Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of closing a container having a pouring neck or spout portion of tubular configuration and using a heater which is insertable into the interior of the spout portion and exterior pressing jaws which are operable to flatten the spout portion by engagement with respective opposite sides, comprising inserting the heater into the spout to heat substantially an entire cylindrical area of the spout adjacent the outer or top end thereof and to heat a contiguous area directly inwardly from this area at two diametrically opposite locations, withdrawing the heater and engaging the spout to flatten it by exerting preSsure at diametrically opposite sides causing a flattening of the heated inward area and also the formation of a tip within the spout of relatively small diameter and the formation of a flattened tab extending across the spout and having a tear line extending through the tab to permit severing of the tab and the nozzle tip to open the spout.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of closing a container having a pouring neck or spout portion of tubular configuration and using a heater which is insertable into the interior of the spout portion and exterior pressing jaws which are operable to flatten the spout portion by engagement with respective opposite sides, comprising inserting the heater into the spout to heat substantially an entire cylindrical area of the spout adjacent the outer or top end thereof and to heat a contiguous area directly inwardly from this area at two diametrically opposite locations, withdrawing the heater and engaging the spout to flatten it by exerting preSsure at diametrically opposite sides causing a flattening of the heated inward area and also the formation of a tip within the spout of relatively small diameter and the formation of a flattened tab extending across the spout and having a tear line extending through the tab to permit severing of the tab and the nozzle tip to open the spout.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the tear line is formed by weakening the flap by pressure engagement in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the spout.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the spout is engaged from the opposite sides in a manner to form a completely flattened outer end flap, an intermediate tip of relatively small diameter, a transition portion, and a remaining portion of said spout diameter which is larger than said tip.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein said tear lines are formed between the nozzle tip portion and the remaining portion of said spout.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
141 words
A method of closing a container having a cylindrical spout of heat-sealable material with an open outer end, comprising heating a an entire cylindrical area adjacent the open outer end to a welding temperature and heating curved partial areas on diametrically opposite sides immediately inwardly of said marginal annular area to a welding temperature, and applying a sealing pressure to the respective diametrically opposite sides of said spout overlying said curved partial areas and said marginal annular area to flatten and close said marginal annular area and the open end of said spout and to flatten the curved partial areas together and to shape the areas on each side of the curved partial areas to form a central smaller diameter spout portion and to form tabs of said curved partial areas extending outwardly on each side of smaller diameter spout portion.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
141 words
A method of closing a container having a cylindrical spout of heat-sealable material with an open outer end, comprising heating a an entire cylindrical area adjacent the open outer end to a welding temperature and heating curved partial areas on diametrically opposite sides immediately inwardly of said marginal annular area to a welding temperature, and applying a sealing pressure to the respective diametrically opposite sides of said spout overlying said curved partial areas and said marginal annular area to flatten and close said marginal annular area and the open end of said spout and to flatten the curved partial areas together and to shape the areas on each side of the curved partial areas to form a central smaller diameter spout portion and to form tabs of said curved partial areas extending outwardly on each side of smaller diameter spout portion.