AU725554B3 - A container - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION PETTY PATENT Invention Title: A CONTAINER Name of Applicant: WELLMAN INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS CO PTY LIMITED The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: -2- A CONTAINER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a container having a lid for rotation mounting thereon, in particular a container and lid combination having a tamper evident mechanism which is located for operation between the container and lid. In addition, the lid itself may be provided with a separate tamper evident closure mechanism.

The invention finds application in a wide variety of applications, wherever the contents of the container need to be provided intact/unadulterated to an end user. For example, where the contents are foodstuffs for consumption by a human or animal etc, or where the contents are medical samples from a human or other animal. The tamper evident mechanism may be further modified to instead provide a child-proof/child resistant closing mechanism.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION It is known in the art to provide tamper evident mechanisms between a container and an associated lid. For example, for variously comestible liquids such as water, juices, soft drinks etc, lids are provided with a frangible lower ring which typically may remain on the container as the lid is unscrewed. The severing of the ring from the lid at opening only then indicates to a user that the contents of the container have remained unaccessed since production by the manufacturer.

In medical applications, it is often critical that the samples of exudate (whether liquid or solid) taken from a user remain unaccessed until tested (eg. by a pathologist etc).

P37546 3 Many techniques have been developed by dishonest persons, however, for accessing container contents without destroying or damaging the tamper evident seal, thus allowing for swapping or adulteration of container contents.

It would be advantageous if at least an alternative tamper evident container could be provided for use in these various fields.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect the present invention provides a container having a lid for mounting thereon, with a tamper evident mechanism located for operation between the container and lid, the mechanism including at least one flange on either the container or lid and at least one corresponding projection on either the lid or container respectively, the flange and projection being arranged such that, when the lid is rotation mounted on the container, the flange moves relatively past the projection to a position such that removal of the lid by counter rotation may only occur by deforming or breaking of the flange and/or projection.

Preferably, the deforming or breaking of the flange and/or projection would be detectable by a user.

By providing a tamper evident mechanism that is configured in the manner described above, the mechanism can be arranged to be less accessible by a user, thereby making it less easy for a lid to be removed and replaced whilst maintaining the tamper mechanism intact.

4 In effect, as per the first aspect, the lid itself may be used to provide shrouding and prevent access to the tamper evident mechanism.

With the first aspect, the tamper evident mechanism employed may be the flange and projection arrangement as defined, but other tamper evident mechanisms can be employed such as a bridging adhesive between the container and lid which changes configuration or constitution etc when sheared, or another detection mechanism such as interconnecting webs etc. It is preferred that the projection is at least one finger projecting out from an upper external surface of the container and the flange is at least one shoulder projecting inwardly from a downwardly extending peripheral skirt of the lid, the finger and shoulder coming into engagement when the skirt is positioned over and around the upper surface of the container and the lid is rotated thereon.

Preferably three fingers and three corresponding shoulders are spaced equidistantly around the container upper surface and skirt inner surface respectively. The equidistant configuration makes for ease of use and manufacture of both the container and lid.

Preferably the projection and flange are positioned in proximity to a bayonet coupling mechanism for operation between the lid and the container to fasten the same together (eg to lock the lid to the container).

Preferably a stop is positioned at one end of the bayonet coupling mechanism for delimiting the rotation of the lid during mounting on the container. The stop can be positioned in such a way that it only allows for lid rotation, immediately after mounting the lid to the container, in one direction. In this regard, the stop can also prevent the rotation of the lid in an opposite direction by abutting a protrusion on the lid.

Preferably the delimiting location of the stop corresponds to a position in which the flange has moved past the projection.

The bayonet coupling mechanism preferably includes at least one element (eg. the protrusion referred to above) extending inwardly from the skirt of the lid and at least one formation located at the upper external surface of the container and defining a recess into which the element moves when the lid is rotation mounted to the container, the bayonet coupling mechanism enabling fastening of the lid to the container (eg. to lock it thereto). In this regard, it is preferred that the recess is tapered to cause a progressive increase in interference (ie.

frictional engagement) as the element is progressively advanced thereinto. Thus, the bayonet mechanism can provide an increasing tightness of fit as the lid is rotated. This can enhance sealing between the lid and container (especially when seals are employed as described below).

