US4462507A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dispensing closure for closing a canister containing dispensable articles
Assignee: STWB Inc
•
Filing: 1982-04-02
•
Granted: 1984-07-31
•
Expires: 2002-04-02
Abstract
Abstract A dispensing closure for closing an end of a canister containing dispensable articles includes a top adapted to fit over an open end of a canister. The top has depending therefrom an integral peripheral axial flange. The top has therein a dispensing opening and a slit connected with the dispensing opening. The closure may be originally provided with the dispensing opening, or alternatively the closure may be originally provided with a tear-out member which is removed by the consumer to form the dispensing opening. The dispensing opening and slit may be formed directly in the top, or alternatively the top may have a recess defined by a bottom wall and a side wall, with the dispensing opening and slit being formed in the bottom wall of the recess. A lid is selectively movable between a first position covering the top or fitted within the recess and a second position removed from the top or recess. The lid includes a first portion adapted to cover the tear-out member or the dispensing opening when the lid is in the first position thereof. The lid includes a second portion adapted to cover the slit when the lid is in the first position thereof. The second portion of the lid is integrally but flexibly connected to the first portion of the lid, such that when the lid is in the first position therof the second portion of the lid is selectively pivotable with respect to the first portion of the lid away from the top, thereby to uncover the slit.
Inventors
- 👤 Herman Margulies
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 07:08
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47K; A47K10/00; A47K10/24; A47K10/32; A47K10/34; A47K10/38; A47K10/3809; A47K10/3818; B; B65; B65D; B65D47/00; B65D47/04; B65D47/06; B65D47/08; B65D47/0804; B65D47/0833; B65D47/0838; B65D47/0842; B65D83/00; B65D83/08; B65D83/0805
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 67
Claim 1
Independent Claim
314 words
A package comprising: a canister having an open end and containing a web of towels which are separably connected by performations; and a dispensing closure for closing said open end of said canister and for dispensing therefrom said towels individually, said closure comprising: a top fitting over said open end of said canister, said top having depending therefrom an integral peripheral axial flange fitting and positioning said top on said canister; said top having therein a dispensing opening and a slit connected with said dispensing opening; a lid selectively movable between a first position covering at least a portion of said top and a second position removed from said top; said lid including a first portion adapted to cover said dispensing opening when said lid is in said first position thereof, said lid including a second portion adapted to cover said slit when said lid is in said first position thereof, and said second portion of said lid being integrally but flexibly connected to said first portion of said lid, such that when said lid is in said first position thereof said second portion of said lid is selectively pivotable with respect to said first portion of said lid away from said top thereby to uncover said slit; and said dispensing opening having a size sufficient to enable fingers of a consumer to extend through said dispensing opening to grasp a first towel of said web of towels and to then pull such first towel toward and into said slit, and said slit having a size and shape such that, upon pulling a towel outwardly of said canister through said slit, side edges of said slit apply sufficient tension on the towel being pulled through the slit to allow separation of such towel from a succeeding towel of said web of towels, whereby such succeeding towel will then be partially extended through said slit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
314 words
A package comprising: a canister having an open end and containing a web of towels which are separably connected by performations; and a dispensing closure for closing said open end of said canister and for dispensing therefrom said towels individually, said closure comprising: a top fitting over said open end of said canister, said top having depending therefrom an integral peripheral axial flange fitting and positioning said top on said canister; said top having therein a dispensing opening and a slit connected with said dispensing opening; a lid selectively movable between a first position covering at least a portion of said top and a second position removed from said top; said lid including a first portion adapted to cover said dispensing opening when said lid is in said first position thereof, said lid including a second portion adapted to cover said slit when said lid is in said first position thereof, and said second portion of said lid being integrally but flexibly connected to said first portion of said lid, such that when said lid is in said first position thereof said second portion of said lid is selectively pivotable with respect to said first portion of said lid away from said top thereby to uncover said slit; and said dispensing opening having a size sufficient to enable fingers of a consumer to extend through said dispensing opening to grasp a first towel of said web of towels and to then pull such first towel toward and into said slit, and said slit having a size and shape such that, upon pulling a towel outwardly of said canister through said slit, side edges of said slit apply sufficient tension on the towel being pulled through the slit to allow separation of such towel from a succeeding towel of said web of towels, whereby such succeeding towel will then be partially extended through said slit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of said top is defined by an integral tear-out member, such that removal of said tear-out member forms said dispensing opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top has therein a recess defined by a bottom wall and a side wall joining said bottom wall to said top, said dispensing opening and said slit are in said bottom wall, and said lid fits into said recess when in said first position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A package as claimed in claim 3, wherein a portion of said bottom wall is defined by an integral tear-out member, such that removal of said tear-out member forms said dispensing opening in said bottom wall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A package as claimed in claims 2 or 4, wherein said entire closure, including said top, said flange, said tear-out member and said first and second portions of said lid are formed of an integral single member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
