U.S. patent application number 08/971546 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-06 for child resistant container.
Invention is credited to FRANK, STEVEN J.
Application Number | 20010047976 08/971546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27541388 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010047976 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FRANK, STEVEN J |
December 6, 2001 |
CHILD RESISTANT CONTAINER
Abstract
The invention provides a device child resistant container
assembly. In one aspect, the container assemblies include a body
member for releasable attachment to the container over a seal on
the container, and a puncture member for puncture of the seal
wherein the body member has a slot arrangement of horizontal and
vertical slots. In another embodiment, the cap is non-releasable
from the container. The invention provides child resistant,
tamper-proof containers which can easily be opened by handicapped
adults and the elderly.
Inventors: |
FRANK, STEVEN J; (HAVERTOWN,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN A. PARRISH
LAW OFFICES OF JOHN A. PARRISH
TWO BALA PLAZA
SUITE 300
BALA CYNWYD
PA
19004
US
|
Family ID: |
27541388 |
Appl. No.: |
08/971546 |
Filed: |
November 17, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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08971546 |
Nov 17, 1997 |
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08722425 |
Oct 1, 1996 |
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08722425 |
Oct 1, 1996 |
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08657799 |
May 31, 1996 |
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08657799 |
May 31, 1996 |
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08593716 |
Jan 29, 1996 |
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08593716 |
Jan 29, 1996 |
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08549589 |
Oct 27, 1995 |
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08549589 |
Oct 27, 1995 |
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08382451 |
Feb 1, 1995 |
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5566845 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/208 ;
215/228; 215/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/44 20130101;
B65D 51/225 20130101; B65D 2251/0093 20130101; B65D 2251/0015
20130101; B65D 55/16 20130101; B65D 50/061 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/208 ;
215/228; 215/297 |
International
Class: |
B65D 050/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container assembly comprising in combination, a container
member and a non-removable cap member joined to said container
member, said container member having a post member for engaging
said cap member, said cap member having a closed slot arrangement
for engaging said post member.
2. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said slot arrangement
comprises at least one closed vertical slot and at least one closed
horizontal slot, said horizontal slot intersecting said vertical
slot.
3. The container assembly of claim 2 where said slot arrangement
comprises two closed horizontal slots.
4. The container assembly of 2 wherein said cap member further
comprises a first access port.
5. The container assembly of claim 4 wherein said container member
further comprises a second access port.
6. The container assembly of claim 5 wherein said second access
port is superimposed over said first access port to create a window
to enable removal of material form said container.
7. The container assembly of claim 2 wherein said cap member
further comprises a puncture member.
8. The container assembly of claim 2 wherein said container member
further comprises a seal member.
9. A container assembly comprising, in combination, a container
member and a non-removable cap member joined to said container
member, said cap member movable in both vertical and horizontal
directions relative to said container member.
10. The container assembly of claim 9 wherein said cap member
comprises a closed slot arrangement having a closed vertical slot
and at least one closed horizontal slot intersecting said vertical
slot, said closed horizontal slot having a pivot notch for engaging
a post member on said container member.
11. The container assembly of claim 10 wherein said container
member further comprises a seal member and said cap member further
comprises a puncture member.
12. The container assembly of claim 11 wherein said slot
arrangement comprises a closed vertical slot and two closed
horizontal slots.
13. A container assembly comprising, in combination, a container
member and a cap member moveable relative to said container member
to remove said cap member from said container member, said cap
member having an open slot arrangement for engaging a post member
on said container member to releasably attach said body member to
said container member, said open slot arrangement comprising first
and second substantially parallel vertical slots as well as lower
and upper substantially parallel horizontal extending slots,
wherein at least one horizontal upper slot intersects said second
vertical slot, said upper slot having a closed end portion to
retain said body member in a predetermined position during vertical
movement of said body member relative to said container member.
14. The container assembly of claim 13 wherein, said first vertical
slot intersects said lower horizontal slot, said first vertical
slot having an open end for receiving said post member therein to
join said body member to said container member, said second
vertical slot having a closed end for limiting downward movement of
said body member relative to said container member, said lower
horizontal slot intersecting each of said vertical slots and said
upper horizontal slot intersecting said second vertical slot.
15. The container assembly of claim 14 further comprising a seal
member over said opening.
16. The container assembly of claim 15, wherein said body member
further comprises a puncture member for puncturing said seal
member.
17. The container assembly of claim 16, wherein said cap member
further comprises a twist member.
18. The container assembly of claim 17, wherein said cap member is
moveable within said container member.
19. A container assembly comprising, in combination, a container
member and a non-removable cap member moveable relative to said
body member, said cap member having a closed slot arrangement
having a closed vertical slot and at least one closed horizontal
slot intersecting said vertical slot, said closed horizontal slot
having a pivot notch for engaging a post member on said container
member, and wherein said cap member and said container member each
includes an access port.
20. The container assembly of claim 19, wherein movement of said
cap member relative to said body member enables alignment of each
of said access ports to provide a window to enable removal of
material from said container member.
21. The container assembly of claim 20 wherein said container
further comprises a seal member and a post member for engaging said
slot arrangement.
22. The container assembly of claim 21, wherein said cap member
further comprises a puncture member for puncturing said seal
member.
23. A container assembly comprising, in combination, a container
member and a non-removable cap member joined to said container
member, said cap member movable in both vertical and horizontal
directions relative to said container member, and a hollow tube
member within an opening in said container member for communicating
with said container member.
24. The container assembly of claim 23 comprising wherein said tube
member includes a tube opening and a seal member over said tube
opening.
25. The container assembly of claim 23, wherein said cap member
comprises a closed slot arrangement having a closed vertical slot
and at least one closed horizontal slot intersecting said vertical
slot, said closed horizontal slot having a pivot notch for engaging
a post member on said container member.
26. The container assembly of claim 23, wherein said container
member further comprises a sell member and said cap member further
comprises a puncture member.
27. The container assembly of claim 26, wherein said cap member
further comprises a puncture member, and said slot arrangement
comprises a closed vertical slot and tow closed horizontal
slots.
28. The container assembly of claim 23, wherein said tube member
comprises flange members for engaging said opening in said
container.
29. A closure for a container member having an opening for
receiving flowable material therein, said closure comprising, a
hollow body member having an upper surface and a lower edge, said
body member having a slot arrangement for engaging a post member on
a container member to releasably attach said body member to said
container member, said slot arrangement comprising a plurality of
vertical sots and a plurality of horizontal slots intersecting said
vertical slots, said plurality of vertical slots including first,
second, and third parallel vertical slots, said plurality of
horizontal slots including lower, intermediate, and upper parallel
horizontal slots, said first vertical slot intersecting said edge
of said body member and said intermediate horizontal slot, said
intermediate horizontal slot intersecting said first and second
vertical slots said upper horizontal slot intersecting said third
vertical slot, said third vertical slot extending above said upper
horizontal slot, said upper horizontal slot having a closed end
portion to retain said body member in a predetermined vertical
position relative to said container member, said lower horizontal
slot intersecting said second and third vertical slots.
30. The closure of claim 29 further comprising a puncture
member.
31. The closure of container member having an opening for receiving
flowable material therein said closure comprising, a hollow body
member having an upper surface and a lower edge, said body member
having a slot arrangement for engaging a post member on a container
member to releasably attach said body member to said container
member, said slot arrangement comprising, a plurality of vertical
sots and a plurality of horizontal slots intersecting said vertical
slots, said plurality of vertical slots including first and second
parallel vertical slots, said plurality of horizontal slots
including lower and upper parallel horizontal slots, said first
vertical slot intersecting said edge of said body member and said
lower horizontal slot, said lower horizontal slot intersecting said
first and second vertical slots, said upper horizontal slot
intersecting at least one intermediate vertical slot between said
first and second vertical slots.
32. The closure of claim 31 wherein said upper horizontal slot
comprises a closed end portion to retain said body member in a
predetermined vertical position relative to said container
member.
33. The closure of claim 31 further comprising an intermediate
horizontal slot between said upper horizontal slot and said lower
horizontal slot, said intermediate horizontal slot intersecting
said intermediate vertical slot.
34. The closure of claim 31 further comprising a puncture
member.
35. The closure member of claim 33 wherein said upper horizontal
slot includes a first portion that extends on side of said second
vertical slot.
36. The closure member of claim 35 further comprising a fourth
vertical slot intersecting said upper horizontal slot.
37. A closure for a container member having an opening for
receiving flowable material therein, said closure comprising, a
hollow body member having an upper surface and a lower edge, said
body member having a slot arrangement for engaging a post member on
a container member to releasably attach said body member to said
container member, said slot arrangement comprising a plurality of
vertical slots, a horizontal slow and at least one upwardly angled
slot intersecting one of said vertical slots, said plurality of
vertical slots including first and second parallel vertical slots,
said first vertical slot intersecting said edge of said body member
and said horizontal slot, said horizontal slot intersecting said
first and second vertical slots, said angled slot intersecting said
second vertical slot.
38. The closure of claim 37 wherein said angled slot is angled
upwardly up to about 35 degrees from said horizontal slot.
39. The closure of claim 37 wherein said angled slot is angled
upwardly from about 15 degrees to about 35 degrees from said
horizontal slot.
40. The closure of claim 37 wherein said angled slot is angled
upwardly from about 1 degree to about 15 degrees from said
horizontal slot.
41. A closure for a container member having an opening for
receiving flowable material therein, said closure comprising, a
hollow body member having an upper surface and a lower edge, said
body member having a slot arrangement for engaging a post member on
a container member to releasably attach said body member to said
container member, said slot arrangement comprising a plurality of
vertical sots and a plurality of horizontal slots intersecting said
vertical slots, said plurality of vertical slots including first,
second, and third parallel vertical slots, said plurality of
horizontal slots including lower, intermediate, and upper parallel
horizontal slots, said first vertical slot intersecting said edge
of said body member and said intermediate horizontal slot, said
intermediate horizontal slot intersecting said first and second
vertical slots said upper horizontal slot intersecting said third
vertical slot, said third vertical slot extending above said upper
horizontal slot, said upper horizontal slot having a closed end
portion to retain said body member in a predetermined vertical
position relative to said container member, said lower horizontal
slot intersecting said second and third vertical slots.
42. The closure of claim 41 further comprising a puncture
member.
43. A closure for a container member having an opening for
receiving flowable material therein, said closure comprising, a
hollow body member having an upper surface and a lower edge, said
body member having a slot arrangement for engaging a post member on
a container member to releasably attach said body member to said
container member, said slot arrangement comprising a plurality of
vertical sots and a plurality of horizontal slots intersecting said
vertical slots, said plurality of vertical slots including first
and second parallel vertical slots, said plurality of horizontal
slots including lower and upper parallel horizontal slots, said
first vertical slot intersecting said edge of said body member and
said lower horizontal slot, said lower horizontal slot intersecting
said first and second vertical slots, said upper horizontal slot
intersecting at least one intermediate vertical slot between said
first and second vertical slots.
44. The closure of claim 43 wherein said upper horizontal slot
comprises a closed end portion to retain said body member in a
predetermined vertical position relative to said container
member.
45. The closure of claim 43 further comprising an intermediate
horizontal slot between said upper horizonal slot and said lower
horizontal slot, said intermediate horizonal slot intersecting said
intermediate vertical slot.
46. The closure member of claim 43 further comprising a puncture
member.
47. The closure member of claim 45 wherein said upper horizontal
slot includes a first portion that extends on side of said second
vertical slot.
48. The closure member of claim 47 further comprising a fourth
vertical slot intersecting said upper horizontal slot.
49. A closure for a container member having an opening for
receiving flowable material therein, said closure comprising, a
hollow body member having an upper surface and a lower edge, said
body member having a slot arrangement for engaging a post member on
a container member to releasably attach said body member to said
container member, said slot arrangement comprising a plurality of
vertical slots, a plurality of horizontal slots and at least one
upwardly angled slot located above said horizontal slots, said
plurality of vertical slots including first, second and
intermediate parallel vertical slots, said plurality of horizontal
slots including upper and lower horizontal slots, said first
vertical slot intersecting said edge of said body member and said
upper horizontal slot, said upper horizontal slot intersecting said
first and intermediate vertical slots, said lower horizontal slot
intersecting said intermediate vertical slot and said second
vertical slots, said angled slot intersecting said second vertical
slot.
50. The closure of claim 49 wherein said upper horizontal slot
comprises a closed end portion to retain said body member in a
predetermined vertical position relative to said container member.
Description
CHILD RESISTANT CONTAINER
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08
657,799 filed on May 31, 1996 which in turn is a
continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08 593,716 filed on Jan. 29, 1996
which in turn is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08 549,589
filed on Oct. 27, 1995 which in turn is a continuation-in-part of
Ser. No. 08 382,451 filed on Feb. 1, 1995.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to child resistant sealed
containers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known that the contents in containers such as
pharmaceutical containers are secured against tampering by
providing a thin seal of a material such as paper or metal over the
opening of the container. A container member of various
configurations such as a cap can be joined to the container over
the sealed opening. It is also known that a security tape can be
provided around the joint of the cap and the container to
discourage tampering with contents of the container. When desiring
access to the contents in the container, the tape and the cap are
removed and the seal is thereafter punctured or removed. Removal of
the commonly configured tamper-resistant cap, however, can be
difficult for the elderly, the impaired and the handicapped who
lack manual dexterity.
[0004] Various devices have been used to puncture the sealed
openings of containers. These devices vary from sharp instruments
such as spikes and blades to blunt instruments such as rods and
human fingers. Elderly and handicapped consumers who lack manual
dexterity, however, may not be able to employ their fingers to
puncture the seal. These consumers may also lack sufficient manual
dexterity to employ devices such as spikes to puncture the sealed
opening.
[0005] A need therefore exists for a seal puncturing device that
overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. A further need exists
for sealed containers which can easily be opened by the elderly and
the handicapped, but which are tamper-proof and child
resistant.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a seal puncture device for puncturing
the sealed opening of a container member, and container assembly
which employs the puncture device. The seal puncture device employs
a body member having a slot arrangement therein to releasably
engage a post member on the container member. In one aspect, the
slot arrangement is L-shaped. In other aspects, the slot
arrangement includes a plurality of intersecting vertical and
horizontal slots. The body member is adapted to releasably engage
the container member over the sealed opening of the container
member. The body member includes a seal puncture member for
puncturing a seal provided on the opening of the container member.
In a tamper-resistant aspect, the container member is
shrink-wrapped with a heat shrinkable plastic. The invention
advantageously provides a sealed container assembly which can
readily be opened by the elderly and handicapped, but yet is
tamper-resistant and child resistant.
[0007] In a further aspect, a container assembly having a container
member and a non-removable cap member joined to the container
member is described. The container member includes a post member
for engaging a closed slot arrangement in the cap member. The slot
arrangement includes a closed vertical slot and at least one closed
horizontal slot which intersects the vertical slot. The cap member
and the container member each include an access port which can be
superimposed over each other by moving the cap member relative to
the container member to provide a window for removal of contents
from the container member. The cap member may include a puncture
member for puncturing a seal member on the container member.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention provides a container
assembly having a non-removable cap member joined to a container
member wherein the cap member can move and rotate in vertical and
horizontal directions relative to the container member. In this
aspect, the cap member includes a closed slot arrangement having a
closed vertical slot and at least one closed horizontal slot
intersecting the vertical slot. A pivot notch for engaging a post
member on the container member is provided in the slot for
rotation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is
shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It
should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to
the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout.
[0010] FIG. 1a is an elevational view of a sealed container
assembly that includes a seal puncture device where the seal
puncture device is in a secured position prior to puncture of the
seal;
[0011] FIG. 1b is an elevational view of the container assembly of
FIG. 1a showing the position of the seal puncturing device after
puncture of the seal;
[0012] FIG. 1c is an exploded, partial cross-sectional view of the
container member and seal puncture device of FIG. 1a;
[0013] FIG. 2a is an elevational view of a sealed, child resistant
container assembly that includes a seal puncture device having an
arrangement of a plurality of intersecting horizontal and vertical
slots where the seal puncture device is in a secured position prior
to puncture of the seal;
[0014] FIG. 2b is an elevational view of the container assembly of
FIG. 2a showing the position of the seal puncturing device prior to
puncture of the seal;
[0015] FIG. 2c is an elevational view of the container assembly of
FIG. 2a showing the position of the seal puncture device after
puncture of the seal;
[0016] FIGS. 2d and 2e are elevational views of the container
assembly of FIG. 2a showing the puncture device prior to removal
from the container member;
[0017] FIG. 2f is an exploded, partial cross-sectional view of the
container member and seal puncture device of FIG. 2a after
separation;
[0018] FIG. 3a is an elevational view of a child resistant
container assembly having a non-removable cap member;
[0019] FIG. 3b is a side elevational view of the cap member of the
container assembly of FIG. 3a showing a cap member having an access
port;
[0020] FIG. 3c is a side elevational view of the cap member of the
container assembly of FIG. 3a, rotated clockwise showing the
completely closed slot arrangement in the cap member;
[0021] FIG. 3d is a top view of the cap member shown in FIGS. 3b
and 3c;
[0022] FIG. 3e is an exploded view of the cap member with a
puncture means and the container member with the seal;
[0023] FIG. 3f is an elevational view of the container member
having a post member employed in the container assembly of FIG.
3a;
[0024] FIG. 3g is a top view of the container member with post
member shown in FIG. 3f.
[0025] FIG. 3h is an elevational view of the container assembly
shown in FIG. 3a wherein the cap member is positioned on the
container member with aligned access ports to provide a window for
removal of material from the container member;
[0026] FIG. 4a is an elevational view of a container assembly
having a vertically moveable and horizontally rotatable,
non-removable cap member thereon;
[0027] FIG. 4b is an elevational view of the container member with
post member employed in the container assembly of FIG. 4a;
[0028] FIG. 4c is a top view of the container member with post
member shown in FIG. 4b;
[0029] FIG. 4d is a elevational view, in partial cross-section, of
the cap member with blade employed in the container assembly shown
in FIG. 4a;
[0030] FIG. 4e is a top view of the cap member with blade shown in
FIG. 4d;
[0031] FIGS. 4f-4i show positions of the cap member relative to the
container member of FIG. 4a to achieve opening;
[0032] FIGS. 5a-5e are elevational views of a container assembly
showing positions of a cap member moveable within a container
member;
[0033] FIG. 5f is an elevational view of the container member show
in the container assembly of FIG. 5a;
[0034] FIG. 5g is an elevational view of the cap member shown in
the container assembly of FIG. 5a;
[0035] FIG. 6a is an elevational view of a cap member having an
access port and a twist member for assembly into a container member
having an access port in the container assembly of FIG. 6e;
[0036] FIG. 6b is a top view of the cap member with twist member
shown in FIG. 6a;
[0037] FIG. 6c is a elevational view of the container member having
an access port and an interior post member for joining to the cap
member of FIG. 6a;
[0038] FIG. 6d is a top view of the container member with interior
post member shown in FIG. 6c;
[0039] FIG. 6e is an elevational view of a container assembly
showing the cap member of FIG. 6a having a closed slot arrangement
which can be moved within the interior of the container member
shown in FIG. 6c;
[0040] FIGS. 6f-6h are elevational views of the container assembly
of FIG. 6e showing a cap member at various positions within the
container member.
[0041] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a container assembly
showing the cap member of FIG. 4d wherein the container assembly
includes a movable tube for dispensing material from the container
assembly.
[0042] FIG. 7a is an enlarged drawing of the tube shown in FIG.
7.
[0043] FIG. 7b is an elevational view of the container assembly of
FIG. 7 showing the tube in an extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] In one aspect, the invention provides a sealed,
tamper-resistant container assembly which readily can be opened by
the handicapped and the elderly who lack manual dexterity. As shown
in FIGS. 1a-1c, seal puncture device 30 comprises puncture member
20 and body member 37. Puncture member 20 can have the shape of a
cone suitable for puncturing seal 41 as shown in FIG. 1b. Puncture
member 20 also may have the shape of, for example, chisel-shaped
blades, crossed pointed blades, and the like. Body member 37 can be
molded from plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene and the
like by well known methods such as injection molding. Body member
37 also can be made from metals such as stainless steel, aluminum
and the like.
[0045] Body member 37 can be in the form of a cap adapted to fit
container member 40 by a post-in-slot attachment as shown in FIG.
1a. Body member 37 may be provided with roughened surfaces (not
shown) to facilitate gripping thereof. The top surface of body
member 37 typically has a thickness sufficient to be impervious to
needles of hypodermic syringes.
[0046] FIG. 1a shows body member 37 in a secured position on neck
44 of container member 40 over seal 41 which preferably is secured
around the opening of neck 44 of container member 40. This secured
position can be maintained by security wrap 50 to prevent
accidental puncture of seal 41 or tampering with the contents of
container member 40. Security wrap 50 can be formed from well known
transparent or substantially transparent plastics. Preferably,
security wrap 50 is a well known heat shrinkable plastic which is
shrink wrapped onto at least the joint region between body member
37 and neck 44 of container member 40. More preferably, security
wrap 50 is shrink-wrapped over the entire surface of container 40
assembly 30. Well known methods can be employed to shrink wrap the
plastic to form security wrap 50.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1a-1c, body member 37 is joined to
container member 40 by a post-in-slot attachment. As more clearly
shown in FIG. 1b, slot portions 32 and 34 of body member 37 can
move over post member 43 of container member 40 to cause puncture
member 20 to puncture seal 41. Post member 43 on the exterior
surface of neck 44 preferably is a rigid member of the same
composition as container member 40. After puncture of seal 41, and
when access to the contents of container member 40 is desired, body
member 37 is removed from container 40 by guiding slot 32 upwardly
around post member 43 as shown in FIG. 1c. After accessing
container member 40, body member 37 can be rejoined to container
member 40 by causing slot 32 to move downwardly around post member
43 to a position opposite slot 34. Body member 37 then is rotated
counterclockwise to cause slot 34 to move over post 43 to secure
body member 37 to container member 40 as shown in FIG. 1a.
Rejoining of body member 37 to container member 40 advantageously
enables body member 37 to function as a removable cap to maintain
the contents of container 40 in a sanitary condition.
[0048] In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2a-2f, the invention
provides a child resistant, tamper-resistant container assembly
which can easily be opened by the handicapped and the elderly. In
this aspect, as shown in FIG. 2a, seal puncture device 30 is in a
secured position on container member 40 prior to puncture of seal
41. Puncture device 30 includes body member 37 having slot
arrangement 39 of a plurality of intersecting horizontal and
vertical slots. Slot arrangement 39, as shown in FIG. 2a, includes
first vertical slot 38 and second vertical slot 32' as well as
lower horizontal slot 36 and upper horizontal slot 34' that
intersects second vertical slot 32'. Upper horizontal slot 34 has a
closed end portion to retain puncture device 30 in a predetermined
position during vertical movement of seal puncture device 30
relative to container member 40. Shrink-wrap 52, formed of well
known transparent or substantially transparent heat shrinkable
plastic, is provided over the container assembly. Well known
methods can be employed to apply shrink-wrap 52.
[0049] Slot arrangement 39 includes slot portions 32', 34', 36 and
38. When intending to puncture seal 41, shrink-wrap 52 is removed
and body member 37 rotated clockwise to cause slot 34' to move over
post member 43 whereby post member 43 engages slot 32' as shown in
FIG. 2b. Thereafter, body member 37 is moved downwardly to cause
slot portion 32' to move over post member 43 as shown in FIG. 2c to
cause puncture member 20 to puncture seal 41. Puncture member 20
can be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes such as cones,
crossed blades, and the like.
[0050] After seal 41 is punctured, body member 37 is removed from
container member 40 by moving body member 37 upwardly to cause post
member 43 to engage slot 36, and by rotating body member 32
counterclockwise to engage slot 38, and then by moving upward as
shown in FIGS. 2d-2f. Body member 37 can be rejoined to container
40 by reversing the sequence of movements of body member 37
employed to remove body member 37 from container member 40.
Although the movements required to guide post member 43 through
slots 32', 34', 36 and 38 should not be difficult for handicapped
or elderly adults who lack manual dexterity, it is expected that
children will have substantial difficulty in guiding post member 43
through those slot portions.
[0051] In another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS.
3a-3h, a child resistant container assembly is shown generally by
reference number 100. This embodiment provides a child resistant
container wherein a cap member can be manipulated relative to a
container member to generate a window to enable removal of contents
from the container member. The cap member can be equipped with a
puncture device to puncture a seal provided over the opening of the
neck of the container member.
[0052] Container assembly 100 includes cap member 102 and container
member 120 as shown in FIG. 3a. Cap member 102 includes lower and
upper horizontal slots 112 and 108, respectively as shown in FIG.
3c. Slots 112 and 108 intersect vertical slot 106 to provide closed
slot arrangement 104. Although FIG. 3c shows cap member 102 as
having two horizontal slots and one vertical slot, it is to be
understood that additional horizontal and vertical slots may be
added as desired to provide added child resistance since additional
slots increase the possibility of choosing an incorrect pathway not
resulting in generating a window.
[0053] Slots 112 and 108 are shown as open slots which extend
through the thickness of cap member 102. Slots 112 and 108,
however, may be positioned partially within the thickness of cap
member 102 to provide a slot arrangement that opens to the interior
of cap member 102.
[0054] Cap member 102 includes cap access port 114, as shown in
FIG. 3b, to enable material to flow through cap 102. A similarly
sized access port 124, as shown in FIG. 3f, is provided in
container member 120. Access port 114 typically, but not
necessarily, is located next to closed slot arrangement 104 on cap
member 102 as shown in FIG. 3d. Similarly, access port 124
typically, but not necessarily, is located next to post member 126
of container member 102 as shown in FIG. 3f. Access ports 114 and
124 may be located at other convenient positions on cap member 102
and container member 120, respectively. Access ports 114 and 124
are shown as rectangularly shaped in FIGS. 3b and 3f. It is to be
understood, however, that access ports 114 and 124 may be of any
desired shape and size.
[0055] Assembly of cap member 102 and container member 120 to
provide container assembly 100 shown in FIG. 3a entails placing
vertical slot 106 over post member 126 of container member 120. Cap
member 102 can be "snap fitted" by pressing vertical slot 106 over
post member 126 of container member 120 to yield container assembly
100. Snap fitting procedures are well know in the art. Cap member
102 having closed slot arrangement 104 therein, as well as
container member 120 having post member 126 thereon, can be made by
injection molding from a variety of materials.
[0056] FIG. 3a shows container assembly 100 wherein cap member 102
is mounted in its resting position on container member 120, with
post 126 protruding through upper horizontal slot 108 at the closed
end nearest cap access port 114. In this position, access ports 114
and 124 of cap member 102 and container member 120, respectively,
are misaligned. However, by turning cap member 102 through closed
slot arrangement 104, cap access port 114 of cap member 102 can be
aligned with container access port 124 of container member 120 to
yield window 130 as shown in FIG. 3h to enable retrieval of
material from the container. To illustrate, cap member 102 is moved
relative to container member 120 by causing upper horizontal slot
108 to move relative to post member 126 until post member 126
engages vertical slot 106. Thereafter, cap member 102 is moved
vertically downwardly to cause puncture member 122 to puncture seal
118 provided over the opening of container member 120. Thereafter,
cap member 102 is moved vertically upwardly to engage lower
horizontal slot 112, and rotated counterclockwise therein to align
cap access port 114 of cap member 102 with access port 124 of
container member 120 to form window 130. Thereafter, cap member 102
can be rotated through closed slot arrangement 104 to a resting
position in upper horizontal slot 108. In this position, access
ports 114 and 124 are misaligned to close window 130.
[0057] Manipulation of cap member 102 through closed slot
arrangement 104 to align access ports 114 and 124 to yield window
130 can easily be performed by those who lack manual dexterity.
Manipulation of cap member 102 to yield window 130, however, would
be difficult for children.
[0058] In another embodiment of the invention, and as shown in
FIGS. 4a-4i, a child resistant container having a moving and
rotating, non-removable cap and having a spout for removal of
contents from the container is provided. This container also may be
easily opened by those who lack manual dexterity.
[0059] In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, and as
shown in FIGS. 4a-4c, a child resistant container assembly 200 is
provided. Container assembly 200 includes cap member 202 and
container member 204. Cap member 202 can include a cutting member
in the form of, for example, blade 222, as shown in FIG. 4d. Cap
member 202, as shown in FIGS. 4d-4e, includes at least one vertical
slot 206 as well as at least one each of lower and upper horizontal
slots 208 and 210, respectively. These horizontal and vertical
slots provide closed slot arrangement 211. Lower horizontal slot
208 is provided with pivot notch 212.
[0060] Slots 206, 208, and 210 are shown as open slots which extend
through the thickness of cap member 202. Slots 206, 208, and 210,
however, may be positioned partially within the thickness of cap
member 202 to provide a slot arrangement that opens to the interior
of cap member 202. As shown in FIG. 4b, container member 204
includes neck 216 having post member 214 thereon. Container member
204 has a curved opening 218 (FIG. 4g) over which seal 220 having a
configuration corresponding to curved opening 218 is provided.
[0061] Assembly of cap member 202 and container member 204 to
provide container assembly 200 entails placing vertical slot 206 of
cap member 202 over post member 214 of container member 204. Cap
member 202 can conveniently be "snap fitted" by placing slot 206
over post member 214.
[0062] FIG. 4a shows container assembly 200 wherein cap member 202
is mounted on container member 204 in its resting position in upper
horizontal slot 210. Upper slot 210 can be provided with a notch
(not shown) in end face 211 to provide positive locking engagement
with post 214. When desiring access to contents within container
member 204, cap member 202 is moved first through upper horizontal
slot 210 over post member 214 until post member 214 engages
vertical slot 206 as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4f. At this point, cap
member 202 can be moved vertically downwardly to cause blade 222 to
puncture seal 220 as shown in FIG. 4f. Thereafter, cap member 202
can be moved vertically upwardly to engage lower horizonal slot
208, and rotated counterclockwise in lower horizontal slot 208
until post member 214 engages pivot notch 212, as shown in FIGS.
4f-h. Thereupon, cap member 202 can be vertically rotated when
engaged in pivot notch 212 on post member 214 in slot 208 to
provide access to opening 218 in container 204 as shown in FIG. 4i.
Opening 218, in this configuration serves as a spout.
[0063] The various movements required to engage pivot notch 212
onto post 214 provides a container assembly which would be
difficult to open by children. This embodiment of the invention,
however, can easily be opened by adults who lack manual
dexterity.
[0064] In another embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS.
5a-5f, a child resistant container assembly 350 is provided wherein
the cap member is positioned within the container member. This
embodiment of the invention also can be easily manipulated by those
who lack manual dexterity. In this embodiment, body member 300 is
provided with an open slot arrangement of intersecting vertical and
horizontal slots as shown in, for example, FIGS. 5a and 5f. Body
member 300 includes open slot arrangement 312 having main vertical
slot 306 and exit vertical slot 306A as well as lower horizontal
slot 304 and upper horizontal slot 302. Cap member 300 includes
serrated blade 322 for puncturing seal 316 provided on container
member 310. Container member 310 includes interior post member 308
for engaging open slot arrangement 312.
[0065] Cap member 300 and container member 310 readily can be
produced by well known techniques such as injection molding. Cap
member 300 is provided with twist member 312 to enable a user to
manipulate cap member 300 within container member 310. Twist member
312 conveniently can be provided with indentations 314 to assist a
user in grasping twist member 312 for manipulation of body member
300.
[0066] Joining cap member 300 to container member 310 to provide
the child resistant container assembly 350 of this embodiment
entails positioning exit vertical slot 306A over post member 308,
and thereafter moving cap member 300 vertically and horizontally to
cause vertical slot 306 and then lower horizontal slot 304,
respectively, to engage post member 308. After manipulating cap
member 300 through vertical slot 306, cap member 300 is rotated
counterclockwise to cause post member 308 to engage upper
horizontal slot portion 302A to retain cap member 300 in a desired
position, as shown for example in FIG. 5b. When desiring access to
the contents of container member 310, and as shown in FIGS. 5b-5f,
body member 300 is rotated and moved to cause open slot arrangement
312 to move over post 308 to remove cap member 300 from container
member 310. This position of post member 308 in exit horizontal
slot 306A enables removal of cap member 300. This embodiment of the
invention also can be easily manipulated by those who lack manual
dexterity.
[0067] In another embodiment of the container assembly of the
invention as shown in FIGS. 6a-6h, cap member 300A shown in FIG. 6a
and FIG. 6e, having closed slot arrangement 312A, is provided with
cap member access port 320. Container member 310A is similarly
provided with container member access port 322. Container member
310A also includes seal 316A. Container member 310A includes on the
interior thereof post member 308A as shown in FIGS. 6c and 6d.
[0068] Cap member 300A is joined to container member 310A by snap
fitting closed slot arrangement 312A over post member 308A above
seal 316A as shown in FIG. 6e to provide container assembly 350.
When desiring access to material within container member 310A, cap
member 300A is moved downwardly in vertical slot 306 to cause
serrated blade 322A to puncture seal member 316A. Cap member 300A
then can be moved vertically upwardly as well as rotated
horizontally counterclockwise in, for example, horizontal slot 306B
while cap member 300A is contained within container member 310(FIG.
6f) to align access ports 320 and 322 to provide window 400(FIG.
6h), whereby material can be removed from container member
310A.
[0069] Slot arrangement 312A is shown as open slots which extend
through the thickness of cap member 300A. Slot arrangement 312A,
however, may be positioned partially within the thickness of cap
member 312A to provide a slot arrangement that opens to the
interior of cap member 300A.
[0070] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7-7b, the
container assembly of FIGS. 4-4a is modified to include tube 420.
Tube 420, as shown in FIG. 7a, includes upper flange 422, tube body
424, and lower flange 426. Upper flange 422 engages opening 218 in
neck portion 216 of body member 204. Tube opening 430 in upper
flange 422 includes frangible seal 428 thereon.
[0071] Tube 420 may be formed from known material such as plastics
such as polypropylene. Tube 420 may be provided in any convenient
shape. When desiring access to contents within container member
204, cap member 202 is moved so that upper horizontal slot 210
moves over post member 214 until post member 214 engages vertical
slot 206 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGS. 4a to 4f to
puncture seal 428 when tube 420 is in the retracted position as
shown in FIG. 7. Thereafter, cap member 202 can be moved vertically
upwardly so that post member 214 engages lower horizonal slot 208,
and rotated counterclockwise in lower horizontal slot 208 until
post member 214 engages pivot notch 212, in a manner similar to
that shown in FIG. 4h. Thereupon, cap member 202 can be vertically
rotated when engaged in pivot notch 212 to provide access to tube
opening 430 of tube 420 as shown in FIG. 4i.
[0072] After rotation of cap member 202 as described above, tube
420 can be withdrawn from container body 204 as shown in FIG. 7b by
pulling outwardly on flange 422 until tube 420 is fully extended as
shown in FIG. 7b when lower flange 426 is seated against opening
218. Contents within container body 204 then may be withdrawn
through tube 420.
[0073] FIGS. 8-12 are side elevational views of additional
embodiments of the closure member of the invention.
[0074] In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIG. 8,
closure member 500 includes slot arrangement 502. Slot arrangement
502 includes first vertical sot 506, intermediate horizontal sot
501, intermediate vertical sot 503, second vertical sot 508, upper
horizontal slot 514, and lower horizontal slot 519. Closure member
500 optionally may include puncture member 516.
[0075] Closure member 500 is assembled to container 40 by causing
post 43 to engage first vertical slot 506 in a manner similar to
that shown in FIGS. 2a-2d withe respect to slot arrangement 39.
Thereafter, closure member 500 can be manipulated to cause post 43
to move within slot arrangement 502 to, for example, cause post 43
to engage uppermost horizontal slot 514. Intermediate horizontal
slot 501, together with intermediate vertical slot 503, provides
additional complexity for children, especially children of an age
of about 42 to about 51 months, but without presenting difficulties
for adults who may lack manual dexterity.
[0076] Further embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS.
9-12. Closure member 500 may be provided with any of slot
arrangements 602, 702, 802, and 902 respectively. Each of slot
arrangements 602, 702, 802, and 902 employ additional vertical
slots such as intermediate vertical slots 604, 704, 804 and 904.
These intermediate vertical slots preferably are located between
the first and second vertical slots 606 and 608, 706 and 708, 806
and 808, and 906 and 908, respectively. Intermediate vertical slots
604, 704, 804 and 904 intersect upper horizontal slots 614, 714,
814, and 914 respectively as shown in FIGS. 9-12. Slot arrangements
602 and 702 also can include intermediate horizontal slots 610 and
710 located between horizontal slots 612 and 614 which intersect
slots 604 and 704. Horizontal slot 914, as shown in FIG. 12, may
extend on both sides of vertical slot 908. Each of closure members
shown in FIGS. 8-12 optionally may include a puncture member such
as puncture member 516.
[0077] Each of the closure members shown in FIGS. 8-12 can be
assembled to a container such as container 40 shown in FIG. 2 by
causing post 43 to engage first vertical slots such as any of slots
506, 606, 706, 806 and 906, respectively, in a manner similar to
that described above in reference to slot arrangement 39 shown in
FIGS. 2a-2d. Thereafter, the closure members can be manipulated to
cause post 43 to move within the slot arrangement to, for example,
engage any of the uppermost horizontal slots.
[0078] The embodiments shown in FIGS. 9-12 provide additional
complexity for children, especially children of an age of about 42
to about 51 months, but without presenting difficulties for adults
who may lack manual dexterity. The slot arrangements 502, 602, 702,
802, and 902 shown in FIGS. 8-12, respectively, may be made by
methods known in the art, e.g., machining, injection molding, and
the like.
[0079] In yet another embodiment of the invention, one or more of
slots 34 and 36 shown in FIG. 2A, and slot 514 shown in FIG. 8 may
be located at other than a right angle to vertical slot 32 and 502,
respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, slot arrangement
330 includes vertical slot 32' and angled slot 34 and horizontal
slot 36'. Slot 34' may be located at an angle of as much as about
35 degrees relative to the horizontal, preferably about 15 to about
35 degrees, most preferably about 1 to about 15 degrees relative to
the horizontal. Slots 34' and 36' may be provided with one or more
detente 99. Slot 514 similarly may be upwardly angled at as much as
about 35 degrees relative to the horizontal preferably about 15 to
about 35 degrees, most preferably about 1 to about 15 degrees
relative to the horizontal. The slot arrangement 330 shown in FIG.
13, maybe made by methods known in the art, e.g., machining,
injection molding, and the like.
[0080] Closure member 777 shown in FIG. 13 can be assembled to a
container such as container 40 shown in FIG. 2 by causing post 43
to engage first vertical slot 38' of slot arrangement 330 in a
manner similar to that described above in reference to slot
arrangement 39 shown in FIGS. 2a-2d. Thereafter, closure member 777
can be manipulated to cause post 43 to move within slot arrangement
333 to, for example, engage upper slot 34'. Post 43 then can be
positioned in slot 34' to engage detente 99 to secure post 43 in a
locked position and to provide a more positive joining of closure
member 777 to container 40. Similarly, detentes may be provided in
slot 514, especially when slot 514 is upwardly angled to the
horizontal direction.
[0081] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes could be made to the embodiments desired above without
departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is
understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the
particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover
modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *