US3587944A - Dispensers with integral removable closures - Google Patents

Dispensers with integral removable closures Download PDF

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US3587944A
US3587944A US765384A US3587944DA US3587944A US 3587944 A US3587944 A US 3587944A US 765384 A US765384 A US 765384A US 3587944D A US3587944D A US 3587944DA US 3587944 A US3587944 A US 3587944A
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Prior art keywords
closure
container
closure portion
dispensing
dispensing apparatus
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US765384A
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Harold T Pehr
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SPENCER ENGINEERING A PARTNERSHIP
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
    • B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
    • B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
    • B65D47/0842—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element consisting of a strap of flexible material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/06—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing powdered or granular material

Definitions

  • a dispensing apparatus having a plurality of integrally connected parts for use with dispensing containers wherein the dispensing apparatus has a portion framing a central aperture therethrough, a first closure portion movable to close the aperture and having at least one material-dispensing passageway extending therethrough, and a second closure portion having a passageway closing structure with the second closure portion being movable relative to the first closure portion to close the passageway.
  • Cooperating surfaces or portions of the framing portion and the first closure portion being engageable to maintain the first closure portion in position closing said central aperture.
  • the second closure has a gripping portion for facilitating the movement of second closure relative to the first closure portion for opening said materialdispensing passageway.
  • the present invention relates to dispensing apparatus and more particularly to dispensing apparatus having a plurality of integrally connected parts for use with dispensing containers for spices, condiments and the like.
  • Disposable paper packets having salt, pepper, sugar or other condiments therein are served with carryout food at drive-in restaurants, room service at hotels and motels, with food delivered to residences, and the like. However, once opened, there is no structure for reclosing the paper packets. Therefore, the paper packets are not adapted for reuse. Also, paper packets are particularly susceptible to absorption of moisture thereby damaging the contents therein, especially caking of salt and sugar. Paper packets are also easily torn or otherwise damaged prior to use. It is possible to reduce caking by adding anticaking agents and by lining the paper packets with a suitable plastic, however, this substantially increases the unit cost.
  • Condiment or spice containers are usually made of rigid materials and are expensive to manufacture and inconvenient to open and use.
  • Metal containers having a metal slide for covering or uncovering a dispensing aperture are inconvenient to operate, expensive to manufacture, requiring assembly of separate parts in the making of the complete container, and do not closely or tightly cover the dispensing aperture, thereby allowing entry of moisture and escape of spice fragrance during the periods of storage or use of the container.
  • the principal objects of the present invention are: to provide dispensing apparatus for dispensing containers with the dispensing apparatus for dispensing containers with the dispensing apparatus substantially eliminating the aforesaid disadvantages of paper packets and metal spice containers; to provide such dispensing apparatus particularly adapted for controlled dispensing of salt, pepper, sugar, spice and other condiments; to provide such dispensing apparatus particularly adapted to be molded of clear or translucent plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene or like material approved for use in containing food ingredients and which has tough, foldable, tear-resistant properties and which is substantially moistureproof; to provide such dispensing apparatus particularly adapted for single serving use with meals or food served on airlines, trains, buses, ships, and the like; in hospitals, institutions, schools, and the like; at cafes, restaurants, drive-ins, bars, and the like; and with carryout food served by room service in hotels, motels, and the like; to pro vide such dispensing apparatus which is reusable and refillable and which is adapted for shaking, pour
  • FIG. I is a perspective view of dispensing apparatus for use with dispensing containers, said dispensing apparatus embodying features of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing apparatus shown adjusted for shaking granular material therefrom.
  • FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the dispensing apparatus shown in a closed condition with portions shown in section for clarity.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified dispensing apparatus shown adjusted to be filled with granular material.
  • FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the modified dispensing apparatus of FIG. 4 with portions shown in section for clarity.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified dispensing apparatus particularly adapted for dispensing liquids.
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the liquid-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6 shown adjusted for dispensing liquid with a closed condition of a cap shown in broken lines.
  • FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view through the liquiddispensing apparatus with the cap shown in the closed condition.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dispensing container having a modified dispensing apparatus mounted thereon which is particularly adapted for dispensing granular spices, condiments, and the like.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the spice-dispensing apparatus and container of FIG. 9 adjusted for shaking spice and the like therefrom. 7
  • FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the dispensing container with the spice-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 9 shown in section.
  • FIG. I2 is a perspective view of a further modified spicedispensing apparatus.
  • FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the modified spice-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 12 installed on a dispensing container.
  • FIG. 14 is a transverse sectional view through the modified spice-dispensing apparatus shown in a closed condition.
  • the reference numeral 1 generally designates a molded one-piece dispensing apparatus having a plurality of integrally connected parts for use with dispensing containers 2 wherein the dispensing apparatus 1 has a portion 3 framing a central aperture 4 extending therethrough, a first closure portion 5 movably mounted on the framing portion 3 to close the central aperture 4 and having at least one material-dispensing passageway 6 extending therethrough, and a second closure portion 7 having a passageway closing structure 8 thereon with the second closure portion 7 being movably mounted relative to the first closure portion 5 to close the passageway 6.
  • a surface 9 of the aperture 4 through the framing portion 3 and a peripheral surface 10 of the first closure portion 5 each have cooperating interengaging means to maintain the first closure portion 5 in a position closing the central aperture 4.
  • Gripping means Ill mounted on the second closure portion 7 are adapted to be grasped by a hand (not shown) of a person using the dispensing apparatus 1 for moving the second closure portion 7 out of engagement with the first closure portion 5 for opening the material dispensing passageway 6.
  • the cooperating interengaging means on the surfaces 9 and 10 are illustrated as a recess in the surface 9 defining the central aperture 4 and a corresponding bead extending from the peripheral surface 10 of the first closure portion 5. It is preferable to have the recess and bead sized and shaped to provide an interference therebetween whereby the first closure portion 5 is firmly held in position closing the central aperture 4.
  • the gripping means 11 is illustrated as a projection or tab extending from the peripheral surface of the second closure portion 7 and is positioned and shaped to be grasped between a thumb and finger (not shown) of a person using the dispensing apparatus 1 to move the second closure portion 7 out of engagement with the first closure portion 5 to thereby open the passageway 6.
