Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is a dropper bottle assembly (30) with a dispensing closure (34) having a base (48) adapted to be secured to the bottle 32) and an elongated dropper spout (64) extending from the base (48) to a distal open end (72) and with a separate cap (36, 236) defining a cavity (76) sized to receive the spout (64) therein wherein the cap (36, 236) and closure (34) share cooperating hinge (80, 84) and lock structures (130, 132, 264) for pivotably mounting the cap (36, 236) about a fixed axis and locking the cap (36, 236) closed with the spout opening (72) closed off. The lock (130) and hinge (84) structure are formed on the spout (64) below the opening (72) thereof but spaced from the closure base (48). The lock mechanism includes a lock arm (134) on the closure spout and a lock edge (132,264) at or near the distal end (134) of a front wall portion or tab (136, 244) extending from the cap top with zones of flexibility (160, 240, 242) defined by side slots (160) or thinned-out hinge segments (240, 242) to allow the distal edge (134) to flex away from the lock arm (134) when the cap (36, 236) sides (164, 250) are squeezed to facilitate opening the cap. The spout is sealed by a surface (170) of the cap or a compliant mat (174) on that surface, the latter being held in place by one or more ribs (178, 252) within the cap (36, 236).

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First Claim