Patent Grant
10988289
The present invention relates generally to rigid plastic packaging and, more particularly, to an improved child-resistant closure system for plastic containers.
The use of cooperating locking lugs on safety closures and containers to prevent children from gaining access to the contents of the container is well known in the art. Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other items that could be harmful or undesirable for children to handle or ingest are examples of substances that are commonly packaged in containers or bottles having child-resistant or safety closures. But the locking mechanism must still allow adults with dexterity issues and the elderly to open the containers.
One type of locking mechanism uses a cap which a person must squeeze to release the lock, and then turn the cap on the container while still squeezing. These squeeze-and-lock mechanisms require strong fingers and good coordination between the squeezing and turning, either of which makes it difficult for seniors or those with dexterity issues (e.g., arthritis) to use caps with this type of locking mechanism.
Some containers use a locking mechanism that requires the user to visually align arrows or other indicia and then snap off the container's cap or lid. This type of locking mechanism requires good vision to align the arrows or other indicia, and sufficient finger strength and coordination to force the cap off the container. Each of those requirements also makes it difficult for seniors or those that are visually impaired to use containers and caps with this type of locking mechanism.
Another example of a child resistant closure and container is a push-and-turn system which is typically used for pill containers. This system requires that the closure or cap for the pill container be pushed axially downward and rotated at the same time. These locking mechanisms do not require the finger strength and coordination of the other locking mechanisms. They do require strength, however, to push down and release the locking mechanism. These containers are typically a two-piece, ramp-and-lug design. Essentially, the closure comprises an inner cap and an outer cap which are rotatably attached to one another. When the cap is pushed down against the container lip, the inner cap is compressed against the lip to allow enough movement to release the lock when the cap is turned. Such a design requires more force than is comfortable or desirable for some seniors. There is thus a need for an improved push-and-turn lock mechanism that is both child-resistant and accessible to those with dexterity issues.
These conventional locking containers and caps are also complex and/or costly to make. The caps are often made of two pieces snapped together or bonded together, or the mating parts of the container and cap require complex molding or expensive after-molding assembly. This is especially so with current push-and-turn prescription vials where the cap is made of two parts and the second part is a resilient inner piece that is compressed against the cap to provide the resilient locking force. There is thus a need for a container and cap that are simpler to manufacture, and that are preferably cheaper to make.
To meet this and other needs, and in view of its purposes, a child-resistant closure system for a rigid plastic container having a neck with a tapered section that acts as a spring to engage nodes on a lid with anchors on the neck to produce a child-resistant closure system is disclosed. The force required to disengage the lock can be adjusted by varying the length and taper-angle of the tapered section and the type or thickness of plastic used. In further embodiments, a handle can be added to the lid and/or a grip added to the container to assist adults with dexterity issues with opening the container.
One non-limiting embodiment of a closure system for a container includes: (1) a neck defining an opening, and (2) a lid. The neck has a first end that is closer to the container than a second end. The outer surface of the neck has a tapered section, which provides a bias in a direction away from the container, beginning at the first end and tapering towards the second end. At least two anchors extend radially outward from the surface of the neck and are spaced a distance apart. The anchors have: (i) a first anchor part comprising an undercut, and (ii) a second anchor part comprising a stop. The second anchor part is adjacent the first anchor part. The lid has a sidewall defining an inner surface, the inner surface including at least two nodes a distance apart that extend radially inward. The closure system is engaged by the bias forcing the nodes towards the undercuts when the lid is positioned with the nodes below the undercut.
One non-limiting embodiment of a closure system for a container includes: (1) a substantially circular neck, and (2) a lid. The neck has a first end with a first diameter connected to the container and a second end opposite the first end, having a smaller second diameter, defining an opening through which an axis that may be substantially perpendicular passes. The outer surface (i.e., the surface further from the axis) of the neck has a tapered section beginning at the first end, tapering towards the second end, and terminating when the diameter of the tapered section is about the same as the second diameter. At least two anchors extend radially outward from the surface of the neck and are spaced a substantially equal distance apart relative to the axis. The lid has a surface for covering the opening, and a sidewall defining an inner surface of the lid that is substantially circular and includes at least two nodes spaced a substantially equal distance apart relative to the axis that extend radially inward for engaging the anchors where the tapered section provides a spring bias for pushing the nodes into the anchors when the lid is engaged with the neck and turned relative to the neck.
In another non-limiting embodiment the anchors can include a first part containing an undercut beginning on the side of the first section proximate to the first end and extending towards the second end and optionally a second part beginning at the first end and connecting to the first section at an edge of the first section proximate to the undercut. The second section can act as a stop and/or guide to prevent the node from being rotated past the undercut and/or guide the node to the entry of the undercut.
In a further non-limiting embodiment, the number of anchors and/or nodes is not restricted to two and the number of anchors to nodes may not be equal. In one embodiment, four nodes engage four anchors, however, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention can include 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 anchors for engaging 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 nodes. Furthermore, the anchors and/or nodes may be spaced an equal distance apart relative to the axis. For example, 3 anchors and/or nodes can be spaced about 120 degrees apart, 4 anchors and/or nodes can be spaced about 90 degrees apart, 5 anchors and/or nodes can be spaced about 72 degrees apart, 6 anchors and/or nodes can be spaced about 60 degrees apart, and 8 anchors and/or nodes can be spaced about 45 degrees apart. Such additional anchors and/or nodes and their spacing may increase the weight of the product in the container that can be supported by the closure system.
Another non-limiting embodiment includes adjustments to the angle of a node and/or the anchor. In another embodiment, the anchors and nodes are horizontal, however, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention may include anchors or nodes with an upward or downward angle. For example, a node can be angled towards the top of the lid. Conversely, an anchor can be angled towards the bottom of the container. Such adjustments to the horizontal angle of the nodes and anchors may provide for greater surface contact between the nodes and anchors which may increase the weight of the product in the container that can be supported by the closure system.
Further non-limiting embodiments include a lid with a handle, grip, notch, or any combination thereof attached to the surface for covering the opening. The surface for covering the opening may also include ribs which may transmit force applied in the direction of the axis towards the container radially outward across the surface for covering the opening, which may mitigate deflection of the top of the lid. Failure to mitigate deflection of the top of the lid may result in the nodes failing to bypass the locking feature when a downward force is applied.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the inner surface of the lid may be greater than 4 inches. Such a diameter may make the lid more difficult to grasp for children with smaller hands than adults with larger hands. Thus, the greater diameter potentially makes the container more difficult for a child to open.
Non-limiting embodiments also include containers and lids of any shapes. For example, the present closure system could be attached to a square, round, or oval-shaped container. The lid may also take on any shape provided the inner sidewall of the lid is circular or substantially circular.
Furthermore, non-limiting embodiments may also include the container which has secondary stops to prevent the nodes from rotating past the undercuts. Non-limiting examples of such secondary stops may include protuberances below the anchors on the container or neck extending radially outward from the axis which can engage with protuberances on the lid extending radially inward from the sidewall and located closer to the distal edge of the sidewall than the nodes.
In another non-limiting embodiment, the container includes a grip. Such a container grip used independently or in conjunction with a handle on the lid may assist adults with dexterity issues with opening the closure.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the closure can be manufactured by a blow molding process, including but not limited to, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, or any combination thereof. In one non-limiting embodiment the lid may be manufactured at the same time as the closure. Conversely, in another non-limiting embodiment the lid can be manufactured separately. Blow molding is not the only process which can be used to manufacture the closure. Indeed, in a non-limiting embodiment, the closure can be manufactured by an injection molding or rotational molding process.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, but are not restrictive, of the invention.
The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following figures:
The features and benefits of the disclosed closure system are illustrated and described by reference to exemplary embodiments. The disclosure also includes the drawing, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various figures that comprise the drawing. This description of exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawing, which is to be considered part of the entire written description. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combinations of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features.
In the description of embodiments, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top,” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be construed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar terms refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 incorporates a child-resistant closure with a rigid plastic container. In one non-limiting embodiment the lid can be blow molded at the same time as the closure and main body shape. The closure can also be blown separately. The ability to blow mold the lid and closure at the same time may provide cost savings. The lid of the container has protruding nodes which interact and lock into the body shape with undercuts (i.e., a locking feature) that accept the nodes. In one non-limiting embodiment, a clockwise turning motion pulls the lid down under an anchor; the nodes are then forced up into the undercuts by a tapered section of the container neck that acts as a spring. In another non-limiting embodiment, when the nodes engage with the undercuts an audible sound is produced.
To disengage the closure a downward force is needed to bypass the locking feature before the lid can be rotated for removal. In one non-limiting embodiment, the removal of the closure requires two simultaneous motions, a push down motion and a turn motion. The push down and turn motion requires more force and/or dexterity than a small child can exert, rendering the closure child-resistant and senior-friendly in meeting the needs of the child-resistive packaging (CRP) standards of the Consumer Products Safety Council. The disclosed closure may also be easier to carry, open, and close.
Neck Structure
The neck 102 has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface. Both the inner surface and the outer surface of the neck 102 can be parallel or substantially parallel to the axis 101.
The outer surface of the neck 102 includes a first end 106 having a first diameter and a second end 108 having a second diameter. The first end 106 is closer to the container 110 than is the second end 108. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter.
The outer surface of the neck 102 includes a tapered section 112 beginning at the first end 106, tapering towards the second end 108, and may terminate at a point 114 when the diameter of the tapered section 112 is about the same as the second diameter. In a non-limiting embodiment the angle from vertical at which the tapered section 112 tapers is between about 10 and 25 degrees. In one embodiment, the angle is between about 12 and 20 degrees. In another embodiment the angle is between about 15 and about 18 degrees from vertical. In a further embodiment, the angle is about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, about 19, about 20, about 21, about 22, about 23, about 24, or about 25 degrees from vertical.
The taper section 112 is not required to be a continuous taper; it may contain a curve.
The outer surface of the neck 102 includes at least two anchors 116. The anchors 116 may be located a distance apart. The distance may be equal or substantially equal. For example, 3 anchors 116 can be spaced about 120 degrees apart, 4 anchors 116 can be spaced about 90 degrees apart, 5 anchors 116 can be spaced about 72 degrees apart, 6 anchors 116 can be spaced about 60 degrees apart, and 8 anchors 116 can be spaced about 45 degrees apart. Conversely, the anchors 116 may be spaced an irregular distance apart. For example, 4 anchors 116 may be located as follows when compared to a compass rose: 0 degrees, 100 degrees, 200 degrees, and 300 degrees. In one embodiment, however, the anchors 116 are a substantially equal distance apart.
The number of anchors 116 is also not restricted to two. In one embodiment, four nodes 204 engage four anchors 116, however, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention can include 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 anchors 116 for engaging two or more nodes 204 on the lid 200. Such additional anchors 116 and their spacing may increase the weight of the product in the container 110 that can be supported by the closure system 100.
The anchors 116 extend radially outward from the outer surface of the neck 102. Although
The anchors 116 include a first part 118 containing an undercut 120. The undercut 120 might also be called a channel, groove, notch, serif, or other similar name. The first section 118 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis 101. The first section 118 may also be angled in relation to the axis 101. The undercut 120 begins on the side of the first section 118 closest to the first end 106 and extends into the first section 118 towards the second end 108.
Although
In one embodiment, the first section 118 and the undercut 120 are horizontal, however, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention may include anchors 116 having a first section 118 or undercut 120 that are angled either upward or downward from horizontal. For example, the anchor 116 can have a first section 118 that may be angled towards the bottom of the container 110. Such a design of the anchor 116 may result in increased engagement between the nodes 204 and anchors 116 which may result in the closure 100 being able to support containers 110 containing products weighing in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds.
Optionally, the anchor 116 may include a second part 122 containing a stop. The second section 122 may be adjacent to the first section 116. In another non-limiting embodiment, the second section 122 may begin at the first end 106 and connect to the first section 118 at an edge of the first section 118 closest to the undercut 120. This second section 122 may also act as a stop and/or guide to prevent the node 204 from being rotated past the undercut 120 and/or guide the node 204 to the entry of the undercut 120. In a non-limiting embodiment, the second section 122 when engaged with a node 204 can withstand stripping torque up to 70 inch-pounds.
As shown in
A bottom lip 126 may also be attached to the neck 102 and can be used to join the container 110 with the first end 106. The bottom lip 126 can project either radially inward or radially outward from the neck 102 depending on the shape of the container 110. Specifically, if the shape of the container 110 at the location to be joined with the neck 102 is narrower than the neck 102, the bottom lip 126 may project radially inward from the first end 106. Conversely, if the neck 102 is narrower than the shape of the container 110 at the location to be joined with the neck 102, the bottom lip 126 may project radially outward from the first end 106.
Lid Structure
In a non-limiting embodiment, the surface 300 for covering the opening 104 may have a diameter greater than four (4) inches. Such a diameter may make the lid 200 more difficult to grasp for children with smaller hands than adults with larger hands. Thus the greater diameter potentially makes the closure system 100 more difficult for a child to open.
The inner surface of the lid 200 includes at least two nodes 204. The nodes 204 may be located a distance apart. The distance may be equal or substantially equal. For example, 3 nodes 204 can be spaced about 120 degrees apart, 4 nodes 204 can be spaced about 90 degrees apart, 5 nodes 204 can be spaced about 72 degrees apart, 6 nodes 204 can be spaced about 60 degrees apart, and 8 nodes 204 can be spaced about 45 degrees apart. Conversely, the nodes 204 may be spaced an irregular distance apart. For example, 4 nodes 204 may be located as follows when compared to a compass rose: 0 degrees, 100 degrees, 200 degrees, and 300 degrees. In another embodiment, however, the nodes 204 are a substantially equal distance apart.
The number of nodes 204 is also not restricted to two. In one embodiment, four nodes 204 engage four anchors 116, however, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention can include 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8 nodes 204 for engaging two or more anchors 116 on the neck 102. Such additional nodes 204 and their spacing may increase the weight of the product in the container 110 that can be supported by the closure system 100.
The nodes 204 extend radially inward from the inner surface of the sidewall 202. Although
In one embodiment, the nodes 204 are horizontal, however, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention may include nodes 204 that are angled either upward or downward from horizontal. For example, a node 204 may be pitched towards the surface 300 for covering the opening 104. Such an design of the nodes 204 may result in increased engagement between the nodes 204 and anchors 116 which may result in the disclosed closure 100 being able to support containers 110 containing products weighing in excess of twenty-five (25) pounds.
In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment depicted in
In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment depicted in
Node/Anchor Engagement
As depicted in
In an alternate non-limiting embodiment, a downward force is not required to engage the closure system 100. Instead the anchors 116 may contain a ramp section angled towards the first edge, such as a bayonet lug. In such an embodiment, when a rotational force is applied the ramps guide the nodes 204 against the force being imparted by the tapered section 112 below the anchors 116. When the node 204 reaches the undercut 120, the force imparted by the tapered section 112 engages the node 204 and the anchor 116.
To disengage the closure system 100 a downward force is needed to bypass the locking feature before the lid 200 can be rotated for removal. In a non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 is disengaged by applying a downward force to the lid 200 and simultaneously rotating the lid 200.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 may be engaged by rotating the lid 200 clockwise in relation to the neck 102 or counterclockwise in relation to the neck 102. Conversely, the closure system 100 may be disengaged by applying a downward force to the lid 200 and simultaneously rotating the lid 200 clockwise in relation to the neck 102 or counterclockwise in relation to the neck 102.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the anchors 116 may have a height of between about 0.1 mms and about 10 mms from the outer surface of the neck 102. In another embodiment, the anchors 116 may have a height of between about 2.0 mms and about 6.0 mms from the outer surface of the neck 102. In a further embodiment, the anchors 116 may have a height of between about 3.0 mms and about 5.0 mms from the outer surface of the neck 102. In another embodiment, the anchors 116 may have a height of about 4.2 mms from the outer surface of the neck 102.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the nodes 204 may have a height of between about 0.1 mms and about 10 mms from the inner surface of the sidewall 202. In another embodiment, the nodes 204 may have a height of between about 3.0 mms and about 8.0 mms from the inner surface of the sidewall 202. In a further embodiment, the nodes 204 may have a height of between about 5.0 mms and about 7.0 mms from the inner surface of the sidewall 202. In another embodiment, the nodes 204 may have a height of about 6.5 mms from the inner surface of the sidewall 202.
Container Structure
As depicted in
In a non-limiting embodiment, one or more markers 212 may be added to the container 110 and the lid 200. The alignment of the markers 212 on the lid 200 and the markers 212 on the container 110 may signal that the closure system 100 is in the open or closed position. The markers 212 may be any design. For example, the marker 212 may be words, numbers, arrows, diamonds, triangles, circles, logos, or locks depicted in either a locked or unlocked orientation.
Closure Manufacture
In a non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 can be manufactured by a blow molding process, including but not limited to, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, or any combination thereof. In one non-limiting embodiment the lid 200 may be manufactured at the same time as the container 110. Conversely, in another non-limiting embodiment, the lid 200 can be manufactured separately. In one embodiment, the manufacture of the product occurs via blow molding both the lid 200 and the container 110 at the same time.
In another non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 can be manufactured by an injection molding or rotational molding process.
In a non-limiting embodiment, material thickness is controlled by typical extrusion blow molding methods. As the plastic parison is extruded, the thickness is controlled by changing multiple programming points along the length of the parison. These thickness bands will result in the final container thicknesses after the parison inflates and stretches out to touch the mold surface.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the plastic of the closure system is between about 0.1 mms and about 4 mms. In one embodiment, the thickness of the plastic is between about 1 mm and 2 mms. In a further embodiment, the thickness of the plastic is between about 1.2 mms and 1.8 mms.
Materials Used in Manufacture
The material employed in manufacturing the closure system 100 is any plastic or resin that may be used in a blow molding process. In non-limiting embodiments such materials may include polyethylene (“PET”), polyethylene naphthalate (“PEN”), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO), Nylon/Polyamides (PA), Polycarbonate (PC), or combinations thereof. In addition, the container 110 can be mono-layered or multi-layered. In one embodiment, the material is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
In non-limiting embodiments, the closure system 100 may be manufactured using a recyclable PCR resin. As a result, the closure system 100 may be manufactured entirely of recycled materials. Conversely, the closure system 100 may be manufactured entirely of virgin materials. In addition, the closure system 100 may be manufactured partially of recycled materials and partially of virgin materials.
Exemplary Packaged Products
Because the closure system 100 is child-resistant, the container 110 may be filled with products that adults may not wish for children to handle or ingest. In non-limiting embodiments, the products that fill the container 110 may be chemicals, such as pool chemicals, laundry pods, pharmaceuticals, or any other dry product used within the chemical or food industries. The handle 206 enables the user to carry a great deal of weight thus making the closure system 100 ideal for heavy products on the market like cat litter and dry animal foods.
In a non-limiting embodiment, an induction seal may be applied to the opening 104.
Adjustable Force Required to Engage/Disengage Closure
By varying the length and taper-angle of the tapered section 112 and the type or thickness of the plastic used to manufacture the closure system 100, the force required to bypass the anchor 116 can be adjusted. For example, the force required to bypass the anchor 116 may be 8 pounds for one embodiment. By adjusting the length and taper-angle of the tapered section 112 and the type or thickness of plastic used, however, the force required to bypass the anchor 116 can be increased to 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 pounds.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 is engaged by first contacting the lid 200 and the neck 102. The lid 200 is then rotated so that the nodes 204 pass between the first sections 118 of the anchors 116 in the direction of the axis 101. Applying a downward force on the lid 200 causes a deflection and/or deformation of the tapered section 112 and/or nodes 204 thereby permitting the nodes 204 to bypass the anchors 116. The lid 200 is then rotated so that the nodes 204 are beneath the undercut 120. Finally, the downward force is removed thereby permitting the tapered section 116 to return to its original shape and impart an upward force to engage the nodes 204 with the undercut 120.
To disengage the closure system 100 a downward force is needed to bypass the locking feature before the lid 200 can be rotated for removal.
In a non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 may be engaged by rotating the lid 200 clockwise in relation to the neck 102. Conversely, in another non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 may be engaged by rotating the lid 200 counter-clockwise in relation to the neck 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 may be disengaged by applying a downward force to the lid 200 and simultaneously rotating the lid 200 clockwise in relation to the neck 102. Conversely, in another non-limiting embodiment, the closure system 100 may be disengaged by applying a downward force to the lid 200 and simultaneously rotating the lid 200 counter-clockwise in relation to the neck 102.
In summary, the present invention provides child-resistant and senior friendly features. The engagement of the closure system 100 is a push down and turn motion which audibly clicks in place when it is locked. The disengagement of the closure system 100 may require two simultaneous motions, a push-down motion and a turn-to-lock motion, thus becoming child-resistant.
Although illustrated and described above with reference to certain specific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is expressly intended, for example, that all ranges broadly recited in this document include within their scope all narrower ranges which fall within the broader ranges.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/585,208, filed on Nov. 13, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated in this application by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190144176 A1 | May 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62585208 | Nov 2017 | US |
