Abstract A follow plate particularly suitable for applying pressure on the flowable contents of a metal can or drum to force the material through an outlet opening which may be recessed within the lower end of the can to permit stacking of one can on top of another. The follow plate is made of a suitable flexible plastic material and preferably has a slightly conical face and a tapered flange about the periphery of the face including a free edge which engages the inner wall of the can. A hollow indentation may be provided in the face of the follow plate to receive the can outlet connection when the follow plate is against the lower end of the can. The conical shape of the face permits flexing of the face after engagement with the lower end of the can to force material disposed therebeneath toward the center and out through the outlet opening therein. The taper of the flange is desirably sufficient to permit the major diameter of the flange to ride over relatively large dents while avoiding contact between the dents and the minor flange diameter. Such relatively large taper of the flange also permits substantial tilting of the can and cocking of the follow plate without causing the follow plate to become wedged against movement within the can.
Inventors
👤 D Kifer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-11-09 21:28
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D83/00; B65D83/76
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
In combination, a generally cylindrical receptacle for flowable products and a follow plate slidably received within said receptacle, said follow plate comprising a generally annular disc having a tapered peripheral flange axially extending thereform, said flange being made of a flexible plastic material and having a major diameter which is sufficient to remain in sliding sealed engagement with the inner wall of the receptacle during axial movement therewithin toward the lower end of said receptacle, said lower end of said receptacle being substantially flat over the major portion thereof and having a central outlet opening therein, said annular disc also being made of a flexible plastic material and having a slightly conical face extending from the radial outer edge toward the center away from said lower end of said receptacle on the side which contacts the flOwable material, said conical face being deformable under pressure against said lower end of said receptacle from the radial outer edge toward the center to squeeze material toward the center of the receptacle for discharge through said central outlet opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
In combination, a generally cylindrical receptacle for flowable products and a follow plate slidably received within said receptacle, said follow plate comprising a generally annular disc having a tapered peripheral flange axially extending thereform, said flange being made of a flexible plastic material and having a major diameter which is sufficient to remain in sliding sealed engagement with the inner wall of the receptacle during axial movement therewithin toward the lower end of said receptacle, said lower end of said receptacle being substantially flat over the major portion thereof and having a central outlet opening therein, said annular disc also being made of a flexible plastic material and having a slightly conical face extending from the radial outer edge toward the center away from said lower end of said receptacle on the side which contacts the flOwable material, said conical face being deformable under pressure against said lower end of said receptacle from the radial outer edge toward the center to squeeze material toward the center of the receptacle for discharge through said central outlet opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said central outlet opening is recessed in said lower end of said receptacle, and said conical face has a substantially central hollowed indentation therein which fits over and receives said central recessed outlet opening when said follow plate engages said lower end of said receptacle as aforesaid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combination of claim 1 wherein said flange has a taper of approximately 21* and said conical face has a taper of approximately 4*.