A package as claimed in claim 5, wherein said integral single member comprises a molded plastic element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A package as claimed in claims 2 or 4, wherein said tear-out member is integrally but removably formed along reduced thickness score lines.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A package as claimed in claim 2, wherein said tear-out member is integrally but removably formed with said top in a plane extending beneath the plane of said top.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
A package as claimed in claim 4, wherein said tear-out member is integrally but removably formed with said bottom wall in a plane extending beneath the plane of said bottom wall.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
58 words
A package as claimed in claims 2 or 4, further comprising a flexible tab integrally formed with said tear-out member and extending outwardly therefrom to facilitate removal of said tear-out member, said tab having a size to fit between said tear-out member and said first portion of said lid when said lid is in said first position thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
A package as claimed in claim 10, wherein said tab is ring-shaped.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
A package as claimed in claims 2 or 4, wherein, prior to removal of said tear-out member, said slit is closed by an integral extension of said tear-out member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
A package as claimed in claims 2 or 4, wherein, prior to removal of said tear-out member, said slit is closed by an integral thin membrane which is readily rupturable after removal of said tear-out member.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
39 words
A package as claimed in claims 2 or 4, wherein said tear-out member has a configuration such that upon removal of said tear-out member said dispensing opening will include edges converging toward and joining side edges of said slit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 14, wherein said dispensing opening has a substantially teardrop-shaped configuration.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said slit has a first end opening into said dispensing opening and a second end spaced from said dispensing opening.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said slit is in the shape of a straight line from said first end to said second end.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a conically tapered hole connected to said second end of said slit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, further comprising an integral bead extending transversely across said second end of said slit.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said slit is formed by side edges converging from said first end to a point at said second end.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is L-shaped.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is T-shaped.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is H-shaped.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is F-shaped.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is hook-shaped.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is arrow-shaped.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is diamond-shaped.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is teardrop-shaped.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit has a double-diamond configuration.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit extends at an angle inclined with respect to the remainder of said slit.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
A package as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second end of said slit is shaped like a cross with two cross bars.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
23 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said axial flange has a free axial end including a radially outwardly extending annular flange.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said axial flange includes an integral radially inwardly extending annular bead cooperating with an outer annular bead on said canister to attach said closure to said canister.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
73 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said axial flange includes an integral radially inwardly extending annular projection forming a lip cooperating with an outer annular lip on said canister to attach said closure to said canister, and wherein said top has depending therefrom an axially extending annular bead, at a position coaxially inwardly of said axial flange, cooperating with an inner surface of said canister to form a leakproof seal therewith.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
30 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top has extending outwardly therefrom an integral stacking rib to facilitate stacking of plural canisters, each equipped with a said closure.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
A package as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a flexible connecting hinge integral with said lid and said axial flange and connecting said lid to said axial flange.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
42 words
A package as claimed in claim 36, wherein said top has therein a recessed groove portion at a position such that when said lid is in said first position thereof said hinge fits into and is accommodated within said recessed groove portion.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
