Improvements in Closing Devices for Jars, Bottles, and other Vessels.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 17th Jan., 1899-Accepted, 25th Feb., 1899
Improvements in Closing Devices for Jars, Bottles, and other Vessels.
A communication by CHARLES A. LEE, of Canastota, in the County of Madison,
Manufacturer, and WILLIAM R. MACINTOSH, of Buffalo, in the County of Erie,
Clerk, both in the State of New York, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for Foreign
Patent Solicitors, 6. Lord Street, Liverpool, and 6. Bank Street, Manchester, both
in the County of Lancaster, 118, New Street, Birmingham, in the County of
Warwick, and 322, High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:-
This invention pertains to closures, covers, or stopples for jars, bottles and other
vessels, and more particularly to that class of removable closures designed for tem-
porary use.
In the use of many receptacles, notably in the case of milk jars or vessels of
like character, it is desirable that the stopple, cover, or sealing device be not only
readily removable, but that it be also of such character. that it may be discarded
and thrown away after being once used, without material loss.
Before describing in detail the peculiarities of the present invention, it is proper
to point out the objects specially sought to be attained, and the occasion therefor.
For many years the desirability of some simple, cheap and efficient closure for
With
vessels, and particularly for milk jars or bottles, has been appreciated.
various fluids, and especially in the case of milk and cream. it has been deemed
of great importance to provide a seal or closure which should offer a minimum
of danger or liability to become foul, or capable of contaminating the contents of
the vessel, or affecting the taste or odour thereof.
Various devices have been tried from time to time and for the most part dis-
carded for one reason or another. At the present time, the most popular, and as
is believed, the most satisfactory sealing device or closure in use consists simply
of a disk formed of wood pulp or the like, coated or impregnated with paraffin and
introduced under a moderate amount of pressure into the orifice or mouth of the
vessel to be closed.
In the practical use of these devices, however. it has been found that more
or less difficulty is encountered in introducing the discs, where the mouth or
opening of the vessel is from any cause irregular, or of less than the proper measure-
ment in any direction. It is likewise found that in order to remove the common
type of disc in opening the iar or vessel. it is convenient and is therefore the
General practice to puncture the same with some sharp instrument. and then to
force or nry the disc from the mouth of the vessel. In doing this a quick movement
is imparted to the disc as it passes the hearing points or the restricted portion
of the mouth or orifice in which it is held, and any liquid adhering to its under
face is thrown violently therefrom, often resulting in injury to or disfigurement

page_text: of the clothing of the person opening the jar, or of a carpet, hangings or other
fittings in the vicinity of the bottle or vessel.
In prying the disc or closure from the vessel, the top or mouth of the jar is
used as a fulcrum, and is in consequence frequently chipped or disfigured so as
to be incapable of being properly sealed, or as often occurs, it becomes dangerous
to handle.
It frequently happens that only a portion of the contents of a vessel is required
to be removed at one time. In such cases if the closure be punctured, its further
usefulness is destroyed or in great measure impaired, since it no longer excludes
the atmosphere, nor will it prevent entrance of insects, dirt, etc. As vessels of
this character are commonly used in and about kitchens, pantries, and the like,
it frequently happens that the cover, disc or closure is carelessly laid upon a
table, refrigerator, or other surface not wholly free from dirt or impure matters,
and as a consequence, if the closure be re-applied to the vessel, the contents
thereof are liable to be brought into contact with impurities, or to absorb odours
or flavours which will impair their quality.
The purposes of the invention therefore are to facilitate the application and the
removal of the closure; to enable an opening thereof to be made without dis-
placing the closure as a whole; to avoid the necessity or the liability of puncturing,
mutilating, or marring the closure when either opening or removing the same;
to render unnecessary the use of any tool or implement for opening or for removing
the closure, and thereby to avoid injury to the vessel; and by the improved con-
struction and mode of use, to improve greatly the sanitary conditions attendant
thereon.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the improved closure, seal, or stopple provided
with a projecting tab, lug or handle, by which to open or remove the same;
Figure 2, a similar view of a disc without such tab or handle.
