Pivoted Patents (Class 222/556)
  • Patent number: 7644843
    Abstract: A dispensing system having a reverse taper dispensing orifice seal. The reverse tapered seal depends from a lid of a flip-top closure providing a sealing engagement with a dispensing spout of the flip-top closure body when in a closed position. As the dispensing spout may have a variety of shapes, the reverse tapered seal is shaped to conform to the irregularities of the contacted surfaces of the dispensing spout. The decreasing thickness of the reverse tapered seal decreases the complexity of the molding process as well as minimizing the weakening or breaking of the seal during removal from the mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Rexam Closures and Containers Inc.
    Inventors: Randall G. Bush, Gary V. Montgomery, William J. Shankland
  • Patent number: 7635071
    Abstract: The dispensing closure is provided having a stopping mechanism that limits the rotation of the closure and generally prevents removal of the closure from the container. The dispensing closure includes a cap body, fitment, and container finish. The cap body has a double shell design, which includes at least one drop lug reverse tapered from the inner shell. When the cap body is rotated about the container finish, the reverse tapered drop lug engages at least one lug stop located on the container finish so as to limit the rotation, thereby preventing removal of the cap body from the container finish. The reverse taper of the drop lug maximizes the abutment surface and stability of the drop lug when engaging the corresponding lug stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Rexam Closures and Containers Inc.
    Inventors: Gary V. Montgomery, Christopher B. Clodfelter, William D. Sprick
  • Patent number: 7628297
    Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a closure shell of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction having a base for securement to a container neck finish and a lid coupled by a hinge to the base. The base has a deck, a recess extending across the deck from a point adjacent to the hinge, and a dispensing opening in the recess. The lid has a base portion for receipt in the recess in the closed position of the lid and a tongue at an end of the lid remote from the hinge. A latch on the base in the recess engages the tongue on the lid releasably to hold the lid in the closed position. The latch preferably comprises a snap latch that includes an internal bead on the tongue and an external latch element in the recess over which the internal bead is received in the closed position of the lid. The base preferably includes a ledge in the recess against which the tongue abuts, and a pair of ribs for frictionally holding the tongue against the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Darin M. Pugne
  • Patent number: 7628296
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a two-part, reclosable pouring element for a liquid packaging, wherein the pouring element has a base member and a closure lid, wherein said closure lid is hinged on said base member by means of two bearing necks and has an opening to accommodate a tamper-proof closure and wherein said closure lid can be tilted inside the packaging material for opening of the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: SIG Allcap AG
    Inventor: Robert Rudolph
  • Publication number: 20090288687
    Abstract: The device (1) comprises: a body (2) in which is formed a receptacle (3) having a mouth (4) and intended to receive a quantity of washing agent, a cover (5) connected to the body (2) and movable between a position in which the mouth (4) of the said receptacle (3) is closed and a position in which the mouth is open, and a return spring tending to move the cover (5) towards the open position. The cover (5) has a first portion (5a) hinged to the body (2) about a first axis (7) parallel to the mouth (4) of the receptacle (3) and translatable along guides (6) provided in the body (2), and a second portion (5b) connected to a crank element (8) by hinging about a second axis (9) parallel to the first axis (7). The crank element (8) is, in turn, hinged to the body (2) about a third, fixed axis (10) which is parallel to the first and second axes (7, 9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Marone, Angelo Canova
  • Patent number: 7617954
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a container is disclosed. The dispensing closure includes a closure body including an upper wall having a dispensing orifice. The closure body further includes an upper peripheral skirt depending from the upper wall, a closure deck depending from the upper peripheral skirt, and a lower peripheral skirt depending from the closure deck. The lower peripheral skirt has a diameter larger than the upper peripheral skirt. The lower peripheral skirt is configured to be mounted on a container. A cap having an upper wall and a wall flange depends from the upper wall. A hinge body is also included. A first living hinge joins a first end of the hinge body to the lower peripheral skirt and is hingeably movable from an open position to a closed position in facing mating relation with the upper peripheral skirt. The hinge body and the upper peripheral skirt include interfitting mating formations to secure the hinge body in facing mating relation with the upper peripheral skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation, A Rhode Island Corporation
    Inventor: Clifford W. Skillin
  • Patent number: 7611025
