Pivoted Patents (Class 222/556)
  • Patent number: 5788108
    Abstract: A closure is provided for the opening to a container interior. The closure includes a body for mounting to the container at the opening. The body defines a dispensing passage for communicating between the container exterior and interior. The body also defines a recess, and the closure includes a lid movable between a closed position covering the dispensing passage and an open position wherein the lid is retracted into the recess in a storage orientation permitting the dispensing of the container contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Rohr
  • Patent number: 5785209
    Abstract: A tamperproof cap with pourer for closing the neck of a container having an exterior attachment flange includes a fixing ring with an interior bead for attachment to the exterior flange on the neck of the container, a stopper hinged to the ring, and a tear-off tamperproof strip joining the stopper to the ring until the stopper is opened for the first time. The fixing ring, the stopper and the tamperproof strip are molded in one piece from plastics material. A pourer member is fitted into cap and fits to the neck of the container when the cap is fitted to the neck so that the hinged stopper co-operates with the pourer spout of the pourer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Rical S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Guglielmini
  • Patent number: 5782388
    Abstract: A dispensing cap (3) for a container containing a liquid or viscous product, including a dispensing orifice (4) and a lid (5). The lid is provided with a hollow plugging pip (6) intended to plug the dispensing orifice (4) in the storage position, the pip (6) being formed by a skirt (7) inside which are arranged means (8a, 8b) capable of retaining by a capillary effect the product occupying the inside of the pip (6). These retaining means may include a tube, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Stanislas De Nervo
  • Patent number: 5779110
    Abstract: A package including a container assembly, such as a tube having a dispenser spout, and a closure assembly having a concealed hinge, is provided for use in dispensing a consumer product such as toothpaste or medicinal ointment. The concealed hinge of the closure assembly permits a lid to be opened up to 180.degree. away from an associated closure base to provide maximum access to the container assembly to which the closure assembly is assembled. The closure assembly, including the lid and base, is capable of being molded in a single mold cavity and having maximum ease of opening and closing together with either one or two seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Courtaulds Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Brown, Michael F. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5769253
    Abstract: An improved molded structure is provided in the form of a container closure having a base and lid. A resilient elbow connects an extension arm to the lid. A spring link, which includes a first leg, a second leg, and a resilient second elbow connecting the legs, extends between the closure base and lid. A first film hinge connects the link first leg with the extension arm. A second film hinge connects the link second leg with the lid. A third film hinge connects the lid and base. A special panel can be connected by another hinge to the base or lid which includes a first engaging structure. The panel includes a second engaging structure for effecting a snap-fit engagement with the first engaging structure. The closure can be molded as a unitary structure with the panel in a first position, and subsequently the panel can be pivoted about the hinge to a second position with the first and second engaging structures in snap-fit engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Gross
  • Patent number: 5735438
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system is provided for a container having an opening through which the contents of the container are dispensed. A unitary operating structure is mounted on one side of the opening and includes first and second arms connected together by an integral hinge at adjacent ends of the arms. The opposite ends of the arms are secured to the container at spaced apart pivots. The arms and the hinge are constructed and arranged to permit the arms and the hinge to be moved between a first stable position with the hinge disposed outside a line passing through the spaced apart pivots and a second stable position with the hinge disposed inside the line. A closure member is fixed to one of the arms for pivotal movement between a first position closing the opening when the arms and the hinge are in the first stable position, and a second position spaced outwardly of the opening when the arms and the hinge are in the second stable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Efrem Ostrowsky
  • Patent number: 5730334
    Abstract: A reusable, controlled release bottle closure for use with standard water bottles of the type associated with standard water cooler devices. The closure or cap is comprised of three main elements those being a molded plastic cap, an internal resilient gasket and a pull strap. The top surface of the cap has a circumfrential slot radiating ninety percent about a center point in the cap. The remaining ten percent area which is not a slot acts as an integral hinge so that the flat surface area within the slot can act as a flap. The resilient gasket lies directly under the top cap area and covers the circumfrential slot. The pull strap is attached to the flap so that when pulled, the flap and attached gasket are lifted up. When the cap assembly of the present invention is in place on a standard water bottle, the bottle may be turned upside down with out water spilling out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Gili Mizrahi
  • Patent number: 5730331
    Abstract: A substitute lid for use in association with a container, such as paint cans and the like, when the contents of the can are being poured or dipped by a brush therefrom. The lid is of a flat design and includes a peripheral flange having an inner surface for closely engaging one end of the can so that the lid can be removably attached to one end of the can such as when the can is sold for later removal of the contents by the user. A ridge or tabs can be provided around the periphery and project from a side of a flat body portion of the lid opposite to the flange so as to provide a nesting effect between cans piled in a stack. Adjacent the flange a groove sealing portion of the lid may be provided so as to seal the upwardly open groove commonly present in such cans for maintaining the usual can lid in a closed sealed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Elliott Johnson
  • Patent number: 5711452
    Abstract: A cover 10 for a drink receptacle 12 wherein the cover 10 is provided with a pair of valve members 55 for simultaneously controlling the flow of fluid through a fluid supply chamber 26 and a vent chamber 27 by means of an actuator element 50 which is mounted for reciprocation between the base unit 20 and the lid unit 40 of the cover 10 by means of a handle element 51 which extends beyond the periphery of the base unit 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 5706981
    Abstract: A closure suitable for use with a condiment container which has a dispensing mouth formed therein, the closure comprising a cover adapted to fit over the mouth of the container and having a plurality of dispensing sections formed therein with at least one dispensing aperture in each dispensing section, each dispensing section having a sealing flap associated therewith, the sealing flap being hingedly secured whereby the flap can be moved from a first position in an overlying sealing relationship with the dispensing aperture to a second open position permitting access to the dispensing aperture. The closure has a pair of retaining posts for retaining the flap in the open position. Since there are a plurality of dispensing sections, the closure can function as a universal closure for many different types of condiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Jamshid Nobakht
  • Patent number: 5702033
    Abstract: A dispenser with adjoined dual tubes for providing a combination of ingredients which remains separate from each other during storage. The compartments, at one end, taper to a restricted opening adjacent to each other. Each of the openings has a shape generally of a D, with the straight ends of the D's lying next to each other. The tapering of the openings creates a nozzle of these orifices. This tapering nozzle then fits directly into a single opening in the bottom section of a hinged cap. From there they dispense the product directly. In their manufacture, for example through extrusion-blow molding, the bottom ends of the two compartments connect to an integrally formed plenum. This common plenum facilitates the molding of the dispenser from a thermoplastic. The finishing of the tube involves the removal of the common plenum. After filling, the bottoms of the two tubes may undergo heat sealing to close them and to connect them together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Continental Plastic Containers, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted L. Beaver
  • Patent number: 5695097
    Abstract: A device for containing and dispensing materials, particularly pourable bulk materials, such as, foodstuffs, includes a cup-shaped container of synthetic material with a closure ring connected to the container. The closure ring has two recesses arranged on oppositely located sides for receiving pins of a cover which is mounted in an opening of the closure ring so as to be pivotable about a common axis formed by the pins. The cover includes an upper wall and a circumferentially extending collar extending towards the inside of the container. The collar has at least one dispensing opening which is released when the cover is in a pivoted position. The outer shape of the cover and the shape of the opening of the closure ring have the shape of a section of a laterally flattened body of rotation. The cover is pivotally guided in the opening of the closure ring in a positively engaging and sealing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Weberit-Werke Drabing GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Rollinghoff
  • Patent number: 5690241
    Abstract: A removal resistant closure cap for a container having a standard threaded neck is disclosed. The cap does not have a thread complementary to the container neck thread but has an inwardly projecting circumferential bead with an intersecting projection extending downwardly from the bead at the helix angle of the container neck thread. When the container neck is engaged by the cap with a threading rotation, the cap projection will engage the container neck thread, and the cap bead will snap over the container neck thread, permanently retaining in the cap on the container neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Rexam Closures, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary V. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5687881
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for conveying solid particulate material which includes a generally flexible receptacle fixedly situated within a frame. The receptacle has a top, a bottom, at least one wall defining an interior and a longitudinal axis perpendicular with the top and bottom. The improvement comprises a dump structure at the bottom comprising a dump aperture, a first flap, and a second flap. The first flap has a first connection along a first flap width with the wall and with the frame adjacent to the dump aperture, extends a first length from the first connection, and is swingable about the first connection from a first position blocking the dump aperture toward an open position. The second flap has a second connection along a second width with the wall and with the frame adjacent to the dump aperture and is swingable about the second connection from a closed position blocking the dump aperture toward an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Bandag, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael W. Rouse, Lowell C. Sundermann
  • Patent number: 5683016
    Abstract: A plastic cap for dispensing liquids to be connected to the neck of a deformable container, includes a main body having a first outer wall that can be assembled to the neck of the container and an inner coaxial wall that can be introduced inside the container to seal the neck. The main body has a generally cylindrical central part with a non-axial outlet for the liquid, and with fins for fastening a liquid suction pipe. The body has a hook near the outer edge for cooperating with a corresponding hook on the cover connected with the main body by means of a hinge. The cover has a central hollow cylindrical element for engaging and sealing the central part. The main body is formed with an opening under the hook to facilitate molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Taplast Srl
    Inventor: Evans Santagiuliana
  • Patent number: 5667107
    Abstract: The squeeze container is made of a flexible material and is configured to store and dispense viscous fluid. The squeeze container is fitted with an automatic dispensing nozzle which allows flow when the container is squeezed and cuts off flow when the squeezing forces are removed. A stand is associated with the squeeze container, designed to hold the container in the nozzle down position. The stand may serve as a cover to protect the material before dispensing. The container may have a refill aperture and cap as well as a suspension device incorporated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: William J. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 5662245
    Abstract: An integrally molded plastic container including a container body and a closure. The closure includes an orifice cap and sealing cap. The orifice cap is flexibly hinged to the neck portion adjacent to the container opening for pivoting movement from an open position to a closed position where the orifice cap closes the opening. The sealing cap is also flexibly hinged to the neck portion adjacent to the opening for pivoting movement relative to the orifice cap between a closed position where the sealing cap is in sealing relation with an orifice in the orifice cap and an open position where the sealing cap is out of sealing relation with the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Schmalbach-Lubeca AG
    Inventor: Chris J. Grant
  • Patent number: 5657802
    Abstract: An improved plug structure for aquarium fish food containers is disclosed. The plug of this invention has two depressions for receiving a detachable tap and a detachable spoon respectively. The tap is pivoted to the spoon and easily opened by a one touch motion. Both the spoon and the tap can be easily separated from the plug body at the same time. The above plug thus allows the fixed amount of food to be taken out of the food container thereby saving food. The plug also prevents food from dropping when measuring the fixed amount of food using the spoon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Sung-Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 5655683
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for closing and/or opening a hopper or container (5) with a bottom outlet. A flap (7) fastened to at least one lever mechanism (2) is urged toward a closed position by means of a counterweight (6) mounted on the opposite end of the lever mechanism (2). At least one driving element (9) operatively connected to the shaft (8) supporting the lever mechanism (2), via a partial free wheel mechanism composed of a pair of conditional forcible drive members (3, 4) mounted on the shaft, promotes the closing of the flap (7) when the force of gravity acting on the counterweight does not bring the flap to the fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Goth
  • Patent number: 5655684
    Abstract: A plastic squeeze tube and dispensing system wherein the plastic tube includes a first end that is closed and has an opening therethrough for hanging the tube from a display rack with graphics on the tube being readily visible. The plastic squeeze tube further includes a second end that is normally closed. Interengaging threads are provided on the second end for engagement with a reusable dispenser. In one form, the second end of the squeeze tube is closed by an integral portion of the tube and the dispenser includes threads for engaging the second end and a member for piercing the integral end. In another form, the second end of the plastic tube is closed by a removable seal and the dispenser includes threads for engaging the threads on the plastic tube and has a dispensing opening. In a further form the threads on the tube are formed by a split tube holder that is mounted on the second end of the tube and has threads thereon for engagement with threads of a dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Krall
  • Patent number: 5628962
    Abstract: An analyzing apparatus has a movable container holding table on which a plurality of liquid containers are arranged. Each liquid container includes a container body accommodating a liquid such as a reagent, an opening portion, and a cap hinged to the container body. The analyzing apparatus further has a cap manipulator device including a hook for manipulating the cap so as to open and close the opening portion of the liquid container. The liquid in the liquid container whose opening portion is opened is aspirated through the opening portion and delivered to a liquid receiving container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Boehringer Mannheim GmbH
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Kanbara, Hiroyasu Uchida
  • Patent number: 5601214
    Abstract: The plastic container and body including a body portion, a neck defining a finish and having an opening therein and a closure connected to the end of the neck by a strap. The strap is formed with a weakened line such as to define a integral hinge about which the closure is folded after filling the container with the contents in order to bring a plug portion of the closure into engagement with the opening of the finish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Plastic Products Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph B. Hendrickson, Carl E. Koeniger
  • Patent number: 5582333
    Abstract: A nail polish remover product is provided formed of a liquid nail polish remover composition and a dispenser for storing and delivering the composition. A volatile solvent such as acetone or ethyl acetate usually forms a significant portion of the composition. The dispenser will include a bottle and a cap. The bottle will have a mouth at an open end thereof which is provided with a coupling mechanism such as a male screw thread to lock the cap. The cap has a deck to cover the bottle mouth, a female screw thread to lockingly engage the thread around the mouth, a skirt surrounding the deck and a lid hingedly attached to the skirt. The deck is concave shaped with an aperture centered therein allowing dispensing of the composition from the bottle when the lid is in an open position but preventing dispensing when the lid is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Bennett
  • Patent number: 5579961
    Abstract: A container top including cover with rotatable member, the rotatable member supporting a sealing member for the opening in the cover, the cover having camming member for engaging said rotatable member as the rotatable member is rotated from a sealing to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Sterilite Corporation
    Inventor: Larry G. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5579957
    Abstract: A dispensing package is provided with a container and a cap. The cap includes a mechanism to fittingly engage across an open end of the container, a top portion defined by a deck, a skirt wall surrounding the deck, at least one dispensing orifice formed in the deck, a locking aperture with a wide and a narrow area preferably in a T-shape, a lid hingedly attached to the deck, a flexible post projecting downwardly from the lid, and a release mechanism along the skirt. The flexible post has an enlarged section at an end thereof which can lockingly engage underneath landings that define wide and narrow areas of the locking aperture. A flexible area along the skirt can be pushed inward against the enlarged section of the post to dislodge same from underneath the landings thereby opening the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gentile, John Bengston, Dean Rainey, John Eimer, Alfred G. Zammit
  • Patent number: 5578494
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for opening and closing a cap pivotally mounted on a container for storing reagents for use in an automated analytical instrument. The cap has one end for sealing the container and a tab extending from the other end for pivoting the cap. The method comprises the steps of positioning a closed container adjacent an actuating device mounted on the analytical system. The method further comprises the steps of projecting the actuating device against the top of the tab to pivotally open the cap to a position sufficiently vertical for aspirating reagent from the container, and retracting the actuating device from the cap to a position above the pivotal mounting thereof. The method comprises the final step of causing relative motion between the cap and the actuating device so that the actuating device drags along the top of the cap pivotally closing the cap to provide a sufficient seal on the container preventing evaporation of the reagent therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Frederic L. Clark, Kendall B. Hendrick, Richard R. Martin, Larry W. Moore, William J. Raymoure, Paul R. Schrier, Edna S. Walker, Donny R. Walker, Gary E. Winter, Kevin M. Cloonan, David A. Yost, John M. Clemens, William J. Kanewske, III, Douglas D. McDowell, Carl M. Oleksak, William D. Rumbaugh, B. Jane Smith, James A. Vaught, Apparao Tayi, Robert A. Wohlford, James E. Mitchell, Robert B. Hance, Peter A. Lagocki, Richard A. Merriam, Charles D. Pennington, Linda S. Schmidt, Adrian M. Spronk, Richard L. Vickstrom, William E. Watkins, III, Gilbert Clift, Alyn K. Stanton, David B. Hills
  • Patent number: 5560505
    Abstract: A container and stopper assembly with the container having a head comprising a neck connected by a shoulder to a body of the container. The stopper and the head have respective complementary locking portions for locking by rotation. The locking portions are an elastically flexible axial blade carried by the stopper and axial portions carried by the shoulder. The axial portions include a first portion for catching and retaining the blade and a second portion for abutment of the blade ensuring that it is retained by the first portion and between the two portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: CEBAL SA
    Inventors: Bernard Schneider, Rene Hoslet
  • Patent number: 5551607
    Abstract: The present invention is a container dispensing cap closure, which includes a container, a circular base and a pivot cap. The container has a neck, an open top and external threading for affixing a circular base thereto. The circular base has a circular inside wall with internal threading for attachment to the neck of the container. The circular base has an inwardly flexible leveraged sidewall trigger with a catch thereon which, when flexed inwardly, engages and pivots a pivot cap upwardly into an open position. The circular base has an upwardly extending guide-wall that regulates the pivotal rotation of the pivot cap, and an opening from which contents may be dispensed. The pivot cap is attached to the circular base by a clasp-element which is attached to two raised sidewall tracts located on the top of the circular base. The raised sidewall tracts comprise impressions which interact with snap-in-bead protrusions located on the clasp-element, thus allowing the pivot cap to pivot thereabout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Primary Delivery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart DeJonge, Sr., John E. Harrold
  • Patent number: 5542585
    Abstract: Dispensing closure comprising a cap including an upper surface and a depending skirt adapted to be secured to a dispenser, a spout with an enlarged base and an elongated body, and mounting members, such as trunnions and a cavity defined within the upper surface of the cap, to secure the spout in the cavity for pivotal movement. A lug is formed on the spout, and a stop is defined within the cavity; the lug and stop cooperate to positively limit the travel of the spout toward a vertical orientation. A scoop, or enlarged opening, at the inlet end of the spout enables the contents of the container to be discharged through the spout, even when the base of the spout partially eclipses the opening the cap that communicates with the interior of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventors: Ray Peters, Woodrow S. Wilson, Donald LaVange
  • Patent number: 5518050
    Abstract: A pouring device for pouring lubricating oil into the oil filler neck of a conventional engine. The pouring device is adapted to prevent unwanted spilling of oil onto the exterior surface of the engine block during the pouring operation. The pouring device has a cylindrical connecting neck portion which is adapted to be threadaly mounted over the discharge aperture of a conventional lubricating oil container. The connecting neck portion extends integrally into a spout. The spout has an inlet surface. A sealing membrane is hingely connected to the connecting neck portion, adjacent the inlet surface. The sealing membrane is adapted to pivot between a closed position wherein it prevents the lubricating oil from flowing through the inlet aperture and an open position wherein the sealing membrane allows the lubrificating oil to flow through the inlet aperture. The sealing membrane is adapted to be releasably locked in its close position by a locking lip which abuts against its peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Marc Dumas
  • Patent number: 5509585
    Abstract: In a thermoplastic closure unit for a container (1) for the handling and storage of flowable products comprising a substantially tubular pouring part (3) and a closure part (5) sealing the opening of the pouring part, a coating (12,19) is applied to the pouring part and the closure part for protecting the product. Such coatings can be applied to the inside, to the outside or to both sides and can e.g. be provided for protecting the product against the action of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Elmar Mock, Marcel Aeschlimann
  • Patent number: 5503309
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an injection molded toggle dispensing closure for a package for dispensing a product. The dispensing closure includes a cap formed from a housing. The housing has a top wall and a peripheral wall surrounding and attached to the top wall so as to form a cavity. The top wall includes a lower recessed portion surrounded by an edge wall. The lower recessed portion has an aperture extending therethrough into the cavity. The edge wall has two opposing slots extending into the cavity. The slots extend upwardly from the recessed lower portion along the edge wall. The cap further including a device for attaching itself to a package. The closure further includes a toggle. The toggle has an upper wall and opposing front and back walls and opposing side walls all of which surround and are attached to the upper wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Co.
    Inventors: Reuben E. Oder, David M. Groh
  • Patent number: 5499736
    Abstract: A removable and reclosable, substantially leak-free and fling-free cap member for sealably engaging the open top portion of a reusable shaker dispenser bottle or similar container is provided. Reduction or elimination of product fling from the strap closure upon opening of the pouring orifice is provided by placing the hinge of the strap to the top of the sidewall and by introducing controlled weakness of the plastic in the hinge area. Controlled rotational flexibility about a defined axis of symmetry and side placement of thumb flanges permits easy removal of the cap without compromising sealing effectiveness. An inverted teardrop pouring orifice provides a controlled-flow, universal recipe orifice for dispensing thin viscosity and thicker viscosity fluid products, with or without particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Garrett W. Kohl
  • Patent number: 5497906
    Abstract: A one-piece plastic closure for fastening on a container having a lower part with a top surface which forms a pouring opening, and a cap pivotably connected to the lower part by a hinge shaft. A security element is connected to the closure such that, during initial opening of the closure, the security element is transformed from a secured state to a visually recognizable state of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Createchnic AG
    Inventor: Werner F. Dubach
  • Patent number: 5477980
    Abstract: A receptacle cover is disclosed incorporates an actuating trigger connected to a pair of biased valves that seal off the dispensing conduit and the relief vent from the top side of the cover. This construction isolates most of the linkage between the valves and the actuator from the contents of the receptacle. The actuator is a trigger located proximate the upper portion of a handle extending from the cover, and is linked to the valves by a wire that extends to, and moves, a rotating rod that is perpendicularly disposed in relation to the wire. The rod, in turn, is attached to the valves by additional wires that force them open against their proximate leaf springs. The dispensing conduit forms a plenum or chamber that functions in a manner similar to a straw by extending upwards from the cover. This construction prevents inadvertent leakage or fluid build up on the exterior of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Chaffin
  • Patent number: 5456385
    Abstract: A process for discharging solids from a vessel having at least three successive beds of solid particulate material with at least two of the beds being of different solid material than the other. The process comprises opening a lowermost closure and discharging the lowermost bed from the vessel while maintaining other closures in closed positions. After discharging the lowermost bed, opening the next-to-lowermost closure to permit the next-to-lowermost bed of solids to replace the lowermost bed, and repeating this operation up through all the beds without mixing of the beds, and discharging each bed separately from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Bernard Poussin, Jean-Paul LePage, Roland Huin
  • Patent number: 5441321
    Abstract: A container base (1) including a rectangular ring frame (5) with four sides defining an opening (5a) through the base frame, a base bottom (1a, 2), a pivot connection (6) between the ring frame (5) and the base bottom (1a, 2) and latches (50) releaseably couple the ring frame (5) and the base bottom (1a, 5) together. Each side (7) of the ring frame (5) has slots (8) for engagement by hooks (22) on four wall panels (21) so that the wall panels (22) can be coupled to the base (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Ladislav S. Karpisek
  • Patent number: 5427260
    Abstract: A tamper-evident dispensing closure is provided with a base suitable for attachment to a container. The base has a deck defining a dispensing orifice and an anchor-receiving opening with an adjacent anchor-retention structure. A lid is provided to close the orifice and defines an aperture spaced from the dispensing orifice when the lid is seated on the base. A tamper-indicating element is provided with an anchor retained in the opening below the deck in the base. The element has a first segment extending from the anchor through the base opening, between the base and lid, and through the lid aperture. A second segment extends from the first segment and is disposed adjacent a portion of the lid to inhibit movement of the lid from the closed position. A first frangible connection joins the first and second segments at the lid aperture. Preferably, a second frangible connection joins the first segment to the anchor at the anchor-receiving opening in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Aptargroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Mueller, William O. Rowlands
  • Patent number: 5421488
    Abstract: A squeeze bottle for dispensing viscous liquids of the type having a conventional opening and associated flip lid at the top thereof is provided with a second opening and associated flip lid positioned adjacent the bottom of the squeeze bottle so that the contents remaining when the bottle is nearly empty may be easily dispensed therefrom. Alternatively, the conventional top opening and flip lid may be eliminated and a single opening provided adjacent the bottom of the squeeze bottle. In another embodiment, a squeeze bottle is symmetrically configured to have flip lids of sufficient surface area at each end thereof to permit storage of the squeeze bottle on either end so that the contents may be easily dispensed from the flip lid on which the squeeze bottle rests during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: James J. Ehrbar
  • Patent number: 5417350
    Abstract: A closure including an improved hinge includes a cap member selectively coupleable to a container to cover an opening in the container. The cap member includes a first substantially planar member, a depending skirt and an aperture formed through the first substantially planar member. A solid member integrally formed with the cap member projects out of the first substantially planar member. The solid member includes an upper surface and two opposed side surfaces, with each of the opposed side surfaces having an indentation formed therein. The closure further includes a flip top having a plug wherein, when the flip top is in a closed position, the plug seals the aperture formed in the first substantially planar member and the flip top covers substantially all of the first planar member, wherein the flip top includes a cut-out area to accommodate the solid member so that, when the flip top is in the closed position, the flip top and the upper surface of the solid member form a substantially continuous surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Kerr Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James Y. C. Koo
  • Patent number: 5413238
    Abstract: A closure unit has, for additionally securing a new state, a predetermined breaking point (5), which at least partly passes around the pouring opening circumference and connects the pouring part (1) and the closure part (2). In order that the predetermined breaking point (5) is protected against damage and can only be broken by a force directed in the same direction as that necessary for opening the closure unit, on the outside of the closure unit the predetermined breaking point (5) is covered by a protection/support zone (10) and can also be supported on the inside of the closure unit by support zones (11), wherein the predetermined breaking point (6) is made of a different material (A) from the material (B) of the protection/support zone (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Tetra Alfa Holdings S.A.
    Inventor: Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 5411174
    Abstract: An emptying balance contains a product flow setting device, which contains a rotary slide valve. The angle between a rotary slide valve wall and the facing fixed wall is consequently dependent on the opening position of the rotary slide valve. A fine blocking flap is also provided which is opened by means of two pressure cylinders arranged in series, and which are individually controllable. For subsequent metering of small product quantities only one of the two pressure cylinders is operated and this only leads to a limited opening of the fine blocking flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Optima-Maschinenfabrik Dr. Buhler GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Thomas Braun, Werner Gwinner
  • Patent number: 5400912
    Abstract: A closure especially adapted for use with a dispenser spout, said closure having a concealed hinge arranged to permit the lid to be opened 180.degree. away from its associated base to provide maximum access to a container to which the closure is assembled, the closure, consisting of a closure base and a lid, being capable of being molded in a single mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Courtaulds Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Brown, Michael Jacobs
  • Patent number: 5395015
    Abstract: A two piece dispensing closure for a container with a dispensing orifice in the front section and an elevated rear land that has a pivot recess adapted to receive a separate lid with a recess or groove which enables the lid to be rotated to about 150.degree. from the closed position. The front section of the lid is generally circular with a pivot post at its rear. A chamfered elevated land which saves plastic material and is easier to mold, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: Robert J. Bolen, Jr., Thomas R. Bolen
  • Patent number: 5392938
    Abstract: A one-piece snap hinge closure of plastic having a lower part and an upper part connected with each other via a film hinge. The intactness of the closure is assured by a security band. The security band is injection-molded to the upper part via bars which are used as predetermined breaking points. A bar on the lower part is engaged with the security band. The bar on the lower part can be placed in such a way that in the security position of the closure it is attached behind a tab on the upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Createchnic Ag
    Inventor: Werner F. Dubach
  • Patent number: 5390805
    Abstract: In a system comprising a container and a liquid contained therein that builds up a gas or vapor pressure, a sealing valve having a concave shaped portion and a slit extending through said portion, allows venting of the vapor from the container to the ambient at a predetermined vapor threshold pressure. The vapor threshold pressure at which the slit opens for venting can be adjusted by valve restraining means which are preferably formed by a protrusion at the inside of a cap covering the sealing valve. The vapor threshold pressure at which venting takes place, can to a large extent be adjusted without affecting the dispensing characteristics of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nadi Bilani, Johan W. Declerck, Jorgen Hoernaert
  • Patent number: 5386918
    Abstract: Disclosed is a closure for a container, the closure having a lid hinged to a base. The base of the closure has structure for locking the closure on a dispensing nozzle of the container. The closure has tamper evidence structure, to indicate whether the lid and base have been separated (that is, whether the closure has previously been opened). The tamper evidence structure includes a tear band; the closure cannot be opened without removal of the tear band. The closure is configured, and positioned relative to the dispensing nozzle, such that relatively little area of the closure contacts the material dispensed from the container as the material is dispensed, thereby reducing absorption of material components (e.g., flavors and/or oils of the material dispensed) by the closure. The top surface of the closure lid is configured such that the container and closure can be stably stood on end on the closure lid when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Co.
    Inventors: George J. Neveras, Claude Blasin
  • Patent number: 5381935
    Abstract: The inventive closure unit has a hinge (4), which pivotally interconnects the pouring part (1) and the closure part (2). The hinge (4) comprises at least one bearing part and a pivot part pivotally mounted on the bearing pan. The closure unit is produced according to a multimaterial injection molding process, in such a way that the beating parts are made from one material and the pivot parts from another. As a result of the good matching of such materials molded on one another the pairs of beating surfaces are also tight, so that the hinge (4) can take over part of the sealing function between the pouring pan (1) and the closure pan (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 5379926
    Abstract: A dispensing closure is provided with a body having an outlet passage. A sleeve is mounted on the body for rotation relative to the body. The sleeve has a transverse deck defining a discharge passage for communicating with the body outlet passage as the discharge passage moves in an arc relative to the body. In one embodiment, a seal is provided between the sleeve deck and the body around the outlet passage and discharge passage. In a preferred embodiment, an actuator is mounted on the sleeve for rotation with the sleeve. Engaging structures are defined by the body and actuator for tilting actuator between a closed position and an open position while the actuator is rotated with the sleeve. The actuator includes engaging portions for engagement with drive members projecting upwardly from the body through openings in the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Mueller, Richard J. Daniels, John Elliott
  • Patent number: 5379923
    Abstract: A hopper for receiving and discharging product in a weighing machine has a construction comprised by a removable body shell and a supporting chassis. The shell has an opening at the top for receiving product to be weighed and an opening at the bottom for discharging the product after weighing. A discharge door cooperates with the opening at the bottom of the shell body to support the weight of product within the shell during weighing and to discharge the product after weighing. A quick-release coupling permits the hopper to be firmly installed on the weighing machine and to be quickly removed from the machine without tools. A toggle linkage is employed to operate the discharge door and locks the door in the closed position without further locking mechanisms. A bi-directional actuator moves the toggle linkage and door into and out of the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Eagle Packaging Corp.
    Inventors: Javier Sagastegui, George A. Puricelli, William E. Halopoff