Figure 3, a side elevation of a bottle or jar, partly in section, showing the
improved closure, seal or stopple in position, and indicating by dotted lines the
mode of opening the same;
Figure 4 a perspective view showing the manner of using the closure when
only a portion of the contents of the vessel are to be withdrawn;
Figures 5 to 9 inclusive plan views illustrating various of the many different
forms or configurations that may be given the stopple, seal or closure.
Figure 10 a plan view illustrating a modification of the construction shown in
the other figures;
Figure 11 an edge elevation of a closure, seal, or stopple having a single score,
groove or weakening line in its upper face;
Figure 12, a similar view showing a single score, groove or weakening line in
the lower face;
Figure 13 a like view showing a single score, groove or line of weakening in
both the upper and the lower faces;
Figure 14 an edge view showing a plurality of weakening lines, scores, or
grooves in the faces of a closure, seal or stopple.
In carrying the invention into practice, a relatively thin, flexible, plate-like
body is employed, which may be made of any suitable material, wood pulp, straw-
board, or the like, being, however, preferred. This may be of any outline or con-
tour, and will advisably be soaked in, impregnated, or coated with paraffin to
render it non-absorbent and to protect it against the action of substances which
may be contained in the vessels to which the closures are applied.
The essential characteristics of such a closure are, that it shall be comparatively
thin, that it be flexible, and in general terms, plate-like in form, or what would
in the case of a circular closure be accurately described as a disc; but in using
the term "disc" herein, it is to be understood that it has reference to any thin
plate-like body, regardless of the form or figure described by its outline.
circular form is highly satisfactory, particularly in that with a properly formed
mouth or orifice to receive it, it may be applied regardless of its position, that
A

page_text: is, without turning it to coincide with some special point or points of the mouth.
Except for this, other forms will answer quite as well, and in some respects perhaps
better.
The mode or manner of securing the closures in the vessels may vary, though
my correspondents contemplate ordinarily introducing them by moderate pressure
into the mouths of vessels having a slight groove or depression to receive the
periphery or edge of the disc.
Referring again to the drawings, A indicates a closure, seal or stopple embody-
ing the invention. This stopple is represented in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, as of
circular form, or as in the shape of a thin flat disc. Across either face or both
faces, as may be found expedient in any given case, one or more scores, grooves,
indentations, or weakening lines a are formed, thus dividing the closure into two
parts b and c. The weakening, scoring or indenting will preferably, though not
necessarily be to one side of the centre in the case of a circular disc, seal or closure,
and with other forms it should be in such position as to leave the major portion
of the closure on one side and the minor portion on the other side of such line,
in order that the greatest diameter of the closure may be availed of to give proper
bearing and holding effect in the mouth or orifice of the vessel to be sealed. This
will be better understood upon referring to Figure 4, where the seal or closure
is represented as open to permit withdrawal of the contents of the vessel by lifting
or drawing away from its seat the part of the seal or closure. By reason of the
weakening line, score or indentation, the section c swings, bends, or turns relatively
to the portion 6 which, having a firm peripheral bearing in the orifice of the vessel,
maintains its position therein, and affords sufficient resistance or holding force
to permit the section c to be lifted without danger of removing the seal or closure
from the orifice. The section thus constitutes a valve, lid or cover capable of
being moved from and returned to the plane of the portion b, as indicated by the
full and dotted lines in Figure 3. The number, character, and arrangement of
the scores, indentations, grooves or weakening lines may vary; that is to say,
there may be merely an indentation effected by a V-edge blade or plate, or there
may be an incision produced by a sharp knife or cutter drawn across or impressed
into the material of the closure, or there may be a series of short incisions, inden-
tations, or the like arranged in line with each other.