    Abstract: The invention concerns a closure comprising a base portion and a cap forming portion including a top articulated to a ring through a hinge. The strap enables the cap forming portion to be moulded in closing position of the top, tamperproof means being provided between the ring and the top. When the cover is closed, the sensitive zones of the cap are either located in a sealed closed space, or capable of being in contact with a liquid (in solution or spray) and capable of being treated so as to eliminate said liquid, so as to sanitize the closure. Furthermore, the tamperproof means are deformed and ruptured when the top is first opened such that the resulting free ends are sufficiently spaced apart from each other, thus easily revealing to a user whether it has been tampered with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bericap
    Inventors: Philippe Nusbaum, Yannick Celerier, Jeremy Le Cam
  • Publication number: 20090261126
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a press-open type storage device with prestressed to open closure, wherein the relative stable state relationship of the closure and one side of the storage device being connectedly attached by a flexible flake type structure is characterized in that when closure is closed relative to the storage device, the connecting flake type structure is bended to appear a prestressed status to opening direction thereby keeping the closure to remain at a stable opening status after it is pressed to open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Tai-Her Yang, Yang Chen
  • Publication number: 20090255958
    Abstract: A container comprises a dispensing head (13) and a protective cap (1) fitted on the dispensing head (13). The cap (1) comprises a base portion (1a) engageable to a dispensing head (13); a lid (1b) hinged to said base portion (1a) and movable between an open position, in which it allows access to the dispensing head (13), and a closed position in which it prevents access to the dispensing head (13); an outer locator plate (9) engageable with a corresponding inner locator plate (24) of said dispensing head (13), the mutual engagement between said locator plates (9, 24) defining a screwing motion of the cap (1) relative to the dispensing head (13) to automatically achieve an installation of the cap (1) on the dispensing head (13) according to a pre-determined mutual angular positioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: EMSAR S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio SANTONI, Fabrizio CAMPLONE
  • Publication number: 20090236373
    Abstract: A liquid container lid for use on a container is disclosed having a pouring spout disposed on an upper surface of the lid, a vent hole disposed on the upper surface of the lid and rear of the pouring spout, a pair of U-shaped lugs disposed on the upper surface of the lid and rear of the vent hole, a seal plate having a trunnion on a lower surface thereof, and a post extending downwardly from the lower surface and opposing the trunnion, a gasket removably disposed over the post on the seal plate, the trunnion of the seal plate pivotally engaging the pair of U-shaped lugs, allowing the seal plate to pivot in a cantilevered motion from a first raised position to a second lowered position wherein the gasket is inserted in the pouring spout and seals the pouring spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Douglas M. Laib, Tom Van Vaerenbergh
  • Publication number: 20090200336
    Abstract: An elastomeric dispensing container for a fluid includes an elastomeric receptacle defining a chamber therein and having an integrally formed gasket extending radially from an opening formed on a lower end and a receptacle neck providing communications between the chamber and the opening, a relatively rigid sleeve disposed concentrically about the receptacle neck having a sleeve neck with a lower face adjacent to the integral gasket, a cap having a lid covering the receptacle opening and the integral gasket with a dispensing orifice formed therein and a cap neck extending from the lid disposed concentrically about the sleeve neck, and engaging means formed on the sleeve neck and the cap neck providing removable attachment therebetween wherein the engaging means secures the integral gasket in a compressed and substantially fluid-tight state between the lid and the sleeve lower face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Koh
  • Publication number: 20090188946
    Abstract: An improved structure for dispensing pump to dispense the liquid content out of a container is composed of a main body, a L shaped discharge tube and an clean safe cap. The main body has a recessed compartment formed at the front portion thereof, and is in communication with a flow path formed in the main body. The L shaped discharge tube has an angled nozzle at one end and a coupler head at the other end, and the former is in communication with the latter with a flow path. The coupler head of the L shaped discharge tube is inserted into the compartment such that the flow path of the main body can be communicated with that of the L shaped discharge tube. Then afterwards the clean safe cap is covered over the angled nozzle. The clean safe lid has a cap attached to its lower end and the lid is provided with a cock inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: TOPS EQUIPMENT & TOOLS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yen-Liang Chien
  • Patent number: 7549559
    Abstract: Resealable caps and tops for directional pour spout containers currently available for liquid and semi-solid products are either a spout and cap design, in which the tip is cut off to pour or squeeze out the container contents, or a non-spout, hinged top-and-bottom design, which defines a flat surface with an opening. These designs have many limitations. For example, the closure portion of a conventional spout closure can become detached, leading to production line delays, lost tips in transit, product recall at the store level, loss of shelf life and potential chocking hazards to children and pets. The non-spout hinged, top-and-bottom design does not offer the directional dispensing capabilities. This invention addresses the shortcomings of conventional caps and tops by providing a one-piece directional pour spout container cap in which the base has an upwardly directed spout and a hinged flip top cap is attached to the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Conroy Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslee Ann Conroy, James Lawrence Conroy, William Patrick Conroy
  • Publication number: 20090134188
    Abstract: A closure includes a flip-top member including an elongated flange, a base member including a curved flange extending from the base member, and a hinge to connect the flip-top member and the base member. The base member has an opening therein. A portion of the elongated member is configured to reside within the opening when the closure is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: MCCORMICK & COMPANY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tracie Lynn Clemons Wilson, Steven Gift
  • Patent number: 7530478
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) is provided with a peripheral wall or closure body (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) for extending from a container. In one form of the system, at least one lid (61 or 62/61A or 62A/61B or 62B/61D or 62D) includes a latch post (130D) for being received in a latch aperture (120D) in a rim (44D) of the peripheral wall (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) to increase the opening resistance of the lid. In another form of the system, two lids (61 and 62/61A and 62A/61B and 62B/61D and 62D) are molded with the body (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) as a unitary structure, and the lids are closable over two openings (51, 52/51A, 52A/51B, 52B/51C,52C/51D,52D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Cori M. Blomdahl, Nicholas J. Jelich, James W. Hammond, Travis J. Hoepner
  • Patent number: 7510095
    Abstract: A system includes a container including a sidewall and a closure plane attached to the side wall and including an opening, a neck region on the sidewall being adjacent to the closure plane. The system also includes a closure including a cap closure with a fitment adapted to fit in the opening, a circumferentially depending outer skirt adapted to secure the closure to the neck region of the container, and a hinge attached to the cap closure and the circumferentially depending outer skirt. A method for sealing a closure on a container includes pivoting the closure about a hinge towards a closure plane and engaging a fitment with an opening to provide a friction fit. A method for opening a container having a closure includes disengaging a fitment from an opening and pivoting the closure about a hinge away from a closure plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Comeau, Drew McNary
  • Publication number: 20090065528
    Abstract: A tube package system, includes a closure attached to a body that defines a reservoir for retaining and dispensing product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: iTHINK PACKAGING SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P. Bray
  • Publication number: 20080257909
    Abstract: A one piece dispensing component that includes a flip cap and a body, wherein the flip cap is connected to the body with a hinge. The body includes a shoulder permanently connecting the body to a container and a nozzle connected to the shoulder. A one piece dispensing component comprising a body, a flip cap, and a hinge. The body including a nozzle and a shoulder connected to a product container, wherein a longitudinal axis of the nozzle is offset from a longitudinal axis of the body. A process of manufacturing a one piece dispensing package that includes the steps of producing a one piece dispensing component, producing non-injection-molded tube having an open end and a closed end opposite the open end, and permanently connecting the one piece dispensing component to the open end of the tube. The one piece dispensing component includes a shoulder, a nozzle, a flip cap, and a hinge attaching the flip cap to the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Ping Wang, Christopher Miles Miller
  • Patent number: 7404495
    Abstract: A child-resistant dispensing closure includes a base having a deck with a dispensing opening and a peripheral skirt. A lid is integrally molded with the base and coupled by a hinge to a periphery of the base so as to be pivotable between closed and open positions. One of the base and the lid has a latch arm resiliently extending from its periphery diametrically opposite the hinge. The latch arm has a pair of oppositely extending tabs adjacent to a free end of the arm. The other of the base and the lid has an axial passage for receiving the latch arm, and a pair of laterally spaced ledges in the passage for engagement by the tabs to lock the lid in the closed position. The latch arm is directly manually engageable by a user from a radial direction external to the closure to pivot the latch arm radially inwardly within the passage and release the tabs from the ledges so that the lid can be pivoted to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Rexam Closure Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Wing-Kwong Keung
