1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to a dispensing closure of the type that has a hinged reclosable lid that may be swung open to reveal a dispensing orifice for the closure. More specifically, this invention relates to a child resistant dispensing closure of the type that includes an interlock for preventing the lid from being opened unless a specific additional force is imparted to the closure.
2. Description of the Related Technology
WO 97/37900 describes a hinged dispensing closure in which the lid portion is formed of a first stationary component and a second component that is relatively rotatable with respect to the first stationary component. The second component is biased toward a resting rotational position relative to be first component wherein the second component is engaged with the main body portion of the closure so as to prevent the lid from moving relative to the closure. In order to swing the lid away from the closure, the second component must be rotationally displaced by twisting it with respect to the first component, which disengages the second component from the main body portion. The required twisting action is intended to provide a level of child resistance to the closure.
In order for the closure described in WO 97/37900 to function effectively, the second, rotatable component of the lid portion must be shaped and sized so that a consumer can grip and twist it relative to the rest of the closure. Unfortunately, it was felt that it would be relatively difficult for consumers to adequately grip the rotatable upper portion of the lid portion of the closure that is described in the reference. This situation could have been addressed by increasing the thickness of the first stationary component of the lid portion, but this would have substantially increased material costs and potentially interfered with the functionality of the closure. Another potential solution might have been to increase the size of the second rotatable component, but this would also increase material costs as well as potentially adversely affect the stability of the interface between the first and second components of the lid portion.
Additionally, it is in certain circumstances possible for a small child to defeat such closures by learning how to twist the rotatable component of the lid portion relative to the rest of the closure.
A need existed for a child resistant change dispensing closure that may conveniently be operated by a consumer, is material efficient, and is dimensionally stable. In addition, a need existed for such a closure that is more child resistant than conventional closures of this type.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a child resistant change dispensing closure that may conveniently be operated by a consumer, is material efficient, and is dimensionally stable. It is further an object of the invention to provide such a closure that possesses a higher degree of child resistance than conventional closures of this type.
In order to achieve the above and other objects of the invention, a closure for a container that is constructed according to a first aspect of the invention includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to be secured to a container, the main body portion having a dispensing orifice defined therein; a first lid portion that is hingedly mounted to the main body portion and movable between a first, open position wherein material may be dispensed from the container through the orifice and a second, closed position wherein the orifice is blocked; a second lid portion that is mounted for rotation with respect to the first lid portion, the second lid portion being rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position wherein the second lid portion engages the main body portion to prevent movement of the first lid portion away from the second, closed position; and releasable locking structure for selectively preventing the second lid portion from being moved to the unlocked position.
These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding structure throughout the views, and referring in particular to
For purposes that will be described in greater detail below, main body portion 12 further includes a bead 16 defining a protruding lip portion 18 and, as may best be seen in
The first stationary lid portion 26 further includes biasing structure 32 for biasing the second rotatable lid portion 28 toward a locked position, as will be described in greater detail below. In the preferred embodiment, biasing structure 32 is a spring element 34 that is unitarily molded into the first stationary lid portion 26 and that has an opening 36 defined therein. Referring briefly to
Looking again to
As may further be seen in
A radially inwardly extending bead that is unitary with apron 52 defines sidewall bearing structure that engages the first stationary lid portion 26 and stabilizes relative movement between the lid portions 26, 28. According to one particularly advantageous feature of the invention, pedestal bearing structure 58 is mounted to one of the first and second lid portions 26, 28. The pedestal bearing structure 58 has a convex bearing surface that is positioned to engage the other of the first and second lid portions 28, 26 for reducing rotational friction between the first lid portion and the second lid portion. Preferably, the pedestal bearing structure 58 pedestal bearing means is shaped as to be symmetrical about an axis of relative rotation between the first and second lid portions 26, 28 and includes a plurality, preferably at least three, radially extending arm members in order to provide dimensional stability between the lid portions 26, 28. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, pedestal bearing structure 58 is a mounted to the second rotatable lid portion 28 and includes first and second cross members 60, 62 that are molded unitarily into the inner surface of the lid portion 28 and that extend vertically elevated from the inner surface by a predetermined distance so as to permit a corresponding increase in the vertical dimension of the apron 52 without requiring a great deal of additional plastic material. This predetermined distance is preferably at least 0.062 inches, and more preferably at least 0.09 inches.
Advantageously, locating structure is provided in the pedestal bearing structure 58 for centering the second lid portion 28 with respect to the first stationary lid portion 26. In the preferred embodiment, this locating structure is formed as centering structure that is defined in the first and second cross members 60, 62, specifically a cup like recess 64 that is shaped and sized to receive the rounded projection 40 that is defined in the first stationery lid portion 26.
Another particularly advantageous feature of the invention involves the provision of releasable locking structure 70 for selectively preventing the second rotatable lid portion 28 from being rotated to the unlocked position relative to the first stationary lid portion 26. This provides a further measure of child resistance. In the preferred embodiment, releasable locking structure 70 is mounted to the main body portion 12 and is constructed and arranged to be unlocked by depressing an actuation surface 72 that is connected to the main body portion 12. Actuation surface 72 is located on an outer surface of a flexible movable panel portion 74 that is defined in the sidewall of the main body portion 12 by a pair of longitudinally extending slots 76, 78. Accordingly, the actuation surface 72 is unitary with the main body portion 12. Preferably, actuation surface 72 is positioned on the main body portion 12 at a location that is substantially opposite where the first lid portion 26 is hingedly mounted to the main body portion 12. The structure permits the flexible movable panel portion 74 to move radially inwardly when the actuation surface 72 is depressed, the amount of radially inward movement being greatest at the uppermost end thereof, as may be visualized by viewing
It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/452,452, filed Jun. 2, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10452452 | Jun 2003 | US |
Child | 10918536 | Aug 2004 | US |