U.S. patent application number 11/147014 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-07 for method and device for a child resistant dropper closure.
Invention is credited to Mark Fricke.
Application Number | 20060273061 11/147014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37493128 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060273061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fricke; Mark |
December 7, 2006 |
Method and device for a child resistant dropper closure
Abstract
An apparatus includes a closure plane having an annular opening,
a circumferentially depending outer skirt having on a radially
inward side a plurality of first child-resistant engaging
arrangements, and a circumferentially depending inner member
arranged parallel to, and radially inward from, the
circumferentially depending outer skirt. A dropper is provided
which includes a bulb and pipette arranged in the annular opening
of the closure plane, the pipette extending axially from the
closure plane in a first direction of the outer skirt, the bulb
forming an airtight seal with the pipette. A container is provided
which includes a base and a sidewall. The sidewall extends
circumferentially from the base and an edge of the sidewall away
from the base forms a container neck. The container neck includes
on an outward side a plurality of second child-resistant engaging
arrangements. The closure is molded from one piece. Each of the
first child-resistant engaging arrangements is adapted to engage
with a corresponding second child-resistant engaging arrangement on
the container neck. The circumferentially depending inner member is
adapted to engage the container neck to bias the closure into an
open position. A closure is provided which includes a closure plane
having an annular opening, a circumferentially depending outer
skirt having on a radially inward side a plurality of evenly spaced
lugs, and a circumferentially depending inner member arranged
parallel to, and radially inward from, the circumferentially
depending outer skirt. Each of the lugs is adapted to engage with a
corresponding bayonet on a container neck, the corresponding
bayonet having a notch configured to accept the lug.
Inventors: |
Fricke; Mark; (Newburgh,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG LLP
11 SOUTH MERIDIAN
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
37493128 |
Appl. No.: |
11/147014 |
Filed: |
June 6, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/228 ;
215/332 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 3/0272 20130101;
B65D 41/06 20130101; B65D 51/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/228 ;
215/332 |
International
Class: |
B65D 39/00 20060101
B65D039/00; B65D 41/06 20060101 B65D041/06 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: a closure including (a) a closure
plane having an annular opening, (b) a circumferentially depending
outer skirt having on a radially inward side a plurality of first
child-resistant engaging arrangements, and (c) a circumferentially
depending inner member arranged parallel to, and radially inward
from, the circumferentially depending outer skirt; a dropper
including a bulb and a pipette arranged in the annular opening of
the closure plane, the pipette extending axially from the closure
plane in a first direction of the outer skirt, the bulb forming an
airtight seal with the pipette; and a container including a base
and a sidewall, the sidewall extending circumferentially from the
base, an edge of the sidewall away from the base forming a
container neck, the container neck including on an outward side a
plurality of second child-resistant engaging arrangements; wherein
the closure is molded from one piece; wherein each of the first
child-resistant engaging arrangements is adapted to engage with a
corresponding second child-resistant engaging arrangement on the
container neck; and wherein the circumferentially depending inner
member is adapted to engage the container neck to bias the closure
toward an open position.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bulb and the
pipette are arranged in the annular opening of the closure plane by
at least one of a friction fit and an annular groove fitment.
3. A device, comprising: a closure including (a) a closure plane
having an annular opening, (b) a circumferentially depending outer
skirt having on a radially inward side a plurality of evenly spaced
lugs, and (c) a circumferentially depending inner member arranged
parallel to, and radially inward from, the circumferentially
depending outer skirt; and a dropper including a bulb and a pipette
arranged in the annular opening of the closure plane, the pipette
extending axially from the closure plane in a first direction of
the outer skirt, the bulb forming an airtight seal with the
pipette; wherein the closure is molded from one piece; wherein each
of the lugs is adapted to engage with a corresponding bayonet on a
container neck, the corresponding bayonet having a notch configured
to accept the lug; and wherein the circumferentially depending
inner member is adapted to engage the container neck to bias the
closure toward an open position.
4. The device according to claim 3, further comprising a container
including a base and a sidewall, the sidewall extending
circumferentially from the base, an edge of the sidewall away from
the base forming the container neck, the container neck including
on an outward side the corresponding bayonets.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the container neck
includes an extended tapered wall adapted to engage the
circumferentially depending inner member of the closure.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the extended tapered
wall is adapted to engage the circumferentially depending inner
member on a radially inward side of the circumferentially depending
inner member of the closure.
7. The device according to claim 5, wherein the extended tapered
wall is adapted to engage the circumferentially depending inner
member on a radially outward side of the circumferentially
depending inner member of the closure.
8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the closure and the
container are configured so that arranging the closure on the
container causes: each of the lugs to engage the corresponding
bayonet; and the circumferentially depending inner member to engage
the container neck to bias the closure into the open position, the
biasing of the closure causing each lug to be received in the notch
of the corresponding bayonet.
9. The device according to claim 3, wherein the bulb of the dropper
is molded together with the closure.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein the bulb and the
closure are molded in a two-material molding machine.
11. The device according to claim 3, wherein the bulb of the
dropper is molded separately from the closure and assembled with
the closure and the pipette after molding.
12. The device according to claim 3, wherein the lugs are
rectangular, and wherein the notches are rectangular.
13. A method for securing a dropper closure to a container, the
closure molded in one piece and including (a) a closure plane
having an annular opening, (b) a circumferentially depending outer
skirt having on a radially inward side a plurality of evenly spaced
lugs, each of the lugs adapted to engage with a corresponding
bayonet on a container neck, the corresponding bayonet having a
notch configured to accept the lug, and (c) a circumferentially
depending inner member arranged parallel to, and radially inward
from, the circumferentially depending outer skirt, the
circumferentially depending inner member adapted to engage the
container neck to bias the closure into an open position, the
closure including a dropper including a bulb and a pipette arranged
in the annular opening of the closure plane, the pipette extending
axially from the closure plane in a first direction of the outer
skirt, the bulb forming an airtight seal with the pipette, the
container including a base and a sidewall, the sidewall extending
circumferentially from the base, an edge of the sidewall away from
the base forming the container neck, the container neck including
on an outward side the corresponding bayonets, comprising: pressing
a closure onto a container causing the circumferentially depending
inner member to engage the container neck; rotating the closure
causing each lug to engage with the corresponding bayonet; and
locking the closure in a child-resistant position by causing the
lugs to be received in the notch of the corresponding bayonet.
14. A method for securing a dropper closure to a container,
comprising: providing a closure which is molded in one piece which
includes (a) a closure plane having an annular opening, (b) a
circumferentially depending outer skirt having on a radially inward
side a plurality of evenly spaced lugs, each of the lugs adapted to
engage with a corresponding bayonet on a container neck, the
corresponding bayonet having a notch configured to accept the lug,
and (c) a circumferentially depending inner member arranged
parallel to, and radially inward from, the circumferentially
depending outer skirt, the circumferentially depending inner member
adapted to engage the container neck to bias the closure toward an
open position; providing a dropper including a bulb and a pipette
arranged in the annular opening of the closure plane, the pipette
extending axially from the closure plane in a first direction of
the outer skirt, the bulb forming an airtight seal with the
pipette; providing a container including a base and a sidewall, the
sidewall extending circumferentially from the base, an edge of the
sidewall away from the base forming the container neck, the
container neck including on an outward side the corresponding
bayonets; pressing the closure onto the container causing the
circumferentially depending inner member to engage the container
neck; rotating the closure causing each lug to engage with the
corresponding bayonet; and locking the closure in a child-resistant
position by causing the lugs to be received in the notch of the
corresponding bayonet.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally regards packages and
containers. More particularly, the present invention regards a
method and device for providing a child resistant closure on a
dropper container.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] Droppers have been used to measure and deliver fluids of
various types, including medicines and chemicals. Droppers may
include a bulb and pipette, which together form an airtight
combination. Squeezing the bulb causes the volume of the bulb and
pipette combination to decrease. When the free end of the pipette
is immersed in a fluid while the bulb is depressed, releasing the
bulb causes the bulb to return to a normal shape. This release
causes the volume of the bulb and pipette combination to increase,
which in turn draws fluid up into the pipette. Droppers may be
incorporated in a closure for a container, making a dropper
assembly, thereby reducing the possibility that the dropper will be
misplaced while also increasing the convenience of using the
dropper.
[0003] Child resistant closures have been developed to prevent
children from accessing materials which may be harmful to them. A
few examples of child resistant closures are described with respect
to the following patents.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,618 to Dougherty describes a container
with a safety cap to prevent children from having access to
products in the container. The container may contain a liquid and
may include a dropper assembly.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,682 to Friedrich describes a
child-resistant dropper closure container combination. The
combination includes a push-and-twist child-resistant closure
assembly in which the resilient material of the dropper element
provides a biasing force to engage the child-resistant closure
elements.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,477 to Johnson, Jr. et al. describes a
tamper-indicating and child-resisting closure. The closure includes
an outer cap which has a transparent end wall with a tamper-sensing
liner. The closure also includes a coaxial inner cap.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,702 to Foyil describes a variable dosage
dropper system which includes an annular overcap housing which
completely encloses the cap and bulb. The annular outercap housing
provides tamper-resistant protection and has a locking collar at
its lower end to secure the cap within the housing. The system
resists undesired opening of the container by children.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,161 to Gargione describes a two-piece
child-resistant closure having an inner cap and an outer cap. The
inner cap is normally biased into engagement with the outer cap for
screwing the closure onto the container, but the outer cap and
inner cap become disengaged when the outer cap is turned in a
direction to remove the closure from the container. Cooperating
rigid fingers and teeth are provided on the inner and outer caps
which engage when the outer cap is pushed downwardly to
interconnect the inner and outer caps so that the closure can be
removed from the container.
[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0002028 of
Brecheisen et al. describes a finish for a container having
bayonets and ramp provisions. Stops, detent ridges, and wedges
provide tactile notification to a user as to where the lugs on a
cooperant cap are vis-a-vis the catch portion and the top of the
finish.
[0010] However, the above-mentioned references do not provide a
child resistant dropper assembly in which the closure is molded
from one piece. There is therefore a need for a child resistant
dropper assembly which is molded from one piece and which does not
use any part of the bulb or pipette in order to bias the closure
toward the child resistant position.
SUMMARY
[0011] A one-piece child-resistant closure in combination with a
dropper is provided which includes a bulb and pipette. Since the
child-resistant closure is molded in one piece, no portion of the
bulb and/or pipette is arranged to bias the closure and container
into the child-resistant engagement position. The one-piece
child-resistant closure is arranged to bias the closure toward the
child-resistant position without a flexible biasing flange.
[0012] An apparatus is provided which includes a closure plane
having an annular opening, a circumferentially depending outer
skirt having on a radially inward side a plurality of first
child-resistant engaging arrangements, and a circumferentially
depending inner member arranged parallel to, and radially inward
from, the circumferentially depending outer skirt. A dropper is
provided which includes a bulb and pipette arranged in the annular
opening of the closure plane, the pipette extending axially from
the closure plane in a first direction of the outer skirt, the bulb
forming an airtight seal with the pipette. A container is provided
which includes a base and a sidewall. The sidewall extends
circumferentially from the base and an edge of the sidewall away
from the base forms a container neck. The container neck includes
on an outward side a plurality of second child-resistant engaging
arrangements. The closure is molded from one piece. Each of the
first child-resistant engaging arrangements is adapted to engage
with a corresponding second child-resistant engaging arrangement on
the container neck. The circumferentially depending inner member is
adapted to engage the container neck to bias the closure toward an
open position, e.g., in a direction axially away from the container
neck.
[0013] A closure is provided which includes a closure plane having
an annular opening, a circumferentially depending outer skirt
having on a radially inward side a plurality of evenly spaced lugs,
e.g., rectangular lugs, and a circumferentially depending inner
member arranged parallel to, and radially inward from, the
circumferentially depending outer skirt. A dropper is provided
which includes a bulb and pipette arranged in the annular opening
of the closure plane. The pipette extends axially from the closure
plane in a first direction of the outer skirt. The bulb forms an
airtight seal with the pipette. The closure is molded from one
piece. Each of the lugs is adapted to engage with a corresponding
bayonet on a container neck. The corresponding bayonet has a notch,
e.g., a rectangular notch, configured to accept the lug. The
circumferentially depending inner member is adapted to engage the
container neck to bias the closure toward an open position.
[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, a container is also provided
which includes a base and a sidewall. The sidewall extends
circumferentially from the base. An edge of the sidewall away from
the base forms the container neck. The container neck includes on
an outward side the corresponding bayonets.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the closure is arranged on the
container. Each of the rectangular lugs engages the corresponding
bayonet and the circumferentially depending inner member engages
the container neck to bias the closure into the open position. The
biasing of the closure causes each rectangular lug to be received
in the rectangular notch of the corresponding bayonet.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the bulb of the dropper assembly
is molded together with the closure.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the bulb and the closure are
molded in a two-material molding machine.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the bulb of the dropper assembly
is molded separately from the closure and assembled with the
closure and the pipette after molding.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is for securing a
dropper closure to a container is provided which includes providing
a closure which is molded in one piece. The closure includes a
closure plane having an annular opening and a circumferentially
depending outer skirt having on a radially inward side a plurality
of evenly spaced rectangular lugs. Each of the rectangular lugs is
adapted to engage with a corresponding bayonet on a container neck.
The corresponding bayonet has a rectangular notch configured to
accept the rectangular lug. The closure also includes a
circumferentially depending inner member arranged parallel to, and
radially inward from, the circumferentially depending outer skirt.
The circumferentially depending inner member is adapted to engage
the container neck to bias the closure into an open position. A
dropper is provided which includes a bulb and pipette arranged in
the annular opening of the closure plane. The pipette extends
axially from the closure plane in a first direction of the outer
skirt. The bulb forms an airtight seal with the pipette. A
container is provided which includes a base and a sidewall. The
sidewall extends circumferentially from the base and an edge of the
sidewall away from the base forms the container neck. The container
neck includes on an outward side the corresponding bayonets. The
closure is pressed onto the container causing the circumferentially
depending inner member to engage the container neck. The closure is
rotated causing each rectangular lug to engage with the
corresponding bayonet. The closure is locked in a child-resistant
position by causing the rectangular lugs to be received in the
rectangular notch of the corresponding bayonet.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, a method is for securing a
dropper closure to a container, the closure molded in one piece and
including (a) a closure plane having an annular opening, (b) a
circumferentially depending outer skirt having on a radially inward
side a plurality of evenly spaced lugs, each of the lugs adapted to
engage with a corresponding bayonet on a container neck, the
corresponding bayonet having a notch configured to accept the lug,
and (c) a circumferentially depending inner member arranged
parallel to, and radially inward from, the circumferentially
depending outer skirt, the circumferentially depending inner member
adapted to engage the container neck to bias the closure into an
open position, the closure including a dropper including a bulb and
pipette arranged in the annular opening of the closure plane, the
pipette extending axially from the closure plane in a first
direction of the outer skirt, the bulb forming an airtight seal
with the pipette, the container including a base and a sidewall,
the sidewall extending circumferentially from the base, an edge of
the sidewall away from the base forming the container neck, the
container neck including on an outward side the corresponding
bayonets. The method may include pressing a closure onto a
container causing the circumferentially depending inner member to
engage the container neck, rotating the closure causing each lug to
engage with the corresponding bayonet, and locking the closure in a
child-resistant position by causing the lugs to be received in the
notch of the corresponding bayonet.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, a method for securing a dropper
closure to a container may include: providing a closure which is
molded in one piece which includes (a) a closure plane having an
annular opening, (b) a circumferentially depending outer skirt
having on a radially inward side a plurality of evenly spaced lugs,
each of the lugs adapted to engage with a corresponding bayonet on
a container neck, the corresponding bayonet having a notch
configured to accept the lug, and (c) a circumferentially depending
inner member arranged parallel to, and radially inward from, the
circumferentially depending outer skirt, the circumferentially
depending inner member adapted to engage the container neck to bias
the closure toward an open position; providing a dropper including
a bulb and pipette arranged in the annular opening of the closure
plane, the pipette extending axially from the closure plane in a
first direction of the outer skirt, the bulb forming an airtight
seal with the pipette; providing a container including a base and a
sidewall, the sidewall extending circumferentially from the base,
an edge of the sidewall away from the base forming the container
neck, the container neck including on an outward side the
corresponding bayonets; pressing the closure onto the container
causing the circumferentially depending inner member to engage the
container neck; rotating the closure causing each lug to engage
with the corresponding bayonet; and locking the closure in a
child-resistant position by causing the lugs to be received in the
notch of the corresponding bayonet.
[0022] A system is provided which includes a closure, a dropper,
and a container which includes a base and a sidewall. The sidewall
extends circumferentially from the base and an edge of the sidewall
away from the base forms the container neck. The container neck
includes on an outward side corresponding bayonets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a view of the dropper assembly including
a closure, bulb and pipette.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows another view of the dropper assembly shown in
FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a container configured to engage with the
dropper assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of one of the bayonets shown in
FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the dropper assembly shown
in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] FIG. 1 shows dropper assembly 10 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Dropper assembly 10 includes
bulb 11, pipette 12 and closure 13. Bulb 11 and pipette 12 may be
referred to in combination as the dropper. Bulb 11 may be
constructed of any appropriately flexible and elastic material,
including, for example, rubber or soft plastic. Bulb 11 may be
essentially axially symmetric and should form an interior space
with an opening at one end. Bulb 11 may be depressed manually by
squeezing between two fingers (e.g., thumb and index finger). The
interior of bulb 11 is in communication with the interior of
pipette 12.
[0029] Pipette 12 may be constructed of any appropriately rigid or
semi-rigid material, including, for example, glass, hard plastic,
etc. Pipette 12 should be essentially axially symmetric and should
form an interior space with an opening at two ends. Pipette 12
should open at one end (mount side opening 14 shown in FIG. 2) into
the interior of bulb 11 and should engage bulb 11. An airtight seal
between bulb 11 and pipette 12 may be created by a friction fit in
which bulb 11 surrounds pipette 12 and presses radially inwards on
pipette 12. On the opposite side of pipette 12 from mount side
opening 14 is delivery opening 15.
[0030] Bulb 11 fits into annular opening 16 of closure 13.
Arranging bulb 11 in annular opening 16 while pipette 12 is engaged
by bulb 11 may increase the radially inward pressure between bulb
11 and pipette 12. The increased pressure between bulb 11 and
pipette 12 may therefore also increase the friction fit and improve
the airtight seal between bulb 11 and pipette 12.
[0031] Closure 13 includes closure plane 17 and outer skirt 19.
Outer skirt 19 extends from the outer circumference of closure
plane 17 to bottom edge 22. Axially centered within closure plane
17 is annular opening 16. Closure 13 may be made of any appropriate
rigid or semi-rigid material, including, for example, hard
plastic.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows another view of dropper assembly 10. Mount side
opening 14 and delivery opening 15 of pipette 12 are shown. Also
shown is interior sidewall 21 of outer skirt 19 of closure 13. On
interior sidewall 21 of outer skirt 19, adjacent to bottom edge 22,
are arranged lugs 18, which may be rectangular. Lugs 18 are spaced
evenly around the circumference of outer skirt 19. Shown in FIG. 2
are four rectangular lugs 18, however, more or fewer rectangular
lugs 18 are possible. Also shown in FIG. 2 is inner depending
member 20. Inner depending member 20 extends from closure plane 17
radially inward from outer skirt 19. Inner depending member 20 may
or may not be attached directly to outer skirt 19. Inner depending
member 20 may or may not be flexible towards outer skirt 19.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows container 30 having base 31 and sidewall 32.
Container 31 may be constructed of any appropriate rigid or
semi-rigid material, including, for example, hard plastic. Sidewall
32 extends circumferentially from base 31. Sidewall 32 includes
container neck 33 at an edge opposite base 31. Container neck 33
defines opening 34 which accesses an interior of container 30.
Within the interior of container 30 may be any type of liquid
material. The liquid material in container 30 may be a chemical or
a medicine which may be harmful to children, and therefore an adult
may want to restrict the child's access to the interior of
container 30. Arranged around the circumference of container neck
33 are bayonets 35. Three bayonets 35 are shown in FIG. 3, and the
spacing of bayonets 35 shown in FIG. 3 implies a fourth bayonet.
The number of bayonets 35 correspond to the number of rectangular
lugs 18 on closure 13 which is designed to be used with container
30, and therefore more or fewer bayonets 35 may be used.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of bayonet 35. Bayonet 35
includes ramp 40 which leads to rectangular notch 41. Rectangular
notch 41 is configured to accept any of the rectangular lugs 18
arranged on a compatible closure 13. Bayonet 35 also includes stop
45 arranged to prevent the passage of rectangular lug 18. When
rectangular lug 18 is received in rectangular notch 41, closure 13
is in a child resistant position with respect to container 30.
[0035] Operation of closure 13 and container 30 is described in the
following. Closure 13 may be initially separated from container 30.
Container 30 may contain a medicinal liquid. A quantity of the
medicinal liquid may be extracted from container 30 by submerging
the end of pipette 12, specifically delivery opening 15, in the
liquid and depressing and releasing bulb 11. The quantity may be
measured by gradations on the side of pipette 12, and may be
regulated by the amount that bulb 11 is depressed and/or released.
The medicinal liquid may be delivered in any appropriate manner
(e.g., to a spoon, into food or drink, or directly into the mouth
of the patient), by removing delivery opening 15 from the liquid,
directing delivery opening 15 where the medicinal liquid is to be
delivered, and depressing bulb 11. After delivery of the medicinal
liquid, the user may want to replace closure 13 on container 30 and
to secure closure 13 in a child resistant position.
[0036] To place closure 13 on container 30 in a child resistant
position, the user may arrange closure 13 on top of container 30 so
that pipette 12 extends through opening 34 of container 30. Outer
skirt 19 of closure 13 has a larger radius than container neck 33
of container 30, and therefore bottom edge 22 of outer skirt 19
extends around the outside of container neck 33. Container neck 33
engages inner depending member 20 at an initial position. Rotation
of closure 13 in a clockwise direction causes rectangular lugs 18
to engage ramps 40. Further rotation of closure 13 in a clockwise
direction forces rectangular lugs 18 to move down ramp 40, causing
closure plane 17 of closure 13 to move towards container neck 33.
The movement of closure 13 towards a closing position with
container 30 is opposed by the engagement of inner depending member
20 and container neck 33. The opposition against the movement of
closure 13 by the engagement of inner depending member 20 and
container neck 33 may be determined by a flexing of inner depending
member 20 and/or container neck 33 into a secondary position.
Container neck 33 may have a wider or narrower radius than inner
depending member 20 and therefore container neck 33 may flex
radially outwards or radially inwards. Likewise, inner depending
member 20 may flex radially outwards or radially inwards.
[0037] The closure's biasing element may engage the container neck
to lock the closure upon the container. The biasing element may
engage the container neck on the inside surface of the container
neck and/or the outside surface of the container neck and/or the
axial end of the container neck. If the contact is the container's
inside neck upper corner, then the biasing element may be in the
liquid product. However, if the contact is on the container's
outside neck upper corner, the biasing element may contact the top
surface of the container's bayonet lugs. The container may include
an extended tapered wall above the bayonet lugs for biasing the
closure. There may be limited dimensional clearance to bias off the
container's outside top upper wall unless there is an extended
tapered wall. Thus, alternative biasing arrangements may be
provided to bias the closure 13 axially away from the container 30
to engage the child-resistant feature of the closure 13.
[0038] Continuing to rotate closure 13 in a clockwise direction
causes rectangular lugs 18 to slide into rectangular notches 41.
Stop 45 prevents further rotation of closure 13 by opposing the
further movement of rectangular lugs 18. When rectangular lugs 18
are nested in rectangular notches 41, closure 13 is in a child
resistant position with respect to container 30. An upward force on
rectangular lugs 18 is caused by the biasing of inner depending
member 20 and container neck 33, and lateral movement of
rectangular lugs 18 is prevented by stop 45 and the backside of
ramp 40.
[0039] Rotation of closure 13 while in the child resistant position
in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction is opposed by
stop 45 and the backside of ramp 40, respectively. Therefore, in
order to remove closure 13 from container 30, a downward pressure,
opposing the biasing caused by the engagement of inner depending
member 20 and container neck 33, is required. While applying a
downward pressure to closure 13 with respect to container 30, the
downward pressure being of sufficient force for the top edge of
rectangular lugs 18 to pass below the bottom point of ramp 40, a
simultaneous counterclockwise rotation to closure 13 may be
introduced in order to release closure 13 from container 33.
[0040] Alternatively, bayonets 35 may be oriented so that rotation
of closure 13 in a counterclockwise direction causes rectangular
lugs 18 to engage ramps 40. In this situation, the directions
indicated for attaching and detaching closure 13 from container 33
described in the previous paragraph are reversed, but are in all
other respects identical. In other words, application of closure 13
to container 30 requires only a counterclockwise rotation, while
deactivation of the child resistant function and removal of closure
13 from container 30 requires a simultaneous downward pressure and
clockwise rotation of closure 13 with respect to container 30.
[0041] Closure 13 may be constructed in a single injection molding
process. Thereafter, bulb 11 and pipette 12, which may be molded
separately, may be assembled with closure 13 to create dropper
assembly 10. Alternatively closure 13 and bulb 11 may be produced
in a two-shot injection molding in a two-material molding machine.
Thereafter, pipette 12 may be assembled with closure 13 and bulb 11
to make dropper assembly 10.
[0042] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of dropper assembly 10 shown
in FIG. 1. Closure 13 includes annular opening 16 in closure plane
17. Closure 13 also includes outer skirt 19 having an inner
depending member 20 and rectangular lugs 18 arranged near bottom
edge 22 of outer skirt 19. Pipette 12 fits radially inside bulb 11
with mount side opening 14 of pipette 12 opening into bulb 11.
Pipette 11 includes flange 52 arranged to fit in receptacle 51 of
annular opening 16. Between annular opening 16 and pipette 12 is
arranged contoured bulb section 50 which is configured to provide
an airtight, secure fit between pipette 12, bulb 11, and closure
13.
[0043] Certain of the foregoing features of the closure and/or the
container may be similar to the arrangement described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,449,078 to Akers, which is expressly incorporated herein in
its entirety by reference thereto.
[0044] The embodiment described above is exemplary in nature, and
is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. For instance,
instead of the child resistant closure described above involving a
bayonet and cooperating rectangular lugs, an alternative child
resistant closure arrangement or means may be provided.
* * * * *