CA1040138A - Tamperproof closure with grippable handle - Google Patents
Tamperproof closure with grippable handleInfo
- Publication number
- CA1040138A CA1040138A CA226,846A CA226846A CA1040138A CA 1040138 A CA1040138 A CA 1040138A CA 226846 A CA226846 A CA 226846A CA 1040138 A CA1040138 A CA 1040138A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ring
- cap
- handle
- tamperproof
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/32—Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
- B65D41/34—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt
- B65D41/3404—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with ratchet-and-pawl mechanism between the container and the closure skirt or the tamper element
- B65D41/3409—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers provided with tamper elements formed in, or attached to, the closure skirt with ratchet-and-pawl mechanism between the container and the closure skirt or the tamper element the tamper element being integrally connected to the closure by means of bridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/04—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
- B65D41/0407—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means
- B65D41/0414—Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation with integral sealing means formed by a plug, collar, flange, rib or the like contacting the internal surface of a container neck
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
- B65D2401/25—Non-metallic tear-off strips
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S206/00—Special receptacle or package
- Y10S206/807—Tamper proof
Abstract
TAMPERPROOF CLOSURE WITH
GRIPPABLE HANDLE
Abstract of the Disclosure A tamperproof cap structure, including a cap, a locking ring and a handle are provided for use with a bottle or similar container having one or more teeth fashioned adjacent a reduced bottleneck. The cap structure locking ring is pro-vided with one or more pawls positioned to mate with the con-tainer neck teeth to prevent the cap from being unscrewed from the container. Frangible connectors which rigidly connect the locking ring and cap can be broken if sufficient unscrewing torque is applied to the cap; and the broken connectors and dropped ring provide visual evidence that tampering has at least been attempted. The ring is also provided with a handle which can be grasped to rip the ring away from the cap. Per-manent distortion of handle S-members and breakage of the frang-ible handle web provide another indication of attempted tam-pering.
GRIPPABLE HANDLE
Abstract of the Disclosure A tamperproof cap structure, including a cap, a locking ring and a handle are provided for use with a bottle or similar container having one or more teeth fashioned adjacent a reduced bottleneck. The cap structure locking ring is pro-vided with one or more pawls positioned to mate with the con-tainer neck teeth to prevent the cap from being unscrewed from the container. Frangible connectors which rigidly connect the locking ring and cap can be broken if sufficient unscrewing torque is applied to the cap; and the broken connectors and dropped ring provide visual evidence that tampering has at least been attempted. The ring is also provided with a handle which can be grasped to rip the ring away from the cap. Per-manent distortion of handle S-members and breakage of the frang-ible handle web provide another indication of attempted tam-pering.
Description
~ 3 Ba_~ground of the Invention This invention relates generally to bottle closures, and more particularly concerns tamperproof caps which posi-tively indicate the results of mishandling or tampering, yet which can be easily used by even inexperienced personnel.
Container closures previously have been offered ; which include screw-on caps and integral cap locking rings designed to prevent removal of the cap from the container without damage to the ring and the ring-cap connection. Some of these devices are disclosed in my United States Patent No. 3,874,540, issued on April 1, 1975, and in Crisci et al U. SO Patent 3,540,818. In these devices, when ; the cap is unscrewed from the container, the locking ring is broken away from the cap. A visual indication of at least attempted tampering or opening is thus provided.
Some container closures of this general type have additionally included second or alternate means for disconnect-ing the locking ring rom the cap and the container. One such device is that disclosed in U. S. Patent 3,560,428 to Miller; there, a pull handle is connected to the locking ring to permit the ring to be partially or completely ripped away from the cap and container.
It is the general object of the present invention to provide a novel bottle closure cap and associated locking ring and handle device at low cost which will positively signal the occurrence of attempted or actual tampering.
It is another object of the invention to provide a tamperproof cap structure having a cap locking ring removal
Container closures previously have been offered ; which include screw-on caps and integral cap locking rings designed to prevent removal of the cap from the container without damage to the ring and the ring-cap connection. Some of these devices are disclosed in my United States Patent No. 3,874,540, issued on April 1, 1975, and in Crisci et al U. SO Patent 3,540,818. In these devices, when ; the cap is unscrewed from the container, the locking ring is broken away from the cap. A visual indication of at least attempted tampering or opening is thus provided.
Some container closures of this general type have additionally included second or alternate means for disconnect-ing the locking ring rom the cap and the container. One such device is that disclosed in U. S. Patent 3,560,428 to Miller; there, a pull handle is connected to the locking ring to permit the ring to be partially or completely ripped away from the cap and container.
It is the general object of the present invention to provide a novel bottle closure cap and associated locking ring and handle device at low cost which will positively signal the occurrence of attempted or actual tampering.
It is another object of the invention to provide a tamperproof cap structure having a cap locking ring removal
- 2 -~ 3 ~
handle which can be easily used, even by persons unfamiliar with such de~ices. ~ related object is to provide a container cap, locking ring and cap handle structure wherein tampering actions break parts of the handle, thereby providing positive and relatively dramatic visual evidence of tampering. ~nother related object is to provide a tamperproof cap structure having a cap locking ring removal handle which folds out to accommo-date full insertion of a human finger for easy, positive, quick handle and locking ring removal.
Another objec~ is to provide a cap structure which can be opened to provide access to the container contents either by unscrewing a cap to break away a locking ring or by using a handle to rip the locking ring away from the cap.
; Yet another object is to provide a cap structure of the described type which is inexpensive and relatively easy to manufacture.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the ~ollowing detailed descrip-tion and upon reerence to the drawings. Throughout -the description, like reference numerals refer to like par-ts.
Brief Description of the Drawin~_ FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view showing the bottle-type container and the novel closure cap, locking ring and handle;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing the bottle, the cap, the locking ring and the handle as they appear when allgned with a bottle collar for removal o~ the locking ring and handle from the bottle;
handle which can be easily used, even by persons unfamiliar with such de~ices. ~ related object is to provide a container cap, locking ring and cap handle structure wherein tampering actions break parts of the handle, thereby providing positive and relatively dramatic visual evidence of tampering. ~nother related object is to provide a tamperproof cap structure having a cap locking ring removal handle which folds out to accommo-date full insertion of a human finger for easy, positive, quick handle and locking ring removal.
Another objec~ is to provide a cap structure which can be opened to provide access to the container contents either by unscrewing a cap to break away a locking ring or by using a handle to rip the locking ring away from the cap.
; Yet another object is to provide a cap structure of the described type which is inexpensive and relatively easy to manufacture.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the ~ollowing detailed descrip-tion and upon reerence to the drawings. Throughout -the description, like reference numerals refer to like par-ts.
Brief Description of the Drawin~_ FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view showing the bottle-type container and the novel closure cap, locking ring and handle;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view showing the bottle, the cap, the locking ring and the handle as they appear when allgned with a bottle collar for removal o~ the locking ring and handle from the bottle;
- 3 -FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially in the planes of line 3-3 in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a fragmPntary top plan view showing the bottle and cap structure as they appear when the cap handle is being pulled to rupture portions of the cap structure in pre-paration for removal of the locking ring, FIG~ 5 is a fragmentary top plan view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the cap structure as it appears when rup-; ture of cap parts and relatively full extension of the cap handle has occurred;
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the cap structureand bottle similar to FIG. 1 but showing the cap structure as it appears after the handle has been extended and as the cap locking ring is being removed; and FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing details of the structure by which the cap and cap locking ring are formed and held together.
De~ailed Description While the invention will be described in connection wi~h a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to this embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modi-fications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Turning more specifically to FIG. 1, a cap structure 10 is shown. Here, the cap structure 10 can be generally considered to include a cap portion 11, a locking ring 12, and a handle 13 all secured, directly or indirectly, -to a container 14, which may take the form of a milk jug or similar object. It is contemplated that the illustrated cap 11, the locking ring 12 and the handle 13 will be originally formed as a single piece by injection molding or other known method from a suitable resinous plastics material such as polyethy-lene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Knurling or vertical ribbing 15 is fashioned on the outside sidewall of the cap 11 as an aid in transmi~ting full turning torque ~o the cap by a user. The container bottle 14 may also be formed of suitable resinous plastics material; and the bottle has a reduced neck portion 16 which includes an extension 17 having formed thereon an external or male cap-securing thread 18 for mating with an internal or female helical screw thread 19 inside the cap.
Below the extension 17, a suitable number of triangular ratchet teeth 20 are fashioned. While a single ratchet tooth may be employed, the illustrated preferred embodi~ent provides a num-ber of such teeth arranged in several spaced apart ratchet tooth sections, as seen particularly in FIG. 2. Below these teeth 20, a collar portion 23 extends radially outwardly. In the illustrated embodiment, this collar is interrupted by two diametrically opposed recesses 25 and 26.
; To lock the cap structure 10 on the container 14, a number of circumferentially spaced, triangularly shaped pawls 30 are provided on the inside surface of the locking ring 12, and are positioned to extend radially inwardly so as to engage one or more of the container ratchet teeth 20.
When the cap structure 10 is turned clockwise, as shown in FIG. 2, to assemble the cap structure on the container the locking ring pawls 30 ride over the cvntainer ratche~ teeth To facilitate this overriding motion, the locking ring 12 includes relatively thin sections 31 disposed between the reLatively thick teeth 30; when overriding motion occurs, these thin sections 31 flex to permit temporary radially outward ex-tention of the pawls 30. It is also to be noted that the bottle male ~hread 18 and the cap internal female thread 19 are formed with appropriately oriented mating helices so that clockwise motion of the cap 10 screws or turns the cap 11 into closed asse~bly with the container bottle 14 Thus, initial attachment of the cap end to the bottle container 11 requires only a simple screw-down motion. However, counter-; clockwise, unscrewing retrograde motion of the cap structure 10 (once it has been assembled upon the bottle) causes the pawls 30 o~ the locking ring 12 to engage the bottle teeth 20; this pawl-tooth engagement prevents more than a minor retrograde unscrewing motion without causing damage to the cap structure 10.
A connecting device couples the locking ring 12 to the cap 11, and transmits the cap-retaining action of the locking ring 12 to the cap 11, Here, this connecting means takes the form of individual, spaced connectors 33 which individually join the pawls 30 to an unknurled cap base, as illustrated particularly in FIG. 2. The connectors 33 are oriented to extend outwardly in extended chordal relationship to the cap 11 between the cap and the larger-diameter locking ring 12. So oriented, the connectors 33 provide both frangible connections between the cap 11 and locking ring 12, and also define pivot points about which the pawls 30 can rock as they pass over the ratchet teeth 2~ during screw-on assembly of the ~ 3 ~
cap 1~ and bottle 14. Conversely~ the breakable connectors 33 hold the respective pawls 30 in engagement with the container teeth 20 when the cap 11 is turned in an unscrewing or opposite direction, and prevent the pawls 30 from riding out of engage-ment with the ratchet teeth 20 under such conditions.
It is a feature of the invention that these connec-tors 33 provide one indication o~ bottle tampering, as well as acting as cap-ring force transmitters. When it is desired to gain access to the contents of the container 14, the cap 11 is grasped and rotated in a counterclockwise unscrewing direction, as can be envisioned from FIG. 2. This motion causes the bottle thread 18 and cap thread 19 to cooperate in slightly unseating the cap 11 from the bottle 14. However, rotation of the cap 11 in this unscrewing counterclockwise direction brings the pawls 3n into engage~ent with the bottle teeth 20. Upon application of suEficient unscrewing torque to the cap 11, at least some of the connectors 33 are broken, and the ring 12 may partially or com-pletely drop away from the cap 11 to rest around the bottleneck.
These damaged connectors 33 and the dropped position of the ring 12 provides one indication that the container has been opened. ~fter opening, the ring 12 may be fully stripped away from ~he container and removed, if desired. The cap 11 is, of course, used as a reclosure deviceO
In accordance with the invention, the tamperproof cap is provided with structure which permits the ring 12 to be ripped away from the cap 11 in a quick and easy manner by even inexperienced users. Further, the novel cap structure provides a second or alternate indication of at least attempted container ~ 3 tampering or opening. To this end, the ring 12 terminates in two spaced apart ends 36 and 37 which are located on the ring circumference with respect to the pawls 30 so as to be aligned on opposite sides of the container collar recess 25, as illustrated particularly in FIG. 2. At each ring end 36 and 37 there is fashionPd a de~ormable, reversely bent S-member 38 and 39, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, each S-member can be considered to originate in a radially outwardly e~tended curve 41 or 42, respectively, and to terminate in a reversely bent inwardly extended folded curve 43 or 44, res-pectively. An arcuate pulL tab member 45 extends between the S-members, and here has generally the same dimensional appear-ance and cross-sectional shape as the S-members 38 and 39.
It is a feature of the invention that the S-members 38 and 39 and handle 13 are encouraged to lie in the same plane as a bottom surface 46 of the ring 12. To this end, a thin, ~rangible flashing member 47 can be formed in the plane of the ring bottom surface 46 to interconnect the ring 12 and one curved 43 and 44 of each S-member 38 and 39, re spectively. This frangible flashing is broken when the handle 13 is pulled as illustrated in FIG. 5.
Extending between the S-members 38 and 39 and the pull tab 45 is a frangible web member 48~ In the illustrated embodiment, this frangible web member 48 is formed in the shape of letters spelling out the word "pull", thus providing dîrections for use of the device to an inexperienced user.
'1~34~ B
It is within the purview of the invention that fanciful designs or alternate words could also be formed within this frangible web member. When ~he S-members 38 and 39, the pull tab 45~ the flashing mem~er 47 and the frangible web 48 are arranged as illustrated, the entire handle 13 is stored in a compact, neat fashion adjacent the container neck 16, Sequential reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 will show the method by which the cap 11 is freed for removal from the container 14. First~ as illustra~ed in FIG. 4, the pull tab member 45 is grasped, and then is pulled in a direction generally radially outwardly from the cap llo This action breaks any flashing members 47 which may be present and the frangible member 48, and may permanently deform the S-members 38 and 39 as shown in FIG. 5. It is a feature of the inven-tion that the damage to at least the frangible member 48 is highly visible and the permanent torsional deformation of the S-members 38 and 39 is also apparent. This visible damage signals any subsequent observer that attempted or actual con-tainer tampering or opening has occurred.
Ln accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the S~members 38 and 39 are formed with sufficient cross-sectional area and are otherwise of sufficient strength to be torsionally and tensionally stronger than the connectors 33, thereby encouraging breakage of the connectors 33 and not the S-members or pull tab when continued pulling effort i is applied to the handle 13. Thus, breakage of the frangible .
~ - g_ member ~8 and any flashing members 47 occurs wi~h some extension of the pull tab 45~ and breakage of the ring connec-tors 33 occurs as further extensive effort is applied to the handle 13. After the handle 13 is extended a sufficient distance, as illustrated in FIG, 6, it can be pulled up and over the cap 11 to rip away the ring 12 from the cap 11 and the container 14 to present a neat container appearance~ To assist and encourage this 7 the container collar recess 25 located adjacent the handle 13 permits the user to slip his finger within the S-members 38 and 39 and ~he pulL tab 45, to more easily pull the lock ring 12 and handle 13 away from the cap 10 and container 14.
As indicated above, it is another feature of the invention that the handle 13 lies in a plane substantially coplanar with the bottom surface 46 of the ring 12, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The connectors 33, however, lie in a plane adjacent the top of the ring 12, thereby permitting a torsional or camming force to be applied to the connectors to increase the ease with which they are broken, as can be envis.ioned by reference to FIG 6.
It will be apparent from the foregoing description that there has been provided a tamperproof closure that is of particular advantage in both use and manufacture. The drawings and the foregoing description are therefore not intended to represent the only form of ~he invention in regard to the details of its construction and manner of use. Changes in form and the proportion of parts, as well as the substitution 3 ~
of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient; and although specific terms have been employed, they are intended in generic and descriptive senses only and not for the purposes o~ limitation, the scope of the invention being delineated by the following claims.
.
~ ' ~
.
, ..
. ... ... ... .... .. .... . . ... . . .
FIG. 4 is a fragmPntary top plan view showing the bottle and cap structure as they appear when the cap handle is being pulled to rupture portions of the cap structure in pre-paration for removal of the locking ring, FIG~ 5 is a fragmentary top plan view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the cap structure as it appears when rup-; ture of cap parts and relatively full extension of the cap handle has occurred;
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the cap structureand bottle similar to FIG. 1 but showing the cap structure as it appears after the handle has been extended and as the cap locking ring is being removed; and FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing details of the structure by which the cap and cap locking ring are formed and held together.
De~ailed Description While the invention will be described in connection wi~h a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to this embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modi-fications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Turning more specifically to FIG. 1, a cap structure 10 is shown. Here, the cap structure 10 can be generally considered to include a cap portion 11, a locking ring 12, and a handle 13 all secured, directly or indirectly, -to a container 14, which may take the form of a milk jug or similar object. It is contemplated that the illustrated cap 11, the locking ring 12 and the handle 13 will be originally formed as a single piece by injection molding or other known method from a suitable resinous plastics material such as polyethy-lene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Knurling or vertical ribbing 15 is fashioned on the outside sidewall of the cap 11 as an aid in transmi~ting full turning torque ~o the cap by a user. The container bottle 14 may also be formed of suitable resinous plastics material; and the bottle has a reduced neck portion 16 which includes an extension 17 having formed thereon an external or male cap-securing thread 18 for mating with an internal or female helical screw thread 19 inside the cap.
Below the extension 17, a suitable number of triangular ratchet teeth 20 are fashioned. While a single ratchet tooth may be employed, the illustrated preferred embodi~ent provides a num-ber of such teeth arranged in several spaced apart ratchet tooth sections, as seen particularly in FIG. 2. Below these teeth 20, a collar portion 23 extends radially outwardly. In the illustrated embodiment, this collar is interrupted by two diametrically opposed recesses 25 and 26.
; To lock the cap structure 10 on the container 14, a number of circumferentially spaced, triangularly shaped pawls 30 are provided on the inside surface of the locking ring 12, and are positioned to extend radially inwardly so as to engage one or more of the container ratchet teeth 20.
When the cap structure 10 is turned clockwise, as shown in FIG. 2, to assemble the cap structure on the container the locking ring pawls 30 ride over the cvntainer ratche~ teeth To facilitate this overriding motion, the locking ring 12 includes relatively thin sections 31 disposed between the reLatively thick teeth 30; when overriding motion occurs, these thin sections 31 flex to permit temporary radially outward ex-tention of the pawls 30. It is also to be noted that the bottle male ~hread 18 and the cap internal female thread 19 are formed with appropriately oriented mating helices so that clockwise motion of the cap 10 screws or turns the cap 11 into closed asse~bly with the container bottle 14 Thus, initial attachment of the cap end to the bottle container 11 requires only a simple screw-down motion. However, counter-; clockwise, unscrewing retrograde motion of the cap structure 10 (once it has been assembled upon the bottle) causes the pawls 30 o~ the locking ring 12 to engage the bottle teeth 20; this pawl-tooth engagement prevents more than a minor retrograde unscrewing motion without causing damage to the cap structure 10.
A connecting device couples the locking ring 12 to the cap 11, and transmits the cap-retaining action of the locking ring 12 to the cap 11, Here, this connecting means takes the form of individual, spaced connectors 33 which individually join the pawls 30 to an unknurled cap base, as illustrated particularly in FIG. 2. The connectors 33 are oriented to extend outwardly in extended chordal relationship to the cap 11 between the cap and the larger-diameter locking ring 12. So oriented, the connectors 33 provide both frangible connections between the cap 11 and locking ring 12, and also define pivot points about which the pawls 30 can rock as they pass over the ratchet teeth 2~ during screw-on assembly of the ~ 3 ~
cap 1~ and bottle 14. Conversely~ the breakable connectors 33 hold the respective pawls 30 in engagement with the container teeth 20 when the cap 11 is turned in an unscrewing or opposite direction, and prevent the pawls 30 from riding out of engage-ment with the ratchet teeth 20 under such conditions.
It is a feature of the invention that these connec-tors 33 provide one indication o~ bottle tampering, as well as acting as cap-ring force transmitters. When it is desired to gain access to the contents of the container 14, the cap 11 is grasped and rotated in a counterclockwise unscrewing direction, as can be envisioned from FIG. 2. This motion causes the bottle thread 18 and cap thread 19 to cooperate in slightly unseating the cap 11 from the bottle 14. However, rotation of the cap 11 in this unscrewing counterclockwise direction brings the pawls 3n into engage~ent with the bottle teeth 20. Upon application of suEficient unscrewing torque to the cap 11, at least some of the connectors 33 are broken, and the ring 12 may partially or com-pletely drop away from the cap 11 to rest around the bottleneck.
These damaged connectors 33 and the dropped position of the ring 12 provides one indication that the container has been opened. ~fter opening, the ring 12 may be fully stripped away from ~he container and removed, if desired. The cap 11 is, of course, used as a reclosure deviceO
In accordance with the invention, the tamperproof cap is provided with structure which permits the ring 12 to be ripped away from the cap 11 in a quick and easy manner by even inexperienced users. Further, the novel cap structure provides a second or alternate indication of at least attempted container ~ 3 tampering or opening. To this end, the ring 12 terminates in two spaced apart ends 36 and 37 which are located on the ring circumference with respect to the pawls 30 so as to be aligned on opposite sides of the container collar recess 25, as illustrated particularly in FIG. 2. At each ring end 36 and 37 there is fashionPd a de~ormable, reversely bent S-member 38 and 39, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, each S-member can be considered to originate in a radially outwardly e~tended curve 41 or 42, respectively, and to terminate in a reversely bent inwardly extended folded curve 43 or 44, res-pectively. An arcuate pulL tab member 45 extends between the S-members, and here has generally the same dimensional appear-ance and cross-sectional shape as the S-members 38 and 39.
It is a feature of the invention that the S-members 38 and 39 and handle 13 are encouraged to lie in the same plane as a bottom surface 46 of the ring 12. To this end, a thin, ~rangible flashing member 47 can be formed in the plane of the ring bottom surface 46 to interconnect the ring 12 and one curved 43 and 44 of each S-member 38 and 39, re spectively. This frangible flashing is broken when the handle 13 is pulled as illustrated in FIG. 5.
Extending between the S-members 38 and 39 and the pull tab 45 is a frangible web member 48~ In the illustrated embodiment, this frangible web member 48 is formed in the shape of letters spelling out the word "pull", thus providing dîrections for use of the device to an inexperienced user.
'1~34~ B
It is within the purview of the invention that fanciful designs or alternate words could also be formed within this frangible web member. When ~he S-members 38 and 39, the pull tab 45~ the flashing mem~er 47 and the frangible web 48 are arranged as illustrated, the entire handle 13 is stored in a compact, neat fashion adjacent the container neck 16, Sequential reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 will show the method by which the cap 11 is freed for removal from the container 14. First~ as illustra~ed in FIG. 4, the pull tab member 45 is grasped, and then is pulled in a direction generally radially outwardly from the cap llo This action breaks any flashing members 47 which may be present and the frangible member 48, and may permanently deform the S-members 38 and 39 as shown in FIG. 5. It is a feature of the inven-tion that the damage to at least the frangible member 48 is highly visible and the permanent torsional deformation of the S-members 38 and 39 is also apparent. This visible damage signals any subsequent observer that attempted or actual con-tainer tampering or opening has occurred.
Ln accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the S~members 38 and 39 are formed with sufficient cross-sectional area and are otherwise of sufficient strength to be torsionally and tensionally stronger than the connectors 33, thereby encouraging breakage of the connectors 33 and not the S-members or pull tab when continued pulling effort i is applied to the handle 13. Thus, breakage of the frangible .
~ - g_ member ~8 and any flashing members 47 occurs wi~h some extension of the pull tab 45~ and breakage of the ring connec-tors 33 occurs as further extensive effort is applied to the handle 13. After the handle 13 is extended a sufficient distance, as illustrated in FIG, 6, it can be pulled up and over the cap 11 to rip away the ring 12 from the cap 11 and the container 14 to present a neat container appearance~ To assist and encourage this 7 the container collar recess 25 located adjacent the handle 13 permits the user to slip his finger within the S-members 38 and 39 and ~he pulL tab 45, to more easily pull the lock ring 12 and handle 13 away from the cap 10 and container 14.
As indicated above, it is another feature of the invention that the handle 13 lies in a plane substantially coplanar with the bottom surface 46 of the ring 12, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The connectors 33, however, lie in a plane adjacent the top of the ring 12, thereby permitting a torsional or camming force to be applied to the connectors to increase the ease with which they are broken, as can be envis.ioned by reference to FIG 6.
It will be apparent from the foregoing description that there has been provided a tamperproof closure that is of particular advantage in both use and manufacture. The drawings and the foregoing description are therefore not intended to represent the only form of ~he invention in regard to the details of its construction and manner of use. Changes in form and the proportion of parts, as well as the substitution 3 ~
of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient; and although specific terms have been employed, they are intended in generic and descriptive senses only and not for the purposes o~ limitation, the scope of the invention being delineated by the following claims.
.
~ ' ~
.
, ..
. ... ... ... .... .. .... . . ... . . .
Claims (11)
1. A tamperproof cap for use with a container having a threaded neck portion that is provided with at least one external tooth, said cap comprising an internally threaded cap body; an interrupted tamperproof ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly extending pawls for locking engagement with said container tooth in a first direction of rotation; breakable connector means coupling said ring to said cap body, said connector means being joined to said pawls for holding one of said pawls in engagement with said container tooth, the inter-rupted ring terminating in two spaced apart ends; and a handle attached to the ring adjacent the interrupted ring ends, the tamperproof cap being characterized by the handle including a deformable, reversely bent S-member attached to each ring end, mounted outwardly of the ring, and terminating in a free end; a pull tab member extending between the S-member free ends; and a frangible web member extending between at least one S-member and the pull tab, whereby the frangible member is permanently and visibly broken and at least one S-member is permanently and visibly deformed when the pull-tab is pulled with more than a minimum force.
2. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein said S-members are torsionally and tensionally stronger than the frangible members, thereby encouraging breakage of the frangible members and deformation of the S-members when the pull tab is pulled with more than a minimal force.
3. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein said S-members are torsionally and tensionally stronger than any of said connector means thereby encouraging breakage of the connector means when continued pulling effort is applied to the handle in excess of a minimal force.
4. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein said frangible web member extends between and is connected to both S-members and to said pull tab.
5. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein said frangible member is formed with indicia to provide directions for use to a handle puller.
6. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein said S-members are each attached to a respective ring end, lie adjacent said ring, and extend away from the opposite ring end and the opposite S-member to compactly configure the handle.
7. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein said handle member lies in a plane adjacent a bottom surface of said ring, and wherein said connector means lie in a plane adjacent the top of said ring.
8. A tamperproof cap according to claim 7 wherein said cap body is provided with an unknurled annular base, and wherein said connector means extend between said base and said pawls.
9. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 including frangible means interconnecting one bend of said S-member and said ring, said frangible member operating to encourage said S-member to lie in a plane substantially coplanar with the bottom of said ring and being breakable when said pull-tab is pulled with more than said minimum force.
10. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein the cooperating container has a radially extended collar portion below the neck portion, the collar radial extension being interrupted by at least one recess located in a pre-determined position relative to the container tooth and wherein said pawls are spaced apart from said ring interruption by a predetermined amount to locate said ring interruption adjacent said container collar recess.
11. A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein the pawls are solid triangularly shaped.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US494554A US3902621A (en) | 1974-08-05 | 1974-08-05 | Tamperproof closure with grippable handle |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1040138A true CA1040138A (en) | 1978-10-10 |
Family
ID=23964949
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA226,846A Expired CA1040138A (en) | 1974-08-05 | 1975-05-13 | Tamperproof closure with grippable handle |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US3902621A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1040138A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE7517504U (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2281285A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1461226A (en) |
Families Citing this family (71)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3963139A (en) * | 1975-08-22 | 1976-06-15 | Sunbeam Plastics Corporation | Tamper-indicating closure combination |
| US4073399A (en) * | 1976-02-25 | 1978-02-14 | Aluminum Company Of America | Tear-off closure |
| US4062466A (en) * | 1976-10-07 | 1977-12-13 | Dairy Cap Corporation | Tamper-proof closure cap with self-removing ring |
| US4098419A (en) * | 1977-02-18 | 1978-07-04 | Maxcap Inc. | Blow molded plastic bottle and antitamper cap |
| US4180175A (en) * | 1977-02-18 | 1979-12-25 | Maxcap, Inc. | Blow molded plastic bottle and antitamper cap |
| SE436192B (en) * | 1978-02-27 | 1984-11-19 | Wicanders Korkfabriker Ab | REMOVABLE CLOSE CAP |
| US4310102A (en) * | 1978-04-03 | 1982-01-12 | The Continental Group, Inc. | Closure for pressure container |
| US4177906A (en) * | 1978-05-31 | 1979-12-11 | Maxcap Inc. | Blow molded plastic bottle and plastic cap |
| US4301937A (en) * | 1978-05-31 | 1981-11-24 | Maxcap, Inc. | Blow molded plastic bottle and plastic cap |
| DE2938386A1 (en) * | 1979-09-22 | 1981-04-09 | Hans 8801 Schillingsfürst Heinlein | CHILD SAFETY LOCK |
| US4322010A (en) * | 1979-10-18 | 1982-03-30 | Curry John J | Tamper proof lid |
| US4354609A (en) * | 1980-01-09 | 1982-10-19 | Hidding Walter E | Snap-on tamperproof bottle cap |
| DE3175224D1 (en) * | 1980-10-17 | 1986-10-02 | Ug Closures & Plastics Ltd | Sterile pack |
| US4534481A (en) * | 1984-08-02 | 1985-08-13 | Rieke Corporation | Snap-on, tamper-evident container closure |
| FR2607782B3 (en) * | 1986-12-09 | 1989-02-17 | Novembal Sa | INVIOLABLE SCREW CAP IN PLASTIC MATERIAL |
| US4925063A (en) * | 1988-12-01 | 1990-05-15 | Athar Mohammad Ali | Container having a dual purpose cap and a dripless spout |
| FR2655953B1 (en) * | 1989-12-15 | 1992-02-21 | Cebal | IMPROVEMENT IN THE CAPPING OF CONTAINERS WITH CAPSULE WITH SCREW CAPS AND WITH REMOVABLE GUARANTEE STRIP. |
| AT405045B (en) * | 1990-01-23 | 1999-04-26 | Vesag Verpackungssyst Ag | WARRANTY LOCK FOR CONTAINERS |
| US5687866A (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 1997-11-18 | Cap Snap Co. | Snap-on, screw-off cap and container neck |
| US5415306A (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 1995-05-16 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Foil lined snap-on, screw-off closure and container neck |
| US5190178A (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 1993-03-02 | Cap Snap Co | Snap-on, screw-off cap and container neck |
| US20050269282A1 (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 2005-12-08 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Tamper-evident cap and container neck |
| US5213224A (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 1993-05-25 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Snap-on, screw-off cap and container neck |
| US5664694A (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 1997-09-09 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Foil lined snap-on, screw-off closure and container neck |
| US5975321A (en) | 1990-08-09 | 1999-11-02 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Snap-on, screw-off cap with tamper-evidencing skirt and container neck |
| US5267661A (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 1993-12-07 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Snap-on, screw off cap and container neck |
| US5456376A (en) * | 1990-08-09 | 1995-10-10 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Snap-on, screw off cap and container neck |
| US5104008A (en) * | 1990-12-03 | 1992-04-14 | Northern Engineering And Plastics Corp. | Resealable bottle cap with push-pull closure |
| US5111947A (en) * | 1990-12-04 | 1992-05-12 | Patterson Michael C | Tamper proof cap and container |
| US5040692A (en) * | 1990-12-17 | 1991-08-20 | Sunbeam Plastics Corporation | Tamper indicating closure |
| CA2034704C (en) * | 1990-12-24 | 1994-12-13 | Robert E. Crisci | Container and closure with cooperating threaded portions having fastening configurations |
| US5303837A (en) * | 1991-03-05 | 1994-04-19 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | One-piece fitment and plug with tamper-evident band |
| DE9210306U1 (en) * | 1992-07-31 | 1993-01-21 | Duerrmann Kg, 8017 Ebersberg, De | |
| US5465876A (en) * | 1994-06-09 | 1995-11-14 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Container and closure resealable bottle cap with push pull closure |
| US5588562A (en) * | 1994-10-31 | 1996-12-31 | Sander; Dieter | Tamper evident resealable plastic closure |
| US5505325A (en) * | 1994-12-21 | 1996-04-09 | Richard Thompson | Tamper evident dual non-replaceable snap-on cap |
| US6253937B1 (en) | 1995-06-06 | 2001-07-03 | Raymond G. Anderson | Snap top, easy pouring dispensing cap |
| DE29518553U1 (en) * | 1995-11-23 | 1996-01-18 | Saier Gmbh & Co | Lid for a pot-shaped container |
| USD381906S (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1997-08-05 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Bottle cap |
| US5971183A (en) * | 1995-12-15 | 1999-10-26 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Tamper-evident leak-tight closure for containers |
| US6073809A (en) * | 1996-02-15 | 2000-06-13 | International Plastics And Equipment Corporation | Snap-on tamper evident closure with push-pull pour spout |
| US5862953A (en) * | 1996-04-16 | 1999-01-26 | International Plastics And Equipment Corporation | Tamper evident push-pull closure with pour spout |
| US5699924A (en) * | 1996-04-26 | 1997-12-23 | Portola Packaging, Inc. | Attachment of tamper-evidencing band to closure skirt |
| DE59605662D1 (en) * | 1996-05-06 | 2000-08-31 | Hoffmann Neopac Ag Thun | SCREW CAP |
| ATE261861T1 (en) | 1997-10-30 | 2004-04-15 | Internat Plastics And Equipmen | SCREW ON AND SNAP CLOSURE |
| US7134567B2 (en) * | 2001-04-12 | 2006-11-14 | Ropak Corporation | Pull tab on tear strip on plastic cover plastic cover, including break tab feature, and related apparatus and methods |
| ITMO20030263A1 (en) * | 2003-09-26 | 2005-03-27 | Lameplast Spa | CANNULA FOR DISTRIBUTION OF FLUID PRODUCTS |
| US8061357B2 (en) | 2004-12-08 | 2011-11-22 | Ventus Medical, Inc. | Adhesive nasal respiratory devices |
| US9833354B2 (en) | 2004-12-08 | 2017-12-05 | Theravent, Inc. | Nasal respiratory devices |
| US10610228B2 (en) | 2004-12-08 | 2020-04-07 | Theravent, Inc. | Passive nasal peep devices |
| MX338506B (en) | 2004-12-08 | 2016-04-20 | Ventus Medical Inc | Respiratory devices and methods of use. |
| WO2007121428A2 (en) * | 2006-04-17 | 2007-10-25 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Tamper evident closure |
| JP2009538194A (en) * | 2006-05-23 | 2009-11-05 | ヴェンタス・メディカル・インコーポレーテッド | Nasal respiratory system |
| GB0610171D0 (en) | 2006-05-23 | 2006-06-28 | Robitaille Jean Pierre | Valved nasal canula |
| CN101489630B (en) | 2006-06-07 | 2013-10-23 | 温吐斯医学公司 | Layered nasal devices |
| AU2007258524B2 (en) | 2006-06-07 | 2012-05-03 | Ventus Medical, Inc. | Layered nasal devices |
| US7850043B2 (en) * | 2006-08-09 | 2010-12-14 | Replenish Bottling, Llc | Refillable/reusable mixer container and method of using same |
| US8240309B2 (en) * | 2006-11-16 | 2012-08-14 | Ventus Medical, Inc. | Adjustable nasal devices |
| US8020700B2 (en) | 2007-12-05 | 2011-09-20 | Ventus Medical, Inc. | Packaging and dispensing nasal devices |
| US8875711B2 (en) | 2010-05-27 | 2014-11-04 | Theravent, Inc. | Layered nasal respiratory devices |
| US8608008B2 (en) | 2010-08-26 | 2013-12-17 | Dart Container Corporation | Tamper evident container |
| US9624009B2 (en) | 2010-08-26 | 2017-04-18 | Dart Container Corporation | Tamper evident container |
| KR101210435B1 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-12-10 | (주)연우 | A Safety Cap |
| USD675517S1 (en) | 2011-07-29 | 2013-02-05 | Dart Container Corporation | Container |
| WO2013046013A1 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2013-04-04 | Trudell Medical International | Nasal insert and cannula and methods for the use thereof |
| CH710317A1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2016-05-13 | Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner Gmbh & Co Kg | A blow-molded container with support ring. |
| US9333289B1 (en) | 2015-01-16 | 2016-05-10 | Plas-Tech Engineering, Inc. | Tamper evident closure container |
| US10889413B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2021-01-12 | Genpak, Llc | Tamper-evident container with a tab extending beyond a hinge |
| US10894635B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2021-01-19 | Genpak, Llc | Tamper-evident container with a wide tab extending beyond a hinge |
| US10351310B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2019-07-16 | Genpak, Llc | Tamper-evident container with a bump near a tabbed hinge |
| US10220985B2 (en) | 2016-10-28 | 2019-03-05 | Genpak, Llc | Tamper-evident container with a tabbed hinge |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2414420A (en) * | 1944-07-22 | 1947-01-14 | Bell Products Corp | Screw top container |
| DE1432215C3 (en) * | 1964-09-15 | 1973-10-11 | Merck Patent Gmbh, 6100 Darmstadt | Original screw cap assembly |
| NL141453B (en) * | 1967-12-06 | 1974-03-15 | Guala Angelo Spa | CLOSURE FOR A BOTTLE. |
| US3504818A (en) * | 1968-11-25 | 1970-04-07 | Harry Crisci | Tamper proof bottle closure |
| US3737064A (en) * | 1971-05-17 | 1973-06-05 | C Patel | Pilfer-proof closure for containers |
| US3809271A (en) * | 1972-06-29 | 1974-05-07 | R Stroud | Safety closure for containers |
| GB1439460A (en) * | 1972-07-19 | 1976-06-16 | Parsons Bros Ltd | Tamperproof closures for containers |
| US3837518A (en) * | 1972-11-30 | 1974-09-24 | Sunbeam Plastics Corp | Tamper-proof and child-proof medicine bottle or the like |
-
1974
- 1974-08-05 US US494554A patent/US3902621A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1975
- 1975-05-13 CA CA226,846A patent/CA1040138A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-05-15 GB GB2052675A patent/GB1461226A/en not_active Expired
- 1975-06-03 DE DE7517504U patent/DE7517504U/en not_active Expired
- 1975-08-04 FR FR7524304A patent/FR2281285A1/en active Granted
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| FR2281285B1 (en) | 1979-05-11 |
| FR2281285A1 (en) | 1976-03-05 |
| US3902621A (en) | 1975-09-02 |
| GB1461226A (en) | 1977-01-13 |
| DE7517504U (en) | 1975-10-02 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1040138A (en) | Tamperproof closure with grippable handle | |
| US5769252A (en) | Container closure which converts from a child resistant to a non-child resistant configuration | |
| US4036385A (en) | Safety closure for containers | |
| US5005718A (en) | Tamper-evident child resistant closure device | |
| CA1038801A (en) | Tamperproof cap | |
| US4278180A (en) | Container closure with breakable annular ring | |
| US4795044A (en) | Tamper evident closure with snap-type hinge cap | |
| US5465876A (en) | Container and closure resealable bottle cap with push pull closure | |
| USRE39867E1 (en) | Tamper-evident container closure | |
| US5918752A (en) | Tamper-evident squeeze-and-turn child-resistant closure | |
| US5685444A (en) | Tamper-evident hinged closure cap construction | |
| US5082129A (en) | Snap-lock for screw-cap container | |
| US5307946A (en) | Neck finish for a container and a matching registering multiple thread pattern in a flexible cap for engagement on neck said finish | |
| CA1288388C (en) | Child resistant/tamper resistant cap | |
| US4176755A (en) | Resealable pour bottle with severing ring | |
| CA1125234A (en) | Push button safety cap for containers | |
| US4993570A (en) | Tamper indicating container-closure package | |
| US4540098A (en) | Tamper indicating child resistant closure | |
| US5711443A (en) | Tamper-evident container closure | |
| JPS6111358A (en) | Safety cover for vessel | |
| US5642825A (en) | Container closure having peripheral tamper-indicator | |
| NZ212254A (en) | Safety cap includes two skirt portions and a tamper indicating band | |
| JP2815703B2 (en) | Child safe package with preloaded locking mechanism | |
| US4456139A (en) | Visible tamper-proof closure arrangement | |
| USRE40003E1 (en) | Tamper-evident container closure |