TAMPER-RESISTANT JAR AND LID

Abstract

A tamper-resistant jar and lid including a jar having a tab removably coupled to the jar by at least one frangible connection. A first securement mechanism is disposed on the tab. A second securement mechanism is disposed on the lid. The second securement mechanism engages the first securement mechanism when the lid encloses the jar. The lid is inhibited from removal from the jar when the second securement mechanism engages the first securement mechanism until fracturing of the tab. The tab may include features to inhibit separation of the first and second securement mechanisms without destructively separating at least a portion of the tab from a flange of the jar, and the jar may include a pocket to receive a tab partially separated from the flange of the jar.

Claims

1. A tamper-resistant jar and lid, comprising: a jar including: a bottom end including a bottom wall; a top end defining a top edge, the top end disposed opposite the bottom end; a jar wall extending from the bottom end to the top end, the jar wall and the bottom wall defining an enclosed volume between the top end and the bottom end; a tab removably coupled to the jar by at least one frangible connection; and a first securement mechanism disposed on the tab; and a lid including a second securement mechanism, the second securement mechanism engaging the first securement mechanism when the lid encloses the top end of the jar, wherein the lid is inhibited from removal from the jar when the second securement mechanism engages the first securement mechanism until fracturing of the tab.

2. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, including a flange disposed on an outer surface of the jar wall, the tab removably coupled with the jar via the at least one frangible connection removably coupled with the flange.

3. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, wherein the first and second securement mechanisms define first and second sets of teeth, respectively, the first and second sets of teeth complementary to each other.

4. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 3, wherein each tooth of the first and second sets of teeth include a first angled surface and a second angled surface.

5. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 4, wherein the first angled surfaces permit the first and second sets of teeth to slide over each other and the second angled surfaces inhibit the teeth from sliding over each other.

6. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 3, wherein each tooth of the first set of teeth is parallel to a portion of the jar wall disposed radially inward relative to that tooth.

7. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, further comprising: a first helical thread disposed on the jar between the top edge and the first securement mechanism; and a second helical thread disposed on the lid and compatible with the first helical thread.

8. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, wherein the top edge of the jar further includes a circumferential wiper.

9. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, the lid further including a circumferential flange configured to engage an inner surface of the jar wall when the first and second engagement mechanisms are engaged together.

10. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, the tab further including a leverage surface spaced apart from the jar wall and the leverage surface is disposed opposite the securement mechanism.

11. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, wherein the second securement mechanism is disposed on an inner surface of the lid.

12. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, wherein the tab is spaced radially outward from the jar wall.

13. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, wherein the first securement mechanism defines an arclength of between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 1.5 inches and the second securement mechanism is between approximately 75 percent (%) and approximately 150% of the arclength of the first securement mechanism.

14. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 1, wherein the jar includes a stepped surface disposed radially inward relative to the jar wall, and the stepped surface is disposed between the first securement mechanism and the top edge.

15. A tamper-resistant jar and lid, comprising: a jar including: a bottom end, the bottom end including a bottom wall; a top end defining a top edge, the top end opposite the bottom end; a jar wall enclosing the bottom end and extending from the bottom end to the top end; a flange disposed on an outer surface of the jar wall; a tab removably coupled to the flange via at least a first and a second frangible connection; a first helical thread disposed on the jar between the top edge and the tab; and a first set teeth disposed on the tab; and a lid including: a second helical thread; and a second set of teeth disposed on the lid; wherein, when the lid encloses the top end of the jar, the second helical thread engages the first helical thread and the second set of teeth engage the first set of teeth, wherein the lid is inhibited from removal from the jar when the second set of teeth engages the first set of teeth.

16. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 14, wherein the tab includes a third frangible connection removably coupling the tab to the outer surface of the jar wall.

17. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 15, wherein each tooth of the first and second sets of teeth include a first angled surface and a second angled surface.

18. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 17, wherein the first angled surfaces permit the first and second sets of teeth to slide over each other and the second angled surfaces inhibit the teeth from sliding over each other.

19. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 15, the tab further including a leverage surface spaced apart from the jar wall, the first set of teeth disposed above the flange and the leverage surface is disposed below the flange.

20. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 15, wherein the second set of teeth is disposed on an inner surface of the lid.

21. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 15, wherein the first set of teeth defines an arclength of between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 1.5 inches and the second set of teeth is between approximately 75 percent (%) and approximately 150% of the arclength of the first set of teeth.

22. The tamper-resistant jar and lid of claim 15, wherein the jar includes a stepped surface disposed radially inward relative to the jar wall, and the stepped surface is disposed between the first set of teeth and the top edge.

23. A tamper-resistant jar and lid, comprising: a jar including: a bottom end including a bottom wall; a top end defining a top edge, the top end disposed opposite the bottom end; a jar wall extending from the bottom end to the top end, the jar wall and the bottom wall defining an enclosed volume between the top end and the bottom end; a flange extending radially outwardly from the jar wall; an annular skirt depending downwardly from the flange and spaced radially outwardly from the jar wall, the annular skirt connected to the jar wall by a plurality of radially-extending ribs; a tab removably coupled to the flange by at least one frangible connection; and a first securement mechanism disposed on the tab; and a lid including a second securement mechanism, the second securement mechanism engaging the first securement mechanism when the lid encloses the top end of the jar, wherein the lid is inhibited from removal from the jar when the second securement mechanism engages the first securement mechanism until fracturing of the tab.

24. The tamper resistant jar and lid of claim 23, the tab further including an upwardly-extending outside wall radially outwardly of the first securement mechanism, the upwardly-extending outside wall of the tab and the jar wall defining a channel therebetween, and the lid including a side wall that is received in the channel when the lid is engaged with the jar and the tab is coupled to the flange with its at least one frangible connection intact.

25. The tamper resistant jar and lid of claim 23, wherein a pocket is defined between the annular skirt and the jar wall on one side of the tab, the tab being connected to the flange on the pocket side of the tab by a living hinge member, and the at least one frangible connection between the tab and the flange being on an opposite side of the tab as the living hinge member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0020] The present disclosure is described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tamper-resistant jar and lid made in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the jar of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a top view of the jar of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the jar and first securement mechanism;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the jar and first securement mechanism;

[0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the lid of FIG. 1;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective bottom view of the lid of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lid;

[0029] FIG. 9A is a close-up view of the first securement mechanism engaged with the second securement mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the first securement mechanism engaged with the second securement mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tamper-resistant jar and lid;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an alternate jar made in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective bottom view of an alternative lid made in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a tamper-resistant jar and lid made in accordance with another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the tamper-resistant jar and lid of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0036] FIG. 15 is another enlarged perspective view of the tamper-resistant jar and lid of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0037] FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of an interface of the tamper-resistant jar and lid of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0038] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a tab portion of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0039] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the tab portion of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0040] FIG. 19 is an enlarged top perspective view of the tab portion of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0041] FIG. 20 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the tab portion of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0042] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0043] FIG. 22 is an enlarged bottom view of the tab portion of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 13;

[0044] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the tamper-resistant jar of yet another alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 24 is an enlarged bottom view of the tab portion of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 23;

[0046] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 23, with a lower portion of the tamper-resistant jar thereof cut away, illustrating the tab in a connected, tamper-resisting condition;

[0047] FIG. 26 is an enlarged top perspective view of the tab portion of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 23, in the connected condition illustrated in FIG. 25;

[0048] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 23, with a lower portion of the tamper-resistant jar thereof cut away, illustrating the tab in a condition subsequent to rupture or separation of frangible connections between the tab and the outer wall of the tamper-resistant jar; and

[0049] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the tamper-resistant jar of the alternate embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 23, with a lower portion of the tamper-resistant jar thereof cut away, illustrating the tab tucked into a pocket between the outer wall of the tamper-resistant jar and the annular skirt surrounding the outer wall of the jar.

[0050] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. For example, the use of the terms a or an as used herein have their ordinary meaning of one or more.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] The present disclosure is directed to a tamper evident seal mechanism for a jar and lid. In preferred examples, the jar and lid can both be made from plastic and cannot be opened without irreversibly breaking the seal mechanism. In one example, the jar includes a seal at a top end of the jar and includes a first securement mechanism and the lid includes a second securement mechanism that engages the first securement mechanism. The lid cannot be removed from the jar until the first securement mechanism is detached from the jar, ensuring that the jar seal is not broken if the first securement mechanism is still present.

Tamper-Resistant Jar and Lid

[0052] FIG. 1 illustrates a tamper-resistant jar and lid 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 includes a jar 102 and a lid 104 enclosing the jar 102. As will be described in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 2-5, the jar 102 is similar to other jars configured to receive and store various solids, liquids, and gases. In the present example, the jar 102 is generally cylindrical (i.e., circular in cross-sectional shape). In other examples, the jar 102 could have a different cross-sectional shape, such as triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or other appropriate shapes for a container. In such examples, the cross-sectional shape could have rounded corners.

[0053] Additionally, the lid 104, discussed in greater detail below in connection with respect to FIGS. 6-8, is provided to enclose the jar 102. In the present example, the lid 104 is generally circular in cross-sectional shape. In various other examples, the lid 104 could have a different cross-sectional shape. However, in preferred examples, the interface between the jar 102 and the lid 104 is circular.

[0054] In the present example, each of the jar 102 and the lid 104 of the tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 are made of a polymer. In some examples, the jar 102 and the lid 104 are made of the same polymer. In other examples, the jar 102 could be made of a first polymer and the lid 104 is made of a second polymer, different from the first polymer. Further, in various other examples, the jar 102 and the lid 104 can be made of other materials. The jar 102 and the lid 104 can be made of glass, metal, or nature-based materials. For example, the jar 102 can be glass and the lid 104 can be metal.

Jar

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates the jar 102 without the lid 104. The jar 102 includes a bottom end 202, including a bottom wall 204, and a top end 206 disposed opposite the bottom end 202. The top end 206 includes a top edge 208. Additionally, the jar 102 includes a jar wall 210 extending from the bottom end 202 to the top end 206. The jar wall 210 includes an outer surface 212 and an inner surface 214. Additionally, the jar wall 210 and the bottom wall 204 define an enclosed volume 216 between the bottom end 202 and the top end 206. In a preferred example, the enclosed volume 216 is only open at the top end 206.

[0056] The jar 102 further includes a tab 220 removably coupled to the jar 102 by at least one frangible connection (shown in FIG. 4 and described in greater detail below). The tab 220 includes a first securement mechanism 222, defining a first set of teeth 224, and a leverage surface 226. The first securement mechanism 222 is disposed on a top side of the tab 220 and the leverage surface 226 is disposed on a lower side of the tab 220. In various examples, the first securement mechanism 222 and the leverage surface 226 can be differently arranged on the tab 220.

[0057] Additionally, the jar 102 includes a flange 230 disposed on the outer surface 212 of the jar wall 210. The flange 230 extends radially outward from the outer surface 212 of the jar wall 210 and circumscribes most or all of the jar 102. In the present example, the tab 220 is removably coupled with the jar 102 via the at least one frangible connection removably coupled with the flange 230.

[0058] Further, the jar 102 includes a first helical thread 240 disposed on the jar wall 210 between the top edge 208 and the first securement mechanism 222 and the flange 230. In the present example, the jar 102 includes a single helical thread 240, but in other examples, the jar 102 could include two or more helical threads 240 coextensive on the jar wall 210.

[0059] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the jar 102. As shown in FIG. 3, the jar 102 includes two tabs 220 coupled to the jar 102. In the present example, the two tabs 220 are disposed opposite each other (i.e., offset by approximately 180 degrees ()). In other examples, the jar 102 could include one tab 220 or more than two tabs 220. In some examples, when the jar 102 includes more than two tabs 220, the tabs can be disposed approximately equidistantly along the circumference of the jar 102. For example, three tabs 220 could be offset by 120 or four tabs 220 could be offset by 90. Alternatively, the jar 102 could include one or more tabs 220 that are asymmetrically disposed about the jar 102.

[0060] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the tab 220 disposed on the jar 102 and the flange 230. As shown in FIG. 4, the tab 220 is defined by an arclength 402. In some examples, the arclength 402 is up to 0.25 inches (in.). In other examples, the arclength 402 can between approximately 0.25 in. and approximately 1.5 in. Further still, the arclength 402 can be between 1.5 in. and 4 in. In yet further examples, the tab 220 can be longer than 4 in. and, in some examples, can circumscribe the jar wall 210.

[0061] The tab 220 is selectively secured to the jar 102 and the flange 230 via frangible connections 410. For example, the tab 220 includes a first frangible connection 412 selectively securing the tab 220 to an outer surface 212 of the jar 102. Additionally, the tab 220 includes a second frangible connection 414 and a third frangible connection 416 (shown in FIG. 5) selectively securing the tab 220 to the flange 230. In various examples, the tab 220 may have more or fewer frangible connections 410 than shown. In the present example, the frangible connections 410 are configured to break by fracturing (as will be discussed in greater detail below).

[0062] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the jar 102. As shown in FIG. 5, the tab 220 is spaced radially outward from the jar wall 210. As shown in FIG. 5, the leverage surface 226 is spaced apart from the jar wall 210 by a distance 502. In the present example, the distance 502 is sufficient to permit a person to insert a fingertip between the leverage surface 226 and the outer surface 212 of the jar wall 210. In preferred examples, a person can grab the leveraging surface, and pivot the tab 220 about the second and third frangible connections 414, 416. A person can pivot the tab 220 toward and away from the jar 102 until the frangible connections 410 fracture and the tab 220 is separated from the jar 102 and the flange 230.

[0063] As also shown in FIG. 5, each tooth 512 of the first set of teeth 224 is parallel to a portion of the jar wall 210 disposed radially inward relative to that tooth 512. In other examples, the first set of teeth 224 is angled relative to the jar wall 210. For example, the first set of teeth 224 could be perpendicular to the jar wall 210.

[0064] The top edge 208 of the jar 102 further includes a circumferential wiper 522. As will be discussed in greater detail in connection with FIG. 10, the circumferential wiper 522 is configured to form a first seal with the lid 104. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the circumferential wiper 522 extends above the top edge 208. The circumferential wiper 522 is configured to deform under an axial load. In preferred examples, the circumferential wiper 522 forms an airtight and liquid-tight seal with the lid 104, but in other examples, the circumferential wiper 522 may not form so tight a seal, such as a liquid-tight seal, but not necessarily an airtight seal.

Lid

[0065] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the lid 104 from an angled top view (FIG. 6) and an angled bottom view (FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 6, the lid 104 includes a top wall 602 and a sidewall 604. In the present example, the top wall 602 and the sidewall 604 are integrally formed. Accordingly, there are no seams between the top wall 602 and the sidewall 604. As a result, the lid 104 can enclose the top end 206 without any break of the seal between the jar 102 and the lid 104. In other examples, the top wall 602 can be coupled with or joined to the sidewall 604. Preferably, there are no gaps between the top wall 602 and the sidewall 604.

[0066] In the present example, the sidewall 604 includes a textured surface 612. The textured surface 612 is configured to increase grip on the surface and improve traction between a user's hand and the lid 104. As shown in FIG. 6, the textured surface 612 includes vertical ridges 614. In other examples, the textured surface 612 could include any configuration or structure that increases grip between a hand and the lid 104.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, the lid 104 includes a second securement mechanism 702 and a second helical thread 704. In the present example, the second securement mechanism 702 and the second helical thread 704 are disposed on an inside surface 712 of the sidewall 604 of the lid 104.

[0068] In the present example, the second securement mechanism 702 is configured to engage the first securement mechanism 222 when the lid 104 encloses the top end 206 of the jar 102. In the present example, the second securement mechanism 702 defines a second set of teeth 722. As shown in FIG. 7, the second securement mechanism 702 circumscribes the inner surface 712 of the lid 104, but in other examples, the second securement mechanism 702 is not continuous about the circumference of the lid 104. For examples, the second securement mechanism 702 can be disposed in two discrete segments corresponding to each of the two tabs 220 (as shown in FIG. 3). In such an examples, the second securement mechanism 702 is between approximately 75 percent (%) and approximately 150% of the arclength 402 (e.g., if the first securement mechanism defines an arclength 402 of approximately one-third of an inch between approximately 0.25 in. and approximately 2 in.) of the first securement mechanism 222. By reducing the length of the second securement mechanism 702, the sidewall 604 of the lid 104 can maintain its rigidity. In some examples, when the second securement mechanism 702 circumscribes the inner surface 712 of the lid 104, the sidewall 604 can become flexible and slip off the first securement mechanism 222 when the first and second securement mechanisms 222, 702 are engaged together.

[0069] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the lid 104 includes the second helical thread 704 disposed on the lid 104. The second helical thread 704 is compatible with the first helical thread 240. In the present example, the first and second helical threads 240, 704 are configured to only engage each other in one orientation. As a result, the lid 104 can consistently close on the jar 102 consistently in one orientation (i.e., one rotational position on the jar 102 always aligns with a specific rotational position on the lid 104 when the lid 104 encloses the jar 102). Because the lid 104 consistently closes on the jar 102 in one orientation, the first and second securement mechanisms 222, 702 can be guaranteed to engage each other when the lid 104 encloses the jar 102. For example, the first securement mechanism 222 can be disposed on the jar 102 such that the designed location of the second securement mechanism 702 ensures engagement of the first and second securement mechanisms 222, 702 based on the known single orientation of the lid 104 relative to the jar 102.

[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the lid 104 including a sealing surface 802 and a circumferential flange 804. The sealing surface 802 is configured to engage with the top edge 208 of the jar 102 and the circumferential flange 804 is configured to engage with the inner surface 214 of the jar 102. The interaction between the jar and the sealing surface 802 and the circumferential flange 804 is discussed in greater detail in connection with FIG. 10.

[0071] In the present example, the sealing surface 802 is a generally flat surface disposed between the circumferential flange 804 and the inner surface 712 of the lid 104. In the present example, the sealing surface 802 is perpendicular to the inner surface 712. In a preferred example, the sealing surface 802 is rigid and does not deform under normal axial loads when closing the lid 104 on the jar 102.

[0072] The circumferential flange 804, which serves as a sealing flange, extends from the top wall 602 of the lid 104. In preferred examples, the circumferential flange 804 is at least partially flexible or partially deformable under a radial load. As a result, the circumferential flange 804 can deform and form a liquid-tight and airtight seal. The circumferential flange 804 includes a curved, engagement surface 812. The engagement surface 812 is configured to engage with the inner surface 214 of the jar wall 210 and deflect radially inward (as will be discussed in greater detail in connection with FIG. 10).

Operation of the Securement Mechanism

[0073] FIG. 9A is an enlarged view of the jar 102 and lid 104 and FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the first securement mechanism 222 engaging the second securement mechanism 702 taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the first securement mechanism 222 is engaged with the second securement mechanism 702 when the lid 104 is secured on the top end 206 of the jar 102. The lid 104 is inhibited from removal from the jar 102 when the second securement mechanism 702 engages the first securement mechanism 222 until fracturing of the tab 220. As used herein, the fracturing generally refers to the breaking of an object or material, but preferably refers to the breaking of an object or material that cannot be reassembled. Alternatively, in some examples, a fractured object can be reassembled but with readily noticeable signs of repair and reassembly (e.g., gaps in material, adhesive, discoloration, break-lines).

[0074] In the present example, the first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 are complementary to each other. For example, each tooth of the first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 includes angled surfaces. In the present example, each tooth of the first set of teeth 224 includes a first angled surface 912 disposed at a first angle 914 and a second angled surface 916 disposed at a second angle 918. Similarly, each tooth of the second set of teeth 722 includes a first angled surface 922 disposed at a first angle 924 and a second angled surface 926 disposed at a second angle 928. The first angled surfaces 912, 922 permit the first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 to slide over each other and the second angled surfaces 916, 926 inhibit the first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 from sliding over each other (discussed in greater detail below).

[0075] In the present example, the first angles 914, 924 are approximately 45. In some examples, the first angles 914, 924 can be greater or less than approximately 45. In various examples, the first angle 914 can be a different angle than the first angle 924. For example, the first angle 914 can be approximately 30 and the first angle 924 can be approximately 60. In the foregoing examples, the first angles 914, 924 are configured to facilitate the first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 passing over each other when twisted in a closing direction 932.

[0076] Also, the second angles 918, 928 are approximately 90. In some examples, the second angles 918, 928 can be greater than approximately 90or less than approximately 90. Additionally, in some examples, the second angles 918, 928 can be a different angle than the second angle 928. For example, the second angle 918 can be approximately 110and the second angle 928 can be approximately 70. In any of the foregoing examples, the second angles 918, 918 are configured to inhibit the first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 from passing over each other when twisted in an opening direction 934. When the second angles 918, 928 are 90, the first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 abut each other and prevent the lid 104 from disengaging from the jar 102. Alternatively, the second angles 918, 928, when larger than 90, can facilitate the first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 interlocking and preventing first and second sets of teeth 224, 722 from passing over each other when twisted in the opening direction 934.

Dual Seal Mechanism

[0077] FIG. 10 illustrates a dual seal mechanism 1002 in accordance with the present disclosure. The dual seal mechanism 1002 includes a first seal 1012 and a second seal 1014. In other examples, the tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 can include only one seal or more than two seals. For example, the tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 can include only the first seal 1012 or only the second seal 1014.

[0078] The first seal 1012 is between the top edge 208 of the jar 102 and the sealing surface 802 of the lid 104. In preferred examples, the circumferential wiper 522 deforms under an axial load between the lid 104 and the top edge 208. The deformed circumferential wiper 522 ensures a watertight and/or an airtight seal along the entire circumference of the top edge 208 of the jar 102.

[0079] The second seal 1014 is between the engagement surface 812 of the circumferential flange 804 and the inner surface 214 of the jar wall 210. In the present example, the inner surface 214 exerts an inwardly directed radial force on the circumferential flange 804. The circumferential flange 804 seals against the inner surface 214 in response to the inwardly directed radial force. In some examples, the circumferential flange 804 deforms by deflecting radially inward. In other examples, the circumferential flange 804 deforms in shape and the curved engagement surface 812 flattens against the inner surface 214.

First Alternate Jar and Lid Design

[0080] FIG. 11 is an enlarged, partial view of an alternate example jar 1102. In accordance with the present disclosure, the jar 1102 is substantially similar to the jar 102. For example, the jar 1102 includes a bottom end (not shown), top end 1106, and jar wall 1110 defining an enclosed volume 1116 similar and/or identical to the jar 102. Unless otherwise described herein, features of the jar 1102 are similar or identical to similarly numbered features of the jar 102.

[0081] The jar 1102 includes a tab 1120 removably coupled to the jar 1102 by at least one frangible connection (substantially identical to the frangible connections described above). The tab 1120 includes a first securement mechanism 1122, defining a first set of teeth 1124, and a leverage surface 1126. As shown in FIG. 11, the first set of teeth 1124 includes three (3) teeth while the first set of teeth 224 includes five (5) teeth, but the number of teeth of first set of teeth 1124 or first set of teeth 224 may vary. The first securement mechanism 1122 is disposed on a top side of the tab 1120 and the leverage surface 1126 is disposed on a lower side of the tab 1120. In various examples, the first securement mechanism 1122 and the leverage surface 1126 can be differently arranged on the tab 1120.

[0082] Additionally, the jar 1102 includes a stepped surface 1152 defined by steps 1154 disposed in the jar wall 1112. In some examples, the stepped surface 1152 is disposed radially inward relative to the jar wall 1112. As a result, the jar wall 1112 defined by the stepped surface 1152 is thinner than adjacent portions of the jar wall 1112 in order to facilitate proper plastic injection tooling. For example, in order to facilitate the formation of a frangible connection between the tab 1120 and the jar wall 1110. For example, the step 1154 can be between 0.002 in. and 0.01 in. In various other examples, the step 1154 can be larger or smaller. Additionally, in some examples, the step 1154 can be tapered such that the step 1154 is larger along the top edge 1108 and smaller near the flange 1130.

[0083] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the lid 1200 includes a second securement mechanism 1202 including a second set of teeth 1722. The lid 1200 also includes a second helical thread 1204 and top wall 1203 and inside surface 1212 similar or identical to the second helical thread 704, top wall 602, and inside surface 712 of the lid 104 described above. In the present example, the second securement mechanism 1202 is disposed on an inside surface 1212 of the lid 1200.

[0084] As discussed above, the second securement mechanism 1202 can be disposed in discrete segments. In the present example, the lid 1200 includes two second securement mechanisms 1202. In the present example, each of the second securement mechanisms 1202 defines an arclength 1226 of approximately 1.25 in. In various other examples, the arclength 1226 between approximately 0.5 in. and 3 in. In various examples, the arclength of the first securement mechanism 1122 can be between 0.25 in. and 3.5 in. In preferred examples, the arclength 1226 of the second securement mechanism 1202 is longer than the arclength first securement mechanism 1122, but in other examples, the arclength of the first securement mechanism 1122 can be longer than the arclength 1226 of the second securement mechanism 1202.

[0085] The present tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 provides several benefits over other tamper-resistant jars. First, the tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 includes a very economical and straightforward tamper-resistant and tamper evident sealing mechanism. Second, the tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 includes a redundant dual seal mechanism 1002 to ensure the jar 102 properly maintains a seal and protects the contents of the jar 102.

[0086] The tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 can be made entirely of a plastic polymer and doesn't require the use of expensive glass or metal. The securement mechanism is also very straightforward because the presence of the tabs 220 still on the jar 102 visibly indicates the seal has been maintained and the tabs are easily visible upon inspection of the tamper-resistant jar and lid 100.

[0087] The dual seal mechanism 1002 improves the seal between the jar 102 and the lid 104. This further protects the contents of the jar 102 from being exposed to an exterior environment. The dual seal mechanism 1002 can also provide redundancy to ensure the seal is maintained if one of the two seals fails.

Second Alternate Jar and Lid Design

[0088] Turning to FIGS. 13-22, a second alternate tamper-resistant jar and lid 2000 is illustrated. The second alternate tamper-resistant jar and lid 2000 includes a jar 2102 and a lid 2104. Except as described below, the second alternate tamper-resistant jar and lid 2000 is similar to the tamper-resistant jar and lid 100 and to jar 1102 and lid 1200 of the above-described embodiments, so for the sake of brevity, such common details and features are generally not repeated. As in the above-described embodiments, the jar 2102 includes a tab 2220 and a leverage surface 2226. The tab 2220 is removably connected to a flange 2230 disposed substantially about an outer surface 2212 of the jar wall 2210 by at least a first frangible connection 2412, and may be additionally removably connected to the flange 2230 by a second frangible connection 2414. The tab 2220 is provided with a first securement mechanism 2222 in the form of a first set of teeth 2224. The lid 2104 may have the same interior structure as the lid 1200 of the above-described first alternate embodiment, with a second securement mechanism 1202 including a second set of teeth 1722.

[0089] The tab 2220 includes an outside wall 2260, which is spaced radially outwardly of the first set of teeth 2224 and engages at least a lower lip 2604a of the side wall 2604 of the lid 2104 when fully closed, with the first set of teeth 2224 and the outside wall 2260 defining a channel 2250 therebetween that receives the lower lip 2604a of the side wall 2604. The tab 2220 is further provided with at least a pair of ribs 2262, 2264 that extend inwardly from the first set of teeth 2224. Each of the ribs 2262, 2264 may taper inwardly adjacent the outer surface 2212 of the jar wall 2210, and while integral with the tab 2220 and in abutting contact with the outer surface 2212 of the jar wall 2210, is not otherwise physically bonded to the outer surface 2212 of the jar wall 2210.

[0090] The ribs 2262, 2264 serve to add strength to the breakable tab 2220, helping to prevent tampering by pulling gently on the bottom of the tab while pivoting the first set of teeth 2224 inward in an effort to disengage them from the second set of teeth 1722 of the lid 2104.

[0091] The jar 2102 is also provided with an annular skirt 2270 extending substantially about a perimeter of the jar wall 2210, but terminating on either side of the tab 2220. The annular skirt 2270 is connected to jar wall 2210 by a plurality of radially-extending ribs 2272. The annular skirt 2270 provides additional stiffness and hoop strength.

Third Alternate Jar and Lid Design

[0092] Turning to FIGS. 23-28, a jar 3102 is similar in most respects to the jar 2102 of the second alternate jar and lid 2000 described above, but an annular skirt 3270 of the jar 3102 is provided with a pocket 3500 adjacent one side of a tab 3220 by omitting a radially-extending rib immediately adjacent one side of the tab 3220, and instead of a frangible connection between the flange 3230 and the tab 3220 on the side of the tab 3220 closest to the pocket 3500, the tab 3220 is integrally connected to the flange 3230 on the pocket side of the tab 3220 by a living hinge member 3510. In use, when it is desired to open the jar 3102 for the first time, one pushes on the leverage surface 3226 of the tab 3220 until a single frangible connection 3412 connecting the tab 3220 to the flange 3230 is broken. Once the frangible connection 3412 is broken, the tab 3220 can be rotated about the living hinge member 3510 relative to the flange 3230 and tucked into the pocket 3500 between the annular skirt 3270.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention(s) disclosed herein, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept(s).