AU427117B2 - Safety closure assembly - Google Patents

Description

1 8, 98 8 This invention relates generally to containers and

closure assemblies anld is particular.y concerned with a safety

closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous

substances that can also provide a liquid and moisture-proof

seal for the contents of the container.

The number of accidental poisonings resulting from

young children having access to unsafe medicines, drugs and

other products is rapidly approaching unacceptable proportions.

There has been a longstanding need for child-proof safety clo-

sures and containers constructed for economical production in

large quantities by mass production techniques. A child-proof safety container and closure must be constructed in such a man- ner that the type of manipulation required to remove the cap

from the container is one that a young child is incapable of

performing. It has become increasingly apparent that most small children are capable of unscrewing a conventional screw

cap from a container. However, it has also been found that a

young child is incapable of manipulating a cap that is mounted

on a container in such a manner that the cap must be pushed

axially relative to the container and then rotated relative to

the container in order to remove the cap from the container and

provide access to the contents of the container.

fedgewick U.S. Patent No. 3,344,942 discloses a

safety cap and container wherein a plurality of container

locking elements are spaced peripherally from each other on

the outer wall of the mouth portion of the container for engage-"

ment with complementary cap locking elements on the inner wall

of the peripheral skirt projecting axially from the base of the

cap. In the device disclosed in the Eedgewjck patent, the cap 427,117

18, 9 8 8/70 and container locking elements are of the type wherein the cap must be engaged with and diser.gaged from the container by com- bined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the con- tainer. when the cap is mounted on the container, the cap lock- ing elements are biased against disengagement from the container locking elements by a spring member in the form of an integral annular web formed on the cap.

When the vial or container contains liquid, the clo- sure must be capable of maintaining an adequate seal under a variety of conditions. For example, the container may contain liquid medicines or the like that require vigorous shaking be- fore being used, and additionally is frequently carried on the person in a pocket or in a pocketbook which may be subject to vigorous motion. Moreover, the entrance of moisture into the container may cause deterioration of the contents, both liquid and solid, over a period of time.

In-order to maintain a good seal at the rim of the container, it is desirable that the seal engaging the container rim remain stationary with respect to the rim since a good seal is difficult to maintain when the seal is slidable relative to the container rim. Furthermore, it is desirable that a sealing force or pressure be provided near the rim of the container in order to maintain a secure and adequate seal. Therefore, with safety closures of the type wherein a cap is applied to and removed from the container by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container, it is desirable to provide a seal that will remain stationary with respect to the contain- er rim during rotation of the cap relative to the container. Several attempts have been made in the prior art to

427,117

18, 988/70 provide an efficient, economic construction to perform both the function of providing a liquid seal which is maintained in

sealing engagement with, the_ rim of the cap during rotation of

the cap relative to the container, while at the same time pro-

viding adequate biasing means to bias the cap toward its locked position with the container. One prior art device includes a concavo-convex base member having inherent spring characteris-

tics such that forces tending to flatten the concavo-convex

member are resiliently resisted. The concavo-convex base mem- ber. overlies the opening of the container mouth and is of a

construction such that a substantial portion of the load or

forces between the cap and the sealing edge of the concavo-con-

vex member must be transmitted in a direction transverse to the

surface of the concavo-convex base member. Other prior art de- vices include a flat plate or base member with an upstanding

central portion engageable with tne base of the cap so that

when the cap is applied to the container, the central portion of

the plate or base member is depressed. The generally flat plate or base members are constructed to have inherent spring charac-

teristics so that a resilient force is applied to bias the cap toward locked engagement with the container by the tendency of

the flat base portion or plate menier to resume its flattened position. See, for example, U.S. Patents 3,072,276; 3,348,717;

and 3,432,065. In each case, the biasing force for applying the

pressure to the seal and for maintaining the cap in locked en-

gagement with the container is provided by the tendency of the

base portion of the sealing member that overlies the container

opening to maintain a particular shape thereby requiring the

base portion to have inherent spring characteristics of a high

427,117

1 988 degree of reliability since sucui closures must be expected to be applied to and removed from a container many times.

An object of this invention is to provide an effi-

cient, economical construction for a safety closure seal where-

in the biasing force may be applied directly in an axial direc-

tion near the container rim to provide a more efficient sealing

construction and a construction having greater structural effi-

ciency and less likelihood of functional deterioration upon

repeated use.

A further object is to provide a safety closure assem-

bly including a cap of the type adapted to be applied to and

removed from a container by combined axial and rotative notion

of the cap relative to such container, and a sealing member re- ceived in the skirt of the cap, such sealing member including a

base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of the con-

tainer with an annular resilient biasing member projecting axi-

ally from the periphery of the base portion for biasing the cap

toward locked engagement with the container and at the same

time providing a sealing pressure for the sealing portion of the

sealing member which engages with th, container rim.

Another object is to provide a one-piece safety clo-

sure sealing member adapted to be interposed between a safety

cap and container of the type in which the cap is applied to

and removed from the container by an axial motion followed

successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such

container and is biased to a fixed axial position relative to

the container wherein the sealing member includes a base portion

for overlying the container opening with an annular container

rim engaging sealing portion, an annular cap engaging portion

427.117 for engaging 18, 98 /7o biasing memberthe end wall of a cap, projecting axially and a resiiient from the Periphery annular base portion and of the extending between th.. sealing Portio. engaging Portio,. for biasing and cap th sealing portion and cap en- gaging portion to axiall.y spaez Positions. A more specific object lies in the provision safety container and clisure of a assmbly for me'icines ana other Potentially toxic substances inluding a contai.er having a mouth portion with an annular j a peripheral rim, a cap having skirt Projecting an end wall with axially thercfrom and receiving the mouth portion spacea peripherally with a plurality of container locking from each other elements on the outer surface of the mouth portion of the container for engaging complementary locking elements cap spacea peripherally from each otiher Sinner surface of th, on the skirt such that the cap and container lock- ing elements are engageable and disengageable by combined and rotative axial motion of the the sealisig member cap relative to the container interposed between with received in the the cap and container skirt of the and cap and having a base portion overlying the for container opening, a cap engaging the inner surface portion engaging of the end wall of the cap and tion engaging a sealing por- the container rim with a resilient member projecting annular biasing axially from the periphery of the biasing the cap base portion engaging portion and sealing portion distance corresponding apart at to the fixed container and axial position to seal maintain -tN1-e--oking the elements engaged, the frictional wherein resistance between the cap contacting and cap end wall portion is less than the frictional the sealing portion resistance between and container rim such that the sealing

-42.117

I P. 988 member remains stationary with respect to the container when

the cap is rotated relative to the container.

In achieving the foregoing, and other objects, a safe-

ty closure assembly according to the present invention includes

a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting

axially therefrom for receiving the mouth of the container with

a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from

each other on the inner surface of the skirt for engaging com-

plementary container locking elements on a container in bayonet

fashion, or by combined axial and relative motion of the cap

relative to the container. A sealing member is received in the

skirt and includes a base portion overlying the opening of the

container mouth, a cap engaging portion for engaging the inner

surface of the end wall of the cap, a container rim engaging

sealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member pro-

jecting axially from the periphery of the base portion which

biases the cap engaging portion and container rim engaging seal-

ing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap

is placed on a container, the annular biasing member urges the

cap to a fixed axial position relative to the container and

simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion. The

frictional resistance of the cap to rotation relative to the

cap engaging portion of the sealing member is less than the

frictional resistance to rotation of the container rim engaging

Ssealing portion to the container rim such that the cap can be

rotated between its locked and unlocked positions relative to

the container without causing rotation of the sealing portion

relative to the container rim.

Other objects, advantages and features of the inven- 427. 17

18, 988/70 tion will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a sectional view of a safety closure assembly and a portion of a container embodying one form of the invention with the cap of the safety closure assembly in its locked position relative to the container;

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 with the cap of the safety closure assembly axially depressed to an unlocked position relative to the container;

FIGURE 3 is an end view of a safety container suitable for use with the safety closure assembly of the present inven- tion;

FIGURE 4 is an elevational view of the container of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 including a second form of. a safety closure assembly embodying the inven- tion; and

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 1 including a I third form of safety closure assembly embodying the invention. A safety container aind closure assembly according to the embodiment of FIGURES 1 and 2 includes a coltainer designa- ted collectively by reference numeral 2 having a mouth portion 4 with an annular rim 6. The container 2 may be of the config- uration disclosed in IHedgewick Patent No. 3,344,942 and as illustrated includes a body portion 3 of general cylindrical configuration. Formed on the outer surface of the mouth portion 4 and projecting outwardly therefrom is a plurality of container locking elements 8 spaced peripherally from each other and

S-8 427.117

18, 988/70 including a notch 10 formed between a cam surface 14 and a

depending stop portion 12.

The safety closure assembly for cap 2 in the embodi-

ment of FIGURES 1 and 2 includes a cap 16 having an end wall

3 18 with a peripheral skirt 20 projecting axially therefrom for

receiving the mouth portion 4 of the container 2. A plurality

of cap locking elements 22 are spaced peripherally from each

other on the inner surface of skirt 20. The cap locking ele-

ments 22 are in the form of radially inwardly projecting lugs

integrally molded with the skirt 20. The cap locking elements

22 are complementary with the container locxing elements 8 such

that the locking elements or lugs 22 are engag.able with the

notches 10 in the container locking elements 8. More specifi-

cally, the cap locking elements 22 are engageable with and dis-

i engageable from the container locking elements 8 by combined

axial and rotative motion of the cap 16 relative to the contain-

er 2. In order to apply the cap 16 to the container 2, the cap

locking elements 22 are aligned with the spac=s 8a between the

adjacent container locking elements 8 with the mouth portion 4

received in the skirt 20. Rotation of the cap relative to the

container 2 causes the cap locking elements 22 to engage the

respective cam surfaces 14 until the locking elements 22 come

into axial alignment with the notches 12. With the upper sur-

faces of the lugs or locking elements 22 engaged with the upper

3 surface of the respective notch 10, the end wall 18 of cap 16

has a fixed axial positio.. relative to rim 6 since th: cap lock-

ing elemenLs are located an equal axial distance from the end

wall 18 on skirt 20 and the container locking elements 8 are

located an equal axial distance from rim 6.

427,117

1 98 8 Interposed between the cap 16 ana container 2 is a sealing member designated collectively by reference numeral 24 and which is received in the skirt

The sealing member 24 comprises a base portion 26 for ioverlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap engaging portion 28 engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a sealing portion 32 engaging the container rim 6, and a resilient annular biasing member 34 projecting axially from the periphery of base porT-ion 2& biasing the cap engaging portion 28 and sealing 3 2.. portion 44 apart a distance corresponding to the fixed axial position of the cap 18 relative to the container rim 6 when the cap is in locked engagement with the container to seal the container 2 and maintain the locking elements 22 and S engaged. The frictional resistance to rota- tion between the cap contacting portion 28 and end wall surface is less than the frictional resistance to rotation between the sealing portion 32 and the container rim 6 such that the sealing member 24 remains stationary with respect to the con- tainer 2 when the cap is rotated relative to the container. The container 2 may further include a rib 36 project- ing radially inwardly on the inner surface of the container adjacent the rim 6. The seal ing portion 32 includes a radially outwardly extending flange 38 overlying rim 6, and an axially extending portion 40 engaging the rib 36. 1~olded integrally with the base portion 26 is a reversed looped portion defining the annular biasing member 34 and including an inner annular side wall 42 extending axially from the periphery of the base portion 26, an intermediate annular side wall 44 extending from the outer end of the inner side wall 42 to the opposite side of

427. 117

1,988po the base portion 26, and an outer annular side wall 40 extend-

ing in a return direction from the end of the intermediate side wall 44 which is located on the opposite side of base portion

26 from the inner side wall 42 toward the base portion 2b.

The inner and intermediate side walls 42 and 44, respectively,

define an annular looped portion the free end of which is de- fined by the adjoining ends of walls qz and 44, and which free end defines the cap engaging portion 28. The outer side wall defines an-axially extending container wall engaging portion of. the'sealing portion 32 for engaging the inner surface of the container wall adjacent the container rim.

The radially outwardly extending flange 36 of the. sealing portion 32 extends from the end of the outer side wall opposite its juncture with the intermediate side wall 44, and an annular bead 46 is formed on flange 3b and extends axially therefrom, the flange 38 overlying the rim, and bead 46 engaging the rim when the locking elements b and 22 are engaged.

Interengageable snap fastening attachment means 4b is formed on the end wall of cap lb and on the base portion 26 of sealing member i4 for detachably securing the sealing member 24 to the cap 16 in such a manner that the sealing member is rota- table relative to the cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from tzhe end wall of the cap. In the embodiment of FIGURE~S 1 and 2, the cap attachment element 50 of the snap fastening means 48 comprises a stud projecting from the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 and formed integrally therewith. Stud 50 has an enlarged outer end. The sealing member attach- ment element 52 of the attachment means 48 includes a socket member formed integrally on the base portion 2 u for receiving S-11- 427j_17 the5. the~m sudSocet 507Sc stu 9381/70 et me 3er 52 has a flexible wall and is of hollow cross-section with an outer end 54 smaller than the enlarged end of stud 50 so that the base portion 26 can be snapped onto and off of stud The unstressed configuration of the sealing member is indicated in phantom 24 lines in FIGUpjr 1. In the unstressed configuration of the sealing member, the cap contacting 28 is spaced from portion the container rim engaging lower surface the bead 46 a distance of greater than the axial distance between ithe end wall 18 ana container rim 6 when the locking and 22 are in locked elements 8 engagement with each other. Consequently, when the-cap is applied to the container, the annular biasing member 34 is resiliently distorted as illustrated in FIGURE 1 so that it exerts a constant biasing force between the container rim to cap and maintain the cap in its fixed axial position relative to the container, and at the same tire apply a sealing force between'the sealing portion 32 and the container. The configuration is such that when the cap is in the locked posi- tion as shown in FIGURE 1, the outer side wall I versed loop portion 40 of the re- exerts a radial force against the inner surface of the container 2, or against rib 3G, due to the action of the annular biasing member '34 and the distortion of the intermediate side wall 44. Furthermore, an axial force is applied to urge the bead 46 into sealing contact with rim i The relative sizes 6. of the stud 50 azad socket member 52 that there is little are such frictional resistance to rotation between the stud and socket 50 and 52. The frictional forces betieen the cap contacting portion 20 and the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the -12- 4 27, 1 17

98 8/70 cap 16 is substantially less than the frictional forces between

the contacting surfaces of the sealing portion 32 with the rim

6 and with the rib 36, or inner surface of the container.

Consequently, when the cap 16 is pushed axially toward the

container rim 6 to the position shown in FIGURE 2 to permit

disengagement of the cap locking elements 22 from the notch

of the container locking elements 8, the cap can be rotated to

bring the cap locking elerents 22 into alignmeit with the space

8a between the container locking elements 8 without causing

rotation of the sealing portion 38 relative to the container.

That is to say, the frictional re.istance to rotation beLween

the cap 16 and sealing portion 24 is suia that the cap contact-

ing portion 28 of the sealing member slides relative to the

inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 during rotation of the cap

relative to the container, and th- sealing member 24 remains

stationary with respect to the container.

In the unstresszd configuration of the sealing membter 24, the base portion 26 is substantially planar, and the sealing

flange 38 overlies the upper surface of the cap lozking lugs 22

when the closure assembly including cap 16 and sealing member

24 is removed from the container 2.

The sealing memver 24 is constr.cted in such a manner that it can be molded in one piece from suitable plastic

materials such as polypropylene, poly=thylene, polystyrene, and

similar materials. The cap may be also molded in one-piece from the same materials. The container 2 may also be of molded plastic material, however, the closure assembly including cap

16 and sealing member 24 may also be used with containers of

glass and other materials. 427.1 1

8~ 170~ In the embodiment of FIGURE 5, the cap and container are of identical construction to the cap and container shown in the assembly of FIGURES 1 and 2 and, consequently, the same reference numerals have been applied to corresponding parts of the cap and container.

In the FIGURE 5 embodiment,a sealing member 60 is interposed.'between the cap 16 and container 2 and is received in skirt 20 of the cap. Sealing member 60 comprises a base portion 62 for overlying the open end of the mouth of container a cap engaging portion.64 engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a sealing portion 66 engaging the container rim, and a resilient annular biasing member 68 pro- jecting axially from the periphery of the base portion and extending between the cap engaging portion 64 and sealing por- tion 66 for biasing the cap engaging portion 64 and sealing portion 66 apart a distance corresponding to the fixed axial position of the cap relative to the container when the cap is in locked engagement with the container to seal the container and maintain the locking elements 8 and 22 engaged. The sealing portion 66 includes a radially outwardly extending flange 70 overlying the rim 6 of the container, and an axially-.extending portion 72, the outer surface-of which engages the rib '36 projecting radially inwardly on the inner surface of the container adjacent rim 6. The biasing member 68 is in the form of an annular resilient web having an inner anna- lar end 74 joined integrally to the base portion 62. The web ex- tends axially from the base portion and terminates in an outer annular free end 64 which defines the cap engaging portion. The diameter of the outer annular free end 64 is larger than the

47, 117

1 88 diameter of the inner annular end 74, and the web is curved

outwaardly from the inner end 72 to the outer end 64 so that the

outer end moves substantially solely axially toward the inner

end, or toward the base 62, upon flexure of the web without

circumferentially and radially stretching the outer annular free

end. This action is illustrated in phantom lines in FIGURE

The unstressed position of the outer annular free end of web

68 is illustrated at 64a, and the approximate position of the

outer annular free end when the cap is depressed to disengage

the cap locking elements 22 from the container locking elements

8 is illustrated at 64b. The web, as it is depressed, folds

backwards toward base 62 without radially and circumferentially

stretching the free end 64, which would subject the web to

circumferential or hoop stresses tending to crack the web.

There is substantially no change in the radial or circumnferen-

tial dimension of the web when it is flexed toward the sealing

portion 66 from its unstressed position as illustrated at 64a.

The biasing force applied by the annular biasing web

68 tends to cause the axially depending portion 72 of the seal-

ing portion 66 to apply a radially outward pressure against the

inner surface of the container, or against rib 36, due to the

engagement of fl ange 70 with rim 6. The axial force exerted

by the annular izeb 68 also causes a sealing pressure to be-

applied between flange 70 and rim,6. The base portion 62 may

be planar with the web 68 projecting axially from its periphery.

As is the case in the embodimnent of FIGURES 1 and 2, the sealing

member 60 is formed with a centrally located snap fastening

socket element 80 for receiving the stud 50. Element 80 is of

substantially identical construction to-the socket member 52 of

427,1.17

1 8 8 8/70 FIGURES 1 and 2 and therefore will not be described in detail. The frictional contact between the cap contacting portion 64 and the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap provides substantially less resistance to sliding movement between the two surfaces than the frictional contact between the sealing portion 66 and the container 2. Thus, when the cap 16 is depressed axially toward the container rim 6 from the .position shown in FIGURE 5 to disengage the cap locking elements 22 from the container locking elements 8, and is then rotated to bring the cap locki'ng elements 22 into alignment with the spaces 8a (FIGURE 3) between the container locking elemefits 8, the sealing mender 60 remains stationary with respect to the container, the cap rotating with respect to the sealing member

Sealing member 60 of FIGURE 5 is constructed to be molded in one-piece from suitable plastic materials such as polypropylene,- polyethylene, polystyrene, and the like. In the embodiment of FIGURE 6, the cap and container constructions are also of substantially identical const.ruction to the- cap and coILtaizier of the pr...viously described embodiments and will therefore not be described in detail. In the FIGURE 6 embodiment, a sealing member 82 is interposed between the cap 16 and container 2 and is received in the skj.rt 20 of the cap. Sealing member 82 comprises a base portion 84 for overlying the open end of the mouth of container 2, a cap engaging portion.: in the form of annular ribs 86, 88 and 90 projecting axially from the upper surface of th base portion 84, a sealing portion 92 engaging th container rim 6, and a resilient annular biasing member 94 projecting axially from the p~riphery of the base

16- 427 117

1 8, H.8 /70o portion 84 and extending between the cap engaging portiosi 86

and sealing portion 92 for biasing the cap engaging portions

86 and sealing portion 92 apart a distance corresponding to the

fixed axial position of the cap relative to the container when

the locking elments 8, 22 are engaged to seal the container and

.maintain the locking elements 8 and 22 in engagement with each

other.

The sealing member 82 of FIGURE 6 is also of one-piece

construction and may be of resilient elastomeric material such

3 as rubber, or of sy..thetic organic plastic havinsg rubber-like

characteristics. The annular biasing member 94 comprises a

resilient elastomeric ring having an inner annular end 96 molded

integrally with the base portion, the ring 94 projecting axially

from the base portion and terminating in an outer annular free

3 end 92 which defines the container rim engaging sealing portion.

The diameter of the outer annular free end 92 of the elastomeric

ring 94 is greater than the diameter of the inner annular end

96 such that the ring 94 is of frusto-conical configuration.

The thickness of the wall of the ring decreases slightly from

the inner annular end 96 to the outer annular free end 92. As

stated previously, the annular ribs 86, 88 and 90 projecting

from the upper .surface of base 84 define the cap contacting

portion of the sealing member and reduce the frictional engage-

ment between the sealing member and inner surface 30 of the end

wall 18. Cap 16 in the FIGUPXE 6 embodiment is provided with a

stud 98 which is of similar construction to the stud 50 shown

in the previously described embodiments with the exception that

stud 98 is of somewhat less length. Stud 98 is received in a

frusto-conical socket 100 formed in the central portion of

427.117 base portion 8.4 of the sealin'g 18,8 8/70 member 82 so that the stud 98 and socket 100 comprise interengageable snap fastening elements for deta -chably securing the sealing member 82 to the cap 16 in such a manner that the sealing member is rotatable relative to ithe cap and is frictionally restrained against axial separation from the end wall of the cap due to the fact that the stud 98 has an enlarged outer end and the socket member 100 is-of complementary shape.

The sealing portion 92 of the axially projecting ring )94 overlies the rim 6 of the container as well as the upper edges of the container locking elements 8. The unstressed length of the ring 94 is, of course, greater than the axial distance between the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 and the rim 6 when the locking elements 8 and.22 are engaged so. ;that the ring 94 biases the cap 16 to the fixed axial position relative to rim 6 illustrated in FIGURE 6. The compression force applied in the axially extending ring 94 also applies a sealing pressure between the contacting surfaces 92 and 6 of the ring 94 and container rim, respectively. -The resistance to ro- I tation between the annular ribs 86, 8~8, 90 and the inner surfaceo of the end wall of the cap is less than the resistance to rotation between the contacting surfaces 9*2 and 6 of the ring and container., respectively, with the result that depression of the cap in an axial direction to disengage the cap locking lugs 22 from the container locking elements b followed by rotative motion of the cap relative to the container does not cause the sealing member 82 to rotate with respect to the container. Additional frictional resistance to rotation of the sealifng member relative to the container is provided by the tendency of _18- 427 1 17

1 Q98 8/70 the elastomeric material to extend slightly axially into the spaces Ba (FIGURE 3) between the container locking elements 6. to provide a direct mechanical restraint against rotation of the sealing surface 92.%with respect to the rim 6. Thus, each of the three embodiments of FIGURES I and 2, FIGUR.E 5, and FIGURE 6 include a safety closure assembly comprising a cap 16 of the type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container 2 by an axial motion followed success- ively by a rotative notion of the cap relative to the container z. The cap of each embodiment includes an end wall le with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from the end wall 16 for receiving the mouth portion q~ of the container 2. Cap locking elements 22 are spaced peripherally from eaci other on the inner surface of the skirt 20 for engaging the comriplementary container lockingr element 8 on the container 2 in bayonet fashion.

The -embodiment of FIGURE 1 includes a sealing member 24 received in the skirt 20 having a base portion 26 for over- lying the opening of the mouth portion 4 of container 2, a cap engaging portion 28 for engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wiall 18 of the cap, a container rim engaging sealing portion 32, and a resilient annular biasing member 34 projecting axially from the periphery-of the base portion 24 for biasing the cap engaging portion 28 and container rim eligaging sealing portion 32 to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on the container 2, the annular biasing mnerber 34 biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to the container and simul- taneously applies pressure to the sealing portion.

In the FIGURE 5 embodiment, a sealing menber 60 is 19-4 2 7 1 i

18, 988/70 received in the skirt 20 and includes a base portion 62 for overlying the opening of the container mouth 4, a cap engaging portion 64 for engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a container rim engaging sealing portion 66, and a 3 resilient annular biasing member 60 projecting axially from the periphery of the base portion for biasing the cap engaging por- tion and container rim engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the annular biasing member biases the cap to a fixed axial position relative to the container and simultaneously applies pressure to the sealing portion 66.

Similarly, in the embodiment of FIGURE 6, a sealing member 82 is received in the skirt 20 and includes a base por- tion 84 for overlying the container opening, a cap engaging portion 86, 88, 90 for engaging the inner surface 30 of the end wall 18 of the cap, a container rim engaging sealing portion 92, and a resilient annular biasing member 94 projecting axially I from the periphery of the base portion for biasing the cap en- gaging portion and container rim engaging sealing portion 92 to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container 2, the annular biasing member 94 biases the cap 16 to a fixed axial position relative to container 2 and sirultaneous- ly applies pressure to the sealing portion 92.

While specific forms of the invention have been illustrated and described in the foregoing specification and accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the inven- tion-iJs not limited to th2 exact construction shown, but that various alternatives in the construction and arrangement of parts, all fallin9 within the scopc and spirit of the invention, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

427 1 17

Claims (1)

18,98-8/70 7 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

1. A safety closure assembly comprising: a cap of the

type adapted to be applied to and removed from a container

by an axial motion followed successively by a rotative motion of the cap relative to such container, said cap including;

an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially from said end wall for receiving the mouth of a container and a plurality of cap locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt for engaging complementary container locking elements on a container in bayonet fashion; and a sealing member of integral construction

enclosed by said skirt, said sealing member- including; a base portion for overlying the opening of the mouth of a container, a cap engaging portion for engaging the inner surface of the end wall of said cap, a container rim engaging sealing portion, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting from the periphery of said base portion for biasing said cap engaging portion and container rim engaging sealing portion to axially spaced positions such that when the cap is placed on a container, the.annular biasing member biases the

cap to a fixed axial position relative to such container and simultaneously spplies pressure to the sealing portion;

said biasing member having an annular end portion spaced axially from said base portion and a side wall of annular

cross-section extending between said end portion and said base portion; the functional resistance between the cap engaging

portion and the end wall of the cap being such that the cap

rotates with respect to the sealing member when the cap is rotated with respect to the container.

2. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 1 -21- 4 27.,1 17

1 Q,9 8 8 170 further incl7uding i.-terengageable snap fastening at tachment

elements on the end wall of said cap and the base portion of

4 27, 117

18, 98 8 said sealing member for detachably securing said sealing

member to said cap in such a manner that the sealing member

is rotatable relative to the cap and is restrained against

axial separation from the end wall of said cap.

3. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cap attachment element comprises a stud projec-

ting from the inner surface of said end wall, said stud

having an enlarged outer end; and said sealing member

attachment element includes a socket member formed integrally

on said base portion for receiving said stud, said socket mem-

ber having a flexible wall with an outer end smaller than the

enlarged end of said stud so that the base portion can be

snapped onto and off of said stud.

4. A safety closure assembly as claimed in any preceeding claim wherein said sealing portion includes a

radially outwardly extending rim engaging sealing flange

for overlying, a container rim, and an axially extending

container wall engaging portion for engaging the inner

surface of a container wall adjacent the container rim.

A safety closure assembly as claimed in either of

claims 1 3 wherein a reversed looped portion is molded

integrally with said base portion and having an inner annular

side wall portion extending axially from the periphery of

said base portion, an intermediate annular side wall portion

extending from the outer end of said inner side wall portion

to the opposite side of said base portion, and an outer

annular side wall portion extending from the end of said

intermediate side wall portion located on said opposite side

in a return direction toward said base portion, said inner -23- 4 2 117

1 fl, 98 8 and intermediate side wvall portions defining the annular side wall of said annular biasing member with the adjoining ends thereof defining said cap engaging portion, said outer side wall defining--a container wall engaging portion of said sealing portion for engaging the inner surf ace of a container wall adjacent the container rim.

6. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim wherein said sealing portion further includes a radially outwardly extending rim engaging sealing flange on the end of said outer side wall opposite its juncture with said intermediate side wall for overlying a container rim.

A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 6 further Including an annular bead formed on said rim engaging sealing flange and projecting axially therefrom in a direc- tion to engage a container rim.

8. A safety closure assembly as claimed in either of claims 1 4i wherein said annular biasing member com- prises a hollow resilient web of annular cross-section having an inner annular end joined integrally to said base portion at the periphery thereof, said web extending axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end defining -said cap engaging portion.

9. A-safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 8 __wherein the diameter of said outer annular free end is larger than the diameter of said inner annular end.

A safety closure assembly as claimed in either of claims 1 4&wherein said annular biasing member comprises a resilient elastomeric ring having an inner annular end -24- 4 2.t1 molded integrally with lai'd'Ibs ortion, said ring projec- ting axially from said base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end, said free end defining said container rim engaging sealing portion.

11. A safety clos re assembly as claimed in claim wherein the diameter of said outer annular free end is greater than the diameter of said inner annular end such that said

ring is of frusto-conical configuration.

12. A safety closure assembly as claimed in claim 11

wherein the thickness of the wall of said ring decreases

from said inner annular end to said outer annular free end.

13. A safety closure assembly as claimed in either of claims 10 12 including at least one annular rib projecting from the surface of said base portion opposite said ring,

said rib defining said cap contacting portion.

14. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances

comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axially therefrom for receiving said mouth

portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other.on the outer surface of said

mouth portion; a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said

skirt; said cap-locking elements being engageable with and

disengageable from said container-locking elements by

combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to

the container, said cap locking elements being located an

4 2 7 1 17

18, 98 8 7 equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-

locking elements being located an equal axial distance from

said rim whereby said end wall has a fixed axial position

relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged;

a sealing member interposed between said cap and container

and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for

overlying the open end of theAmot of the container, a cap-

engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end

wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a

resilient annular biasing member projecting.axially from the

periphery of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging

portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to

said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain

said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance

between said cap-contacting portion and end wall being less

than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion

and container rim such that the sealing member remains

stationary with respect to the container when the cap is

rotated relative to the container; a reversed looped portion

being molded integrally with said base portion and including

an inner annular sidewall extending axially from the

periphery of said base portion, an intermediate annular

sidewall extending from the outer end of said inner side-

wall to the opposite side of said base portion, and an outer

annular sidewall extending from the end of said intermediate

sidewall located on said opposite side in a return direction

toward said base portion, said inner and intermediate side-

walls defining said annular biasing member with the adjoin-

ing ends.ithereof defining said cap-engaging portion, said

outer sidewall defining a container-wall-engaging portion -26- 4271 17

1t98 8/70 ofeead;sealing portion for engaging the inner surface of the container wall adjacent said container rim.

A safety container and closure assembly for medicines and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a- mouth portion viitian annular rim; a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting axial ly therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion; a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said cap-locking elements being engageable with and disengageable from said container locking elements by combined axial and rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap- locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said end wall and said container-locking elements being located an equal axial distance from said rim 'ihereby said end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when said locking elements are engaged; a sealing member inter- posed between said cap and container and received in said skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engaging the container rim, and a resilient annular biasing member projecting axially from the periphery Of said base portion biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged, the frictional resistance between said cap-contocting portion and end wall be ing less -27- 42 7117

1 988/70 8, than the frictional resistance between said sealing portion

and container rim such that the sealing member remains

stationary with respect to the container when the cap is

rotated relative to the container; said annular biasing member comprising an annular resilient web having an inner

annular an-Vijoined integrally to said base portion, said

web extending axially from said base portion and terminating

in an outer annular free end, said free end defining said cap-engaging portion.

16. A safety container and closure assembly for medicines

and other potentially dangerous substances comprising: a container having a mouth portion with an annular rim: a cap having an end wall with a peripheral skirt projecting

axially therefrom for receiving said mouth portion; a plurality of container-locking elements spaced peripherally from each other on the outer surface of said mouth portion;

a plurality of cap-locking elements spaced peripherally

from each other on the inner surface of said skirt; said. cap-locking element being engageable with and disengageable

from said container-locking elements by combined axial and

rotative motion of the cap relative to the container; said cap-locking elements being located an equal axial distance

from said end wall and said container-locking elements being

located an equal axial distance from said rim whereby said

end wall has a fixed axial position relative to said rim when

said locking elements are engaged, a sealing member inter- posed between said cap and container and received in said

skirt comprising a base portion for overlying the open end

of the mouth of the container, a cap-engaging portion engaging the inner surface of said end wall, a sealing portion engag- -28- 427.117

18, 98 8 ing the container rim and a resilient annular biasing member

projecting axially from the periphery of said base portion

biasing said cap-engaging portion and sealing portion apart

a distance corresponding to said fixed axial position to

seal said container and maintain said locking elements engaged,

the frictional resistance between said cap-contacting portion

and end wall being less than the frictional resistance

between said sealing portion and container such that the

sealing member remains stationary with respect to the

container when the cap is rotated relative to the container; said annular biasing member comprising a resilient elasto-

meric ring having an inner annular end molded integrally with

said base portion, said ring projecting axially from said

base portion and terminating in an outer annular free end,

said free end defining said container-rim-engaging sealing

portion, the diameter of said outer annular free end being

greater than the diameter of said inner annular end such

that said ring is of frustoconical configuration, the thickness of the wall of said.ring decreasing from said

inner annular end to said outer annular free end.

DATED this 24th day of March, 1972. REFLEX CO?PORATION OF CANADA LIMITED

Edwd. 'Jaters Sons, Patent Attorneys, Russell Street, !'LBOURNE. VIC. AUST. -29- 4 27,117

1 8, 988

63~d

4 27.1 i

18, 988/70

427.117