Again, it is preferred that three elements and three corresponding formations are spaced equidistantly around the container upper surface and the skirt inner surface respectively. Furthermore, it is preferred that each of the three fingers are located on the container upper surface above and aligned with a respective formation, and each of the three shoulders are located on the skirt above and aligned with a respective element. Again this enhances the ease of manufacture and use of the device.

Preferably the stop is defined by a closed end of the or each recess in the or each formation, such that P37546 -6eventually each element abuts a respective stop to delimit the rotation of the lid on the container.

In a further enhancement for preventing access to the tamper evident mechanism, it is preferred that a circumferential externally projecting barrier flange is provided around the side wall(s) of container near to an upper end thereof, the barrier flange preferably being located such that the lid skirt can extend downwardly thereto (typically in a close facing arrangement) to prevent access to the or each projection and flange pair (or any other tamper evident mechanism mounted therewithin, between the lid and container).

Preferably during mounting of the lid to the container the or each element abuts and then travels on (slides along) an upper surface of the barrier flange (ie.

when the lid is rotated on the container). The upper surface preferably combines with the or each formation to define the bayonet recess into which the respective element is moved. Thus, the barrier flange also typically provides a guiding surface for the lid during mounting.

Preferably the stop is a part of the formation and projects upwardly from the barrier flange upper surface (typically being integral therewith eg. integrally moulded therewith).

Preferably an underside of the lid and/or an upper end of the container is provided with a circumferential gasket which is clampingly engaged when the lid is mounted on the container to seal an opening thereat to the container. This clamping is typically facilitated by the tapered recess in the or each formation; ie. as the lid is progressively rotated, the gasket is increasingly clamped, thus progressively increasing the seal at the opening.

P37546 7 In another aspect the present invention provides a lid for mounting on a container, the lid having a projection with a closure mounted at the projection to cover an opening to a passage through the projection. In other words, the lid itself may be provided with a further opening having the closure mounted thereat.

Preferably a sealing element is located under the closure for closing the passage to fluid flow (eg. both gas and liquid flow). Preferably the closure itself is tamper evident, and the projection is typically formed to be upstanding from the lid (although in some situations may also project downwardly from the lid (ie. towards and/or into the container).

Typically the sealing element is located within the passage, and this has particular advantage, in that the seal is wholly contained within the lid itself, thus making further access difficult. In this regard, the seal element can be mounted to sit within an annular undercut defined at an inner wall of the passage; and/or may be adhesively fastened at its periphery to ap inner wall of the passage (or adhesively fastened at an inward peripheral projection therefrom). Typically the sealing element is a flexible polymeric disc, such that it can be easily formed and inserted in the passage, but more preferably such that the needle of a syringe can be inserted therethrough, so that contents within the container can be extracted, and such that after removal of the needle, the seal element continues to provide a sealing function.

Preferably the projection is centrally located in the lid for ease at manufacture and use.

Typically the closure is a ring pull formation including a tab defined within the closure that has U 8 frangible sideline(s) extending from a non-frangible hinge to the closure, with the ring connected to the tab, and such that pulling on the ring at a predetermined force causes the frangible sideline(s) to break, thus exposing the passage.

The lid of this other aspect may additionally incorporate the features of the lid, and be used in conjunction with the container, as defined in the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred forms of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1 to 3 show, respectively, plan, side (partly sectioned on the line and underside plan elevations of a preferred container and lid in accordance with the present invention; Figures 4 to 6 show similar views to Figures 1 to 3, but with a modified lid; Figures 7 and 8 show, respectively, enlarged partial views of Figures 2 and Figure 9 shows an identical view to Figure 7, but Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show, respectively, slices of the container and lid together taken on the lines AA, BB and CC of Figure 9; Figure 10 again shows an identical view to Figure 7, but Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show, respectively, slices of the container only taken on the lines AA, BB and CC of Figure -9- Figure 11 again shows an identical view to Figure 7, ut Figures 1la, lib and lic show, respectively, slices of he lid only taken on the lines AA, BB and CC of Figure 11; Figure 12 shows an identical view to Figure 8, but igures 12a, 12b and 12c show, respectively slices of the ontainer and lid together taken on the lines AA, BB and CC ,f Figure 12; Figure 13 again shows an identical view to Figure 8, )ut Figures 13a, 13b and 13c show, respectively, slices of :he container only taken on the lines AA, BB and CC of igure 13; Figure 14 again shows an identical view to Figure 8, 3ut Figures 14a, 14b and 14c show, respectively, slices of :he lid only taken on the lines AA, BB and CC of Figure 14; Figures 15 and 16 show, respectively, plan and side sectional elevations of an alternative container in accordance with the present invention, with Figure 17 showing schematically a partial detail of Figure 15; and Figures 18 and 19 show, respectively, plan and side sectional elevations of an alternative lid in accordance with the present invention, with Figure 20 showing schematically a partial detail of Figure 18.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 4 to 6, where like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts, a container and lid in accordance with the present invention are shown in the form of jar 10 and cap 12. The cap of Figures 1 and 2 is different to that of Figures 4 and 5 in that it is provided with an additional opening at boss 14, which is covered by a closure 16 and which may for example be a ring pull closure mechanism or a peel back adhesive cover etc.

P37546 Jar 10 has a lower wall section 20, which is separated from an upper wall section 22 by a circumferential barrier flange 24. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 6, the underside of the barrier flange is reinforced around its circumference by webs 18.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, the mounting of the cap 12 to jar 10 will be described in greater detail, including the tamper evident mechanism positioned therebetween. Again, like reference numerals will be used to denote similar or like parts.

The barrier flange 24 provides a surface against which the cap can be sealed, and combines with a skirt 26 of the cap (ie. at cap lower edge 28 to enclose the tamper evident mechanism (as described below)).

Formed integrally with and projecting up from flange 24 is bayonet guide element 30. The guide element has a taper 32 which is oriented to guide an inwardly projecting lug 34 of cap 12 into the space between the element and flange 24. In other words, the guide element 30 in conjunction with flange 24 defines a recess 36 into which the lug 34 can be moved (ie. when the cap 12 is rotated on jar 10). The guide element is connected to flange 24 via web 38, which closes off the end of recess 36 and provides a stop against further lug movement in recess 36 (thus stopping cap rotation). In addition, the web 38 can (on its other side) prevent counter rotation of the cap 12 on jar 10 (ie. during mounting of the cap to jar It will be seen more clearly (with reference to Figures 9 to 14) that three such guide elements 30 and lug arrangements 34 are spaced evenly (equidistantly) around the jar and cap respectively. Thus, the interaction of the multiple guide elements and lugs provides a bayonet fitting for easily attaching the cap 12 to jar 10. In addition, P37546 11 the tapered arrangement enables the cap to have its rotation mounting fitting to the jar be progressively tightened.

To facilitate sealing of"the opening to the jar 10, a circumferential gasket 40 is affixed (eg. adhesively or press fitted into undercuts etc) to the underside of cap 12. The gasket aligns with the wall of upper wall section 22, and is compressed thereby when the cap is rotated into the position of Figure 7.

Extending out from (typically moulded integrally therewith) upper wall section 22 of jar 10 are a plurality of (typically three) spring fingers 42. Two such fingers are shown in Figures 7 and 8. The spring fingers are flexible and are adapted for interacting with inwardly projecting shoulders 44 (Figures 9c and 12c) of the cap 12.

During rotation of the cap 12 to attach it to jar 10, the shoulders 44 travel past the spring fingers 42, and the spring fingers are deflected inwardly thereby. After the shoulders have travelled past the fingers, the fingers spring back, such that the free end of each spring finger then sits behind a respective shoulder. The arrangement is configured such that the cap cannot then be unscrewed from its mounting to the jar without either deforming or breaking either the fingers or the shoulder.

This constitutes both a form of tamper evident mechanism and a locking mechanism. Further a user can immediately detect whether or not the cap has been detached from the jar by checking the state of the spring fingers and the shoulders. Typically both are formed from a deformable plastic which records (either through permanent deformation or breakage) that the "seal" has been broken.

