US 5,297,687 AGranted

Virtual hinge

OwnerAnna B. Freedinventor

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A dynamic virtual hinge closure used for controlled, reliable, and measured dispensing of a variety of substances with extensive compliance and child-resistance features. A hook integral with the container engages with a slot in a ledge of the lid to create a virtual hinge each time the closure is opened. The hook dynamically disengages with the slot each time the closure is closed. The lid can be hinged to open perpendicularly, horizontally, or vertically. The lid which opens vertically may include a pump device for dispensing liquids or sprays. A twisted elastic band may alternatively be used to function as the virtual hinge. Child-resistance can be accomplished with a pressure member which may be inserted into the lid. Monitoring is accomplished by markers positioned on one part of the external cylindrical front surface of the lid. A reversible lid, composed of only one part, provides for either side featuring any combination of the four possibilities, (i.e. A lid with/without compliance and with/without child-resistance).

Claims23

Dependent claims

A virtually hinged closure, comprising:

(a) a substantially cylindrical lid;
(b) a substantially cylindrical container, said lid being movable between a closed and an opened position, said closed position including a locked position and a released position, wherein in said locked position said lid is immovable to said opened position and in said released position said lid is movable to said opened position, said lid being rotatable relative to said container about an entire circumference of said container in said closed position only including in said locked position and in said released position;
(c) at least one marker position being associated with one of said lid and said container;
(d) pointer means for indicating said at least one marker position, said pointer means being associated with the other one of said lid and said container;
(e) locking means for rotatably locking said lid to said container in said closed position;
(f) selective release means for allowing selective release of said locking means;
and
(g) dynamic selective engagement means which dynamically cooperates with said selective release means for selectively engaging said lid to said container during movement of said lid from said closed to said opened position, said dynamic selective engagement means selectively fixing one of said at least one marker position with respect to said pointer means.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 07/850,029Filed 12 Mar 1992
Granted: 29 Mar 1994
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification14 codes

B05B 11/106
Means for locking a pump or its actuation means in a fixed position: in a retracted position, e.g. in an end-of-dispensing-stroke position
A61J 7/04
Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons ; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine:…
B05B 11/0027
Components or details: means for neutralising the actuation of the sprayer ; Means for preventing access to the sprayer actuation means
B05B 11/1001
Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through…