AU2011232805A1 - Safety Closure - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety closure in the form of a selectively lockable cap for a container typically an aerosol container has two s main parts which are relatively movable with respect to each other between an operative position and at least one inoperative position to prevent accidental or inadvertent operation of the aerosol container to dispense the contents of the container. The first part of the cap is a 1o base member having an actuating slot. The second part of the cap is a lock member having an access aperture. In the operative position the actuating slot and access aperture are in alignment allowing access to an internal trigger to dispense contents from the container when 15 depressed. In one or other of the inoperative positions the actuating slot and access aperture are each covered by a part of the wall of the other member so that access to the trigger is denied by the walls blocking or covering the openings respectively. The advantage of the 20 selectively lockable cap is that the cap can be selectively locked after use to prevent unwanted discharge of contents of the container but readily rotated to open the cap allowing further discharge of contents as required. 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P86197.AU 86a 132 120

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): Elvin Dharmaraj Invention Title: SAFETY CLOSURE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 SAFETY CLOSURE FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The present invention relates to a safety closure for preventing inadvertent or accidental operation of a container to dispense contents from the container. In one form the present invention relates to a lockable 10 closure that when in the locked configuration prevents the container from discharging the contents of the container. In one form the present invention is a releasably lockable safety cap for use with an aerosol container to render the is aerosol container inoperative when in a storage condition by preventing access to the discharge valve of the aerosol container. The present invention finds particular application as a 20 selectively lockable cap for an aerosol container which can be used to secure the aerosol container against accidental or inadvertent operation preventing dispensing of the contents of the container when the container is not in use, such as for example, when being transported and or 25 in storage or the like. The present invention finds particular application as a lockable safety cap for use.with an aerosol container which cap when in a storage position prevents access to 30 the discharge outlet of the aerosol container to prevent inadvertent or accidental dispensing of contents of the aerosol container by protecting an actuator for opening the discharge valve of the container so as to prevent the 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatter) P86197.AU -3 actuator from moving thereby preventing operation of the discharge valve. Although the present invention will be described with 5 particular reference to one form of a lockable safety cap it is to be noted that the scope of the present invention is not restricted to the described embodiment but rather the scope of the invention is more extensive so as to include other forms and arrangements of the lockable 10 safety cap and the use of the various forms and arrangements in applications other than specifically described. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 15 Aerosol containers allow for dispensing of materials from the container under pressure, usually as a result of increased pressure within the container caused by vaporisation of the propellant within the aerosol 20 container. In conventional aerosol containers, the discharge outlet is a tubular element of some description which when depressed into the body of the container, releases the 25 contents which are held under pressure. When the applied force at the valve stem is removed, the valve stem returns to its at rest position simultaneously closing and stopping the outward flow of the contents of the container. One type of aerosol container is a "spray 30 through cap" type because the product passes through passages located within the cap before being dispensed from the container in the form of a jet, spray, mist or the like. 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P8e197.AU -4 A variety of different materials can be dispensed from the aerosol container. One example of the type of materials dispensed from aerosol containers includes marking paint s which is used to identify by marking out parts of a substrate or the like, such as for example, parts of a road system requiring repair, maintenance, renovation or replacement. Such aerosol containers usually have a centrally located dispensing valve which is located in 10 line with the central longitudinal axis of the container for dispensing the paint through an axially oriented central hollow valve stem or the like in the form of a mist or a jet exiting from the end of the valve stem in the lengthwise extending direction of the container to 15 contact directly the part of the substrate to be marked or identified. Generally, there is some form of release mechanism which must be operated, such as for example, a lever which is 20 moved to contact the outlet valve or stem valve of the container to release the jet or spray of paint to mark the substrate requiring identification for subsequent work. Currently available aerosol containers have a mechanism which allows ease of operation of the aerosol container 25 i.e. ease of dispensing the contents of the container. However, the ease of operation often results in the aerosol container being inadvertently or accidentally operated at inopportune or inappropriate times such as for example, during storage of the container in a maintenance 30 vehicle, tool box, or other environment in which the aerosol container is being transported and/or stored. The inadvertent or accidental operation of the aerosol container is less than desirable since it can damage other 6/10/11 28049471 (GHMatters) P86197 AU -5 tools in close proximity to the container in the tool box, including expensive tools requiring extensive cleaning or even total replacement. Also, there is a chance that the inadvertent or accidental dispensing of the contents of s the container could produce a health hazard or health risk depending on the precise nature of the contents of the aerosol container. Therefore, there is a need to prevent the inadvertent or 10 accidental dispensing of the contents of an aerosol container. Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a safety cap or closure or similar for container is which prevents or reduces the chances of inadvertent or accidental dispensing of materials from the container. Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a lockable safety cap or closure for an aerosol 20 container which in one configuration, allows ease of use, but in another configuration, prevents accidental or inadvertent operation of the container when not required. Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to 25 provide a selectively lockable safety closure for a container that can be selectively adjusted between an inoperative configuration preventing unwanted dispensing of contents of the container and an operative configuration allowing contents of the container to be 30 readily dispensed. Often aerosol containers having a centrally located discharge valve for axially dispensing products in a 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU -6 longitudinally extending spray or jet are used with a suitable holder or dispensing apparatus. Some forms of the holder are provided with a moveable element which acts either directly or indirectly on the outlet valve or stem 5 valve of the aerosol container such that when the element is moved in a first direction, the contents are dispensed and when the element is moved in a second direction, the valve is allowed to close preventing dispensing of further contents. However, when the holder or other apparatus io containing the aerosol container is being stored or being transported there is a chance that inadvertent or accidental movement of the element can cause the contents of the aerosol container to be dispensed which again is less than desirable owing to the risk of damage and/or is injury that can result depending upon the type of contents of the container. Thus, there is a need for an aerosol container and cap combination that is suitable for use with a holder or 20 similar arrangement in which the cap can be selectively adjusted to prevent unwanted discharge of the contents of the container whilst remaining in the holder. Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to 25 provide a container suitable for use which a holder or similar device which allows the contents of an aerosol container to be dispensed at will, but when required, can be selectively adjusted so as to prevent unwanted discharge of the contents of the container. 30 It is to be noted that not all embodiments of the safety closure will satisfy all of the aims of the invention. Some embodiments may satisfy one aim whilst other 6/10/11 28049471 (GHMatters) P80197AU -7 embodiments may satisfy two or more aims of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that although the present invention will be described with particular relevance to 5 an aerosol container or similar having a propellant, the invention is not restricted to use of the safety closure with aerosol containers only, but forms of the safety closure can be used with a variety of containers, such as for example, containers having a pump or pump action to io pressure the contents for discharge from the container, or to containers generally. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 15 According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety closure for a container comprising a first body portion having an actuator for operatively dispensing contents of the container in response to movement of the actuator, a second body portion having an 20 access opening for allowing access to the actuator to enable movement of the actuator to dispense contents of the container, the first and second body portions being relatively movable with respect to each other between a first position allowing operation of the actuator to 25 dispense contents of the container, and at least one second position, whereby movement of the actuator is prevented by the second body member. According to another aspect of the present invention there 30 is provided a safety closure for a container comprising a first member having an actuator moveable between a first position for dispensing contents from the container and a second position in which contents of the container are not 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatem) P88197 AU - 8 being dispensed and an access opening for allowing access to the actuator, and a second member having a wall provided with an aperture, the first and second members being movable relative to each other between a first s position allowing operation of the actuator and at least one second position preventing operation of the actuator, such that wherein when the members are in the first position, the access opening and aperture are in alignment with each other allowing access to the actuator and when 10 the first and second members are in the or one of the second positions, the access opening and aperture are not in alignment with each other so that operation of the actuator is being prevented by the position of the second member. 15 According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safety cap for an aerosol container, said cap having an operative configuration allowing contents of the container to be discharged from the container and an 20 inoperative configuration in which the contents of the container cannot be dispensed when the cap is connected to the container, said cap comprising a base member having a fastener for permitting attachment of the cap to the rim of the container using the fastener, a resiliently movable 25 actuator capable of movement between an open position in which the contents of the container can be dispensed and an at rest closed position in which the contents of the container are not discharged, and an actuating slot permitting access to the actuator permitting movement of 30 the actuator to the open position to dispense the contents of the container, and a lock member having an access opening, said lock member movable with respect to the base member between a first position in which the access 2804947.1 (GHMatter) P88197.AU -9 opening is aligned with the actuation slot allowing access to the actuator to move the actuator to the open position and a second position in which the lock member prevents access to the actuating slot to inhibit or prevent 5 movement of the actuator from the closed position to prevent unwanted dispensing of the contents of the container to the open position, wherein when the lock member is in the first position, the cap is in the operative configuration and when the lock member is in the io second position, the cap is in the inoperative configuration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS is In one form, the safety closure is a lockable cap. Typically, the lockable cap is selectively adjustable between an operative position or configuration and at least one inoperative position or configuration. In the inoperative position the cap is in a lock condition and in 20 the operative position the cap is in an opened condition. Typically, the cap is selectively adjustable by moving one member with respect to the other member. More typically, the members are rotationally movable with respect to one 25 another. Typically, one member is located within the other member so that there is an inner member and an outer member. Preferably, the outer member is movable with respect to the inner member to adjust the configuration of the cap or closure between the opened condition and the 30 closed condition. More typically, there is more than a single closed position corresponding to the closed condition or inoperable configuration. 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMattens) P8197.AU - 10 Typically, the first body portion or member is an inner member. More typically the inner member is attached to the container. In one form, the first or inner member is a base member. Preferably, the base member has a wall s from which a part of the wall has been removed to form an opening or similar. Typically, the base member is associated with an actuator. In one form the actuator is connected to the base member, 10 preferably hingedly connected to the base member. More typically, the actuator is integrally formed to the base member as a single assembly. In one form, the actuator is separate from the base member. Typically, the actuator is formed as a separate component to the base member. In one is form the actuator cooperatively engages with the base member. Typically, the second body portion or member is an outer member. More typically, the outer member is rotatably 20 movable with respect to the inner member, typically, facilitated by a suitable connector or retainer, such as for example, a connector or retainer facilitating connection of the inner and outer members to retain the two members together as a single assembly whilst allowing 25 the outer member to rotate with respect to the inner member between the operative configuration and the one or more inoperative configurations. More typically, the connector or retainer forms the dual function of retaining the two members together and acting as a bearing or 30 bearing surface or surfaces for the two members. In one form, the outer member is a lock member or a member that can move between an open access position and at least 6/10/11 2804947.1 (GHMatter) P86197.AU - 11 one closed position preventing or inhibiting access to the actuator. More typically, the lock member is movable to either of two positions for blocking access to the base members. More typically, the wall of the lock member 5 forms a barrier or cover for the base member, typically, the wall of the lock member closes the opening of the base member when the cap is in the inoperative configuration. In one form, the base member and lock member are coaxial 10 with one another having a common central axis. Typically, the base member is received either partially or wholly within the lock member. When joined together, the two members form an open ended 15 cap or closure of a size, shape and style corresponding to the size, shape and profile of the container so as to be suitable for use with the container. Although the container can be any suitable type of container, a preferred container is a pressurised container or a 20 pressurised container, including an aerosol container, such as for example, a container having a liquid and/or gaseous propellant or mixture of propellants, pump container, spray container or the like. 25 Typically, the lock member is rotatable with respect to the base member through an angle of about 1800 from one inoperative position to the other inoperative position. More typically, the operative position is about midway between both of the inoperative positions so that the 30 actuating opening of the base member is centrally located about midway between the positions of the lock member when in the inoperative positions so that the amount of rotation of the lock member from the operative position to 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P86197.AU - 12 either one of the inoperative positions, is substantially the same, being about 90* either way, in either direction. More typically, when the cap is in one of the inoperative 5 configurations a first indicia provided on the base member, typically in the form of a first directional indicator, more typically, an arrow, is visible through the access opening of the lock member to indicate the direction of rotation of the lock member relative to the 10 base member to adjust the cap to the operative configuration. Typically, when the cap is in the other of the inoperative configurations, a second indicia provided on the other is side of the wall of base member to where the first indicia is located, typically, in the form of a second directional indicator, more typically, a second arrow, is visible through the access opening of the lock member to indicate the direction of rotation of the lock member 20 relative to the base member to convert the cap from the second inoperative configuration into the operative configuration. In one form the direction of rotation indicated by the two 25 indicia are opposite to one another. In one form, the two arrows are located on either side of the actuating opening or slot and each arrow points in the direction to the actuating opening or slot. 30 It is to be noted that the actuator can take any suitable form or have any convenient arrangement. The actuator may be a direct acting actuator having part of the actuator 6/10/11 2804947.1 (GHMattes) P88197.AU - 13 acting directly on the outlet of the container or the actuator may be an indirect actuator in which there is an intermediate element located between the actuator and outlet of the container including the discharge valve. 5 Typically, the actuator is a movable actuator which is movable between an open position and a closed position. More typically, the actuator is resiliently biased or resiliently hinged or the like. More typically, the io actuator is resiliently biased to a closed position or to a position corresponding to a position allowing the valve of the container to be closed thereby stopping the flow of contents from the container. 15 In one form, the actuator is resiliently biased to an at rest position which is the closed position. Typically, the actuator is movable in a direction towards the container to depress the valve of the container to an open position to discharge contents from the container. Even 20 more typically, the actuator is depressible, such as for example, by the middle or index finger of a person. The actuator can take any convenient or suitable form. Typically, the actuator is a lever, tongue, arm, trigger 25 or the like. In one form the actuator has a projection, cam, boss or the like. In one form, the actuator is provided with a delivery passage, such as for example, in the form of a 30 duct, tube, conduit, passage, gallery, or the like. In one form the actuator is hingedly connected to the base member, preferably by a living hinge, flexure bearing, or 6110/11 2804947.1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 14 the like. Typically, the actuator is hingedly connected to the internal wall of the base member opposite to the location of the actuating opening or slot. 5 In one form, the actuator is pivotally connected to the base member either directly or indirectly. Typically, when the cap is in the operative position the base member and lock member are aligned with each other so 10 that the actuating opening or slot of the base member is in register with the access opening or aperture of the lock member thereby exposing the actuator which can be moved from outside the cap to open the container to dispense contents. 15 Typically, when the cap is in one of the inoperative configurations, the actuating slot of the base member and access opening of the lock member are not in alignment with each other, but rather part of the wall of the lock 20 member is aligned with the actuating slot to close or cover the actuating slot by forming a barrier to the actuating slot preventing access through the actuating slot therefore protecting the actuator against movement since access through the walls of the lock member and base 25 member is denied as part of the wall of the lock member covers over the actuating slot. Typically, when the cap is in one of the inoperative positions, part of the wall of the base member, typically, 30 the part provided with indicia closes the access opening of the lock member in addition to the wall of the lock member closing the actuating slot, to deny access to the actuator thereby preventing inadvertent or accidental 6110/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 15 movement of the actuator because there is no direct access from outside of the cap to the actuator. Typically, the first position of the cap is the operative 5 position or configuration and the second position of the cap corresponds to one, both, or all of the inoperative positions or configurations. In one form the wall of the lock member, particularly the 10 wall portion of the lock member adjacent the side of the access opening forms a movable barrier for the actuating opening, aperture, slot, cut-out, gap or similar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 15 The present invention will now be described by way of non limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 20 Figure 1 is a schematic partially exploded perspective view of one form of an aerosol container and cap combination in which the container is shown separated from one form of a lockable cap in the inoperative position. 25 Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view from one side of the lockable cap of Figure 1 showing the base member separated from the lock member. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the base member of 30 Figure 2 from another side. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lockable cap of Figure 1 in the inoperative position. 6o1011 2804947_1 (GHMalters) P85197.AU - 16 Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cap of figure 1 in the operative position allowing movement of one form of the actuator. 5 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cap of Figure 1 showing movement of the actuator for dispensing contents of the aerosol container in the form of a spray. 10 Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of Figure 1 when in an inoperative position. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cap of Figure 1 in an operative position. 15 Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cap of Figure 1 in the operative position showing the alignment of the base member and the lock member when the cap is in the operative position. 20 Figure 8A is an enlarged view of the area depicted by circle A of Figure 8 showing one form of the detent. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cap of Figure 1 in 25 an inoperative position showing the alignment of the base member and the lock member when the cap is in the inoperative position. Figure 9A is an enlarged view of the area depicted by 30 circle B of Figure 9 showing one form of the detent. Figure 10 is an exploded cross-section view of the cap of Figure 1. 6/10/11 28049471 (GHMatters) P86197 AU - 17 Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of one form of a holder for holding the container and cap combination of Figure 1 in an operative position for spraying the 5 contents of the container. SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION One form of the safety cap, typically in the form of a 10 lockable cap in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In one form, the safety cap is a lockable cap, generally denoted as 10, and comprises two main members or body 15 portions which are referred to as a base member 20 and a lock member 110 which cooperatively interact with each other to move between an operative configuration in which the contents of an aerosol container 12 can be dispensed and at least one inoperative configuration in which the 20 orientation of the two moveable members is such so as to prevent discharge of contents from aerosol container 12. In one form, aerosol container 12 is a conventional aerosol container and is provided with a generally domed 25 top surface 14 having a circumferential rim 16 and a centrally located dispensing valve 18 having orifice 19 through which the contents of the container 12 can be dispensed, such as for example as shown in Figure 5, when valve 18 is depressed axially into the container which 30 opens valve 18 to discharge contents of container 12 through orifice 19 located internally within valve 18. One of the two movable members forming cap 10 is an inner 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatter) P58197 AU - 18 member or base member 20, which is in the form of an open ended tube having an open lower end. Base member 20 is provided with a circular downwardly s depending side skirt 24, located circumferentially around the open lower end in use of base member 20 and extending lengthways along the longitudinal axis of cap 10. It is to be noted that side skirt 24 extends entirely around all of the circumference of base member 20 to allow cap 10 to 10 be securely located on the top of container 12. The inner surface of circular skirt 24 is provided with a suitable fastener or fastening portion 26 which cooperatively interacts with rim 16 of aerosol container 12 to enable cap 10 to be secured to container 12. Fastener 26 can 15 have any suitable or convenient form for more or less permanently attaching cap 10 to container 12. One form of fastener 26 is a flange or underlip or similar arrangement as shown more particularly in Figures 6, 7 and 10. The flange form of fastener 26 cooperatively engages with the 20 undersurface of rim 16 to resist or prevent removal of cap 10 from container 12. Another form of fastener is a multitude of ribs, bosses, or other projections for snap lockingly engaging with the underside or undersurface of rim 16 to prevent removal of cap 10 from container 12. 25 In one form, the cap is fixedly located on the top of the container, preferably the cap is either not able to rotate or to rotate only with difficulty with respect to the container. In one form, the cap is able to more or less 30 easily rotate on the top of the container. Any suitable or conventional fastener can be used to attach cap 10 to container 12. In one form, there is a 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 19 multitude of combinations or pairs of circumferentially extending projections and longitudinally oriented projections forming clips for clipping skirt 24 to rim 16 to securely locate cap 10 on container 12. The two parts 5 of each clip are located to cooperate with each other to retain cap 10 on container 12. One form of the longitudinally extending projection of the clip is shown in Figures 2 and 2A and is denoted as 26. 10 If, for whatever reason, cap 10 is to be removed from container 12, a suitable flat blade instrument, such as for example, the flat blade of a screw driver or the like, can be used to lever skirt 24 away from container 12 to release fastener 26 in the form of the flange or clip from is rim 16 to allow removal of cap 10. In addition to having an open lower end in use, base member 20 further includes, a partially open side wall 28 and a partially closed top or upper surface 30. Generally 20 cylindrical side wall 28 extends from the upper edge 32 of skirt 24 to the top surface 30 of base member 20. An actuating slot 36 or similar in the form of a cut-out, aperture, space, gap, void, discontinuity or other lack of a solid wall or the like, having substantially parallel 25 spaced apart side edges 38a, 38b, is formed in one sector or at one location of cylindrical side wall 28 to extend axially from top edge 32 of skirt 24 to the top surface 30 to form an actuating slot, aperture access, opening, cut out or the like. It is to be noted that the width of slot 30 36 i.e. the distance spanning edges 38a, 38b is greater than the width of the middle or index finger of an adult person. Thus, cylindrical wall 28 is not continuous but is provided with a discontinuity in the form of the 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 20 actuating slot 36. A generally part circular collar 40 is provided substantially circumferentially around the outside of 5 cylindrical side wall 28 extending from one edge 38a of slot 36 to the other edge 38b of slot 36. Collar 40 is of a generally rectangular cross-section or profile and extends outwardly of the outer surface of 10 cylindrical wall 28. A lower groove 42 extends partially circumferentially around the lower part of cylindrical side wall 28 from one edge 38a of slot 36 to the other edge 38b of slot 36, so 15 as to form a groove between upper edge 32 of side skirt 24 and the lower edge of collar 40 as shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 10. Groove 42 is of a generally flat cross-section or profile having a smooth recessed shape or profile. 20 A second generally part circular upper groove 46 extends generally partially circumferentially around the outer surface of cylindrical side wall 28 from one edge 38a of slot 36 to the other edge 38b of slot 36, so as to form a 25 groove having a smooth surface. Groove 46 has a generally flat profile extending from the upper edge of collar 40 at one end to its upper edge in use at the other end, again as shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 10. The upper edge of second groove 46 is defined by a generally 30 triangular shaped cross-section or profile projection 50 in the form of a raised ridge, rib or similar extending circumferentially around the outer surface of cylindrical side wall 28 from edge 38a of slot 36 to edge 38b of slot 6/10/11 2804947.1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 21 36. Thus, the outer surface of the lower portion of cylindrical side wall 28 is a connector or retainer and is of a generally complex or compound shape having a combination of projections and recesses in the form of a s rectangular cross-section collar 40 located between lower groove 42 and upper groove 46 and terminating at the upper end of generally triangular shaped ridge 50. The combination of grooves 42, 46, and collar 40 and ridge 50 acts as one part of the connector or retainer for 10 retaining the two movable parts together to form cap 10 and acts as one surface of a bearing for facilitating rotational movement of base member 20 with respect to the other member which will be described later in this specification. 15 The inner surface 52 of cylindrical side wall 28 extending from the upper edge 32 of skirt 24 to the top of base member 20 is generally smooth and is not usually provided with any projections, grooves or other surface 20 irregularities. A first indicia, in the form of a directional guide for indicating the direction of rotation of the two parts of the cap with respect to each other, is provided at one 25 location in cylindrical side wall 28. Typically, the directional guide is in the form of a first arrow 54 indicating the direction of movement to convert the cap 10 between the two configurations i.e. between the inoperative configurations and the operative 30 configuration. A second indicia, also in the form of a directional guide is located in another part of cylindrical side wall 28, 611011 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P86197 AU - 22 remote from the position of the first guide. Typically, the second guide is in the form of a second arrow 56, but indicating the opposite direction of rotation of the two parts of cap 10 with respect to each other to convert cap 5 10 between the inoperative configuration and the operative configuration. It is to be noted that both arrows 54, 56 direct rotation in opposite directions. In one form, even though both arrows 54, 56 are located on opposite sides of actuating slot 36, both point towards the location of io actuating slot 36 of base member 20 from their respective locations at either side of slot 36. Arrows 54, 56 indicate the direction of movement of lock member 110b the operative position. is The top of base member 20 is in the form of a canopy 60 which includes top surface 30 having a central aperture 31 and accordingly is partially opened. In one form top surface 30 is a generally arcuate top covering in the form of a generally horseshoe shaped annulus closing the outer 20 peripheral part of top surface 30 leaving the central part open. In one form, the shape of the top is generally horseshoe shape extending from one edge 38a of slot 36, around to the opposite edge 38b of slot 36. However, in other embodiments, canopy 60 and top surface 30, can have 25 any suitable or desirable shape. Canopy 60 further includes a generally downwardly depending flange or wall section generally denoted as 62 which is located inboard of canopy 60 extending axially 30 from the top surface 30 axially inboard of base member 20. Wall 62 includes a pair of flat flange or wall sections 64a, 64b arranged in opposed facing relationship to each other on either side of canopy 60. Flange section 64a 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88107AU - 23 extends inboard from edge 38a of slot 36 whereas flange section 64b extends inboard from edge 38b on the opposite side of slot 36, to form part of the inner wall 62 of canopy 60. Wall 62 further includes generally 5 semicircular inner flange portion 66 spanning between the respective inboard edges of flat flange sections 64a, 64b. Wall 62 defines the edges or boundaries of central aperture 31 or opening located in top surface 30 of canopy 60, which in one form, is of a generally keyhole slot 10 shape consisting of a part circular section i.e. the central section of top surface 30, and a straight section extending from the part circular section to the circumferential edge of top surface 30 formed by the flat flange sections 64a, 64b. It is to be noted that the is width of the straight section of the keyhole slot in the top surface 30 of canopy 60 defined between flat flange section 64a, 64b is greater than the width of a finger or thumb of an adult person allowing a person's middle or index finger to be located between the opposed pair of 20 flat flange sections 64a, 64b of canopy 60 to effect operation of container 12 to be described in more detail later in this specification. Alternatively, slot 36 and the central opening 31 in top surface 30 are of a size, shape and profile to receive a movable arm of a suitable 25 holder to operate container 12 when received in the holder as will be described in more detail later. An actuator in the form of a lever acting as a trigger 70, is hingedly connected to part of the part-circular inner 30 wall 66 of canopy 60 by a suitable resiliently biased connector acting as a hinge. Typically, the hinge is located opposite the location of slot 36. In one form, the hinge is a living hinge allowing repeated movement of 6/10/11 28049471 (GHMatlem5) P881 97AU - 24 trigger 70 to open valve 18 of aerosol container 12 to dispense contents from container 12. In one form, trigger 70 is resiliently hinged to the semi circular part of inner wall 66. However, other suitable hinges, other 5 suitable locations of hinges and other suitable mountings of trigger 70, are possible depending on requirements. In one form, trigger 70 is resiliently biased to the closed position, or a position corresponding to valve 18 being in the closed position. Typically, this closed position is 10 the at rest position of trigger 70. It is to be noted that trigger 70 can take any suitable or convenient form and can act directly or indirectly on valve 18 of container 12. 15 One end of trigger 70, typically the end remote from the hinge end, i.e. the distal or free end of trigger 70, is provided with a depression or indentation, generally corresponding in shape and size to the inner surface of a finger tip or similar for contact by the finger tip to 20 depress trigger 70 so as to move it from the closed position to the open position to allow discharge of contents of container 12 through valve 18. In one form, trigger 70 has a generally planar upper surface forming the top surface 72 of the trigger and a pair of opposed 25 facing downwardly depending side walls 74a, 74b on either side of planar top surface 72 to form a generally U-shape in vertical cross-section in which top surface 72 forms the web of the 'U'. Grips in the form of a multitude of generally parallel spaced apart straight ribs or ridges 75 30 are provided in the indentation of top surface 72 for more positively locating the finger tip on trigger 70 when depressing trigger 70 from the at rest closed position in order to more accurately control dispensing of the 6110111 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 25 contents of container 12. An actuator stem, typically in the form of a hollow tube acting as a delivery passage, duct or stem 76, depends 5 downwardly from the inner surface of the top surface 72 of trigger 70. The inner surface of trigger 70 faces discharge valve 18 when cap 10 is located on container 12. A generally circular nozzle 78 is located at one end of the bore of delivery stem 76 being the inboard end or 10 proximal end of stem tube 76. Nozzle 78 is in the form of a very small size circular aperture surrounded by a generally conical or tapering sided boss or similar, such as for example, having the appearance of a mound or the like and is in fluid connection with the hollow interior is of stem 76. An annular recess 80 is provided at the other end of stem 76, i.e. the distal end, for engagement with the distal end of valve 18 so that as trigger 70 is depressed on to valve 18, stem 76 is in fluid communication with valve 80 to discharge contents through 20 nozzle 78. Annular recess 80 can have any suitable shape, form or profile. One form is an annular recess having tapering or bevelled sides for fitting over the end of valve 18. Depression of trigger 70 causes corresponding downward movement of stem 76 to push valve 18 into aerosol 25 container 12 to open valve 18 to allow discharge of the contents of the aerosol container under pressure through the hollow bore of stem 76 to spray the contents of the container through nozzle 78. Reinforcements, such as for example, in the form of one or more strengthening ribs or 30 tabs 82 are provided on the undersurface of trigger 70 to assist in securely locating stem 76 in the correct location, such as to extend substantially perpendicularly from the underside of trigger 70 to ensure the annular 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88107.AU - 26 recess 80 contacts valve 18 in the correct orientation to ensure that valve 18 opens when trigger 70 is depressed. In one form, one or more frangible connectors in the form 5 of frangible tabs, nibs, lands or similar (not shown), are provided between each flat portion 64a, 64b and the corresponding outer surfaces of the downwardly depending side walls 74a, 74b of the trigger to maintain the trigger immobile until the aerosol container is to be first used. 10 The first depression of the trigger fractures the frangible connectors, thereby releasing the trigger for further movements to operate container 12. Once severed the frangible connectors do not assist in retaining trigger 70 immobile. 15 A projection in the form of a substantially spherical nipple (not shown) acting as a detent is optionally provided on the inner surface of top surface 30 of canopy 60 to extend inboard axially of the cap 10. A 20 corresponding blind bore 84 is optionally provided on the outer or upper surface of top surface 30 of canopy 60 in alignment with projection for assisting in indexing of the lock member and base member with each other when cap 10 is in the operative position. 25 Additionally, a first receiver in the form of a generally rectangular notch, cavity, channel, or similar 86a acting as a catch for a detent of the lock member, is provided in the part-circular inner wall 66 of the side wall 62 of 30 canopy 60 for indexing the position of the lock member by receiving a corresponding part of the lock member therein so as to index the position of the base member and lock member with respect to each other to maintain the lock 6110111 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 27 member in the correct position for allowing operation of aerosol container 12 i.e. when cap 10 is in the operative configuration. 5 A second receiver, in the form of a generally rectangular notch, cavity, channel or similar 86b acting as another catch for the detent of the lock member is provided at the transition from flat section 64a, and part-circular wall 66 to index the position of the lock member with respect 10 to the base member when cap 10 is in one of the locked or inoperative configurations. A third receiver, in the form of a generally rectangular notch, cavity, channel, or similar 86c is provided in the is transition between flat section 64b, and part-circular wall 66 to receive the indent of the lock member to index the position of the lock member with respect to the base member when cap 10 is in another of the locked or inoperative configurations. 20 In one form, the base member is securely attached to the top of the aerosol container in use of cap 10 and the other member being the lock member is fitted over the base member so that both members are nested one within the 25 other with a common central axis to form cap 10. The other of the two movable members is a lock member generally denoted as 110. One form of lock member 110 will now be described. 30 One embodiment of lock member 110 is in the form of a generally hollow tube having one fully open end, i.e. the lower end in use, a partially open side wall 111 and a 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 28 partially open other end, i.e. the upper end in use 113. Base member 20 is received through the fully opened lower end of lock member 110 in use to form cap 10. 5 Lock member 110 comprises a lower side skirt section 112 forming the lower end in use of the lock member around the open end. The inner surface of the side skirt 112 is provided with a combination of grooves and projections to form a second part of the connector or retainer for io retaining base member 20 and lock member 110 together as a single unit, and also acting as another part of the act as part of a bearing or bearing surface allowing rotary movement of lock member 110 with respect to base member 110. In one form, the inner wall of skirt 112 is provided 15 with a lower circular projection in the form of an inwardly directed rim or flange 114 for cooperatively engaging with lower circular groove 42 on the outer surface of wall 28 of base member 20. Typically, inwardly directed projection 114 has a cross-section or profile 20 that is substantially quadrilateral in shape, such as for example having a square or rectangular cross-section or profile. More typically, the shape of projection 114 is complementary to the shape of groove 42 and is received in groove 42 when lock member 110 is connected to base member 25 20. A circular groove 120 is provided to extend circumferentially around the entire length of inner surface of the lower side wall of skirt 112 of lock member 30 110 for receiving collar 40 of base member 20 therein. Groove 120 is of a generally flat profile and is complementary in size, shape and profile to the profile of collar 40 so that collar 40 can rotatingly move within 6110/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 29 groove 120 when lock member 110 rotates with respect to base member 20. A second or upper inwardly directed circular projection 5 126 in the form of a circular collar, ring or similar projection is provided circumferentially around the inner surface of skirt 112 of lock member 110 adjacent circular groove 120 to extend radially inwards. Upper circular projection 126 is received in upper circular groove 46 of 10 the base member 20 to allow relative rotation of the base member 20 and lock member 110 with respect to each other to move cap 10 between the operative and inoperative configurations. 15 A generally triangular shaped circular groove or recess 127 is provided in the inner wall of skirt 112 at the upper edge of collar 126 to extend circumferentially around the entire inner surface of skirt 112 for receiving therein triangular rib 50 of base member 20 to allow 20 relative rotation of lock member 110 with respect to base to base member 20. It is to be noted that the shape, profile, contour or arrangement or the like of the lower portion of the inner 25 wall of lock member 110 i.e. inner surface wall of side skirt 112 is complementary to or matches the shape, profile, contour, arrangement or the like of the lower portion of the outer wall of base member 20 so as to not only retain the two members in a single assembly or unit 30 but to facilitate rotary movement of each other by providing a bearing surface and the like between them generally having a curved lower edge, and being an access opening generally having a curved lower edge, and being, 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 30 typically in a general a U-shape in the form of an opening, aperture, cut-out, gap, stop, slot 128 or similar absence of a side wall, is provided in the cylindrical side wall 111 of lock member 110 and extends from top s surface 113 of lock member 110 towards the location of the upper edge of side skirt 112. A generally horseshoe shaped or crescent shaped top surface 130 is provided at the top of lock member 110 to partially close the top end of the lock member. Opening 132 of the top surface 113 is 1o located centrally within the top surface. In one form, opening 128 in side wall 111 and opening 132 in the top surface 130 are generally arranged in alignment with each other and are typically arranged to extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to each other so as to be at 15 right angles to each other so as to form a generally L shaped opening in two planes, being opening 128 in side wall 111 being in the vertical plane and opening 132 in the top surface 113 being in the horizontal plane. In one form opening 132 is of a generally key-hole slot shape 20 having a centrally located circular opening at one end and a lengthwise extending opening having straight sides extending from the central opening to the edge of lock member 110. 25 A projection, typically in the form of a boss, pin, spigot 140, or the like acting as a detent depends downwardly from the under surface of the top cover 113 close to the edge of the semi-circular aperture in the top cover. Pin 140 is for selectively engaging with one or other of 30 notches 86a, 86b, 86c of base member 20, depending upon the relative position of base member 20 and lock member 110. When base member 20 and lock member 110 are aligned with each other in an operative position allowing access 6110/11 2804947_1 (GHMauters) PB8197.AU - 31 through aperture 128 of lock member 110 and slot 36 of base member 20 to trigger 70 for operation of aerosol container 12 to dispense material therefrom, pin 140 is received in notch 86a. However, when base member 20 and s lock member 110 are in either one of the two inoperative positions, pin 140 is received in either notch 86b or 86c to retain cap 10 in the inoperative position. In an assembled condition, base member 20 is received 10 substantially wholly within lock member 110 such that the respective complementary shaped projections and grooves of the respective lower parts of the walls of each of the two members 20, 110 forming the retainer and bearing are received within one another to allow the base member and 15 lock member to cooperatively engage with one another allowing rotation of the two members with respect to each other whilst retaining the two members in combination in place at the top of container 12. 20 When the lock member 110 and the base member 20 are in alignment with each other, actuating slot 36 and access opening 128 are aligned with each other so that a person's finger can be inserted through the aligned openings 36, 128 in the respective walls 28, 111 of the two members to 25 contact trigger 70 to press the trigger thereby allowing the contents of the aerosol to be discharged. When the aerosol container is no longer required for use or is to be stored or transferred or transported, lock 30 member 110 is rotated with respect to the base member 20 in the direction of one of arrows 54, 56 such that the access opening 128 of the lock member 110 is closed by part of the cylindrical wall 28 and top of the base member 6110/11 2804947.1 (GHMatters) P86197.AU - 32 20 and actuating opening 36 of the base member 20 is closed by part of the cylindrical wall 111 of the lock member 110 to prevent access to the trigger thereby preventing accidental or inadvertent operation of the 5 aerosol container by unwanted depression of the trigger. Thus, using the lockable cap of the present invention, it is possible to safely store the aerosol container without risk that the contents of the container can be dispensed through inadvertent or accidental movement of the trigger 10 since the trigger is protected by part of the solid side wall and part of the solid top of the lock member. When the container is to be reused, the lock member is rotated so that the two cap members are in register with each other whereby the actuating slot 36 and the access opening is 128 are in alignment with each other allowing access to the trigger for reuse by depressing trigger 70 by the trigger to dispense contents when depressed by a finger extending through the aligned openings. 20 In one form, the aerosol container and cap arrangement are received in a suitable holder having a remote actuator whereby movement of the remote actuator moves the trigger to dispense contents from the aerosol container remotely. Such a holder is used by workmen when marking an area 25 requiring maintenance, renovation, repair or the like, such as for example, indicating an area in the roadway, pavement, footpath or the like that requires work by way of maintenance repair or the like. 30 One form of a suitable holder for the combination of aerosol container 12 and cap 10 will now be described with reference to Figure 11. 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P86197.AU - 33 Holder, generally denoted as 170, is primarily designed to receive and retain an aerosol container 12 having a discharge valve for spraying a jet, stream or mist of product longitudinally from the can when in an operative s configuration, such as for example, to mark the roadway by holding the can substantially vertically in a nozzle down orientation to spray the contents axially with respect to the container, as shown in Figure 11. 10 Holder 170 is provided with a generally curved arm support 172 for contact with the back of the forearm in use to support and maintain holder 170 in the correct position or orientation to discharge the contents as required to mark the selected spot or area requiring identification. Arm is support 172 is connected to one end of a first or upper substantially elongate section 174 forming one end of holder 170, which typically is a straight section and which is the upper end in use. The upper end in use of a generally inclined second section or mid section 176 in 20 the form of a handle or partial handle or hand support, is connected to the end in use of the upper elongate section 174, i.e. to the lower end of upper section 176, to enable holder 170 to be gripped by the hand to conduct movement and operation of holder 170. Mid section 176 is 25 substantially straight having a lengthwise extending axis which is inclined to the lengthwise extending axis of upper section 174. The lower end in use of mid section 176 is connected to the upper end of a third or lower substantially elongate section 178 which is substantially 30 straight, for providing an extension in length for the holder. Lower section 178 extends substantially parallel to upper section 174 and lower section 178 is connected to mid section 176 so that the lengthwise extending axis of 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatlers) P88197.AU - 34 the lower section 178 is inclined to the lengthwise extending section of mid section 176. Thus, holder 170 has a substantially bent or segmented shape. 5 A generally tubular cup 180 is provided at or towards the lower end in use of lower elongate member 178 for receiving therein container 12 in an upside down orientation with spray valve 18 facing downwards, i.e. towards the substrate to be marked for identification or 10 the like. Cup 180 is provided with an open upper end 183, and a partially closed lower end 185, to retain container 12 in cup 180 but allow the jet or spray 181 to be discharged from container 12 as shown in Figure 11. A pair of spaced apart support brackets 182a, 182b support 15 cup 180 at or towards the lower end of lower elongate member 178. Support 182a is located closer to the open end 183 of cup 180 whereas support bracket 182b is located closer to partially closed end 185. A retainer, in the form of a stop 184, is provided at or towards the open end 20 of cup 180 to engage the base of container 12, when located in cup 180, to assist in retaining container 12 in cup 180 and to provide a reaction surface during operation of container 12. 25 In one form, retainer 184 includes an adjustable collar 186 sized and shaped to fit over lower elongate section 178 so as to be slidably adjustable along the length of lower section 178. A suitable fastener, typically in the form of a wing nut or similar is provided to lock collar 30 186 in the correct position in accordance with the size of container 12 located in cup 180. The wing nut is located on the opposite side to the side from which arm 187 extends. Arm 187 extends outwardly from one of the sides 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatlers) P88197.AU - 35 of collar 186. In one form, arm 187 is generally L-shaped having a main shank 187a and a stub 187b arranged generally perpendicularly to each other. A head 188 or enlarged section, lug or the like is provided at the S distal end of stub 187b to contact the base of container 12 to retain container 12 in cup 180 in use. Since retainer 184 is adjustable by loosening the wing nut and sliding collar 186 along lower section 178 before retightening the wing nut, containers 12 of different io sizes, can be accommodated in cup 180 and retained therein during use by the action of retainer 184. A spring loaded or spring biased rod 190 is located in substantially parallel alignment with second elongate 15 member 178 and connected thereto by bracket 186 at the upper end and brackets 182a, b at the lower end. Rod 190 is provided with a grip in the form of a hook or similar handle 192 at the upper end in use for allowing gripping of rod 190 to positively pull or lift rod 190 in a 20 generally upwards direction, such as for example by using a finger. Rod 190 is provided with spring 194 to bias the rod into the lower position in use which is at the rest position 25 corresponding to the closed position of the discharge valve of container 12. The lower end of rod 190 is provided with arm 196 extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal 30 axis of rod 190 for engaging trigger 70 of cap 10 on container 12, in place of the index or middle finger of the hand of depressing trigger 70. It is to be noted that cap 10 is in the operative position when container 12 is 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 36 received in cup 180 BO that actuating slot 86 and access opening 128 are in alignment with each other thus allowing end of arm 196 to cooperatively engage with trigger 70. 5 In this position pulling on hook 192 by the finger or similar raises rod 190 against the bias of spring 194 so that arm 196 moves to depresses trigger 70 to push valve 18 into container 12 to open valve 18 to allow product in container 12 to be discharged from valve 18, through stem 10 76 and nozzle 78 to be sprayed in a suitable spray pattern 181, such as a jet or similar stream of product, onto the substrate in close proximity to the end of container 12, thereby marking or identifying part of the substrate requiring attention. Retainer 184 maintains container 12 15 in position by forming a reaction surface thus preventing container 12 from moving when arm 196 operates the valve of the container, particularly moving axially out of cup 180. 20 After marking, hook 192 is released, allowing rod 190 to move to a lowered position because of the bias of spring 194 to release arm 196 from trigger 70, thereby allowing trigger 70 to return to the closed at rest position and releasing valve 18 to return to the close position 25 shutting off the discharge of product from container 12. After use, container 12 and cap 10 are removed from cup 80 and lock member 110 rotated with aspect to base member 20 to move cap 10 to one of the inoperative positions in which actuating slot 36 is closed by wall 111 of lock 30 member 110 enabling container 12 to be safely stored and/or transferred without risk of inadvertent or accidental operation to discharge the product from the container by preventing access to trigger 70 thus 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 37 preventing trigger 70 from being depressed. The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation and many modifications may be made without departing from 5 the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every novel feature and novel combination of features herein disclosed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the io invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope. 15 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU

Claims (35)

1. A safety closure for a container comprising a first body portion having an actuator for operatively 5 dispensing contents of the container in response to movement of the actuator, a second body portion having an access opening for allowing access to the actuator to enable movement of the actuator to dispense contents of the container, the first and second body 10 portions being relatively movable with respect to each other between a first position allowing operation of the actuator to dispense contents of the container, and at least one second position, whereby movement of the actuator is prevented by the second body member. 15

2. A safety closure for a container comprising a first member having an actuator moveable between a first position for dispensing contents from the container and a second position in which contents of the 20 container are not being dispensed and an access opening for allowing access to the actuator, and a second member having a wall provided with an aperture, the first and second members being movable relative to each other between a first position allowing operation 25 of the actuator and at least one second position preventing operation of the actuator, such that wherein when the members are in the first position, the access opening and aperture are in alignment with each other allowing access to the actuator and when 30 the first and second members are in the or one of the second positions, the access opening and aperture are not in alignment with each other so that operation of the actuator is being prevented by the position of the 6/10/11 2S04947_1 (GHMatters) P86197.AU - 39 second member.

3. A safety cap for an aerosol container, said cap having an operative configuration allowing contents of the s container to be discharged from the container and an inoperative configuration in which the contents of the container cannot be dispensed when the cap is connected to the container, said cap comprising a base member having a fastener for permitting attachment of 10 the cap to the rim of the container using the fastener, a resiliently movable actuator capable of movement between an open position in which the contents of the container can be dispensed and an at rest closed position in which the contents of the 15 container are not discharged, and an actuating slot permitting access to the actuator permitting movement of the actuator to the open position to dispense the contents of the container, and a lock member having an access opening, said lock member movable with respect 20 to the base member between a first position in which the access opening is aligned with the actuation slot allowing access to the actuator to move the actuator to the open position and a second position in which the lock member prevents access to the actuating slot 25 to inhibit or prevent movement of the actuator from the closed position to prevent unwanted dispensing of the contents of the container to the open position, wherein when the lock member is in the first position, the cap is in the operative configuration and when the 30 lock member is in the second position, the cap is in the inoperative configuration. 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P86197AU - 40

4. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the safety closure is a lockable cap that is selectively adjustable between an operative position or configuration an at least one inoperative position s or configuration.

5. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the two members are selectively adjustable by being rotationally movable with respect to one 10 another.

6. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which one member is located either partially or wholly within the other member and the members are arranged 15 to have a common central axis.

7. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which one of the members is a base member having a fastener for securely fastening the safety closure to 20 a container.

8. A safety closure according to any preceding claim further comprising a retainer for retaining the two movable members in a single assembly and for 25 facilitating rotary movement of the members with respect to each other to selectively adjust the safety closure by rotating one member from one position to another position. 30

9. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the base member is an inner member and the lock member is an outer member. 61011 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197 AU - 41

10. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the two members are provided with complementary parts of a connector for facilitating connection between the two members so as to retain the two 5 members together as a single assembly whilst allowing the outer member to rotate with respect to the inner member between the operative configuration and one or more of the inoperative configuration. '1o

11. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which both members are provided with part of a bearing or bearing surface in which the bearing surface of one member is complementary to the bearing surface of the other member to facilitate rotational 15 movement of the members with respect to each other.

12. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the lock member moves between an open access position and at least one closed position preventing 20 access to the actuator.

13. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the lock member has a wall portion arranged such that when the cap is in the operative position the 25 wall portion covers the actuating slot preventing access to the actuator.

14. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the lock member is provided with a barrier or 30 cover portion for the base member wherein the barrier or cover portion is part of the wall of lock member.

15. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the lock member is rotatable with respect to the 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197.AU - 42 base member through an angle of about 1800 from one inoperative position through to another operative position. 5

16. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the operative position is about midway between both of the inoperative positions.

17. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in 10 which the actuating opening of the base member is centrally located midway between the positions of the lock member when in the operative positions so that the amount of rotation of the lock member from the operative position to either one of the inoperative 15 positions is substantially about 90* way in either direction.

18. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which when the cap is on one of the inoperative 20 configurations a first indicia provided on the base member is visible through the access opening of the lock member to indicate the direction of rotation of the lock member relative to the base member to adjust the cap to the operative configuration. 25

19. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which when the cap is in another of the inoperative positions a second indicia provided on the other side of the wall of the base member to where the first 30 indicia is located is visible through the access opening of the lock member to indicate the direction of the rotation of the lock member relative to the base member to convert the cap from the second 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P86197 AU - 43 inoperative configuration into the operative configuration.

20. A safety closure according to any of the preceding 5 claims in which the first indicia is in the form of a first directional indicator, preferably an arrow indicating the direction of rotation of the lock member relative to the base member to convert the cap to the operative position. 10

21. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the second indicia is in the form of a second directional indicator, preferably a second arrow for indicating the direction of rotation of the lock 15 member relative to the base member to convert the cap into another of the inoperative position.

22. A safety closure according to any preceding claims in which the direction of rotation indicated by the first 20 indicia is opposite to the direction of rotation indicated by the second indicia.

23. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the actuator is a movable actuator movable 25 between an open position and a closed position in which the open position allows discharge of content from the container and the closed position prevents discharge of content form the container. 30

24. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the actuator is resiliently biased, typically biased to a closed position or a position corresponding to a position allowing the container to be closed by stopping the flow of contents from the 6/1011 2804947_1 (GHMatters) P88197AU - 44 container.

25. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the actuator is resiliently biased to an at rest s position corresponding to the closed position of the actuator and container.

26. A safety closure according to a new preceding claim in which the actuator is a lever, arm, trigger or 10 similar.

27. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the actuator is hingedly connected to the base member. 15

28. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the actuator is hingedly connected to the base member by a living hinge, flexure bearing or similar. 20

29. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which the actuator is hingedly connected to an internal wall of the base member, typically the part circular inner wall of the actuator located at a position opposite to the actuating slot or opening of 25 the base member.

30. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which when the cap is in the operative position the base member and the lock member are aligned with each 30 other so that the actuating opening or slot of the base member is in register with the access opening of the lock member thereby exposing the actuator for movement of the actuator. 6/10/11 2804947_1 (GHMetters) P88197.AU - 45

31. A safety closure according to any preceding claim in which when the cap is in one of the inoperative positions part of the wall of the base member having s the indicia closes the access opening of the lock member in addition to the wall of the lock member closing the actuating slot of the base member so as to prevent access to the actuator thereby preventing inadvertent or accidental movement of the actuator. 10

32. A holder for a container having a safety closure according to any preceding claim.

33. A safety closure substantially as herein before 15 described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. A holder for a container having a safety closure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 20

35. Every novel feature as hereinbefore disclosed or defined in the specification and/or drawings when taken alone or in combination with any other feature including features that are novel or otherwise, 25 including groups of two or more features. 61oi11 2804947_1 (GHMalters) P88197.AU