59 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion of said lid is integrally connected to said first portion of said lid by a reduced thickness portion of said lid, said reduced thickness portion being in the form of a chord, such that said first and second portions of said lid are in the form of segments.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
99 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lid has therein a pair of slits extending from respective first ends at the periphery of said lid to respective second ends spaced inwardly from said periphery, said pair of slits converging from said first ends to said second ends, that part of said lid between said pair of slits comprising said second portion of said lid, and wherein said second portion of said lid is integrally connected to said first portion of said lid by a reduced thickness portion extending between said second ends of said pair of slits.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
A package as claimed in claim 3, further comprising means for selectively removably locking said lid within said recess.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
A package as claimed in claim 40, wherein said locking means comprises a substantially annular bead in one of said side wall of said recess and said lid and a complementary substantially annular groove in the other of said lid and said side wall.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
121 words
A package as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second portion of said lid is integrally connected to said first portion of said lid by a first reduced thickness portion of said lid, and further comprising a second reduced thickness portion of said second portion of said lid, said second reduced thickness portion extending substantially parallel to said first reduced thickness portion, said reduced thickness portions having dimensions and flexibility such that, when said lid is in said first position thereof, manual pressure on said second reduced thickness portion will pivot said second portion of said lid with respect to said first portion of said lid outwardly of said recess, while said first portion of said lid remains in said recess.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
41 words
A package as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first portion of said lid includes an integral peripheral flange extending therefrom, said peripheral flange being dimensioned to press against said bottom wall when said lid is in said first position thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
42 words
A package as claimed in claim 43, wherein said first portion of said lid further includes integral projections extending therefrom, said projections being positioned to extend on opposite sides of said dispensing opening when said lid is in said first position thereof.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
39 words
A package as claimed in claim 3, wherein said recess has therein peripheral rests, and said second portion of said lid includes an integral flange portion abutting against said rests when said lid is in said first position thereof.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
A package as claimed in claim 3, wherein said top and said side wall of said recess have therein an indented area at a position adjacent an edge of said lid when said lid is in said first position thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
36 words
A package as claimed in claim 46, wherein said second portion of said lid includes an integral tab extending outwardly therefrom and fitting into said indented area when said lid is in said first position thereof.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
188 words
A package as claimed in claim 3, wherein said lid has therein a pair of slits extending from respective first ends at the periphery of said lid to respective second ends spaced inwardly from said periphery, said pair of slits converging from said first ends to said second ends, that part of said lid between said pair of slits comprising said second portion of said lid, and wherein said second portion of said lid is integrally connected to said first portion of said lid by a first reduced thickness portion extending between said second ends of said pair of slits, and further comprising a second reduced thickness portion of said second portion of said lid, said second reduced thickness portion extending substantially parallel to said first reduced thickness portion, said reduced thickness portions having dimensions and flexibility such that, when said lid is in said first position thereof, manual pressure on said second reduced thickness portion will pivot said second portion of said lid with respect to said first portion of said lid outwardly of said recess, while said first portion of said lid remains in said recess.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
69 words
A package as claimed in claim 4, wherein said tear-out member is integrally but removably formed with said bottom wall along a first reduced thickness area, said tear-out member includes a starter portion formed integrally with the remainder of said tear-out member along a second reduced thickness area, and a part of the periphery of said starter portion being defined by a part of said first reduced thickness area.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
A package as claimed in claim 49, wherein said tear-out member extends in the same plane as said bottom wall.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
85 words
A package as claimed in claim 49, wherein said second reduced thickness area extends between spaced portions of said first reduced thickness area, such that downward pressure on said starter portion will rupture said part of said first reduced thickness area and cause said starter portion to pivot downwardly about said second reduced thickness area, whereby said starter portion may then be gripped and pulled upwardly to achieve removal of said remainder of said tear-out member along the remainder of said first reduced thickness area.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
A package as claimed in claim 51, wherein said second reduced thickness area extends linearly between said spaced portions of said first reduced thickness area.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
40 words
A package as claimed in claim 51, wherein said part of said first reduced thickness area is of a first thickness, and said remainder of said first reduced thickness area is of a second thickness greater than said first thickness.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
26 words
A package as claimed in claim 51, wherein said first reduced thickness area is of a uniform thickness throughout the entire periphery of said tear-out member.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
36 words
A package as claimed in claim 54, wherein, prior to removal of said tear-out member, said slit is closed by an integral thin membrane which is of the same thickness as said first reduced thickness area.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
108 words
A package as claimed in claim 51, wherein said second reduced thickness area includes a first part having a first thickness and second part having a second thickness greater than said first thickness, whereby downward pressure on said starter portion will rupture said first part of said second reduced thickness area and said part of said first reduced thickness area and cause said starter portion to pivot downwardly about said second part of said second reduced thickness area, whereby said starter portion may then be gripped and pulled upwardly to achieve removal of said remainder of said tear-out member along the remainder of said first reduced thickness area.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
21 words
A package as claimed in claim 56, wherein said part of said first reduced thickness area is of said first thickness.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
55 words
A package as claimed in claim 57, wherein a first portion of said remainder of said first reduced thickness area adjacent at least said second part of said second reduced thickness area is of said first thickness, and a second portion of said remainder of said first reduced thickness area is of said second thickness.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
54 words
A package as claimed in claim 57, wherein first portions of said remainder of said first reduced thickness area adjacent said first and second parts of said second reduced thickness area are of said first thickness, and a second portion of said remainder of said first reduced thickness area is of said second thickness.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
30 words
A package as claimed in claim 57, wherein, prior to removal of said tear-out member, said slit is closed by an integral thin membrane which is of said first thickness.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
77 words
A package as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a substantially annular projection extending from said bottom wall at a position spaced inwardly of said side wall to define therewith a substantially annular groove, and peripheral flange portions extending from said first and second portions of said lid, said peripheral flange portions having a configuration to snap into said annular groove when said lid is in said first position, thereby removably locking said lid in said recess.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
61 words
A package as claimed in claims 3 or 61, further comprising a pair of angular projections extending from said bottom wall on opposite sides of said slit, and a projection extending from said first portion of said lid and dimensioned to contact said annular projections when said first portion of said lid is in said first position, thereby forming a seal.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
51 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a projection extending from said top at a position adjacent the periphery thereof, and peripheral flange portions extending from said first and second portions of said lid and dimensioned to snap over said projection, thereby removably locking said lid on said top.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
74 words
A package as claimed in claim 63, further comprising transverse projections extending from said top on opposite sides of said slit at locations adjacent said dispensing opening, and a transverse projection extending from said first portion of said lid at a location adjacent said second portion of said lid and to contact said transverse projections on said top when said first portion of said lid is in said first position, thereby forming a seal.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
53 words
A package as claimed in claim 1, wherein a forward end of said top has a slot therein, at a position spaced from said dispensing opening, and said second portion of said lid has extending therefrom a tab dimensioned to snap into said slot, thereby removably locking said lid in said first position.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
35 words
A package as claimed in claim 65, wherein said slot is wider at the bottom thereof than the top thereof, and said tab is wider at the outer portion thereof than the inner portion thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2343064A
Cited
US3310353A
Cited
US3269617A
Cited
US3217949A
Cited
US3486665A
Cited
US3495746A
Cited
US3458080A
Cited
US3484016A
Cited
US4017002A
Cited
US3749296A
Cited
US3841466A
Cited
US3784055A
Cited
US3899285A
Cited
US3868052A
Cited
US3843017A
Cited
US3845872A
Cited
US3986479A
Cited
US3836056A
Cited
US3881639A
Cited
US3908857A
Cited
US3994417A
Cited
US3967756A
Cited
US3973695A
Cited
US3990603A
Cited
US3982659A
Cited
US4185754A
Cited
US4047495A
Cited
DE2750281A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-07-31 | 1988-01-30 | 1988-07-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-31 | 1992-01-30 | 1992-07-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-31 | 1996-01-30 | 1996-07-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |