US3848763A

US3848763A - Dual motion child resistant closure

Info

Publication number: US3848763A
Application number: US00331765A
Authority: US
Inventors: W Kropp
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-02-12
Filing date: 1973-02-12
Publication date: 1974-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 1991-11-19
Also published as: JPS49111782A; IT1004903B; FR2217235A1; DE2404196A1; FR2217235B3; AU6468674A

Abstract

A closure includes a cap member having a flexible sidewall adapted to engage a lip around the neck of a container. An outer member surrounds the cap member and includes a side wall closely engaging the flexible side wall to limit the expansion thereof. Removal of the closure is facilitated by depressing the outer member toward the neck and simultaneously pressing against the outer side wall to pivot the closure away from the neck.

Description

United States Patent [191 Kropp Nov. 19, 1974 DUAL MOTION CHILD RESISTANT CLOSURE [75] Inventor: Willis A. Kropp, Deland, Fla. [73] Assignee: Alexander C. Hunt, Orlando, Fla.

[22] Filed: Feb. 12, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 331,765

[52] US. Cl. 215/225 [51] Int. Cl. B65d 85/56, B65d 55/02, A6lj 1/00 [58] Field of Search 215/9, 95, 46 R, 225, 200

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,779,412 12/1973 Kirton 215/9 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,467,864 12/1966 France 215/95 Primary Examiner-George T. Hall Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Duckworth, Hobby & Allen [5 7] ABSTRACT A closure includes a cap member having a flexible sidewall adapted to engage a lip around the neck of a container. An outer member surrounds the cap member and includes a side wall closely engaging the flexible side wall to limit the expansion thereof. Removal of the closure is facilitated by depressing the outer member toward the neck and simultaneously pressing against the outer side wall to pivot the closure away from the neck.

18 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures 1 DUAL MOTION CHILD RESISTANT CLOSURE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Recently, congressional legislation has been enacted which requires that closures for such containers meet certain minimum standards of difficulty with regard to the ability of small children to open them. Briefly, this enactment contemplates the use of panels of children in graduated age brackets, in which a minimum percentage in each bracket must be unable to open a given closure, in order for that closure to be approved for use.

A wide variety of child-resistant closure arrangments have been suggested in the prior art. Some of these previous arrangements, devised prior to the abovedescribed congressional enactment, do not meet the specified requirements and are therefore not suited for commercial use. Other techniques, while meeting these requirements, are prohibitively expensive to make. Certain prior art closures are adapted to only mate with a container havinga specific interconnecting arrangement at thev neck of the container, and are thus undesirable in that such closures cannot be universally adapted to a variety of containers.

One type of prior art, closure employs an arrangement requiring two simultaneous conflicting motions to facilitate removalof the closure. An example of such closures ispresently used for some childrens aspirin containers, and employs a single cap member having a resilient insertinsidethe cap. This closure is adapted to only mate witha container having a specific latch-andcam lip on the neck, such that removal is caused by first.

pressing the cap toward the neck and simultaneously rotating the cap around the neck. A closure of this nature is disclosed by St. Denis in US. Pat. no. 3,557,985. Another cam-type arrangement is taught by Donovan in US. Pat. No. 3,398,848, in which the cam is formed asridges extending axial with the opening in the neck of the container.

Moller, in US. Pat. No. 3,434,614, teaches a closure having a singlecap member with a resilienttop and a lipengagingrim around the periphery thereof. Removal of this closure is facilitated by simultaneously pressing in the resilient top and lifting the rim away from the lip.

Berg, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,430,796, discloses a twomember closure with an inner member fitting over the lip normally employed at the extremity of the neck of neously pressing the center of the inner member downward to decouple the inner member from the lip.

Examples of other prior art closure arrangements are also disclosed in the following US. Patents: US. Pat. No. 2,953,271 to I-Iohl; US. Pat. No. 3,391,813 to Gibson; US Pat. No. 3,471,052 to Atkins; US. Pat. No. 3,494,497 to Vercilo; US. Pat. No. 3,559,832 to Balducci; and US Pat. No. 3,362,556 to Waldrum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a closure adapted to be secured on the neck of a container of the type having a lip surrounding at least a portion of the periphery of the neck. The closure comprises a cap member adapted to be fitted over the neck, and has a flexible side wall adapted to engage the lip. Means are included for limiting the expansion of the flexible side wall.

The Drawing FIG. 1 is a cross sectional side view of a closure in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional side views of the closure of FIG. 1, depicting the manner in which removal of the closure is facilitated.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of a closure in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views, partially crosssectioned, of portions of the closure of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of a closure in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views, partially crosssectioned, of portions of the closureof FIG. 7.

Detailed Description tively comprise intermittent'lip portions surroundingthe neck.

The closure 10 includes a cap member 18 which'is adapted to fit over the neck 12. The cap member'l8" has a flexible sidewall 20 which surrounds the neck'l2, and includes a rim 22 engaging the lip 16. Preferably, the cap member 18 and the flexible side wall'20' are integrally formed from a compliant "material having a highelasticity-factor. I

The presentinvention contemplates means for limiting the expansion of the flexible side 'wall 20.1n'this embodiment, the expansion limiting means "comprises a noncompliant outer member 24h'avinga side wall'26' surrounding and closely engaging the flexible sidewall 20'of the cap member 18. Theouter side wall 26*includes a collet, or crimp 28extending arou'nd 'theextremity of the-flexible side wall 20 and overlapping the rim 22. Suitably, the outer member 24"and the associ ated side wall 26 are integrally formed'froma material' having a low elasticity factor, such as aluminum, for ex ample. Resilient means, such as a spring 30,'are inter posed between the cap member-l8 and the outer member-24.

The closure further comprises means for coupling the outer member 24 to the cap member 18 when the outer member is depressed in a direction toward the neck 12. In this embodiment, the coupling means contemplates an opening 32 in the outer member 24 which is substantially axial with the direction toward the neck 12. As slmwn in FIG. 1, the openin g2 is defined by an inner wall 33 with the spring 30 interposed between the inner wall and the outer side wall 26. The cap member 18 includes a stem 34 extending away from the cap member axial with and into the opening 32. The stem 34 preferably has a cross-sectional shape and dimension proximal to the cap member 18 corresponding to the shape and dimension of the opening 32, in order that the periphery of the opening engages the proximal portion of the stem when the outer member 24 is depressed toward the neck 12, as will be more fully described below. Suitably, the dimension of the portion of the stem 34 distal to the cap member 18 is smaller relative to the like dimension of the proximal portion.

The manner in which removal of the closure 10 is facilitated will now be described. Noting FIG. 2, the outer member 24 is initially pressed toward the neck 12 of the container 14, as shown by arrows 40. Due to this movement, the spring 30 is compressed against the cap member 18, relieving the bias of the spring and thereby causing the pressure of the rim 22 against the lip 16 to be relaxed. This relaxation of pressure is allowed by virtue of the downward movement of the crimp 28 away from the rim 22. Additionally, the periphery of the opening 32 in the outer member 24 engages the stem 34.

The second of the two conflicting motions is applied as follows. While the outer member 24 is maintained in this depressed position, the outer side wall 26 is pressed in a direction away from the neck 12 at a point distal from the lip 16 (note arrow 42).

Reference is now made to FIG. 3. As a result of the two simultaneous conflicting motions, the rim 22 is moved over the lip 16 in the vicinity below the pressure point on the outer side wall 26. The closure 10 is then moved about a fulcrum 44 and away from the container 14. During this sideward movement, the engagement of the periphery of the opening 32 to the stem 34 looks the outer and

cap members

24, 18 together and assists in transferring the force from the sideward pressure against the outer side wall 26, into the movement of the rim 22 over the lip 16.

A second embodiment of the closure of the present invention is shown and described with reference to FIGS. 4 through :6. Noting FIG. 4, this closure arrangment, referred to generally as 50, comprises a cap member 52 having a flexible side wall 54 surrounding the neck 12, and further including a rim 56 engaging the lip 16. The closure 50 includes an outer member 58 having an outer side wall 60 surrounding and closely engaging a portion of the flexible side wall 54 of the cap member 52. The outer member 58 includes a thickened portion 62 at the extremity of the outer side wall 60, serving a similar purpose as the crimp 28 of the closure 10 in FIG. 1.

The cap member 52 of closure 50 further includes a generally cone-shaped resilient member 64 extending into the space between the cap member and the outer member 58. The outer extremity of the resilient member 64 is dimensioned such as to engage the outer side wall 60 when the outer member 58 is depressed toward the neck 12. Thus configured, the cone-shaped resilient member 64 serves the function of the spring 30 and the closure 10 of FIG. 1, and also serves the function of the stem 34, in that engagement of the resilient member 64 with the outer side wall 60 assists in transferring the sideward force to movement of the rim 54 over the lip 16.

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7 through 9. This embodiment comprises a closure, referred to generally as 70, having a cap member 72 similar to the cap 52 of FIGS. 4 and 5, and which includes a resilient cone-shaped member 74. In addition, the cap member 72 includes an upwardly extending cylindrical stem 76 having supporting struts 78 disposed around the inner periphery thereof.

The closure further includes an outer member 80 having an outwardly beveled side wall 82 engaging the cap member 72 only at the rim 84 when the outer member is not depressed. The outer member 80 includes an opening 86, the periphery of which is adapted to engage to cylindrical stem 76 of the cap member 72 when the outer member 80 is depressed toward the neck 12. The cylindrical stem 76 and the opening 86 thus assist removal of the closure 70 in a manner similar to the stem 34 and opening 32 of the closure 10 in FIG. 1.

A closure in accordance with the present invention has several advantages. The requirement of two simultaneous conflicting motions necessary to remove the closure is relatively difficult, and is believed to meet the minimum requirements discussed above. Further, the closure is adapted for use with a variety of containers. In addition, the closure is rugged and can be massproduced using low cost plastic extrusion and molding technology.

I claim: I

1. A closure adapted to be secured on a neck of a container of the type having a lip surrounding at least a portion of the periphery of said neck, said closure comprising:

a cap member adapted to fit over said neck and having a flexible side wall adapted to engage said lip;

means for limiting the expansion of said flexible side wall and means for providing resiliency between said cap member and said expansion limiting means.

2. A closure as recited in claim 1 wherein said expansion limiting means comprises an outer member having a side wall surrounding said flexible side wall of said cap member.

3. A closure as recited in claim 1 wherein said resiliency providing means comprises a portion of said cap member.

4. A closure as recited in claim 2 wherein said flexible side wall further comprises:

a rim at the extremity thereof, said rim adapted to engage said lip; and wherein removal of said closure is only facilitated by first depressing said outer member in a direction toward said neck so as to decouple said rim from said lip, and simultaneously pressing against said sidewall of said outer member and away from said neck at a point distal from said lip, so as to move said rim over said lip.

5. A closure as recited in claim 4 further comprising said side wall of said outer member having a crimp overlapping said rim.

A qlq ur as recited ins m rther. 99U1Biz means for coupling said outer member to said cap member when said outer member is depressed toward said neck.

7. A closure as recited in claim 6 wherein said coupling means comprises:

said outer member having an opening therethrough substantially axial with said direction toward said neck;

a stem extending away from said cap member axial with and into said opening, said stem having a cross-sectional shape and dimension proximal to said cap corresponding to the shape and dimension of said opening; and wherein said outer member at the periphery of said opening engages said stem when pressed in said direction toward said neck.

8. A closure as recited in claim 7 wherein said stem has a smaller dimension distal from said cap in relation to said proximal dimension.

9. A closure as recited in claim 8 wherein said opening is defined by an inner wall of said outer member extending toward said neck.

10. A closure as recited in claim 3 wherein said resilient means comprises at least one protrusion integral with said cap member, said protrusion extending away from said neck and toward said outer member.

11. A closure as recited in claim 10, wherein said protrusion comprises means for coupling said outer member to said cap member when depressed toward said neck.

12. A closure as recited in claim 11 wherein said cap member comprises a material having a high elasticity factor.

13. A closure as recited in claim 12 wherein said outer member comprises a material having a low elasticity factor.

14. A closure comprising:

a compliant inner member having a rim adapted to engage the neck of a container;

a non-compliant outer member surrounding said inner member and preventing expansion thereof and collecting means with said non-compliant member and engaging the extremity of said compliant mem- 6 ber. 15. A closure as recited in claim 14, further comprising:

spring biasing means interposed between said inner I and outer members; and wherein movement of said outer member axial with the direction of said spring bias relieves said colleting means, whereby a second movement of said outer member transverse to said first movement causes said inner member to move away from said container.

16. A closure and container arrangement comprising:

a container having a neck with an opening therethrough;

a lip surrounding the extremity of said neck;

a cap member positioned over said opening and comprising a flexible side wall having a rim fitting around said lip;

an outer member surrounding said cap member and comprising a side wall engaging and restraining said flexible side wall; and

means for interposing a spring bias between said members in a direction substantially parallel with the axial direction of said opening.

17. A closure and container arrangement as recited in claim 16 further comprising means for coupling said outer member to said cap member only when said outer member is depressed toward said neck and against said cap member.

18. A closure comprising:

a compliant cap member having a side wall with a depending rim adapted to engage the neck of a container;

an outer member having a non-compliant side wall enclosing said cap member side wall and preventing expansion thereof, said outer member side wall including a collet about the extremity thereof engaging the extremity of said cap member side wall; and

means for providing resiliency between said cap and outer members in a direction axial with the neck of said container, said resilient means comprising a portion of one of said cap and outer members.

Claims

1. A closure adapted to be secured on a neck of a container of the type having a lip surrounding at least a portion of the periphery of said neck, said closure comprising: a cap member adapted to fit over said neck and having a flexible side wall adapted to engage said lip; means for limiting the expansion of said flexible side wall and means for providing resiliency between said cap member and said expansion limiting means.

4. A closure as recited in claim 2 wherein said flexible side wall further comprises: a rim at the extremity thereof, said rim adapted to engage said lip; and wherein removal of said closure is only facilitated by first depressing said outer member in a direction toward said neck so as to decouple said rim from said lip, and simultaneously pressing against said sidewall of said outer member and away from said neck at a point distal from said lip, so as to move said rim over said lip.

6. A closure as recited in cliam 4 further comprising means for coupling said outer member to said cap member when said outer member is depressed toward said neck.

7. A closure as recited in claim 6 wherein said coupling means comprises: said outer member having an opening therethrough substantially axial with said direction toward said neck; a stem extending away from said cap member axial with and into said opening, said stem having a cross-sectional shape and dimension proximal to said cap corresponding to the shape and dimension of said opening; and wherein said outer member at the periphery of said opening engages said stem when pressed in said direction toward said neck.

14. A closure comprising: a compliant inner member having a rim adapted to engage the neck of a container; a non-compliant outer member surrounding said inner member and preventing expansion thereof and collecting means with said non-compliant member and engaging the extremity of said compliant member.

15. A closure as recited in claim 14, further comprising: spring biasing means interposed between said inner and outer members; and wherein movement of said outer member axial with the direction of said spring bias reLieves said colleting means, whereby a second movement of said outer member transverse to said first movement causes said inner member to move away from said container.

16. A closure and container arrangement comprising: a container having a neck with an opening therethrough; a lip surrounding the extremity of said neck; a cap member positioned over said opening and comprising a flexible side wall having a rim fitting around said lip; an outer member surrounding said cap member and comprising a side wall engaging and restraining said flexible side wall; and means for interposing a spring bias between said members in a direction substantially parallel with the axial direction of said opening.

17. A closure and container arrangement as recited in claim 16 furhter comprising means for coupling said outer member to said cap member only when said outer member is depressed toward said neck and against said cap member.

18. A closure comprising: a compliant cap member having a side wall with a depending rim adapted to engage the neck of a container; an outer member having a non-compliant side wall enclosing said cap member side wall and preventing expansion thereof, said outer member side wall including a collet about the extremity thereof engaging the extremity of said cap member side wall; and means for providing resiliency between said cap and outer members in a direction axial with the neck of said container, said resilient means comprising a portion of one of said cap and outer members.