Easy-open/reclosure device having deformable pour spout

US4807787A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The Procter & Gamble Company · US

Inventors

• James Robert Langmeier · Hamilton, US
• Mohamed N. H. Chehab · Brussels, BE
• Robert De Caluwe · Londerzeel, BE
• Willy A. M. Hertogs · Sint-Katelijne-Waver, BE
• Jean B. A. Van den Broeck · Asse, BE
• Miriam H. J. M. van Loon · Mol, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 27, 1987
• Grant date: Feb 28, 1989
• Expiry date: Oct 27, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D5/746
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An easy-open/reclosure device intended to be attached to the top lid of a container having an upstanding peripheral rim. The device includes a base portion and a moveable portion preferably hingedly attached thereto. The base portion has a dispensing aperture, a depending flange encircling the aperture, and a deformable pouring lip/drain surface. The moveable portion has a depending plug member which is shaped complementary to the base portion's aperture for reclosing the container. When the device is applied to the container, the base portion's depending flange is pushed through a prescored or pre-cut aperture in the container's top lid. In applying the device to the container, the container's peripheral rim bends the base portion's deformable pouring lip/drain surface upward and inward such that it assumes an inclined, trough-shaped configuration. This resultant shape provides an excellent surface for both channeling product up and over the container's peripheral rim when the container is tipped as well as for channeling any residual product remaining on this surface back into the container when it is returned to its upright position.