Patent · US Expired

Tamper evident, child-resistant closure

US5609262A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
43References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 22, 1995
Grant dateMar 11, 1997
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 22, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB29L2031/565
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A child-resistant, tamper-evident closure for sealing an open-topped container having an external thread formed on a neck finish includes a combination of inner and outer caps where the inner cap includes a tamper-evident band which is connected to the remainder of the inner cap by a series of frangible elements. The inner cap further includes a series of folded ratchet-like tabs which are in a locked position behind an annular bead. The tabs are arranged so as to engage an annular lip on the neck finish. The outer cap snaps over the inner cap and includes a series of ratchet teeth which are directed toward the inner cap. The top surface of the inner cap includes a series of depressions which are sized and arranged for engagement with the series of ratchet teeth. The child-resistant arrangement permits the outer cap to turn relative to the inner cap in a counterclockwise direction. In the clockwise direction, the ratchet teeth and depressions are in engagement such that turning of the outer cap will advance the inner cap into threaded engagement. Removal of the inner cap from the neck finish is achieved by ovalizing the outer cap so as to bring into engagement ribs on the inner cap…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.