Child Resistant Overcap For Aerosol Or Like Containers

Abstract

A child protective overcap detachably fastenable over the spray nozzle of an aerosol container, and which may, for example, embody coaxially arranged inner and outer hollow shell portions connected together such as by radially aligned webs or struts. Such an overcap has as a characterizing structure, slot(s) or opening(s) which preferably extend upwardly from the lower lip of the inner shell portion, and which operate to assist distortion and, or expansion of the inner shell portion in such a manner as to release the overcap from the container responsive to force applied selectively thereto.

Parent Case Text

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Ser. No. 81,228, filed Oct. 16, 1970 now abandoned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pressurized containers such as aerosol cans are frequently carriers of various insecticides, fungicides, disinfectants and the like which may be injurious or fatal if swallowed or sprayed in the hands or face. Dispensing containers of this variety are typically controlled at the top by a finger operated spray valve customarily operable by depressing. Understandably, the imitative urge in small children particularly toddlers, and the illiteracy of the child combine to create a potentially hazardous situation around the household where such containers are stored.

Therefore, a wide variety of child protective nozzle locking devices, protective overcaps, and the like have heretofore been proposed for use on aerosol containers. Objectionably a number of such devices are operable or relased by a not to difficult twisting or turning motion, and thus require only a degree of motor control ordinarily mastered by children at an early age.

Yet other varieties of current child protective devices employ tear strip release means, or are otherwise initially releaseable, for example, through leverage applied such as by inserting a coin or screwdriver in slot means. Such a device can provide an initially tamperproof child protective feature, but once operated or released, frequently does not serve to provide continuing protection for the child.

Still other prior art child protective devices, while providing varying degrees of child resistance, go unused or have only limited use because of complicated constructions requiring, for example, a plurality or assembled or cooperative parts. The cost of such devices can be economically unpractical both in the area of attaching the device to the container, and the manufacturing cost of the device. Furthermore, substantial modifications and rebuilding of present day capping equipment or lines to accomodate a particular such overcap, can retard or altogether restrict its immediate and oftentimes even future use in the industry.

Accordingly, it is among the objects of the present invention to provide the following:

An improved child protective overcap for use particularly with pressurized containers such as aerosol cans, and which is conveniently removable or releaseable by one familiar with its operation, or by one following instructions printed on the overcap, but which effectively resists removal by small children, particularly in the toddler age group;

Such an overcap which can be combined with presently manufactured aerosol can designs, and additionally which can be combined therewith with minimal, if any, modifications required of the capping equipment employed in applying the overcap to the aerosol can.

A protective overcap generally of the type above-indicated and which is of one piece construction so that it is relatively low cost and simple to manufacture on a mass production basis;

Such an overcap that can be repeatedly operated by an adult and each time that it is refastened to an aerosol container or the like, attaches in such a manner that it maintains a substantially full measure of resistance to removal by small children; and

A protective overcap whose mode of operation is not apparent from exteriorly viewing the same, and which requires coordinated and knowledgeable manipulation to effect its release from the container.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly then, the present invention contemplates an improved safety overcap particularly for use on pressurized containers of a type including a finger operated spray valve. The overcap basically comprises an hollow inner shell or member detachably fastenable over said spray nozzle, and an outer shell or bonnet member such as of inverted cup shape, and which is disposed surroundingly about the inner shell. The overcap is released from the container responsive to force applied selectively to the bonnet, and which distorts or deforms the inner shell in such a manner as to effect such release. The release force is preferrably translated from the bonnet to the inner shell such as by use of radially aligned webs or struts which connect therebetween at strategically defined regions. Alternately or together with such force translating means, the invention contemplates the use of slot(s) or opening(s) which extend upwardly from the lower lip of the inner shell. The opening(s) distort or "spread" responsive to forces applied to the bonnet thereby assisting to release the overcap from the container. However, if the release force is applied in a non-prescribed manner, the openings, assisted by the force translating means, contract or narrow thereby tightening the overcap on the container. As will be described further hereinafter, actually a " technique" of several cooperative steps are oftentimes needed to release or remove overcaps constructed according to the principles of this invention, thus rendering such overcaps remarably effective against removal by small children, especially in the toddler age group.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings wherein wheresoever possible, like reference numerals designate corresponding materials and parts throughout the several views thereof in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view with parts broken away, illustrating the improved child protective overcap of the present invention as affixed over the spray valve of a typical aerosol container of a design heretofore known;

FIG. 2 is a view like FIG. 1, only showing the improved overcap separately and turned 90.degree. clockwise from its orientation shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the overcap and aerosol container construction of FIG. 1 as taken along reference line 3--3 thereof;

FIG. 4 is of view like FIG. 3 only showing the overcap in the release position;

FIG. 5 is a view like FIG. 2, but shows a modified form of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the improved protective overcap shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are views generally like FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, only showing another modified form of the invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views like FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, showing still yet another modified form of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial view showing still another modified form of the improved overcap constructions of the present invention, and specifically a modification in the region thereof where the outer shell or wall of the overcap engages a peripheral rim-like area of a type typically included in current aerosol container designs;

FIG. 12 is yet another view like FIG. 3, only showing still another modified form of the present invention wherein slot(s) or opening(s) are formed in the inner shell of the overcap to effect the overall release characteristics; and

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the overcap shown in FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1, a typical example of an aerosol spray can or container 10 to which the protective overcap 12 of the present invention is applicable.

Spray can 10 normally includes, for example, a hollow cylindrical body portion 14, usually fabricated of metal, and enclosed at one end such as by a domed end cover member 16. Cover member 16 is normally attached to body portion 14 by crimping, soldering, welding or the like as denoted schematically at beaded region 18, and customarily just inwardly of region 18, there is defined a circumferentially continuous groove or recessed area 20. A finger operated spray nozzle assembly 22 is affixed to the upper extent of cover member 16, and together therewith defines a rim or chime 24, and immediately beneath rim 24, a circumferentially continuous undercut ledge portion 26. Nozzle assembly 22 is operated by depressing downwardly on or otherwise actuating a valve bonnet 28, the top portion 30 of which is preferably slanted or inclined in a direction backwardly from the spray aperature 32. This gives nozzle assembly 22 an inherent directionality in issuing the spray in that when depressing bonnet 28, the forefinger is automatically aligned with the direction of spray.

Now refining more specifically to the structure of overcap 12, the same can include a hollow inner shell or member 36, and an outer shell or bonnet 38 disposed in preferably coaxially surrounding relationship about the inner shell 36. The bonnet can be of generally inverted cup shape, including, for example, a preferably flat top wall portion 40 of which inner shell 36 is attached (see additionally FIGS. 2 and 3).

Inner shell 36 fits about spray nozzle assembly 22, and is provided with a pair of oppositely arranged lugs or protruding detent or retaining means 42 and 44 disposed in the horizontal plane, and which extend generally radially inwardly toward each other adjacent the lowermost extremity or lip 46 of the inner shell 36. Retaining means 42 and 44 are adapted to snap over rim 24 of nozzle assembly 22, and lock together with undercut ledge portion 26, thereby securely fastening the overcap to aerosol container 10. Bonnet 38, in turn, extends downwardly past the lower extremity of the inner shell member and circumferentially engages peripheral groove 20 defined in the lower region of domed cover member 16.

Additionally, overcap 12 includes opposed connecting struts or web means 48 and 50 disposed at regions intermediate retaining means 42 and 44 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, respectively, and which stiffly or substantially rigidly affix the inner shell 36 to bonnet 38. The web means can be vertically and substantially radially aligned with each other, and can extend in height from a region adjacent the lower extremity of the inner shell 36 toward top wall portion 40, and merge with the latter, if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 4, to operate or detach overcap 12 from aerosol container 10, pressure must be applied to the sides of the overcap at opposite strategic pressure zones 52 and 54, respectively. Force deformation of bonnet 38 at zones 52 and 54 is thus translated through web means 48 and 50, and correspondingly deforms inner shell 36 to a generally oval configuration, thereby moving retaining means 42 and 44 further apart, and disengaging the same from undercut ledge portion 26. By moving cap 12 to its deformed condition and then lifting upwardly at the proper moment, the overcap is thus conveniently removed from container 10 by one familiar or instructed in the usage of the overcap.

Pressure outside strategic zones 52 and 54, however, ineffectively distorts inner shell 36, thereby failing to disengage retaining means 42 and 44. Additionally, as indicated, the user must coordinate upward movement with critically applied deformation pressure to release the overcap. The coordination and timing required, coupled with optimum size of the overcap due to its increased largeness by the provision of bonnet 38, thus presents a formidable obstacle for removal of overcap 12, such as by the small hand of a child.

Further, it may be appreciated that overcap 12 is readily customized by selection of shell 36 and bonnet 38 wall thickness so that the degree of deformation pressure required can be increased to provide even further safety for contents of an extremely toxic nature, for example. A like effect can be achieved or assisted by terminating web means 48 and 50 at increasingly spaced distances Y (see FIG. 2) from the lower extremity 46 of inner shell 36; or by decreasing the height "h" of the inner shell, where by a proportionately greater deformation force is required to move retaining means 42 and 44 to the release position.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown a modified overcap 12a designed to operate on tension force applied to its inner shell 36a, as opposed to placing the inner shell in compression as illustrated in the previous embodiment. In this instance, the overcap is designed with the struts or web means 48a and 50a in alignment with retaining means 42a and 44a, the webs being positioned approximately at the mid-region of the retaining means. Accordingly, the strategic pressure zones are now located at regions 52a and 54a, respectively, whereby pressure at these regions will place inner shell 36 in tension. Accordingly, in the tensioned state, inner shell 36a is deformed in the direction of arrows 56 and 58, by a pulling force exerted through webs 48a and 50a, thereby pulling retaining means 42a and 44a outwardly to a disengaging position.

Yet another modified embodiment of the invention is shown by overcap 12b illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. Overcap 12b includes an oval inner shell 36b, and retaining means 42b and 44b aligned in opposed relationship along opposite sides 60 and 62, respectively, of the inner shell comprising the sides of minor radii thereof. The retaining means can be modified, for example, to the extent the same comprise local cut-outs or apertures 64 and 66. Apertures 64 and 66, for example, can be cooperable with protruding local areas or lugs 68 and 70 or the like formed or affixed such as to rim 24b of container 10b (see FIG. 8) or otherwise included in container 10b structure so as to be appropriately positioned to engage and lock together with the apertures. Web means 48b and 50b are additionally of modified design comprising V-shaped configurations including parts 72 and 74, respectively, the outer extremities of which are spaced further apart adjacent bonnet 38b than inner shell 36b. The pressure zones for cap 12b are at regions 52b and 54b, and by the configuration of the web means, force is concentrated to assist deformation of the inner shell in the direction indicated by arrows 76 and 78. Sides 60 and 62 of inner shell 36b are thereby moved further apart causing corresponding outward movement of retaining means 42b and 44b, thereby releasing the cap. As may be noted, the oval design of inner shell 36b permits maximum inward deformation of its sides 80 and 82 of major radii, before obstruction of the same such as by rim 24b of the container, the permissible limits of such inward movement being denoted by distance X and W. Accordingly, the horizontal depth of the retaining means, or in this instance, lugs 68 and 70, can be maximized to obtain a more secure locking effect with the container. Also, as may be appreciated, the use of an oval inner shell member, when used with retaining means of a type as shown in FIG. 1, does not entail or require a redesigning of the conventional container 10 structure illustrated in FIG. 1.

Still yet another modification of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, as embodied in overcap 12c, the same basically comprising an oval inner shell 36c and a cylindrical bonnet 38c. Web means 48c and 50c, are again V-shaped comprising parts 72c and 74c, respectively, that provide a focal point adjacent the bonnet, but are gradually tapered apart as they approach and merge with the inner shell. The pressure zones for operating overcap 12c are shown at 52c and 54c, whereby application of the pressure in these zones serves to deform bonnet 38c in the direction indicated by arrows 84 and 86, thereby placing inner shell 36c in tension through force applied or translated through web means 48c and 50c. Retaining means 42c and 44c, each comprising two elements, are thereby moved further apart from each other to obtain the desired releasing capabilities to remove the overcap from an aerosol can or container.

Still another form of the invention is shown in FIG. 11 where the bonnet 38d of a modified overcap 12d is formed circumferentially outwardly a sufficient amount to rest on the top edge of beaded region 18d, rather than in groove 20d of the container as shown in FIG. 1. Such an embodiment can be particularly advantageously incorporated in the overcap designs particularly of FIGS. 7 through 10 where maximum lateral deformation can be required to operate the overcap to the release position.

Still as yet another embodiment of the present invention there is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, overcap 12e which is similar in respect to those described hereinbefore in that the same includes preferably a cylindrical inner shell or member 36e, and an outer shell or bonnet member 38e arranged concentrically thereabout. Overcap 12e, however, additionally includes opposed vertical slots 90 and 92 disposed adjacent to, and which open toward the lower lip or extent 46e of the inner shell. The amount the slots extend upwardly, determines generally the ease with which overcap 12e can be detached from the container, as will become more evident hereinafter.

More particularly, the positioning of slots 90 and 92 defines what may be referred to as areas of expansion and contraction, such being denoted at 96 and 98, respectively. By placing areas 96 and 98 in tension circumferentially, the slots 90 and 92 tend to spread slightly, thereby expanding the inner shell. Correspondingly, by transmitting compression to such areas, the slots tend to close, and accordingly contribute to a circumferential contraction of the inner shell. As yet a third effect, outwardly directed force such as is indicated generally by arrows 100, tends to force the edges 102 and 104 defining the slots outwardly and apart from each other. The latter involves a somewhat different distortion of the inner shell, but one which may be used advantageously to further sophisticate the release characteristics desired of overcap 12e.

Referring now specifically to the manner of operation of overcap 12e, the overcap is urged to the release position by applying pressure selectively at opposed pressure zones 52e and 54e, such zones being located in alignment or near alignment with slots 90 and 92. Application of such force resiliently deforms bonnet 38e such that the latter assumes a generally oval appearance. Simultaneously, such deformation force is transferred through force translating means or webs denoted at 106, 108, 110, and 112, and which serve to place areas 96 and 98 in circumferential tension. The net effect is to urge slots 90 and 92 to spread slightly. The opposed inwardly projected retaining means 42e and 44e, located on each side of the slots 90 and 92, are thus urged apart via such expansion or spreading of slots 90 and 92. In other words, inner shell 36e can be considered to consist of two equal halves 114 and 116 as defined by the position of slots 90 and 92, each including retaining means. Application of the force selectively at said zones, through the force translating means, tends to pullingly urge said halves apart from each other. Consequently the retaining means are urged apart in such a manner as to promote release or detachment of the overcap from the container, such as the container 10 above described.

Slots 90 and 92 contribute yet another effect to the functionality or release characteristics of overcap 12e. For example, it has been observed that in releasing or detaching such an overcap as from container 10, most expediently the overcap is detached by applying pressure selectively at zones 52e and 54e, together with rotating the overcap on the container; and additionally "cocking" one's wrist such that a torque is applied simultaneously with the above motions. The directionality of such torque is not necessarily critical in that torque in either of the accurate directions denoted generally by arrows 118 or 120, appears to contribute significantly to the ease with which overcap 12e can be removed from the container.

Considering specifically the example where the torque is applied in the direction of arrow 118, together with rotation such as in the clockwise direction, and pressure at zones 52e and 54e. It is believed that in this instance, the retaining means associated with one of the inner shell halves, such as half 116, will be lifted upwardly against the underside of rim 24, while the opposite half is simultaneously urged downwardly against the rim. The rim, in turn, exerts a reciprocal force on each half, which forces are generally oppositely directed and thus tend to spread slots 90 and 92. Such tendency to spread is accentuated by the pressure being applied at the aforenoted pressure zones. The combined effect therefore, is to expand the inner shell, thereby permitting the retaining means or "ride" over rim 24, particularly if accompanied by simultaneous rotation of the overcap on the container.

As mentioned, overcap 12e appears to behave similarly when torque is applied in the direction of arrow 120, and the analysis advanced to explain such behavior is largely the same, except that in this instance, the rim 24 would act directly against areas 96 and 98. One such area would thus be lifted firmly upwardly against the rim, while the opposite area is forced downwardly in similar fashion, with the combined effect being to expand the inner shell, and thus ease the release of the overcap from the container.

Experience has generally borne out that the deeper the slot, the more pronounced is its tendency to spread responsive to the application of pressure at zones 52e and 54e. Conversely with a relatively shallow slot the amount of spreading that can be obtained by such selectively applied pressure is much less appreciable. The release of overcap 12e in the latter instance is dependant, therefore, principly on the torque that is applied to the overcap. Thus, especially where one selects a very shallow slot, it becomes apparent that the overcap 12e may be constructed eliminating the webs or force translating means, and still be operative generally in the manner contemplated herein. That is, the overcap might be constructed as depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, but without the force translating means or webs 106, 108, 110 and 112. Such an overcap without the indicated webs, would still be child proof in the sense that the application of the torque, together with simultaneous rotation, would consist of difficult manipulative steps, especially for children in the toddler age group. Moreover, in such an overcap, the depth of the slot or slots can be tailored such that the degree of torque required to detach the overcap, can be extended beyond the capability of most children, especially children under the age of, for example, five years.

Even so, the force translating means or webs furnish yet another operational characteristic such that their use is highly desirable to maximize the overall performance of overcap 12e, even though the slot or slots therein may be relatively shallow. This is the important ability to locally contract the inner shell as aforementioned in areas 96 and 98, responsive to force that is applied to bonnet means 38e at regions outside the selective pressure zones 52e and 54e.

For example, considering the instances where force is applied 90.degree. offset from the pressure zone 52e and 54e as denoted in FIG. 13 by applying pressure at points 122 and 124, it can be observed from the drawing that the force translated from the bonnet and through the forced translating means, places the inner shell in compression in the region of areas 96 and 98. This, in turn, tends to narrow or close the slots such that the inner shell becomes even more firmly and tightly clamped against the container. The overcap is thus "sensitive" to the location at which it is gripped in removing the same from the container in that improperly applied pressure at the indicated points 122 and 124, serves only to more tightly grip the overcap against the container. Accordingly and without the release pressure being selectively applied, the slots are not able to spread, but on the contrary tend to close or contract the inner shell such that the overcap can be made virtually impossible to remove save for stripping or "wiping off" the retaining means as against rim 24.

Referring again briefly to the condition where the slots are relatively deep, as opposed to being shallow or relatively more shallow, the application of force selectively at zones 52e and 54e can cause appreciable expansion or spreading of the slots, such that this effect alone may be used to detach the overcap from the container. Such pressure may involve an inherent lifting effect in that by deforming the bonnet 38e inwardly, the lower edge 126 of the same tend to ride-up or advance upwardly such as on the dome member 16 of container 10, for example, and with the result that the overcap tends to "pop-off" the container when operated in this fashion. Regardless of the above alternate method of operating overcap 12e, however, the printed instructions pertaining thereto, preferably would include a notation to apply torque, together with pressure at the indicated zone, and while simultaneously rotating the overcap in the manner as explained. Such instructions would be preferable because it appears as a general principle that regardless of the depth of the slot, the use of torque eases the force required to remove overcap 12e, such as by an instructed adult, but at the same time provides a more substantial obstacle to the removal of the overcap by a child since an additional manipulative step is required. Further, it appears inherently more pressure is usually required to remove overcap 12e unless torque is applied, so that the child would still find it very difficult to remove the overcap without simultaneously applying all three of the above-mentioned manipulative steps, even though the child may happen accidently onto one or two of such steps.

Thus as may be appreciated, actually a "technique" is involved in operating such overcaps as are disclosed herein which can involve not only the application of forces strategically thereto, but a select combination of such forces that provides a formidable barrier to removal of the overcap by small children.

Referring now, to certain other aspects of the invention as relates most particularly to the embodiment thereof as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 the retaining means 42e and 44e preferrably extend continuously, each approximately half-way about the circumference of inner shell 36e, except for the interruptions as provided by slots 90 and 92, respectively. In other words, the retaining means as viewed together, most desirably provide a substantially peripherally continuous, inwardly projected ledge adjacent the lower lip 46e of the inner shell. Particularly it is desired that the opposite ends of such retaining means be coextensive with or at least very near edges 102 and 104 defining slots 90 and 92. Even so it is readily apparent from the disclosure herein, that the retaining means might be varied from that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, so long as the same retain the overlap on the container sufficiently tight to discourage removal of the ocercap such as by a small child, and yet are cooperative with respect to the slots so that the distortion effect as obtained by the presence of the latter, makes it possible for the overcap to be removeable by an adult within resonably applied force perimeters.

The shape of the slot or opening as is employed, in the structure of the inner shell, may be varied considerably from that shown in the drawing, as for example, a V-shaped slot or opening might be used; or as further example, a "slit" as opposed to a "cut-out" type opening can be substituted for slots 90 and 92. Generally any type opening that would permit distortion of the inner shell in the manner practiced by the present invention could be so substituted. Additionally, the number of such slots or openings can be varied from a plurality to a single opening, a suitable embodiment of the latter being as shown generally in FIGS. 12 and 13, except for the provision of deleting one of the two slots shown therein. As a still further example, another of the possible embodiments utilizing a single slot might include, for example, modified webs, such as a pair of webs (not shown) located opposite each other and 90 degrees out of phase with the slot.

Moreover, the position of the slot or slots if a plurality of the same are used, can be varied, and when employed with force translating means or webs, can be placed in any arrangement with respect thereto provided preferably, at least areas of contraction are represented through the particular placement of the force translating means with respect to such slot(s). Most preferably the position of such force translating means is further determined so as to define said areas of expansion which operate responsive to applying pressure selectively to the inner shell.

As additional consideration, where a plurality of such slots are used as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the same need not be of the same height "a" but can be varied. For example, one slot could be relatively deep while the other is more shallow. By varying the height of the slots, using a plurality of slots of different heights, as well as adjusting other variables such as the depth of the retaining means, almost an inexhaustible variety of possibilities exist as to customizing the force required to release overcap 12e.

EXAMPLE

Generally identical one-piece overcaps 12e are constructed according to the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 using polypropylene (i.e., "PP") and polyethylene (i.e. "PE") material to mold such overcaps. The depth of the undercut of the retaining means as denoted at "d" in FIG. 12, approximately 0.025 inch. The slots 90 and 92 which are alike in each overcap, are varied over the range of 5/16 to 9/16 inch in height "a." The height of the inner shell is a constant of approximately 1 and 1/8 inch. The principle testing is done with adult women, except for the polypropylene overcap of 9/16 inch slot depth which is tested using children between about 42 and 52 months of age. The adult test participants were given 30 seconds to get the overcap off in both demonstrations and non-demonstration situations. The children, however, were allowed 5 minutes to remove the overcap, approximately the first minute and one-half of which was used up without demonstration, and approximately the last 3 1/2 minutes of which included both verbal and visual demonstrations of how to operate the overcap.

i. Percentage able to remove overcap without a demonstration

Women Children 5/16 6/16 7/16 7/16 8/16 9/16 9/16 PP PP PE PP PP PP PP 42 32 64 61 93 97.8 34.8

ii. Total percentage able to remove overcap with (or without) a demonstration

Women Children 5/16 6/16 7/16 7/16 8/16 9/16 9/16 PP PP PE PP PP PP PP 63 48 95 75 100 97.8 60.9

the tests show that for the 9/16 inch slot, polypropylene overcap, approximately 65 percent of the children were unable to get the caps off without a demonstration. Even after a verbal and visual demonstration, about 40 percent of the children were still unable to remove the overcap.

For this same overcap, approximately 98 percent of the adult woemn were able to remove the overcap from the can both in demonstration and non-demonstration situations, allowing only 30 seconds for this task.

In construing the test data above, of course, certainly allowances must be made in the area of the group tested. For example, different groups would most likely test out differently as to the percentages shown above. However such data does show, as a general trend, that overcaps constructed according to the teaching herein are effective deterrents as concerns a substantial block of the children tested. Moreover such data further demonstrates generally that the release characteristics of the overcap can be varied both finely and between wide ranges to optimize the effectiveness of the overcap, even though such data represents only a small portion of the numerous variables that can be blended and designed into the overcap to achieve specific desired release properties.

Referring now to some of the generalities of the invention, plastics having a desired balance between stiffness and resilience, and which can be used to construct the overcaps of the present invention, typically would include the aforementioned polypropylene and polyethylene resins, together with polystyrene, preferably high impact polystyrene, although general purpose polystyrene can be used if formulated to avoid cracking or splintering when the overcap is deformed to the release position. The material as is used of course, must have sufficient deformation and recovery properties (resilience) so that the overcap can be repeatedly attached to and released from an aerosol can or like container. Also it may be noted that in constructing the overcap, desirable practice would oftentimes call for tapering the wall thickness of the inner and outer shells from a relatively thick or thicker base adjacent the top portion thereof, to a narrower thickness adjacent the lower extent or edge of the overcap.

While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A safety overcap in combination with a pressurized container, said overcap comprising a bonnet of resiliently deformable material, the bonnet including a top wall and a generally cylindrical sidewall depending downwardly therefrom, a generally cylindrical inner shell member of resiliently deformable material, and which is attached to the underside of said top wall and extends downwardly in generally radially spaced relationship with said sidewall, an aperture defined in the inner shell and which is open at the lower edge thereof, a retaining means being integral with said inner shell and extending at least partially about the periphery thereof adjacent said lower edge, said retaining means detachably fastening the overcap to the container, means between said sidewall and inner shell to transmit force generally radially inwardly from the sidewall to the inner shell, the ease of removal of the overcap from the container being dependent on the area hand pressure is applied to said sidewall and thus the force that is transferred from said area to the inner shell, and ultimately the response of said aperture to said transferred force, and means to indicate to the user the select area to apply such hand pressure in order to detach the overcap with acceptable ease.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said force transmitting means comprises a web means connecting said inner shell to said sidewall.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the inner shell includes at least two such apertures.

4. The overcap of claim 1 wherein said combination is of one-piece molded plastic construction.

5. The overcap of claim 4 wherein said aperture comprises a cut-out type opening which terminates short of the uppermost extent of said inner shell.

6. The combination of claim 5 wherein said retaining means is substantially continuous adjacent the lower lip of said inner shell except for being interrupted by said aperture.

7. The combination of claim 2 wherein said web means and aperture are cooperatively positioned to define opposed areas on the bonnet which when pressed inwardly contract said aperture to assist in retaining the overcap on the container respnsive to force applied improperly thereto.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said web means and aperture are cooperatively positioned to define opposed zones on the bonnet which when pressed inwardly expand said aperture to assist in releasing the overcap from the container responsive to force applied properly thereto.

9. The combination of claim 1 wherein said container is of the general type including a hollow cylindrical body portion, a cylindrical chime disposed in a position raised above the uppermost edge of said body portion, and being generally coaxial with and of less diameter than the body portion, a product dispensing means extending upwardly from adjacent the central part of said chime, said inner shell containing the said dispensing means and extending downward generally snuggly and peripherally about said chime, said retaining means extending inwardly and being locked together with the underside of said chime.