Dispensing closure for package containing a consumable beverage
First Claim
1. A sealing and dispensing closure for an outlet opening of a package containing a consumable beverage or other liquid, and comprisinga closure base adapted to be assembled to the outlet opening of the package, said closure base including an internally threaded sleeve which has a predetermined axial height, and a tubular spout extending axially outwardly from the sleeve a substantial distance, with said spout being configured to communicate with the outlet opening of the package and through which the liquid contained in the package is adapted to be dispensed, said spout including an upper edge, anda self sealing dispensing valve mounted within said spout and being movable by pressure within the package from a lower closed position to a raised open position, and said valve being mounted at a location along the height of the spout such that the valve is at least substantially completely spaced below the upper edge of the spout when the valve is in its raised open position so as to effectively prevent access to the valve by the consumer.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A sealing and dispensing closure for an outlet opening of a package containing a consumable beverage or other liquid, and comprising
a closure base adapted to be assembled to the outlet opening of the package, said closure base including an internally threaded sleeve which has a predetermined axial height, and a tubular spout extending axially outwardly from the sleeve a substantial distance, with said spout being configured to communicate with the outlet opening of the package and through which the liquid contained in the package is adapted to be dispensed, said spout including an upper edge, and a self sealing dispensing valve mounted within said spout and being movable by pressure within the package from a lower closed position to a raised open position, and said valve being mounted at a location along the height of the spout such that the valve is at least substantially completely spaced below the upper edge of the spout when the valve is in its raised open position so as to effectively prevent access to the valve by the consumer.
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12. A container for a consumable beverage or other liquid and comprising
a flexible plastic bottle, said bottle including an externally threaded tubular outlet opening, a closure for selectively closing the outlet opening of the bottle and comprising (a) a closure base having an internally threaded sleeve threadedly joined to the outlet opening of the bottle, said closure base including a tubular spout which extends axially outwardly from the sleeve and which communicates with the outlet opening of the bottle and through which the liquid contained in the bottle is adapted to be dispensed, said spout having a substantial vertical height and including an upper edge, (b) a self sealing dispensing valve mounted within said spout and being movable by pressure within the bottle from a lower closed position to a raised open position, and said valve being mounted at a medial location along the vertical height of the spout such that the valve is at least substantially completely spaced below the upper edge of the spout when the valve is in its raised open position so as to effectively prevent access to the valve by the consumer, and (c) an overcap configured for selective movement between a covering position mounted on the closure base and enclosing the spout of the closure base and a removed position wherein the spout is exposed and the liquid may be dispensed therethrough by squeezing the bottle which increases the pressure in the bottle which in turn causes the valve to move to its raised open position.
Specification