Two-piece hygienic cap and opening probe or feed tube

US5289854A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• ELKAY MANUFACTURING COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Henry E. Baker · Litchfield, US
• John B. Baker · Litchfield, US
• David Baker · Seattle, US
• Peter K. Baker · Bethlehem, US
• Edward H. Donselman · Freeport, US
• Ronald C. Katz · Willowbrook, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 6, 1993
• Grant date: Mar 1, 1994
• Expiry date: Mar 6, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B67D3/0032
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A two-piece hygienic cap to close the neck opening of an inverted liquid container has a lid portion to overlie and sealingly close the container opening and an annular skirt portion extending axially away from the lid to surround a portion of the container neck. The lid portion is provided with an axially inwardly extending recess including an outer sleeve and an inner plug portion connected thereto. A feed tube or probe is dimensioned for forcible insertion into the recess for separating the plug portion from the sleeve to permit the discharge of liquid from the container. When the tube or probe is withdrawn from the recess, the plug portion is drawn into the sleeve to close the recess and reseal the container. A removable protective seal overlies the recess to prevent contamination from entering the sleeve and a tearable skirt on the cap includes a line of weakness and a pull tab permitting easy removal of the cap from the container.