  • the framing portion 3, the first closure portion 5, and the second closure portion 7 are molded in one piece of a suitable, flexible, clear plastic and in the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusive, the framing portion 3 is integral with the dispensing container 2 and the first closure portion 5 is a planar member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to define the material-dispensing passageway 6.
  • the second closure portion 7 is illustrated as a planar member having a plurality of projections extending therefrom defining the passageway closing structure 8 with the projections being alignable with and slidably and frictionally received within respective apertures in the first closure portion 5.
  • the apertures defining the passageway 6 and the projections defining the passageway closing structure 8 sized and shaped to provide an interference to thereby firmly seat or engage the projections in the respective apertures whereby the container 2 can be tightly closed to maintain spice fragrance and prevent caking of moisture-susceptible material therein.
  • the first closure portion is integrally connected to the frame portion 3 by a thin flexible strip 12 whereby the first closure portion 5 is movable relative to the framing portion 3 to close the central aperture 4 along a path 13 shown in dotdashed lines to the position shown in FlG. 2.
  • the dispensing apparatus 1 is thereby adjusted to shake granular condiments, such as salt and pepper, from the container 2.
  • the second closure portion 7 is integrally connected to the first closure portion 5 by a thin flexible strip 14 whereby the first closure portion 5 is movable relative to the second closure portion 7 to move the projections on the second closure portion 7 into the apertures through the first closure portion 5.
  • the second closure portion 7 is movable along a path to close the dispensing passageway 6 and to position the second closure portion 7 in the position shown in FIG. 3 thereby seal ing the container 2 and preserving spice fragrance and preventing caking of salt, sugar and the like.
  • the strips 12 and 14 each have a section of reduced thickness 12 and l4 respectively to increase the flexibility of the respective strips and to permit a swinging of the first and second closure portions 5 and 7 along the paths l3 and 15 respectively.
  • the strips 12 and 14 are positioned in diametrically opposed relation on the peripheral surface 10 of the first closure portion 5 for ease in molding and ease in aligning the projections on the second closure portion 7 with the apertures through the first closure portion 5.
  • the dispensing apparatus 1 and the container 2, as illustrated in FlGS 1 to 3 inclusive, are reusable and when it is desired to refill the container 2 with the selected condiment, the first and second closure portions 5 and 7 are disengaged from the framing portion 3. It is preferable to have the first and second closure portions 5 and 7 engaged together when pouring condiments from the container 2 or refilling the container 2.
  • the dispensing apparatus 1 of a clear or translucent flexible plastic such as polyethylene polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or like material approved for use in containing food ingredients and which has tough, foldable, flexible, tear-resistant properties particularly for the strips 12 and 14.
  • the first and second closure portions 5 and 7 are molded of a thickness to be substantially rigid relative to the container 2 whereby the framing portion 3 conforms to the first closure portion 5 thereby firmly closing the central aperture 4.
  • the framing portion 3 may be a separate member adapted to be mounted on the container 2 at the top thereof.
  • FlGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a modified dispensing apparatus 16 having a first closure portion 17 integrally connected to a framing portion 18 by a thin flexible strip 19 and a second closure portion 20 is integrally connected to the frame portion 18 by a thin flexible strip 21 which is diametrically opposed to the strip 19 whereby the first closure portion 17 is movable or swingable along a path 22 to close a central aperture 18 through the framing portion 18 and the second closure portion 20 is movable or swingable along a path 23 to close a materialdispensing passageway 24 through the first closure portion 17.
  • the modified dispensing apparatus 16 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, is particularly adapted to be on a relatively small container 25 and to be sized for a single serving of food and to be a disposable container for condiments, such as salt and pepper.
  • the framing portion 18 is illustrated as integral with the container 25 which is adapted to be filled with a selected condiment, such as salt or pepper, when the modified dispensing apparatus 16 is in the position shown in FIG. 4.
  • the first closure portion 17 is moved or swung into the position shown in FlG. 5 and the second closure portion 20 is moved or swung along the path 23 to close the material-dispensing passageway 24.
  • a projection or tab 26 which extends from the peripheral surface of the second closure portion 20 is grasped between a thumb and a finger (not shown) ofa person using the modified dispensing apparatus 16 to move the second closure portion 20 out of engagement with the first closure portion 17 to thereby open the material-dispensing passageway 24.
  • first closure portion 17 there is no connection between the first closure portion 17 and the second closure portion 20 and that the projection or tab 26 is on the second closure portion 20 whereby when the first closure portion 17 is positioned within the framing portion 18 it is not adapted to be moved from the position shown in FIG. 5.
  • the modified dispensing apparatus 16 and container 25 are molded of a clear or translucent flexible plastic whereby the person using same can observe when the container 25 is empty.
  • the strips 19 and 21 each have a section of reduced thickness 19 and 21' respectively to increase the flexibility of the respective strips and to permit swinging of the first and second closure portions along the paths 22 and 23 respectively.
  • the strips 19 and 21 integrally connect the first closure portion 17 and the second closure portion 20 to an exterior surface of the framing portion 18 and are positioned in diametrically opposed relation whereby a plurality of projections 27 extending from the second closure portion 20 are adapted to be seated in or received in a plurality of respective apertures defining the material-dispensing passageway 24 through the first closure portion 17.
  • the framing portion 18 may be a separate member adapted to be mounted on the container 25 at the top thereof.
  • the framing portion 18 is a separate member, it will be possible to move the first closure portion 17 out of engagement within the framing portion 18 by pushing the first closure portion 17 upwardly while holding the framing portion 18.
  • FIGS. 6 to 8 inclusive illustrate a modified dispensing apparatus 28 adapted to be removably mounted at a top of a dispensing container 29 which is particularly adapted to dispense liquid seasoning, such as steak sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, lime juice, artificial sweeteners and the like.
  • the modified dispensing apparatus 28 has a framing portion 30 adapted to be removably mounted on the top of the container 29 wherein the framing portion 30 has a central aperture 31 therethrough.
  • a rib 32 extends radially inwardly from surfaces defining the central aperture 31 and the rib 32 is positioned to engage a bead or ring 33 extending outwardly from an exterior surface adjacent the top of the container 29.
  • the rib 32 is positioned to also engage the exterior surface of a neck portion 34 of the container 29 while engaging the bead or ring 33.
  • central aperture 31 and rib 32 are sized to provide an interference with the bead or ring 33 and the neck portion 34 respectively of the container 29, whereby when the frame portion 30 is mounted on the top of the container 29 it will be retained thereon in firm engagement therewith.
  • the container 29 be ofa suitable flexible plastic so that the container 29 will operate as a squeeze bottle to dispense liquid seasoning through the modified dispensing apparatus 28.
  • a first closure portion 35 is integrally connected to the framing portion by a thin flexible strip 36 whereby the first closure portion is movable or swingable relative to the framing portion 30 to close the central aperture 31 along a path 37, shown in dot-dashed lines, to the position shown in FIG. 7.
  • a bead or ring 38 extending from an exterior or peripheral surface of the first closure portion 35 is adapted to be received and retained within a recess 39 in an interior surface of the central aperture 31 to maintain the first closure portion 35 in position closing the central aperture 31.
  • a material-dispensing passageway 40 extending through the first closure portion 35 is illustrated as an elongate tubular member having one end 41 extending upwardly from the first closure portion 35 when same is in position closing the central aperture 31, as shown in FIG. 7.
  • a second closure portion 42 is integrally connected to the first closure portion 35 by a thin flexible strip 43 whereby the second closure portion 42 is movable along a path 44 to a position closing the material dispensing passageway 40.
  • the second closure portion 42 is a caplike structure having a recess 45 therein to engage the exterior surface of the tubular passageway 40,
  • the interior surface of the recess 45 be sized to provide an interference with the exterior surface of the tubular passageway 40 whereby the cap or second closure portion 42 seats on and is firmly engaged with the tubular member 40 on the first closure portion 35 in a position closing the tubular passageway through the tubular member 40. It is also preferable that the exterior surfaces of the cap or second closure portion 42 be downwardly tapered, as shown in FIG. 8, to provide a gripping surface for a person (not shown) desiring to open the passageway 40 for dispensing selected liquid seasoning from the container 29.
  • the container 29 and the modified dispensing apparatus 28 are particularly adapted for reuse, therefore, it is desirable to mold the container 29 of a suitable, flexible, clear or translucent plastic whereby a person using same can visually observe the nature of the contents within the container 29 and the amount remaining therein,
  • the container 29 and the modified dispensing apparatus 28 are also particularly adapted for dispensing other liquid products, such as shampoo, aftershave lotions, hair creams and oils, liquid deodorants, other liquid grooming aids, and the like.
  • FIGS. 9 to 11 inclusive illustrate a modified dispensing apparatus 46 particularly adapted for mounting on a container 47 for condiments and spices, such as salt, pepper, cinnamon, and the like.
  • the modified dispensing apparatus 46 has a framing portion 48 with a central aperture 49 extending therethrough, a first closure portion 50 integrally connected to the framing portion 48 by a thin flexible strip 51, and a second closure portion 52 is integrally connected to the first closure portion 50 by a thin flexible strip 53.
  • the first closure portion 50 is illustrated as an elongate planar member having an enlarged substantially semicircular aperture 54 extending therethrough defining a materialdispensing passageway adapted to permit passage of a suitable measuring device, such as a spoon (not shown).
  • the second closure portion 52 is also illustrated as an elongate planar member having a corresponding substantially semicircular projection 55 extending therefrom and positioned to be slidably and frictionally engageable within the semicircular aperture 54 in the first closure portion 50.
  • a shake structure 56 and the central aperture 49 are illustrated as rectangular and the shake structure 56 is sized and positioned on the first closure portion 50 to slidably and frictionally engage the central aperture 49 while being moved between a closed position (not shown) and a shake position as shown in FIG. 11.
  • the shake structure S6 is formed by a pair of elongate side members 57 and 58 extending from the planar first closure portion 50 and an elongate end closure member 59 also extending from the first closure portion 50 and having opposite ends thereof connected to one end of the side members 57 and 58.
  • the side members 57 and 58 and the end closure member 59 are positioned adjacent and in a surrounding relation to the semicircular aperture 54 and are positioned to slidably and frictionally engage corresponding surfaces of the central aperture 49 through the frame portion 48.
  • the other end of each of the side members 57 and 58 is also shaped and positioned to frictionally engage the surface of the central aperture.
  • the end closure member 59 is arcuate and is positioned to firmly engage the corresponding surface of the central aperture 49 while the first closure portion 50 is raised from the closed position to the shake position.
  • the first closure portion 50 with the shake structure 56 thereon is movable or swingable along a path 60 to a position closing the central aperture 49 through the framing portion 48.
  • a projection 61 extending from the first closure portion 50 adjacent the strip 53, is grasped and the first and second closure portions 50 and 52 are moved or swung to the shake position shown in FIG. 11 with tabs 62 and 63 extending from the side members 57 and 58 respectively engaging the frame portion 48 to retain the shake structure 56 within the central aperture 49.
  • the shake structure 56 is then adapted to shake granular condiments through a plurality of spaced apertures 6 through the end closure member 59.
  • the second closure portion 52 has a projection or tab 65, extending from the second closure portion 52 opposite the projection 61, adapted to be grasped by a person to open the semicircular aperture 54 for insertion of a spoon (not shown) into the container 47 for removing spices therein by the spoonful.
  • the strips 51 and 53 each have a section of reduced thickness 51' and 53 respectively to increase the flexibility of the respective strips and to permit a swinging of the first and second closure portions 50 and 52 along the paths shown in FIG. 9.
  • FIGS. 12 to 14 inclusive illustrate a modified spicedispensing apparatus 66 adapted to shake or pour selected spices from a container (not shown).
  • the modified spicedispensing apparatus 66 has a framing portion 67 with a central aperture 68 extending therethrough, a first closure portion 69 integrally connected to the frame portion 67 by a thin flexible strip 70, and a second closure portion 71 integrally connected to the first closure portion 69 by a thin flexible strip 72.
  • the first closure portion 69 is a planar member having a plurality of spaced apertures 73 extending therethrough defining a material passageway for the granular material within the container (not shown).
  • the first closure portion 69 is movable along a path 74 to a position closing the central aperture 68 whereby the modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 is adapted to shake condiments and spices, such as salt and pepper, therefrom.
  • the second closure portion 71 is a planar member having a plurality of projections 75 extending therefrom and arranged to be alignable with and suitably seated in the materialdispensing passageway, such as being slidably and frictionally received within respective apertures 73 in the first closure portion 69, to thereby define a passageway closing structure for sealing the spice fragrances within the container (not shown).
  • a pair of side members 76 and 77 are hingedly connected to the first closure portion 69 and are movable to a position to be inserted within the central aperture 68 of the framing portion 67 and each have projections or tabs 78 extending therefrom to engage the framing portion 67 when the first closure portion 69 is moved to a pouring position, such as shown in FIG. 13.
  • the side members 76 and 77 are molded in a position adjacent the first closure portion 69 whereby they are biased to slidably and frictionally engage a respective surface of the central aperture 68 through the framing portion 67.
  • the modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 is adapted to pour granular material, such as salt, pepper, cinnamon, or the like from the container (not shown).
  • the modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 is molded separately from the container (not shown) and is adapted to be inserted in an opening in a top member 81 of the container and in the illustrated structure, the framing portion 67 has a recess 80 in the exterior peripheral edges thereof to engage and receive edges of the opening through the container top member 81 for mounting the modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 therein.
  • a lower portion of the exterior peripheral edges of the framing portion 67 is tapered to guide the framing portion 67 into the opening through the container top member 81 and assist in seating the top member 81 in the recess 80.
  • the side members 76 and 77 each have a bead or rib 82 on an edge 83 with the bead or I rib 82 being positioned to engage the framing portion 67 when the first closure portion 69 is in a position closing the central aperture 68 of the framing portion 67, as shown in FIG. 14.
  • the edge 83 is shaped to firmly engage a corresponding surface of the central aperture 68 while the first closure portion 69 is being moved between the pouring position, as best illustrated in PK]. 13, and a closed position, as best illustrated in H6. 14.
  • the strips 70 and 72 each have a section of reduced thickness 70 and 72' respectively to increase the flexibility of the respective strips and to permit a swinging of the first and second closure portions 69 and 71 along the paths shown in FIG. 12.
  • a container having a sidewall, and top portion all integral, said top portion having an edge portion defining a top opening extending to at least one side of the top portion;
  • sealing means for sealing the top opening when the first closure member is in closing position thereon, said sealing means comprising a peripheral recess on one of said first closure member and said top portion around the top opening and a sealing edge on the other of said first closure member and said top portion around said top opening, said sealing edge being engageable in said recess;
  • said first closure member having at least one materialdispensing opening therein;
  • a second closure'member movable relative to said first closure member and integral with one of said container and first closure member, a protrusion on said second closure member positioned to extend into the materialdispensing opening in the first closure member, said protrusion and portions defining the dispensing opening of the first closure member having cooperative peripheral surfaces engaged in closed position of said second closure member to seal said material-dispensing opening in the first closure member;
  • connecting members integrally joining said first and second closure members and the container extending laterally of the container and forming a hinge connection for the respective closure members whereby said closure members are movable from open positions substantially in the plane of the container top portion to closing positions of the respective dispensing openings;
  • closures, connecting members and open top of said container being in substantial alignment with one another when said closures are open and are in the plane of said open top, whereby said integral container, closure members and connecting members may be formed in a mold having the portions thereof separated by a single linear movement for removal of the container and integral closure members therefrom.
  • a second connecting member integral with said container and said second closing member, said second connecting member being at another side of the container and extending laterally exteriorly therefrom and forming a hinge connection whereby said second closure member is movable from an open position substantially in the plane of said top portion to a position closing the dispensing opening in the first closure member.
  • top opening of said container is defined by the upper edges of the sidewall of said container, said container tapering downwardly and inwardly whereby the container is smaller at the bottom.

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  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

A DISPENSING APPARATUS HAVING A PLURALITY OF INTEGRALLY CONNECTED PARTS FOR USE WITH DISPENSING CONTAINERS WHEREIN THE DISPENSING APPARATUS HAS A PORTION FRAMING A CENTRAL APERTURE THERETHROUGH, A FIRST CLOSURE PORTION MOVABLE TO CLOSE THE APERTURE AND HAVING AT LEAST ONE MATERIAL-DISPENSING PASSAGEWAY EXTENDING THERETHROUGH, AND A SECOND CLOSURE PORTION HAVING A PASSAGEWAY CLOSING STRUCTURE WITH THE SECOND CLOSURE PORTION BEING MOVABLE RELATIVE TO THE FIRST CLOSURE PORTION TO CLOSE THE PASSAGEWAY. COOPERATING SURFACES OR PORTIONS OF THE FRAMING PORTION AND THE FIRST CLOSURE PORTION BEING ENGAGEABLE TO MAINTAIN THE FIRST CLOSURE PORTION IN POSITION CLOSING SAID CENTRAL APERTURE. THE SECOND CLOSURE HAS A GIPPING PORTION FOR FACILITATING THE MOVEMENT OF SECOND CLOSURE RELATIVE TO THE FIRST CLOSURE PORTION FOR OPENING SAID MATERIAL-DISPENSING PASSAGEWAY.

Description

United States Patent [72] inventor [21 Appl. No. [22] Filed [45 Patented Harold T. Pehr 3920 W. 96th St., Overland Park,, Kans.
Oct. 7, 1968 June 28, 1971 [54] DISPENSERS WITH INTEGRAL REMOVABLE CLOSURES 4 Claims, 14 Drawing Figs.
[56] References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,618,413 11/1952 Brooks 222/480 3,185,359 5/1965 Buntic 222/480 3,187,964 6/1965 Foster 222/480 3,251,509 5/1966 Foster 222/480X 3,342,380 9/1967 Smith 3,409,188 11/1968 Wright Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg Assistant Examiner-Nonnan L. Stack, Jr ArtorneyFishbum, Gold and Litman ABSTRACT: A dispensing apparatus having a plurality of integrally connected parts for use with dispensing containers wherein the dispensing apparatus has a portion framing a central aperture therethrough, a first closure portion movable to close the aperture and having at least one material-dispensing passageway extending therethrough, and a second closure portion having a passageway closing structure with the second closure portion being movable relative to the first closure portion to close the passageway. Cooperating surfaces or portions of the framing portion and the first closure portion being engageable to maintain the first closure portion in position closing said central aperture. The second closure has a gripping portion for facilitating the movement of second closure relative to the first closure portion for opening said materialdispensing passageway.
PATENTED JUN-28 I971 SHEET 1 OF 3 INVENTOR. HAROLD T. PEHR ATTORNEY!)- PATENTEU JUN28 \sn SHEET 2 BF 3 INVENTOR. HAROLD T. PEHR ATTORNEYS PATEN'IEU JUN28 I971 3.587.944
SHEU 3 OF 3 INVENTOR HAROLD T PEHR ZZLMM,ZM*$TAN ATTORNEYS DISPENSERS WITH INTEGRAL REMOVABLE CLOSURES The present invention relates to dispensing apparatus and more particularly to dispensing apparatus having a plurality of integrally connected parts for use with dispensing containers for spices, condiments and the like.
Disposable paper packets having salt, pepper, sugar or other condiments therein are served with carryout food at drive-in restaurants, room service at hotels and motels, with food delivered to residences, and the like. However, once opened, there is no structure for reclosing the paper packets. Therefore, the paper packets are not adapted for reuse. Also, paper packets are particularly susceptible to absorption of moisture thereby damaging the contents therein, especially caking of salt and sugar. Paper packets are also easily torn or otherwise damaged prior to use. It is possible to reduce caking by adding anticaking agents and by lining the paper packets with a suitable plastic, however, this substantially increases the unit cost.
Condiment or spice containers are usually made of rigid materials and are expensive to manufacture and inconvenient to open and use. Metal containers having a metal slide for covering or uncovering a dispensing aperture are inconvenient to operate, expensive to manufacture, requiring assembly of separate parts in the making of the complete container, and do not closely or tightly cover the dispensing aperture, thereby allowing entry of moisture and escape of spice fragrance during the periods of storage or use of the container.
The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide dispensing apparatus for dispensing containers with the dispensing apparatus for dispensing containers with the dispensing apparatus substantially eliminating the aforesaid disadvantages of paper packets and metal spice containers; to provide such dispensing apparatus particularly adapted for controlled dispensing of salt, pepper, sugar, spice and other condiments; to provide such dispensing apparatus particularly adapted to be molded of clear or translucent plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene or like material approved for use in containing food ingredients and which has tough, foldable, tear-resistant properties and which is substantially moistureproof; to provide such dispensing apparatus particularly adapted for single serving use with meals or food served on airlines, trains, buses, ships, and the like; in hospitals, institutions, schools, and the like; at cafes, restaurants, drive-ins, bars, and the like; and with carryout food served by room service in hotels, motels, and the like; to pro vide such dispensing apparatus which is reusable and refillable and which is adapted for shaking, pouring and removing spices by the spoonful; to provide such dispensing apparatus adapted to be packaged with frozen meals such as TV dinners; to provide such dispensing apparatus using an economical material in making a lightweight dispensing apparatus that seals and protects packaged spices and condiments and that has a dispensing closure structure that is disposable with the container and yet rugged, convenient, functional, attractive, economical, and effective in closing dispensing apertures as well as in dispensing spices and other condiments; and to provide such dispensing apparatus that is economical to manufacture, positive in operation, convenient in use, and effective in sealing in and preserving the fragrance of packaged spices and other condiments and preventing caking of moisture susceptible condiments, such as salt and sugar.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.
FIG. I is a perspective view of dispensing apparatus for use with dispensing containers, said dispensing apparatus embodying features of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing apparatus shown adjusted for shaking granular material therefrom.
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the dispensing apparatus shown in a closed condition with portions shown in section for clarity.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a modified dispensing apparatus shown adjusted to be filled with granular material.
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the modified dispensing apparatus of FIG. 4 with portions shown in section for clarity.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified dispensing apparatus particularly adapted for dispensing liquids.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the liquid-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 6 shown adjusted for dispensing liquid with a closed condition of a cap shown in broken lines.
FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view through the liquiddispensing apparatus with the cap shown in the closed condition.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a dispensing container having a modified dispensing apparatus mounted thereon which is particularly adapted for dispensing granular spices, condiments, and the like.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the spice-dispensing apparatus and container of FIG. 9 adjusted for shaking spice and the like therefrom. 7
FIG. 11 is an elevational view of the dispensing container with the spice-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 9 shown in section.
FIG. I2 is a perspective view of a further modified spicedispensing apparatus.
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the modified spice-dispensing apparatus of FIG. 12 installed on a dispensing container.
FIG. 14 is a transverse sectional view through the modified spice-dispensing apparatus shown in a closed condition.
Referring more in detail to the drawings:
The reference numeral 1 generally designates a molded one-piece dispensing apparatus having a plurality of integrally connected parts for use with dispensing containers 2 wherein the dispensing apparatus 1 has a portion 3 framing a central aperture 4 extending therethrough, a first closure portion 5 movably mounted on the framing portion 3 to close the central aperture 4 and having at least one material-dispensing passageway 6 extending therethrough, and a second closure portion 7 having a passageway closing structure 8 thereon with the second closure portion 7 being movably mounted relative to the first closure portion 5 to close the passageway 6. A surface 9 of the aperture 4 through the framing portion 3 and a peripheral surface 10 of the first closure portion 5 each have cooperating interengaging means to maintain the first closure portion 5 in a position closing the central aperture 4. Gripping means Ill mounted on the second closure portion 7 are adapted to be grasped by a hand (not shown) of a person using the dispensing apparatus 1 for moving the second closure portion 7 out of engagement with the first closure portion 5 for opening the material dispensing passageway 6.
The cooperating interengaging means on the surfaces 9 and 10 are illustrated as a recess in the surface 9 defining the central aperture 4 and a corresponding bead extending from the peripheral surface 10 of the first closure portion 5. It is preferable to have the recess and bead sized and shaped to provide an interference therebetween whereby the first closure portion 5 is firmly held in position closing the central aperture 4.
The gripping means 11 is illustrated as a projection or tab extending from the peripheral surface of the second closure portion 7 and is positioned and shaped to be grasped between a thumb and finger (not shown) of a person using the dispensing apparatus 1 to move the second closure portion 7 out of engagement with the first closure portion 5 to thereby open the passageway 6.
The framing portion 3, the first closure portion 5, and the second closure portion 7 are molded in one piece of a suitable, flexible, clear plastic and in the structure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 inclusive, the framing portion 3 is integral with the dispensing container 2 and the first closure portion 5 is a planar member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough to define the material-dispensing passageway 6. The second closure portion 7 is illustrated as a planar member having a plurality of projections extending therefrom defining the passageway closing structure 8 with the projections being alignable with and slidably and frictionally received within respective apertures in the first closure portion 5. It is also preferable to have the apertures defining the passageway 6 and the projections defining the passageway closing structure 8 sized and shaped to provide an interference to thereby firmly seat or engage the projections in the respective apertures whereby the container 2 can be tightly closed to maintain spice fragrance and prevent caking of moisture-susceptible material therein.
The first closure portion is integrally connected to the frame portion 3 by a thin flexible strip 12 whereby the first closure portion 5 is movable relative to the framing portion 3 to close the central aperture 4 along a path 13 shown in dotdashed lines to the position shown in FlG. 2. The dispensing apparatus 1 is thereby adjusted to shake granular condiments, such as salt and pepper, from the container 2.
The second closure portion 7 is integrally connected to the first closure portion 5 by a thin flexible strip 14 whereby the first closure portion 5 is movable relative to the second closure portion 7 to move the projections on the second closure portion 7 into the apertures through the first closure portion 5. The second closure portion 7 is movable along a path to close the dispensing passageway 6 and to position the second closure portion 7 in the position shown in FIG. 3 thereby seal ing the container 2 and preserving spice fragrance and preventing caking of salt, sugar and the like.
The strips 12 and 14 each have a section of reduced thickness 12 and l4 respectively to increase the flexibility of the respective strips and to permit a swinging of the first and second closure portions 5 and 7 along the paths l3 and 15 respectively. The strips 12 and 14 are positioned in diametrically opposed relation on the peripheral surface 10 of the first closure portion 5 for ease in molding and ease in aligning the projections on the second closure portion 7 with the apertures through the first closure portion 5.
The dispensing apparatus 1 and the container 2, as illustrated in FlGS 1 to 3 inclusive, are reusable and when it is desired to refill the container 2 with the selected condiment, the first and second closure portions 5 and 7 are disengaged from the framing portion 3. It is preferable to have the first and second closure portions 5 and 7 engaged together when pouring condiments from the container 2 or refilling the container 2.
[t is preferable to mold the dispensing apparatus 1 of a clear or translucent flexible plastic such as polyethylene polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, or like material approved for use in containing food ingredients and which has tough, foldable, flexible, tear-resistant properties particularly for the strips 12 and 14. The first and second closure portions 5 and 7 are molded of a thickness to be substantially rigid relative to the container 2 whereby the framing portion 3 conforms to the first closure portion 5 thereby firmly closing the central aperture 4.
While the dispensing apparatus 1 has been illustrated as integral with the container 2, it is to be understood that the framing portion 3 may be a separate member adapted to be mounted on the container 2 at the top thereof.
FlGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a modified dispensing apparatus 16 having a first closure portion 17 integrally connected to a framing portion 18 by a thin flexible strip 19 and a second closure portion 20 is integrally connected to the frame portion 18 by a thin flexible strip 21 which is diametrically opposed to the strip 19 whereby the first closure portion 17 is movable or swingable along a path 22 to close a central aperture 18 through the framing portion 18 and the second closure portion 20 is movable or swingable along a path 23 to close a materialdispensing passageway 24 through the first closure portion 17.
The modified dispensing apparatus 16 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, is particularly adapted to be on a relatively small container 25 and to be sized for a single serving of food and to be a disposable container for condiments, such as salt and pepper. The framing portion 18 is illustrated as integral with the container 25 which is adapted to be filled with a selected condiment, such as salt or pepper, when the modified dispensing apparatus 16 is in the position shown in FIG. 4. After the container 25 is filled, the first closure portion 17 is moved or swung into the position shown in FlG. 5 and the second closure portion 20 is moved or swung along the path 23 to close the material-dispensing passageway 24.
When it is desired to shake a granular condiment from the disposable container 25, a projection or tab 26 which extends from the peripheral surface of the second closure portion 20 is grasped between a thumb and a finger (not shown) ofa person using the modified dispensing apparatus 16 to move the second closure portion 20 out of engagement with the first closure portion 17 to thereby open the material-dispensing passageway 24.
It is noted that there is no connection between the first closure portion 17 and the second closure portion 20 and that the projection or tab 26 is on the second closure portion 20 whereby when the first closure portion 17 is positioned within the framing portion 18 it is not adapted to be moved from the position shown in FIG. 5.
Particularly in the disposable form illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, it is preferable to mold the modified dispensing apparatus 16 and container 25 of a clear or translucent flexible plastic whereby the person using same can observe when the container 25 is empty.
The strips 19 and 21 each have a section of reduced thickness 19 and 21' respectively to increase the flexibility of the respective strips and to permit swinging of the first and second closure portions along the paths 22 and 23 respectively.
The strips 19 and 21 integrally connect the first closure portion 17 and the second closure portion 20 to an exterior surface of the framing portion 18 and are positioned in diametrically opposed relation whereby a plurality of projections 27 extending from the second closure portion 20 are adapted to be seated in or received in a plurality of respective apertures defining the material-dispensing passageway 24 through the first closure portion 17.
While the modified dispensing apparatus 16 has been illustrated as integral with the container 25, it is to be understood that the framing portion 18 may be a separate member adapted to be mounted on the container 25 at the top thereof. When the framing portion 18 is a separate member, it will be possible to move the first closure portion 17 out of engagement within the framing portion 18 by pushing the first closure portion 17 upwardly while holding the framing portion 18.
FIGS. 6 to 8 inclusive illustrate a modified dispensing apparatus 28 adapted to be removably mounted at a top of a dispensing container 29 which is particularly adapted to dispense liquid seasoning, such as steak sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, lemon juice, lime juice, artificial sweeteners and the like. The modified dispensing apparatus 28 has a framing portion 30 adapted to be removably mounted on the top of the container 29 wherein the framing portion 30 has a central aperture 31 therethrough. In the illustrated structure, a rib 32 extends radially inwardly from surfaces defining the central aperture 31 and the rib 32 is positioned to engage a bead or ring 33 extending outwardly from an exterior surface adjacent the top of the container 29. The rib 32 is positioned to also engage the exterior surface of a neck portion 34 of the container 29 while engaging the bead or ring 33.
It is preferably to have the central aperture 31 and rib 32 sized to provide an interference with the bead or ring 33 and the neck portion 34 respectively of the container 29, whereby when the frame portion 30 is mounted on the top of the container 29 it will be retained thereon in firm engagement therewith.
lt is preferable that the container 29 be ofa suitable flexible plastic so that the container 29 will operate as a squeeze bottle to dispense liquid seasoning through the modified dispensing apparatus 28.
A first closure portion 35 is integrally connected to the framing portion by a thin flexible strip 36 whereby the first closure portion is movable or swingable relative to the framing portion 30 to close the central aperture 31 along a path 37, shown in dot-dashed lines, to the position shown in FIG. 7.
Cooperating means on engaging surfaces on the periphery of the first closure portion 35 and the central aperture 31 of the frame portion 30 interengage to retain the first closure portion 35 in a position closing the central aperture 31. In the illustrated structure, a bead or ring 38 extending from an exterior or peripheral surface of the first closure portion 35 is adapted to be received and retained within a recess 39 in an interior surface of the central aperture 31 to maintain the first closure portion 35 in position closing the central aperture 31.
A material-dispensing passageway 40 extending through the first closure portion 35 is illustrated as an elongate tubular member having one end 41 extending upwardly from the first closure portion 35 when same is in position closing the central aperture 31, as shown in FIG. 7.
A second closure portion 42 is integrally connected to the first closure portion 35 by a thin flexible strip 43 whereby the second closure portion 42 is movable along a path 44 to a position closing the material dispensing passageway 40. In the illustrated structure, the second closure portion 42 is a caplike structure having a recess 45 therein to engage the exterior surface of the tubular passageway 40,
It is preferable that the interior surface of the recess 45 be sized to provide an interference with the exterior surface of the tubular passageway 40 whereby the cap or second closure portion 42 seats on and is firmly engaged with the tubular member 40 on the first closure portion 35 in a position closing the tubular passageway through the tubular member 40. It is also preferable that the exterior surfaces of the cap or second closure portion 42 be downwardly tapered, as shown in FIG. 8, to provide a gripping surface for a person (not shown) desiring to open the passageway 40 for dispensing selected liquid seasoning from the container 29.
The container 29 and the modified dispensing apparatus 28 are particularly adapted for reuse, therefore, it is desirable to mold the container 29 of a suitable, flexible, clear or translucent plastic whereby a person using same can visually observe the nature of the contents within the container 29 and the amount remaining therein, The container 29 and the modified dispensing apparatus 28 are also particularly adapted for dispensing other liquid products, such as shampoo, aftershave lotions, hair creams and oils, liquid deodorants, other liquid grooming aids, and the like.
FIGS. 9 to 11 inclusive illustrate a modified dispensing apparatus 46 particularly adapted for mounting on a container 47 for condiments and spices, such as salt, pepper, cinnamon, and the like. The modified dispensing apparatus 46 has a framing portion 48 with a central aperture 49 extending therethrough, a first closure portion 50 integrally connected to the framing portion 48 by a thin flexible strip 51, and a second closure portion 52 is integrally connected to the first closure portion 50 by a thin flexible strip 53.
The first closure portion 50 is illustrated as an elongate planar member having an enlarged substantially semicircular aperture 54 extending therethrough defining a materialdispensing passageway adapted to permit passage of a suitable measuring device, such as a spoon (not shown). The second closure portion 52 is also illustrated as an elongate planar member having a corresponding substantially semicircular projection 55 extending therefrom and positioned to be slidably and frictionally engageable within the semicircular aperture 54 in the first closure portion 50.
A shake structure 56 and the central aperture 49 are illustrated as rectangular and the shake structure 56 is sized and positioned on the first closure portion 50 to slidably and frictionally engage the central aperture 49 while being moved between a closed position (not shown) and a shake position as shown in FIG. 11. In the illustrated structure, the shake structure S6 is formed by a pair of elongate side members 57 and 58 extending from the planar first closure portion 50 and an elongate end closure member 59 also extending from the first closure portion 50 and having opposite ends thereof connected to one end of the side members 57 and 58. The side members 57 and 58 and the end closure member 59 are positioned adjacent and in a surrounding relation to the semicircular aperture 54 and are positioned to slidably and frictionally engage corresponding surfaces of the central aperture 49 through the frame portion 48. The other end of each of the side members 57 and 58 is also shaped and positioned to frictionally engage the surface of the central aperture. The end closure member 59 is arcuate and is positioned to firmly engage the corresponding surface of the central aperture 49 while the first closure portion 50 is raised from the closed position to the shake position.
The first closure portion 50 with the shake structure 56 thereon is movable or swingable along a path 60 to a position closing the central aperture 49 through the framing portion 48. When it is desired to shake granular condiments from the container 47, a projection 61, extending from the first closure portion 50 adjacent the strip 53, is grasped and the first and second closure portions 50 and 52 are moved or swung to the shake position shown in FIG. 11 with tabs 62 and 63 extending from the side members 57 and 58 respectively engaging the frame portion 48 to retain the shake structure 56 within the central aperture 49. The shake structure 56 is then adapted to shake granular condiments through a plurality of spaced apertures 6 through the end closure member 59.
The second closure portion 52 has a projection or tab 65, extending from the second closure portion 52 opposite the projection 61, adapted to be grasped by a person to open the semicircular aperture 54 for insertion of a spoon (not shown) into the container 47 for removing spices therein by the spoonful.
The strips 51 and 53 each have a section of reduced thickness 51' and 53 respectively to increase the flexibility of the respective strips and to permit a swinging of the first and second closure portions 50 and 52 along the paths shown in FIG. 9.
FIGS. 12 to 14 inclusive illustrate a modified spicedispensing apparatus 66 adapted to shake or pour selected spices from a container (not shown). The modified spicedispensing apparatus 66 has a framing portion 67 with a central aperture 68 extending therethrough, a first closure portion 69 integrally connected to the frame portion 67 by a thin flexible strip 70, and a second closure portion 71 integrally connected to the first closure portion 69 by a thin flexible strip 72.
The first closure portion 69 is a planar member having a plurality of spaced apertures 73 extending therethrough defining a material passageway for the granular material within the container (not shown). The first closure portion 69 is movable along a path 74 to a position closing the central aperture 68 whereby the modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 is adapted to shake condiments and spices, such as salt and pepper, therefrom.
The second closure portion 71 is a planar member having a plurality of projections 75 extending therefrom and arranged to be alignable with and suitably seated in the materialdispensing passageway, such as being slidably and frictionally received within respective apertures 73 in the first closure portion 69, to thereby define a passageway closing structure for sealing the spice fragrances within the container (not shown).
A pair of side members 76 and 77 are hingedly connected to the first closure portion 69 and are movable to a position to be inserted within the central aperture 68 of the framing portion 67 and each have projections or tabs 78 extending therefrom to engage the framing portion 67 when the first closure portion 69 is moved to a pouring position, such as shown in FIG. 13. The side members 76 and 77 are molded in a position adjacent the first closure portion 69 whereby they are biased to slidably and frictionally engage a respective surface of the central aperture 68 through the framing portion 67.
When the first closure portion 69 is in the position to pour spices, as shown in FlG. l3, and the second closure portion 71 is moved along a path 79 to a position having the projections 75 firmly seated or engaged within the respective apertures 73, the modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 is adapted to pour granular material, such as salt, pepper, cinnamon, or the like from the container (not shown).
The modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 is molded separately from the container (not shown) and is adapted to be inserted in an opening in a top member 81 of the container and in the illustrated structure, the framing portion 67 has a recess 80 in the exterior peripheral edges thereof to engage and receive edges of the opening through the container top member 81 for mounting the modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 therein. A lower portion of the exterior peripheral edges of the framing portion 67 is tapered to guide the framing portion 67 into the opening through the container top member 81 and assist in seating the top member 81 in the recess 80.
lt is desirable to provide a tight seal when the modified spice-dispensing apparatus 66 is closed to protect and preserve spice fragrance and prevent caking of moisturesusceptible condiments, therefore, the side members 76 and 77 each have a bead or rib 82 on an edge 83 with the bead or I rib 82 being positioned to engage the framing portion 67 when the first closure portion 69 is in a position closing the central aperture 68 of the framing portion 67, as shown in FIG. 14. The edge 83 is shaped to firmly engage a corresponding surface of the central aperture 68 while the first closure portion 69 is being moved between the pouring position, as best illustrated in PK]. 13, and a closed position, as best illustrated in H6. 14.
The strips 70 and 72 each have a section of reduced thickness 70 and 72' respectively to increase the flexibility of the respective strips and to permit a swinging of the first and second closure portions 69 and 71 along the paths shown in FIG. 12.
It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described certain forms of my invention it is not to be limited to these specific forms or arrangement of pans herein described and shown except insofar as such limitations are included in the claims.
lclaim:
1. An integral dispensing container and closures for different dispensing characteristics comprising:
a. a container having a sidewall, and top portion all integral, said top portion having an edge portion defining a top opening extending to at least one side of the top portion;
b. a first closure member of a size and shape substantially corresponding to said top opening and integrally joined to said container, said first closure member being movable between positions closing and opening said top opening of the container;
c. sealing means for sealing the top opening when the first closure member is in closing position thereon, said sealing means comprising a peripheral recess on one of said first closure member and said top portion around the top opening and a sealing edge on the other of said first closure member and said top portion around said top opening, said sealing edge being engageable in said recess;
d. said first closure member having at least one materialdispensing opening therein;
e. a second closure'member movable relative to said first closure member and integral with one of said container and first closure member, a protrusion on said second closure member positioned to extend into the materialdispensing opening in the first closure member, said protrusion and portions defining the dispensing opening of the first closure member having cooperative peripheral surfaces engaged in closed position of said second closure member to seal said material-dispensing opening in the first closure member;
. connecting members integrally joining said first and second closure members and the container extending laterally of the container and forming a hinge connection for the respective closure members whereby said closure members are movable from open positions substantially in the plane of the container top portion to closing positions of the respective dispensing openings;
g. the closures, connecting members and open top of said container being in substantial alignment with one another when said closures are open and are in the plane of said open top, whereby said integral container, closure members and connecting members may be formed in a mold having the portions thereof separated by a single linear movement for removal of the container and integral closure members therefrom.
2. An integral dispensing container and closures for different dispensing characteristics as set forth in claim 1' wherein the connecting members consist of:
a. a first connecting member between and integral with said container and said first closure member, said first connecting member being at one side of the container and extending laterally exteriorly therefrom and forming a hinge connection whereby said first closure member is movable from an open position substantially in the plane of the top portion of a top opening closing position,
b. a second connecting member integral with said first closing member and said second closing member and forming a hinge connection whereby said second closure member is movable from an open position to a position closing the dispensing opening in the first closure member.
3. An integral dispensing container and closures for different dispensing characteristics as set forth in claim I wherein the connecting members consist of:
a. a first connecting member between and integral with said container and said first closure member, said first connecting member being at one side of the container and extending laterally exteriorly therefrom and forming a hinge connection whereby said first closure member is movable from an open position substantially in the plane of said top portion to a top opening closing position,
b. a second connecting member integral with said container and said second closing member, said second connecting member being at another side of the container and extending laterally exteriorly therefrom and forming a hinge connection whereby said second closure member is movable from an open position substantially in the plane of said top portion to a position closing the dispensing opening in the first closure member.
4. An integral dispensing container and closures for different dispensing characteristics as set forth in claim 1 wherein the top opening of said container is defined by the upper edges of the sidewall of said container, said container tapering downwardly and inwardly whereby the container is smaller at the bottom.
US765384A 1968-10-07 1968-10-07 Dispensers with integral removable closures Expired - Lifetime US3587944A (en)

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Effective date: 19870127

Owner name: SPENCER ENGINEERING, 1911 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY,

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