U.S. patent application number 09/325296 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-07 for tamper-resistant bottle closure.
Invention is credited to REIDENBACH, BRYAN L..
Application Number | 20010002661 09/325296 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23267287 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
REIDENBACH, BRYAN L. |
June 7, 2001 |
TAMPER-RESISTANT BOTTLE CLOSURE
Abstract
A tamper-resistant bottle closure includes a cap and a breakaway
skirt connected by a plurality of frangible links and inhibits
tampering with the fluid contents of the bottle. A stopping ledge
extending outward from the bottle neck retains the breakaway skirt,
thus breaking the frangible links when the cap is removed. The
breakaway skirt includes a number of inner skirts, a security ring
which wraps around the bottle, a number of securing straps, and a
plurality of security fins which further inhibit tampering with the
closure. A second embodiment includes a plurality of inner skirts
that alternately attach distal to and proximate from the frangible
links. A third embodiment includes a first set of inner skirts
extending around to a first stopping ledge and a second set of
inner skirts extending around a second stopping ledge. A fourth
embodiment includes an intermediate link interposed between the
wing and the inner protuberance of the inner skirts. A fifth
embodiment includes inner skirts which do not include wings
extending around the stopping ledge. A sixth embodiment includes
inner skirts having a blocking protrusion and a clamping
protrusion. A seventh embodiment includes a connection strap
extending between the cap and the breakaway skirt.
Inventors: |
REIDENBACH, BRYAN L.;
(MILLERSBURG, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOSEPH A SEBOLT
SAND & SEBOLT
4801 DRESSLER ROAD NW STE 194
CANTON
OH
44718
|
Family ID: |
23267287 |
Appl. No.: |
09/325296 |
Filed: |
June 3, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/252 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 41/3428 20130101;
B65D 2401/20 20200501; B65D 41/3447 20130101; B65D 2401/30
20200501 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/252 |
International
Class: |
B65D 041/34 |
Claims
Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:
1. A tamper-resistant bottle closure adapted to be carried on a
container having a stopping ledge, said closure comprising: a cap;
a breakaway skirt having an outer skirt and at least a first inner
skirt inwardly disposed to said outer skirt; and a plurality of
frangible links extending between said cap and said outer
skirt.
2. The closure of claim 1, further comprising a wing disposed on
said at least first inner skirt, said wing adapted to lie adjacent
the stopping ledge such that said wing at least partially surrounds
the stopping ledge.
3. The closure of claim 2, in which said at least first inner skirt
is attached to said outer skirt at a location distal said frangible
links.
4. The closure of claim 3, further comprising a second inner skirt
inwardly disposed to said outer skirt, said second inner skirt
having a second wing disposed on said thereon, said second wing
adapted to lie adjacent the stopping ledge such that said second
wing at least partially surrounds the stopping ledge, said second
inner skirt being attached to said outer skirt at a location
proximate said frangible links.
5. The closure of claim 2, further comprising a securing strap
extending between said wing and said outer skirt.
6. The closure of claim 5, further comprising an intermediate link
having a lower leg, said intermediate link disposed adjacent said
wing, said lower leg adapted to be disposed adjacent and spaced
from the stopping ledge.
7. The closure of claim 1, further comprising an inner protuberance
and an outer protuberance formed on said at least first inner
skirt, said inner protuberance adapted to be disposed adjacent the
container.
8. The closure of claim 1, further comprising a security ring, said
security ring being attached to said outer skirt and adapted to be
disposed adjacent the container.
9. The closure of claim 8 in which said security ring includes a
curved lower surface.
10. The closure of claim 1, further comprising at least a first
securing strap extending between said at least first inner skirt
and said outer skirt.
11. The closure of claim 1, further comprising at least a first
security fin connected to said outer skirt.
12. The closure of claim 1, further comprising a blocking
protrusion and a clamping protrusion disposed on said at least
first inner skirt.
13. The closure of claim 12, further comprising a connection strap
extending between said cap and said breakaway skirt.
14. A tamper-resistant bottle closure adapted to be carried on a
container having a lower stopping ledge and an upper stopping
ledge, said closure comprising: a cap; a breakaway skirt having an
outer skirt, at least a first lower inner skirt inwardly disposed
to said outer skirt, and at least a first upper inner skirt
inwardly disposed to said outer skirt; each said at least first
lower inner skirt having a lower wing, said lower wing adapted to
extend about the lower stopping ledge; each said at least first
upper inner skirt having an upper wing, said upper wing adapted to
extend about the upper stopping ledge; a plurality of frangible
links extending between said cap and said outer skirt.
15. The closure of claim 14, further comprising a securing strap
extending between each said lower wing and said outer skirt.
16. The closure of claim 14, further comprising an inner
protuberance and an outer protuberance formed on each said at least
first lower inner skirt and an inner protuberance and an outer
protuberance formed on each said at least first upper inner skirt,
said inner protuberance of each said at least first lower and upper
inner skirts adapted to be disposed adjacent the container.
17. In combination, a container and a closure; comprising: said
container having a nozzle and at least a first stopping ledge
formed on said nozzle; said closure including a cap and a breakaway
skirt; said breakaway skirt having an outer skirt and at least a
first inner skirt attached and inwardly disposed to said outer
skirt; and a plurality of frangible links extending between said
cap and said breakaway skirt.
18. The combination of claim 17, further comprising a wing disposed
on said at least first inner skirt, said wing being complementally
shaped and lying adjacent said at least first stopping ledge such
that said wing at least partially surrounds said at least first
stopping ledge.
19. The combination of claim 18, further comprising an inner
protuberance and an outer protuberance formed on each said at least
first inner skirt, said inner protuberance projecting inwardly,
said outer protuberance projecting outwardly, said inner and outer
protuberances being of such dimension that said inner protuberance
physically contacts the container and said outer protuberance
physically contacts said outer skirt.
20. The combination of claim 18, further comprising a security wall
and a security flange, said security flange extending outwardly
from said nozzle, said security wall extending peripherally and
substantially perpendicularly from said security flange, said
breakaway skirt at least partially interposed between said security
wall and said nozzle.
21. The combination of claim 17, wherein said nozzle is formed with
a recession, and further comprising a blocking protrusion formed on
said at least first inner skirt, said blocking protrusion being
received in said recession when said closure is removed from said
container.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The subject invention is generally directed to a closure for
a container. More particularly, the invention relates to a
tamper-resistant closure for a container. Specifically, the
invention relates to a closure for providing resealable access to
the contents of a container while inhibiting tampering therewith
and indicating the existence of such tampering or the fact that the
closure has been removed from the container.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] Various containers for storing and transporting fluid such
as water have been known and used for thousands of years. Prior to
modern times, water containers were a necessity since homes and
businesses did not have running water, and containers were,
therefore, needed to transport water from the local well to each
house or business.
[0005] Many closures for containers have been developed including
lids, corks, snap-on caps, and screw caps. Since man's discovery
that fluids could be stored within containers for later use, new
and better means for closing, sealing, or otherwise controlling
fluid flow into and out of the container have been sought.
[0006] More recently, i.e., over approximately the past 100 years,
a phenomenal growth in the distribution of bottled beverages has
occurred. The storage of beverages such as milk, juice, water,
carbonated beverages, iced tea, and alcoholic beverages in
containers such as cartons, bottles, flasks, or jugs made from
paper, plastic, or glass has flourished.
[0007] Specifically, these various containers include plastic milk
cartons, 12-ounce cans, 16- and 20-ounce plastic bottles, 1- and
2-liter plastic bottles, and other such containers.
[0008] Bottled beverages typically come in either plastic or glass
bottles with metal or plastic closures sealing the beverage therein
until the time for consumption. These containers typically include
a narrowing neck with a fluid access opening therein. A number of
closures have been used to cover this fluid access opening
including metal lids requiring a bottle opener to remove, twist off
metal lids, snap-on/off plastic caps, screw-on/off plastic caps,
and pull up and push down type caps. These caps all serve to
provide access to the fluid contained within the container. The
closure is preferably reusable in that it may be removed from and
replaced onto the container thereby allowing only a portion of the
fluid contained within the container to be used at a given
sitting.
[0009] The need for closure of these containers is historically
based upon a number of concerns including spillage, spoilage,
evaporation, and contamination of the fluid contained within the
container. More recent designs continue to take into account these
historical needs as well as today's desired qualities such as ease
and speed of use, and retention of carbonation.
[0010] While the resealable aspect possessed by many of these
closures is highly desirable, the benefit obtained thereby must be
weighed against the risk that an interloper might remove the
closure, tamper with the contents of the container, and reseal the
container using the resealable closure with the intent that an
unwary or unsuspecting consumer may thereafter reopen the container
and consume the contaminated contents contained therein. The need
exists for a resealable bottle closure which inhibits tampering,
yet remains simple to remove and install.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Objectives of the invention include providing a container
closure for providing resealable access to the fluid contents of a
container, while inhibiting tampering with the contents of the
container.
[0012] Another objective of the invention is to provide a
resealable closure which can be removed and replaced on the bottle
with ease.
[0013] Another objective of the invention is to make evident the
existence of any tampering which may have occurred.
[0014] Another objective of the invention is to provide a closure
which, when fully tightened down, seals off the fluid access
opening thereby.
[0015] A further objective is to provide a closure which is of
simple construction which achieves the stated objectives in a
simple, effective, and inexpensive manner, and which solves
problems and satisfies needs existing in the art.
[0016] These and other objectives and advantages of the invention
are obtained by the improved closure, the general nature of which
may be stated as a threaded cap connected through a frangible link
to a breakaway skirt.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best modes in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles of the invention, are set forth in the following
description and are shown in the drawings and are particularly and
distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the first
embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a view of the bottle opening and the first
embodiment partially in section;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a sectional view as indicated by section line 4-4
in FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a sectional view depicting a first position of the
first embodiment during installation of the first embodiment on a
bottle;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 5 depicting a
second position during installation of the first embodiment on a
bottle;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a sectional view indicating final installation of
the first embodiment on a bottle;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 7 showing
separation of the cap portion from the breakaway skirt;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an alternative configuration
of the first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
present invention wherein the underside of the second embodiment is
shown;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a sectional view as taken along line 11-11 of
FIG. 10;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a sectional view as taken along line 12-12 of
FIG. 10;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the
closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the
closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the
closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the
closure of the present invention installed on a bottle;
[0034] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the sixth embodiment showing
the stopping ledge received in the socket during removal of the cap
portion;
[0035] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the
present invention showing the cap portion removed from the nozzle
of the bottle.
[0036] Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the
specification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The improved tamper-resistant bottle closure of the present
invention is indicated generally at the numeral 2 in the
accompanying drawings. The intended use of closure 2 is as a
closure for a container 4 as depicted in FIG. 1. Closure 2 is also
capable of indicating whether or not closure 2 has been removed
from container 4 after its initial installation.
[0038] In the preferred embodiments, closure 2 is carried by
container 4. Container 4 includes a main body 8, a neck 10, and a
nozzle 14, all of which may be integrally formed. Main body 8 is
the reservoir within which the liquid contents are retained. Neck
10 is a funnel-shaped member whereby main body 8 contracts into
nozzle 14. Nozzle 14 is a hollow cylindrical member having a
security flange 12 and a stopping ledge 48. Nozzle 14 connects at a
lower end to neck 10 and terminates at an upper end at an annular
edge 32. Nozzle 14 is disposed inwardly of closure 2.
[0039] Nozzle 14 has a plurality of external threads 30 formed
thereon. Stopping ledge 48 is an annular protrusion extending
outwardly from nozzle 14 having a lower edge 58, an arcuate outer
edge 54, and an upper edge 56. The transition between upper edge 56
and outer edge 54 is preferably curved to facilitate the
installation of closure 2 onto container 4. Stopping ledge 48 is
positioned below threads 30 such that threads 30 are interposed
between stopping ledge 48 and edge 32. Security flange 12 is an
annular protrusion extending outwardly from nozzle 14 below
stopping ledge 48 with an outer radial dimension greater than the
outer radial dimension of stopping ledge 48.
[0040] Closure 2 includes a cap 16, a plurality of frangible links
18, and a breakaway skirt 20. Frangible links 18 are interposed
between cap 16 and breakaway skirt 20. Cap 16 includes a sidewall
28 of a substantially cylindrical section which is abutted at a
first end by a circular lid 22 of approximately the same thickness
as sidewall 28, with lid 22 being circumferentially attached to
sidewall 28. Cap 16 further includes a gasket 24 which lies
adjacent a face of lid 22 which abuts sidewall 28. Gasket 24 is a
thin, flat, circular body of an outer diameter at least that of the
outer diameter of edge 32. Gasket 24 is typically manufactured of a
tough, resilient, waterproof material such as polyethylene,
although other materials may be used without departing from the
spirit of the present invention. Sidewall 28 is formed with a
plurality of internal threads 26 which cooperate threadably with
external threads 30.
[0041] Frangible links 18 provide a breakable connection between
cap 16 and breakaway skirt 20. In the preferred embodiments,
frangible links 18 are integrally formed with cap 16 and breakaway
skirt 20. Frangible links 18 are thin-walled members which break
upon the application of nominal tensile or shear stresses, such as
the stresses caused by the removal of cap 16 or the deflection of
breakaway skirt 20. In the preferred embodiments, frangible links
18 are circumferentially spaced and distributed about closure
2.
[0042] Breakaway skirt 20 includes an outer skirt 46, a plurality
of inner skirts 52, a security ring 34, a plurality of securing
straps 42, a terminal flange 62, and a plurality of security fins
60. Outer skirt 46 is a hollow roughly cylindrical body containing
an inner surface 44 and an outer surface 50. Outer skirt 46 is
attached at an upper end to frangible links 18, and is attached at
a lower end to security ring 34.
[0043] As can be seen in FIGS. 5-8, security ring 34 is a roughly
toroid-shaped body having a circumferential attachment to outer
skirt 46 and having a convex lower surface 35. As can be seen in
the accompanying drawings, security ring 34 projects inwardly
toward nozzle 14 to inhibit tampering with the contents of
container 4.
[0044] Security ring 34 is additionally attached to a plurality of
inner skirts 52 that are interposed between outer skirt 46 and
nozzle 14. Each inner skirt 52 contains an inner protuberance 36,
an outer protuberance 38, and a wing 40. Inner skirts 52 are
circumferentially distributed about breakaway skirt 20 and are
circumferentially spaced with gaps 64 therebetween. Inner
protuberance 36 projects inward toward nozzle 14. Outer
protuberance 38 extends outward toward outer skirt 46. Inner
protuberance 36 and outer protuberance 38 are of such dimension
that when closure 2 is installed on container 4, inner protuberance
36 rests closely adjacent nozzle 14 and outer protuberance 38 rests
closely adjacent inner surface 44. Inner protuberance 36 and outer
protuberance 38 may additionally be of sufficient size to generate
an interference fit between nozzle 14 and outer skirt 46 without
departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0045] When closure 2 is installed on container 4, inner
protuberance 36 rests closely adjacent both container 4 and lower
edge 58 (see FIGS. 7-8). Wing 40 is attached to inner skirt 52 at a
location distal from the connection of inner skirt 52 with security
ring 34. Wing 40 projects upwardly from inner skirt 52 and
thereafter inwardly such that wing 40 wraps around and lies closely
adjacent outer edge 54 and upper edge 56 of stopping ledge 48.
Securing straps 42 attach between wings 40 and outer skirt 46 with
securing straps 42 being attached to outer skirt 46 at a location
proximate frangible links 18.
[0046] Security fins 60 are planar members projecting radially
inward from inner surface 44 and interposed between inner skirts 52
within gaps 64 (see FIG. 4). Security fins 60 attach to inner
surface 44 and project radially inward from inner surface 44
substantially, but not entirely, the distance to outer edge 54 of
stopping ledge 48. Security fins 60 extend substantially the length
of outer skirt 46 and terminate at a lower end with an attachment
to security ring 34. Security fins 60 terminate at an upper end
with an attachment to terminal flange 62. Terminal flange 62 is a
circumferential protuberance extending inwardly from inner surface
44.
[0047] When closure 2 is fully installed on container 4, internal
threads 26 are threaded with external threads 30 and gasket 24 is
sandwiched firmly between lid 22 and edge 32 to form a watertight
seal. Lower surface 35 lies closely adjacent security flange 12 to
inhibit tampering with the contents of container 4 by inserting an
object between security ring 34 and nozzle 14.
[0048] The unthreading of cap 16 from nozzle 14 causes cap 16 to be
threadably urged in the upward direction away from stopping ledge
48. In accordance with the objectives of the present invention,
however, lower edge 58 of stopping ledge 48 restrains inner
protuberance 36 from upward movement, thus retaining breakaway
skirt 20 on nozzle 14. Further in accordance with the features of
the present invention, the retention of breakaway skirt 20 on
stopping ledge 48 during upward movement of cap 16 causes a tensile
force between cap 16 and breakaway skirt 20 through frangible links
18. The tensile force in frangible links 18 ultimately causes
frangible links 18 to fracture, thus causing breakaway skirt 20 to
separate from cap 16 and thus causing breakaway skirt 20 to be
retained on stopping ledge 48 after cap 16 has been removed from
container 4.
[0049] In accordance with the objectives of the present invention,
securing straps 42 attached between wings 40 and outer skirt 46,
thereby preventing the rotation inward of inner skirts 52 about
their attachment with security ring 34. In this manner, securing
straps 42 prevent the removal of closure 2 without the fracture of
frangible links 18, inasmuch as fractured frangible links 18 are
visible to one observing closure 2, thereby inhibiting tampering
with the contents of container 4.
[0050] Also in accordance with the objectives of the present
invention, inner and outer protuberances 36 and 38 are of such
dimension that virtually no clearance exists between nozzle 14 and
inner surface 44 with inner skirts 52 interposed therebetween. As
such, inner and outer protuberances 36 and 38 of inner skirts 52
inhibit tampering with the contents of container 4 by inhibiting
the insertion of an object past inner skirts 52. Additionally, wing
40 extends upward past and in close proximity with outer edge 54
and wraps around and in close proximity with upper edge 56. Thus,
in accordance with the objectives of the present invention, the
arrangement of wing 40 in relation to stopping ledge 48 further
inhibits tampering with the contents of container 4 by inhibiting
the insertion of an object around and past stopping ledge 48.
[0051] The transition between nozzle 14 and security ring 12 may be
curved to be complemental with the curvature of lower surface 35 to
inhibit tampering with the contents of container 4. Additionally,
security fins 60 inhibit the tampering of the contents of container
4 by inhibiting the insertion of an object between inner skirts 52
and inner surface 44 and by inhibiting the inward deflection of
outer skirt 46.
[0052] Closure 2 is installed onto container 4 by placing it onto
nozzle 14 as is shown in FIGS. 5-7. Closure 2 is shown in a first
position in FIG. 5 wherein security ring 34 is passing over
stopping ledge 48. In such configuration, security ring 34 is
caused to stretch elastically in order to pass over stopping ledge
48. Security ring 34 is preferably of a cross-section sufficient to
prevent plastic deformation or rupture os security ring 34 as it
passes over stopping ledge 48.
[0053] Once security ring 34 has passed over stopping ledge 48, and
inner protuberance 36 rests against outer edge 54, closure 2 is in
the second position as is shown in FIG. 6. Since the surface of
inner protuberance 36 is oblique to outer edge 54, when bottle
closure 2 is in the second position inner skirts 52 are caused to
rotate outward about security ring 34, thereby deflecting outer
protuberance 38 against inner surface 44, and resulting in outward
deflection of outer skirt 46 at its mid-section. As is shown in
FIG. 6, when closure 2 is in the second position, the configuration
of inner protuberance 36 and outer protuberance 38 results in
outward deflection of outer skirt 46 without corresponding
deflection of frangible links 18. Thus, the stresses encountered by
frangible links 18 upon installation of closure 2 on container 4
are of a nature and magnitude insufficient to cause fracture of
frangible links 18.
[0054] Closure 2 is shown fully installed on container 4 in FIG. 7.
Inner protuberance 36 is disposed against nozzle 14 and lower edge
58, and wing 40 extends upwardly past outer edge 54 and rests
against upper edge 56.
[0055] When cap 16 is first removed from container 4, the
unthreading of cap portion 16 urges breakaway skirt 20 upwardly
therewith. Simultaneously, lower edge 58 of stopping ledge 48
prevents the upward movement of inner protuberance 36, thereby
retaining breakaway skirt 20 on container 4. Since cap portion 16
is caused to move away from breakaway skirt 20, frangible links 18
stretch and break (see FIG. 8) resulting in separation of cap
portion 16 from breakaway skirt 20. Frangible links 18 thus
constitute tamper indicators by indicating that cap 16 has been
removed from nozzle 14 at least once. When cap 16 is removed from
nozzle 14, frangible links 18 will become broken in the process. If
cap 16 is then returned onto nozzle 14, frangible links 18 will
remain in a broken condition. As such, a consumer who subsequently
removes cap 16 from container 4 with the intent to consume the
contents thereof will immediately notice the absence of breakage of
frangible links 18 during the removal of cap 16. The consumer will
thus be alerted to the fact that cap 16 previously has been removed
on at least one occasion and that the contents of container 4 may
have been tampered with.
[0056] Frangible links 18 thus provide evidence to a consumer that
cap 16 has been removed from container 4 on at least one occasion.
Moreover, security ring 34, inner skirts 52, and security fins 60
prevent a person from inserting a foreign object into the underside
of closure 2 and removing closure 2 from container 4 without
breaking frangible links 18. Closure 2 thus provides a tamper
resistant bottle closure that protects the contents of container 4
from tampering and provides visual and tactile evidence to an
unsuspecting consumer that such tampering has occurred.
[0057] An alternative configuration of the present invention exists
wherein container 4 further includes a security wall 13. Security
wall 13 is an annular member projecting upwardly from security
flange 12 and disposed a distance from nozzle 14 sufficient that
closure 2 can be installed on container 4 with breakaway skirt 20
being interposed between security wall 13 and nozzle 14 (see FIG.
9). Security wall 13 may be formed integrally with security flange
12.
[0058] A second embodiment of the bottle closure of the present
invention is indicated generally at the numeral 102 in FIGS. 10-12.
Closure 102 is similar to closure 2, except that closure 102
includes a plurality of inner skirts 152 attached to security ring
134 as well as a plurality of inner skirts 152A attached to
terminal flange 162. As can be seen in FIG. 10, inner skirts 152
alternate circumferentially with inner skirts 152A. As can be seen
in FIG. 11, inner skirts 152 are essentially identical to inner
skirts 52. As can be seen in FIG. 12, inner skirts 152A are similar
to inner skirts 152, except are oriented upside-down as compared
with inner skirts 152, are connected to terminal flange 162 instead
of security ring 134, and each include an installation wedge 166A
formed on wing 140A.
[0059] More specifically, inner skirts 152A each include an inner
protuberance 136A facing toward nozzle 14, and outer protuberance
138A facing toward inner surface 144, and a wing 140A extending
downwardly adjacent outer edge 54 and resting against lower edge
58. Installation wedge 166A formed on the lower surface of wing
140A includes an angled, substantially planar deflection face 168A
that deflects inner skirt 152A in the outward direction during
insertion of closure 102 onto container 4. Closure 102 provides all
of the benefits of closure 2, with the addition of providing inner
skirts 152A with inner and outer protuberances 136A and 138A
disposed above stopping ledge 48.
[0060] A third embodiment of the bottle closure of the present
invention is indicated generally at the numeral 202 in FIG. 13.
Closure 202 is similar to closure 102, except that instead of
employing alternatingly-disposed skirts employs inner skirts 252
extending around stopping ledge 248 and a plurality of inner skirts
252A extending around a second stopping ledge 248A formed on nozzle
214. As can be seen in FIG. 13, inner skirts 252 and inner skirts
252A are each circumferentially distributed about breakaway skirt
20 instead of being alternately disposed with one another as with
closure 102. Inner skirts 252 each are formed with a wing 240 that
extends around stopping ledge 248. Inner skirts 252A are each
disposed above inner skirts 252 and include a wing 240A that
extends around a second stopping ledge 248A. Closure 202 thus
provides the benefits of closure 102, plus additionally provides a
second stopping ledge 248A and a set of inner skirts 252A to
further prevent the insertion of foreign devices into the open end
of closure 202.
[0061] A fourth embodiment of the bottle closure is indicated
generally at the numeral 302 in FIG. 14. Closure 302 is similar to
closure 2, except that an intermediate link 341 is interposed
between wing 340 and inner and outer protuberances 336 and 338.
Intermediate link 341 extends upwardly from inner and outer
protuberances 336 and 338 and includes a lower leg 343 that is
disposed adjacent and is spaced slightly from lower edge 58 of
stopping ledge 48. The space between lower edge 58 and lower leg
343 permits breakaway skirt 320 to rotate with cap 16 when cap 16
is unthreaded from nozzle 14. Additionally, the space between lower
edge 58 and lower leg 343 prevents inadvertent breakage of
frangible links 18 inasmuch as stopping ledge 48 is not tightly
compressed between wing 340 and lower leg 343. Depending upon the
configuration of frangible links 18 and the amount of tensile force
that is required to break frangible links 18, frangible links 18
may remain unbroken until inner protuberance 336 compresses lower
leg 343 against lower edge 58 during removal of cap 16. Such
compression of lower leg 343 between inner protuberance 336 and
lower edge 58 securely retains breakaway skirt 320 on nozzle 14
during and after removal of cap 16.
[0062] A fifth embodiment of the bottle closure of the present
invention is indicated generally at the numeral 402 in FIG. 15.
Closure 402 is similar to closure 2, except that inner skirt 452
does not include wing 40, and securing strap 442 extends between
outer protuberance 438 and inner surface 444. Securing strap 442
thus has no connection with terminal flange 462. The connection of
securing strap 442 between outer protuberance 438 and inner surface
444 prevents inner skirt 452 from being pried away from inner
surface 444 by a foreign object inserted therebetween. The absence
of wing 40 reduces the extent to which inner skirt 452 can be
elastically deflected away from inner surface 444 without the
fracture of frangible links 18. Closure 402 thus provides a level
of security that is different than closure 2 by further preventing
a foreign object from being inserted between outer protuberance 438
and inner surface 444.
[0063] A sixth embodiment of the bottle closure of the present
invention is indicated generally at the numeral 502 in FIGS. 16 and
17. Closure 502 is similar to closure 2, except that inner skirt
552 is of a different configuration than inner skirt 52, and nozzle
514 includes a recession that is absent from nozzle 14. More
specifically, inner skirt 552 is attached to outer skirt 546 with a
hinge 567. Inner skirt 552 includes an elongated arm 569 extending
from hinge 567 that terminates at a blocking protrusion 570 and
includes a clamping protrusion 571 interposed between blocking
protrusion 570 and hinge 567. A channel 572 is defined by between
blocking protrusion 570 and clamping protrusion 571 and includes
the portion of arm 569 therebetween.
[0064] As can be seen in FIG. 16, when closure 502 is installed
onto nozzle 514, blocking protrusion 570 rests against both nozzle
514 and lower edge 558 of stopping ledge 548. When closure 502 is
unthreaded from nozzle 514, breakaway skirt 520 rises therewith,
causing outer skirt 546 to rotate about hinge 567 until stopping
ledge 548 is received in channel 572. With stopping ledge 548
received in channel 572, breakaway skirt 520 is securely retained
on nozzle 14, thus causing frangible links 18 to fracture when cap
16 is removed from nozzle 514. As stopping ledge 548 is received in
channel 572, inner skirt 552 has rotated sufficiently about hinge
567 that blocking protrusion 570 rotates and is received in a
recession 573 formed on the outer surface of nozzle 514 adjacent
and below lower edge 558 of stopping ledge 548. Closure 502 is
still selectively rotatable on nozzle 514 when blocking protrusion
570 is received in recession 573. Additionally, the upward movement
of breakaway skirt 520 ultimately causes security ring 534 to
compress blocking protrusion 570 against lower edge 558, thus
ensuring that breakaway skirt 520 is retained on nozzle 514 and
facilitating the simultaneous breakage of frangible links 18. The
engagement of stopping ledge 548 in channel 572 and/or the
engagement of blocking protrusion 570 in recession 573 may
additionally constitute an audible or tactile indicator to indicate
that cap 16 is ready to be removed from nozzle 514.
[0065] A seventh embodiment of the bottle closure of the present
invention is indicated generally at the numeral 602 in FIG. 18.
Closure 602 is similar to closure 502, except that closure 602
additionally includes a connection strap 619 between cap 16 and
breakaway skirt 620. Connection strap 619 ensures that cap 16
remains hingedly attached to breakaway skirt 620 despite the
breakage of frangible links 18. Closure 602 thus provides all the
benefits of closure 502, plus additionally ensures that cap 16 is
not lost or misplaced by the user and thus can be rethreaded onto
nozzle 14.
[0066] Accordingly, the improved bottle closure apparatus is
simplified, provides an effective, safe, inexpensive, and efficient
device which achieves all the enumerated objectives, provides for
eliminating difficulties encountered with prior devices, and solves
problems and obtains new results in the art.
[0067] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0068] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is by way of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited
to the exact details shown or described.
[0069] Having now described the features, discoveries, and
principles of the invention, the manner in which the
tamper-resistant bottle closure is constructed and used, the
characteristics of the construction, and the advantageous new and
useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices,
elements, arrangements, parts, and combinations are set forth in
the appended claims.
* * * * *