Tamper Evident Container

Abstract

A tamper evident device, comprising: a container; a valve; and a cap; wherein both the valve and the cap may each have a tamper evident device. The cap and the valve are configured to matingly engage in a closed and open position, such that any excess liquid is recaptured and directed back into the container. The tamper evident devices may be rings and frangible bridges that snap or break when the device is tampered with or opened.

Claims

1. A tamper evident device, comprising: a container; a valve; and a cap; wherein said container comprises a shoulder and a neck, wherein said shoulder is just below said neck; wherein said valve comprises a collar, a valve body, one or more valve frangible bridges, and a valve stem; wherein said valve is configured to removeably engage with said container; wherein said cap comprises a ring, an intermediate body, one or more cap frangible bridges and a top opening; wherein said cap is configured to moveably engage with said valve, such that there is an open configuration, in which said valve stem blocks said top opening, and a closed configuration, in which said valve stem is unengaged from said top opening; wherein said cap, said valve, and said bottle are substantially hollow and are configured to contain and deliver a liquid; wherein said one or more valve frangible bridges interconnect said valve body and said collar, and wherein said one or more valve frangible bridges are configured to break, such that said collar is partially or completely removed from said valve body; and wherein said one or more cap frangible bridges interconnect said intermediate body and said ring, and wherein said one or more cap frangible bridges are configured to break, such that said ring is partially or completely removed from said intermediate body.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a cap interior space is formed between a top of said valve and an interior surface of said cap, such that any excess of said liquid is captured and directed back through said valve and into said container.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said cap further comprises an internal cap thread; wherein said valve comprises an internal valve thread and an external valve thread; wherein said container comprises a medial thread; wherein said internal cap thread is configured to matingly engage with said external valve thread; and wherein said internal valve thread is configured to matingly engage with said medial thread.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein an exterior of said intermediate body is knurled.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein an exterior of said valve body is knurled.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein said valve stem comprises one or more support struts, wherein said support struts are spaced apart around a top valve opening.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said valve stem further comprises a closure tip, wherein said closure tip is configured to matingly engage with said opening of said cap when in said closed configuration.

8. A tamper evident device, comprising: a container; a valve; and a cap; wherein said container comprises a shoulder and a neck, wherein said shoulder is just below said neck; wherein said valve comprises a collar, a valve body, and one or more valve frangible bridges; wherein said valve is configured to removeably engage with said container; wherein said cap comprises a ring, an intermediate body, and one or more cap frangible bridges; wherein said cap is configured to moveably engage with said valve, such that there is an open configuration, and a closed configuration; wherein said one or more valve frangible bridges interconnect said valve body and said collar, and wherein said one or more valve frangible bridges are configured to break, such that said collar is partially or completely removed from said valve body; and wherein said one or more cap frangible bridges interconnect said intermediate body and said ring, and wherein said one or more cap frangible bridges are configured to break, such that said ring is partially or completely removed from said intermediate body.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein a cap interior space is formed between a top of said valve and an interior surface of said cap, such that any excess of a liquid is captured and directed back through said valve and into said container.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein said valve further comprises a valve stem and wherein said cap further comprises a top opening.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said valve stem is configured to block said top opening in said closed configuration.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein said cap, said valve, and said bottle are substantially hollow and are configured to contain and deliver said liquid.

13. The device of claim 9, wherein said cap further comprises an internal cap thread; wherein said valve comprises an internal valve thread and an external valve thread; wherein said container comprises a medial thread; wherein said internal cap thread is configured to matingly engage with said external valve thread; and wherein said internal valve thread is configured to matingly engage with said medial thread.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein an exterior of said intermediate body is knurled.

15. The device of claim 9, wherein an exterior of said valve body is knurled.

16. The device of claim 11, wherein said valve stem comprises one or more support struts, wherein said support struts are spaced apart around a top valve opening.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein said valve stem further comprises a closure tip, wherein said closure tip is configured to matingly engage with said opening of said cap when in said closed configuration.

18. A tamper evident device, comprising: a container; a valve; and a cap; wherein said container comprises a shoulder and a neck, wherein said shoulder is just below said neck; wherein said valve comprises a collar, a valve body, one or more valve frangible bridges, and a valve stem; wherein said valve is configured to removeably engage with said container; wherein said cap comprises a ring, an intermediate body, one or more cap frangible bridges and a top opening; wherein said cap is configured to moveably engage with said valve, such that there is an open configuration, in which said valve stem blocks said top opening, and a closed configuration, in which said valve stem is unengaged from said top opening; wherein said cap, said valve, and said bottle are substantially hollow and are configured to contain and deliver a liquid; wherein said one or more valve frangible bridges interconnect said valve body and said collar, and wherein said one or more valve frangible bridges are configured to break when said valve is removed from said bottle, such that said collar is partially or completely removed from said valve body; wherein said one or more cap frangible bridges interconnect said intermediate body and said ring, and wherein said one or more cap frangible bridges are configured to break when said device is first put in said open configuration, such that said ring is partially or completely removed from said intermediate body; wherein a cap interior space is formed between a top of said valve and an interior surface of said cap, such that any excess of said liquid is captured and directed back through said valve and into said container; wherein said cap further comprises an internal cap thread; wherein said valve comprises an internal valve thread and an external valve thread; wherein said container comprises a medial thread; wherein said internal cap thread is configured to matingly engage with said external valve thread; and wherein said internal valve thread is configured to matingly engage with said medial thread;

19. The device of claim 18, wherein an exterior of said intermediate body is knurled, wherein an exterior of said valve body is knurled.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein said valve stem comprises one or more support struts, wherein said support struts are spaced apart around a top valve opening; wherein said valve stem further comprises a closure tip, wherein said closure tip is configured to matingly engage with said opening of said cap when in said closed configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps, which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exploded view of one embodiment of the tamper evident device.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of a cap.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the device in a closed configuration.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the device that shows the valve and cap in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In the following detailed description of various embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the embodiments. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0019] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still others will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the graphs, figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

[0020] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, in one embodiment, an object that is “substantially” located within a housing would mean that the object is either completely within a housing or nearly completely within a housing. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is also equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result.

[0021] As used herein, the terms “approximately” and “about” generally refer to a deviance of within 5% of the indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term “approximately” and “about,” may refer to a deviance of between 0.0001-10% from the indicated number or range of numbers.

[0022] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are signified both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0023] “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0024] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps. “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

[0025] Disclosed are components that may be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all embodiments of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that may be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps may be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0026] The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

[0027] Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing these embodiments. It is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0028] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term “frangible bridge” generally refers to breakable link between two different structures that is configured to visibly show when the two different structures have been separated. Although the frangible bridges are preferably a type of plastic that has been weakened at one or more points, they may be a softer type of metal or natural fiber material.

[0029] The term “knurled” refers to a surface that has ridges, knots, or nodules, and/or some other type of grip or grip pattern.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of tamper evident devices, systems, and methods. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to dual tamper evident device and system that may recapture excess liquid.

[0031] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exploded view of one embodiment of the tamper evident device. As shown in FIG. 1, the device 10 may comprise a container 12, valve 20 and cap 30. As shown, container 12 is preferably a bottle that may comprise a main body 14, a shoulder 16, and neck 15, which may have medial threads 18. The container may preferably have an opening 100 at the neck 15, through which a substance, such as a liquid, fluid, or powder, may be put into or removed. The valve 20 may preferably be configured to threadably engage with, or otherwise releaseably or removeably connect to, the neck 15 of the container 12.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the valve may comprise a collar (or ring) 22, which is connected to the main body 21 of the valve 20 via one or more frangible bridges 26. The valve may have a knurled portion 24, which may be gripping or ridges that allow a user to more easily turn, grip, or hold the valve 20. The valve may comprise reduced circumference portions 28 and 32, which provide for a gradual or step reduction in the circumference of the valve 20. The valve may have external threads 34, which may be configured to matingly engage with the internal threads of the cap 30. A top portion of the valve 20 may comprise a rim 38, valve stem 36, one or more support struts 40, and closure tip 42. The support struts 40 are preferably ringed intermittently around a top valve opening 500.

[0033] The cap 30 may comprise a ring (or collar) 44, frangible bridges 52, intermediate body 46, conical top 48, opening 50, and knurled portion 54. The knurled portion is preferably gripping or ridges that make it easier for a user to turn, grip, or hold the cap 30.

[0034] With more particularity, the container or bottle 12 may include a body 14 and a reduced diameter neck 15, which may be integral with and extending upwardly from the top of the container 12. The container 12 may have a shoulder 16 formed at the junction between the neck 15 and the body 14 of the container 12. The neck 15 may have a medial thread 18. The container 12 may have an open interior in which may be removably stored any suitable liquid or fluid such as tattoo ink or the like.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of a cap. As shown in FIG. 2, the cap 30 may comprise a ring 44, a knurled intermediate body 46, and a conical top 48. The conical top 48 may comprise an aperture or opening 50, through which the valve stem 36 closure tip 42 may be in registry and project therethrough to regulate the opening and closing of the container 12. The ring 44, as shown, may be interconnected to the intermediate body 46 by one or more frangible bridges 52.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the ring 44 preferably has a diameter larger than the intermediate body portion 46, which may be knurled 54 to permit easy rotation thereof. As shown, the cap may have an internal thread 56 that is configured to matingly engage with the threads 34 on the valve body 21 to permit sealing inter engagement therebetween. Counterclockwise rotation of the cap 30 causes the cap 30 to move upward and withdraw from the valve stem 36, which causes the closure tip 42 to be removed from blocking opening 50. Clockwise rotation of the cap 30 causes the cap 30 to move down with respect to the valve stem 36 and to cause the closure tip 42 to seat in and seal off the opening 50. It is to be appreciated that when the cap 30 is rotated counterclockwise for the first time, the bridges 52 break away from the ring 44, permitting the ring 44 to completely, or at least partially, disengage from the cap 30, thereby clearly showing disruption, opening, or tampering of the device 10.

[0037] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a perspective view of one embodiment of a valve. The valve 20 may include a valve body 21. The valve 20 may be a hollow, generally cylindrical, member that may be in fluid communication with the interior of the container 12. The valve 20 may include a collar or ring 22, which, as shown, when rotatably engaged or otherwise in abutment with the shoulder 16 of the container 12, creates a first seal between the container 12 and the valve 20. A portion of the exterior of the valve 20 may have a knurled and reduced diameter portion 24.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the one or more frangible bridges 26 may be circumferentially disposed and may span the distance between the knurled portion 24 and the collar or ring 22. The bridges 26 may be frangible or breakable and which, when the knurled reduced diameter portion 24 is rotated counterclockwise when initially opening the bottle, they break away from the collar 22 and thereby disengage the collar from the valve body 21. The combination of the collar 22 and the bridges 26 cooperate and interact to define a first visible device or mechanism for evidencing tampering. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the collar 22 has a diameter greater than that of valve body 21 and knurled portion 24. As such, as the frangible bridges break away from the collar 22, the collar 22 is completely, or at least partially, disconnected from the valve body 21, thereby clearly showing disruption, opening, or tampering of the device 10.

[0039] FIG. 3 also shows that the valve 20 has a third reduced diameter portion 28 that generally defines a stop or shoulder for the bottle cap 30. The valve 20 may further include a fourth reduced diameter section 32, which may comprise a circumferential external thread 34 that may be formed therearound, which permits threaded inter-engagement between the cap 30 and the valve 20. As shown, the reduced diameter section 32 may comprise a circumferential top rim 38. A valve stem 36, which is on top of one or more support struts 40 are shown that upwardly project from the top of the reduced diameter section 32. The valve stem 36 may be topped with a closure tip 42 that may be used to provide the mechanism for opening and closing access to opening 50 formed in the cap 30.

[0040] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the device. As shown in FIG. 4, when device 10 is assembled, the lower end of the cap 30 seats against or abuts the shoulder of portion 28 of the valve 20, which creates a seal between the cap 30 and the valve 20. As shown, the interior of the cap 30 is in fluid communication with the valve 20, which, in turn, is in fluid communication with the container 12. When the cap 30 is moved up with respect to valve 20, the rim 38 of the valve forms a tight seal with the interior of the cap 30, such that a cap interior space 58 is created that contains any excess fluid that does not exit the device 10 when the opening 50 is not blocked by the closure tip 42. The support struts 40 are preferably ringed intermittently around a top valve opening 500, which allows liquid to pass through as it travels from the cap interior space 58 down into the container 12, or as it travels from the container 12, through cap interior space 58 and out through opening 50. The liquid is prevented by the rim 38 from passing down between an exterior side of the valve 20 and an interior side of the cap 30. In this manner, any excess fluid that accumulated in the cap interior space 58 that exists between the cap 30 and the valve stem 36 is returned to the bottle 12 through the valve 20.

[0041] By providing the two frangible bridges 26, 52 that are connected to collar 22 and ring 44, two visible tamper evident structures are provided, both of which may inform the user that the device 10 has been opened, used, or tampered with. Furthermore, the cap 30, by including a threaded engagement with the valve 20, enables vertical movement of the cap, both up and down, in a smooth manner, which may prevent the excess liquid from squirting out of opening 50 as the cap 30 is put in a closed configuration. Other up and down mechanisms or devices may be used, such as a friction snap and the like.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows that the shoulder 16 of the container 12 may engage with a protrusion 422 that is on an inner side of the collar 22, such that if or when the valve is turned in a direction that causes it to be removed from the container 12, which is usually counterclockwise, the shoulder 16 prevents the collar 22 from traveling upward with the rest of the valve 20. This causes the frangible bridges 26 to break and the collar 22 is partially or completely disassociated from the valve 20. In this manner the user can clearly and visibly see when the valve 20 has been moved with respect to the container 12.

[0043] Similarly, lip or protrusion 400 may engage with ring 44 such that ring 44 is prevented from traveling upward with the rest of cap 30 when the cap is first opened. This causes the frangible bridges 52 to break and the ring 44 is partially or completely disassociated from the valve 20. In this manner the user can clearly and visibly see when the cap 30 has been opened with respect to the valve 20.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows that the valve 20 may have internal threads that are configured to matingly engage with medial threads 18 of the container 12.

[0045] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross-section view of one embodiment of the device that shows the valve and cap in an open configuration. As shown in FIG. 5, the device may comprise a container 12, a valve 20, and a cap 30. The cap 30 has been moved up with respect to the valve 20, such that the closure tip 42 of the valve stem 36 is no longer blocking the opening 50. As shown, the rim 38 is sealingly engaged with an interior surface of the cap 30, such that any excess liquid may be substantially contained with the cap interior space 58.

[0046] FIG. 5 also shows that as the cap 30 was moved upward the frangible bridges 52 have broken and are no longer connecting the ring 44 to the intermediate body 46 of the cap. This shows how easy it is to see that the cap 30 has been removed or tampered with.

[0047] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications, which set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range, which is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0048] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes the illustrative embodiments. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more additional embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection is not limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

[0049] Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.