US 5,702,013 AGranted

Virtual hinge

OwnerAnna B. Freedinventor

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Abstract

A dynamic virtual hinge closure used for controlled, reliable, and measured dispensing of a variety of substances with extensive monitoring, child-resistance and senior-friendly features. A hook dynamically engages with a slot to create a virtual hinge each time the closure is opened. The hook dynamically disengages with the slot each time the closure is closed. Monitoring is accomplished by markers position on the outer surface of the container or lid. The closure may be opened in several ways, according to the users preference or ability. The monitoring may be for dispensing of food such as spices (i.e, pour, shake, spoon), for dispensing of drugs (1st, 2nd, 3rd dose). The internal structure insures that the lid shifts into a locked, child-resistant position when closed and also that the lid is opened exactly once at each marker position. The lid is made of only one piece and requires no assembly. The closure is easily moldable, sealed on the top and side, and configured to accept a moisture/vapor seal and/or tamper-evident film.

Claims34

Dependent claims

A virtually hinged closure, comprising:

(a) a substantially cylindrical lid;
(b) a substantially cylindrical neck member, 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 rotatably fixed relative to said neck member in said open position only;
(c) at least one marker position being associated with one of said lid and said neck member;
(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 neck member;
(e) locking means for rotatably locking said lid to said neck member in said closed position;
(f) selective release means for allowing selective release of said locking means;
(g) a shifting ramp disposed on one of said lid and said neck member for shifting said lid from said released position to said locked position during movement of said lid from said opened position to said closed position;
and
(h) dynamic selective engagement means which dynamically cooperates with said selective release means for selectively engaging said lid to said neck member 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.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/417,935Filed 6 Apr 1995 · continuation in part
Priority: 12 Mar 1992
Granted: 30 Dec 1997
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

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
B65D 21/0231
Closed containers provided with local cooperating elements in the top and bottom surfaces, e.g. projection and recess: bottles, canisters or jars…
B65D 47/0885
Located at an edge of the base element: one part of the hinge being integral with the hinged closure and the other part with the base element,…

Family

Serial850,029Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 12 Mar 1992
Serial16,148Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 9 Dec 1993
US 5,297,687 AParent of this continuation-in-part · filed 29 Mar 1994
Serial324,892Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 18 Oct 1994
US 5,520,296 AParent of this continuation-in-part
US 5,702,013 AThis patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

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