Plug Patents (Class 222/563)
  • Patent number: 10945517
    Abstract: A beverage container system can include a reusable beverage bottle, such as a water bottle, and a reusable beverage cup that can nest with the beverage bottle, inside a sleeve that attaches to the beverage bottle, when not in use. A beverage bottle cap can include a storage region for storing a cup cap that fits onto the beverage cup when it is removed from its nested, or stowed, configuration. From the stowed configuration, the user can twist a collet to permit removal of the beverage cup. After filled, the cup cap may be placed over the cup to prevent leakage or spillage and permit the user to access the contents. The cup may be placed, bottom side first, into the sleeve and the collet activated to connect the cup with the bottle, where a user may access each by accessing either end of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventors: Sky Gilbar, John Stump
  • Patent number: 8919610
    Abstract: A stopper for wine, a method of preserving wine, and a method of serving wine from a bottle stored in a vacuum are disclosed. The stopper has a vacuum valve in a vacuum indicator in a removable cap. The vacuum valve has a self-closing passageway due to the passageway traversing an elastomeric material. The vacuum indicator moves in response to vacuum and reveals a marking on a valve opener when a desired vacuum is achieved. The stopper may have a filter, which also aerates. The method of preserving wine includes installing the stopper in the neck of the bottle and withdrawing air from the bottle through the stopper. The method of serving wine includes releasing vacuum from the bottle by unseating the removable cap, removing the cap and pouring wine through the stopper. Pumps for the stopper are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vinum Corporation
    Inventors: Jean E. Haley, James D. Ryndak, Roger M. Masson
  • Patent number: 8881920
    Abstract: A nursing bottle for automatically rinsing a baby's teeth by independently dispensing first and second liquids, includes a nursing bottle having a nipple, a rinsing device having a dispensing end and a plurality of dispensing holes adjacent to the dispensing end for retaining the second liquid within the rinsing device while the nursing bottle receives the first liquid, and dispensing the second liquid automatically when the first liquid has been substantially depleted. The second liquid remains retained within the rinsing device when the bottle is at least substantially inverted due to the pressure of the first liquid at the dispensing holes and the vacuum created inside the rinsing device. When the first liquid is depleted sufficiently to expose at least one dispensing hole, the pressure is released, air is introduced into the rinsing device and the second liquid is dispensed through the other dispensing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventor: Hooshang Bral
  • Publication number: 20140263592
    Abstract: A bag in box carton configured for receipt of a flexible package. Advantageously, the front wall assembly comprises a plurality of chamfered surfaces so that the panel through which the spout extends is captured and contained substantially or entirely within the footprint of the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Scholle Corporation
    Inventor: John Brooks
  • Publication number: 20140263156
    Abstract: A product includes a container including a neck, and a ring non-removably secured to the neck of the container. The ring may be used to non-removably couple a fitment to the container and/or may be adapted irreversibly to change a characteristic of the ring that is visible from outside of the container to advise a user that the package has been opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel L. Newsom, Roger P Smith, Jessica R Bryant, Oleg Feygenson, Igor Kachko, Vladimir Vasikyev
  • Patent number: 8821472
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a housing and a flexible reservoir adapted to contain a fluid and having a septum member formed from a needle-penetratable self-sealing material. The flexible reservoir is arranged within the housing in combination with mounting means arranged within or formed by the housing, wherein the mounting means engages the septum member to thereby mount the flexible reservoir relative to the housing. In this way a secure fixation between the reservoir and the housing is provided without having to interfere with the general flexibility of the reservoir, e.g. substantially the entire flexible reservoir apart from the outlet/mounting means may be arranged free to move relative to the housing, this allowing the reservoir to be emptied to a high degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Philip Albert Sparholt, Erik Winkel Ethelfeld, Steffan Hansen, Bjorn G. Larsen, Claus S. Moeller
  • Publication number: 20140178549
    Abstract: A resealable spigot for a coconut that provides easy access by consumers to the sterile coconut water within a coconut includes a valve seat positioned within a coconut aperture and a plunger sleeve positioned within the valve seat. The plunger sleeve has a based positioned membrane that seals the coconut aperture. A plunger-stopper is tethered to the plunger sleeve for shipping and storage and is used by the consumer to pierce the plunger sleeve membrane to gain access to the coconut water. The plunger sleeve is also used to reseal the coconut aperture to preserve any remaining coconut water for future consumption. Further provided is an additional embodiment for a spigot comprising a conduit having a spike-tip on one end and a spout on the other with a through bore therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Paul DePoo
  • Publication number: 20140061250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to maximizing advertising space on product packaging. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of increasing advertising space on various product packaging by increasing the graphic space on and apparent volume of the packaging, such as those used for cosmetics and toiletries. Preferred embodiments include a product packaging with a partially or completely recessed container closure. Further preferred embodiments include a container closure that is threaded, fused, or snapped in to the body of the container. Embodiments of the invention can be modified to accommodate existing products or provide a unique package design for emerging products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Turcotte
