U.S. patent application number 10/824511 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-20 for child resistant closure system including reversible cap and container.
Invention is credited to Dong, Maohua.
Application Number | 20050230341 10/824511 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35095199 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050230341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dong, Maohua |
October 20, 2005 |
Child resistant closure system including reversible cap and
container
Abstract
A reversible closure system for containers is disclosed. A cap
is adapted as a closure that may be reversibly affixed to a
container in either a child-resistant configuration or a non-child
resistant configuration. An upper portion of the cap is adapted to
function in a non-child resistant closure mode, and a lower portion
of the cap adapted to function in a child-resistant closure mode.
The upper portion of the cap functions in a non-child resistant
configuration to secure the cap to the container by inserted
engagement of a cylindrical plug section having a side wall
provided with threads that mate with corresponding threads on the
inner surface of the mouth of the container. An outer skirt is
disposed in surrounding relation with the plug section to shield
and protect the threads from damage. The lower portion of the cap
functions in a child-resistant configuration to secure the cap to
the container by engagement of locking lugs on the cap with lug
receiving cam structures defined on the outer surface of the
container. The cap further includes a resilient insert that
functions in the child-resistant mode to provide resilient sealing
contact with the upper end of the container without deforming the
neck of the container.
Inventors: |
Dong, Maohua; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark D. Bowen
Stearns Weaver Miller, et al.
Suite 1900
200 East Broward Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
35095199 |
Appl. No.: |
10/824511 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/228 ;
215/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 39/08 20130101;
B65D 2251/09 20130101; B65D 41/045 20130101; B65D 41/0414
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/228 ;
215/222 |
International
Class: |
B65D 050/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A reversible child resistant closure system comprising: a
container defining an open top; a cap adapted for mating engagement
with the top of said container; said cap including an upper portion
defining an axial plug having an outer surface including a
non-child resistant engaging means for engaging said container,
said upper portion further including an upper circumferential outer
skirt in radially spaced surrounding relation with said plug outer
surface; said cap including a lower portion defining a lower
circumferential outer skirt including a child-resistant engaging
means for engaging said container; and a resilient insert within
said cap, said insert disposed for axially contacting the open top
of said container when said cap when said child-resistant engaging
means engages said container.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] N/A
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] N/A
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to pharmaceutical containers,
and more particularly to a pharmaceutical container having a
reversible cap adapted for removable attachment to a container in a
first configuration wherein removal of the cap is child resistant,
and a second, reverse configuration wherein removal of the cap is
non-child resistant.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] Various safety closures for containers storing potentially
hazardous substances such as prescription pharmaceuticals,
medicines, and other chemical compositions are known. Various
safety closures have been specifically developed to prevent
children from obtaining access to such potentially hazardous
substances such as pills in a pill container. Senior citizens and
others who do not have children, however, do not require
child-resistant safety closures. In fact, many senior citizens find
child-resistant safety closures difficult to open and close,
particularly those suffering from arthritis and other abnormalities
affecting manual dexterity. To these people, child-resistant safety
closures can be a source of frustration.
[0008] In an effort to satisfy competing demands for child
resistant and non-child resistant closures, closures having two
modes of operation have been developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No.
3,865,267, issued to Morris, discloses a reversible closure for
medicine containers wherein the closure may be affixed to the
container in either a child-resistant configuration or a non-child
resistant configuration. The upper portion of the closure functions
in the non-child proof configuration to secure the closure to the
container by inserted engagement of a plug section having a side
wall provided with an annular bead to promote a snug engagement
when forced into the mouth of the container.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,110, issued to Heyworth, discloses a
double sided reversible container closure and cooperating container
having two modes of operation including a child-resistant mode in
which the closure is difficult to remove and a conventional mode
wherein the closure is relatively easy to remove. In the first
mode, the closure is used as a conventional screw-type or snap-on
closure and in the second mode the closure must be rotated such
that tabs existing on the closure are aligned with gaps formed in
beads of the container.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,442, issued to Kusz, discloses a
child-resistant package including a reversible closure for medicine
containers wherein the closure may be affixed to the container in
either a child-resistant configuration or a non-child resistant
configuration. The upper portion of the closure functions in the
non-child proof configuration to secure the closure to the
container by inserted engagement of a cylindrical plug section
having a side wall provided with threads that mate with
corresponding threads on the inner surface of the mouth of the
container. The lower portion of the closure functions in the
child-proof configuration to secure the closure to the container by
threaded engagement between threads defined on the inner surface of
the closure skirt and external threads on the outer surface of the
mouth of the container, while the cap is locked by engagement of a
locking tooth connected to a deflectable tab release element
mounted on the vial with one of a plurality of stops defined by the
closure.
[0011] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,446,823 and 6,523,709, each issued to
Meceli et al., disclose a reversible child resistant cap and
closure system having two positions, the first being a child
resistant position and the other being a non-child resistant
position. The closure system disclosed by Meceli provides a
reversible cap having a circumferential outer skirt with upper and
lower portions extending from a closure plane. The upper portion of
the circumferential outer skirt includes an upper portion thereof
having a non-child resistant engaging means for engaging the
container, such as threads for mating with corresponding threads on
the outer surface of the mouth of the container. The lower portion
of the circumferntial outer skirt includes a child resistant
engaging means for engaging the container. In the preferred
embodiment the child-resistant engaging means for engaging the
container includes adapting the container with projecting camming
latches, each having a cam receiving notch therein for receiving a
locking lug on the cap when the cap is applied to close the
container in the child-resistant position. The cap further includes
a depending inner member having a tapered surface that engages the
inner surface of the container mouth to form a seal in the
child-resistant mode.
[0012] The aforementioned attempts to develop child-resistant
closure systems have resulted in systems that are adequate for
certain applications, the closure systems of the prior art
including a number of disadvantages. Since most, if not all, of the
closure systems disclosed are fabricated from plastic material,
they are generally fragile and easily damaged. With that in mind it
is apparent that the Kusz closure system provides threads on the
external surface of the upper plug wall that are unprotected when
the cap is affixed to the container in the child-proof
configuration thereby exposing the threads to damage. Damage to the
exposed threads is likely to render the non child-resistant
structure incapable of functioning such that the cap will not
threadably engage the container. In addition, the closure system
disclosed by Miceli et al. suffers from a similar design flaw. More
particularly, Miceli places threads on the inner surface of the
upper portion of a circumferential outer skirt. The relatively
flimsy outer skirt is also vulnerable to impact damage or permanent
deformation thereby rendering the non-child resistant structure
difficult to attach to the container. Accordingly there exists a
need for an improved reversible closure system for containers.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and
shortcomings present in the art by providing a reversible closure
system for containers wherein a cap is adapted as a closure that
may be reversible affixed to the container in either a
child-resistant configuration or a non-child resistant
configuration. In a preferred embodiment the closure system of the
present invention includes a generally cylindrical container and
mating reversible cap. The cap includes an upper portion adapted to
function in a non-child resistant closure mode, and a lower portion
adapted to function in a child-resistant closure mode. The upper
portion of the cap functions in a non-child resistant configuration
to secure the cap to the container by inserted engagement of a
cylindrical plug section having a side wall provided with threads
that mate with corresponding threads on the inner surface of the
mouth of the container. The upper portion further includes an outer
skirt in surrounding relation with the plug section to shield and
protect the threads on the plug section from damage. The lower
portion of the cap functions in a child-resistant configuration to
secure the cap to the container by engagement of locking lugs on
the cap with lug receiving cam structures defined on the outer
surface of the container. The cap further includes a resilient
insert that functions in the child-resistant mode to provide
resilient sealing contact with the upper end of the container
without deforming the neck of the container.
[0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved closure system for containers.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
container having a reversible cap adapted for removable attachment
to a container in a first configuration wherein removal of the cap
is child-resistant, and a second, reverse configuration wherein
removal of the cap is non-child resistant.
[0016] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a closure system wherein a cap is provided with an upper portion
adapted for non-child resistant engagement with a container wherein
the engaging threads are protected from damage by a surrounding
shield.
[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
closure system wherein a cap is adapted with a resilient insert for
providing sealing engagement with a container without deforming the
mouth of the container in a child-resistant configuration.
[0018] In accordance with these and other objects, which will
become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be
described with particular reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a container and cap in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the cap is
oriented for engagement in a child-resistant mode;
[0020] FIG. 2 depicts the container and cap with the cap oriented
for engagement in the non-child resistant mode;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the cap upper portion;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cap lower portion;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cap; and
[0024] FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the cap and insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 depict a
reversible closure system according to the present invention,
generally referenced as 10. In a preferred embodiment closure
system 10 includes a generally cylindrical container 12 and mating
reversible cap 14. Closure system 10 comprises a reversible closure
system for containers wherein cap 14 is adapted for reversible
attachment to container 12 in either a child-resistant
configuration, or a non-child resistant configuration. FIG. 1
depicts cap 14 relative to container 12 prior to attachment in the
child-resistant configuration, and FIG. 2 depicts cap 14 relative
to container 12 in an inverted position prior to attachment to
container 12 in a non-child resistant configuration. Container 12
and cap 14 are preferably fabricated from plastic material, such as
polyethylene or polypropylene. Further, container 12 and cap 14 may
be of any suitable size.
[0026] Container 12 is preferably a generally cylindrical container
having a closed bottom 20 and an open top portion 22. Top portion
22 is adapted with internal threads 24 disposed on the inner
surface thereof proximal the upper peripheral edge thereof. Top
portion 22 further includes a plurality of radially outwardly
projecting cam latch structures 26 disposed on the outer surface
thereof. Each cam latch structure 26 includes a cam receiving notch
28 for receiving a locking lug projecting from cap 14 as further
discussed below. In a preferred embodiment, four (4) cam latch
structures are disposed in circumferentially spaced relation around
the periphery of the outer surface of the top portion 22 of
container 12, however, any suitable number is considered within the
scope of the present invention.
[0027] Cap 14 includes an upper portion 30 adapted to function in a
non-child resistant closure mode, and a lower portion 32 adapted to
function in a child-resistant closure mode. The upper portion 30 of
cap 14 includes an axially aligned cylindrical plug portion 34.
Plug portion 34 includes a generally cylindrical outer side wall
having radially projecting threads 36 thereon. Plug portion 24 is
sized for mating threaded engagement with inner threads 24 on the
top portion 22 of container 12 as indicated by the pre-attachment
disposition of the components depicted in FIG. 2. The upper portion
30 of cap 14 further includes a circumferential outer skirt 38
disposed in radially spaced surrounding relation with plug portion
34 and functions to shield threads 36 and the surface upon which
threads 36 are formed from damage. Outer skirt 38 does not
otherwise function to engage the container when cap 14 is secured
thereto in the non-child resistant configuration. Accordingly, the
upper portion 30 of cap 14 functions in a non-child resistant
configuration to secure cap 14 to container 12 by threaded
engagement of cylindrical plug 34 with corresponding threads on the
inner surface of the mouth of the container.
[0028] The lower portion 32 of cap 14 defines an outer skirt 40
having a plurality of locking lugs 42 projecting radially inwardly
from an inner surface of outer skirt 40. In the preferred
embodiment, a total of four (4) locking lugs are provided to
correspond with the preferred total of four (4) cam latch
structures 26 existing on the outer surface of container 12. The
use of similar cam latch structures on reversible closures is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,492, the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. Outer skirt 40 functions
in a child-resistant configuration to secure cap 14 to container 12
by engagement of locking lugs 42 within notches 28 of cam latch
structures 26 when cap 14 is attached to container 12, as indicated
by the pre-attachment disposition of the components depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0029] Cap 14 further includes a resilient insert 50 insertably
disposed within cap 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Insert 50 is
configured to engage the uppermost peripheral edge of container 12
as cap 14 is placed thereon in the child-resistant configuration.
More particularly, insert 50 is positioned within cap 14 so as to
initially contact the uppermost peripheral edge of container 12
when cap 14 is placed thereon, a configuration in which lugs 42 are
positioned for initial contact with cam latch structures 26. As cap
14 is rotated and pressed onto container 12, is caused to flex
toward the upper portion of cap 14 by the uppermost peripheral edge
of container 12 thereby forming a tight seal around the uppermost
peripheral edge of container 12 without causing radial deformation
of the mouth of the container.
[0030] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in
what is considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made
therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious
modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
* * * * *