  • Patent number: 7401714
    Abstract: A pump for discharging bubbles is provided on a neck portion of a container body. The pump for discharging bubbles comprises a cylinder for liquid in which a first piston slides, a cylinder for air in which a second piston slides, a pump head on which a nozzle is provided and which is connected to the first piston and the second piston so as to drive the both pistons, a vapor-liquid mixing chamber in which liquid delivered from the cylinder for liquid and air delivered from the cylinder for air are joined and a bubbling member provided between the nozzle and the vapor-liquid mixing chamber. Liquid within the container body and outside air are pumped up to be joined in the vapor-liquid mixing chamber and the vapor-liquid is bubbled via the bubbling member to be discharged in a foamy state from the nozzle by depressing the pump head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Iizuka, Hiroshi Mizushima, Haruo Tsuchida, Tadao Saito
  • Patent number: 7398900
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing closure includes a closure base having a deck, a skirt for securement to a container finish and a recess in the deck. The recess includes a first annular wall extending from the deck within the skirt, a second annular wall extending radially inwardly from the first annular wall at a position spaced from the deck, and a third annular wall extending toward the deck from an inner periphery of the second annular wall. A dispensing valve of flexible resilient elastomeric construction has a peripheral portion captured in compression between a collar and the third annular wall, and a concave central portion with at least one dispensing slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Alberto Friedman
  • Patent number: 7374053
    Abstract: A tamper-indicating dispensing closure includes a closure body, and an associated flip-top lid pivotally connected to the closure body for movement between a closed position and an open position. The flip-top lid includes a tamper-indicating flange frangibly connected thereto, with the closure body including a pocket-like retention cavity within which the tamper-indicating flange is received during initial closing movement of the flip-top lid. During initial opening movement of the lid, the tamper-indicating flange is broken away from the flip-top lid, and thereafter permanently retained within the retention cavity to provide a clear, visual indication that the flip-top lid of the closure has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Coy M. Herald, Ramesh Kamath, David A. Szasz
  • Publication number: 20080110942
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system (30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) is provided with a peripheral wall or closure body (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) for extending from a container. In one form of the system, at least one lid (61 or 62/61A or 62A/61B or 62B/61D or 62D) includes a latch post (130D) for being received in a latch aperture (120D) in a rim (44D) of the peripheral wall (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) to increase the opening resistance of the lid. In another form of the system, two lids (61 and 62/61A and 62A/61B and 62B/61D and 62D) are molded with the body (32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) as a unitary structure, and the lids are closable over two openings (51, 52/51A, 52A/51B, 52B/51C,52C/51D,52D).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Cori M. Blomdahl, Nicholas J. Jelich, James W. Hammond, Travis J. Hoepner
  • Publication number: 20080093379
    Abstract: A collapsible tube construction for dispensing a fluid material such as toothpaste, and the like, which employs a hinged lid or closure. The construction includes a shoulder element having a dispensing orifice which seals an open end of the tube when engaged by the lid element. One of the lid element and shoulder element forms a recess communicating with the periphery thereof, the other of said lid element and shoulder element forming an axially-extending tab including a hinge, and end portion of the tab engaging the recess to be retained therein. An inner surface of the lid element includes an axially-aligned projection which selectively engages the dispensing orifice when the lid element is in closed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: K. Jacques Sassouni
  • Publication number: 20080073311
    Abstract: A closure is provided for a container opening. The closure includes a body for mounting to the container and a lid movable between a closed position and an open position. The rear end of the lid and body are connected by a hinge. The lid is disposed in a recess defined in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Jelich, Alan P. Hickok, Kurt N. Behrendt, John Ryan Kenny
  • Publication number: 20080041883
    Abstract: A metering device for metering bulk materials comprises a flap and an insert, in which the flap can be pivoted in the insert, and wherein the flap can be subjected to vibrations. The insert is dimensionally stable while the flap vibrates, in which it is possible to prevent deformations of the insert during the vibration of the flap. The design of the flap therefore can be adapted to the insert without risking that parts of the flap, e.g., an edge of a disk rub against the insert. The abrasion of the material of the insert, as well as the contamination of the bulk material, can be prevented in this fashion during the vibration of the flap. Therefore, the insert is also subjected to fewer mechanical stresses such that its service life is relatively long.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Novindustra AG
    Inventor: Fritz Schaub
  • Patent number: 7328820
    Abstract: A vented closure for a liquid container which will not freely pour includes a cap hinged at one side and movable between open and closed positions relative to a base collar. In an open position, a primary fluid passageway extends through a shaped mouthpiece which is elongated and tapered to conform to a user's mouth. One or more air vents of small size are located in a protected floor of the base collar at positions spaced within predetermined ranges of offsets from the dispensing opening so as to convey liquid into contact with the air vents in a manner to self-seal the air vents by surface tension of the liquid until an unbalance force is present. The cap and collar mate along an offset diagonal edge, and a grip area for the user's thumb or finger is offset from a center line. The offsets cause the cap to flip open with additional clearance and without obstructing a user's nose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: John L. Young
  • Patent number: 7325708
    Abstract: An ocular positioning device threadably attached to a standard soft sided squeeze bottle of ophthalmic fluid. The device consists of two parts, an attaching mechanism and a sealing mechanism, connected by a hinge with motion limited to ninety degrees of arc. The sealing mechanism is fitted with a nose bridge saddle designed to rest on the bridge of the users nose and to align the discharge nozzle with the central portion of the ocular opening of either of the users eyes when the attaching hinge is in the fully open position. The sealing mechanism is also fitted with a manually operated latch to maintain the sealing mechanism in the closed and sealed condition to prevent leakage when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Rory Barber
  • Publication number: 20080000932
    Abstract: A bottle formed of a food-grade plastic material, such as clear polyethylene terephthalate, may include a frustoconical neck portion, a shoulder region, a base region, and a sidewall portion have opposed grip-enhancing surfaces, and elastically deformable pressure panels. A cap for the container may include a valve to control product leakage, and may be sized to allow inversion of the bottle. A generally trapezoidal tab of the cap may be moveable between a closed position covering a cap orifice and an open position outside the plane of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: H.J. HEINZ CO.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Cleary, Michael D. McMahon
  • Patent number: 7314150
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for a container includes a closure body, a cap and a hinge body joining the cap to the body. The closure body includes an upper wall having an orifice and further includes an upper skirt depending from the upper wall, and a lower skirt depending from the upper skirt. The lower skirt has a diameter larger than the upper skirt. The cap has an upper wall and a wall flange depending therefrom. A first living hinge joins a first end of the hinge body to the lower skirt. The hinge body is movable from an open position to a closed position in mating relation with the upper skirt. The hinge body and upper skirt are formed with complementary surfaces to provide a flush outer surface contour when mated together. The hinge body and upper skirt further include mating formations to secure the hinge body with the upper skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventor: Clifford W. Skillin
  • Publication number: 20070289936
    Abstract: A closure includes a shell of relatively rigid plastic material having a deck and a peripheral skirt, at least one recessed shoulder in the deck adjacent to the skirt, and a plurality of angularly spaced external channels extending along the skirt from the recess. An external feature of flexible resilient second plastic material different from the first plastic material is integrally molded onto the shell within the recessed shoulder and the channels. By way of example only, the shell may be of polypropylene material and the external feature may be of thermoplastic elastomer material. Lock elements, such as openings in the deck recessed shoulder and/or pegs in the skirt channels, cooperate with the external feature molded onto the shell to retain the external feature on the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Darin M. Pugne
  • Patent number: 7303088
    Abstract: A tamper-evident closure includes a body adapted to mount on a container, a cap, and a hinge coupled to the body and to the cap. A tamper-evident tear strip is coupled to the cap to retain the cap temporarily in a fixed position relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Duane Sawyer, Ryan Davidson, Robert C. Weilminster, Frederick R. Middlestadt
  • Patent number: 7299955
    Abstract: A lid is provided for a beverage container having a base, side walls and an upper rim. The lid comprises a body having an upper surface, a lower surface and an end wall. The end wall sealingly connects the wall of the lid to the upper rim of the beverage container. An aperture extends through the body from the upper surface to the lower surface thereof. A stopper is provided and is movable between first and second positions for selectively closing off and opening the aperture in the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Michael H Pelkey, James R Johns
  • Publication number: 20070267451
    Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a base and a lid of one-piece integrally molded plastic construction. The lid is hinged to the base for movement between an open position spaced from the base and a closed position overlying the base. The base has a deck with an outer surface, a dispensing opening, a radially inwardly and axially outwardly facing conical surface extending from the dispensing opening to the outer surface of the deck, and a radially outwardly facing first snap/seal bead surrounding the deck adjacent to the outer surface. The lid has a pintle for receipt in the dispensing opening, a wall spaced radially outwardly from the pintle and a radially inwardly facing second snap/seal bead on the wall for engagement with the first snap/seal bead on the base. The pintle on the lid is sufficiently long as compared to the surrounding wall on the lid to engage the conical surface and align the snap/seal beads as the lid is moved toward the closed position and the snap/seal beads are spaced from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventor: Philip J. Robinson
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070215652
    Abstract: An extra-hot pepper dispenser for peppers like Habanero that allows dispensing without the danger of sneeze-causing dust or the accidental act of getting pepper on the hands. The dispenser can include a generally cylindrical container (or other shape) with a flip-top cap. A grating with a particular sized hole or holes for the pepper being used fits into an end of the container under the cap. The cap fits snugly in the container with a lid in a closed position to prevent children from opening it. One or more holes in the grating causes exactly the correct rate of pepper dispensing to take place so that there is little danger of dust or contact, or danger or too much pepper being dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce Rockow
  • Patent number: 7264141
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser from which fluid may be dispensed upon passive pressurization of a fluid reservoir therein. Upon exposing a nib of the fluid dispenser to the surroundings, either by disengagement of a cap or extension or contraction of the fluid dispenser, the fluid reservoir is pressurized without requiring the operator to exert manual force on the walls of the fluid dispenser. In certain embodiments, the rate of flow initiated passively may be increased by the operator actively engaging an interface, which increases the pressure within the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Sanford, L.P.
    Inventors: Amar Patel, John Thompson
  • Publication number: 20070199959
    Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a viscous material in a selected one of a multiplicity of configurations comprises a container for a volume of a viscous material and having a squeezable body and a neck with a discharge opening at its upper end. Engaged on the container is a closure body of generally circular cross section having a top wall and a skirt, and the top wall has a discharge passage therethrough aligned with the discharge opening of the neck. The body top wall has a generally circular recess therein extending from the periphery thereof and beyond the discharge passage of the closure. Disposed in the circular recess is a generally circular rotating disc which has a multiplicity of discharge openings spaced about the disc in a circular array, and the discharge openings have a multiplicity of configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen B. Getsy
  • Patent number: 7258255
    Abstract: A closure for a container includes a base having a first end configured for mounting on a container and a second end enclosed by a top portion. The container includes a first projection extending from an outside wall. The top portion includes a platform having at least one opening for dispensing material from the container. At least one flap is coupled to the top portion and movable between an open position for dispensing the material and a closed position for covering the opening. A second projection extends from an inside wall of the base toward the top portion and is configured to coact with the first projection on the outside of the container, so that the closure is configured to resist separation from the container once the closure has been attached to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Vogel, Terrence M. Parve
  • Patent number: 7255241
    Abstract: A straw adapter 2 is removably disposed in the opening of a beverage container 1, and a straw 22 is attached to the straw adapter 2. A straw cap 12 is mounted on the straw adapter 2, for covering the straw attached to the straw adapter 2. Operations of the straw cap 12 opens and closes an air hole opening/closing valve 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Combi Corporation
    Inventors: Sumiyo Yoneoka, Kazunao Ogura, Momoe Kigushi
  • Patent number: 7255250
    Abstract: A dispensing closure includes a base having a lid integrally connected to the base by a hinge. The base has a deck with a central portion, a dispensing opening in the in the central portion, and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion. The peripheral portion includes a raised wall partially surrounding the central portion, and having a greatest height adjacent to the hinge and decreasing in height around the central portion. The wall has an inner surface that blends with the central portion of the deck to form a concave channel surrounding the central portion of the deck. The channel surface has a base that is angled with respect to the peripheral portion down and away from the raised wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.