Ordinarily it is deemed advisable to make two scores or weakening lines of one
or another form, one in the upper and the other in the lower face of the seal,
closure, or stopple, as indicated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, and to arrange these
slightly out of line, but parallel with each other. This however, is a matter of
option and will be determined in great measure by the character of the material
of which the seal, stopple or closure is formed. With wood pulp board of good
quality, it is deemed preferable to provide a score or weakening line in each face,
as in Figures 1, 2 and 3, but it is feasible to make and use the device with a single
score, groove or weakening line in the upper face, and none in the lower, as in
Figure 11; with but one in the lower and none in the upper face, as in Figure 12;
with one in each face as in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 13; or with a plurality in both
faces, as in Figure 14.
Among various forms that may be given the seal, closure or stopple, those illus-
trated in Figures 5 to 9 inclusive are perhaps the most feasible. It will be
observed that in each of these forms the weakening linea is to one side of the
major axis of the seal or closure, so that whatever form be adopted there shall
be a retaining portion of such dimensions as to afford a firm hold in the mouth
or orifice of the vessel sufficient to retain the closure in position, while the smaller
section thereof is being lifted from its seat and bent or folded back upon the
portion b.
In Figure 10 is shown the seal, closure, or stopple as having a middle retaining
portion and two valve-like or movable members c formed or produced by
Scoring, indenting, or weakening the closure on opposite sides of its centre. This
construction, though not deemed desirable ordinarily, will be found to facilitate

page_text: the introduction of the seal, stopple or closure in the mouths or orifices of vessels
which are slightly smaller than the regular size, or which are at any point
irregular in form, the score or weakening line in such cases permitting the main
body to be pressed down to its seat in advance of the smaller sections c which may
subsequently be pressed home.
To enable the cover, seal or closure to be opened or removed from the vessel at
will, the smaller section or sections c is provided with a tab, ear or handle d, as
shown in the various figures with the exception of Figure 2. When the closure,
seal or stopple is introduced into the mouth of a bottle or other vessel, the tab
or handle d coming into contact with the wall of the orifice or mouth is curled or
bent upward or backward, and its outer face is brought to the same are as the
remaining portion of the peripheral edge of the closure, so that a tight joint and
efficient seal is effected at all points in the circumference of the closure. If desired,
the tab or handle may be scored to mark or to determine the point at which it
shall bend, but in practice it is found preferable to leave it unscored, and depend
upon the gradual and easy turning backward thereof by reason of its contact with
the smooth surface of the wall against which it is pressed, this action having
little or no tendency to break or rupture the material of the tab.
The form which the disc, seal, closure, or stopple assumes when in position in
an orifice of proper relative size is indicated in Figure 3, the tab or handle
being of such length as to protrude somewhat above the top of the bottle where
it may be readily grasped between the thumb and finger preparatory to lifting or
turning back the lid or valve section c. When moved about the weakening line a
as a centre, hinge or joint, the lid section c takes the position indicated in Figures 3
and 4, permitting the contents of the vessel to be poured therefrom as indicated
in the latter figure. Should it be desired to again seal the vessel, it is only neces-
sary to press back the valve or lid section c to its seat in the neck or mouth of the
vessel, when the contents will be as perfectly protected from the atmosphere and
from the entrance of insects, dust or foreign matters as they were originally.
It is to be particularly noted that under this construction and mode of use, the
seal or closure remains or may remain in position until the contents of the vessel
are completely withdrawn, whether this be done at one operation or at different
times. It will further be seen that when desired, the cover or closure may be
completely removed by applying further force, either as an upward pull upon
the tab, or by inserting the finger or some convenient impleanent beneath the
portion of the cover or closure after the lid section c is raised to give convenient
access to the under side.
Being thus capable of retention in position until the vessel is completely
emptied, the seal, cover or closure is freed from liability of coming into contact
with dirt or filth, or with any foreign substance which might impart a taste or
odour to the contents of the vessel. The introduction of impurities or deleterious
matters through the use of an unclean implement, such as are occasionally
emploved to puncture or to pry out the seal or closure, is likewise avoided, and
the atmosphere, insects, dust and the like are excluded until the closure is finally
removed and thrown away, which of course is not the case where the seal, closure
or stopple is either punctured or mutilated through the use of an extracting
implement.
As above indicated the form or character of the vessel is immaterial. The
precise mode of applying or of securing the closure or stopple in position may
vary, and the material or composition of which the seal, closure, or stopple is
formed is a matter of election, depending in greater or less degree on the nature
of the vessel and its contents. The terms "seal," closure," or
meant to comprehend any and all thin and plate-like closures of flexible material
embodving the peculiarities set forth in the specification; and the terms "
66
groove,
46
6
stopple"
are
score,
"
," "indentation" and "weakening line" are all employed to indicate any
formation or treatment of the seal, stopple or closure, whereby it is weakened and
an initial line of bending, folding or swinging of one part relatively to the others

page_text: is produced. The term orifice" is used in a comprehensive sense to mean an
opening, mouth, aperture, neck or entrance in any vessel to be closed by a seal,
stopple or closure of the general character herein set forth.
While it is preferred for reasons above set forth to locate the score, crease or
weakening line to one side of the middle of the seal, disc or closure, it is to be
understood that the invention is in no sense restricted thereto, since good results
may be attained where the weakening line divides the closure into two equal
parts. In such case one section of the closure will, with many forms, be retained
in place by its contact with the walls of the opening, while the other section is
freely raised and lowered; and with other forms a slight pressure of the finger
or thumb, or of some suitable implement upon one member of the closure will
hold it to its seat while the other portion is raised and lowered.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is:-
1. A removable, flexible, plate-like stopple for vossels, adapted to be inserted
and held in the orifice thereof, and scored so that a portion thereof may be turned
up and down to open and close said orifice without displacing the stopple.
2. As a new article of manufacture, a seal, stopple or closure for vessels, con-
sisting of a thin flexible plate of suitable material of a form to fit the orifice to
be sealed or closed, and having a weakening line therein to facilitate and to
locate the bending, folding, or movement of one portion relatively to the other,
the movable section contacting with the wall of the orifice.
3. A removable, flexible, plate-like stopple for vessels adapted to be inserted into
and held in the orifice thereof, and scored so that a portion thereof may be forced
up and down to open and close said orifice without displacing the stopple, one
section of the stopple being provided with a tab or handle by which to move it,
the movable portion contacting with the wall of the orifice.
4. A removable, flexible, plate-like stopple for vessels, adapted to be inserted
into and held in the orifice thereof, and having its outer face scored, so that a
portion of the stopple may be turned up and down to open and close said orifice
without displacing the stopple.
5. A removable, flexible, plate-like stopplo for vessels, adapted to be inserted
into and held in the orifice thereof, and having one face scored to enable one por-
tion to be turned up and down relatively to the other.
6. A removable, Hexible, plate-like stopple for vessels adapted to be inserted
into and held in the orifice thereof, and having both its faces scored, so that one
portion may be turned up and down relatively to the other to open and close
said orifice without displacing the stopple.
7. In combination with a vessel, a removable, flexible, plate-like stopple in-
serted and held in the orifice thereof, and scored or weakened to permit one por-
tion to be raised from its seat while the other portion remains in position.
8. In combination with a vessel, a removable, flexible, plate-like stopple in-
serted and held in the orifice thereof, and scored or weakened to permit one
section to be withdrawn from its seat in said orifice without disturbing the other
section, the movable section being provided with a tab or handle by which to
withdraw it.
9. A removable, flexible, plate-like stopple for vessels, adapted to be inserted
into and held in the orifice thereof, and scored or weakened so as to part the same
into two unequal portions, the lower of which serves to hold or retain the stopple,
while the smaller section may be moved to open and close the vessel.
10. In combination with a vessel, a removable, flexible, plate-like stopple,
inserted and held in the orifice thereof and scored or weakened at one side of its
centre to produce a retaining section b and a lid or cover section c, substantially
as described and shown.
11. The herein described stopple, seal, or closure for vessels, comprising a middle

page_text: section b and two outer sections c provided with tabs or ears d and having weaken-
ing lines or scores along their lines of connection with the middle portiou b,
substantially as set forth.
Dated this Ifth day of Tan1000
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents.