Patent Application
20160030285
This disclosure relates to two-piece closure systems utilizing a key for removing the closure system from a container.
Many pharmaceutical container closure systems, and particularly prescription container closure systems, often include a “child resistant” mode of operation, and sometimes both “non-child resistant” and “child resistant” modes. While these types of closure systems are generally very effective in preventing a child from opening the closure in the child resistant configuration, it is not impossible for children to open them (hence the name “child resistant”). In particular, a child playing with this type of closure system may sometimes be drawn to certain locking/unlocking features, such as a push-down tab, visible on the cap resulting in the child unintentionally removing the cap from its container. Also, particularly in the case of push-down-and-turn child resistant closures, the child may even figure out how to remove the closure by simply watching their parents, or even reading instructions displayed on exterior of the, and then being able to do so on their own. Accordingly, what is needed, at least as an option for consumers that have young children in their household, is a “child proof” closure system.
While many “lock-and-key” type closure systems are disclosed in the prior art in an attempt to provide an effective “child proof” closure system, no such systems have been commercialized, at least on any significant scale. This is likely due to weakness of the designs that have been introduced so far, including designs that would not be effective in actually preventing children from being able to open the containers and designs having flaws that would make the closure systems expensive to manufacture and/or impractical from a commercial standpoint.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,811 provides a cap assembly having an outer cap member and an inner cap member each having a key slot. While the outer cap is designed to rotate independently of the inner cap, a key may be inserted into the key slots to turn the inner cap when the key slots are aligned. One of the many problems with this overly simplistic design is that the key actually comes secured to the cap, the slot on the outer surface of the outer cap is clearly visible, and the slot is configured such that ordinary household items could be inserted into the slot. Accordingly, just like children toys that teach toddlers motor skills by inserting different shapes into different slots, certain children playing with the closure could end up inserting the key or other household object into the slots. Once the key is inserted correctly, whether intentionally or not, it is very likely that the child would be able to open the container. The prior art includes many other closure systems that suffer these same deficiencies. In fact, many of the systems are actually designed such that normal household items may be used to open the closure system, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,396,864 patent, further described below, which includes a slot designed to be used with a coin. What is needed therefore is a more discrete locking system that makes it more difficult for a child to recognize or understand how to open the closure system or otherwise prevents attracting child actions that result in the child unintentionally opening the container.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,402 provides a cap assembly with two opposing key hole openings in the outer cap operable to be aligned with opposing key holes on the inner cap for engagement with a key having opposed prongs. The openings of the inner and outer cap were not designed to be discreet but to allow the key to traverse the center of the cap that includes a screw to secure the inner cap within the outer cap. This design suffers several critical flaws, most critical of which is that an additional gasket (i.e., additional expense and complexity) is needed to prevent air, moisture, leakage, etc. from coming into or escaping the container opening due to the key holes of the inner cap and the screw that is inserted through the outer and inner caps. Further, the gasket extends into the opening of the container such that, like the '864 patent described below, the '402 patent does not permit induction sealing. Also, due to the key having to traverse, the screw extending from the outer cap, pushing down on the key to insert the key prongs into the key holes with the handle would actually pivot the prongs out of the key holes.
Additionally, like the gasket and screw of the '402 patent, many of the prior art “child proof” closure systems include numerous parts, which adds thickness and cost to manufacturing the cap. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,768 describes a lockable closure cap that requires a standard type key, springs, cams, etc. to lock the closure to the container. As would be expected, this type of closure, while requiring a specialty key, would be expensive to manufacture. Further, all the various parts required to provide use of a standard key design results in a large and unattractive size for the closure and prevents the closure from being applied to a container in an automated dispensing system.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,396,864 and European Patent No. 06311945 disclose other locking caps having ratchet ramps on both the outer cap and inner cap that allow the closure assembly to be screwed onto a container when the outer cap is rotated in a clockwise direction but is designed to prevent the closure from being removed without a key when the outer cap is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction. While it is desirable in certain instances to be able to provide a closure that can be screwed onto a container but requires key to remove the closure, the '864 patent is silent as to how this would be accomplished other than including ramps on both the inner cap and outer cap. Additionally, like many of the other locking closures of the prior art, including the '811 patent described above, the key slots/indentions of the cap portions are centrally located in the '864 patent and '945 patent. This requires a pocket to be formed that extends into the interior space of the inner caps. The pocket is formed due to the needed depth of the slot of the inner cap that is configured to receive the key. This pocket prevents the opening of the closure from being lined in an induction sealing process as known in the art, and also prevents any custom branding, printing, or messaging on the cap. Further, the pocket results in additional resin being needed to form the cap, adds needless weight to the cap, and slows down the molding/cycle time required to make the closure.
In another aspect, many closure systems, particularly those designed to be child resistant, are difficult to open and close for the elderly as well as those with arthiritic hand conditions. Thus, while it would be beneficial to provide a multifunctional key that not only unlocks the closure system but also assists a user in both screwing the closure system on and off a container, the prior art has generally ignored this aspect when designing the interaction between the keys and the closure systems. For example, the '864 patent, '945 patent, and '402 patent described above provide locking closure systems in which the key engages a recess centrally located within the inner cap. Thus, the key is unable to provide much additional torque than what would already be supplied by a user that just rotates the outer cap upon engagement with the inner cap.
Further, likely because the locking closure systems of the prior art did not recognize or otherwise were unable to successfully implement a closure system in which the key provided an appreciable mechanical advantage in screwing the closure system on and off a container, none of these systems describe a closure having both a child resistant option and a key option. Such a system is advantageous in numerous situations. For example, both options may be preferred for elderly patients that have trouble opening and closing child resistant closures but also have caregivers that often dispense their medications. Thus, the elderly individual may desire a tool that assists in screwing the closure on and off a container, while the caregiver may wish to open the container using the normal child resistant function. Also, both options would be beneficial when a child resistant cap is secured to a container in automated dispensing systems. In this regard, workers required to perform spot checks of prescriptions that are dispensed in these automated systems must screw on and off countless child resistant caps, and, thus, often complain of hand pain and carpal tunnel symptoms. Providing these workers with a tool to quickly assist them in screwing on and off these child resistant caps would thus be beneficial. Also, liquid pharmaceuticals often result in the sticky pharmaceutical being spilled onto the driving structures of child resistant caps, making such structures generally ineffective. By providing a closure system in which both a child resistant and key option are available, the key can be utilized if the user has trouble opening the closure due to the driving structures having been exposed to spills of the liquid pharmaceutical.
In view of the above, what is needed therefore is a lockable closure assembly that, while providing a discrete locking system, is efficient to manufacture. Further, a system in which a user has more options of varying degrees of difficulty to open the closure system based on the consumer's particular circumstances, including a key that serves as an effective tool to make the closure system easy to open and close when used, is desired.
A closure is disclosed including an outer cap having at least one drive element disposed proximate a top interior surface of the outer cap and at least one aperture extending through an exterior surface of the outer cap proximate the top surface. An inner cap dimensioned and configured to be assembled within the outer cap includes a closure engaging mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the inner cap dimensioned and configured to engage a corresponding container engaging mechanism for securing the inner cap to a container, at least one drive element including a key receiver disposed proximate a top exterior surface of the inner cap operable to engage the at least one drive element of the outer cap when the outer cap is turned in a first direction to screw the assembled closure onto a container. The system further includes a key having at least one projection extending from a handle portion, the at least one projection dimensioned and configured to be inserted through the at least one aperture of the outer cap to engage the key receiver of the at least one drive element of the inner cap when the at least one aperture of the outer cap is vertically aligned with the key receiver of the inner cap and the key is rotated in at least the second direction for removing the assembled closure from the container.
According to certain embodiments, the outer cap includes a plurality of drive elements disposed proximate a periphery of the top interior surface and at least one set of spaced apart apertures disposed proximate a periphery of the exterior surface, the inner cap includes a plurality of drive elements disposed proximate a periphery of the top exterior surface with at least a portion of the plurality of drive elements including key receivers for forming a set of key receivers, and the key includes a set of spaced apart projections, the assembled closure dimensioned and configured such that the set of spaced apart projections are operable to be inserted through the at least one set of apertures of the outer cap to engage the set of key receivers of the inner cap. In certain embodiments, the plurality of drive elements of the outer cap and the plurality of drive elements of the inner cap are dimensioned and configured to permit removal of the assembled closure upon a push-down-and-turn action being applied to the outer cap in the second direction. According to this embodiment, the plurality of drive elements of the inner cap preferably include pockets as the set of key receivers disposed in the top surface of the inner cap having opposing side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the top surface.
According to other embodiments, the at least one drive element of the outer cap and the at least one drive element of the inner cap are dimensioned and configured to prevent removal of the assembled closure upon a push-down-and-turn action being applied to the outer cap in the second direction. According to this embodiment, the at least one drive element of the outer cap and the at least one drive element of the inner cap includes an elongated ramp surface rising from a proximal end to a distal end at an angle of 20 degrees or less; at least one of the inner cap and outer cap may be molded with a lubricating agent; and/or the closure further includes a second inner cap operable to be assembled with the outer cap dimensioned and configured so that the at least one drive element of the outer cap is operable to engage the at least one drive element of the inner cap when the second inner cap is assembled within the outer cap and the outer cap is turned in the second direction.
In certain embodiments, the at least one projection of the key is configured to be removeably attached to the at least one drive element of the inner cap; at least one aperture of the outer cap is vertically aligned with the key receiver of at least one drive element of the inner cap when a user turns the outer cap in the first direction such that the at least one drive element of the outer cap is in engagement with the at least one drive element of the inner cap; the outer cap includes one or more grooves disposed in the top surface leading to the at least one aperture for assisting a user in locating the at least one aperture with the at least one projection of the key; the handle portion of the key includes a width that is greater than the diameter of the outer cap; and/or the inner cap is operable to be secured to the container unassembled from the outer cap in a non-child resistant configuration.
According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a closure includes an outer cap including at least one drive element disposed proximate a top interior surface of the outer cap and at least aperture extending through an exterior surface of the outer cap and an inner cap dimensioned and configured to be assembled within the outer cap. The inner cap includes a closure engaging mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the inner cap dimensioned and configured to engage a corresponding container engaging mechanism for securing the inner cap to a container; at least one drive element disposed proximate a top exterior surface of the inner cap operable to engage the at least one drive lement of the outer cap when the outer cap is turned in a first direction to screw the assembled closure onto a container and permit removal of the assembled closure upon a push-down-and-turn action being applied to the outer cap in a second direction; and a key receiver disposed proximate an exterior surface of the inner cap. The closure further includes a key having at least one projection extending from a handle portion, the at least one projection dimensioned and configured to be inserted through the at least one aperture of the outer cap to engage key receiver of the inner cap when the at least one aperture of the outer cap is vertically aligned with the key receiver of the inner cap and the key is rotated in at least the second direction for removing the assembled closure from the container.
According to certain embodiments, the outer cap includes a plurality of drive elements disposed proximate a periphery of the top interior surface and at least one set of spaced apart apertures disposed proximate a periphery of the exterior surface, the inner cap includes a plurality of drive elements disposed proximate a periphery of the top exterior surface with at least a portion of the plurality of drive elements including key receivers for forming a set of key receivers, and the key includes a set of spaced apart projections operable to be inserted through the at least one set of apertures of the outer cap to engage the set of key receivers of the inner cap.
According to certain embodiments, the plurality of drive elements of the inner cap include pockets disposed in the top surface of the inner cap having opposing side walls extending substantially perpendicular from the top surface, the pockets forming the set of key receivers of the inner cap. According to this embodiment, the plurality of drive elements of the outer cap include ratchet ramps.
According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a closure includes an outer cap including at least one drive element disposed on an interior surface of the outer cap and at least one aperture extending through an exterior surface of the outer cap and an inner cap dimensioned and configured to be assembled within the outer cap. The inner cap includes a closure engaging mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the inner cap dimensioned and configured to engage a corresponding container engaging mechanism for securing the inner cap to a container, at least one ratchet ramp disposed proximate a periphery of a top exterior surface of the inner cap including an elongated ramp surface dimensioned and configured so that the at least one drive element of the outer cap is operable to engage the at least one ratchet ramp when the outer cap is turned in a first direction to screw the assembled closure onto a container while preventing a user to apply a depressive axial force and simultaneous turning of the outer cap in a second direction opposite the first direction to unscrew the assembled closure from the container, and at least one receiver corresponding to the at least one aperture of the outer cap. The closure further includes a key having at least one projection extending from a handle portion dimensioned and configured to be inserted through the at least one aperture of the outer cap to engage the at least one receiver of the inner cap when the at least one aperture of the outer cap is vertically aligned with the at least one receiver of the inner cap for unscrewing the assembled closure from the container by rotating the key in the second direction.
According to certain embodiments, the at least one receiver is integrated with the at least one ratchet ramp; the at lest one ratchet ramp includes a top ramp surface and the at least one receiver includes a first receiver includes an indention disposed in the top ramp surface; the indention includes an elongated slot formed into the top ramp surface; the inner cap further includes a circumferential sidewall and a portion of the at least one ratchet ramp includes a reduced width that provides space between the ratchet ramp and the periphery of the inner cap forming the at least one set of spaced apart receivers in the space; the inner cap further comprises a circumferential sidewall and a top exterior surface, the top exterior surface being recessed within the circumferential side wall to provide depth to the at least one ratchet ramp disposed between the top exterior surface and the circumferential side wall of the inner cap.
According to yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a closure includes an outer cap having at least one set of spaced apart apertures disposed proximate a periphery of a top surface of the outer cap and an inner cap dimensioned and configured to be assembled within the outer cap. The inner cap includes a closure engaging mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the inner cap dimensioned and configured to engage a corresponding container engaging mechanism for securing the inner cap to a container and at least one set of spaced apart receivers corresponding to the at least one set of spaced apart apertures of the outer cap such that the spaced apart apertures of the outer cap are operable to be vertically aligned with the spaced apart receivers of the inner cap. The closure further includes a key having at least one set of spaced apart projections extending from a handle portion, the spaced apart projections dimensioned and configured to be inserted through the at least one set of spaced apart apertures of the outer cap to engage the at least one set of spaced apart receivers of the inner cap when the spaced apart apertures of the outer cap are vertically aligned with the spaced apart receivers of the inner cap for screwing and unscrewing the assembled closure from the container by turning the key.
According to certain embodiments, the at least one set of spaced apart projections of the key are configured to be removeably attached to the at least one set of spaced apart receivers of the inner cap; the outer cap includes one or more grooves leading to each of the apertures of the at least one set of apertures for assisting a user in locating the apertures with the set of spaced apart projections of the key; the handle portion of the key includes a width that is at least substantially equal to a diameter of the outer cap; the handle portion of the key includes a width that is greater than the diameter of the outer cap; the inner cap is operable to be secured to the container unassembled from the outer cap in a non-child resistant configuration; the inner cap and outer cap are operable to permit removal of the assembled closure upon a push-down-and-turn action being applied to the outer cap; and/or the inner cap and outer cap are operable to prevent removal of the assembled closure without the key.
Further advantages of the disclosure are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
The disclosure relates to two piece closure systems utilizing a key to assist in rotating the closure system with respect to a container. In certain embodiments, the closure system is a child “proof” (as opposed to child resistant) closure system requiring a special key in order to remove the closure from a container. In other embodiments, the closure system is an “enhanced” child resistant closure system that permits removal of the assembled closure upon a push-down-and-turn action being applied by the user or, to take advantage of a mechanical advantage supplied by a key as explained below, by using the key to screw on and off the closure system. Finally, in certain embodiments, the closure system is a modified child proof closure system designed to make it more difficult for a user to remove the assembled closure by applying a push-down-and turn action (e.g., prevent children from being able to remove the closure but allow stronger individuals such as caregivers to be able to remove the closure if enough force is applied) that also permits use of a key to easily screw on and off the modified child proof closure system. The closure systems of the present disclosure are primarily directed for use with containers intended to store and dispense pharmaceutical products, and particularly prescription pharmaceuticals. However, the systems may also be used with other types of containers in which closure systems as described above are desired.
One embodiment of the closure system is exemplified in
Referring to
Referring to
The assembled inner cap 10 and outer cap 30 are further provided with corresponding drive elements such that the outer cap 30 engages and turns the inner cap 10 in a first direction, preferably in a clockwise direction, thereby permitting the closure engaging mechanism 18 of the inner cap 10 to engage the container engaging mechanism for securing the assembled closure to a container. Referring particularly to
In preferred embodiments, the “push-down-and turn” preventing means is accomplished by providing the ratchet ramps 24 with an elongated ramp surface 26 gradually rising from a proximal end 25 towards a distal end 27. In preferred embodiments, the elongated ramp surface 26 rises at an angle of about 20 degrees or less. In most preferred embodiments, the angle is about 15 degrees or less. At the distal end 27, the ramp surface 26 ends at a steep slope 29 and the next successive ratchet ramp 24 begins at the bottom of the steep slope. Accordingly, the drive teeth 44 of outer cap 30 will engage the steep slopes 29 of the ratchet ramps 24 when the drive teeth 44 move along the ramp surface from the distal end 27 to the proximal end 25 to screw the assembled cap onto a container. However, when the drive teeth 44 move from the proximal end 25 towards the distal end 27, the drive teeth 44 fail to engage the ratchet ramps 24 when attempting to unscrew the assembled cap from the container even when a depressive force is also applied.
In addition to or in replace of the elongated ramp surfaces, one or both of the inner cap 10 and outer cap 30 may be provided with a slip agent or additive that further assists in preventing the drive teeth 44 from engaging the second end 27 of the ratchet ramp 24 or any other portion of the inner cap 10. Thus, in preferred embodiments including the slip agent in addition to the gradual slope of the ratcht ramp 24 makes it essentially impossible for a user to remove the closure from the container by pushing down and turning. In preferred embodiments, the slip agent includes an ultra high molecular weight (“UHMW”) polymer molded into the inner cap 10 and/or outer cap 30 to serve as a lubricating agent and provide enhanced lubricity between contacting surfaces of the inner cap 10 and outer cap 30. In preferred embodiments, the UHMW polymer, a term used to refer to macromolecules with molecular weights that exceed 106 g/mol, is selected from a polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyisobutylene, polyacrylamide, polyisoprene, polyethyleneoxide, polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinylalcohol, polyacrylicacid, polyvinylacetate, nylon-6, nylon-4, and siloxane. In most preferred embodiments, the UHMW polymer is UHMW siloxane.
In typical embodiments, the UHMW polymer is provided as an UHMW lubricating additive that includes approximately 25-70%, and most preferably about 50%, of the UHMW polymer dispersed in a thermoplastic carrier resin such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), acetal, high impact polystyrene (HIPS), or styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN). In preferred embodiments, the carrier resin is a HDPE polymer. A compatible UHMW lubricating additive having siloxane as the UHMW polymer and a HDPE polymer as its carrier resin is available commercially as DOW CORNING® MB50-314 Masterbatch.
The amount and type of the slipping additive, as well as the slope of the ramp surfaces 26, can be varied as desired to vary the ability to open the container without the use of the key as described below. In preferred embodiments, and as described above, the slope and slipping additive are used to make it essentially impossible to remove the closure assembly from a container using ratchet ramps 24 and drive teeth 44. However, in certain embodiments, it may be desired to allow for both a highly forceful push-down-and-turn functionality in addition to the key opening. For example, the slope and slipping additive may be designed so that young children are not strong enough to remove the closure assembly, which results in an elderly person also not being able to use the push-down-and-turn functionality of the closure assembly. Thus, the elderly patient is given a key to remove the closure assembly. However, if the elderly person loses or misplaces the key, a caregiver will be able to open the container without the key. Additionally, different outer caps 30 could be provided to be used with the same inner cap 10 depending on whether the user or patient wants push-down-and-turn functionality. For example, a first set of outer caps 30 could be molded with the slip additive while a second set of outer caps 30 are molded without the slip additive. The ratchet ramps 24 are then configured such that the push-down-and-turn functionaility is enabled when the inner cap 10 is combined with an outer cap 30 from the second set but is not permitted when combined with an outer cap 30 from the first set.
Due to the arrangement where the drive teeth 44 will not engage the ratchet ramps 24 for removing the cap assembly from the container, a key 50 is required to remove the cap assembly. While the key 50 may take many forms so long as it includes a portion configured to be inserted through the outer cap 30 to engage inner cap 10, in preferred embodiments, as shown in
In preferred embodiments, the unlocking pins 54 of key 50, pin apertures 46 of outer cap 30, and receivers 28 of inner cap 10 are sufficiently small such that the potential for alignment of the apertures 46 and receivers 28 is not discernible when viewing the closure assembly, at least to a child. In particular, receivers 28 of inner cap 10 are not visible through the outer cap 30 unless the receivers 28 are in precise alignment with apertures 46. Further, due to the small size of apertures 46 and receivers 28, it is not immediately recognizable that the inner cap 10 even has receivers 28 when rotating the outer cap 30 with respect to the inner cap 10. In preferred embodiments, circular apertures 46 and receivers 28 are less than about 3 mm in diameter. However, it is noted that, the size can vary depending on the stiffness and strength of the material used for forming the pins 54. Stronger materials for the pins 54 (e.g., steel) allows for the pins 54 to be smaller, which consequently allows for smaller engagement structures, which is one of the primary objectives of the present disclosure because the size and spacing of the pins 54, apertures 46, and receivers 28 preferably prevent typical household items such as coins, screwdrivers, etc. from being used as keys. In other words, in preferred embodiments, small pins 54 are provided so that the small size of the apertures 46 and receivers 28 prevent people from opening the container unless they have the specially designed key 50, and, even if they have the key 50, know exactly how the key 50 should be used to remove the closure assembly.
In order to assist in alignment of the receivers 28 with the apertures 46, the closure assembly is preferably provided with a self-aligning feature. In preferred embodiments, the self-aligning feature is provided by positioning the receivers 28 on the top surface 12 of the inner cap 10 such that the receivers 28 are aligned with the apertures 46 when the outer cap 30 is positioned with respect to the inner cap 10 such that the driving teeth 44 abut the steep slope of the first end 25 of ratchet ramp 24 (i.e., the driving teeth 44 engage the ratchet ramp by rotating the outer cap in the first direction). Thus, in order to align the receivers 28 and apertures 46, a user rotates the outer cap 30 in the first direction until it feels resistance from the driving teeth 44 abutting the first end 25 of the ratchet ramp 24. Once the user feels resistance, the user will know that the apertures 46 of the outer cap 30 should be aligned with the receivers 28 of the inner cap 10.
As shown, the handle portion 52 of key 50 preferably includes a width that is substantially equal to the diameter of the outer cap 30. This width not only allows for the spaced apart pin 54 configuration, but it converts the closure and container assembly into an easy open container. In this regard, both the spaced-apart pins 54 engaging spaced apart receivers 28 of the inner cap and the width of the handle portion provides a fulcrum effect/mechanical advantage to the user and enables the closure assembly to be more easily tightened and removed by rotating the key 50 as opposed to the outer cap 30. Thus, the key 50 is multifunctional. It unlocks the closure assembly and also converts the child proof cap into an easy open container upon proper use of the key 50.
In certain embodiments such as the key shown in
In certain embodiments, the unlocking pins 54 of key 50 are configured to be removeably attached (i.e., detachable) to the receivers 28 of inner cap 10. According to this embodiment, the user can choose to leave the key 50 in the closure assembly to provide an easy open closure and container assembly. However, when the user would like to child proof the closure, the user simply removes the key. The detachable key 50 is preferably removeably secured to the receivers 28 of the inner cap by pushing down on the key 50 such that the unlocking pins 54 “snap” into receivers 28. Tapering the indentions of the receivers 28 or having receivers 28 with tight tolerances as compared to the unlocking pins 54 preferably accomplishes the “snap” attachment. Alternately, the pins 54 may be configured to be permanently removable. For example, the closure system may be initially molded with an easy open handle configured to be permanently detached from the inner cap 10 to be used as a key. Other known removeably attaching and permanently detaching mechanisms as known in the art such as magnets, adhesives, etc. may be used.
According to certain embodiments, the user may be given two keys 50 for use with the same child proof closure assembly. One is a detachable key such that the user may removeably secure the key to the closure if desired. The second is a key 50 where the pins 54 fit loosely into the receivers 28 such that the key 50 must separately engage the closure assembly each time the user wants to remove the closure assembly from the container. According to another embodiment, the same key 50 includes two sets of pins 54 having different sizes. One set of pins 54 will fit loosely into the apertures 46 and receivers 28 such that the key 50 has to be inserted each time the user wishes to remove the closure assembly from the container. The second set of pins 54 may then be configured to fit tightly to at least one of the receivers 28 or apertures 46 for those users that want to leave the key 50 attached to the closure assembly. Alternatively, the key 50 includes one set of pins 54 and the inner cap includes different sized or configured receivers 28. One set of receivers will be larger to receive the pins 54 loosely, while the other set of receivers are smaller such that the pins 54 will snap into the receivers to removeably secure the key 50 to the closure assembly. A window may also be provided in the outer cap 30 such that indicia on the inner cap 10 indicating alignment of “loose” or “tight” receivers 28 with apertures 46.
In certain embodiments, preferably where the detachable key 50 is used that can remain with the closure assembly when desired, the ratchet mechanism of the inner 10 and outer caps 30 may be removed. Thus, the key 50 is used to both open and close the closure and container assembly.
In another aspect of the disclosure, different inner caps could be provided such that a user could decide wither they want to assemble outer cap 30 with an inner cap 10 as described herein or assemble outer cap 30 with a different inner cap that allows the drive elements 44 to engage the inner cap to open the container in a child-resistant mode. In other words, according to this embodiment, the user has three options: 1) use just an inner cap for a non-child resistant mode; 2) assemble inner cap 10 with outer cap 30 to provide a “child proof” closure assembly; or 3) assemble the alternate inner cap 10 with outer cap 30 to provide a “child resistant” system. Yet a fourth option may also be provided as described above where the slope of the ratchet ramps on the inner cap 10 and amount of slip additive are varied to provide a modified child proof closure system designed to make it more difficult for a user to remove the assembled closure by applying a push-down-and turn action while also permitting use of a key to easily screw on and off the modified child proof closure system.
Referring to
As a result, it is desirable to prevent the pockets altogether, particularly in embodiments where the containers will be induction sealed using the inner caps 10. To prevent the pockets, the apertures 46 and receivers 28 are moved to the periphery of their respective caps as noted above. To provide receivers 28 proximate the periphery of the inner cap, the receivers 28 are preferably integrated within the structure of the ratchet ramps 24. In other words, the same drive elements of the inner cap that are engaged by the drive teeth 44 of the outer cap 30 are engaged by the pin 54 of key 50.
Referring to
In addition to moving the ratchet ramps 24 and receivers 28 of the lower cap 10 and apertures 46 of the outer cap 30 to the periphery of their respective caps, the top surface 12 of lower cap 10 is preferably recessed with respect to side wall 14. The recessed top surface 12 allows for additional depth around the outer circumference of the cap 10 where the ratchet ramps 24 and receivers 28 are located without increasing the depth of the top surface 12. In other words, the recessed top surface 12 avoids using more resin than normally required to allow for the additional depth around the outer circumference of the inner cap where the receivers 28 are found. This allows the interior side of the top surface 12 to be smooth, which aids in induction sealing and allows for the use of printed liners that can be viewed from the top of the cap with clear inner caps 10. Without these features, avoiding the pockets would require the top surface 12 of the inner cap 10 to be very thick, which requires additional resin, adding needless weight to the cap, and slowing down the molding/cycle time required to make the inner caps 10.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring again to
Referring to
Referring to
However, while ratchet ramps 24 of inner cap 10 and drive teeth 44 of outer cap 30 are perferably configured to prevent a push-down-and-turn action from removing the assembled closure from a container as described above, drive elements 74 of inner cap 60 and drive elements 94 of outer cap 80 are configured to permit removal using a push-down-and-turn action. Accordingly, the closure system is an “enhanced” child resistant closure system because, in addition to a standard child resistant configuration where the closure is configured to permit removal upon a push-down-and-turn action being applied, the closure system gives a user the option of utilizing the mechanical advantage of a key as described above to screw on and off the closure system.
As noted above, to increase the mechanical advantage of the key and decrease the size of the assembled closure, the apertures 96 are preferably disposed proximate the periphery of the top surface 82 and the key receiver of the inner cap 60 is preferably integrated with the drive elements 74. Thus, the drive elements 74 of inner cap must be configured to be engaged by the drive elements 94 of outer cap 80 and the projections 54 of key 50.
In preferred embodiments, each of the drive elements 74 of the inner cap 60 for are best described as “pockets” sunk into the top surface 62 instead of ratchet ramps 24 and the drive elements 94 of outer cap 80 are in the form of ratchet ramps instead of drive teeth 44. As best shown in the exploded view of
One advantage of adapting the driving elements 74 of the inner cap 60 to include pockets configured to receive the one or more projections 54 of key 50 is that the height of the inner cap 60 is able to be decreased, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the closure assembly and a closure assembly 10 that may be produced more efficiently. The reduction in size is a result of the inner cap 60 (1) not needing an additional indention to receive the key; and (2) the inclusion of pockets 74 disposed within the top surface 62 of inner cap 60 instead of ramps or other locking mechanisms protruding from the top surface 62. In preferred embodiments, the thickness of the top surface 72 of the inner cap 60 is about 1.25 mm to about 1.5 mm with the recess 76 extending about 0.9 mm to about 1 mm into the top surface 62.
To further assist a customer in aligning the projections 54 with apertures 96 of outer cap 80, the exterior surface of side wall 80 preferably includes a discrete alignment feature 98 indicating the location of the apertures 96 on the top surface 82 of the outer cap 80. In preferred embodiments, and as shown in the drawings, the alignment feature includes a small break 88 in the knurlments of the outer cap 80. Such breaks in the knurlments are not only visible to a person with relatively good eyesight, they are able to be located by feel by those with poor eyesight.
According to another embodiment of the disclosure, it is noted that the closure assembly of
The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.
This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/030,195 filed Jul. 29, 2014, entitled “Child Proof Closure,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62030195 | Jul 2014 | US |
