CHILD RESISTANT AND TAMPER EVIDENT CAP

Abstract

A cap for use on a bottle or other container provides child resistant features and tamper evident features while simplifying packaging. The cap includes a collar that will slide over a bead of the container and resist removal after installation. The outer diameter of the collar is preferably substantially the same diameter as that of the bottom of an outer cap element to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Claims

1. A container comprises: a body including a bottom and sidewalls extending upward therefrom; a neck formed at a top of the sidewalls; a locking bead extending outward around the neck; and a cap mounted on top of the neck, the cap including: an inner element releasably secured to the neck; an outer element mounted on the inner element and selectively rotatable relative thereto, wherein the outer element rotates with the inner element when downward pressure is applied to the outer element while rotating; and a collar releasably connected to the inner element and positioned at least partially below the locking bead, the collar configured to slide downward over the locking bead while resisting upward movement over the locking bead.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the collar further comprises at least one protrusion extending inward from an inner surface thereof and flexible in an upward direction only.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the collar further comprises a flange extending inward from an inner surface thereof and flexible in an upward direction only.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the collar has an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the locking bead.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the collar is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer element of the cap.

6. The container of claim 1, further comprising: a blocking bead formed around an outer surface of the inner element of the cap; and a mating lip formed around an inner surface of the outer element below the blocking bead such that the blocking bead is adjacent to the mating lip, the outer element is freely rotatable relative to the inner element.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the outer element rotates with the inner element when the mating lip is separated from the blocking bead by downward pressure on the outer element.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner element further comprises a top surface with at least one recess formed therein and positioned adjacent to an open center portion thereof.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the outer element further comprises at least one tooth extending downward from a top surface thereof such that downward pressure on the outer element moves the tooth into the recess and the inner element and outer element rotate together when a rotational force is applied to the outer element.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner element further comprises at least one post extending upward therefrom around an open center portion thereof.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the outer element further comprises at least one tooth extending downward from a top surface thereof such that downward pressure on the outer element moves the at least one tooth toward the at least one upward extending post such that the inner element and outer element rotate together when a rotational force is applied to the outer element.

12. The container of claim 10, wherein the inner element further comprises at least one flexible and resilient tab extending upward from a top surface thereof and in contact with the bottom surface of the outer element and the outer element further comprises at least one tooth extending downward from a top surface thereof such that downward pressure on the outer element bends the at least one flexible and resilient tab and moves the at least one tooth toward the at least one upward extending post such that the inner element and outer element rotate together when a rotational force is applied to the outer element.

13. The container of claim 8, wherein the at least one tooth is ramp-shaped and the at least one recess is ramp shaped and receives the at least one tooth.

14. The container of claim 8, wherein the at least one tooth is rectangular in shape and the at least one recess is rectangular in shape and receives the at least one tooth.

15. The container of claim 1, wherein the inner element is connected to the collar via at least on rib, wherein the rib is visible from an exterior of the container and is disconnected from one of the collar and the inner element after the inner element rotates.

16. A cap for use on a container including a body with a bottom and sidewalls extending upward therefrom, a neck formed at a top of the sidewalls and a locking bead extending outward around the neck, the cap comprising: an inner element releasably secured to the neck; an outer element mounted on the inner element and selectively rotatable relative thereto, wherein the outer element rotates with the inner element when downward pressure is applied to the outer element while rotating; and a collar releasably connected to the inner element and positioned at least partially below the locking bead, the collar configured to slide downward over the locking bead while resisting upward movement over the locking bead.

17. The cap of claim 16, wherein the collar further comprises at least one protrusion extending inward from an inner surface thereof and flexible in an upward direction only.

18. The cap of claim 16, wherein the collar further comprises a flange extending inward from an inner surface thereof and flexible in an upward direction only.

19. The cap of claim 16, wherein the collar has an inner diameter slightly larger than an outer diameter of the locking bead.

20. The cap of claim 16, wherein an outer diameter of the collar is substantially the same as an outer diameter of the outer element of the cap.

21. The cap of claim 16, further comprising: a blocking bead formed around an outer surface of the inner element; and a mating lip formed around an inner surface of the outer element below the blocking bead such that when the blocking bead is adjacent to the mating lip, the outer element is freely rotatable relative to the inner element.

22. The cap of claim 21, wherein the outer element rotates with the inner element when the mating lip is separated from the blocking bead by downward pressure.

23. The cap of claim 16, wherein the inner element further comprises a top surface with at least one recess formed therein.

24. The cap of claim 23, wherein the outer element further comprises at least one tooth extending downward from a top surface thereof such that downward pressure on the outer element moves the tooth into the at least one recess of the inner element and the inner element and outer element rotate together when a rotational force is applied to the outer element.

25. The cap of claim 16 further comprising at least one post extending upward therefrom around an open center portion thereof.

26. The cap of claim 25, wherein the outer element further comprises at least one tooth extending downward from a top surface thereof such that downward pressure on the outer element moves the at least one tooth toward the at least one upward extending post such that the inner element and outer element rotate together when a rotational force is applied to the outer element.

27. The cap of claim 25 wherein the inner element further comprises at least one flexible and resilient tab extending upward from a top surface thereof and in contact with the bottom surface of the outer element and the outer element further comprises at least one tooth extending downward from a top surface thereof such that downward pressure on the outer element bends the at least one flexible and resilient tab and moves the at least one tooth toward the at least one upward extending post such that the inner element and outer element rotate together when a rotational force is applied to the outer element.

28. The cap of claim 23, wherein the at least one tooth is ramp-shaped and the at least one recess is ramp shaped and receives the at least one tooth.

29. The cap of claim 23, wherein the at least one tooth is rectangular in shape and the at least one recess is rectangular in shape and receives the at least one tooth.

30. The cap of claim 16, wherein the inner element is connected to the collar via at least on rib, wherein the rib is visible from an exterior of the container and is disconnected from one of the tamper ring and the inner element after the inner element rotates.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a container including a child resistant and tamper evident cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container and cap of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a more detailed view of an outer cap element of the cap of FIGS. 1-2.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a more detailed view of the inner cap element of the cap of FIGS. 1-2.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a more detailed view of a collar element of the cap of FIGS. 1-2.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a container including a child resistant and tamper evident cap in accordance with another embodiment of the present application.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the container and cap of FIG. 6.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates the container and cap of FIGS. 6-7 with the collar element separated from the inner and outer cap elements thereof.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a more detailed view of the cap of FIGS. 1-2 showing the pipette included therewith.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9.

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a container with a child resistant and tamper evident cap in accordance with another embodiment of the present application.

[0023] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the container and cap of FIG. 11.

[0024] FIG. 13 a cross-sectional view of the cap on the container of FIG. 11 with a child safety feature engaged.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a more detailed view of the inner cap element of the cap of FIGS. 11-13.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the inner cap element of FIG. 14.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a more detailed view of the outer cap element of the cap of FIGS. 11-13.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the outer cap element of FIG. 16.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a more detailed view of the collar of the cap of FIGS. 11-13.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 18.

[0031] FIG. 20 is partial cutaway of the container with the collar mounted thereon.

[0032] FIG. 21 illustrates a more detailed view of the cap of FIGS. 11-13 including the bulb and pipette thereof.

[0033] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 21.

[0034] FIG. 23 is a partial cutaway of the cap of FIG. 21 showing the inner cap element pushed downward.

[0035] FIG. 24 illustrates a container including a child resistant and tamper evident cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present application.

[0036] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the container and cap of FIG. 24.

[0037] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the cap and container of FIGS. 24-25.

[0038] FIG. 27 illustrates a more detailed view of the inner element and collar of the cap of FIGS. 24-25.

[0039] FIG. 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inner element of the cap in FIG. 27.

[0040] FIG. 29 shows a detailed view of the outer element of the cap of FIGS. 24-25.

[0041] FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer element of the cap in FIG. 29.

[0042] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the collar of the cap of FIGS. 24-25.

[0043] FIG. 32 is a more detailed view of the collar of the cap of FIG. 24-25.

[0044] FIG. 33 is a partial cutaway of the container with the collar mounted thereon.

[0045] FIG. 34 illustrates a more detailed view of the cap of FIGS. 24-25 including the bulb and pipette thereof.

[0046] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of FIG. 34.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, a cap 10 is illustrated in position on a bottle or container 12. In the specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the cap 10 includes a bulb 14 incorporated therein. The bulb 14 is part of a dropper assembly that also includes a pipette 16 (See FIG. 2, for example) of the type commonly used to dispense liquids from bottles or other containers. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the pipette 16 extends into the interior of the container 12. In an embodiment, the container 12 is used to hold vaping fluid (e-liquid) for use in refilling a vaping device or devices, however, the container 12 may be used to hold any desired substance. The container 12 generally includes a main body 12a with a neck area 12b on a top thereof. The neck area 12b is open on top to allow access to the interior of container 12 and the cap 10 covers this opening. A bead 12c is provided in the neck area 12b and protrudes outward therefrom. The body 12a of the container 12 is illustrated as cylindrical in shape, however, the specific shape of the body 12a of the container 12 may vary as desired.

[0048] The cap 10 is child resistant, that is, structured to make easy opening of the container 12 difficult and discourage children from accessing the container. The cap 10 is also tamper evident, that is, structured to indicate that it has been previously opened. The cap 10 preferably includes an outer cap element 10a and an inner cap element 10b mounted inside the outer cap element. The inner cap element 10b preferably includes an inner thread 20 formed around an inner wall thereof. The thread 20 preferably interacts with a thread 30 formed on an outer surface of the neck area 12b of the container 12 to removably secure the inner and outer cap elements 10b, 10a to the container and to seal the container. The outer cap element 10a is mounted on the inner cap element 10b such that the outer cap element will spin relatively freely about the inner cap element when rotated unless downward pressure is applied at the same time. This configuration is common in child resistant caps. As can be seen in FIG. 3, for example, the inner surface of the top of the outer cap element 10a includes a plurality of ramp shaped protrusions 10c extending downward. As can be seen in FIG. 4, for example, the top surface of the inner cap element 10b has a plurality ramp shaped recesses 10d former therein. By pressing down on the outer cap element 10a, the ramp elements 10c interact with the recesses 10d such that the outer cap element 10a engages the inner cap element 10b and the inner and outer cap elements rotate together.

[0049] As the inner cap element 10b rotates with the outer cap element 10a, the threads 20 interact with the threads 30 on the container 12 to release or secure the inner and outer cap elements 10b, 10a from the container 12, depending on the direction of rotation. In addition, the inner sidewall of the outer cap element 10a includes one or more inclined protrusions 10e extending inward, while the outer sidewall of the inner cap element 10b includes one or more shaped protrusions 10f extending outward. The protrusions 10e and 10f also interact with each other when the outer cap element 10a is pressed downward such that the outer cap element and inner cap element 10b rotate together. While a specific structure to provide child resistance is discussed herein, other child resistance structures or methods may be used as desired. The inner and outer cap elements 10b, 10a also preferably include a central opening O through which the bulb 14 and pipette 16 extend (See FIGS. 3-4, for example).

[0050] A collar or ring 18 preferably is connected to the bottom of the inner cap element 10b via one or more ribs 18a. When the cap 10 is installed on a container 12, the collar or ring 18 is positioned at least partially under the locking bead 12c in the neck area 12b of the container 12. In order to remove inner and outer cap elements 10b, 10a from the container 12 such that the interior thereof is accessible, it is necessary to separate the collar 18 from the inner cap element 10b. This separation can only take place if the ribs 18a are broken. As can be seen in FIG. 5, for example, the ribs 18a are relatively thin, and thus, can be broken or disconnected from the inner cap element 10b upon application of sufficient force without damaging the collar 18 or the inner cap element. If the ribs 18a are broken, this is an indication that the inner and outer cap elements 10b, 10a have been removed from the container after packaging was completed. This may be an indication that the contents of the container 12 have been tampered with. The collar 18 in the present application has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than that of the outer diameter of the bead 12c of the container 12 such that the collar 18 will slide over the bead during packaging. The outer diameter of the collar 18 is preferably substantially the same as the as the outer diameter of the bottom part of the outer cap element 10a, which provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0051] In order to prevent the collar 18 from simply sliding upward over the bead 12c after packing of the substance inside is complete, a plurality of locking protrusions 18b extend inward from the inner surface of the collar 18. These protrusions 18b are flexible upward such that the collar 18 may be lowered down over the bead 12c of the container 12. The protrusions 18b do not flex downward, however, such that, the collar 18 cannot slide upward back over the bead 12c.

[0052] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment in which the cap 10 also includes pipette 16 and bulb 14 to allow for withdrawal of material form the container. FIG. 9 illustrates a more detailed view of the cap 10 including collar 18, the bulb 14 and the pipette 16. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 showing the connection of the pipette 16 to the bulb 14 and how the bulb and pipette are seated in the cap 10 and extend through the opening O in the inner and outer cap element 10b, 10a. As can be seen in FIG. 10, for example, the pipette 16 does not interfere with or affect the seating of the cap 10 on the container 12. This can also be seen in FIG. 2 as well.

[0053] While FIGS. 1-5 contemplate a cap 10 including a bulb 14 and pipette 16, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates container 12 with cap 10 including collar 18 but with the bulb 14 and pipette 16 removed. The cap 10 operates in substantially the same manner as the cap 10 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. The same child proof and tamper evident functionality is provided by the same structures discussed above and common reference numbers refer to common elements. As can be seen in FIG. 7, for example, the cap 10 includes an inner cap element 10b and an outer cap element 10a that interact in the same manner as described above. The collar 18 slides down over the bead 12c of the container 12 in the same manner as described above and resists sliding back upward in the same manner as described above. FIG. 8 shows the inner and outer cap elements 10b, 10a of cap 10 separated from the container 12 as well as the collar 18, which remains on the container 12. As can be seen in this figure, the ribs 18a have been disconnected from the inner cap element 10b in order to allow for this separation. If the bulb 14 and pipette 16 are not desired, the inner and outer cap elements 10b, 10a may be modified such that the opening O is covered.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates a container 12 with another embodiment of a cap 100 that is child resistant and tamper evident. The container 12 is similar to the container 12 discussed above. The cap 100 preferably includes an outer cap element 100a and an inner cap element 100b mounted inside the outer cap element. The inner cap element 100b preferably includes an inner thread 120 formed around an inner wall thereof. The thread 120 preferably interacts with a thread 30 formed on an outer surface of the neck area 12b of the container 12 to removably secure the inner and outer cap elements 100b, 100a to the container and to seal the container in a manner similar to that described above. While threads 120, 30 are illustrated to releasably secure the cap 100 to the neck 12b of the container 12, any suitable fastening device or element may be used. The outer cap element 100a is mounted on the inner cap element 100b such that the outer cap element will spin or rotate relatively freely about the inner cap element unless downward pressure is applied at the same time as a rotational force or torque.

[0055] FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the container 12 and cap 100 of FIG. 11. As illustrated, the cap 100 may include the bulb 14 and pipette 16 discussed above. While the container 12 is illustrated as being substantially cylindrical, any suitable shape may be used.

[0056] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cap 100 on the container 12. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the inner surface of the top of the outer cap element 100b includes one or more protrusions, or teeth, 100c extending downward and positioned around the central opening O. The top surface of the inner cap element 100b preferably has one or more posts 100d extending upward around central opening O. In addition, one or more flexible tabs 100e extend upward around an outer periphery thereof. The tabs 100e are preferably taller than the posts 100d and contact the outer cap element 100a to hold the protrusions 100c and posts 100d separated from each other such that the outer cap element 100a is rotatable freely relative to the inner cap element 100b. When a user presses down on the outer cap element 100a (as indicated in FIG. 23), the tab 100e flexes downward and the protrusions 100c move downward toward the posts 100d such that when the outer cap element 100a is rotated, the protrusions contact the posts so that the inner and outer cap elements will rotate together. The tabs 100e ensure that the minimum amount of forced needed to move the protrusions 100c toward the posts 100d is more than a child can apply. After the teeth 100c move toward posts 100d and the outer cap 100a is rotated with the inner cap 100b, the threads 120 move with respect to the threads 30 and the cap 100 may be removed from the neck 12b of the container 12. When the downward pressure is released, the resilient tabs return to their upright position to separate the protrusions 100c from the posts 100d. FIG. 14 illustrates a more detailed view of the inner cap element 100b and FIG. 15 illustrates a cross sectional view of the inner cap element on the neck 12b of the bottle 12. FIG. 16 illustrates a more detailed view of the outer cap element 100a and FIG. 17 illustrates a cross sectional view thereof.

[0057] When the protrusions 100c are separated from the posts 100d, the annular snap bead 102, formed around the inner surface of the outer cap 100a is adjacent and below the blocking bead 104 formed along the outer surface of the inner cap element 100b. When downward pressure is applied to the outer cap 100b, the annular snap bead 102 separates from the blocking bead 104 and the protrusions 100c move down to contact the posts 100d as the tabs 100e bend, such that the outer cap 100a and inner cap 100b will rotate together when a rotational force is applied to the cap 100.

[0058] In an embodiment, the cap 100 includes a collar or ring 118 connected to the bottom of the inner cap element 100b via one or more ribs 118a. FIG. 18 illustrates a detailed view of the collar 118, while FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view thereof. When the cap 100 is installed on a container 12, the lower end of the collar or ring 118 is positioned under the locking bead 12c formed in the neck area 12b of the container 12. In order to remove inner and outer cap elements 100b, 100a from the container 12 such that the interior thereof is accessible, it is necessary to separate the collar 118 from the inner cap element 100b. This separation can only take place if the ribs 118a are broken. The ribs 118a are similar to the ribs 18a discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 5 and are relatively thin, such that they can be broken or disconnected from the inner cap element 100b upon application of sufficient force without damaging the collar 118 or the inner cap element. The ribs 118a are visible from the exterior of the container 12 such that a used can whether they are broken. If the ribs 118a are broken, this is an indication that the inner and outer cap elements 100b, 100a have been removed from the container 12 after packaging was completed. That is, the broken ribs 118a indicate that someone may have accessed the interior of the container 12. This may be an indication that the contents of the container 12 have been tampered with. The collar 118 in the present application has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than that of the locking bead 12c of the container 12 such that the cap 100 with the collar 118 will slide over the bead during packaging. The outer diameter of the collar 118 is preferably substantially the same as the as the outer diameter of the bottom part of the outer cap element 100a, which provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0059] In order to prevent the collar 118 from simply sliding upward over the bead 12c after packing of the substance inside is complete, an annular locking flange 118b extends inward from the inner surface of the collar 118. The flange 118b is flexible upward such that the collar 118 may be lowered down over the bead 12c of the container 12. The flange 118b does not flex downward, however, such that, the collar 118 cannot slide upward back over the bead 12c. FIG. 20 is a partial cutaway of the bottle 12 with just the collar 118 mounted thereon showing the flange 118b flexed upward.

[0060] FIG. 21 illustrates the cap 100 including the bulb 14 and pipette 16 removed from the container while FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view thereof. FIG. 23 illustrates a partial cutaway of the cap 100 with the bulb 14 and pipette 16 with the outer cap element 100a pushed down such that the tab 100e is bent and the protrusions 100c have moved down toward the posts 100d. As can be seen in FIG. 23, the blocking bead 104 is separated from the snap bead 102.

[0061] In an embodiment, the cap 100 need not include the flexible tabs 100e discussed above. FIG. 24 illustrates the cap 100 without the flexible tabs 100e. FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the cap and container of FIG. 24 while FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view thereof. FIG. 27 illustrates a more detailed view of the inner element 100b and collar 118 of the cap 100 of FIGS. 24-25 and FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view thereof. As illustrated in FIGS. 25-28, the posts 100d have a somewhat different shape than the posts 100d discussed above with reference to FIGS. 11-13, for example. While particular shapes of the posts 100d are shown and described herein, any suitable shape may be used. FIG. 29 shows a more detailed view of the outer cap element 100a and FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional view thereof. FIG. 31 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the collar 118 of the cap in FIGS. 24-25 and FIG. 32 shows a more detailed view of the collar. FIG. 33 illustrates a partial cutaway of the container 12 and the collar 118. FIG. 34 illustrates a more detailed view of the cap 100 including bulb 14 and pipette 16 removed from the container 12, while FIG. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view thereof. The cap 100 of FIGS. 24-35 is substantially the same as the cap 100 described with reference to FIGS. 11-23 and operates in substantially the same manner except that it does not include the flexible tabs 100e. Accordingly, downward pressure applied to the outer cap element 100a moves the protrusions, or teeth 100c downward toward the posts 100d such that rotation of the outer cap element will also rotate the inner cap element 100b.

[0062] The cap 10,100 of the present application provides for a reliable seal and easy removal from the container 12 while providing an overall aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition, the wide collar 18, 118 used with the cap 10,100 makes packaging faster, simpler and less expensive since the cap 10,100, including the collar, can simply be positioned on top of the container 12 with the collar sliding over the bead 12c of the container 12. The protrusions 18b, 118b resist removal of the collar 18,118 such that the collar can still be used to provide evidence of tampering.

[0063] While the cap 10,100 preferably provides for child resistant features as described above, other structures may be used if desired to limit children from accessing the contents of the container 12. Further, while child resistance is preferred, it is not necessary. As noted above, the cap 10,100 may be used with or without a bulb and pipette. The cap 10 may also be modified in size to accommodate containers of various sizes, as desired.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.