispenser includes a reservoir (3) containing said fluid product and provided with at least one actuating wall (10) on which pressure is exerted to reduce the reservoir volume, a dispensing orifice (50) communicating with the reservoir and through which the fluid product is dispensed out of the reservoir in a mixture with a gas to create a two-phase spray, a detachable sealing unit (12) to seal the dispensing orifice (50) and so isolate the reservoir from the outside, and a spring (4) to bring the actuating wall (10) into a non-operational position defining the maximum volume of the reservoir (3) when the sealing unit (12) is withdrawn from the dispensing orifice (50), said spring (4) being compressed when the sealing unit (12) seals the outlet orifice (50), the reservoir (3) containing approximately only fluid product so long as the detachable sealing unit (12) seals the dispensing orifice (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Valois Sas
    Inventors: Firmin Garcia, Christophe Pierre
  • Publication number: 20040200836
    Abstract: A tamper evident hinge type closure includes, as is conventional in such closures, a body portion, a lid portion and a hinge portion. Advantageously, at least one tamper evident band is provided so as to mechanically secure the lid portion to the body portion at a position that is distal from the hinge. The tamper evident band, which is designed to break upon initial opening of the closure by a consumer, is preferably integral with both the body portion and the lid portion, so as to ensure more reliably than was possible with interlocking mechanical tamper evident structures that the closure may not be opened without defeating the tamper evident band. A process for making the improved closures is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Valentin Hierzer, Rick Gaiser, Gordon Beth
  • Patent number: 6772910
    Abstract: A resealable cap for a container is disclosed, the cap having a seal piercing element, the liquid in the container being initially separated from the piercing element by a seal. The cap includes a collar, a neck portion and a top portion. The top portion includes the seal piercing element. There is a liquid passageway through the cap, after the top portion has been moved from an initial position to a closed position (thus piercing the seal) and thence to an open position. Thereafter the cap can be resealed and opened repeatedly, by movement of the top portion from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. Numerous embodiments of the invention are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Fredrick Michael Coory
  • Patent number: 6769575
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides a threaded tamper-evident closure having an annular hook-shaped flange extending radially inward from the inner surface of the tamper-evident band attached to the bottom edge of the closure body. The hook-shaped flange can be continuous or segmented and forms an upwardly angled surface for engaging the sealing flange on the bottle neck. A plurality of elevated areas extend upwardly from the tamper-evident band in spaced relation to the bottom edge of the closure body. The frangible elements connecting the tamper evident band to the lower edge of the closure depending annular flange may be configured to extend from these elevated areas as well as the non-elevated areas of the tamper-evident band. A second preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a threaded tamper-evident plastic closure having a tamper-evident band containing the above-described features, for use with a tamper evident push-pull resealable pour spout which is substantially leak proof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: International Plastics and Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Charles J. Long, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6755357
    Abstract: A spray container device for a fluid product is disclosed. The device includes a container having at least one compressible wall. A first end of the container delimits a first opening for filling the container with a fluid product. The first opening is sealed after filling of the container. A second end of the container is closed and is capable, prior to the first use of the device, of being opened so as to uncover a second opening through which the product can be dispensed. The device further includes an insert arranged inside of the container. The insert delimits a spray orifice in communication with the product. The spray orifice faces the second opening. The insert is also preferably configured to isolate the product from the first opening prior to the sealing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Florent Duqueroie, Alain Bethune
  • Patent number: 6745923
    Abstract: An automatically opening pour spout fitment to be applied to a container over location where the container wall has a weakened area. The automatically opening fitment is comprised of a cap which is threadably attached to the fitment and which has a depending cam extending downward from the top wall. The fitment is comprised of a annular sidewall which defines a pouring zone and which provides a boundary for a hinged flap. The flap has an upwardly extending cam follower which is engaged by the cam of the cap such that when the cap is removed from the fitment, the cam initially applies a horizontal force on the cam follower to open the package to which the fitment is attached to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Sig Combibloc International AG
    Inventor: Randall K. Julian
  • Patent number: 6702462
    Abstract: A flexible package for dispensing fluid or semi-fluid items. The package includes a top proximal portion and a bottom distal portion. A leash is defined within a side edge panel and extends from the proximal portion to the distal portion. A user tears the top proximal portion at a tear notch adjacent the proximal portion and then tears the top portion down along the leash in order to keep the top portion coupled to the package and allowing for removal of the package's contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cliff Barr Inc.
    Inventor: Tom Richardson
  • Patent number: 6666359
    Abstract: A controlled-dose dispenser is useful to provide drops of liquid substances such as drugs, vaccines, ophthalmic solutions or other fluid solutions. The dispenser includes a body preferably made from two sheets of plastic material that are thermoformed in face-to-face relationship. A portion of the body is generally flat with a reservoir, which preferably is generally rounded, in a central portion. The reservoir is adapted to contain a chosen liquid substance. An outlet port is in fluid communication with the reservoir. An outlet nozzle is secured to the outlet port. A cap portion seals off the end of the outlet nozzle until a breakable or frangible connection is broken to remove the cap portion. Once the cap portion is removed, the liquid substance within the reservoir can be dispensed through the nozzle and the cap portion preferably cannot be replaced so that the dispenser is especially suited to be a single-use device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Steven Lau, Michael Goh, Peter W. Heyman
  • Publication number: 20030226845
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compressed gas cylinder that is capable of storing a compressed fluid at high pressures. The cylinder of the present invention includes a body terminating in an inwardly domed cap. The dome included in the cap of the compressed gas cylinder of the present invention is formed such that the material near the tip of the dome is relatively thinner than the material near the base of the dome. The tip of the dome, therefore, creates a pierce region in the cap that can be pierced through the application of a relatively low pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Pedro E. de la Serna
  • Patent number: RE39520
    Abstract: A dispensing structure, and a package with a dispensing structure, is provided with a valve. In one embodiment, the dispensing structure is a multi-piece fitment. The multi-piece fitment includes a base for mounting to the container and a valve carrier for mounting to the base. A flexible, self-sealing slit-type valve is mounted within the carrier. In another embodiment, a fitment is mounted in the opening of a thin-walled, flexible, collapsible container, and the flexible valve is mounted in the fitment. In yet another embodiment, a package includes a container having a corner wall defining an opening, and a fitment is sealingly mounted to the corner wall at the opening. A valve is disposed within the fitment. A removable and disposable cover extends from the container over the fitment and at least a portion of the corner wall to define a hermetically sealed volume around the fitment. The cover may be pulled away from the container to expose the fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hess, III, Stuart R. Brown, Joel R. Robinson, Timothy R. Socier