  • Publication number: 20140044848
    Abstract: A resealable spigot for a coconut that provides easy access by consumers to the sterile coconut water within a coconut includes a valve seat positioned within a coconut aperture and a plunger sleeve positioned within the valve seat. The plunger sleeve has a based positioned membrane that seals the coconut aperture, A plunger-stopper is tethered to the plunger sleeve for shipping and storage and is used by the consumer to pierce the plunger sleeve membrane to gain access to the coconut water. The plunger sleeve is also used to reseal the coconut aperture to preserve any remaining coconut water for future consumption. Further provided is an additional embodiment for a spigot comprising a conduit having a spike-tip on one end and a spout on the other with a through bore therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Paul dePOO
  • Patent number: 8631977
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure for a container, in particular for a fluid product, with a first part having an outlet opening, and with a second part having a carrier section, which carries a closing surface, wherein said first part and said second part are arranged movably against each other at least between a first position and a second position, and wherein, in said first position, said outlet opening is closed by said closing surface, while, in said second position, the outlet opening is open, wherein the first part confines a first cavity, through which the product can be transferred out of the container to the outlet opening and said carrier section, in said second position, is arranged at least partially within said first cavity. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing said closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Weener Plastik GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Feierabend, Michael Schipper
  • Patent number: 8608001
    Abstract: A two shot dispensing closure wherein the spout and base component of the closure is molded in a first molding step and a repositionable cap is molded over at least the spout of the closure in a second molding step. The cap may be molded in the closed position over the spout to provide a fluidic seal between the cap and spout. The cap is repositionable between a closed position closing off an aperture of the spout and an open position thereby opening the aperture of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Berry Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Stoneberg, William C. Schmeisser
  • Publication number: 20130308417
    Abstract: A container (11) for a blender includes a base surface (13) and a blade (20) which is rotatable on an axis above the base surface (13). An arcuate wall (14) and two generally straight walls (15, 16) extend upwardly from the base surface (13) and terminate at the upper end of container (11). The axis of rotation of the blade (20) is closer to the arcuate wall (14) than it is to the generally straight walls (15, 16). A skirt (25) extends downwardly from the base surface (13) and has an opening. Sound baffling fingers (32) extend from the skirt (25) and into the opening. A spout (40) is formed at the intersection of two of the walls (14, 15, 16), the spout (40) having an entry point located approximately twenty to thirty percent of the height of the walls (14, 15, 16) from the upper end of the container (11). A handle (34) is positioned opposite to the spout (40) and a cover (12) includes a plug (55) to close the spout (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. ULANSKI
  • Patent number: 8511522
    Abstract: A valve having a sleeve comprising a sleeve wall including an inner surface; and a plug positioned within the sleeve, the plug comprising at least one portion that is elastically deformable. The plug forms a blind hole extending into the plug from one end thereof to define a plug side wall, and a flow passage that extends through the plug side wall that is either open or openable. The plug defines a valve closed position in an unstressed state, yet is capable of elastically deforming to define a flow channel between the plug and the sleeve in a valve open position. A dispenser containing such a valve is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Geoffrey Chan, Lawrence Edward O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8474646
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The preferred embodiment of the system includes a closure having a closure body for extending from the container at the container opening and a lid hingedly attached to the closure body. The closure body has a dispensing spout, and the lid includes a hollow spud for entering the spout. A spud rim can be provided on the spud, extending inwardly towards the hollow interior of the spud. A lid rim can additionally or alternatively be provided on the inside surface of the lid, positioned within the hollow interior of the spud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Danks, John Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8434652
    Abstract: A cap for overfitting a nozzle having an elongate nozzle body; the cap having an elongate cap body with a longitudinal axis, and an outside surface and an inside surface. The cap body has closed end and an open end, with an at least one sidewall. A housing of the cap has an open end. The cap is for receiving and overfitting the nozzle body of the nozzle. The cap has three elongate spaced apart wing portions each having a wing profile each forming part of the outside surface of the cap. Each wing runs from the mouth of the cap to the closed end thereof, and each contiguous with the next so that an exterior face of one wing portion together with an exterior face of an adjacent wing portion form one continuous concave surface between each wing portion and the adjacent one. The cap has a part-helical, or skewed profile, which gives a visual indication of the direction of removal of the cap from the nozzle. A nozzle has matching depressions, which come into register with the concave surfaces of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Henkle Ireland Limited
    Inventors: Peter C. Rushe, Patrick Kealy
  • Patent number: 8424726
    Abstract: A reusable sealing apparatus for use with a container of an extractable material, the container including a nozzle. The apparatus may include a first sealing member, a second sealing member and a body member including a cavity configured to fit over a portion of a distal end of a nozzle, the body member positioned between the first sealing member and the second sealing member. The apparatus may further include a core member including an insertion tip and an elongate portion, wherein the elongate portion may extend through the body member and at least one of the first sealing member and second sealing member. The first sealing member, the body member and the second sealing member together may substantially seal a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Ben Bruce McClurg
  • Publication number: 20130015213
    Abstract: A stopper for being sealed between two sheets of a reservoir, including a body defining a front face, rear face, internal edge, and external edge. The body forms a dispenser orifice that passes through from the rear face to the front face, the front and rear faces defining front and rear heat-sealing zones for the sheets. The front face defines a fluid collection zone at the orifice and the rear face defines a fluid delivery channel that extends from the dispenser orifice to the internal edge of the body. A closure lid is provided, the lid connected to the base body via a hinge. The body defines tapering side edges where the front and rear heat-sealing zones are contiguous, and the front and rear faces are convex, to define a maximum thickness where the dispenser orifice, the delivery channel, and a fraction of the collection zone are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: APTAR FRANCE S.A.S.
    Inventors: Fabrice PERIGNON, Christophe PIERRE
  • Patent number: 8333290
    Abstract: A discharge cap for discharging a content liquid from a container body includes a cylinder assembly that can be tightly fitted to a mouth portion of the container body. The cylinder assembly includes a cap main body provided with a main discharge cylinder, a discharge cylinder body provided with an auxiliary discharge cylinder that is smaller in diameter than the main discharge cylinder, and a lid body for opening or closing the auxiliary discharge cylinder. Hinge-connections are provided between the cap main body and the discharge cylinder body, and between the discharge cylinder body and the lid body, for allowing a selective opening of the main discharge cylinder and the auxiliary discharge cylinder, thereby readily changing the discharge amount or discharge mode of the content liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhito Kuwahara, Yoshiyuki Kakuta, Natsuo Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 8267274
    Abstract: A dispensing closure system is provided for a container that has an opening to the container interior. The preferred embodiment of the system includes a closure having a closure body for extending from the container at the container opening and a lid hingedly attached to the closure body. The closure body has a dispensing spout, and the lid includes a hollow spud for entering the spout. A spud rim can be provided on the spud, extending inwardly towards the hollow interior of the spud. A lid rim can additionally or alternatively be provided on the inside surface of the lid, positioned within the hollow interior of the spud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: AptarGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Danks, John Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8235259
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway between the two and a plug member which is sized to be received in the passageway. The plug member also has a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with the first end of the spout member when the plug member is received in the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: James Johnson, Thomas Svensson, Stewart M. Graves
  • Patent number: 8216195
    Abstract: A dispenser cap for an eye-drop container includes a cap holder, an eyelid-engaging member, and a cap enclosure pivotally extended from the cap holder alongside the eyelid-engaging member. The eyelid-engaging member has topside adapted for contacting with an eyelid of a user to maintain the eyelid in an opened position. The cap enclosure is outwardly folded away from the eyelid-engaging member for exposing the dispensing nozzle and is folded in to engage with the eyelid-engaging member to create a nozzle cavity for enclosing the dispensing nozzle. Therefore, the dispenser cap not only provides a sealing device for enclosing the dispensing nozzle of the eye-drop container but also forms an eyelid retractor for maintaining the eyelid of the user in an opened position and aligning the dispensing nozzle to the eye of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Roger Li-Chung Wu
  • Publication number: 20120104054
    Abstract: A fluid safety dispenser system having a fluid storage container keyed to a fluid dispenser. The container having a valve body positionable in the opening of the container, the valve body having a plug member biased to allow fluid passage through the opening of the container when in a displaced position and to eliminate fluid passage through the opening of the container when the plug member is in a seated position. The keyed fluid dispenser assimilates a syringe and is releasably securable to the valve body for use in depressing the plug member by movement of a biasing member when the keyed fluid dispenser is in position. The keyed fluid dispenser has indicia to provide for exact measurement and can be temporarily coupled to the container to provide ease of fluid transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Terwilliger, Paul Schlie
