Closure with selectively operable dispense feature

• US 20020050461A1
• Filed: 10/31/2001
• Published: 05/02/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Chicago Toy Group, LLC, James A. Vlodek
• Original Assignee: Chicago Toy Group, LLC, James A. Vlodek
• Inventors: Vlodek, James A.
• Granted Patent: US 6,609,612 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/219
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/28 with auxiliary containers for additional articles or materials B65D51/247 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 51/2835 ruptured by a sharp element, e.g. a cutter or a piercer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 215/08 Mixing

Abstract

A closure for a beverage receptacle is provided with a selectively operable dispense feature. A plurality of hollow plungers containing different additives are disposed in the closure and are selectively operable to pierce a rupturable seal, permitting contents to be dispensed into the receptacle.

Claims

1. A dispense enclosure for a fluid receptacle comprising:

a monolithic cylindrical body;

a plurality of plungers reciprocally mounted in said body;

said plungers defining a hollow cavity for retaining the fluid additive;

said plungers further defining a lower edge portion for penetrating a breakable seal on said receptacle; and

a valve member disposed in said body, configurable between an open position for dispensing fluid from said receptacle and a closed position.

2. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said plurality of plungers is disposed about said valve member.

3. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said plungers are reciprocally movable in directions generally parallel to one another.

4. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said body includes a threaded cap portion for engagement with a threaded finish of said receptacle.

5. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said plungers have a generally wedge-shaped cross-section.

6. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said valve member is disposed at the center of said cap, and said plungers are disposed about said valve member.

7. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein said plunders include an upper closed end for manual engagement by a user to depress said plungers toward said receptacle, penetrating said seal.