Abstract
A tamper evident closure assembly for a fitting including, but not limited to, use in combination with a female fixture or an enteral fixture. A cap is connectable in flow restricting relation to the fitting and includes an indicator member removably connected to an exterior thereof. A housing is dimensioned to removably contain the cap and the connected indicator member. Subsequent to the fixture being connected to the cap, a removal thereof results in the indicator member being detached from the cap and movably disposed in a captured, detached orientation within the housing. Tampering may be evidenced by the indicator member remaining captivated within the housing which may be determined by visual observation or the generation of sound caused resulting from the housing being shaken.
Claims
1. A closure assembly for a fitting of a medical device structured to be tamper evident, said closure assembly comprising: a housing including a hollow interior and an access opening disposed in communicating relation with said hollow interior, a cap structured for a flow restricting connection to the fitting movably and removably disposed within said hollow interior, an indicator member disposed within said hollow interior in an attached orientation and configured to be detachable and to assume a detached orientation within said hollow interior, said housing comprising a first segment and a second segment collectively disposed in surrounding relation to and at least partially defining said hollow interior, said second segment extending between said access opening and said first segment and having a smaller inner diameter than an inner diameter of said first segment and an outer diameter of said indicator member, said attached orientation comprising said indicator member removably connected to an exterior of said cap and movable therewith within said hollow interior, and said detached orientation comprising a disconnection of said indicator member from said cap and a disposition of said indicator member in a captured position within said hollow interior.
2. The closure assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said second segment is dimensioned to prevent disposition of said indicator member therein.
3. The closure assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said second segment is dimensioned to prevent passage of said indicator member there through, to said access opening.
4. The closure assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said detached orientation further comprises said indicator member disconnected from said cap and disposed in said captured position within said hollow interior of said first segment.
5. The closure assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said attached orientation further comprises said indicator member attached to said cap and movable therewith within said hollow interior of said first segment.
6. The closure assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said disconnection of said indicator member from said cap comprises said indicator member movable with said cap into disconnecting engagement with an interior end of said second segment substantially concurrent to at least partial removal of said cap through said access opening.
7. The closure assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said disconnection of said indicator member from said cap comprises said indicator member disposed into disconnecting engagement with interior portions of said second segment substantially concurrent to disposition of said cap through said second segment and at least partially out of said access opening.
8. The closure assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second segments are connected at correspondingly disposed ends thereof; said access opening disposed at an outer free end of said second segment.
9. The closure assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein said first and second segments are integrally connected at commonly disposed ends thereof.
10. The closure assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said first and second segments include an outer cylindrical surface configuration; said first segment including an outer diameter greater than that of said second segment.
11. The closure assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one frangible tab disposed in removable, interconnecting relation between an exterior surface of said cap and an interior surface of said indicator member.
12. The closure assembly as recited in claim 11 further comprising a first tab segment and a second tab segment respectively disposed on said inner surface of said indicator member and said exterior surface of said cap subsequent to said breakage of said one frangible tab.
13. The closure assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein each of said first and second tab segments includes an exposed face; said exposed faces cooperatively configured to restrict connecting engagement with one another.
14. The closure assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said housing comprises at least one viewing structure disposed and structured to at least partially define visual observation of said hollow interior of said first segment.
15. The closure assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein said captured position further comprises said indicator member disposed within said hollow interior of said first segment in visually aligned relation with said viewing structure.
16. A closure assembly for a fitting of a medical device structured to be tamper evident, said closure assembly comprising: a housing including a hollow interior and an access opening disposed in communicating relation with said hollow interior, a cap structured for connection to the fitting and movably and removably disposed within said hollow interior, an indicator member disposed within said hollow interior in an attached orientation or a detached orientation, said housing comprising a first segment and a second segment collectively disposed in surrounding relation to and at least partially defining said hollow interior, said second segment having an axial length extending along at least a majority of a distance between said access opening and said first segment; said axial length of said second segment having a smaller inner diameter than an inner diameter of said first segment and an outer diameter of said indicator member, said attached orientation comprising said indicator member removably connected to an exterior of said cap and movable therewith within said second segment, said detached orientation comprising a disconnection of said indicator member from said cap and a disposition of said indicator member in a captured position within said second segment, and said disconnection of said indicator member from said cap comprising said indicator member disposed into disconnecting engagement with interior end portions of said second segment, concurrent to disposition said cap through said second segment and at least partially out of said access opening.
17. The closure assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a drive assembly including a first drive segment formed on said cap and a second drive segment formed on said housing in movable engagement with said first drive segment; said first and second drive segments cooperatively structured for relative movement there-between upon rotation of at least said housing in a single direction and further structured for restrictive movement there-between upon rotation of said housing in an opposite direction.
18. The closure assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said smaller inner diameter of said second segment extends continuously along at least a majority of an axial distance between said access opening and said first segment.
19. The closure assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said first and second segments are integrally connected at commonly disposed ends thereof; said access opening disposed adjacent to an outer end of said second segment.
20. The closure assembly as recited in claim 16 wherein said axial length of second segment and said smaller inner diameter thereof extend continuously along at least a majority of an axial distance between said first segment and said access opening.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view in exploded form of one preferred embodiment of the closure assembly of the present invention.
(3) FIG. 2A is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an uninstalled state.
(4) FIG. 2B is a front, partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an installed state.
(5) FIG. 2C is a front partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 wherein a cap of the closure assembly is connected to a fixture and removed from the housing in a used state.
(6) FIG. 2D is a front partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 wherein the cap and attached fixture is used and reinserted in the housing.
(7) FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view of a structural feature of one or more preferred embodiments of the closure assembly of the present invention.
(8) FIG. 3a is a detail view in partial cutaway of the structural features of FIG. 3.
(9) FIG. 4 is a perspective view in exploded form of yet another preferred embodiment of the closure assembly of the present invention.
(10) FIG. 5A is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 in an uninstalled state.
(11) FIG. 5B is a front, partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 in an installed state.
(12) FIG. 5C is a front partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 wherein a cap of the closure assembly is connected to a fixture and removed from the housing in a used state.
(13) FIG. 5D is a front partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 wherein the cap and attached fixture is used and reinserted in the housing.
(14) FIG. 6A is a sectional view along line 6A-6A of FIG. 5A.
(15) FIG. 6B is a sectional view along line 6B-6B of FIG. 5B.
(16) FIG. 6C is a sectional view along line 6C-6C of FIG. 5B.
(17) FIG. 6D is a sectional view along line 6D-6D of FIG. 5D.
(18) FIG. 7 is a sectional view of one structural modification associated with the one or more preferred embodiments of the closure assembly of the present invention, including FIG. 4.
(19) FIG. 7A is a detailed view in partial cutaway of segment “A” of FIG. 7.
(20) FIG. 8 is a perspective view in exploded form of yet another preferred embodiment of the closure assembly of the present invention.
(21) FIG. 9A is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in an uninstalled state.
(22) FIG. 9B is a front, partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in an installed state.
(23) FIG. 9C is a front partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 wherein a cap of the closure assembly is connected to a fixture and removed from the housing in a used state.
(24) FIG. 9D is a front partial interior view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 wherein the cap and attached fixture is used and reinserted in the housing.
(25) FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective detail views of drive segments of a common drive assembly associated with one or more preferred embodiments of the closure assembly of the present invention, including the embodiment of FIG. 8.
(26) FIG. 11A is a sectional view of one or more preferred embodiments of the drive assembly as represented in the embodiments of FIG. 8 and FIGS. 10A-10B.
(27) FIG. 11B is a sectional view of one or more preferred embodiments of the drive assembly as represented in the embodiments of FIG. 8 and FIGS. 10A-10B.
(28) FIG. 12A is a schematic representation of one structural feature of a retaining assembly which may be associated with one or more preferred embodiments of the closure assembly of the present invention.
(29) FIG. 12B is a schematic representation of yet another structural feature of the retaining assembly, differing from the structure of FIG. 12A, which may be associated with one or more preferred embodiments of the closure assembly of the present invention.
(30) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(31) As represented throughout the accompanying Figures and with initial reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, the present invention is directed to a closure assembly generally indicated as 10. Further, the closure assembly 10 is structured for use with a corresponding and/or cooperatively structured connector or fitting generally indicated as 100 and shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. Further, the fitting 100 may include a female fitting. In addition, the closure assembly 10 is structured to provide a fluid restricting or sealing connection with a female enteral fitting, of the type more fully described herein. However, it is emphasized that the plurality of embodiments of the closure assembly 10 as represented herein can, with little or no structural modifications, be used to establish a fluid restricting connection with a variety of different fixtures, connectors, etc. which are commonly used in the medical profession.
(32) In more specific terms, one or more preferred embodiments of the closure assembly 10 includes an end cap 12 having an initially attached indicator member 14, which may be in the form of an indicator member ring or similar annular or curvilinear structure. The indicator member 14 is removably connected to an exterior surface 12′ of the cap 12, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3A, but may be movable with the cap 12 within the hollow interior 18 of the housing 16, while it is still attached thereto. As indicated, the closure assembly 10 includes an exterior housing or sleeve 16 having a substantially hollow interior 18 which is dimensioned and configured to receive the end cap 12, with the indicator member 14 connected thereto. Still referring to FIG. 1, the housing 16 includes an access opening 20 which is dimensioned and configured to facilitate passage of the cap 12 there-through. Therefore, the cap 12 can be removed from the interior of the housing 16, such as when connected to a corresponding fitting 100. As represented, the fitting 100 is structured in the form of a female fitting having exterior thread segments 102. Accordingly, attachment of the closure assembly 10 and more specifically the cap 12 is preferably, but not necessarily, accomplished by a threaded connection with the internal threads 103 formed on the interior portions of the cap 12, as clearly represented in FIGS. 6A-6D. As such, relative rotation between the fitting 100 and the cap 12 will facilitate a threaded connection of the thread segments 102 and the interior threads 103. With further reference to FIGS. 6A-6D, the flow sealing or flow restricting relation between the cap 12 and the female fixture 100 is accomplished by the insertion of a plug or like sealing member 105 into the fluid flow path 106 of the fixture 100.
(33) Additional structural features of the housing 16 include a closed end 22 which may be in the form of a bottom end portion. The closed end or bottom end portion 22 may be connected by sealing to the remainder of the body 16 such as by heat seal, sonic welding, etc. In the alternative, the closed end portion 22 may be integrally formed with a remainder of the housing 16. As also represented, the closed end portion 22 is oppositely disposed to the aforementioned access opening 20.
(34) As represented throughout the Figures, and with primary reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, the housing 16 preferably comprises a first segment 17 and a second segment 19 integrally or otherwise fixedly secured to one another. As such, the interiors 17′ and 19′ of the first and second segments 17 and 19 effectively define the hollow interior 18 of the housing. The first and second segments 17 and 19 collectively extend, in co-axial relation to one another, from the closed end 22 to the access opening 20. As also clearly represented in one or more embodiments, the first segment 17, including the hollow interior 17′, extend from an interior of the closed end 22 to an end 17″ adjacent and/or contiguous to the inner end 19″ of the second segment 19. As also represented, an interior junction 21 defines the interconnection or joining of the corresponding ends 17″ and 19″ of the first and second segments 17 and 19.
(35) In addition, the interior 19′ of the second segment 19 extends from its corresponding end 19″ and/or from the junction 21 contiguous to the end 17″, along an axial length thereof to the access opening 20. Accordingly, structural modifications of the housing 16 may also include the axial length of the interior 19′ of the second segment 19 extending along the entirety or at least a majority of the distance between the first segment 17 and the access opening 20. As used herein, the term “axial length” is meant to describe length or “height” of the interior 19′ of the second segment 19 as it relates to the central axis of the coaxially disposed first and second segments 17 and 19. Therefore, and as explained in greater detail hereinafter, the second segment 19 is disposed between the first segment 17 and the access opening 20, thereby preventing the indicator member 14 from entering the hollow interior 19′ of the second segment 19 and passing through or exiting from the access opening 20. This is due to the fact that the interior 19′ of the second segment 19 is dimensioned and configured to prevent entry or passage therethrough of the indicator member 14.
(36) More specifically, and still referring to FIGS. 2A through 2D, the second segment 19 includes an inner diameter of the hollow interior 19′ which is smaller than the interior diameter of the hollow interior 17′ of the first segment 17. Moreover, the dimension of the inner diameter 19′ is smaller than the outer diameter of the indicator member 14 whether or not the indicator member 14 is connected to the exterior surface 12′ of the cap 12. As also represented, the access opening 20 may be structured to have an inner diameter which may substantially correspond or be equal to the inner diameter of the hollow interior 19′ of the second segment 19. However, in different embodiments of the closure assembly 10, the inner dimension of the access opening 20 may vary from that of the interior surface 19′, such as being larger or smaller. In any such structural modifications, the indicator member 14 will still be prevented from exiting the hollow interior 17′ of the first segment 17 due to the fact that the smaller inner diameter of the interior 19′ of the second segment 19 is disposed between the hollow interior 17′ of the first segment 17.
(37) As also represented throughout the Figures and again with primary reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, one or more embodiments of the housing 16 include a stepped, substantially cylindrical outer surface configuration of the exterior surface of the housing 16. Such a stepped configuration may be defined by the outer diameter and/or circumference of the second segment 19 being smaller than that of the first segment 17. However, structural modifications of the housing 16 to be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention may also comprise the outer surface of the housing 16 being absent the aforementioned step configuration. By way of example, the outer dimensions of the first and second segments 17 and 19 may be substantially the same. Therefore, in this structurally modified embodiment (not represented for purposes of clarity) the exterior surface configuration of the housing 16 may be substantially that of a circular hollow cylinder. Further, in such an embodiment the hollow interior 19′ of the second segment 19 would still have a smaller interior dimension, as set forth above, than that of the hollow interior 17′ of the first segment 17. As a result, the indicator 14 would still be captured within the interior 17′, when the indicator is disconnected from the cap 12, as set forth in greater detail hereinafter.
(38) Therefore, upon initial use, the cap 12 having the indicator member 14 connected to an exterior surface 12′ thereof, is disposed within the interior 18 of the housing 16, but is accessible to the fitting 100, through the access opening. It is also of note that the access opening 20 is large enough to allow the cap 12 to pass there through, such as when attached to the fixture 100. However, upon removal of the cap 12, when attached to the fixture 100, the indicator member 14 will abut or will come into disconnecting engagement with the end 19″ and/or the interior junction 21, as represented in FIGS. 2B-2C. As set forth above, the smaller inner diameter of the hollow interior 19′ of the second segment 19, as well as that of inner end 19″ will prevent passage of the indicator 14 into or through the interior 19′ of the second segment 19. As a further result, the indicator 14 will become disconnected from the exterior surface 12′ of the cap 12 and be captured within the hollow interior 17′ of the first segment 17.
(39) It is emphasized that while the structural details of the housing 16, including the first and second segments 17 and 19, are illustrated in detail with primary reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, the other embodiments disclosed in the accompanying Figures may also include a housing 116 structured to include the first and second segments 117 and 119. Further, the first and second segments 117 and 119 of these additional embodiments, as represented throughout the additional Figures, may also include inner dimensions, as set forth above, which prevent the removal or passage of the indicator member 14 through the hollow interior 119′ of the second segment 119. Further by way of example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5D and FIGS. 6A-6D, the housing 116 includes the first and second segments 117 and 119 being fixedly secured to one another but being absent the integral construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D. As such, the second segment 119 may be in the form of a cover or cap structure initially separate from the remainder of the housing 116, including the first segment 117. However, as structured and utilized, the second segment 119 will be fixedly secured to the first segment 117.
(40) Accordingly, one operative feature of the various preferred embodiments of the closure assembly 10 includes an effective indication that the cap 12 has been removed from the interior 18 of the housing 16 for use, such as when attached to a corresponding fixture 100. Further, any attempt to hide the fact that the cap 12 has been removed from the housing 16 will be evident by the inability to reattach the indicator member 14, while captured within the hollow interior 17′, to the exterior 12′ of the cap 12, as explained hereinafter.
(41) With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, the closure assembly 10 is represented in various stages of use. More specifically, the fixture 100 is illustrated in an uninstalled state in FIG. 2A; but as shown in FIG. 2B, it is illustrated in an installed state, i.e., in a connected and ready to use or in use state; FIG. 2C illustrates the cap 12 of the closure assembly 10 as connected to a fixture 100 and removed from the housing 16 in a used state; FIG. 2D shows the cap 12 and attached fixture 100 is used and reinserted in the housing 16. Moreover, once the fixture 100 is connected to the cap 12 as intended and as represented in FIG. 2B, the cap 12 can be removed from the housing 16 through the access opening 20, by passing through the interior 17′ of the second segment 17. Such passage is permissible since the inner diameter of the hollow interior 17′ is a greater than the outer diameter or dimension of the cap 12. Concurrently, the indicator member 14 will be detached from the cap 12 due to interfering, disconnecting engagement of the indicator member 14 with the interior portions of the housing 16, specifically including the inner end 19″ and/or the interior junction 21, as represented in FIG. 2C. Once detached, the indicator member 14 will fall to the bottom of the housing 16 as in FIG. 2C, such as by gravity and be captured within the interior 17′ of the first segment 17, or otherwise be displaced into the represented detached orientation.
(42) Therefore, FIGS. 2A-2C represent the indicator member 14 being first disposed in an attached orientation (FIGS. 2A-2B) and subsequently disposed in a detached orientation (FIGS. 2B-2C). Further, in at least the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D an effective and reliable indication that the indicator member 14 is detached from the cap 12 and captured, but loosely movable within the hollow interior 18 of the housing 16, is its ability to generate an audible sound. More specifically, a manual manipulation or “shaking” of the housing 16 once the cap 12 and connected fixture 100 have been removed from the interior 18, will result in a “rattling” type sound. This provides an effective indication that the indicator member 14 is in the detached orientation and that use or removal of the cap 12 and attachment to fixture 100 has occurred.
(43) Moreover, an attempted reinsertion of the cap 12 and connected fitting 100 into the interior 18 (FIG. 2D), will fail to establish a reconnection between the indicator member 14 and the cap 12. Accordingly, manipulation or shaking of the housing 16 will still generate an audible sound clearly indicating that the indicator member 14 is in its detached orientation.
(44) As generally described, one structural and operative feature of the closure assembly 10, in one or more preferred embodiments, includes the indicator member 14 being detachable from the exterior surface 12′ of the cap 12. As also indicated, this detachment of the indicator member 14 will occur substantially concurrent to the removal of the cap 12 from the interior 18 of the housing 16, such as through the access opening 20. Therefore, the removable connection of the indicator member 14 to the exterior of the cap 12 can be accomplished by at least one frangible tab 28. In certain practical applications, it may be preferred to include a plurality of frangible tabs 28 disposed in spaced relation to one another about the outer surface 12′ of the cap 12. More specific structural details of each of the one or more frangible tabs 28 is represented in detail in FIGS. 3-3A. As disclosed, each of the one or more frangible tabs 28 is disposed in interconnecting relation between the interior surface 14′ of the indicator member ring or indicator member 14 and the exterior surface 12′ of the cap 12.
(45) Further, each of the one or more tabs 28 is structured to accomplish a predetermined, substantially precise “breakage” along the length thereof. The predetermined breakage is schematically indicated as 15 in FIG. 3 and is located in spaced relation to both the inner surface 14′ of the indicator member 14 and the outer surface 12′ of the cap 12, as shown in FIG. 3A. Therefore, the predetermined breakage 15 will occur at some point along the length of the one or more tabs 28 close to, but spaced from, the outer surface 12′ of the cap 12. As a result, and as clearly represented in FIGS. 2C and 2D, and in detail in FIGS. 3-3A, tab segments 30 and 32 will be formed on the exterior surface 12′ of the cap 12 and on the interior surface 14′ of the indicator member or ring 14, respectively. In addition, at least one but preferably, each of the outer faces 30′ and 32′ of the tab segments 30 and 32 will have a substantially curvilinear configuration or other appropriate shape. As such, the outer faces 30′ and 32′ are shaped to substantially eliminate or significantly reduce the possibility of reconnection between the tab segments 30, 32 in the event the cap 12 is reinserted within the interior 18 (FIG. 2-D) in an effort to hide tampering or prior use. As a result, upon detachment of the indicator member 14 from the exterior surface 12′ of the cap 12, the presence of the tab segments 30 and 32 and the shape of the respective outer faces 30′ and 32′ will assure that the indicator member 14 will not be “hung-up” or even temporarily reconnected, if there is an attempted reinsertion of the cap 12 into the housing 16, once the indicator member 14 has been detached.
(46) Another preferred embodiment of the closure assembly 10 is represented in FIG. 4, FIGS. 5A-5D and FIGS. 6A-6D. With initial reference to FIGS. 5A-5D, the operative features thereof are the same as described with FIGS. 2A-2D. As such, the fixture 100 is disposed in an uninstalled state in FIGS. 2A and 5A; in and installed state in FIGS. 2B and 5B; in a connected and used state in FIGS. 2C and 5C and in a used and reinserted state in FIGS. 2D and 5D. The closure assembly 10 of FIG. 4 includes a housing or sleeve 116 having a hollow interior 18 and a first segment 117 and a second segment 119. In addition, the closure assembly 10 in this preferred embodiment, as well as one or more of the additional preferred embodiments includes a drive assembly 40. It is of note that the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 4, include the drive assembly 40 being substantially “centrally located” inwardly of corresponding sidewalls of the housing 116 and cap 12. Also, the drive assembly 40 includes two drive segments each connected to a different one of the interior surface of the bottom member 22 as well as to a corresponding interior, central portion of the cap 12 (not shown), to be described in greater detail hereinafter.
(47) Distinguishing structural features between the closure assemblies 10 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 include the presence of a viewing structure 42 formed in or integrated with the housing 116, such as in the sidewall thereof as represented in FIG. 4. The viewing structure 42 may be in the form of a viewing port or window 44. In the alternative, or in combination with the viewing port 44, a portion and or substantially the entirety of the housing 116, such as a sidewall portion 44′, may be formed from a substantially transparent material. As used herein the term “substantially transparent” is meant to include a transparent and/or translucent material or any other material which allows sufficient light passage or clarity to facilitate viewing into the interior 18 of the housing 116. Such interior viewing will allow an observer to obtain a visual observance of one or more components disposed therein, as will also be explained hereinafter. For purposes of visually distinguishing the various components of the closure assembly 10 from one another, one or more of the interior components specifically including, but not limited to, the indicator member 14 are structured to include an “identifier”. Such identifier may be in the form of a color coding, indicia, distinguishing markings, surface texture, or other visually distinguishing structures.
(48) By way of example, the selected identifier may be in the form of “color coding”, wherein one or more distinguishing colors are incorporated in the various components of the closure assembly 10. More specifically, the identifier may be incorporated in the indicator member or ring 14 and include a bright or vibrant distinguishing color. In turn, other interior components or portions of the housing 116, such as a shield 48 (FIGS. 6A-6D and FIGS. 7-7A) and/or the exterior surface 12′ of the cap 12 may each be structured to include a distinguishing color which differ from one another. By virtue of such color coding, an observer can clearly determine whether the indicator member 14 is in the attached orientation, as represented in FIGS. 5A-5B and FIGS. 6A-6B or in a detached orientation as represented in FIGS. 5C-5D and FIGS. 6C-6D. More specifically, an observer will be able to determine whether the indicator member 14 is in the attached orientation or the detached orientation by the color appearing in the viewing port 44 or the color being observed through the transparent portion 44′, as represented in FIGS. 5C-5D. Similarly, if the color being visually observed in the viewing port 44 and/or transparent portion 44′ is not the assigned color of the indicator member, the observer will realize at the indicator member is in the attached orientation as represented in FIGS. 5A-5B and FIGS. 6A-6B. Such visual observance of the indicator member 14 or other components within the interior 18 of the housing 116 is a result of the indicator member 14 not being aligned with the window 44 and/or the transparent section 44′ when in the attached orientation as clearly represented in FIG. 6A-6B. Instead, the viewing port 44 and/or transparent portion 44′ may be aligned for visual observance of a shield 48 or like structure (FIGS. 6A-6D).
(49) Therefore, the presence of an identifier such as in the form of “color coding” will enhance an observer's visual observation due to the fact that the shield 48 will be one distinguishing color and the indicator member 14 will be a different distinguishing color. As such, viewing of the interior 18 of the housing 116, when indicator member is in the detached orientation, as represented in FIGS. 5C-5D, occurs when the indicator member 14 is detached from the exterior 12′ of the cap 12 and drops or falls down into the space generally indicated as 49, (see FIG. 7A) in front of the shield 48. Any attempt to reinsert the cap 12 into the interior of the housing 116, for purposes of hiding any attempted tampering will still allow an observer to have a visual observance of the indicator member 14 in in front of the shield 48, within space 49 and in alignment with the viewing port 44 and or transparent portion 44′.
(50) FIGS. 12A-12B disclose a structural and operative modification of the embodiment of FIG. 4 which includes a retaining structure, or assembly generally indicated as 52. The retaining assembly 52 may be used to engage and maintain the indicator member 14 in alignment with the window 44 and/or transparent portion 44′. Therefore, upon removal of the cap 12 and detachment of the indicator member 14 there from, a preloaded or inherently biased segment 53 may engage the indicator member 14. Such engagement will force or maintain the indicator member 14 in aligned relation with the viewing port 44 and/or transparent portion 44′. Somewhat similarly, in the embodiment of FIG. 12B, the retaining member 54 is disposed and structured to receive and retain the indicator member 14, upon it being detached from the cap 12. More precisely, as the cap 12 is raised through the access opening 20 of the housing 116, the indicator member 14 will move with the cap 12 into engagement with the retaining member 54. Upon a completed detachment of the indicator member 14 from the exterior surface 12′, the indicator member 14 will be forced into engagement with the retaining member 54 in its detached orientation. When so disposed, the indicator member 14 will be in alignment with the viewing port 44 and/or transparent portion 44′. An observer will thereby be provided a clear visual observance of the retained indicator member 14. It is again emphasized that in the embodiment of FIGS. 12A-12B, the identifier, such as but not limited to a color coding, may be associated with the indicator member 14 and/or the remaining components within the interior 18 of the housing 116.
(51) As noted above, the viewing structure 42 being in the form of the viewing port or window 44 can be used in combination with or separately from the transparent portion 44′ of the sidewall of the housing 116. At least one additional option would be the ability to observe “extended color indication”, through a transparent portion 44′ of the housing 116. As such, the closed end 22 of the cap 12 could include a distinguishing color. The indicator member or ring 14 could be the same or other, possibly complementary, distinguishing color. However, in this additional option, before the indicator member is detached from the cap 12 it will be in the attached orientation. The attached orientation of the indicator member 14 will not be initially viewable through the transparent portion 44′. Such non-observance could be the result of the indicator member 14 being positioned behind the shield like structure 48, such as in a space 49′, rather than being in the space 49 in front thereof, as represented in FIG. 7A. However, when the indicator member 14 is in a detached orientation, because of a removal of the cap 12 and fixture 100 from the housing 116, it would be lifted out of the space 49′ and disposed in visual observance through the substantially transparent portion 44′. Due to the fact that the indicator member 14 and the lower end portion 22 of the housing 116 would then be concurrently viewable through the transparent portion 44′, both the color of the indicator member 14 and the lower end portion 22 would be exposed. This would result in a concurrent visual observance of the colors of the bottom and portion 22 and indicator member 14 or an “extended color indication”. This, in turn, would be indicative that the cap 12 and fixator 100 had been removed and possibly used.
(52) Accordingly, the use of an appropriate and visually distinguishable “identifier” being incorporated in the structure of the indicator member 14 and other components of the closure assembly 10 provide a reliable indication of prior use and possible tampering. It is further emphasized that the indicator member 14 may be indicative of prior use and/or tampering when it is disposed in either the attached orientation or the detached orientation. It is further emphasized that the structural and operative features of at least the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 8 may be structurally arranged or modified such that the indicator member 14 may provide a visual indication of the indicator member 14 being in an attached orientation or the detached orientation by it being visible or not being visible, through the viewing structure 42.
(53) Yet another preferred embodiment of the closure assembly 10 is represented in an unassembled state in FIG. 8. Structural and operative details of the closure assembly 10 of FIG. 8 are further represented in FIGS. 9A-9D; FIGS. 10A-10B and FIGS. 11A-11B. It is to be noted that the FIGS. 9A-9D are operatively similar to what is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D and FIGS. 5A-5D, at least in terms of being in an uninstalled state in FIG. 9A; and in an installed state as in FIG. 9B; in a used state as in FIG. 9C and in a used and reinserted state, as in FIG. 9D. Therefore, the closure assembly 10 of FIG. 8 includes a housing 116 having a closed bottom or end portion 22 defining a hollow interior 18 with an access opening 20. Further, a cap 12 structured to be connected in flow restricting relation to a fitting 100 includes an indicator member or ring 14 removably connected to the exterior thereof by one or more frangible tabs 32 as described in detail above. In addition, the housing 116 may also include a viewing structure 42 in the form of a viewing port or window 44 and/or a transparent portion 44′ as also described above.
(54) Distinguishing features of the preferred embodiment of the closure assembly 10 of FIG. 8 are represented in detail in FIGS. 10A-10B and FIGS. 11A-11B. More specifically, the closure assembly 10 of FIG. 8 includes a drive assembly 140 which is structured to define a concurrent single direction, driven rotation of the cap 12 and a housing 116. Therefore, attempted rotation of the housing 116 in a predetermined first direction, such as a clockwise direction, which may establish a threaded connection with the fixture 100, will result in the concurrent rotation of the housing and the cap 12 with one another. However, rotation in a second or opposite direction to the aforementioned first direction will result in a “slippage” and/or relative movement between the housing 116 and cap 12. Such an opposite, possibly counterclockwise rotation, may be attempted when one tries to remove the cap 12 from the fixture 100 by unscrewing the cap 12.
(55) Therefore, the drive assembly 140 comprises and may be accurately described as an exteriorly located “ramp and cliff” drive structure. As should be apparent, the exterior location of the drive assembly 140 is distinguishable from the central location of the “ramp and cliff” drive assembly 40 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 4. With primary reference to FIGS. 10A-10B and FIGS. 11A-11B, the exterior ramp and cliff drive structure 140 comprises a first drive component 142, mounted on an open ended side wall or skirt 119, preferably at a lower end of the sidewall of the cap 12. Even more specifically, the first drive component comprises a series of “ramps” 142′ and one or more “cliffs” 142″ collectively extending about a circumferential edge or peripheral perimeter of a lower end or other appropriate portion of the skirt or sidewall 119 of the cap 12. In cooperation therewith, the exterior ramp and cliff drive assembly 140 also includes a second drive component 144 formed on an inner surface of the housing 116 and preferably on an inner, end surface of the bottom end member 22. The second drive component 144 also includes a plurality of “ramps” 144′ and a plurality of “cliffs” 144″ collectively disposed in a circular, curvilinear or other continuous configuration corresponding to the circumferential edge or periphery of the skirt or sidewall 119 of the cap 12 on which the first drive segment 142 is formed. In addition, the second drive segment 144 may be disposed in a recessed location within a channel 146 defined by a circular or curvilinear ledge or like structure 148.
(56) As set forth above with regard to FIGS. 10A-10B, disposition of the cap 12 within the interior 18 of the housing 116, prior to connection with the fitting 100, will result in a movable, sliding, mating engagement between the first and second drive segments 142 and 144, when the housing is rotated in a predetermined second direction. Due to the operative nature of the ramp and cliff structure of each of the drive segments 142 and 144, rotation of the housing 116 in a predetermined first direction, such as a clockwise direction, will result in a concurrent rotation of the cap 12. Such concurrent rotation in the first predetermined or clockwise direction will be due to an abutting engagement with corresponding cliff segments 142″ and 144″. However, rotation of the housing in an opposite or counterclockwise direction will result in a relative movement or slippage between the housing 116 and the cap 12, as set forth above, due to a non-abutting confrontation between the cliff segments 142″ and 144″ and a sliding engagement between the ramps segments 142′ and 144′.
(57) Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
(58) Now that the invention has been described,
