Tamper-proof container and cap assembly
US5133470A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1990 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/772
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tamper-proof plastic vial is rendered tamper-proof during transport to and from a specimen-receiving site. The vial comprises a container and cap molded together in one piece. The cap is inserted onto the container during the manufacturing phase and is secured thereto by a first destructible connector in the form of an arrow-like projection so that the integrity of the container is ensured until a specimen is received. Thereafter, a second destructible member in the form of a flexible one-way strip is attached to form a second destructible connection. The container carries an outer channel which receives a peripheral edge of the cap to establish a tortuous bacterial path and to resist accidental opening of the cap. The first destructible connection is created in response to a controlled shrinkage of the assembly during the cooling phase of manufacturing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.