Tamper-evident child-resistant closure
US5749484A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2016 |
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 a container having an externally threaded neck finish includes a combination of inner and outer caps. The inner cap includes a tamper-evident band which is connected to the inner cap by frangible elements. The inner cap includes folded ratchet-like tabs which are locked in 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-like lugs which are directed toward the inner cap. The top surface of the inner cap includes a series of cooperating ratchet-like lugs. So long as a downward force is not exerted on the outer cap, the child-resistant arrangement permits the outer cap to turn relative to the inner cap in a counterclockwise direction. However, when a sufficient downward force is applied, the lugs of the outer cap are drawn into abutment with the cooperating lugs of the inner cap and the outer cap is used to remove the inner cap. In the clockwise direction, the lugs cooperate such that turning of the outer cap advances the inner cap into threaded engagement. In another embodiment, removal of the inner cap from th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.