US20060273060A1 - Reversible vial closure - Google Patents
Reversible vial closure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060273060A1 US20060273060A1 US11/147,015 US14701505A US2006273060A1 US 20060273060 A1 US20060273060 A1 US 20060273060A1 US 14701505 A US14701505 A US 14701505A US 2006273060 A1 US2006273060 A1 US 2006273060A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- container
- projections
- latch
- child
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
- B65D41/06—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with bayonet cams, i.e. removed by first pushing axially to disengage the cams and then rotating
- B65D41/065—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with bayonet cams, i.e. removed by first pushing axially to disengage the cams and then rotating with integral internal sealing means
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
- B65D41/0471—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with means for positioning the cap on the container, or for limiting the movement of the cap, or for preventing accidental loosening of the cap
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2215/00—Child-proof means
- B65D2215/02—Child-proof means requiring the combination of simultaneous actions
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a reversible child-resistant closure. More particularly, the invention relates to a cap, which may be applied to vial or other container in both a child-resistant and a non-child-resistant manner.
- the container has a rigid wall having an end for engagement with the cap internally of the outer skirt. The wall is tapered from a smaller diameter portion adjacent the closure plane of the cap to a larger diameter portion remote from the closure plane of the cap.
- the tapered wall of the container engages internally the resilient inner member of the cap and the larger diameter portion of the wall is stated to expand the resilient inner member outwardly to provide a working seal of the container as well as a bias on the cap in a direction of removal of the cap.
- the combination also includes means disposed on the container remotely from the end of the rigid wall and cooperative means on the cap for preventing the cap from being removed from the container without depression of the cap on the container and rotation of the cap on the container.
- While the child-resistant cap described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,078 may prevent children from accessing the contents of a vial or container, the cap may also present removal difficulties for an unintended subset of the population, including the elderly, that lack the strength and/or manual dexterity to remove the cap.
- a reversible child-resistant closure which may be applied to a vial or container in both a child-resistant and a non-child-resistant manner.
- An example embodiment of the container system of the present invention includes a container and a cap configured to mate with the container in a first position, e.g., a child-resistant position, and a second position, e.g., a non-child-resistant position.
- the container includes a top end and a plurality of container projections.
- the cap includes a circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and spaced apart from the circumferential skirt.
- a plurality of first cap projections are spaced along a first plane and project from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt.
- a plurality of second cap projections are spaced along a second plane and project from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt.
- each of the container projections are wedged between the resilient lip and one of the first cap projections.
- the container projections, resilient lip, and first cap projections are configured such that removal of the cap from the container requires that the cap and container be forced towards each other while rotating one of the cap and container.
- each of the container projections are wedged between one of the second cap projections and a holding unit connected to the circumferential skirt.
- the second cap projections, container projections and holding unit are configured such that a predetermined threshold rotation force is necessary to remove the cap from the container.
- the holding unit lies between the second cap projections and the resilient lip.
- a container system includes: a container having a top end and a plurality of container projections; a cap configured to mate with the container in a child-resistant position and a non-child-resistant position, the cap including a circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt; and a plurality of second cap projections spaced along a second plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane spaced from the first plane, the resilient lip between the first and second cap projections.
- each of the container projections are wedged between the resilient lip and one of the first cap projections, said container projections, resilient lip, and first cap projections configured such that removal of the cap from the container requires that the cap and container be forced towards each other during rotation of the cap and container relative to each other.
- each of the container projections are wedged between one of the second cap projections and a holding unit connected to the circumferential skirt, said second cap projections, container projections and holding unit configured such that a predetermined threshold rotation force is necessary to remove the cap from the container, said holding unit lying between the second cap projections and the resilient lip.
- the resilient lip may be configured to engage one of an outer surface, an inner surface and a top of the container in the child-resistant position.
- the holding unit may include a cover disposed within the circumferential skirt and arranged to cover an opening of the container in both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
- the cover may be bowl-shaped, and the resilient lip may for a lip of the bowl-shaped cover.
- the cover may be connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
- the resilient lip may project from the cover.
- Each of the first cap projections may include a first cap projection tab
- each of the second cap projections may include a second cap projection tab
- each of the container projections may include a latch.
- the first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may have different widths.
- the latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion.
- each first cap projection tab may be arranged between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one of the latches.
- the latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion larger than that of the central portion.
- a longer one of the first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may each contact the sloped catch portion of one latch and may be too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said latch.
- Each of the first and second projections may include a latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab.
- Each of the first projections may include a latch
- each of the second projections may include a modified latch
- each of the container projections may include a tab.
- Each latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion.
- each tab In the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one of the latches.
- Each modified latch may include a stop portion, a ramp portion, and a central portion between the stop portion and the ramp portion, and the ramp portion may include a sloped portion. The stop portion may be higher than the central portion and the ramp portion. In the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the central portion.
- Each of the first projections may include a latch
- each of the second projections may include a modified latch
- each of the container projections may include a tab.
- Each latch and modified latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, for both the latch and modified latch a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion.
- the central portion of the modified latch may have a shorter length than that of the central portion of the latch.
- each tab In the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch, and in the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the sloped catch portion of one modified latch and may be too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said modified latch.
- the top end of the container may be disposed in a circumferential channel at least partially defined by at least a portion of the circumferential skirt and at least a portion of the cover.
- the container system may include a second resilient lip projecting from the cover in an opposite direction to the resilient lip.
- the cap is integrally formed.
- a cap may be configured to mate with a container in child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
- the cap may include: a circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt; a plurality of second cap projections spaced along a second plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane spaced from the first plane, the resilient lip located between the first and second cap projections; a holding unit connected to the inner surface of the circumferential skirt and arranged between the second cap projections and the resilient lip; and a plurality of channels, each channel defined by at least a portion of the holding unit, one of the second cap projections, and at least a portion of the circumferential skirt.
- the holding unit may include a cover disposed within the circumferential skirt and configured to cover an opening in a container in both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
- the cover may be bowl-shaped, the resilient lip forming a lip of the bowl-shaped cover.
- the cover may be connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
- the resilient lip may project from the cover.
- Each of the first cap projections may include a first cap projection tab
- each of the second cap projections may include a second cap projection tab
- each of the container projections may include a latch.
- the first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may have different widths.
- the latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion.
- each first cap projection tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch.
- the latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion.
- a longer one of the first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may each contact the sloped catch portion of one latch and may be too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said latch.
- Each of the first and second projections may include a latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab.
- Each of the first projections may include a latch
- each of the second projections may include a modified latch
- each of the container projections may include a tab
- each latch including a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion.
- a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion.
- each tab In the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch.
- Each modified latch may include a stop portion, a ramp portion, and a central portion between the ramp portion and the stop portion, the ramp portion including a sloped portion. The stop portion may be higher than the central portion and the ramp portion. In the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the central portion of one modified latch.
- Each of the first projections may include a latch
- each of the second projections may include a modified latch
- each of the container projections may include a tab
- each latch and modified latch including a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion.
- a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion
- the central portion of the modified latch may have a shorter length than that of the central portion of the latch.
- each tab In the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch, and in the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the sloped catch portion and may be too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of the modified latch.
- the cap may include a second resilient lip projecting from the cover in an opposite direction to the resilient lip.
- the cap may be integrally formed.
- container system includes: a container having a top end and a plurality of cap retaining means; a cap configured to mate with the container in a child-resistant position and a non-child-resistant position, the cap including a circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality of first container retaining means spaced along a first plane and projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt; and a plurality of second container retaining means spaced along a second plane and projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane being spaced from the first plane, the resilient lip being between the first and second cap projections.
- each of the cap retaining means are wedged between the resilient lip and one of the first container retaining means, said cap retaining means and first container retaining means being configured such that removal of the cap from the container requires that the cap and container be forced towards each other while rotating the cap and container relative to each other.
- each of the cap retaining means are wedged between one of the second container retaining means and a holding unit connected to the circumferential skirt, said second container retaining means, cap retaining means and holding unit being configured such that a predetermined threshold rotation force is necessary to free the cap retaining means from its wedged position, said holding unit lying between the second container retaining means and the resilient lip.
- a method for closing a container with a cap having child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions may include: (a) disposing a top end of the container having a plurality of container projections within a circumferential skirt of the cap by passing each of the container projections between adjacent second cap projections projecting radially inwardly from the circumferential skirt, the cap including a resilient lip, disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt, and a plurality of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second cap projections spaced along a second plane and projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane being spaced from the first plane, the resilient lip lying between the first and second cap projections; and (b) rotating the cap and container relative to each other so as to wedge each of the container projections between a holding unit and one of the second cap projections, said holding unit projecting inwardly from the circumfer
- the second cap projections may include one of tabs, modified latches, and latches.
- the modified latches each may include a sloped portion, stop portion and a central portion between the sloped portion and the stop portion, and the latches may each include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion.
- the container projections may include one of tabs, modified latches, and latches.
- the holding unit may include a cover disposed within the circumferential skirt and covering an opening in the container in both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
- the cover may be bowl-shaped, the resilient lip forming a lip of the bowl-shaped cover, and the cover may be connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary container system of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is side view of the vial of FIG. 1 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 1 locked onto the vial in a child-resistant position.
- FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the vial of FIG. 1 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 1 inverted and locked onto the vial in a non-child-resistant position.
- FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the container system of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is side view of the vial of FIG. 4 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4 locked onto the vial in a child-resistant position.
- FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the vial of FIG. 4 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4 locked onto the vial in a non-child-resistant position.
- FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the container system of the present invention with an inwardly projecting resilient lip.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an another exemplary embodiment of the container system of the present invention with two resilient lips.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary container system 10 of the present invention including a container, e.g., vial 12 , and mating cap 14 .
- the cap 14 includes a circumferential skirt 16 having a ribbed exterior surface 18 , which facilitates gripping and rotation of the cap 14 .
- the vial 12 includes four tabs 20 (only three visible) which mate with camming latches 22 , in a child-resistant position of the cap 14 ( FIG. 2 ), and with modified latches 24 , in a non-child-resistant position ( FIG. 3 ). It should be understood that although four tabs 20 are mentioned any number of tabs 20 may be provided.
- the camming latches 22 and modified latches 24 project from an inner surface 30 of the circumferential skirt 16 , and thus, are shown in ghost lines.
- the cap 14 is locked onto to the vial 12 in the child-resistant position by first rotating approximately 45 degrees clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 1 , lowering the cap 14 onto the vial 12 such that a tapered top end 26 of the vial 12 is disposed within the circumferential skirt 16 and such that each camming latch 22 is between two tabs 20 (one of the tabs 20 is in the position labeled A, as seen in FIG. 2 ), and rotating the cap 14 by approximately 45 degrees in a counter clockwise direction. Note that the necessary degrees of rotation is dependent on the number and arrangement of latches 22 and 24 disposed in the vial 12 . More or less than the four latches 22 and 24 , and corresponding tabs 20 , shown may be provided.
- the cap 14 is locked in a similar manner onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant position except the cap 14 is in an inverted or flipped position prior to disposing it over the top end 26 of the vial 12 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14 , which is locked onto the vial 12 in the child- resistant position.
- the cap 14 includes a bowl-shaped cover 28 connected to the inner surface 30 of the cap 14 by a ring portion 32 of the cover 28 , which projects inward from the cap 14 and outward from the cover 28 .
- the circumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose each camming latch 22 and modified latch 24 , which, project inward from the circumferential skirt 16 . As such, the camming latch 22 and modified latch 24 are shown in a “floating” state.
- the circumferential skirt 16 which normally supports latches 22 and 24 , has been torn away so as to expose the mating action of the tabs 20 and the camming latches 22 ( FIG. 2 ) and the modified latches 24 ( FIG. 3 ).
- the sides of the cap 14 are shown in cross-section. The transverse section taken is down the center of each of the latches 22 and 24 .
- a top perspective view of the cap 14 of FIG. 2 is illustrated in FIG. 2A , without the vial 12 for clarity.
- the camming latch 22 includes a stop portion 34 , a center detent portion 36 , and a sloped catch portion 38 .
- the modified latch 24 includes a stop portion 40 , a flat center portion 42 , and a ramp portion 44 .
- the camming latch 22 in position A, slides along the path labeled 29 such that tab 20 slides up the sloped catch portion 38 and then falls into the center detent portion 36 .
- a resilient lip 46 of the bowl-shaped cover 28 is bent as the tab 20 and top end 26 of vial 12 slides upward over the sloped catch portion 38 and applies a downward force on the vial 12 and tabs 20 .
- the stop portion 34 prevents further rotation of the cap in the clockwise direction.
- the sloped catch portion 38 prevents rotation of the cap in the counterclockwise direction, i.e., prevents removal of the cap 14 , unless the cap 14 and vial 12 are first pressed towards each other, further bending the resilient lip 46 and raising the tab 20 higher than the sloped catch portion 38 . This extra step in removing the cap 14 adds effective child-resistance to the container system 10 .
- the cross-section of the cap 14 is taken down the center of the latches 22 and 24 . Therefore, center detent portions 36 can be seen directly underneath the tabs 20 on either side of the cap 14 . In contrast to sides of the cap 14 , the vial 12 is not shown in cross-section, therefore, tabs 20 can be seen wrapping around either side of vial 12 . Although not shown (given the cross-sectional presentation of the sides of the cap 14 ) stop portion 34 and sloped catch portion 38 surround or sandwich these side tabs 20 , in an analogous manner as the fully shown camming latch 22 in the middle of the cap 14 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14 , which is locked onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant position.
- the top end 26 of the vial sits in a channel 27 at least partially defined by the ring portion 32 , the cover 28 and the circumferential skirt 16 .
- the cap 14 is rotated from position A (in which the vial 12 is covered but the cap 14 is not locked) clockwise such that modified latch 24 (the center one for illustration purposes) slides along path 29 such that the flat central portion 42 sits under tab 20 .
- the container system 10 is configured such that in this locked position the tabs 20 are held snugly between the modified latches 24 and the ring portion 32 , which functions as a holding unit.
- FIG. 3A A top perspective view of the cap 14 of FIG. 3 is illustrated in FIG. 3A , without the vial 12 for clarity. ghost lines 33 are added to more clearly show the resilient lip 46 and the ring portion 32 .
- the container system 10 may further include an alternate projecting ring or other projection (not shown) from the inner surface 30 of the circumferential skirt 16 between the cover 28 and the camming latches 22 to function as a holding unit.
- the tabs 20 would be held snugly and wedged between the modified latches 24 and said alternate projecting ring or other projection in the closed non-child-resistant position of the cap 14 .
- FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the container system 10 of the present invention. To the extent that parts or elements in FIGS. 1 to 3 match those in FIGS. 4 to 6 , consistent numbering is maintained.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the container system 10 .
- Four camming latches 22 are shown projecting from the vial 12 .
- the camming latches 22 on either side of the vial 12 can be seen wrapping around the vial 12 .
- the cap 14 includes four tabs 20 and four modified tabs 48 , shown in ghost lines, each projecting from the inner surface 30 of the cap 14 .
- the cap 14 is locked onto to the vial 12 in the child-resistant position by first rotating approximately 45 degrees counter clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 4 , lowering the cap 14 onto the vial 12 such that the tapered top end 26 of the vial 12 is disposed within the circumferential skirt 16 and such that each tab 20 is between two camming latches 22 (one of the tabs 20 is in the position labeled A), and rotating the cap 14 by 45 degrees in a clockwise direction.
- the cap 14 is similarly locked onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant position except the cap 14 is first inverted or flipped prior to disposing it over the top end 26 of the vial 12 .
- the necessary degree of rotation for closure of the cap 14 is dependent on the number of camming latches 22 disposed on the surface of the vial and the number of corresponding tabs 20 . More or less than four camming latches 22 and corresponding tabs 20 may be provided.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14 of FIG. 4 , which is locked onto the vial 12 in the child-resistant position.
- the circumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose each of the tabs 20 and modified tabs 48 , which project inward from the circumferential skirt 16 .
- the tabs 20 and modified tabs 48 are shown in a “floating” state.
- the circumferential skirt 16 which normally supports tabs 20 and modified tabs 48 , has been torn away so as to expose the mating action of the camming latch 22 with the tabs 20 ( FIG. 5 ) and modified tabs ( FIG. 6 ).
- FIGS. 1 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14 of FIG. 4 , which is locked onto the vial 12 in the child-resistant position.
- the circumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose each of
- FIG. 5A A top perspective view of the cap 14 of FIG. 5 is illustrated in FIG. 5A without the vial 12 for clarity.
- sloped catch portion 38 prevents rotation of the cap 14 in the clockwise direction, i.e., opening of the cap, unless the cap 14 and the vial 12 are first forced towards each other, further bending resilient lip 46 , so as to lower, and thus, clear the sloped catch portion 38 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14 of FIG. 4 , which is locked onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant position.
- a top perspective view of the cap 14 of FIG. 6 is illustrated in FIG. 6A without the vial 12 for clarity.
- ghost lines 33 are used to more clearly show the outlines of the resilient lip 46 and the ring 32 , which is hidden behind the resilient lip 46 from this perspective.
- the top end 26 of the vial sits in a chamber 27 at least partially defined by the ring portion 32 , the cover 28 and the circumferential skirt 16 .
- the cap 14 is rotated from position A (in which the vial 12 is covered but the cap 14 is not locked) clockwise such that modified tabs 48 slides down the sloped catch portion 38 and, at least partially, under the center detent portion 36 .
- the modified tabs 48 are too wide to fit between the stop portion 34 and the center detent portion 36 .
- the container system 10 is configured such that in this locked position the modified tabs 48 are held snugly between the camming latches 22 and the ring portion 32 . Up and down movement of the cap 14 relative to the vial 12 is prevented by the camming latches 22 and the ring portion 32 , which sandwich the modified tabs 48 from the top and bottom.
- rotation of the cap 14 is not prevented by the sloped catch portion 38 because, as indicated above, each of the modified tabs 48 is too wide to fit between the stop portion 34 and the sloped catch portion 38 of each camming latch 22 . Rather, rotation of the cap 14 may be accomplished by applying at least a predetermined level of rotating force to the cap 14 to overcome the friction between the sloped catch portion 38 and the modified tab 20 and between the top end 26 of the vial 12 and the ring portion 32 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the container system 10 of the present invention, identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6 , except for the configuration of the resilient lip 46 .
- the resilient lip 46 projects further inwards and is configured to be disposed inside the top end 26 of the vial 12 . Further, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6 , the resilient lip 46 is configured to maintain a downward bias on top end 26 of vial 12 when bent.
- the position of the tabs and latches may be swapped as in FIGS. 1 to 3 , i.e., the latches 22 and/or 24 may project inwardly from the circumferential skirt 16 and the tabs 20 or 48 may project outwardly from the vial 12 .
- the resilient lip 46 may be configured, e.g., L-shaped, to engage a top edge of the vial 12 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the container system 10 of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a side view of the vial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14 , which is locked onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant position.
- the circumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose each of the camming latches 22 and modified latches 24 , which project inward from the circumferential skirt 16 .
- the camming latches 22 and modified latches 24 are shown in a “floating” state.
- the circumferential skirt 16 which normally supports the camming latches 22 and modified latches 24 , has been torn away so as to expose the camming latches 22 and the mating action of the modified latches 24 and tabs 20 .
- the sides of the cap 14 are shown in cross-section. The transverse section taken is down the center of the side camming latches 22 and modified latches 24 .
- the cap 14 includes a central cover 56 dividing the circumferential skirt 16 down the center. Top and bottom resilient lips 46 and 54 project in opposite directions from the central cover 56 . On one side of the central cover 56 the camming latches 22 project inwardly from the circumferential skirt 16 and on the opposite side of the central cover 56 the modified latches 24 project inwardly from the circumferential skirt 16 .
- Clockwise rotation of the cap 14 forces tabs 20 to slide upward along the ramp portion 38 and over the flat center portion 42 , along the path labeled 52 .
- the rotation of the cap 14 forces the top end 26 of the vial 12 against the resilient lip 46 causing the lip 46 to bend, creating a downward vial 12 bias.
- the stop portion 34 of the camming latch 22 prevents further clockwise rotation of the cap 14 .
- the friction between the resilient lip 46 and the top end 26 of the vial 12 and between the modified latch 24 and the tab 20 resists rotation of the cap 14 in the counterclockwise direction, i.e., opening of the cap.
- the container system 10 is configured such that application of a threshold rotation force to the cap 14 overcomes this friction.
- the modified latches 24 may have the same configuration as the camming latches 22 but have a shorter center detent portion 36 . Further, the position of the tabs and latches may be swapped as in FIG. 4 , i.e., the latches may project inwardly from the circumferential skirt 16 and the tabs may project outwardly from the vial 12 .
- Cap 14 in all of the embodiments detailed above, may be integrally formed and made from a plastic, e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene. Further, in all of the exemplary embodiments above a larger or smaller number of latches and corresponding tabs may be used.
- a plastic e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a reversible child-resistant closure. More particularly, the invention relates to a cap, which may be applied to vial or other container in both a child-resistant and a non-child-resistant manner.
- Many different types of vial closures are disclosed in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,078, which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto, describes the combination of a container and a safety cap therefor in which the safety cap has a closure plane and a circumferential outer skirt for engaging a container and has a circumferential resilient depending inner member. The container has a rigid wall having an end for engagement with the cap internally of the outer skirt. The wall is tapered from a smaller diameter portion adjacent the closure plane of the cap to a larger diameter portion remote from the closure plane of the cap. The tapered wall of the container engages internally the resilient inner member of the cap and the larger diameter portion of the wall is stated to expand the resilient inner member outwardly to provide a working seal of the container as well as a bias on the cap in a direction of removal of the cap. The combination also includes means disposed on the container remotely from the end of the rigid wall and cooperative means on the cap for preventing the cap from being removed from the container without depression of the cap on the container and rotation of the cap on the container.
- While the child-resistant cap described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,078 may prevent children from accessing the contents of a vial or container, the cap may also present removal difficulties for an unintended subset of the population, including the elderly, that lack the strength and/or manual dexterity to remove the cap.
- Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a reversible child-resistant closure, which may be applied to a vial or container in both a child-resistant and a non-child-resistant manner.
- An example embodiment of the container system of the present invention includes a container and a cap configured to mate with the container in a first position, e.g., a child-resistant position, and a second position, e.g., a non-child-resistant position. The container includes a top end and a plurality of container projections. The cap includes a circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and spaced apart from the circumferential skirt. A plurality of first cap projections are spaced along a first plane and project from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt. A plurality of second cap projections are spaced along a second plane and project from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt. In the child-resistant position each of the container projections are wedged between the resilient lip and one of the first cap projections. The container projections, resilient lip, and first cap projections are configured such that removal of the cap from the container requires that the cap and container be forced towards each other while rotating one of the cap and container. In the non-child-resistant position each of the container projections are wedged between one of the second cap projections and a holding unit connected to the circumferential skirt. The second cap projections, container projections and holding unit are configured such that a predetermined threshold rotation force is necessary to remove the cap from the container. The holding unit lies between the second cap projections and the resilient lip.
- In an example embodiment of the present invention, a container system includes: a container having a top end and a plurality of container projections; a cap configured to mate with the container in a child-resistant position and a non-child-resistant position, the cap including a circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt; and a plurality of second cap projections spaced along a second plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane spaced from the first plane, the resilient lip between the first and second cap projections. In the child-resistant position, each of the container projections are wedged between the resilient lip and one of the first cap projections, said container projections, resilient lip, and first cap projections configured such that removal of the cap from the container requires that the cap and container be forced towards each other during rotation of the cap and container relative to each other. In the non-child-resistant position, each of the container projections are wedged between one of the second cap projections and a holding unit connected to the circumferential skirt, said second cap projections, container projections and holding unit configured such that a predetermined threshold rotation force is necessary to remove the cap from the container, said holding unit lying between the second cap projections and the resilient lip.
- The resilient lip may be configured to engage one of an outer surface, an inner surface and a top of the container in the child-resistant position.
- The holding unit may include a cover disposed within the circumferential skirt and arranged to cover an opening of the container in both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
- The cover may be bowl-shaped, and the resilient lip may for a lip of the bowl-shaped cover. The cover may be connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
- The resilient lip may project from the cover.
- Each of the first cap projections may include a first cap projection tab, each of the second cap projections may include a second cap projection tab, and each of the container projections may include a latch.
- The first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may have different widths.
- The latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. In the child-resistant position, each first cap projection tab may be arranged between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one of the latches.
- The latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion larger than that of the central portion. In the non-child-resistant position, a longer one of the first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may each contact the sloped catch portion of one latch and may be too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said latch.
- Each of the first and second projections may include a latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab.
- Each of the first projections may include a latch, each of the second projections may include a modified latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab. Each latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. In the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one of the latches. Each modified latch may include a stop portion, a ramp portion, and a central portion between the stop portion and the ramp portion, and the ramp portion may include a sloped portion. The stop portion may be higher than the central portion and the ramp portion. In the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the central portion.
- Each of the first projections may include a latch, each of the second projections may include a modified latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab. Each latch and modified latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, for both the latch and modified latch a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. The central portion of the modified latch may have a shorter length than that of the central portion of the latch. In the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch, and in the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the sloped catch portion of one modified latch and may be too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said modified latch.
- In the non-child-resistant position, the top end of the container may be disposed in a circumferential channel at least partially defined by at least a portion of the circumferential skirt and at least a portion of the cover.
- The container system may include a second resilient lip projecting from the cover in an opposite direction to the resilient lip.
- The cap is integrally formed.
- In an example embodiment of the present invention, a cap may be configured to mate with a container in child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions. The cap may include: a circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt; a plurality of second cap projections spaced along a second plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane spaced from the first plane, the resilient lip located between the first and second cap projections; a holding unit connected to the inner surface of the circumferential skirt and arranged between the second cap projections and the resilient lip; and a plurality of channels, each channel defined by at least a portion of the holding unit, one of the second cap projections, and at least a portion of the circumferential skirt.
- The holding unit may include a cover disposed within the circumferential skirt and configured to cover an opening in a container in both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
- The cover may be bowl-shaped, the resilient lip forming a lip of the bowl-shaped cover. The cover may be connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
- The resilient lip may project from the cover.
- Each of the first cap projections may include a first cap projection tab, each of the second cap projections may include a second cap projection tab, and each of the container projections may include a latch.
- The first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may have different widths.
- The latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. In the child-resistant position, each first cap projection tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch.
- The latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. In the non-child-resistant position, a longer one of the first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may each contact the sloped catch portion of one latch and may be too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said latch.
- Each of the first and second projections may include a latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab.
- Each of the first projections may include a latch, each of the second projections may include a modified latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab, each latch including a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion. A height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. In the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch. Each modified latch may include a stop portion, a ramp portion, and a central portion between the ramp portion and the stop portion, the ramp portion including a sloped portion. The stop portion may be higher than the central portion and the ramp portion. In the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the central portion of one modified latch.
- Each of the first projections may include a latch, each of the second projections may include a modified latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab, each latch and modified latch including a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion. A height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion, and the central portion of the modified latch may have a shorter length than that of the central portion of the latch. In the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch, and in the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the sloped catch portion and may be too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of the modified latch.
- The cap may include a second resilient lip projecting from the cover in an opposite direction to the resilient lip.
- The cap may be integrally formed.
- In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, container system includes: a container having a top end and a plurality of cap retaining means; a cap configured to mate with the container in a child-resistant position and a non-child-resistant position, the cap including a circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality of first container retaining means spaced along a first plane and projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt; and a plurality of second container retaining means spaced along a second plane and projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane being spaced from the first plane, the resilient lip being between the first and second cap projections. In the child-resistant position, each of the cap retaining means are wedged between the resilient lip and one of the first container retaining means, said cap retaining means and first container retaining means being configured such that removal of the cap from the container requires that the cap and container be forced towards each other while rotating the cap and container relative to each other. In the non-child-resistant position, each of the cap retaining means are wedged between one of the second container retaining means and a holding unit connected to the circumferential skirt, said second container retaining means, cap retaining means and holding unit being configured such that a predetermined threshold rotation force is necessary to free the cap retaining means from its wedged position, said holding unit lying between the second container retaining means and the resilient lip.
- In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method for closing a container with a cap having child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions may include: (a) disposing a top end of the container having a plurality of container projections within a circumferential skirt of the cap by passing each of the container projections between adjacent second cap projections projecting radially inwardly from the circumferential skirt, the cap including a resilient lip, disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt, and a plurality of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second cap projections spaced along a second plane and projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane being spaced from the first plane, the resilient lip lying between the first and second cap projections; and (b) rotating the cap and container relative to each other so as to wedge each of the container projections between a holding unit and one of the second cap projections, said holding unit projecting inwardly from the circumferential skirt and lying between the resilient lip and the second cap projections.
- The second cap projections may include one of tabs, modified latches, and latches. The modified latches each may include a sloped portion, stop portion and a central portion between the sloped portion and the stop portion, and the latches may each include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion. The container projections may include one of tabs, modified latches, and latches.
- The holding unit may include a cover disposed within the circumferential skirt and covering an opening in the container in both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
- The cover may be bowl-shaped, the resilient lip forming a lip of the bowl-shaped cover, and the cover may be connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
- Example embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
- In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary container system of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is side view of the vial ofFIG. 1 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap ofFIG. 1 locked onto the vial in a child-resistant position. -
FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of the cap ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the vial ofFIG. 1 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap ofFIG. 1 inverted and locked onto the vial in a non-child-resistant position. -
FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the cap ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 4 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the container system of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is side view of the vial ofFIG. 4 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap ofFIG. 4 locked onto the vial in a child-resistant position. -
FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of the cap ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the vial ofFIG. 4 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap ofFIG. 4 locked onto the vial in a non-child-resistant position. -
FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the cap ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the container system of the present invention with an inwardly projecting resilient lip. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an another exemplary embodiment of the container system of the present invention with two resilient lips. -
FIG. 1 is a side view of anexemplary container system 10 of the present invention including a container, e.g.,vial 12, andmating cap 14. Thecap 14 includes acircumferential skirt 16 having aribbed exterior surface 18, which facilitates gripping and rotation of thecap 14. Thevial 12 includes four tabs 20 (only three visible) which mate with camming latches 22, in a child-resistant position of the cap 14 (FIG. 2 ), and with modifiedlatches 24, in a non-child-resistant position (FIG. 3 ). It should be understood that although fourtabs 20 are mentioned any number oftabs 20 may be provided. The camming latches 22 and modifiedlatches 24 project from aninner surface 30 of thecircumferential skirt 16, and thus, are shown in ghost lines. - The
cap 14 is locked onto to thevial 12 in the child-resistant position by first rotating approximately 45 degrees clockwise from the position shown inFIG. 1 , lowering thecap 14 onto thevial 12 such that a taperedtop end 26 of thevial 12 is disposed within thecircumferential skirt 16 and such that eachcamming latch 22 is between two tabs 20 (one of thetabs 20 is in the position labeled A, as seen inFIG. 2 ), and rotating thecap 14 by approximately 45 degrees in a counter clockwise direction. Note that the necessary degrees of rotation is dependent on the number and arrangement oflatches vial 12. More or less than the four latches 22 and 24, and correspondingtabs 20, shown may be provided. Thecap 14 is locked in a similar manner onto thevial 12 in the non-child-resistant position except thecap 14 is in an inverted or flipped position prior to disposing it over thetop end 26 of thevial 12. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of thevial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of thecap 14, which is locked onto thevial 12 in the child- resistant position. Thecap 14 includes a bowl-shapedcover 28 connected to theinner surface 30 of thecap 14 by aring portion 32 of thecover 28, which projects inward from thecap 14 and outward from thecover 28. Thecircumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose eachcamming latch 22 and modifiedlatch 24, which, project inward from thecircumferential skirt 16. As such, thecamming latch 22 and modifiedlatch 24 are shown in a “floating” state. Thecircumferential skirt 16, which normally supportslatches tabs 20 and the camming latches 22 (FIG. 2 ) and the modified latches 24 (FIG. 3 ). The sides of thecap 14 are shown in cross-section. The transverse section taken is down the center of each of thelatches cap 14 ofFIG. 2 is illustrated inFIG. 2A , without thevial 12 for clarity. - The
camming latch 22 includes astop portion 34, acenter detent portion 36, and asloped catch portion 38. The modifiedlatch 24 includes astop portion 40, aflat center portion 42, and aramp portion 44. In the child-resistant position illustrated inFIG. 2 , as thecap 14 is rotated counter clockwise, thecamming latch 22, initially in position A, slides along the path labeled 29 such thattab 20 slides up the slopedcatch portion 38 and then falls into thecenter detent portion 36. Aresilient lip 46 of the bowl-shapedcover 28 is bent as thetab 20 andtop end 26 ofvial 12 slides upward over thesloped catch portion 38 and applies a downward force on thevial 12 andtabs 20. Thestop portion 34 prevents further rotation of the cap in the clockwise direction. Thesloped catch portion 38 prevents rotation of the cap in the counterclockwise direction, i.e., prevents removal of thecap 14, unless thecap 14 andvial 12 are first pressed towards each other, further bending theresilient lip 46 and raising thetab 20 higher than the slopedcatch portion 38. This extra step in removing thecap 14 adds effective child-resistance to thecontainer system 10. - The cross-section of the
cap 14 is taken down the center of thelatches center detent portions 36 can be seen directly underneath thetabs 20 on either side of thecap 14. In contrast to sides of thecap 14, thevial 12 is not shown in cross-section, therefore,tabs 20 can be seen wrapping around either side ofvial 12. Although not shown (given the cross-sectional presentation of the sides of the cap 14)stop portion 34 and slopedcatch portion 38 surround or sandwich theseside tabs 20, in an analogous manner as the fully showncamming latch 22 in the middle of thecap 14. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of thevial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of thecap 14, which is locked onto thevial 12 in the non-child-resistant position. Thetop end 26 of the vial sits in achannel 27 at least partially defined by thering portion 32, thecover 28 and thecircumferential skirt 16. Thecap 14 is rotated from position A (in which thevial 12 is covered but thecap 14 is not locked) clockwise such that modified latch 24 (the center one for illustration purposes) slides alongpath 29 such that the flatcentral portion 42 sits undertab 20. Thecontainer system 10 is configured such that in this locked position thetabs 20 are held snugly between the modified latches 24 and thering portion 32, which functions as a holding unit. Up and down movement of thecap 14 relative to thevial 12 is prevented in this locked position by thering portion 32 and the modified latches 24, which sandwich thetabs 20 from the top and bottom. Unlike in the child-resistant position, however, rotation of thecap 14 is not prevented by a catch. Rather, rotation of thecap 14 may be accomplished by applying at least a predetermined level of rotating force to thecap 14 to overcome the friction between theflat center portions 42 of the modified latches 24 and thetabs 20 and between thetop end 26 of thevial 12 and thering portion 32. - A top perspective view of the
cap 14 ofFIG. 3 is illustrated inFIG. 3A , without thevial 12 for clarity.Ghost lines 33 are added to more clearly show theresilient lip 46 and thering portion 32. - Alternatively, the
container system 10 may further include an alternate projecting ring or other projection (not shown) from theinner surface 30 of thecircumferential skirt 16 between thecover 28 and the camming latches 22 to function as a holding unit. In which case, thetabs 20 would be held snugly and wedged between the modified latches 24 and said alternate projecting ring or other projection in the closed non-child-resistant position of thecap 14. - FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the
container system 10 of the present invention. To the extent that parts or elements in FIGS. 1 to 3 match those in FIGS. 4 to 6, consistent numbering is maintained. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of thecontainer system 10. Four camming latches 22 are shown projecting from thevial 12. The camming latches 22 on either side of thevial 12 can be seen wrapping around thevial 12. Thecap 14 includes fourtabs 20 and four modifiedtabs 48, shown in ghost lines, each projecting from theinner surface 30 of thecap 14. - The
cap 14 is locked onto to thevial 12 in the child-resistant position by first rotating approximately 45 degrees counter clockwise from the position shown inFIG. 4 , lowering thecap 14 onto thevial 12 such that the taperedtop end 26 of thevial 12 is disposed within thecircumferential skirt 16 and such that eachtab 20 is between two camming latches 22 (one of thetabs 20 is in the position labeled A), and rotating thecap 14 by 45 degrees in a clockwise direction. Thecap 14 is similarly locked onto thevial 12 in the non-child-resistant position except thecap 14 is first inverted or flipped prior to disposing it over thetop end 26 of thevial 12. Note that the necessary degree of rotation for closure of thecap 14 is dependent on the number of camming latches 22 disposed on the surface of the vial and the number ofcorresponding tabs 20. More or less than four camming latches 22 andcorresponding tabs 20 may be provided. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of thevial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of thecap 14 ofFIG. 4 , which is locked onto thevial 12 in the child-resistant position. Thecircumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose each of thetabs 20 and modifiedtabs 48, which project inward from thecircumferential skirt 16. As such, thetabs 20 and modifiedtabs 48 are shown in a “floating” state. Thecircumferential skirt 16, which normally supportstabs 20 and modifiedtabs 48, has been torn away so as to expose the mating action of thecamming latch 22 with the tabs 20 (FIG. 5 ) and modified tabs (FIG. 6 ). As in FIGS. 2 to 4, the sides of thecap 14 are shown in cross-section. The transverse section taken is down the center of each of thetabs 20 and modifiedtabs 48. A top perspective view of thecap 14 ofFIG. 5 is illustrated inFIG. 5A without thevial 12 for clarity. - As seen in
FIG. 5 , rotation of thecap 14forces tabs 20 to slide alongpath 50 downward along thesloped catch portions 38 and under thecenter detent portions 36. Further, rotation of thecap 14 forces thetop end 26 of thevial 12 against theresilient lip 46 causing thelip 46 to bend, thus creating a downward bias onvial 12 and forcing camming latches 22 againsttabs 20. Thestop portion 34 of thecamming latch 22 prevents further counter clockwise rotation of thecap 14. Further, thesloped catch portion 38 prevents rotation of thecap 14 in the clockwise direction, i.e., opening of the cap, unless thecap 14 and thevial 12 are first forced towards each other, further bendingresilient lip 46, so as to lower, and thus, clear thesloped catch portion 38. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of thevial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of thecap 14 ofFIG. 4 , which is locked onto thevial 12 in the non-child-resistant position. A top perspective view of thecap 14 ofFIG. 6 is illustrated inFIG. 6A without thevial 12 for clarity.Ghost lines 33 are used to more clearly show the outlines of theresilient lip 46 and thering 32, which is hidden behind theresilient lip 46 from this perspective. As seen inFIG. 6 , thetop end 26 of the vial sits in achamber 27 at least partially defined by thering portion 32, thecover 28 and thecircumferential skirt 16. Thecap 14 is rotated from position A (in which thevial 12 is covered but thecap 14 is not locked) clockwise such that modifiedtabs 48 slides down thesloped catch portion 38 and, at least partially, under thecenter detent portion 36. The modifiedtabs 48 are too wide to fit between thestop portion 34 and thecenter detent portion 36. However, thecontainer system 10 is configured such that in this locked position the modifiedtabs 48 are held snugly between the camming latches 22 and thering portion 32. Up and down movement of thecap 14 relative to thevial 12 is prevented by the camming latches 22 and thering portion 32, which sandwich the modifiedtabs 48 from the top and bottom. Unlike in the child-resistant position, however, rotation of thecap 14 is not prevented by thesloped catch portion 38 because, as indicated above, each of the modifiedtabs 48 is too wide to fit between thestop portion 34 and thesloped catch portion 38 of eachcamming latch 22. Rather, rotation of thecap 14 may be accomplished by applying at least a predetermined level of rotating force to thecap 14 to overcome the friction between thesloped catch portion 38 and the modifiedtab 20 and between thetop end 26 of thevial 12 and thering portion 32. -
FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of thecontainer system 10 of the present invention, identical to the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6, except for the configuration of theresilient lip 46. Theresilient lip 46 projects further inwards and is configured to be disposed inside thetop end 26 of thevial 12. Further, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6, theresilient lip 46 is configured to maintain a downward bias ontop end 26 ofvial 12 when bent. Alternatively, the position of the tabs and latches may be swapped as in FIGS. 1 to 3, i.e., thelatches 22 and/or 24 may project inwardly from thecircumferential skirt 16 and thetabs vial 12. - In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
resilient lip 46 may be configured, e.g., L-shaped, to engage a top edge of thevial 12. -
FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of thecontainer system 10 of the present invention.FIG. 8 is a side view of thevial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of thecap 14, which is locked onto thevial 12 in the non-child-resistant position. Thecircumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose each of the camming latches 22 and modifiedlatches 24, which project inward from thecircumferential skirt 16. As such, the camming latches 22 and modifiedlatches 24 are shown in a “floating” state. Thecircumferential skirt 16, which normally supports the camming latches 22 and modifiedlatches 24, has been torn away so as to expose the camming latches 22 and the mating action of the modified latches 24 andtabs 20. The sides of thecap 14 are shown in cross-section. The transverse section taken is down the center of the side camming latches 22 and modified latches 24. - The
cap 14 includes acentral cover 56 dividing thecircumferential skirt 16 down the center. Top and bottomresilient lips central cover 56. On one side of thecentral cover 56 the camming latches 22 project inwardly from thecircumferential skirt 16 and on the opposite side of thecentral cover 56 the modified latches 24 project inwardly from thecircumferential skirt 16. - Clockwise rotation of the
cap 14forces tabs 20 to slide upward along theramp portion 38 and over theflat center portion 42, along the path labeled 52. The rotation of thecap 14 forces thetop end 26 of thevial 12 against theresilient lip 46 causing thelip 46 to bend, creating adownward vial 12 bias. Thestop portion 34 of thecamming latch 22 prevents further clockwise rotation of thecap 14. Further, the friction between theresilient lip 46 and thetop end 26 of thevial 12 and between the modifiedlatch 24 and thetab 20 resists rotation of thecap 14 in the counterclockwise direction, i.e., opening of the cap. However, thecontainer system 10 is configured such that application of a threshold rotation force to thecap 14 overcomes this friction. In the child-resistant position (with thecap 14 inverted) the configuration and locking action of thecap 14 is identical to that ofFIG. 2 . Rotation of thecap 14forces tab 20 over slopedcatch portion 38 and down overcenter detent portion 36, fixingtab 20 betweenstop portion 34 and slopedcatch portion 38. In this locked position rotation of thecap 14 in one direction is prevented bystop portion 34 and rotation of thecap 14 in the opposite direction may only be accomplished by squeezing thecap 14 and thevial 12 towards each other, so as to raise thetab 20 relative to thecamming latch 22, while rotating thecap 14. - Alternatively, the modified latches 24 may have the same configuration as the camming latches 22 but have a shorter
center detent portion 36. Further, the position of the tabs and latches may be swapped as inFIG. 4 , i.e., the latches may project inwardly from thecircumferential skirt 16 and the tabs may project outwardly from thevial 12. -
Cap 14, in all of the embodiments detailed above, may be integrally formed and made from a plastic, e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene. Further, in all of the exemplary embodiments above a larger or smaller number of latches and corresponding tabs may be used. - As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (33)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/147,015 US20060273060A1 (en) | 2005-06-06 | 2005-06-06 | Reversible vial closure |
CA002549310A CA2549310A1 (en) | 2005-06-06 | 2006-05-31 | Reversible vial closure |
MXPA06006402A MXPA06006402A (en) | 2005-06-06 | 2006-06-05 | Reversible vial closure. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/147,015 US20060273060A1 (en) | 2005-06-06 | 2005-06-06 | Reversible vial closure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060273060A1 true US20060273060A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
Family
ID=37493127
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/147,015 Abandoned US20060273060A1 (en) | 2005-06-06 | 2005-06-06 | Reversible vial closure |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060273060A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2549310A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA06006402A (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070012645A1 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2007-01-18 | Owens-Illinois Prescription Products Inc. | Child-resistant closure, package and method of making |
US20080116163A1 (en) * | 2006-11-16 | 2008-05-22 | Berry Plastics Corporation | Child-resistant vial closure |
US20080223807A1 (en) * | 2007-03-15 | 2008-09-18 | Blaine Company, Inc. D/B/A Blaine Pharmaceutical | Collar for liquid and medicine dispensing bottle |
EP2322447A1 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2011-05-18 | GFV Verschlusstechnik GmbH & Co. KG | Attachment for a container and container |
US8708176B2 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2014-04-29 | Tim Andis | Quick access closure apparatus and methods of use |
US20190151984A1 (en) * | 2017-11-17 | 2019-05-23 | Orgo-Thermit Inc. | Rail Welding Crucible and Cap with an Oxygen/Propane Gas Rail-Preheating Burner Ignited Reaction Starter Mix |
US11401085B2 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2022-08-02 | Berry Global, Inc. | Selectively openable closure for a container |
US11472613B2 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2022-10-18 | Berry Global, Inc. | Selectively openable closure for a container |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8925755B2 (en) | 2010-04-13 | 2015-01-06 | Ipl, Inc. | Tamper evident system and method |
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-
2005
- 2005-06-06 US US11/147,015 patent/US20060273060A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-05-31 CA CA002549310A patent/CA2549310A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-06-05 MX MXPA06006402A patent/MXPA06006402A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070012645A1 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2007-01-18 | Owens-Illinois Prescription Products Inc. | Child-resistant closure, package and method of making |
US8132684B2 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2012-03-13 | Rexam Prescription Products Inc. | Child-resistant closure, package and method of making |
US20080116163A1 (en) * | 2006-11-16 | 2008-05-22 | Berry Plastics Corporation | Child-resistant vial closure |
US7870967B2 (en) | 2006-11-16 | 2011-01-18 | Berry Plastics Corporation | Child-resistant vial closure |
US20080223807A1 (en) * | 2007-03-15 | 2008-09-18 | Blaine Company, Inc. D/B/A Blaine Pharmaceutical | Collar for liquid and medicine dispensing bottle |
EP2322447A1 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2011-05-18 | GFV Verschlusstechnik GmbH & Co. KG | Attachment for a container and container |
US8708176B2 (en) | 2009-12-30 | 2014-04-29 | Tim Andis | Quick access closure apparatus and methods of use |
US20190151984A1 (en) * | 2017-11-17 | 2019-05-23 | Orgo-Thermit Inc. | Rail Welding Crucible and Cap with an Oxygen/Propane Gas Rail-Preheating Burner Ignited Reaction Starter Mix |
US10464164B2 (en) * | 2017-11-17 | 2019-11-05 | Orgo-Thermit Inc. | Rail welding crucible and cap with an oxygen/propane gas rail-preheating burner ignited reaction starter mix |
US11401085B2 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2022-08-02 | Berry Global, Inc. | Selectively openable closure for a container |
US11472613B2 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2022-10-18 | Berry Global, Inc. | Selectively openable closure for a container |
US11691794B2 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2023-07-04 | Berry Global, Inc. | Selectively openable closure for a container |
US11745922B2 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2023-09-05 | Berry Global, Inc. | Selectively openable closure for a container |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MXPA06006402A (en) | 2007-12-06 |
CA2549310A1 (en) | 2006-12-06 |
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