Other similar mechanisms can be employed, including the provision of an adhesive which is located in place prior to P37546 -12screw tightening of the cap on the jar, or an adhesive which is released and bridges between the cap and jar upon the first screwing of the cap onto the jar etc.

Alternatively a series of internal webs extending between the cap and jar can be employed. Also, many finger/shoulder configurations are possible, for example, by providing a pair of opposing fingers or a pair of opposing shoulders (ie. one each on the cap and jar respectively) etc.

Figure 7 also shows the cap having integral boss 14, typically being a projection that is moulded integrally with the cap during its manufacture. Closure 16 covers the boss at a passage 46 which extends right through the cap.

Once the closure 16 is removed, the contents of the jar would normally be open to pour or flow thereout via passage 46. If this is not desired, then a membrane 48 (eg. a polymeric membrane or a natural or synthetic rubber) can be positioned within boss 14 to seal the passage. The membrane can also be positioned in alignment with the cap upper surface at location 50. Undercuts 52 for retaining the membrane in position can also be provided (ie. so that the membrane is in effect snap locked into position).

Additionally, the membrane can be adhesively bonded to the interior wall of boss 14, or an annular projection extending out therefrom.

An advantage of using a membrane, particularly in medical situations, is that instruments such as needle syringes, pippettes etc can be inserted therethrough to extract sample held within the jar, and can then be withdrawn from the membrane. The membrane, being resilient, closes back up to re-seal the passage against liquid and fluid flow thereacross.

P37546 -13- The arrangement in Figure 8 is identical to that in Figure 7 except that no boss/enclosure arrangement 14,16 is provided.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 11, firstly, Figure 9 shows a jar and cap assembly identical to that shown in Figure 7. Figure 9a shows a schematic view (slice) of that assembly taken on the line AA of Figure 9. The same cap position is shown in views 9 to 9c, wherein the cap 12 has been screwed onto jar 10 so that each lug 34 has passed into its respective recess 36 until it abuts web 38 (which acts as a stop against further rotation). In so doing, the lug has previously moved from a respective space 54, being that space above the cap barrier flange 12 between the other side of web 38 and the opening to recess 36 (ie. at the front open end of the bayonet guide element 30). These spaces 54 enable the cap to be fitted (pushed down on) to the jar, the cap in effect being moved down so that the lugs 34 pass into their respective spaces 54, and the cap then being rotated so that the lugs pass into recesses 36 guided by taper 32 on the bayonet guide element Figure 9b shows each web 38 and its associated guide element 30, protruding out from the upper wall section 22 of the jar 10. Figure 9c shows the three spring fingers 42 protruding out from upper wall section 22 of cap 12 and the three corresponding shoulders 44 projecting inwardly from the skirt 26 of cap 12. Thus, the webs 36 are positioned such that, when the cap is rotated to move the lugs into recesses 36 to abut webs 38, the spring fingers travel over their respective shoulders and then snap back into position behind each respective shoulder to in effect "lock" the cap to the jar. As indicated above, various protuberances, projections, flanges etc can be used to effect the interaction (and provide tamper evidence) between the jar P37546 -14and cap, including pairs of opposing fingers, pair of opposing flanges etc.

Referring to Figures 10 to 10c, various sectional views (slices) through the jar only are depicted. Figure 10a clearly depicts the three evenly spaced webs 38 projecting out from the upper wall section 22 of jar Figure 10b shows the three evenly spaced bayonet guide elements 30 projecting out from the upper wall section 22 of jar 10, and Figure 10c shows the three evenly spaced spring fingers 42 projecting outwardly from the wall section 22 of jar Referring now to Figures 11 to llc, various sectional views (slices) through cap 12 will now be described. In Figure 1la, the slice is taken through the middle of the three lugs 34 which project inwardly from skirt 26 of cap 12. Figure llb shows a similar view to Figure lla, but in this case the slice is through cap 12 above lugs 34.

Figure lic is a slice through cap 12 through the middle of shoulders 44, illustrating clearly how the shoulders project inwardly from the cap skirt 26.

