U.S. patent application number 11/147015 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for reversible vial closure.
Invention is credited to Mark Fricke.
Application Number | 20060273060 11/147015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37493127 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060273060 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fricke; Mark |
December 7, 2006 |
Reversible vial closure
Abstract
A cap is for a container having both a child-resistant and a
non-child-resistant closing position. In the child-resistant
position, tabs or latches projecting from the container are wedged
between a resilient lip and tabs or latches projecting from an
inner surface of the cap. In the non-child-resistant position, the
tabs or latches projecting from the inner surface of the cap are
wedged between a holding unit, such as a bowl-shaped cap cover, and
tabs or latches projecting from the inner surface of the cap.
Inventors: |
Fricke; Mark; (Newburgh,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
11 SOUTH MERIDIAN
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
37493127 |
Appl. No.: |
11/147015 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/222 ;
215/208; 215/321; 215/332 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2215/02 20130101;
B65D 55/00 20130101; B65D 41/0471 20130101; B65D 41/065
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/222 ;
215/332; 215/321; 215/208 |
International
Class: |
B65D 50/02 20060101
B65D050/02; B65D 55/02 20060101 B65D055/02; B65D 41/00 20060101
B65D041/00; B65D 41/06 20060101 B65D041/06 |
Claims
1. A container system, comprising: a container having a top end and
a plurality of container projections; a cap configured to mate with
the container in a child-resistant position and a
non-child-resistant position, the cap including a circumferential
skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least
partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality
of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting
radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential
skirt; and a plurality of second cap projections spaced along a
second plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface
of the circumferential skirt, the second plane spaced from the
first plane, the resilient lip between the first and second cap
projections; wherein in the child-resistant position, each of the
container projections are wedged between the resilient lip and one
of the first cap projections, said container projections, resilient
lip, and first cap projections configured such that removal of the
cap from the container requires that the cap and container be
forced towards each other during rotation of the cap and container
relative to each other; wherein in the non-child-resistant
position, each of the container projections are wedged between one
of the second cap projections and a holding unit connected to the
circumferential skirt, said second cap projections, container
projections and holding unit configured such that a predetermined
threshold rotation force is necessary to remove the cap from the
container, said holding unit lying between the second cap
projections and the resilient lip.
2. The container system of claim 1, wherein the resilient lip is
configured to engage one of an outer surface, an inner surface and
a top of the container in the child-resistant position.
3. The container system of claim 1, wherein the holding unit
includes a cover disposed within the circumferential skirt and
arranged to cover an opening of the container in both the
child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
4. The container system of claim 3, wherein the cover is
bowl-shaped, the resilient lip forming a lip of the bowl-shaped
cover, the cover connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent
the resilient lip.
5. The container system of claim 3, wherein the resilient lip
projects from the cover.
6. The container system of claim 1, wherein each of the first cap
projections includes a first cap projection tab, each of the second
cap projections includes a second cap projection tab, and each of
the container projections includes a latch.
7. The container system of claim 6, wherein the first cap
projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs have different
widths.
8. The container system of claim 6, wherein the latch includes a
sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between
the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, a height of the stop
portion and the sloped catch portion larger than that of the
central portion, in the child-resistant position, each first cap
projection tab arranged between the stop portion and sloped catch
portion of one of the latches.
9. The container system of claim 7, wherein the latch includes a
sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between
the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, a height of the stop
portion and the sloped catch portion larger than that of the
central portion, in the non-child-resistant position, a longer one
of the first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs
each contacting the sloped catch portion of one latch and being too
long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion
of said latch.
10. The container system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and
second projections includes a latch and each of the container
projections includes a tab.
11. The container system of claim 1, wherein each of the first
projections includes a latch, each of the second projections
includes a modified latch, and each of the container projections
includes a tab, each latch including a sloped catch portion, a stop
portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and
the stop portion, a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch
portion larger than that of the central portion, in the
child-resistant position, each tab located between the stop portion
and sloped catch portion of one of the latches, each modified latch
including a stop portion, a ramp portion, and a central portion
between the stop portion and the ramp portion, said ramp portion
including a sloped portion, the stop portion higher than the
central portion and the ramp portion, in the non-child-resistant
position, each tab contacting the central portion.
12. The container system of claim 1, wherein each of the first
projections includes a latch, each of the second projections
includes a modified latch, and each of the container projections
includes a tab, each latch and modified latch including a sloped
catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the
sloped catch portion and the stop portion, for both the latch and
modified latch a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch
portion larger than that of the central portion, the central
portion of the modified latch having a shorter length than that of
the central portion of the latch, in the child-resistant position,
each tab located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion
of one latch, in the non-child-resistant position, each tab
contacting the sloped catch portion of one modified latch and being
too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch
portion of said modified latch.
13. The container system of claim 3, wherein in the
non-child-resistant position, the top end of the container is
disposed in a circumferential channel at least partially defined by
at least a portion of the circumferential skirt and at least a
portion of the cover.
14. The container system of claim 3, further comprising a second
resilient lip projecting from the cover in an opposite direction to
the resilient lip.
15. The container system of claim 1, wherein the cap is integrally
formed.
16. A cap configured to mate with a container in child-resistant
and non-child-resistant positions comprising: a circumferential
skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least
partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality
of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting
radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential
skirt; a plurality of second cap projections spaced along a second
plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the
circumferential skirt, the second plane spaced from the first
plane, the resilient lip located between the first and second cap
projections; a holding unit connected to the inner surface of the
circumferential skirt and arranged between the second cap
projections and the resilient lip; and a plurality of channels,
each channel defined by at least a portion of the holding unit, one
of the second cap projections, and at least a portion of the
circumferential skirt.
17. The cap of claim 16, wherein the holding unit includes a cover
disposed within the circumferential skirt and configured to cover
an opening in a container in both the child-resistant and
non-child-resistant positions.
18. The cap of claim 17, wherein the cover is bowl-shaped, the
resilient lip forming a lip of the bowl-shaped cover, the cover
connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient
lip.
19. The cap of claim 17, wherein the resilient lip projects from
the cover.
20. The cap of claim 16, wherein each of the first cap projections
includes a first cap projection tab, each of the second cap
projections includes a second cap projection tab, and each of the
container projections includes a latch.
21. The cap of claim 20, wherein the first cap projection tabs and
the second cap projection tabs have different widths.
22. The cap of claim 20, wherein the latch includes a sloped catch
portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped
catch portion and the stop portion, a height of the stop portion
and the sloped catch portion larger than that of the central
portion, in the child-resistant position, each first cap projection
tab located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of
one latch.
23. The cap of claim 20, wherein the latch includes a sloped catch
portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped
catch portion and the stop portion, a height of the stop portion
and the sloped catch portion larger than that of the central
portion, in the non-child-resistant position, a longer one of the
first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs each
contacting the sloped catch portion of one latch and being too long
to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of
said latch.
24. The cap of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second
projections includes a latch and each of the container projections
includes a tab.
25. The cap of claim 16, wherein each of the first projections
includes a latch, each of the second projections includes a
modified latch, and each of the container projections includes a
tab, each latch including a sloped catch portion, a stop portion,
and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop
portion, a height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion
larger than that of the central portion, in the child-resistant
position, each tab located between the stop portion and sloped
catch portion of one latch, each modified latch including a stop
portion, a ramp portion, and a central portion between the ramp
portion and the stop portion, the ramp portion including a sloped
portion, the stop portion higher than the central portion and the
ramp portion, in the non-child-resistant position, each tab
contacting the central portion of one modified latch.
26. The cap of claim 16, wherein each of the first projections
includes a latch, each of the second projections includes a
modified latch, and each of the container projections includes a
tab, each latch and modified latch including a sloped catch
portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between the sloped
catch portion and the stop portion, a height of the stop portion
and the sloped catch portion larger than that of the central
portion, the central portion of the modified latch having a shorter
length than that of the central portion of the latch, in the
child-resistant position, each tab located between the stop portion
and sloped catch portion of one latch, in the non-child-resistant
position, each tab contacting the sloped catch portion and being
too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch
portion of the modified latch.
27. The cap of claim 17, further comprising a second resilient lip
projecting from the cover in an opposite direction to the resilient
lip.
28. The cap of claim 16, wherein the cap is integrally formed.
29. A container system, comprising: a container having a top end
and a plurality of cap retaining means; a cap configured to mate
with the container in a child-resistant position and a
non-child-resistant position, the cap including a circumferential
skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least
partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality
of first container retaining means spaced along a first plane and
projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt; and
a plurality of second container retaining means spaced along a
second plane and projecting from an inner surface of the
circumferential skirt, the second plane being spaced from the first
plane, the resilient lip being between the first and second cap
projections; wherein in the child-resistant position, each of the
cap retaining means is wedged between the resilient lip and one of
the first container retaining means, said cap retaining means and
first container retaining means being configured such that removal
of the cap from the container requires that the cap and container
be forced towards each other while rotating the cap and container
relative to each other; wherein in the non-child-resistant
position, each of the cap retaining means is wedged between one of
the second container retaining means and a holding unit connected
to the circumferential skirt, said second container retaining
means, cap retaining means and holding unit being configured such
that a predetermined threshold rotation force is necessary to free
the cap retaining means from its wedged position, said holding unit
lying between the second container retaining means and the
resilient lip.
30. A method for closing a container with a cap having
child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions, comprising the
steps of: (a) disposing a top end of the container having a
plurality of container projections within a circumferential skirt
of the cap by passing each of the container projections between
adjacent second cap projections projecting radially inwardly from
the circumferential skirt, the cap including a resilient lip,
disposed within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from
the circumferential skirt, and a plurality of first cap projections
spaced along a first plane and projecting from an inner surface of
the circumferential skirt, the second cap projections spaced along
a second plane and projecting from an inner surface of the
circumferential skirt, the second plane being spaced from the first
plane, the resilient lip lying between the first and second cap
projections; and (b) rotating the cap and container relative to
each other so as to wedge each of the container projections between
a holding unit and one of the second cap projections, said holding
unit projecting inwardly from the circumferential skirt and lying
between the resilient lip and the second cap projections.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the second cap projections
include one of tabs, modified latches, and latches, the modified
latches each include a sloped portion, stop portion and a central
portion between the sloped portion and the stop portion, the
latches each include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a
central portion between the stop portion and the sloped catch
portion, the container projections include one of tabs, modified
latches, and latches.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the holding unit includes a
cover disposed within the circumferential skirt and covering an
opening in the container in both the child-resistant and
non-child-resistant positions.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the cover is bowl-shaped, the
resilient lip forming a lip of the bowl-shaped cover, the cover
connected to the circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a reversible
child-resistant closure. More particularly, the invention relates
to a cap, which may be applied to vial or other container in both a
child-resistant and a non-child-resistant manner.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Many different types of vial closures are disclosed in the
art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,449,078, which is expressly
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto, describes
the combination of a container and a safety cap therefor in which
the safety cap has a closure plane and a circumferential outer
skirt for engaging a container and has a circumferential resilient
depending inner member. The container has a rigid wall having an
end for engagement with the cap internally of the outer skirt. The
wall is tapered from a smaller diameter portion adjacent the
closure plane of the cap to a larger diameter portion remote from
the closure plane of the cap. The tapered wall of the container
engages internally the resilient inner member of the cap and the
larger diameter portion of the wall is stated to expand the
resilient inner member outwardly to provide a working seal of the
container as well as a bias on the cap in a direction of removal of
the cap. The combination also includes means disposed on the
container remotely from the end of the rigid wall and cooperative
means on the cap for preventing the cap from being removed from the
container without depression of the cap on the container and
rotation of the cap on the container.
[0003] While the child-resistant cap described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,449,078 may prevent children from accessing the contents of a
vial or container, the cap may also present removal difficulties
for an unintended subset of the population, including the elderly,
that lack the strength and/or manual dexterity to remove the
cap.
[0004] Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to
provide a reversible child-resistant closure, which may be applied
to a vial or container in both a child-resistant and a
non-child-resistant manner.
SUMMARY
[0005] An example embodiment of the container system of the present
invention includes a container and a cap configured to mate with
the container in a first position, e.g., a child-resistant
position, and a second position, e.g., a non-child-resistant
position. The container includes a top end and a plurality of
container projections. The cap includes a circumferential skirt and
a resilient lip disposed within the cap and spaced apart from the
circumferential skirt. A plurality of first cap projections are
spaced along a first plane and project from an inner surface of the
circumferential skirt. A plurality of second cap projections are
spaced along a second plane and project from an inner surface of
the circumferential skirt. In the child-resistant position each of
the container projections are wedged between the resilient lip and
one of the first cap projections. The container projections,
resilient lip, and first cap projections are configured such that
removal of the cap from the container requires that the cap and
container be forced towards each other while rotating one of the
cap and container. In the non-child-resistant position each of the
container projections are wedged between one of the second cap
projections and a holding unit connected to the circumferential
skirt. The second cap projections, container projections and
holding unit are configured such that a predetermined threshold
rotation force is necessary to remove the cap from the container.
The holding unit lies between the second cap projections and the
resilient lip.
[0006] In an example embodiment of the present invention, a
container system includes: a container having a top end and a
plurality of container projections; a cap configured to mate with
the container in a child-resistant position and a
non-child-resistant position, the cap including a circumferential
skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least
partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality
of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and projecting
radially inwardly from an inner surface of the circumferential
skirt; and a plurality of second cap projections spaced along a
second plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface
of the circumferential skirt, the second plane spaced from the
first plane, the resilient lip between the first and second cap
projections. In the child-resistant position, each of the container
projections are wedged between the resilient lip and one of the
first cap projections, said container projections, resilient lip,
and first cap projections configured such that removal of the cap
from the container requires that the cap and container be forced
towards each other during rotation of the cap and container
relative to each other. In the non-child-resistant position, each
of the container projections are wedged between one of the second
cap projections and a holding unit connected to the circumferential
skirt, said second cap projections, container projections and
holding unit configured such that a predetermined threshold
rotation force is necessary to remove the cap from the container,
said holding unit lying between the second cap projections and the
resilient lip.
[0007] The resilient lip may be configured to engage one of an
outer surface, an inner surface and a top of the container in the
child-resistant position.
[0008] The holding unit may include a cover disposed within the
circumferential skirt and arranged to cover an opening of the
container in both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant
positions.
[0009] The cover may be bowl-shaped, and the resilient lip may for
a lip of the bowl-shaped cover. The cover may be connected to the
circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
[0010] The resilient lip may project from the cover.
[0011] Each of the first cap projections may include a first cap
projection tab, each of the second cap projections may include a
second cap projection tab, and each of the container projections
may include a latch.
[0012] The first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection
tabs may have different widths.
[0013] The latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop
portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and
the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped
catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. In
the child-resistant position, each first cap projection tab may be
arranged between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one
of the latches.
[0014] The latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop
portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and
the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped
catch portion larger than that of the central portion. In the
non-child-resistant position, a longer one of the first cap
projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may each contact
the sloped catch portion of one latch and may be too long to fit
between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said
latch.
[0015] Each of the first and second projections may include a
latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab.
[0016] Each of the first projections may include a latch, each of
the second projections may include a modified latch, and each of
the container projections may include a tab. Each latch may include
a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion
between the sloped catch portion and the stop portion, and a height
of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than
that of the central portion. In the child-resistant position, each
tab may be located between the stop portion and sloped catch
portion of one of the latches. Each modified latch may include a
stop portion, a ramp portion, and a central portion between the
stop portion and the ramp portion, and the ramp portion may include
a sloped portion. The stop portion may be higher than the central
portion and the ramp portion. In the non-child-resistant position,
each tab may contact the central portion.
[0017] Each of the first projections may include a latch, each of
the second projections may include a modified latch, and each of
the container projections may include a tab. Each latch and
modified latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion,
and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop
portion, for both the latch and modified latch a height of the stop
portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the
central portion. The central portion of the modified latch may have
a shorter length than that of the central portion of the latch. In
the child-resistant position, each tab may be located between the
stop portion and sloped catch portion of one latch, and in the
non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact the sloped catch
portion of one modified latch and may be too long to fit between
the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said modified
latch.
[0018] In the non-child-resistant position, the top end of the
container may be disposed in a circumferential channel at least
partially defined by at least a portion of the circumferential
skirt and at least a portion of the cover.
[0019] The container system may include a second resilient lip
projecting from the cover in an opposite direction to the resilient
lip.
[0020] The cap is integrally formed.
[0021] In an example embodiment of the present invention, a cap may
be configured to mate with a container in child-resistant and
non-child-resistant positions. The cap may include: a
circumferential skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap
and at least partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt;
a plurality of first cap projections spaced along a first plane and
projecting radially inwardly from an inner surface of the
circumferential skirt; a plurality of second cap projections spaced
along a second plane and projecting radially inwardly from an inner
surface of the circumferential skirt, the second plane spaced from
the first plane, the resilient lip located between the first and
second cap projections; a holding unit connected to the inner
surface of the circumferential skirt and arranged between the
second cap projections and the resilient lip; and a plurality of
channels, each channel defined by at least a portion of the holding
unit, one of the second cap projections, and at least a portion of
the circumferential skirt.
[0022] The holding unit may include a cover disposed within the
circumferential skirt and configured to cover an opening in a
container in both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant
positions.
[0023] The cover may be bowl-shaped, the resilient lip forming a
lip of the bowl-shaped cover. The cover may be connected to the
circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
[0024] The resilient lip may project from the cover.
[0025] Each of the first cap projections may include a first cap
projection tab, each of the second cap projections may include a
second cap projection tab, and each of the container projections
may include a latch.
[0026] The first cap projection tabs and the second cap projection
tabs may have different widths.
[0027] The latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop
portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and
the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped
catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. In
the child-resistant position, each first cap projection tab may be
located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one
latch.
[0028] The latch may include a sloped catch portion, a stop
portion, and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and
the stop portion, and a height of the stop portion and the sloped
catch portion may be larger than that of the central portion. In
the non-child-resistant position, a longer one of the first cap
projection tabs and the second cap projection tabs may each contact
the sloped catch portion of one latch and may be too long to fit
between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion of said
latch.
[0029] Each of the first and second projections may include a
latch, and each of the container projections may include a tab.
[0030] Each of the first projections may include a latch, each of
the second projections may include a modified latch, and each of
the container projections may include a tab, each latch including a
sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central portion between
the sloped catch portion and the stop portion. A height of the stop
portion and the sloped catch portion may be larger than that of the
central portion. In the child-resistant position, each tab may be
located between the stop portion and sloped catch portion of one
latch. Each modified latch may include a stop portion, a ramp
portion, and a central portion between the ramp portion and the
stop portion, the ramp portion including a sloped portion. The stop
portion may be higher than the central portion and the ramp
portion. In the non-child-resistant position, each tab may contact
the central portion of one modified latch.
[0031] Each of the first projections may include a latch, each of
the second projections may include a modified latch, and each of
the container projections may include a tab, each latch and
modified latch including a sloped catch portion, a stop portion,
and a central portion between the sloped catch portion and the stop
portion. A height of the stop portion and the sloped catch portion
may be larger than that of the central portion, and the central
portion of the modified latch may have a shorter length than that
of the central portion of the latch. In the child-resistant
position, each tab may be located between the stop portion and
sloped catch portion of one latch, and in the non-child-resistant
position, each tab may contact the sloped catch portion and may be
too long to fit between the stop portion and the sloped catch
portion of the modified latch.
[0032] The cap may include a second resilient lip projecting from
the cover in an opposite direction to the resilient lip.
[0033] The cap may be integrally formed.
[0034] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention, container system includes: a container having a top end
and a plurality of cap retaining means; a cap configured to mate
with the container in a child-resistant position and a
non-child-resistant position, the cap including a circumferential
skirt and a resilient lip disposed within the cap and at least
partially spaced apart from the circumferential skirt; a plurality
of first container retaining means spaced along a first plane and
projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential skirt; and
a plurality of second container retaining means spaced along a
second plane and projecting from an inner surface of the
circumferential skirt, the second plane being spaced from the first
plane, the resilient lip being between the first and second cap
projections. In the child-resistant position, each of the cap
retaining means are wedged between the resilient lip and one of the
first container retaining means, said cap retaining means and first
container retaining means being configured such that removal of the
cap from the container requires that the cap and container be
forced towards each other while rotating the cap and container
relative to each other. In the non-child-resistant position, each
of the cap retaining means are wedged between one of the second
container retaining means and a holding unit connected to the
circumferential skirt, said second container retaining means, cap
retaining means and holding unit being configured such that a
predetermined threshold rotation force is necessary to free the cap
retaining means from its wedged position, said holding unit lying
between the second container retaining means and the resilient
lip.
[0035] In accordance with an example embodiment of the present
invention, a method for closing a container with a cap having
child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions may include: (a)
disposing a top end of the container having a plurality of
container projections within a circumferential skirt of the cap by
passing each of the container projections between adjacent second
cap projections projecting radially inwardly from the
circumferential skirt, the cap including a resilient lip, disposed
within the cap and at least partially spaced apart from the
circumferential skirt, and a plurality of first cap projections
spaced along a first plane and projecting from an inner surface of
the circumferential skirt, the second cap projections spaced along
a second plane and projecting from an inner surface of the
circumferential skirt, the second plane being spaced from the first
plane, the resilient lip lying between the first and second cap
projections; and (b) rotating the cap and container relative to
each other so as to wedge each of the container projections between
a holding unit and one of the second cap projections, said holding
unit projecting inwardly from the circumferential skirt and lying
between the resilient lip and the second cap projections.
[0036] The second cap projections may include one of tabs, modified
latches, and latches. The modified latches each may include a
sloped portion, stop portion and a central portion between the
sloped portion and the stop portion, and the latches may each
include a sloped catch portion, a stop portion, and a central
portion between the stop portion and the sloped catch portion. The
container projections may include one of tabs, modified latches,
and latches.
[0037] The holding unit may include a cover disposed within the
circumferential skirt and covering an opening in the container in
both the child-resistant and non-child-resistant positions.
[0038] The cover may be bowl-shaped, the resilient lip forming a
lip of the bowl-shaped cover, and the cover may be connected to the
circumferential skirt adjacent the resilient lip.
[0039] Example embodiments of the present invention may be embodied
in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is
called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative
only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the present
invention, limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
[0040] In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like
reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as
follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary container system of
the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 2 is side view of the vial of FIG. 1 and a partial side
view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 1 locked
onto the vial in a child-resistant position.
[0043] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 2.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the vial of FIG. 1 and a
partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap of
FIG. 1 inverted and locked onto the vial in a non-child-resistant
position.
[0045] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 3.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the
container system of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 5 is side view of the vial of FIG. 4 and a partial side
view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 4 locked
onto the vial in a child-resistant position.
[0048] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 5.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the vial of FIG. 4 and a
partial side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap of
FIG. 4 locked onto the vial in a non-child-resistant position.
[0050] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of the cap of FIG. 6.
[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the
container system of the present invention with an inwardly
projecting resilient lip.
[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates an another exemplary embodiment of the
container system of the present invention with two resilient
lips.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary container system 10 of
the present invention including a container, e.g., vial 12, and
mating cap 14. The cap 14 includes a circumferential skirt 16
having a ribbed exterior surface 18, which facilitates gripping and
rotation of the cap 14. The vial 12 includes four tabs 20 (only
three visible) which mate with camming latches 22, in a
child-resistant position of the cap 14 (FIG. 2), and with modified
latches 24, in a non-child-resistant position (FIG. 3). It should
be understood that although four tabs 20 are mentioned any number
of tabs 20 may be provided. The camming latches 22 and modified
latches 24 project from an inner surface 30 of the circumferential
skirt 16, and thus, are shown in ghost lines.
[0054] The cap 14 is locked onto to the vial 12 in the
child-resistant position by first rotating approximately 45 degrees
clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 1, lowering the cap 14
onto the vial 12 such that a tapered top end 26 of the vial 12 is
disposed within the circumferential skirt 16 and such that each
camming latch 22 is between two tabs 20 (one of the tabs 20 is in
the position labeled A, as seen in FIG. 2), and rotating the cap 14
by approximately 45 degrees in a counter clockwise direction. Note
that the necessary degrees of rotation is dependent on the number
and arrangement of latches 22 and 24 disposed in the vial 12. More
or less than the four latches 22 and 24, and corresponding tabs 20,
shown may be provided. The cap 14 is locked in a similar manner
onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant position except the cap
14 is in an inverted or flipped position prior to disposing it over
the top end 26 of the vial 12.
[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial
side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14, which is
locked onto the vial 12 in the child- resistant position. The cap
14 includes a bowl-shaped cover 28 connected to the inner surface
30 of the cap 14 by a ring portion 32 of the cover 28, which
projects inward from the cap 14 and outward from the cover 28. The
circumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose each
camming latch 22 and modified latch 24, which, project inward from
the circumferential skirt 16. As such, the camming latch 22 and
modified latch 24 are shown in a "floating" state. The
circumferential skirt 16, which normally supports latches 22 and
24, has been torn away so as to expose the mating action of the
tabs 20 and the camming latches 22 (FIG. 2) and the modified
latches 24 (FIG. 3). The sides of the cap 14 are shown in
cross-section. The transverse section taken is down the center of
each of the latches 22 and 24. A top perspective view of the cap 14
of FIG. 2 is illustrated in FIG. 2A, without the vial 12 for
clarity.
[0056] The camming latch 22 includes a stop portion 34, a center
detent portion 36, and a sloped catch portion 38. The modified
latch 24 includes a stop portion 40, a flat center portion 42, and
a ramp portion 44. In the child-resistant position illustrated in
FIG. 2, as the cap 14 is rotated counter clockwise, the camming
latch 22, initially in position A, slides along the path labeled 29
such that tab 20 slides up the sloped catch portion 38 and then
falls into the center detent portion 36. A resilient lip 46 of the
bowl-shaped cover 28 is bent as the tab 20 and top end 26 of vial
12 slides upward over the sloped catch portion 38 and applies a
downward force on the vial 12 and tabs 20. The stop portion 34
prevents further rotation of the cap in the clockwise direction.
The sloped catch portion 38 prevents rotation of the cap in the
counterclockwise direction, i.e., prevents removal of the cap 14,
unless the cap 14 and vial 12 are first pressed towards each other,
further bending the resilient lip 46 and raising the tab 20 higher
than the sloped catch portion 38. This extra step in removing the
cap 14 adds effective child-resistance to the container system
10.
[0057] The cross-section of the cap 14 is taken down the center of
the latches 22 and 24. Therefore, center detent portions 36 can be
seen directly underneath the tabs 20 on either side of the cap 14.
In contrast to sides of the cap 14, the vial 12 is not shown in
cross-section, therefore, tabs 20 can be seen wrapping around
either side of vial 12. Although not shown (given the
cross-sectional presentation of the sides of the cap 14) stop
portion 34 and sloped catch portion 38 surround or sandwich these
side tabs 20, in an analogous manner as the fully shown camming
latch 22 in the middle of the cap 14.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial
side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14, which is
locked onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant position. The
top end 26 of the vial sits in a channel 27 at least partially
defined by the ring portion 32, the cover 28 and the
circumferential skirt 16. The cap 14 is rotated from position A (in
which the vial 12 is covered but the cap 14 is not locked)
clockwise such that modified latch 24 (the center one for
illustration purposes) slides along path 29 such that the flat
central portion 42 sits under tab 20. The container system 10 is
configured such that in this locked position the tabs 20 are held
snugly between the modified latches 24 and the ring portion 32,
which functions as a holding unit. Up and down movement of the cap
14 relative to the vial 12 is prevented in this locked position by
the ring portion 32 and the modified latches 24, which sandwich the
tabs 20 from the top and bottom. Unlike in the child-resistant
position, however, rotation of the cap 14 is not prevented by a
catch. Rather, rotation of the cap 14 may be accomplished by
applying at least a predetermined level of rotating force to the
cap 14 to overcome the friction between the flat center portions 42
of the modified latches 24 and the tabs 20 and between the top end
26 of the vial 12 and the ring portion 32.
[0059] A top perspective view of the cap 14 of FIG. 3 is
illustrated in FIG. 3A, without the vial 12 for clarity. Ghost
lines 33 are added to more clearly show the resilient lip 46 and
the ring portion 32.
[0060] Alternatively, the container system 10 may further include
an alternate projecting ring or other projection (not shown) from
the inner surface 30 of the circumferential skirt 16 between the
cover 28 and the camming latches 22 to function as a holding unit.
In which case, the tabs 20 would be held snugly and wedged between
the modified latches 24 and said alternate projecting ring or other
projection in the closed non-child-resistant position of the cap
14.
[0061] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of the
container system 10 of the present invention. To the extent that
parts or elements in FIGS. 1 to 3 match those in FIGS. 4 to 6,
consistent numbering is maintained.
[0062] FIG. 4 is a side view of the container system 10. Four
camming latches 22 are shown projecting from the vial 12. The
camming latches 22 on either side of the vial 12 can be seen
wrapping around the vial 12. The cap 14 includes four tabs 20 and
four modified tabs 48, shown in ghost lines, each projecting from
the inner surface 30 of the cap 14.
[0063] The cap 14 is locked onto to the vial 12 in the
child-resistant position by first rotating approximately 45 degrees
counter clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 4, lowering the
cap 14 onto the vial 12 such that the tapered top end 26 of the
vial 12 is disposed within the circumferential skirt 16 and such
that each tab 20 is between two camming latches 22 (one of the tabs
20 is in the position labeled A), and rotating the cap 14 by 45
degrees in a clockwise direction. The cap 14 is similarly locked
onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant position except the cap
14 is first inverted or flipped prior to disposing it over the top
end 26 of the vial 12. Note that the necessary degree of rotation
for closure of the cap 14 is dependent on the number of camming
latches 22 disposed on the surface of the vial and the number of
corresponding tabs 20. More or less than four camming latches 22
and corresponding tabs 20 may be provided.
[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial
side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14 of FIG. 4,
which is locked onto the vial 12 in the child-resistant position.
The circumferential skirt 16 is selectively torn away to expose
each of the tabs 20 and modified tabs 48, which project inward from
the circumferential skirt 16. As such, the tabs 20 and modified
tabs 48 are shown in a "floating" state. The circumferential skirt
16, which normally supports tabs 20 and modified tabs 48, has been
torn away so as to expose the mating action of the camming latch 22
with the tabs 20 (FIG. 5) and modified tabs (FIG. 6). As in FIGS. 2
to 4, the sides of the cap 14 are shown in cross-section. The
transverse section taken is down the center of each of the tabs 20
and modified tabs 48. A top perspective view of the cap 14 of FIG.
5 is illustrated in FIG. 5A without the vial 12 for clarity.
[0065] As seen in FIG. 5, rotation of the cap 14 forces tabs 20 to
slide along path 50 downward along the sloped catch portions 38 and
under the center detent portions 36. Further, rotation of the cap
14 forces the top end 26 of the vial 12 against the resilient lip
46 causing the lip 46 to bend, thus creating a downward bias on
vial 12 and forcing camming latches 22 against tabs 20. The stop
portion 34 of the camming latch 22 prevents further counter
clockwise rotation of the cap 14. Further, the sloped catch portion
38 prevents rotation of the cap 14 in the clockwise direction,
i.e., opening of the cap, unless the cap 14 and the vial 12 are
first forced towards each other, further bending resilient lip 46,
so as to lower, and thus, clear the sloped catch portion 38.
[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the vial 12 and a partial
side view and partial cross-sectional view of the cap 14 of FIG. 4,
which is locked onto the vial 12 in the non-child-resistant
position. A top perspective view of the cap 14 of FIG. 6 is
illustrated in FIG. 6A without the vial 12 for clarity. Ghost lines
33 are used to more clearly show the outlines of the resilient lip
46 and the ring 32, which is hidden behind the resilient lip 46
from this perspective. As seen in FIG. 6, the top end 26 of the
vial sits in a chamber 27 at least partially defined by the ring
portion 32, the cover 28 and the circumferential skirt 16. The cap
14 is rotated from position A (in which the vial 12 is covered but
the cap 14 is not locked) clockwise such that modified tabs 48
slides down the sloped catch portion 38 and, at least partially,
under the center detent portion 36. The modified tabs 48 are too
wide to fit between the stop portion 34 and the center detent
portion 36. However, the container system 10 is configured such
that in this locked position the modified tabs 48 are held snugly
between the camming latches 22 and the ring portion 32. Up and down
movement of the cap 14 relative to the vial 12 is prevented by the
camming latches 22 and the ring portion 32, which sandwich the
modified tabs 48 from the top and bottom. Unlike in the
child-resistant position, however, rotation of the cap 14 is not
prevented by the sloped catch portion 38 because, as indicated
above, each of the modified tabs 48 is too wide to fit between the
stop portion 34 and the sloped catch portion 38 of each camming
latch 22. Rather, rotation of the cap 14 may be accomplished by
applying at least a predetermined level of rotating force to the
cap 14 to overcome the friction between the sloped catch portion 38
and the modified tab 20 and between the top end 26 of the vial 12
and the ring portion 32.
[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the
container system 10 of the present invention, identical to the
embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6, except for the configuration of the
resilient lip 46. The resilient lip 46 projects further inwards and
is configured to be disposed inside the top end 26 of the vial 12.
Further, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6, the resilient lip 46
is configured to maintain a downward bias on top end 26 of vial 12
when bent. Alternatively, the position of the tabs and latches may
be swapped as in FIGS. 1 to 3, i.e., the latches 22 and/or 24 may
project inwardly from the circumferential skirt 16 and the tabs 20
or 48 may project outwardly from the vial 12.
[0068] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,
the resilient lip 46 may be configured, e.g., L-shaped, to engage a
top edge of the vial 12.
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the
container system 10 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view
of the vial 12 and a partial side view and partial cross-sectional
view of the cap 14, which is locked onto the vial 12 in the
non-child-resistant position. The circumferential skirt 16 is
selectively torn away to expose each of the camming latches 22 and
modified latches 24, which project inward from the circumferential
skirt 16. As such, the camming latches 22 and modified latches 24
are shown in a "floating" state. The circumferential skirt 16,
which normally supports the camming latches 22 and modified latches
24, has been torn away so as to expose the camming latches 22 and
the mating action of the modified latches 24 and tabs 20. The sides
of the cap 14 are shown in cross-section. The transverse section
taken is down the center of the side camming latches 22 and
modified latches 24.
[0070] The cap 14 includes a central cover 56 dividing the
circumferential skirt 16 down the center. Top and bottom resilient
lips 46 and 54 project in opposite directions from the central
cover 56. On one side of the central cover 56 the camming latches
22 project inwardly from the circumferential skirt 16 and on the
opposite side of the central cover 56 the modified latches 24
project inwardly from the circumferential skirt 16.
[0071] Clockwise rotation of the cap 14 forces tabs 20 to slide
upward along the ramp portion 38 and over the flat center portion
42, along the path labeled 52. The rotation of the cap 14 forces
the top end 26 of the vial 12 against the resilient lip 46 causing
the lip 46 to bend, creating a downward vial 12 bias. The stop
portion 34 of the camming latch 22 prevents further clockwise
rotation of the cap 14. Further, the friction between the resilient
lip 46 and the top end 26 of the vial 12 and between the modified
latch 24 and the tab 20 resists rotation of the cap 14 in the
counterclockwise direction, i.e., opening of the cap. However, the
container system 10 is configured such that application of a
threshold rotation force to the cap 14 overcomes this friction. In
the child-resistant position (with the cap 14 inverted) the
configuration and locking action of the cap 14 is identical to that
of FIG. 2. Rotation of the cap 14 forces tab 20 over sloped catch
portion 38 and down over center detent portion 36, fixing tab 20
between stop portion 34 and sloped catch portion 38. In this locked
position rotation of the cap 14 in one direction is prevented by
stop portion 34 and rotation of the cap 14 in the opposite
direction may only be accomplished by squeezing the cap 14 and the
vial 12 towards each other, so as to raise the tab 20 relative to
the camming latch 22, while rotating the cap 14.
[0072] Alternatively, the modified latches 24 may have the same
configuration as the camming latches 22 but have a shorter center
detent portion 36. Further, the position of the tabs and latches
may be swapped as in FIG. 4, i.e., the latches may project inwardly
from the circumferential skirt 16 and the tabs may project
outwardly from the vial 12.
[0073] Cap 14, in all of the embodiments detailed above, may be
integrally formed and made from a plastic, e.g., high density
polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and
polypropylene. Further, in all of the exemplary embodiments above a
larger or smaller number of latches and corresponding tabs may be
used.
[0074] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the
present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope thereof, it is to be understood that the present invention is
not limited to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined
in the appended claims.
* * * * *