Cap Patents (Class 222/562)
  • Patent number: 5614450
    Abstract: A spout-filling composition has from about 50% to about 70% by weight magnesium-aluminate spinel aggregate, from about 50% to about 30% by weight quartz sand, and lampblack in an additional amount of from about 0.25% to about 5.00% by weight of the magnesium-aluminate spinel aggregate and quartz sand admixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: James M. Britt
  • 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: 5573127
    Abstract: In a container cap, comprising a primary cap provided with an outlet opening in a top wall thereof, and fitted to a mouth of a container, and a secondary cap having an end hinged to the top wall of the primary cap, a slide member slidably overlies an upper surface of the primary cap, and includes a ramp projection projecting vertically therefrom and a lateral projection extending laterally therefrom, and a cover member overlies the slide member. The ramp projection is adapted to move the secondary cap vertically in an opening direction by engaging the secondary cap via the cover member while the lateral projection is adapted to engage an inner surface of the hinge to force the secondary cap in an opening direction. Because the cover member overlies the slide member, the content of the container dripping or spilled from the outlet opening is shielded from the slide member by the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Nifco, Inc.
    Inventors: Norio Takahashi, Yukio Ojima
  • 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: 5551603
    Abstract: A dispenser gun for selectively dispensing controlled quantities of viscous or semi-viscous materials, and in particular liquid pesticides or insecticides, employs a vacuum driven operating system for discharging and reloading the viscous or semi-viscous materials to be discharged. The dispenser gun is designed to create pressure differentials in adjoining chambers which, in conjunction with a cooperating valve system, enables the discharge of precisely metered quantities of material and prevents continued and undesired discharge or dripping from a discharge nozzle after a preselected quantity of material has been discharged from the dispenser gun. The handle of the device includes structure for pre-selecting one or more predetermined quanitites of material to be discharged from the dispenser in repeatable sequences. The dispenser gun also includes structure for removably receiving a replaceable reservoir of viscous or semi-viscous material to be discharged from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventor: Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 5551608
    Abstract: A closure assembly configured for use with a container having a neck with a land surface at its uppermost end defining a mouth. The closure assembly includes a cap, a liner, and a fitment with a dispensing surface dimensioned to span the mouth of the container. A plurality of liner tabs center the liner in the cap during assembly, and retain the liner and the fitment within the cap prior to placing the cap on a container. One or more tabs may extend through slots in the fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Moore, Jeffrey F. Ullrich
  • Patent number: 5516006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing medications into the nostril. The device has a number of advantageous features. First, the device includes air grooves in the spray head to allow the drawing in of air into the nostril during dispensing, to assist in the intake of the dispensed medication. Second, the device contains a mechanism for varying the amount of the dose dispensed. This feature is advantageous in that it allows an accurate metered dose to be dispensed, while still allowing flexibility in the size of the dose dispensed. The device can also have indicia for indicating when the last dose was dispensed, and can include a disinfecting feature for the spray head. The device can also have a gripping feature which spaces the fingers from the nostril into which medication is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Philip Meshberg
  • Patent number: 5472121
    Abstract: A flexible plastic lid including a tubular pour spout with a separate snap on cap and vent is disclosed. The lid includes a pour spout extending from the base and located near the rim to ensure maximum pour efficiency. An air vent is positioned opposite the pour spout and allows liquids to flow freely without clogging the spout. The air vent is operated by pushing and pulling the vent. Once engaged, the lid creates an air tight enclosure for maintaining the freshness of the contents. Additionally, the can is compact in height for cold storage shelf space where space is at a premium in the kitchen. Once the snap on cap is engaged by the lip on the inside of the cap, a leak-proof seal is formed. The can lid is preferably made of molded plastic that is pliable to tightly snap onto the can, yet durable to withstand the heat of commercial dishwashers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: John R. Silano
  • Patent number: 5454489
    Abstract: A self-sealing closure device for a container comprising an insert (1) adapted to be secured within a container neck (2) and comprising a pouring opening as well as a cap (11) adapted to be fastened on the container neck (2). The insert (1) comprises an inwardly extending resilient conically shaped sealing device (8), which at its inner end is provided with an upwardly facing sealing face (10) adapted to sealingly co-operate with a downwardly facing sealing face (18) on the cap (11). The sealing engagement of the two sealing faces (10, 18) being released at a predetermined internal overpressure in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Steen Vesborg
  • Patent number: 5441180
    Abstract: A dispenser gun for selectively dispensing controlled quantities of viscous or semi-viscous materials, and in particular liquid pesticides or insecticides, employs a vacuum driven operating system for discharging and reloading the viscous or semi-viscous materials to be discharged. The dispenser gun is designed to create pressure differentials in adjoining chambers which, in conjunction with a cooperating valve system, enables the discharge of precisely metered quantities of material and prevents continued and undesired discharge or dripping from a discharge nozzle after a preselected quantity of material has been discharged from the dispenser gun. The handle of the device includes structure for pre-selecting one or more predetermined quanitites of material to be discharged from the dispenser in repeatable sequences. The dispenser gun also includes structure for removably receiving a replaceable reservoir of viscous or semi-viscous material to be discharged from the gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: American Cyanamid Company
    Inventor: Keith F. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 5439124
    Abstract: A closure unit for a container for storing and handling flowable products is made from at least two different thermoplastic materials, the different materials fulfilling different functions. A basic thermoplastic material (A.2) is used for sealing against the container (G.2), and an area made of another different thermoplastic material (B.2,C) is provided to fulfill additional sealing functions, to increase mechanical stability, to have a reduced permeability, and to provide increased elasticity for additional opening and closing and/or absorption characteristics. The closure unit is produced by a multimaterial injection molding process, so that contact surfaces between the different thermoplastic materials can be interconnected by reversible or irreversible positive engagement and/or by more or less pronounced melting into one another. The closure unit is in two parts and comprises a pouring part (1.2) and a closure part (2.2), or is in one part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Elmar Mock
  • Patent number: 5433343
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing medications into the nostril or intravenously. The device has a number of advantageous features. First, the device includes a pump in the outer package, so that it may be used with conventional medication packaging. Second, it includes a stop mechanism for allowing adjustment of the dose to be dispensed. Finally, the device is adapted to be used for both nasal and intravenous dispensing, via a replaceable spray passage or injection needle. The device can also have indicia for indicating when the last dose was dispensed, and can include a disinfecting feature for the spray head. The device can also have a gripping feature which spaces the fingers from the nostril into which medication is dispensed. The package is preferably clear so that the user can determine the quality of the medication being dispensed. The device is particularly useful for dispensing medications such as insulin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Inventor: Philip Meshberg
  • Patent number: 5417349
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser for eye drops, antiseptic solutions and the like, comprises a dispensing cap having a projecting conical discharge spout with tapered side walls and an annular end wall that surrounds the orifice. Projections in the form of ribs are provided on the exposed surfaces of the spout, to minimize the likelihood of contamination of broad spout surfaces if the spout inadvertently comes in contact with exterior objects. The projections are on both the end and the side surfaces of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Gene Stull
  • 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: 5397013
    Abstract: A fitment attached around an aperture in a container has a flange from which extends a spout closed by an initially integrally molded externally threaded plug. So long as the fitment and plug are in their original position after molding, the combination is tamper-evident. The plug is moved axially into the spout, with a liquid-tight fit. The plug has an outward extending tab formed with a slot and the fitment has an upward extending finger aligned with the slot in the tab and formed with tangs which lock the finger and tab together as the plug is moved into the spout, thereby making the device tamper-evident. A characteristic of the invention is that a tether interconnects the plug and the upper edge of the spout to prevent disconnection of the one from the other. As a further feature of the invention, an over-size foil seal extends across the bottom of the flange and is welded or otherwise adhered to the bottom of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
  • 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: 5383559
    Abstract: A dispensing container for containing a plurality of medical or food supplement tablets contained within the container in a random fashion and dispensing the tablets one at a time. The container has a hollow body and a first and second end, the first end is closed. The container is shaped internally at the second end to define an at least part circumferential channel bounded by sidewalls between which no relative movement occurs during dispensing. The channel is capable of permitting a number of randomly contained tablets to enter the channel in a preferred orientation. An aperture in the channel capable of permitting the tablets to leave said channel one at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Toren Consulting Pty Limited
    Inventor: Thomas Toren
  • Patent number: 5379927
    Abstract: A package, with a nozzle, a chamber, a cap which fits over the nozzle, and a pin attached to the interior of the cap which fits into the opening of the nozzle, for storing and dispensing a liquid, having an improved closure mechanism comprising at least one rectangular stopping member and at least one rectangular band in the interior of the cap and at least one guide flange on the nozzle. The package also has a plurality of guide ribs located around the nozzle to aid in the proper placement of the cap. The package is designed to be leak proof, nonclogging, able to dispense the liquid precisely, and can be easily opened even when the pin has bonded to the opening of the nozzle without breaking or shearing the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Loctite Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Montenieri, Maurice T. O'Connell, Alan T. Crampton, Geoffrey F. Seymour, Richard C. Edstrom, Bryon J. Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 5356045
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid container defining a fluid cavity. A manifold assembly is mounted over a container bunghole. A tube assembly including a fill tube extends into the fluid cavity. Keyed couplings are mounted on the manifold assembly. One of the couplings is in communication with the fill tube and another coupling is in communication with the cavity. A pressure relief valve is mounted adjacent the manifold assembly. Tamper evident assemblies are provided on the manifold assembly for determining if the fluid container has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Parks, Ernest F. Kulikowski, Paul J. E. Fournier, Douglas R. Fortman, John D. Boland
  • Patent number: 5348184
    Abstract: A tamper-evident thermoplastic fitment having a spout and a closure for said spout are welded to a polymer-coated paperboard container or to a flexible plastic container. The fitment and closure are initially molded simultaneously but with a substantial space between the two parts interconnected by an elongated runner which conducts molten plastic from the closure to the fitment. Upon retraction of the core of the mold, the closure is pulled into the spout until shoulders on the parts engage, whereupon the closure is stripped from the mold core. The runner comprises a tear tab which slides through an apertured space on the closure. When the parts engage tangs on the tear tab engage the space, making the assembly tamper-evident. The fitment has a flange which may be welded or otherwise secured to the container. The tab may be pulled by the consumer to open the container. The closure may be unscrewed from the spout or otherwise disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch, Rawson Chenault
  • Patent number: 5346097
    Abstract: The dispensing container has a bottle with at least two compartments for accommodating different fluent components. The compartments are so designed that they dispense their contents at equal flow rates when the bottle it tilted. In addition, security is provided against cross-contamination of the contents of the different compartments when, after a dispensing operation, the bottle is righted again. The bottle is provided with a cap that seals off the outlets from the compartments simultaneously when fitted to the bottle. The cap can be a separate component or it can be provided as a flip-top cap. The bottle is made entirely of plastics material and directional pouring spouts can be provided to ensure that the contents of the compartments leave in well-defined streams during a dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventors: Tristan G. Melland, Clive H. Gay
  • Patent number: 5340228
    Abstract: For sealing a fine point applicator tip of a craft paint applicator with a cap without damage to the dispensing end of the applicator tip. The cap includes an abutment shoulder for engaging a corresponding abutment shoulder on the applicator tip to form a first seal. A flexible shoulder is formed in the interior cavity of the cap spaced from the cap abutment shoulder. The interior cavity terminates in an end wall portion spaced from the flexible shoulder. The cap is threaded onto the applicator causing the dispensing end of the applicator tip to engage the cap end wall portion. The flexible shoulder of the interior cavity of the cap resiliently yields as the dispensing end is forced against the cap end wall portion during the continued rotation of the cap until the applicator abutment shoulder engages the abutment shoulder in the cap. The cap thus seals the applicator tip in at least two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: The Flagship Group II, Inc.
    Inventors: Reed N. Wilcox, Richard L. George, William H. Lichfield
  • Patent number: 5303850
    Abstract: A tamper indicating closure includes a one-piece cap having a dispensing outlet which is aligned with a dispensing outlet in the neck of a bottle upon rotation of the cap. A removable tamper resistant detent extends downwardly from the top end of the cap and nests with a recess in the upper edge of the neck of the bottle to prevent rotation of the cap. The removable tamper resistant detent is torn free of the cap such that the cap can be rotated to an open position. The closure may also contain a flexible spout which can be folded outwardly by rotation of the cap to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Patrick Connan
  • Patent number: 5303837
    Abstract: A fitment attached around an aperture in a container has a flange from which extends an internally threaded spout closed by an initially integrally molded externally threaded plug. The plug is moved axially into the spout, the threads slipping over each other. The plug has an outward extending slotted ear and the fitment has an upward extending finger aligned with the slot in the ear and formed with tangs which lock the finger and ear together as the plug is moved to the spout, thereby making the device tamper-evident. As a further feature of the invention, an over-size foil seal extends across the bottom of the flange and is welded or otherwise adhered to the bottom of the flange. After assembly the portion of the foil extending outside the flange is welded or otherwise adhered to the carton. This further feature is particularly useful in aseptic packaging. Optionally the lower edge of the plug may be welded to the foil so that when the consumer unscrews the plug the foil under the spout is torn away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 5301843
    Abstract: A combination cap and applicator device is disclosed for capping a container of air curable material and for spreading the material dispensed from the container. The device includes a cap having a cylindrical inner sleeve for engaging a nozzle of the container to thereby form an interference friction fit for sealing the nozzle. In addition, the spreader blade includes a pair of laterally extending wing portions for defining a concave spreader surface. The spreader surface decreases in width in a direction extending away from the cap body to form a thin flexible edge which deflects to provide a wiping action as the spreader blade is used to form a bead of caulking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: DAP Products Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Groene, Earl E. Hoyt
  • Patent number: 5289930
    Abstract: An evaporation closure is disclosed. One embodiment of the closure includes a cap, made of pliable material, which in turn includes a top wall having an opening, a skirt downwardly depending from the top wall and having a threadless internal wall adapted to slip on and sealingly engage a container, and biasing means integral with the skirt; and an elongated arm, which in turn includes a means for sealing the opening, pivotally attached to the cap for movement between a first position wherein the sealing means seals the opening and a second position wherein the sealing means does not seal the opening, the arm being biased toward the first position by the biasing means. Such a closure is useful for minimizing evaporation from containers, particularly automated clinical analyzer reagent bottles.A kit including in packaged combination component parts of the evaporation closure is also disclosed. Such a kit is useful for conveniently assembling the evaporation closures of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Syntex (U.S.A.) Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth K. Inouye
  • Patent number: 5232127
    Abstract: A dispenser device for a foam producing gel includes an actuator and a hood, the actuator being mounted at the top of a gel container and having an inlet contacting the valve stem of the gel container and a nozzle having an outlet directed radially outwardly from the top of the container. The hood is open at the bottom and engages the outer surface of the actuator to cover the actuator when not in use. An opening is provided in the hood and a notch in the rim of the opening contacts a detent on the outer surface of the actuator to ensure that the hood opening is opposite the nozzle outlet of the actuator when the hood is in place. The hood opening when so positioned serves to inhibit excess foaming of gel remaining between the actuator inlet and nozzle outlet when the hood is in place after usage, and a notch is formed in the nozzle structure below the actuator outlet to provide a path of flow downwardly from the outlet as foamed product expands outwardly from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Trotta, Brian A. Rogers, Stephen C. Metcalf
  • Patent number: 5228603
    Abstract: A device for preventing or minimizing spillage of liquid from an inverted container of liquid, and containers with such a device the device, in one embodiment, having a body for securement to the container, the body having a fluid channel therethrough through which the liquid can flow and a movable closure member which, if not held against the body, moves away from the fluid channel so that fluid flow is not impeded and which, if pressure is placed against it, is held against the body to prevent fluid flow. In one embodiment, an air vent is provided through the body to facilitate flow. Another embodiment provides a frangible cover for an opening of a container of liquid and a container with such a cover. Another embodiment provides a container with a closure adhesively attached sealingly across its opening, the cover secured in one area by adhesive so that it will separate from the container in that area upon the application of force to the cover permitting fluid flow from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventors: Ninh G. Pham, Joseph A. Decker, Jr., Guy L. McClung, III, Canh S. Bui
  • Patent number: 5190193
    Abstract: A container closure is mounted within a spout portion of an associated container, including a cylindrical head arranged for positioning upon a torroidal seat portion of the spout in a first position and displaced from the seat in a second position permitting fluid to flow thereabout, wherein the closure further includes a plurality of pairs of lobes mounted below the head portion of the closure preventing inadvertent removal of the closure from the container. A cap member is arranged for mounting to the spout to position the closure in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: James D. Scudday
  • Patent number: 5186370
    Abstract: A device for closing and resealing an opened container such as a beverage can comprises a threaded cap (13) and a corresponding threaded skirt (22) adapted to be threaded together and apart. The skirt has an upper surface that moves toward and away from a cam surface formed in the underside of the cap as the cap and skirt are threaded together and apart. A compression ring (27) adapted to be compressed and expanded in diameter is captured between the upper surface of the skirt and the cam surface of the cap. As the cap is threaded progressively onto the skirt, the compression ring is engaged by and rides along the cam surface and is thus progressively compressed in diameter. An annular sealing gasket (21) depends from the underside of the cap (13) and is sized to seat about the peripheral portion of the end of the container as the cap moves downwardly toward the top of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Robert M. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 5184746
    Abstract: A closure cap and fitment assembly configured for use with a container having a neck with an annular lip at its uppermost end defining a mouth. The closure cap and fitment assembly includes a fitment with a dispensing surface dimensioned to span the mouth of the container and a liner. The assembly further includes a cap with a top panel, an annular skirt and threads for releasable engagement onto the neck of the container. The inner portion of the cap defines a retaining structure which is designed to retain the fitment and liner within the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Moore, Jeffrey F. Ullrich
  • Patent number: 5181634
    Abstract: A dispenser for liquids, e.g., ophthalmic liquids, is provided with a restricted up and down movable top that locks in both open and closed positions and that lifts to uncover an aperture and to expose a recessed dispensing tip which is always maintained below the plane of the aperture and that lowers to cover the aperture and conceal the dispensing tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Gibilisco
  • Patent number: 5176292
    Abstract: A closure and dispensing device for laundry products which permits precise dispensing of small amounts as well as the dispensing of large amounts for large washloads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott A. Silvenis, William J. Britt
  • Patent number: 5165573
    Abstract: An adhesive container including an adhesive reservoir, a discharge opening provided at one end of the reservoir, an adhesive inlet provided at the other end of the reservoir, and a bottom cap having two projections inside. When the cap is attached to the inlet of the container, one of the projections slips over an annular step formed on the inlet of the container to secure the cap to the container, and when the cap is bent due to the increased inside pressure of the container, the other projection inside the cap comes into contact with the adhesive inlet, preventing the cap from coming off the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Florex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Kuboshima
  • Patent number: 5152438
    Abstract: A pour spout carton for extended shelf life paperboard containers, such as those of the gable top type. A first barrier layer lines the carton interior and a second lines the carton exterior surface. A dispensing opening is formed, as by die cutting, in a panel of the carton. The two barrier layers span the dispensing opening, except for a concentric dispensing hole through them, with the two barrier layers sonically sealed together along an annular zone radially intermediate the dispensing opening and the dispensing hole. The pour spout carries a flange extending from the edge of the dispensing hole to a location radially beyond the dispensing opening, the flange sonically bonded to the outer barrier layer at three radially spaced, concentric zones. The spout screw cap is of a different polymer than the spout, to prevent bonding between the cap and spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Gordon, Roderick W. Kalberer
  • Patent number: 5121859
    Abstract: A non-resealable dispenser cap construction having an elongate tapered, stepped hollow spout member with an exterior shoulder intermediate its ends, and a discharge orifice. A closure cap member having a transverse closure wall is mounted on the spout member with the transverse wall engaging and closing over the discharge orifice. With the closure cap member so mounted, the transverse closure wall is distorted and biased by its engagement with the wall of the discharge orifice. One of the members is formed with two oppositely-disposed frangible tabs which overlie and are permanently attached to the other member, and each tab has a zone of weakness which can be readily ruptured upon the application of opposing rotative forces to the members. With the cap member removed the orifice is exposed, permitting discharge of the container contents through the spout member. Re-sealing of the cap member on the spout member is prevented, due to a lack of interengageable parts on the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Gene Stull
  • Patent number: 5110041
    Abstract: Dual lanes of fitment-sealing apparatus, for sealing plastic spout fitments to carton blanks, are integrated in line with conventional form/fill/seal production lines. Each apparatus includes a carton blank supply, an indexing conveyor for advancing the blanks in tube form to a sealing station, a gravity-feed track for supplying fitments to the sealing station through an escapement, a pair of fitment retaining clamps for holding the fitment in registration with a spout hole cut in the carton blank, an anvil which is inserted inside the carton blank, a sealing head which is moved to press the fitment in contact with and to seal it to an extrusion layer on the external side of the carton blank, and a timing control for synchronizing the movements of the parts and advancing the carton blanks through the sealing station to an output thereof. The fitment may also be sealed to the extrusion layer with a hot-melt adhesive applied to the fitment just prior to pressing against the carton blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Donald E. Keeler
  • Patent number: 5105989
    Abstract: A non-aerosol dispensing overcap closure (12) for a container (11) filled with a fluid medium is composed of a (A) dispenser/container seal unit (13) which both seals the open end (15) of the container (11) and contains a non-aerosol means (31-34) for dispensing the fluid medium within the container (11) and further contains at least one flange (38) extending from an exterior wall of the seal unit (13) for receiving (B) a shroud member (14) which overlies the seal unit and through which the dispensing means (31-34) extends to permit the fluid medium to pass through the shroud member (14). The shroud member (14) is adapted to form an integral portion of the container (11) and thus aesthetically blends in with the design of the container (11) to form an attractive non-aerosol container package (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald R. Gutkowski
  • Patent number: 5100033
    Abstract: A dispensing device includes annular inner and outer mounting plates respectively adhered to inner and outer wall surfaces of a container. A first cylindrical member axially and outwardly extends from the annular outer mounting plate. A cap member is screwed onto the first cylindrical member and has a second cylindrical member axially extending therefrom. The second cylindrical member is hollow and has an outwardly diverging open end. A tubular stopper has an open end telescoped over the second cylindrical member of the cap member and a closed end having an inwardly extending inwardly tapered hollow plug member. The outwardly diverging open end of the second cylindrical member is closed by moving the stopper toward the cap member, enabling the plug member to fit into the outwardly diverging open end, and then opened by moving the stopper away from the cap member to detach the plug member from the outwardly diverging open end. The tubular stopper has a tubular outlet member formed on the wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Chung-Kai Cho
  • Patent number: 5094367
    Abstract: An opening-closing device for a flexible containing a liquid includes a cylindrical spout attached to the outer surface of the bag, and a stopper for the spout which includes a blade for perforating an area of the bag located within the spout when the bag is to be opened. An arrangement of tongues or wings extend from the sides of the spout so that a user may grip the tongue or wing while perforating the area of the bag within the spout upon insertion of the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Societe Generale des Eaux Minerals de Vittel
    Inventor: Daniel Chatourel
  • Patent number: 5092493
    Abstract: A captive key release closure structure includes a base ring for connection to a rim of a container, a closure member or cap integrally hinged to the base ring, latch indentations on an outer surface of a neck wall of the base ring, and latch pawls on an inner surface of a depending circumferential wall of the cap and aligned with the indentations. A key slot is formed in the cap wall at a position opposite the hinge, and a key receiving recess is formed in the base ring. The latch indentations and pawls are positioned in sets on opposite sides of the key slot and key recess. The closure structure is opened by insertion of a small keylike tool, such as a coin, spoon, or the like, and twisting against the surfaces forming the key slot and recess to separate and thereby release the pawls from the indentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Inventor: Harold T. Pehr
  • Patent number: 5060823
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for delivering one or more aliquots of a sterile solution into a sterile receptacle without contamination of the sterile solution, the method including the steps of: a) providing a packaged solution held within a gas-pressurized or pressure-activated container, the container having a valve with a first inner conduit, an actuator which cooperates with the valve to allow opening and closing of the valve, and a delivery conduit having a second inner channel, wherein the valve and actuator are positioned between the container and the delivery conduit, the actuator cooperating with the valve and conduit to connect the first and second inner channels, b) sterilizing the solution, and at least the inside part of the container and a portion of the outside of the container including the valve, the actuator, and the delivery conduit, c) positioning the delivery conduit in relationship to the receptacle to cause liquid from the second inner channel to enter the receptacle when the valve is opened, a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Brandeis University
    Inventor: Daniel Perlman
  • Patent number: 5060827
    Abstract: A low profile closure which includes a coupling member which is mounted on a container dispensing opening, and an open ended dosing cap including a boundary wall which is dimensioned for removable attachment to an interior surface of the coupling member. The coupling member includes an open ended body portion formed by an upright boundary wall, and a top peripheral edge which defines an outwardly projecting spout. An exterior surface of the dosing cap is arranged in conforming frictional relation to the outwardly projecting spout to provide a low profile closure. Cooperating external and internal threads respectively disposed on the cap boundary wall and coupling body portion are employed to removably fasten the cap in the coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Umberto D. I. Segati
  • Patent number: 5052590
    Abstract: Effective but interreactive compounds which, if maintained segregated prior to point of use, can be used as a mouthwash or as a dentifrice to complement one another and serve as a caries control agent and as an antimicrobial agent to reduce formation of dental plaque and reduction of bacteria, dental decay, gingivitis and malodor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Perry A. Ratcliff
  • Patent number: 5046646
    Abstract: A non-resealable dispenser cap construction having an elongate tapered, stepped hollow spout member with an exterior shoulder intermediate its ends, and a discharge orifice. A closure cap member having a transverse closure wall is mounted on the spout member with the transverse wall engaging and closing over the discharge orifice. With the closure cap member so mounted, the transverse closure wall is distorted and biased by its engagement with the wall of the discharge orifice. One of the members is formed with two oppositely-disposed frangible tabs which overlie and are permanently attached to the other member, and each tab has a zone of weakness which can be readily ruptured upon the application of opposing rotative forces to the members. With the cap member removed the orifice is exposed, permitting discharge of the container contents through the spout member. Re-sealing of the cap member on the spout member is prevented, due to a lack of interengageable parts on the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: Gene Stull
  • Patent number: 5040701
    Abstract: In a manually actuated sprayer having a nozzle rotatable from OFF to ON positions, a removable tear strip or a removable cap is provided for preventing rotation from the OFF position. Upon removal of the tear strip or cap, the nozzle is free to be rotated to its ON position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Calmar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Knickerbocker, R. Kevin O'Neill, Douglas B. Dobbs
  • Patent number: 5012970
    Abstract: A package for dispensing products capable of fluid motion consists of a container which receives the product, a closure and a re-usable dispensing facility that has a cap which can be fitted onto the container in a sealed manner after opening the closure. The container consists of a sleeve of composite cardboard or paper material preferably with at least one layer that is a barrier to liquids and one sealable plastic layer at least on the inside. The container further consists of a bottom sealed onto the sleeve and a closure membrane which can be wholly or partially opened, sealed to the container at an opposite end. The dispensing facility can be fixed on to the end face of the sleeve by the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Weidenhammer Packungen KG GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Helmut Kucherer
  • Patent number: 5011048
    Abstract: A removable cap for dispensing liquids in pre-measured quantities from a liquid-filled container including an elongated tubular member having a bottom end adapted to be fastened to said liquid-filled container and an open top end through which a pre-measured quantity of liquid is discharged, a spout formed internal to and as an integral part of the tubular member with an opening through which liquid may pass from the container and a cover pivotally connected to the tubular member and having a closed position and an open position. The cover includes an extnding member shaped to form a collection chamber when the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Alexander D. Mark
  • Patent number: 4974756
    Abstract: A container and cap assembly includes a double barrel dispensing container having two side-by-side outlets, and a cap with two side-by-side closure portions for simultaneously closing both outlets when the cap is connected to the container. The cap includes two protruding orienting sections for orienting the cap relative to the container as the cap is connected to the container. The orienting sections insure that each closure portion comes into contact with the same outlet each time the cap is coupled to the container so that small quantities, if any, of materials flowing through one outlet and deposited on one closure portion of the cap cannot cross-contaminate materials in the remaining barrel after the cap is removed and then re-connected to the container after a dispensing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Walter C. Pearson, Neil J. Schwartzbauer
  • Patent number: RE33539
    Abstract: A venting type container to relieve pressurized carbonated liquids and the like without discharging the liquid therefrom while equalizing the interior container pressure with atmospheric pressure including a combination a flexible wall container for receiving the liquid and adapted to operatively receive a removable dispensing cap assembly which when brought into full threaded engagement with said dispensing cap assembly redefines the opening to said container; and a depressurization sealing unit which is operatively received on the dispensing cap assembly in sealing engagement to seal and contain the liquid within the container and define an interior cavity oriented between the dispensing cap assembly and the depressurization sealing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: David Karpal