Catherine Anne Schultz

US Patent:

62833332, Sep 4, 2001

Filed:

Jan 17, 2001

Appl. No.:

9/761956

Inventors:

Michael G. Knickerbocker - Crystal Lake IL
Jeffrey T. Randall - Oconomowoc WI
Nicholas J. Jelich - Oconomowoc WI
Robert M. Pieters - Delavan WI
Catherine F. Schultz - Eagle WI
Kelly A. Smith - East Troy WI
Terry J. Vandenboom - Kansasville WI

Assignee:

Seaquist Closures Foreign, Inc. - Crystal Lake IL

International Classification:

B65D 4700

US Classification:

22215314

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.