    Inventor: Darin M. Pugne
  • Patent number: 7243807
    Abstract: A fluid-tight vial comprising a locking, flip-top cap and an open-ended cylindrical container is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: PML Microbiologicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Lin
  • 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: 7152767
    Abstract: A guarantee closure having a closure body with a guarantee foil and a pour-out spout as well as a closure cap fitting onto the closure body. The pour-out spout is arranged on the closure body such that it may be pivoted up. The guarantee foil, by pivoting-up the pour-out spout into the pour-out position, is cut open and thus frees the passage to the pour-out spout. The closure body comprises a relief for receiving the guarantee foil and forms above the relief, by two shoulders arranged over one another and distanced from one another, a free space for receiving the lying pour-out spout. This is enclosed and held by a film-hinge material bridge which in the lying condition connects the two shoulders with a surface which seen from the outside is concave and on the upper side of the lying pour-out spout runs together to a point which defines the pivoting axis of the pour-out spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: SIG Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Fritz Seelhofer
  • Patent number: 7152764
    Abstract: A safety can for storing flammable liquid is disclosed. The safety can includes a receptacle and a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism can include a body assembly, a fill cover assembly, a pour valve assembly, a trigger assembly, and a handle. The body assembly of the valve mechanism can be mounted to the receptacle. The body assembly can include a fill spout and a separate pour spout. The fill cover assembly can be pivotally mounted to the body assembly about a fill cover axis. The pour valve assembly can be movably mounted to the body assembly and be disposed therein. The safety can includes a trigger assembly for convenient multi-functional operation of the safety can. The trigger can be positioned to allow the can to be filled, to pour from the can, and to place the container in a safety position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Justrite Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Donald F. Mack, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7137537
    Abstract: The inventive dispenser comprises a cap and dispenser tube assembly for delivering a foamed product below the surface of a liquid through the dispenser tube. The dispenser tube pivots between a dispensing position and a non-dispensing stowed position, which allows for convenient cleaning of the dispensing tube. The cap further comprises a removable portion between a first and second section of the cap that restricts movement to prevent operation of the dispensing valve until the removable portion is detached by the consumer. The cap also includes a tamper resistant removable pull tab for securing the dispenser tube in the stowed position until the pull tab is detached by the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Clayton Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Rueschhoff, James P. McBroom, Gregory S. Ludbrook, Joseph C. Lott, Richard A. Berger
  • Patent number: 7134575
    Abstract: A closure for a container having a body and a cover is disclosed. The body includes a base configured to be coupled to a receptacle, a top portion coupled to the base, a dispensing aperture in the top portion, and a recess extending around at least a portion of the periphery of the top portion. The top portion has a first contour, at least a portion of which is non-planar. The cover includes a bottom surface having a second contour and a skirt configured to be received within the recess in the top portion when the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Gateway Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Vogel, Terrence M. Parve
  • Patent number: 7128227
    Abstract: A dispensing closure, including a horizontal deck, an aperture through the deck, and a collar depending below the aperture in the deck, is snapped over an annular bead on the neck of a molded plastic bottle. A stop wall, comprising a pair of ribs mounted for pivotal movement, is formed in the interior of the body of the closure; a gap is centrally located between the ribs. A radially projecting lug, which is triangular when viewed in side elevation, is formed on the sloping collar of the container; a dovetailed segment is defined at the free end of the lug. The collar on the closure has interrupted beads, so that the dispensing closure is secured to the container by snapping the interrupted beads over the annular bead on the neck of the container. The ribs of the stop wall flex pivotally outwardly when contacting the outer end of the lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford W. Skillin, Joseph F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7117654
    Abstract: A process is provided for minimizing moisture accumulation in a product package that is sprayed with a cool water shower. The product is placed in a container, and a closure is installed on a container. The product is heated before it is placed in the container or during its placement in the container, or after it is placed in the container, or while the closure is being installed on the container, or after the closure has been installed on the container. The internal atmosphere within the closed closure is allowed to expand from the heat and to vent through a vent channel. The package is cooled with a cooling water shower, and the vent channel minimizes the transient pressure differential so as to minimize the amount of water infiltration into the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Danks
  • Patent number: 7100806
    Abstract: A condiment shaker includes a flip top lid having pins configured to travel through dispensing openings in the shaker top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sure Shake, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Schuster, Daniel J. Reed