Dispensing closure for package containing a consumable beverage

US5944234A · kind A · utility

Assignees

• AptarGroup, Inc. · US
• THE COCA-COLA COMPANY · US

Inventors

• William H. Lampe · Marietta, US
• Jeffrey T. Randall · Oconomowoc, US
• Christopher J. Wood · Wauwatosa, US
• Paul E. Brown · Midland, US
• Timothy R. Socier · Essexville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 21, 1998
• Grant date: Aug 31, 1999
• Expiry date: Jan 21, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D2251/20
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A sealing and dispensing closure for the outlet opening of a package, such as a flexible plastic bottle containing a consumable beverage. The closure comprises a closure base which is threaded onto the outlet opening of the bottle, and a removable overcap which is pivotally connected to the closure base. The closure base includes a spout having a self-sealing dispensing valve therein which is movable from a lowered closed position to a raised open position by an increased pressure in the bottle resulting from the squeezing of the bottle. The valve is positioned at a recessed location within the spout so as to preclude access to the valve by the consumer when the valve is lifted to its raised open position, and the overcap includes a post which seats in the upper end of the spout when the overcap is mounted on the closure base, and so as to form a hermetically sealed chamber above the valve which prevents the valve from lifting to its raised position in the event the bottle is inadvertently squeezed.