Toggle-action dispensing closure with an actuation-prevention abutment and a recessed striker rib

US6283333A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Michael G. Knickerbocker · Crystal Lake, US
• Jeffrey T. Randall · Oconomowoc, US
• Nicholas J. Jelich · Oconomowoc, US
• Robert Pieters · Placerville, US
• Catherine F. Schultz · Eagle, US
• Kelly A. Smith · East Troy, US
• Terry J. Vandenboom · Kansasville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 17, 2001
• Grant date: Sep 4, 2001
• Expiry date: Jan 17, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D2401/15
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A toggle-action dispensing closure for a container is provided for manipulation between a closed, non-dispensing orientation and an open, dispensing orientation. The closure includes an actuator pivotally mounted along a tilting axis on a body secured to the container. The actuator is tiltable by applying force to the actuator on one side of the tilting axis so as to move the actuator from a non-dispensing position to a dispensing position. The actuator includes a striker rib extending downwardly at a position between an edge of the actuator and the tilting axis. The body includes a deck defining a dispensing aperture and supporting a post. The post extends vertically to underlie the actuator, preventing tilting of the actuator unless a sufficient opening force is exerted on the actuator to cause the striker rib to shear, or permanently deform, the post. One embodiment includes an angled fracture control surface at the bottom of the post to ensure that the initial minimum required force to shear the post is within a desired range.