  • Publication number: 20120074177
    Abstract: The Grease Gun Stopper is used to stop unwanted grease escaping from a grease gun coupler, when the grease gun is not in use. This is a welcomed improvement over the present situation where there is nothing but a cloth to catch unwanted grease escaping from the coupler. One snaps the plugged grease nipple or facsimile thereof within the grease gun stopper on or off the grease gun coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Howard Wayne Gillam
  • Patent number: 8056761
    Abstract: A pouring device for a liquid filled container that fits into the neck of a container opening. The pouring device has a buoyant hollow ball valve that when the container or bottle is seated in its normal vertical storage position is pressed against an inner lip of the pouring device to form a seal by a spring that is seated on a distal inner lip of the pouring device. The valve opens when the container is inverted as the hollow ball valve is so buoyant that it overcomes the spring bias, thereby allowing the container's fluid contents to pour out. The hollow ball valve's movement is controlled by at least one vertical projection along the length of the pouring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Raúl Acarreta Delgado
  • Patent number: 8033433
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle for a container with a long tapered nozzle body has a narrow tapered dispensing end and a wider base end. A passage for fluid runs from the base end to the dispensing end and through an outlet. The dispensing nozzle has a removable cap that fits over the dispensing nozzle when in the closed position which closes the dispensing nozzle's outlet with a penetrating plug located on the interior of the cap. The cap has a narrow closed end that has the penetrating plug on its interior side and the cap has a wider open end. The cap fits onto the nozzle in a tight fit when closed. The invention contemplates that the fluid in the container is strong glue, so that hardened glue makes removing the cap difficult. To solve this problem, the nozzle and the cap have two distinct sets of ramps that provide the initial separating force to twist the cap with respect to the nozzle in order to remove the cap easily and allow dispensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Locite (R&D) Limited
    Inventors: David J. Gibson, Geoffrey F. Seymour
  • Publication number: 20110240675
    Abstract: The invention is a defensive retainer bottle combination. The bottle contains a defensive spray that immediately immobilizes a person when sprayed upon at the upper extremities of the person. The retainer is made of molded plastic and has upper and lower plates with upturned lips to retain a bottle placed there between. The retainer further has upper and lower springy retainer clips that assure a sure retention of the bottle within the retainer until an emergency requires the use of the bottle whereby a hard pull on the bottle by a hand will dislodge the bottle and make it ready for use. Once the bottle is filled with a defensive fluid. The bottle is inserted into the retainer with a top screw cap first and is then securely caught between the retention clips. The top of the screw cap has an aperture or hole therein into which a nipple penetrates to leak-proof retain the liquid in the bottle. The nipple is part of a rubber plug that is screwed into the top of the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth J. McDoanald
  • Patent number: 8006853
    Abstract: A closure cap may include: a base portion that is provided with at least one dispenser orifice, and that is configured to be fastened onto a receptacle body; a lid that pivots relative to the base portion; and an opening control element configured to control opening of the lid. The opening control element may include a skirt that surrounds at least a portion of the base portion, and that is connected to the base portion via at least one elastically-deformable connection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: L'oreal
    Inventor: Jean-François Delage
  • Patent number: 7988019
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage tap plug for occupying and disinfecting, cleaning, or sanitizing a faucet opening of a beverage tap. The beverage tap plug comprises a support member supporting a resilient absorbent member. The absorbent member comprises a generally cylindrical column of absorbent material. The support member of the beverage tap plug comprises a relatively flat, disk-shaped base supporting a thin post in which the post defines a longitudinal axis with a first base end and second distal end. The post protrudes outwardly from the center of the base at the base end. Additionally, the outside diameter of the absorbent member is larger than the diameter of the diameter of the outer rim of the faucet opening. The absorbent member of the beverage tap plug is impregnated with a disinfectant, sanitizer or cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Banner Beverage Systems Company
    Inventor: James K. Groh
  • Publication number: 20110036865
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway between the two and a plug member which is sized to be received in the passageway. The plug member also has a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with the first end of the spout member when the plug member is received in the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: James Johnson, Thomas Svensson, Stewart M. Graves
  • Patent number: 7857155
    Abstract: A closure that can be threadingly screwed onto an associated container includes a body having a thread form for engaging a thread form on the container. The body has a wall with projecting hook-like ribs. By the provision of the hook-like ribs, the closure exhibits an enhanced capability for being gripped by the rollers of an automatic capping machine, to accommodate a relatively high torque installation without slipping in an automatic capping machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures L.L.C.
    Inventors: Charles E. Roberts, Stacy L. Beilke
  • Patent number: 7798379
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway between the two and a plug member which is sized to be received in the passageway. The plug member also has a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with the first end of the spout member when the plug member is received in the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Liqui-Box Corporation
    Inventors: James Johnson, Thomas Svensson, Stewart M. Graves
  • Publication number: 20100219201
    Abstract: Various systems are provided which may be used in a beverage machine for dispensing one or more, (in particular a plurality of) beverage types. A beverage machine may thus comprise one or more systems selected from the group consisting of i) a conveyance system for the dispensing of particulate material; ii) a beverage selection system providing for the possibility of selecting from among a class of beverages; and iii) a hot water dispensing system which may have a system for detecting the absence of water in the fluid conduit component thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Hallé, Robert Declos, Patrick Brazeau, Martin Harnois, Pascal Grenier, Denis Haché, Joé Nromandeau, André Gauthier, Roger Bourgouin, Stephen Grant, Réjean Bouliane, Eric Thériault
  • Publication number: 20100133301
    Abstract: A valve having a sleeve comprising a sleeve wall including an inner surface; and a plug positioned within the sleeve, the plug comprising at least one portion that is elastically deformable. The plug forms a blind hole extending into the plug from one end thereof to define a plug side wall, and a flow passage that extends through the plug side wall that is either open or openable. The plug defines a valve closed position in an unstressed state, yet is capable of elastically deforming to define a flow channel between the plug and the sleeve in a valve open position. A dispenser containing such a valve is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: John Geoffrey Chan, Lawrence Edward O'brien
  • Patent number: 7717281
    Abstract: A closure cap may include a base portion and a lid. The base portion may include a dispenser orifice. The lid may include a sealing stud arranged to be engaged in the dispenser orifice when the lid is closed. The sealing stud may comprise at least one portion in relief arranged to snap-fasten in the base portion. The sealing stud may also include an elastically deformable zone of increased deformability, in which at least part of the portion in relief may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Gilles Baudin
  • Patent number: 7712618
    Abstract: A cap intended to be mounted on a container includes a base, a lid with a stopper, structure articulating the lid with respect to the base, with a hinge, a structure for locking the lid on the base, and structure for unlocking the locking structure. The lid is arranged to resist any relative movement between the lid and the base and to store mechanical energy by plastic deformation of at least one of the lid and the base and the unlocking structure is arranged in the form of a detent allowing the stored mechanical energy to be released in order to propel the lid to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: The Zebra Company
    Inventors: Bertrand Barre, Xavier Gibert, Francis Lepage
  • Patent number: 7677417
    Abstract: A storage/dispensing system (9) for a flowable dental substance is described with a solvent-tight, resiliently deformable container (10) for the storage and provision of the flowable dental substance and a dispensing device (1) connected to the container (10) for discharging the flowable dental substance from the container (10), with a cup (2) which has an outlet orifice (3) and a wall (4, 4?) in which a passage orifice (5) is provided for introducing the flowable dental substance from the container (10), wherein the passage orifice (5) has a cross-sectional area of 0.001 to 0.1 mm2 and the outlet orifice (3) has a cross-sectional area of 0.5 to 5 mm2, and wherein the inside of the cup (2) has a cross-section which is constant and/or reduces from the passage orifice (5) to the outlet orifice (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: VOCO GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Leiner, Manfred Thomas Plaumann
  • Publication number: 20090133725
    Abstract: A device for dispensing washing agents (10) has a body (11) defined in which is a reservoir (13) for a liquid substance that can be dispensed. The reservoir (13) has a charging passage (14) that can be engaged by a plug (20). Operatively set between the body (11) of the dispenser (10) and the plug (20) is an articulated connection (40), provided for keeping the plug (20) mechanically connected to the dispenser (10) even following upon removal of the plug (20) from the charging passage (20). Preferably the articulated connection is of a “hide-away” type and comprises a movable member (43) to which the plug (20) is constrained so as to present a number of degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: ELTEK S.P.A.
    Inventors: Daniele CERRUTI, Marco MORO
  • Publication number: 20090133727
    Abstract: A dispenser of washing agents for a dishwasher has a body with a reservoir configured for containing a total amount of a liquid substance sufficient for performing a number of cycles of operation of the dishwasher. The reservoir has a charging passage that can be engaged by a removable plug, and the dispenser has a system for dosage of the liquid substance contained in the reservoir. The plug is configured for co-operating with an adjustment element belonging to the dosage system when the plug itself is at least partially inserted in the charging passage, particularly in such a way that a movement of rotation manually imparted on the plug will bring about a movement of rotation of the adjustment element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: ELTEK S.P.A.
    Inventors: Daniele CERRUTI, Costanzo GADINI
  • Publication number: 20090014481
    Abstract: Devices and methods for reliably and reusably creating an airtight seal on a tapered nozzle attached to a container of air-curable material. The device is a unitary expandable tube with an open end and a closed end filled with putty-like material. In one embodiment the device is placed over the nozzle, the device and nozzle are pushed together until the open end of the device flares around the outside diameter of the nozzle, and the nozzle tip displaces some the putty-like material thereby expanding the closed end of the tube to accommodate the displaced material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Tracy Benetti
  • Publication number: 20090014480
    Abstract: A stopper (1) for mounting on a neck (40) of a fluid reservoir (4), said stopper (1) comprising a fastener collar (2) and a closure member (3), the collar (2) defining an orifice (24), and the closure member (3) being suitable for closing said orifice (24), the stopper being characterized in that the closure member (3) includes a fluid extractor and/or applicator element (31) that extends through the collar (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Fabrice Perignon
  • Publication number: 20080224080
    Abstract: A beverage dispense valve is described comprising (i) a body [2] having a bore defining a cylindrical chamber [15] therein and having a beverage inlet port [19] and a beverage outlet port [18] in communication with the chamber; (ii) a rotatable valve member [3] comprising a generally cylindrical barrel of plastics material rotatably mounted in the chamber [15] in the body [2] so as to be movable between open and closed positions of the valve, said barrel having a conduit therein to allow fluid to flow between the beverage inlet port [19] and the beverage outlet port [18] when the valve is in an open position, the external diameter of the barrel being minimally less than the internal diameter of the bore in the body; and (iii) handle means [8] to rotate the valve member [3] between the open and closed positions by engagement with the end faces of the valve member [3]; the handle [8] comprising a fork assembly having at least two cover plates [1,1A] to cover the end faces of the valve member [3]; characterised
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Simon Robert Miller
  • Publication number: 20080217449
    Abstract: A spice grinding and dispensing device generally intended to be used for grinding one spice in a first portion and a second spice in the other portion. Each portion of the dual spice grinder includes a handle or trigger that activates an independent rasp mechanism. When the trigger is pressed, the rasp activated thereby moves down and forces ground spice through an opening. The pressure of the rasp against the inside of the bottom of the grinder breaks up the spice, and only spice that is properly sized can fit through the opening. Furthermore, the opening may be adjustable so that a user can create a coarse or finely ground spice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Lifetime Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Reid M. Hecker
  • Publication number: 20080203113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage tap plug for occupying and disinfecting, cleaning, or sanitizing a faucet opening of a beverage tap. The beverage tap plug comprises a support member supporting a resilient absorbent member. The absorbent member comprises a generally cylindrical column of absorbent material. The support member of the beverage tap plug comprises a relatively flat, disk-shaped base supporting a thin post in which the post defines a longitudinal axis with a first base end and second distal end. The post protrudes outwardly from the center of the base at the base end. Additionally, the outside diameter of the absorbent member is larger than the diameter of the diameter of the outer rim of the faucet opening. The absorbent member of the beverage tap plug is impregnated with a disinfectant, sanitizer or cleaner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: James K. Groh
  • Patent number: 7380987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for closing an opening or filling through an opening in a sack (25) for storing materials (26). The device (10) comprises an elongated means (11) for introduction into the sack (25) through the opening, wherein the elongated means (11) is introducible into the sack (25) for closing or filling thereof. The device (10) further comprises a plate (12) having at least one substantially flat side for abutment against an outer side around the opening of the sack (25). The elongated means (11) is projecting substantially perpendicular from the substantially flat side of the plate (12). Also included is a method for closing an opening or filling through an opening in a sack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Persson
  • Patent number: 7293676
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus comprising a spout and a spigot. The spout includes a tubular member. The tubular member includes a first end, a second end, an inside surface and an opening extending transversely through the tubular member between the first and second end thereof. The tubular member defines a cavity capable of receiving a flowable material therein. The spigot is attached to the inside surface of the tubular member. The spigot includes a peripheral wall, a transverse wall and a handle. The peripheral wall includes an outer surface positionable over the opening. The transverse wall is coupled to the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall and the transverse wall cooperating to substantially seal the first end of the tubular member and the opening from the cavity of the tubular member. The handle is associated with at least one of the peripheral wall and the transverse wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Liston, Robbie Wells
  • Patent number: 7178703
    Abstract: A terminally sterilizable container includes a polypropylene bottle having a body with a manually squeezable sidewall and a thickness preventing water loss. The bottle body includes shoulders for providing autoclave produced pressure distribution and deformation resistance along with an elongated tips outfitted to a neck of the body and having a lumen therethrough with a drop dispensing orifice. A cap enclosed the elongated tip and includes enclosed with a nub for sealing the orifice to prevent autoclave produced pressure leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Allergan, Inc.
    Inventors: Lon T. Spada, Paul T. Butorac, Scott J. Gerondale
  • Patent number: 6935537
    Abstract: A salt dispenser for a beverage bottle includes a rotatable member defining a cavity and including a top surface having an aperture formed therein and for receiving salt therethrough to be disposed within the cavity. The rotatable member includes a bottom surface oppositely spaced from the top surface and having a plurality of apertures for allowing salt to pass therethrough. A stationary member is removably attachable to a top opening of a beverage bottle and is slidably receives the rotatable member about a perimeter thereof. The stationary member has a top surface provided with a channel substantially aligned beneath the plurality of apertures for communicating therewith to allow salt to pass downwardly from the cavity to a perimeter of a beverage bottle. The device further includes a plug attached to the top surface of the stationary member for preventing salt from passing beyond the top opening of a beverage bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Jose H. Tellez
  • Patent number: 6935543
    Abstract: An improved dispensing closure system for dispensing a product from a container includes an elongate or oblong dispensing orifice for dispensing a ribbon of product. One form of the dispensing closure system also includes a spout having a dispensing orifice that is oriented at an angle relative to the closure deck and relative to the flow direction of product from the orifice. The closure provides for the dispensing of product in a clean and controlled manner without mess. One form of the closure system also incorporates conical geometries in transition surfaces extending from the container opening to the dispensing orifice. The conical geometries of the transition surfaces provides for a smooth transition of product flow from the container opening to the dispensing orifice, while minimizing the volume defined by the closure system spout and thereby providing increased “suck-back” and an abrupt “cut-off” of product compared to prior art devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan DeGroot, Cori M. Blomdahl, David S. Pozgay
  • Patent number: 6871764
    Abstract: A closure includes: (a) a base attached to an opening of a container, a conduit extending therethrough in fluid communication with contents of the container, a tubular spout guide defining a portion of the conduit, an annular deck extending radially inwardly from an inner circumferential surface of the base defining a central orifice in fluid communication with the conduit,;and (b) an annular spout mounted to the tubular spout guide for reciprocation between an open position and a closed position, the spout including (1) an annular wall and (2) a plug positioned radially within the annular wall; the plug has annular, outer circumferential seal surface that is received within, and plugs the central orifice of the deck; a portion of the seal surface of the plug is axially recessed or flush with the annular wall of the spout; the seal surface has either a cylindrical shape or a frustoconical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Creaive Packaging Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Stoneberg, Terry E. Kubitz, Dennis J. Tortorella
  • Patent number: 6837405
    Abstract: A dispensing container is provided which includes an ovaloid bottle and an ovaloid overcap. The bottle includes a dispensing aperture. The overcap is formed with a roof at a closed end thereof and a surrounding wall with a mouth defining an open end opposite the closed end. A pintel and a circular collar both project from the roof in a direction toward the open end. The pintel is sealingly fittable into the dispensing aperture. The circular collar ensures that the pintel will not misalign with the aperture of the bottle and thereby avoids damage to the soft plastic of the pintel. The bottle has a shoulder which serves as a camming device for easy removal of the overcap in a twist motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Rainey, Raymond Michael Flaig