TAMPER EVIDENT CAP FOR AN AEROSOL CAN
20250108961 ยท 2025-04-03
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D41/46
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
Described herein is a tamper evident cap for an aerosol can. The tamper evident cap includes a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can. The tamper evident cap includes a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, where each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, where each tab of the pair of tabs is at least partially removable from the sidewall.
Claims
1. A tamper evident cap configured to engage with an aerosol can, the tamper evident cap comprising: a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity; a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can; and a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is at least partially removable from the sidewall.
2. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1, wherein the pair of tabs are removable from the sidewall without the use of a tool.
3. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1, wherein each tab and the corresponding pad define a gap therebetween, wherein the gap is sized to fit at least a portion of a user's finger.
4. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs further defines a frangible section positioned between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is removable from the sidewall along the frangible section.
5. The tamper evident cap according to claim 4, wherein each tab and the corresponding pad define a gap that opens relative to a first edge of each of the tab and the corresponding pad, wherein the frangible section of each tab is positioned relative to a second edge of the tab.
6. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1 further comprising a ring mechanism positioned relative to the inner cavity and between the pair of opposing pads, wherein the ring mechanism is configured to removably engage with the aerosol can, the ring mechanism defines at least one retention element configured to removably engage with the aerosol can, wherein the opposing pads are coupled to the at least one retention element, either directly or indirectly, and configured to release the at least one retention element from the aerosol can.
7. The tamper evident cap according to claim 1, wherein each tab defines a quadrilateral shape, wherein three of the four edges defines a frangible section between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is removable from the sidewall along the frangible sections.
8. An aerosol can assembly, comprising: an aerosol can comprising a body and a spray nozzle, the body defining a collar positioned relative to the spray nozzle; and a tamper evident cap configured to removably engage with the aerosol can, the tamper evident cap comprising: a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity; a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and coupled to a ring mechanism, the ring mechanism positioned relative to the inner cavity and between the pair of opposing pads, wherein the ring mechanism is configured to removably engage with at least the collar of the aerosol can; and a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is at least partially removable from the sidewall.
9. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein the pair of tabs of the tamper evident cap are removable from the sidewall without the use of a tool.
10. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein each tab and the corresponding pad of the tamper evident cap define a gap therebetween, wherein the gap is sized to fit at least a portion of a user's finger.
11. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs of the tamper evident cap further defines a frangible section positioned between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is removable from the tamper evident cap along the frangible section.
12. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 11, wherein each tab and the corresponding pad of the tamper evident cap define a gap that opens relative to a first edge of each of the tab and the corresponding pad, wherein the frangible section of each tab is positioned relative to a second edge of the tab.
13. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein the ring mechanism of the tamper evident cap defines at least one retention element configured to removably engage with the collar of the aerosol can, wherein the opposing pads are coupled to the at least one retention element, either directly or indirectly, and configured to release the at least one retention element from the collar of the aerosol can.
14. The aerosol can assembly according to claim 8, wherein the tamper evident cap defines a first opening in at least the sidewall and a second opposing opening in at least the sidewall, the first and second openings each provide access to a corresponding pad of the pair of pads, and each tab of the pair of tabs is removably attached relative one of the first and second openings so as to restrict access to the corresponding pad of the pair of pads, and a plurality of frangible sections are positioned between each tab and the sidewall, such that each tab of the pair of tabs is removable from the tamper evident cap along the plurality of frangible sections.
15. A method of unpackaging an aerosol can assembly, wherein the aerosol can assembly comprises an aerosol can and a tamper evident cap configured to removably engage with the aerosol can; the aerosol can comprising a body and a spray nozzle; and the tamper evident cap comprising a sidewall and a top surface, the sidewall and the top surface define an inner cavity, a pair of opposing pads movably positioned relative to the sidewall and configured to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can, a pair of tabs positioned relative to the sidewall and outward relative to the pair of opposing pads, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is positioned to restrict engagement with a corresponding pad of the pair of opposing pads, each tab and the corresponding pad define a gap that opens relative to a first edge of each of the tab and the corresponding pad, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs defines a frangible section positioned relative to a second edge of the tab and positioned between each tab and the sidewall, and wherein each tab is at least partially removable from the sidewall; the method comprising: introducing at least a portion of a finger into the gap between each tab of the pair of tabs and the corresponding pad of the pair of pads; prying each tab in a direction away from the sidewall of the tamper evident cap so as to begin tearing along the frangible section of each tab; removing each tab from the tamper evident cap to expose the corresponding pad of the pair of pads; and pressing the pair of pads to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs comprises a plurality of frangible sections positioned between each tab and the sidewall, such that each tab of the pair of tabs is removable from the tamper evident cap along the plurality of frangible sections.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the pair of tabs of the tamper evident cap are removable from the sidewall without the use of a tool.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein each tab of the pair of tabs is not reattachable to the tamper evident cap once removed.
19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the tamper evident cap is configured to reengage with the aerosol can to cover at least the spray nozzle.
20. The method according to claim 15, wherein each tab defines a quadrilateral shape, wherein three of the four edges defines the frangible section between each tab and the sidewall, wherein each tab is removable from the sidewall along the frangible sections.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The following figures are examples of a tamper evident cap for an aerosol can in accordance with the present disclosure and are not to be construed as limiting.
[0009] Various example embodiments may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description and in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Described herein is a tamper evident cap for an aerosol can, which collectively may be referred to as an aerosol can assembly. The tamper evident cap may be used to notify a consumer that the aerosol can assembly was tampered with. Moreover, the tamper evident cap may function as a deterrent to using the aerosol can before the aerosol can assembly was purchased and/or removed from a store.
[0024] While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention of the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure including aspects defined in the claims.
[0025] Referring to
[0026] The tamper evident cap 12 defines a sidewall 14 and a top surface 16. The sidewall 14 and the top surface 16 may be directly or indirectly connected. As depicted, the sidewall 14 of the tamper evident cap 12 may define a cylindrical shape and the top 16 surface may extend perpendicularly relative to the sidewall 14 to define an inner cavity 13 (see, e.g.,
[0027] The tamper evident cap 12 defines various features positioned relative to the inner cavity 13, for example, within the inner cavity 13 and/or in close proximity thereto. At least some of the features are configured to interface, either directly or indirectly, with the aerosol can 52. Referring to
[0028] For example, the movable pads 18 are directly or indirectly connected to a ring mechanism 27. The ring mechanism 27 is configured to engage with the aerosol can 52, either directly or indirectly. The ring mechanism 27 defines a radiused element 28, a retention element 32, and a stopping guide 36. The ring mechanism is configured to at least partially surround the spray nozzle of the aerosol can.
[0029] The radiused element 28 of the ring mechanism 27 is coupled to at least one of the movable pads 18, either directly or indirectly. As depicted, the ring mechanism 27 of the tamper evident cap 12 may include two radiused elements 28, each coupled to one of the movable pads 18, cither directly or indirectly. The ring mechanism 27 of the tamper evident cap 12 may define a similar number of radiused elements 28 as the number of the movable pads 18. The radiused element 28 is coupled to each movable pad by a web 30. The web 30 may be integrated with the tamper evident cap 12 or may be a separate element.
[0030] The radiused element 28 is coupled to a retention element 32, either directly or indirectly. The tamper evident cap 12 may include two retention elements 32 and each may be positioned between each of the movable pads 18. The ring mechanism 27 of the tamper evident cap 12 may include two retention elements 32 positioned relative to an inner surface 29 of the ring mechanism 27. For example, the two retention elements 32 may be positioned between each of the radiused elements 28 and coupled thereto. Thus, movement of the radiused elements 28 may correspondingly move the retention elements 32. For example, movement of the radiused elements 28 inwards (e.g., towards the center of the tamper evident cap 12) may correspondingly move the retention elements 32 outwards (e.g., away from the center of the tamper evident cap 12).
[0031] The tamper evident cap 12 may further include a ring mechanism stop 36 positioned relative to an inner surface 29 of the ring mechanism 27. The tamper evident cap 12 may further include a sidewall stop 34 positioned relative to an inner surface 15 of the sidewall 14. The sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 are sized to allow the retention elements 32 to interface with a feature/element of the aerosol can 52. The sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 may be positioned to engage with a feature/element of the aerosol can 52. Alternatively, the sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 may be positioned such that when the tamper evident cap 12 is mounted relative to the aerosol can 52, the sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 are positioned a distance from a feature/element of the aerosol can 52. Alternatively, the sidewall stop 34 and the ring mechanism stop 36 may be positioned based on a combination of the two preceding configurations. For example, referring to
[0032] A tab 20 is positioned in proximity to the movable pad 18 such that at least a portion of the movable pad 18 is shielded by the tab 20. The tab 20 may be a removable tab, a partially removable tab, a flexible tab, a deformable tab, a partially deformable tab, and combinations thereof. Referring to the figures, for example
[0033] Referring to
[0034] In operation, referring to
[0035] Turning to
[0036] Once the tabs 20 are removed, as outlined above, the movable pads 18 are accessible, as shown in
[0037] Turning to
[0038] The method 600 includes introducing 602 at least a portion of a finger into the gap between each tab of the pair of tabs and the corresponding pad of the pair of pads. Each tab is pried 604 in a direction away from the sidewall of the tamper evident cap so as to begin tearing along the frangible section of each tab. Each tab is removed 606 from the tamper evident cap to expose the corresponding pad of the pair of pads, and the pair of pads is pressed 608 to release the tamper evident cap from the aerosol can. As can be appreciated, the above-described method may be performed any number of times and the steps of the above-described method may be performed in any order without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0039] Based upon the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the various embodiments without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For example, the aerosol can and spray nozzle may be utilized for a multitude of different types of dispensers and dispensing approaches, for a variety of medias. Further, the embodiments noted herein may be combined, and further embodiments may be separated. Other shapes, such as an oblong shape, a triangle shape, and the like may be used for the tabs, the movable pads, and the like. Such modifications do not depart from the scope of various aspects of the invention, including aspects set forth in the claims.
[0040] This written description uses examples to illustrate the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[0041] As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having, contains, containing, characterized by or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated. For example, a composition, mixture, process or method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process or method.
[0042] The transitional phrase consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified. If in the claim, such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase consisting of appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.
[0043] The transitional phrase consisting essentially of is used to define a composition or method that includes materials, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed disclosure. The term consisting essentially of occupies a middle ground between comprising and consisting of.
[0044] Where a disclosure or a portion thereof is defined with an open-ended term such as comprising, it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description should be interpreted to also describe such a disclosure using the terms consisting essentially of or consisting of.
[0045] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, or refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).
[0046] Also, the indefinite articles a and an preceding an element or component of the disclosure are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e., occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore a or an should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.
[0047] As used herein, the term about refers to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like and is meant to include variations of +/15% or less, preferably variations of +/10% or less, more preferably variations of +/5% or less, even more preferably variations of +/1% or less, and still more preferably variations of +/0.1% or less of and from the particularly recited value, in so far as such variations are appropriate to perform in the invention described herein. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the value to which the modifier about refers is itself specifically disclosed herein.
[0048] As used herein, spatially relative terms, such as beneath, below, lower, above, upper, front, back, side, left, right, rear, top, bottom, and the like, are used for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s). It is further understood that the terms front, back, left, and right are not intended to be limiting and are intended to be interchangeable, where appropriate. Further, it should be noted that the terms first, second, and the like herein do not denote any order, quantity, or relative importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.
[0049] As used herein, the terms configure(s), configuring, and the like, refer to the capability of a component and/or assembly, but do not preclude the presence or addition of other capabilities, features, components, elements, operations, and any combinations thereof.
[0050] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. Each range disclosed herein constitutes a disclosure of any point or sub-range lying within the disclosed range.
[0051] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as), is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention or any embodiments unless otherwise claimed.
[0052] As used herein, the term aerosol can refers to a type of dispensing container using an aerosol spray. The present disclosure is not limited to an aerosol can and can also include non-aerosol spray type of dispensing containers that rely on a tamper evident cap (e.g., food containers, soap containers, perfume containers, toiletry containers).
[0053] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for the elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt the teaching of the invention to particular use, application, manufacturing conditions, use conditions, composition, medium, size, and/or materials without departing from the essential scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention as described herein. Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described examples, it is intended that all matters in the preceding description and shown in the accompanying figures be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.