Figures 12 to 14 show virtually identical views to those of Figures 9 to 11 absent boss 14 and enclosure 16 (ie Figures 12, 13 and 14 show the jar and cap arrangement of Figure Thence, these Figures will not be described again. Figures 12a through to 14c also depict, by way of imaginary angle lines, how the bayonet guide elements lugs 34, spring fingers 42 and shoulders 44 are all aligned within the jar and cap, highlighting the symmetry of the preferred jar and cap arrangement, and thus its ease of manufacture and use. Like reference numerals are otherwise used to denote similar or like parts.

Referring now to Figures 15 to 20, again where like reference numerals are used to denot e similar or like P37546 parts, an alternative cap and jar arrangement is depicted.

Referring firstly to Figures 15 to 17, the jar 10 has four bayonet guide elements 30 and four associated spring fingers (one way clips) 42. The spring fingers are shown in greater detail in Figure 17. However, in the embodiment of Figures 15 and 16 the spring fingers 42 are provided within the bayonet recess 36 so that both the cap lugs 34 and the cap shoulders 44 (ie. see Figures 19 and 20) are rotated into recess 36 to lock the cap to the jar. The spring fingers 42 and shoulders 44 otherwise interact in a similar manner to that described above.

The recess 36 may again taper to cause progressive tightening in the fitting of the cap to the jar, and additionally a gasket seal 40 can be provided on the underside of the cap. However, the jar is additionally provided with an upstanding circumferential rim 56 which abuts the gasket and is tightened thereagainst as the cap is screw fitted onto the jar. The jar is in other respects similar to that shown in Figures 1 to 14.

Referring now more specifically to Figures 18 and 19, the closure 16 is shown in the form of a ring pull 60, the operation of which provides a direct indication of tampering. Specifically the ring pull can be biased upwardly to pull on a frangible tab, which pivots around a hinge. This exposes an opening to boss 14. The tab and ring pull may be subsequently entirely removed (if required). In so doing, the removal of the ring pull opens passage 46, again which is typically sealed by membrane 48.

The undercuts 52 are once again used to hold the membrane in place.

Figure 20 indicates that a double shoulder arrangement can be employed for each spring finger 42, thus providing two locking positions of the cap on jar 10. Typically P37546 -16rotation to the second locking position (ie. behind the second shoulder 44') provides a more permanent and fastened positioned and any unauthorised movement therefrom clearly indicates tampering. The operation of the jar and cap arrangement of Figures 15 to 20 is, however, in all other respects similar to that of Figures 1 to 14.

By providing suitable push buttons in alignment with the spring fingers around the circumference of the skirt 26 (or by even providing recesses in the skirt that open on to the fingers) the function of the container can be changed from that of a tamper evident container to that of a child resistant container. In other words, considerable dexterity would be required to press three or four spring fingers simultaneously, and thus the jar and cap arrangement modified in this manner could provide an excellent child resistant container for the storage of various dangerous or hazardous substances including medicines, cleaning chemicals, oils etc.

The container and lid can be provided in many shapes, sizes and materials and can hold all manner of substances including liquids, solids and even gases.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to a number of preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.

P37546

Claims (3)

1. A container having a lid for mounting thereon, with a tamper evident mechanism located for operation between the container and lid, the mechanism including at least one flange on either the container or lid and at least one corresponding projection on either the lid or container respectively, the flange and projection being arranged such that, when the lid is rotation mounted on the container, the flange moves relatively past the projection to a position such that removal of the lid by counter rotation may only occur by deforming or breaking of the flange and/or projection.

2. A container as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the lid itself covers the tamper evident mechanism when mounted to the container.

3. A container as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the projection is at least one finger projecting out from an external upper surface of the container and the flange is at least one shoulder projecting inwardly from a downwardly extending peripheral skirt of the lid, the finger and shoulder coming into engagement when the skirt is positioned over and-around the upper surface of the container and the lid is rotated thereon, and wherein the projection and flange are positioned in proximity to a bayonet coupling mechanism for operation between the lid and container to fasten the same together. Dated this 12th day of July 2000 WELLMAN INDUSTRIAL PLASTICS CO PTY LIMITED By its Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK