Patent ID: 6408904
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: B67D

Abstract:
A hygienic bottle cap for use with a fluid container having a neck, and a dispenser including a probe, the cap comprising;a skirt and a crown portion constructed and arranged to receive the neck of the container therein such that an outer surface of the neck of the container is sealed by at least a portion of the inner surface of the crown portion; a cylindrical wall having an upper portion and a lower portion and forming a central well in the crown portion, the central well defining an opening in communication with an interior of the bottle and being sealed by a base in a closed position; a pre-formed score line disposed partially around the perimeter of the base to define a flapper, a portion of the flapper remaining attached to the cylindrical wall upon insertion of the probe; a protrusion supported on an underside of the flapper, adjacent the perimeter of the flapper, the protrusion including a base portion supported on the underside of the flapper, at least one first inclined surface and an engagement tip constructed and engaged to engage a blunt tip of the probe of the dispenser; and wherein upon a probe engaging the protrusion, a portion of the flapper is separated from the cylindrical wall along the pre-formed score line in order to enter the container, a portion of the flapper remaining attached to the cylindrical wall so as to form a hinge, the hinge being disposed opposite the protrusion.