CN113247443B

CN113247443B - Child-resistant locking cap with improved locking cap insert for laminated tube

Info

Publication number: CN113247443B
Application number: CN202110110448.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: B·泰普斯科
Original assignee: Innovative Product Brands Inc
Current assignee: Innovative Product Brands Inc
Priority date: 2020-01-27
Filing date: 2021-01-27
Publication date: 2022-11-29
Anticipated expiration: 2041-01-27
Also published as: CN113247443A

Abstract

A combination of a container made of roll laminated plastic or roll laminated metal incorporating a child resistant locking assembly between the container and a lid removably attached to the container. The container includes a closed rear end, a front wall, and flexible side walls between the closed rear end and the front portion. The cap includes a central post that inserts into the dispensing opening of the dispensing nozzle of the container to reduce the likelihood of the contents of the container seeping out of the dispensing nozzle after the sealing cap is attached to the nozzle.

Description

Child-resistant locking cap with improved locking cap insert for laminated tube

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This patent application is a partial continuation of the pending patent application Ser. No. 15/951,956 filed on 12.4.2018, and this patent application Ser. No. 15/951,956 is a partial continuation of the parent patent application Ser. No. 15/396,725 filed on 2.1.2017 (now published as U.S. Pat. No.10,343,823).

Technical Field

The field of the invention relates to the field of containers with contents that require a certain safety against opening by children.

Background

The inventors are unaware of any prior art relating to their invention.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is a combination of a container made of roll laminated plastic or roll laminated metal with a ball applicator and a child resistant locking assembly between the container and a lid removably attached to the container. The container includes a closed rear end, a front wall, and flexible side walls between the closed rear end and the front wall. The flexible sidewall has a shape selected from the group consisting of oval, elliptical, and cylindrical.

The shape of the container is optional but is preferably in the shape of a tube of toothpaste, closed at its rear end, and having: a substantially oval or substantially elliptical sidewall; and a front end having a front wall with an opening through which the applicator extends partially. The closed back end, side walls, front wall and a portion of the applicator surround an interior compartment in which materials that may be harmful to children are stored, hereinafter referred to as "prophylactic materials". An applicator is used to dispense the prophylactic material. The applicator is preferably a roller ball. Other types of applicators are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The following are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention: the container is cylindrical and has: a closed back end; a cylindrical sidewall; and a front end having a front wall with an opening through which the applicator extends partially. The closed back end, side walls, front wall and a portion of the applicator surround an interior chamber in which the prophylactic material is stored. The applicator is used to dispense prophylactic materials. The applicator is preferably a ball. Other types of applicators are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

A first key feature of the invention is that the container is made of a material selected from the group consisting of rolled laminated plastic and rolled laminated aluminum, each material having from one to eight layers of rolled laminated plastic or rolled laminated aluminum. The plastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, or a combination comprising one or more of these plastics. An important feature of the present invention is that the side wall of the container, regardless of its shape, is flexible and squeezable in order to push the prophylactic material onto (or into depending on) the applicator from which it is dispensed. The prophylactic material can be dispensed onto a person's skin, or fingernail, or toenail, or onto or into a surface, cavity, or other location of an object, depending on what the prophylactic material is and its intended use.

A second key feature of the invention is that at least a portion of the front walls of the applicator and container are closed by a removable child-resistant locking cap. The locking cap includes at least one (and preferably a pair of) locking teeth. The front wall of the container has at least one cooperating locking member to be engaged by the at least one locking tooth; or preferably a pair of spaced apart cooperating locking members to be engaged by respective locking teeth. The child-resistant locking cap has a locating portion as part of the locking assembly to enable alignment of the locking teeth of the locking cap with the corresponding mating locking members. The location portion on the wall of the locking cap may require knowledge of where to find and rotate the locking cap to make the desired alignment of each locking tooth with the corresponding mating locking member.

A third novel but optional feature of the invention is that the applicator is a ball bearing.

The present invention also includes a cap that is removably attached to the container, the cap having a unique child-resistant locking feature to prevent a child from removing the cap and accessing the preventative material within the container.

It is an object of the present invention to create a container made of roll laminated plastic or roll laminated aluminum, each of which has one to eight layers of roll laminated plastic or roll laminated aluminum to create a flexible sidewall to facilitate dispensing of the preventative material in the interior chamber of the container.

It is another object of the present invention to include a child-resistant locking assembly between the container and the removable cap to reduce the ability of a child to remove the locking cap and access the preventative materials within the container.

It has also been found that the ability to effectively seal the container, whether the container is oval, elliptical or cylindrical in shape, is a key innovation of the present invention, and depends on the contents contained within the container. If the contents are very fluid and flow with limited viscosity, the contents may flow out of the opening of the dispensing nozzle with the ball applicator and seep out of the container even after the cap is attached to the dispensing nozzle and the child-resistant locking member is in place.

It is therefore another object of the present invention to add an improved sealing cap to cooperate with an improved dispensing nozzle to ensure sealing of the container and to prevent the contents from flowing out after the container is closed. The improvement comprises a central post extending from the interior top surface of the seal cap and aligned and parallel with the side wall of the seal cap. The dispensing nozzle is fitted with a cylindrical sponge at its dispensing end. The sponge has a central longitudinal axis aligned with the opening of the dispensing nozzle. Thus, a sealing cap with an internal thread is fitted on the sponge and screwed onto a dispensing nozzle with a matching external thread. The central post is innovative in that it provides a secure seal by press fitting the central shaft of the sponge and the opening in the dispensing nozzle, thereby preventing the contents of the container from seeping out, even after the container is closed. If no sponge is present, the center post is inserted directly into the front opening of the nozzle opening.

In one embodiment, the applicator has a cylindrical body made of foam or other similar absorbable material that extends away from the central nozzle. The cylindrical body also includes a centrally located open cylindrical chamber that receives the just-described post in the cap. This embodiment of the applicator helps to retain the contents in a usable position and prevents seepage of the prophylactic material after the container is closed with a sealing cap.

In a refinement, the invention relates to a device comprising:

(a) A cover, the cover comprising:

(i) A top wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface of the top wall being integrally formed with a first circumferential wall having an inner surface comprising mating threads and an outer surface;

(ii) An inner surface of the top wall is integrally formed with a second peripheral wall having an outer surface and an inner surface;

(iii) The inner surface of the second circumferential wall comprises a first transverse bar and a second transverse bar;

(iv) The first transverse bar extends from the inner surface of the outer sidewall toward the center of the cover, and the first transverse bar further includes a first locking tooth at a distal end of the first transverse bar;

(v) A second transverse bar extending from the inner surface of the outer side wall towards the centre of the lid, and a second transverse bar, a top wall, a first circumferential wall and a second circumferential wall, wherein the first circumferential wall has an outer surface and an inner surface,

(vi) The first transverse rod is opposite to the second transverse rod;

(vii) A central post attached at a proximal end thereof to said inner surface of said top wall, the post including a body terminating in a distal end;

(b) A container, the container comprising:

(i) A closed rear end, an outer side wall and a transverse top wall surrounding the inner chamber;

(ii) A centrally located dispensing nozzle formed integrally with said transverse top wall and having a threaded vertical wall with mating threads thereon, the dispensing nozzle including a longitudinal internal shaft extending into the transverse top wall and a distal central opening, said longitudinal internal shaft opening into said internal chamber; and is

(iii) The top wall of the container further comprises a first support attached to the top wall of the container and located between the dispensing nozzle and the top circumferential edge of the front wall, the first support having a first body with a first cavity extending into the first body from a surface of the first body, and an oppositely disposed second support attached to the top wall of the container and located between the dispensing nozzle and the top circumferential edge of the front wall, the second support having a second body with a second cavity extending into the second body from a surface of the second body, the first support and the second support being located on opposite sides of the dispensing nozzle;

(c) A cap is removably attached to the dispensing nozzle, each respective locking tooth of each respective transverse bar of the cap engages a respective cavity of a respective seat of the container, and mating threads of the cap are threadedly connected to threaded vertical walls of the dispensing nozzle, a central post extending through the longitudinal internal shaft to seal the central opening in the dispensing nozzle; and

(d) Thereby simultaneously pressing the outer surface of the second circumferential side wall of the cap inwardly at a location adjacent to the first and second transverse bars of the cap disengages the first tooth from the first cavity of the first seat and disengages the second tooth from the second cavity of the second seat.

In a further refinement, the invention relates to a device comprising:

(a) A cover, the cover comprising:

(v) The second transverse bar extends from the inner surface of the lateral wall towards the center of the cover, and the second transverse bar further comprises a second locking tooth at a distal end of the second transverse bar, an

(vi) The first transverse rod is opposite to the second transverse rod; in one refinement, the seal cap includes a gap;

(b) A container, the container comprising:

(ii) A centrally located dispensing nozzle integrally formed with said transverse top wall and having a threaded vertical wall with mating threads thereon, the dispensing nozzle including a longitudinal internal shaft extending into the transverse top wall and a distal central opening, said longitudinal internal shaft leading to said internal chamber; and is

(iii) The top wall of the container further comprises a first seat attached to the top wall of the container and located between the dispensing nozzle and the top circumferential edge of the front wall, the first seat having a first body with a first cavity extending into the first body from a surface of the first body, and an oppositely disposed second seat attached to the top wall of the container and located between the dispensing nozzle and the top circumferential edge of the front wall, the second seat having a second body with a second cavity extending into the second body from a surface of the second body, the first seat and the second seat being located on opposite sides of the dispensing nozzle;

(c) Removably attaching a cap to the dispensing nozzle, each respective locking tooth of each respective transverse bar of the cap engaging a respective cavity of a respective seat of the container, and mating threads of the cap threadably connecting to a threaded vertical wall of the dispensing nozzle, an inner surface of the cap sealing an opening in the dispensing nozzle; and

Additional novel features and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and discussion.

Drawings

With particular reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and not limiting, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the lid of the present invention and a side perspective view of an oval container embodying a portion of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the lid of the present invention and a side perspective view of an oval container embodying a portion of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side isometric view of a cylindrical container embodying a portion of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a cylindrical container embodying a portion of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a front view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 to show a cooperating locking member (also referred to as a tube mount) attached to the front wall of a container, including a container having an oval side wall, an elliptical side wall, and a cylindrical side wall;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the tube support;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the cover shown in partial cross-section to illustrate a portion of the locking cavity within the cover;

FIG. 11 is an exterior side view of the cover of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lid showing a pair of oppositely disposed lid locking teeth;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the locking assembly on the lid;

FIG. 15 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the lid in the locked position;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of another modified variation of the cap of the present invention and a side perspective view of a cylindrical container embodying a portion of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a close-up top perspective view of the improved sealing portion of the cylindrical container shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of an improved sealing lid according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view through the longitudinal center of the improved seal cap shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the improved seal cap shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view showing a container with a standard threaded spout and a pair of oppositely disposed seats and a bottom perspective view of a locking cap with a mating threaded cap and a pair of closure teeth;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 21 having a central nozzle and a pair of oppositely disposed pedestals;

FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the closure of FIG. 21 showing a pair of locking teeth;

FIG. 24 is a plan view showing the engagement of the respective locking teeth with the respective abutments in the closure of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is an exploded view showing a container with a standard threaded spout (including a ball applicator) and a pair of oppositely disposed seats and a bottom perspective view of a closure cap with a mating threaded cap and a pair of locking teeth;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 25, wherein the central nozzle includes a ball applicator and a pair of oppositely disposed pedestals;

FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of the closure of FIG. 25 showing a pair of locking teeth;

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing engagement of the respective locking teeth in the closure of FIG. 25 with the respective abutments;

FIG. 29 is an exploded view showing a container with a standard threaded nozzle (including a sponge over the nozzle) and a pair of oppositely disposed seats, and a bottom perspective view showing a locking cap with a mating threaded cap, a central sealing post, and a pair of locking teeth;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 29 having a central nozzle, a sponge, and a pair of oppositely disposed pedestals;

FIG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the closure of FIG. 29 showing the sealing post and the pair of locking teeth;

FIG. 32 is a plan view showing engagement of the respective locking teeth in the closure of FIG. 29 with the respective abutments;

FIG. 33 is an exploded view showing a flared container with a snap-closed nozzle (with a sponge top) and a pair of oppositely disposed seats and a bottom perspective view of a closure cap with a threaded closure portion and a pair of locking teeth;

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 33 having a central nozzle, a sponge, and a pair of oppositely disposed seats;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the closure cap and pair of locking teeth of FIG. 33; and

fig. 36 is a plan view showing engagement of the respective locking teeth in the closure of fig. 33 with the respective abutments.

Detailed Description

Although specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and merely illustrative of a few of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention.

Referring to fig. 1, there is shown an exploded view of the lid 20 of the present invention viewed in a bottom perspective view and an oval container 300 shown in a side perspective view.

With further reference to fig. 1, an exploded perspective view of a cap and oval container 300 is shown in which preventative materials such as drugs, poisons and flammable materials are contained within interior chamber 318 (see fig. 2). It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention for the child or any item that may be dangerous or harmful to anyone if mishandled. Harmless articles can also be accommodated in the present invention.

With further reference to fig. 1, the oval container 300 has a closed rear end 314, oval side walls 316, a front end 312, the front end 312 having a front top wall 312A surrounding a front wall 310A. The support collar 320 includes a collar top wall 320A, the collar top wall 320A supporting the central top nozzle 315, the central top nozzle 315 having threads 315T on an outer surface thereof, the nozzle 315 including a top opening 315-O, at least a portion of the central ball applicator 317 extending through the opening 315-O. The cover 20 will be described in detail later in this patent application. As shown in fig. 1, the cap 20 includes an inner central collar 20-IC, the inner central collar 20-IC having mating internal threads 20-TIC, the internal threads 20-TIC mating with the threads 315T when the cap 20 is threaded onto the nozzle 315.

Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 is shown illustrating the material layers of the oval container 300. Oval container 300 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of roll laminated plastic and roll laminated aluminum (shown as 330 in fig. 1). The roll laminated plastic and/or the roll laminated aluminum are preferably formed as layers having one (1) to eight (8) layers labeled 330A, 330B, 330C, 330D, 330E, 330F, 330G, and 300H from the innermost to the outermost in fig. 2. The plastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl compounds or a combination comprising one or more of these plastics. The rolled laminate forms a flexible side wall so that the contents 8 can be extruded out of the internal chamber for dispensing.

Fig. 3 and 4 show an alternative embodiment of the invention having oval side walls. Referring to fig. 3, there is shown an exploded view of the lid 20 of the present invention viewed in a bottom perspective view and an oval container 400 shown in a side perspective view.

With further reference to fig. 3, a perspective view of an oval container 400 is shown in which oval container 400 preventative materials 8 such as drugs, poisons and combustible materials are contained within interior chamber 318. It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention for the child or any item that may be dangerous or harmful to anyone if mishandled. Harmless materials can be contained.

The oval container 400 has a closed rear end 414, oval side walls 416, a front end 412, the front end 412 having a front top wall 412A surrounding a front wall 410A. The support collar 420 has a top wall 420A, the top wall 420A supporting a central top nozzle 415, the central top nozzle 415 having a nozzle 415 with a smooth outer surface, the nozzle 415 including a top opening 415-O, at least a portion of the central ball applicator 417 extending through the opening 415-O. As shown in fig. 3, the lid 20 includes an inner central collar 20-IC2 having a smooth inner sidewall 20-S to provide a press fit to hold the collar 20 against the smooth surface of the central nozzle 415. A ball applicator, designated 417A, extends partially away from the central nozzle and contacts the contents 8A in the internal chamber 418. It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention that ball applicator 417A extend directly from opening 417 without a nozzle. The ball applicator then extends partially out of the front wall 412A and into partial contact with the chamber 418, thereby contacting the contained prophylactic material 8A to dispense the prophylactic material.

The elliptical wall 416 is flexible and squeezable to dispense the contents of the interior to the ball applicator. The rear end 414, the oval-shaped side walls 416, and the front wall 412 surround an interior chamber 418 (see fig. 4) to contain at least one prophylactic material 8A. Standoffs 410 and 420 are also shown.

Referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 is shown illustrating the material layers of the oval container 400. The oval container 400 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of roll laminated plastic and roll laminated aluminum (shown as 430 in fig. 3). The roll laminated plastic and/or roll laminated aluminum is preferably formed as a layer having one (1) to eight (8) layers labeled 430A, 430B, 430C, 430D, 430E, 430F, 430G, and 400H from the innermost to the outermost in fig. 4. The plastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl compounds or a combination comprising one or more of these plastics. The rolled laminate forms a flexible side wall so that the contents 8 can be extruded out of the interior chamber for dispensing.

Fig. 5 to 8 show a third cylindrical variant of the container. Figure 5 is a side isometric view of a cylindrical container embodying a portion of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a side perspective view of a cylindrical container embodying a portion of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a front view taken along line 8-8 of fig. 5 to show a cooperating locking member (also referred to as a tube holder) attached to the front wall of a container, including a container having an oval side wall, an elliptical side wall, and a cylindrical side wall.

Fig. 5-8 show an alternative embodiment of the invention having a cylindrical sidewall.

With further reference to fig. 5-7, a cylindrical container 10 is shown with preventative materials 8AA such as drugs, poisons and combustible materials contained within the cylindrical container 10. It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention for the child or any item that may be dangerous or harmful to anyone if mishandled. Harmless materials can be contained.

The cylindrical container 10 has a closed rear end 14, a cylindrical side wall 16, a front end 12 having a front wall 12A, a nozzle 13, and a central opening 13A through which the ball applicator 500 extends partially away from the front wall 12A and into contact with the contents 8AA in the inner chamber 18. Accordingly, it is within the spirit and scope of the present invention that the ball applicator 500 extend directly from the opening 13. The ball applicator 500 then extends partially out of the front opening 13A and partially into contact with the chamber 18, thereby contacting the contained prophylactic material 8AA to dispense the prophylactic material.

The cylindrical sidewall 16 is flexible and squeezable to dispense the internal contents to a ball applicator. The rear end 14, cylindrical side wall 16, and front wall 12A surround an inner chamber 18 (see fig. 7) to contain at least one prophylactic material 8AA.

Referring to the cross-sectional view of fig. 7, the cylindrical container 10 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a roll laminated plastic and a roll laminated aluminum 10, each material having one (1) to eight (8) layers (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, and 10H) of the roll laminated plastic or the roll laminated aluminum. The plastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl compounds or a combination comprising one or more of these plastics. The rolled laminate forms a flexible side wall so that the contents 8AA can be extruded out of the internal chamber for dispensing.

An important innovation of the present invention is a child-resistant locking assembly, generally designated 100 in the following figures. Although illustrated using a cylindrical sidewall, the same locking assembly may be used with other shaped containers having the oval sidewall 316 and elliptical sidewall 416 described above.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the tube holder. FIG. 10 is a side view of the cover shown in partial cross-section, illustrating a portion of the locking cavity within the cover.

Fig. 11 is an external side view of the cap of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of fig. 11. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the lid showing a pair of oppositely disposed lid locking teeth. Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the locking assembly on the lid. FIG. 15 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the lid in the locked position.

FIG. 5 is a side isometric view of container 10 with the lid removed and showing a pair of oppositely disposed tube holders 10AA and 20CC. Fig. 8 is a front view taken from line 8-8 of fig. 5, showing tube holder 10AA having body 14AA and lumen 16AA. Similarly, the oppositely disposed tube holder 20CC has a main body 24CC and a cavity 26CC.

Fig. 10 is a side view of lid 20 shown in partial cross-section, illustrating a portion of locking assembly 100, locking assembly 100 having a portion of container holder 10AA, body 14AA, and cavity 16AA, all located within lid 20. Fig. 11 is an external side view of the cap 20 of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of fig. 11. The cover 20 has a first locking member 110, and the first locking member 110 has: a transverse bar 112 extending from the inner wall portion 113 towards the inside of the cover 20; and a locking tooth 114 at the distal end 112D. A pair of gaps 20AG1 and 20AG2 are located at both ends of the inner wall portion 113. Similarly, the cover 20 has a second locking member 120, the second locking member 120 having: a transverse rod 122 extending from the inner wall portion 123 towards the interior of the lid 20; and a locking tooth 124 at distal end 122D. A pair of gaps 20AG3 and 20AG4 are located at both ends of the inner wall portion 123. The gaps 20AG1 and 20AG2 enable the cover 20 to rotate. Similarly, gaps 20AG3 and 20AG4 enable rotation of cover 20.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a pair of oppositely disposed

cover locking teeth

114 and 124. Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the locking assembly on the lid. FIG. 15 is a bottom cross-sectional view of the lid in the locked position.

Referring to fig. 12-15, to lock the cap 20, the cap 20 is pressed inwardly at a location 113E of the inner wall 113 while the cap 20 is pressed inwardly at an outer wall location 133T-1 corresponding to a location 133E of the inner wall 133, wherein at the location 113E the locking teeth 114 are located directly in front of the cavity 16AA of the tube holder 10AA and at the outer wall location 133T-1 the locking teeth 124 are located directly in front of the cavity 16CC of the tube holder 10 CC. Thus, tooth 114 is aligned with lumen 26CC of tube holder 20CC and tooth 124 is aligned with lumen 26CC of tube holder 20CC. By rotating cap 20 in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise),

respective teeth

114 and 124 engage respective cavities 16AA and 26CC to lock cap 20 to cylinder 10.

Referring to fig. 14 and 15, to unlock, it is necessary to press the cap 20 inwardly at an outer wall position 133E corresponding to the position of the inner wall 133, while pressing the cap 20 inwardly at an outer wall position 133T corresponding to the position 133T-1 of the inner wall 133 (where the locking teeth 114 are located inside the cavity 16AA of the tube holder 10AA at the outer wall position 113E and the locking teeth 124 are located inside the cavity 26CC of the tube holder 20CC at the outer wall position 133T), and rotate the cap 20 in the opposite direction to disengage the teeth 114 from the cavity 16AA and the teeth 124 from the cavity 26CC, and then disengage the cap 20 from the cylinder 10.

The cap of the present invention is used with all variations of the sidewall including oval, elliptical and cylindrical.

The cover 20 has an additional recess member 113P and an oppositely disposed recess member 123P. The recessed marks 113P and 123P serve as position guides with respect to pressing the cap 20 inward and rotating the cap to the locked or unlocked position.

As set forth in the summary, according to the present invention, there were additionally found: whether the container is oval in shape as shown in fig. 1 and 2, elliptical as shown in fig. 3 and 4, or cylindrical as shown in fig. 5-8, the ability to effectively seal the container depends on the contents contained within the container. If the contents are thin and flow with limited viscosity, the contents may flow out of the opening in the dispensing nozzle and seep out of the container even after the cap is attached to the dispensing nozzle and the child-resistant locking member is in place.

It is therefore another object of the present invention to add an improved sealing cap to cooperate with an improved dispensing nozzle to ensure sealing of the container and to prevent the contents from flowing out after the container is closed.

Referring to fig. 16, a partial bottom perspective view of the improved sealing lid is shown. Referring to fig. 17, there is shown a cross-sectional view through the longitudinal center of the improved seal cap shown in fig. 16. Referring to fig. 18, a bottom plan view of the improved seal cap shown in fig. 16 is shown.

Referring to fig. 16, 17 and 18, the improved seal cap 900 includes a transverse top wall 906 having an outer surface 908 and an inner surface 910. The transverse top wall 906 is integrally formed with a peripheral sidewall 916 having an outer surface 918 and an inner surface 920. The inner surface 910 of the transverse top wall 906 is also integrally formed with an inner peripheral sidewall 936 having an outer surface 938 and an inner surface 940. The peripheral wall has a height "H-l". The inner peripheral wall has a second height "H-2". The height "H-l" is higher than the height "H-2".

Inner peripheral sidewall 936 includes cap engagement teeth 950 on inner surface 940. The spacer members 966 are positioned between the inner surface 920 of the outer peripheral sidewall 916 and the outer surface 938 of the inner peripheral sidewall 936.

The inner surface 920 of the peripheral sidewall 916 includes a first locking member 960, the first locking member 960 including: a first transverse bar 964 extending from a first inner wall (also referred to as the inner surface 920 of the outer sidewall 916) toward the center 990 of the seal cover 900; and a first locking tooth 966 located at the distal end 965 of the first transverse rod 964. The inner surface 920 of the peripheral sidewall 916 includes a second locking member 970, the second locking member 970 including: a second transverse bar 974 extending from a first inner wall (also referred to as inner surface 920) of the outer sidewall 916 towards a center 990 of the seal cover 900; and a second locking tooth 976 located at a distal end 975 of the second transverse bar 974. The first locking member 960 is parallel and opposite to the second locking member 970. The seal cap 900 is, thus far, substantially similar to the seal cap 20 of figures 1 and 3.

A portion of the central longitudinal column 1000 has a proximal end 1010 integrally formed at the center 990 of the inner surface 910 of the top transverse wall 906. The post 1000 includes an elongate shaft 1020 that terminates in a distal end 1030. The body 1022 of the shaft 1020 is cylindrical except that the portion of the shaft 1020 at a distance from the distal end 1030 tapers from the cylindrical shape to a rounded distal end 1030. A first marker 980 on the outer surface 918 of the peripheral sidewall 916 is aligned with the first locking member 960, and a second marker 982 on the opposite position of the outer surface 918 of the peripheral sidewall 916 is aligned with the second locking member 970.

Referring to fig. 19, a bottom isometric side view of an embodiment of a container having an improved dispensing nozzle for use with the improved sealing cap shown in fig. 16-18 is shown. Referring to fig. 20, there is shown a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a container having an improved dispensing nozzle and sponge applicator for use with the improved sealing cap shown in fig. 16-18.

In one embodiment, the container 800 includes: integrally formed outer flexible longitudinal sidewalls 816; a closed back end 814; and a transverse front wall 812A having a centrally located dispensing nozzle 815, the dispensing nozzle 815 including an inner longitudinal axis 819 extending from an opening 821 at a distal transverse wall 820 of the dispensing nozzle 815 and through the transverse top wall 812 to the interior chamber 808 surrounded by the closed rear end 814, the outer flexible longitudinal side walls 816 and the transverse front wall 812A.

The dispensing nozzle 815 includes a longitudinal side wall 813, the longitudinal side wall 813 having mating threads 817 that mate with the threads 950 on the seal cap 900.

In a variant or alternative embodiment of the container 900A shown in fig. 20, all elements corresponding to the embodiment in fig. 19 are designated with the same reference numerals, with an "a" being added after each reference numeral. The additional component is a sponge 840 or sponge applicator having a transverse proximal back surface 847, a cylinder 842, and a transverse distal front surface 844. The transverse proximal rear surface 847 of the sponge 840 is attached to the transverse front wall 820 of the dispensing nozzle 815. The sponge 840 includes an inner shaft 843 that extends from a distal front surface 844 to a proximal rear surface 847 and is aligned with the longitudinal inner shaft 819 of the dispensing nozzle 815. The transverse front wall 812A of the container 800 also includes a first seat 810, the first seat 810 being attached to the front wall of the container and located between the dispensing nozzle 815 and the top circumferential edge 807 of the front wall 812A. The first seat 810 has a first body with a first cavity extending into the first body from a surface of the first body, an oppositely disposed second seat 811 attached to the front wall of the container and located between the dispensing nozzle and the top circumferential edge of the front wall (as shown in fig. 9), the second seat having a second body with a second cavity extending into the second body from a surface of the second body, the first and second seats being parallel to each other and located on opposite sides of the dispensing nozzle. The first pedestal 810 is identical to the pedestal 114 shown in fig. 8. The second mount 81 is identical to the mount 120 shown in fig. 8.

The seal cap 900 is removably attached to the dispensing nozzle with the central post 1000 of the seal cap 900 inserted through the aligned central axis 843 of the sponge 840 and the aligned central axis 819 of the dispensing nozzle 815. The respective locking teeth of each respective locking member of the sealing cover engage the respective cavities of the respective seat of the container. The mating threads on the sealing cap threadably connect to the mating threads of the dispensing nozzle.

The container is substantially the same as the oval container 300 shown in fig. 1 and 2, the elliptical container 400 shown in fig. 3 and 4, and the cylindrical container shown in fig. 5-8. With respect to this discussion, the container 800 is a cylindrical container having a sidewall 816 and a bottom wall 814. As seen from the description of fig. 3 to 8, the container 800 is manufactured to contain preventive materials such as medicines, poisons and flammable materials, taking a cylindrical shape as an example. It is within the spirit and scope of the present invention for the child or any item that may be dangerous or harmful to anyone if mishandled.

The container 800 has a closed rear end 814, side walls 816, and a transverse front end 812, the transverse front end 812 having a front wall 812A supporting a central nozzle 815. The central nozzle 815 includes a smaller central opening 821 in a distal transverse end wall 820 of the nozzle 815. The opening 821 extends to an inner shaft 819 that extends through the entire length of the nozzle and is in fluid communication with the container opening 802 in the transverse forward end 812. The container includes an interior chamber 808 surrounded by a closed back end 814, sidewalls 816, and a transverse front end 812. Thus, opening 821 is in fluid communication with interior chamber 808 via inner shaft 819 and chamber opening 802. Any contents within the interior chamber 808 are dispensed through the opening and

shafts

802, 819, 821, 823 to the sponge opening 846 by squeezing the container sidewall 816. The nozzle and opening replace the previous ball distribution member.

The closure cap 900 has two closure elements. First, nozzle 815 includes external threads 817 on its side wall 813. The threads cooperate with mating teeth 950 of the cap 900 to facilitate the cap 900 being screwed onto the nozzle 815. In addition, the container transverse front wall 812A includes a pair of oppositely disposed

seats

810 and 811 that are engaged by

teeth

966 and 976 in the seal cover 900 and serve to lock the seal cover 900 to the container 800 to achieve the child-resistant locking arrangement as previously described.

The seal cap 900 is removably attached to the dispensing nozzle with the shaft 1020 of the central post 1000 of the seal cap 900 inserted through the aligned

openings

821, 819 and 802 such that any contents within the interior chamber 808 (regardless of the fluidity of the substance) remain in the chamber due to the sealing of the central post 1000 to the central chamber 808. This seal is primarily leak proof after the cap 900 is double closed by the child resistant locking member and threaded engagement described above.

Referring to fig. 20, a further modification is the attachment of an application sponge 840 having a cylinder 842, a transverse distal anterior surface 820, and a proximal posterior surface 847. The application sponge 840 is attached at its proximal posterior surface 847 to the lateral anterior surface 820 of the nozzle 815. The application sponge 840 has a central opening 846 in the transverse distal anterior surface 844. The central opening 846 is aligned with a sponge inner shaft 843 that extends the entire length of the application sponge 840 and is aligned with the nozzle opening 821. Thus, the aligned fluid passage openings and

channels

846, 843, 821, 819 and 802 provide a pathway such that squeezing body 816 will force the contents out of opening 846. For sealing, the shaft 1020 of the central column 1000 is inserted through the

openings

846, 843, 821, 819 and 802. The cap 900 is removably attached to the container 800 as previously described, and the central post 1000 seals the interior chamber 808 as previously described, such that any contents within the interior chamber 808 (regardless of the fluidity of the substance) will remain in the chamber.

When the seal cap 900 is inserted over the sponge 840 and nozzle 815, the shaft 1020 of the post 1000 is inserted through the aligned openings, as previously described. Thus, post 1000 prevents any container contents 2000 from seeping out after the container is closed with the child-resistant locking assembly.

As with the other embodiments, the sidewall 816 of the container 800 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of rolled laminated plastic and rolled laminated aluminum, each material having from one to eight layers of rolled laminated plastic or rolled laminated aluminum. The plastic is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl compounds or a combination comprising one or more of these plastics. The rolled laminate forms a flexible sidewall so that the contents of the container are forced out of the internal chamber in the other container and dispensed.

The following materials are included in the second continuation-in-part application.

Referring to fig. 21, an exploded view showing a container with a standard threaded spout and a pair of oppositely disposed seats, and a bottom perspective view of a closure cap with a mating threaded cap and a pair of locking teeth is shown. Referring to fig. 22, a top plan view of the container of fig. 21 is shown having a central nozzle and a pair of oppositely disposed pedestals. Referring to fig. 23, a bottom plan view of the closure of fig. 21 is shown showing a pair of locking teeth. Referring to fig. 24, a plan view is shown showing the engagement of the respective locking teeth in the closure of fig. 21 with the respective abutments.

With reference to fig. 21 to 24, there is illustrated an apparatus 1010 of the invention, comprising: the seal cover 1900 and its components; and the container 1800 and its components.

The seal cover 1900 includes the following components. First, a transverse top wall 1910 has an outer surface 1908 and an inner surface 1906. The transverse top wall 1910 is integrally formed with an outer peripheral side wall 1920 having an inner peripheral surface 1924 terminating at a peripheral bottom edge 1940 and an outer surface 1922. The respective inner surface 1906 and circumferential inner side wall 1924 of the transverse top wall 1910 surround a seal cover interior chamber 1930 having an open bottom 1942. Seal cap interior 1930 has a first inner diameter "D-1" of inner peripheral surface 1924.

Another component of the seal cover 1900 is a cylindrical closure tube 1950 having a cylindrical outer wall 1952 attached to the inner surface 1906 of the transverse top wall 1910 and having a cylindrical inner surface 1954 with a first set of mating threads 1956 in the cylindrical inner surface 1954. The cylindrical enclosure tube 950 has a second diameter "D-2" that is smaller than the first diameter and is centered within the sealed gland chamber 1930. A circumferential inner space 948 is located between the cylindrical wall 952 of the cylindrical closed tube 950 and the inner surface 1924 of the cylindrical sidewall 1920.

The other two components of the seal cover 1900 are the first locking tooth 1700 and the second locking tooth 1801. The first locking tooth 1700 has a body 1712 with a top end 1714 attached to an inner surface 1906 of the transverse top wall 1910 and a bottom end 1716 adjacent an interior of the circumferential bottom edge 1940. The main body 1712 of the first locking tooth 1700 is attached at the inner end 1700-IE to an inner surface 1924 of the circumferential sidewall 1920. The body 1712 extends at an angle relative to the inner sidewall 1924. The inner end 1700-IE of the first locking tooth 1700 is within the cylindrical interior space 1948 of the inner chamber 1930 and is spaced from the cylindrical outer wall 1952 of the cylindrical closure tube 950. The second locking tooth 801 has a body 1812 with a top end 1814 attached to the inner surface 1906 of the transverse top wall 1910 and a bottom end 1816 adjacent the interior of the circumferential bottom edge 1940. The body 1812 of the second lock tooth 1801 is attached at an inner end 1801-EN to an inner surface 1924 of the circumferential sidewall 1920 and extends at an angle relative to the inner sidewall. The inner end 1801-IE of the second lock tooth 1801 is within the cylindrical interior space 1948 of the inner chamber 1930 and is spaced from the cylindrical outer wall 1952 of the cylindrical closure tube 1950. The first and

second lock teeth

1700, 1801 are attached one hundred and eighty degrees apart and extend at opposite angles relative to the circumferential inner side wall 1924.

Container 1800 is formed with a closed rear end 1814-RE, outer side walls 1816-SW and transverse top wall 1812-TW surrounding interior chamber 1808. A centrally located dispensing nozzle 1815 is integrally formed with the transverse top wall 1812-TW and has a threaded vertical wall 1813 with mating threads 1817 on the threaded vertical wall 1813. The dispensing nozzle 1815 includes a longitudinal inner shaft 1819 that extends into the transverse top wall 1812-TW. The longitudinally inner shaft 1819 opens into the interior chamber 1808 of the container 1800. At the opposite end, the end of the longitudinal inner shaft is in the distal central opening 1821.

The transverse top wall 1812-TW of the container 1800 also includes a first abutment 1810A attached to the transverse top wall 1812-TW of the container 1800 and located between the dispensing nozzle 1815 and the top circumferential edge 1812-TE of the transverse top wall 1812-TW. The first mount 1810A has a first body 1811A with a first cavity 1814A extending into the first body 1811A. An opposing second seat 1810B is attached to a transverse top wall 1812-TW of the container 1800 and is located between the dispensing nozzle 1815 and a top peripheral edge 1812-TE of the front wall 1812-TW. The second support 1810B has a second body 1811B with a second cavity 1814B extending into the second body 1811B. The first and

second seats

1810A, 1810B are located on opposite sides of the dispensing nozzle 1815.

The seal cap 1900 is removably attached to the dispensing nozzle 1815 with threads 1956 on the cylindrical closure tube 1950 threadedly connected to mating threads 1819 on the threaded vertical wall 1813 of the dispensing nozzle 1815 such that the distal opening 1821 of the dispensing nozzle 1815 is closed by the inner surface of the seal cap transverse wall 1910 and rotation of the seal cap 1900 causes the first locking tooth 1700 to engage the cavity 1814A of said first mount 1810A and the second locking tooth 1801 to engage the cavity 1814B of the second mount 1810B.

Thus, simultaneous inward pressing of the outer surface 1922 of the peripheral side wall 1920 of the seal cap 1900 at a location adjacent the first and

second locking teeth

1700, 1801 disengages the first locking tooth 1700 from the first cavity 1814A of the first mount 1810A, disengages the second locking tooth 1801 from the second cavity 1814B of the second mount 1810B, and reverse rotation of the seal cap disengages the cylindrical closure tube 1950 from the dispensing nozzle 1815.

The device is partially formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of oval, elliptical, and cylindrical.

The side walls of the container of the above apparatus are made of a material selected from the group consisting of roll laminated plastic and roll laminated aluminum, each material having at least one to eight layers of roll laminated plastic or roll laminated aluminum, the plastic being selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene compounds and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing polypropylene, polyethylene compounds.

Referring to fig. 25, an exploded view is shown showing a bottom perspective view of a container with a standard threaded spout (which includes a ball applicator) and a pair of oppositely disposed seats, and a closure cap with a mating threaded cap and a pair of locking teeth. Referring to fig. 26, a top plan view of the container of fig. 25 is shown with a central nozzle and a pair of oppositely disposed pedestals. Referring to fig. 27, a bottom plan view of the closure of fig. 25 is shown showing a pair of locking teeth. Referring to fig. 28, a plan view is shown illustrating the engagement of the respective locking teeth in the closure of fig. 25 with the respective abutments.

Referring to fig. 25 to 28, there is shown an apparatus 2010 of the invention, the apparatus comprising: seal cap 2900 and components thereof; and container 2800 and its components.

The seal cap 2900 includes the following components. First, the transverse top wall 2910 has an outer surface 2908 and an inner surface 2906. The transverse top wall 2910 is integrally formed with an outer peripheral side wall 2920 having an inner peripheral surface 2924 terminating in a peripheral bottom edge 2940 and an outer surface 2922. The respective inner surface 2906 and circumferential inner side wall 2924 of the transverse top wall 2910 surround a sealed lid inner chamber 2930 having an open bottom 2942. The seal cap inner chamber 2930 has a first inner diameter "D-3" of the inner peripheral surface 2924.

Another component of the sealing cap 2900 is a cylindrical closure tube 2950 having a cylindrical outer wall 2952 attached to the inner surface 2906 of the transverse top wall 2910 and having a cylindrical inner surface 2954, the cylindrical inner surface 2954 having a first set of mating threads 2956 therein. The cylindrical enclosure tube 2950 has a second diameter "D-4" that is less than the first diameter and is centered within the sealed gland 2930. A circumferential interior space 2948 is located between the cylindrical wall 2952 of the cylindrical closed tube 2950 and the inner surface 2924 of the cylindrical side wall 2920.

Two additional components of the seal cap 2900 are first and

second lock teeth

2700, 2801. The first locking tooth 2700 has a body 2712 with a top end 2714 attached to an inner surface 2906 of the transverse top wall 2910 and a bottom end 2716 adjacent an interior of the circumferential bottom edge 2940. The main body 2712 of the first locking tooth 2700 is attached at an inner end 2700-EN to an inner surface 2924 of the circumferential side wall 2920. The body 2712 extends at an angle relative to the inner side wall 2124. The inner end 2700-IE of the first locking tooth 2700 is within the cylindrical interior space 2948 of the inner chamber 2930 and is spaced from the cylindrical outer wall 2952 of the cylindrical closure tube 2950. The second locking tooth 2801 has a body 2812 with a top end 2814 attached to an inner surface 2906 of the transverse top wall 2910 and a bottom end 2816 of the body adjacent to the interior of a circumferential bottom edge 2940. The body 2812 of the second locking tooth 2801 is attached at the inner end 2801-EN to an inner surface 2924 of the circumferential side wall 2920 and extends at an angle relative to the inner side wall. The inner end 2801-IE of the second locking tooth 2801 is within the cylindrical interior space 2948 of the inner chamber 2930 and is spaced from the cylindrical outer wall 2952 of the cylindrical closure tube 2950. The first and

second lock teeth

2700, 2801 are attached one hundred and eighty degrees apart and extend at opposite angles relative to the circumferential inner side wall 2924.

Container 2800 is formed to have a closed back end 2814-RE, an outer sidewall 2816-SW, and a transverse top wall 2812-TW surrounding interior chamber 2808. A centrally located dispensing nozzle 2815 is integrally formed with the transverse top wall 2812-TW and has a threaded vertical wall 2813 with mating threads 2817 on the threaded vertical wall 2813. The dispensing nozzle 2815 includes a longitudinal inner shaft 2819 that extends through a distal central opening 2821 into the transverse top wall 2812-TW. A longitudinal inner axis 2819 opens into the interior chamber 2808 of the container 2800. The dispensing nozzle 2815 also includes a ball applicator 2827 adjacent the distal central opening 2821 within the longitudinal axis 2819.

The transverse top wall 2812-TW of the vessel 2800 also includes a first abutment 2810A, the first abutment 2810A being attached to the top wall 2812-TW of the vessel 2800 and located between the dispensing nozzle 2815 and the top circumferential edge 2812-TE of the front wall 2812A. The first abutment 2810A has a first body 2811A with a first cavity 2814A extending into the first body 2811A. An opposing second seat 2810B is attached to the top wall 2812-TW of the reservoir 2800 and is located between the dispensing nozzle 2815 and the top circumferential edge 2812-TE of the front wall 2812-TW. The second seat 2810B has a second body 2811B with a second cavity 2814B extending into the second body 2811B. The first and

second seats

2810A and 2810B are located on opposite sides of the dispensing nozzle 2815.

The seal cap 2900 is removably attached to the dispensing nozzle 2815 with threads 2956 on the cylindrical closure tube 2950 threadedly connected to mating threads 2817 on the threaded vertical wall 2813 of the dispensing nozzle 2815 such that the distal opening 2821 of the dispensing nozzle 2815 is closed by the inner surface of the seal cap lateral wall 2910 and rotation of the seal cap 2900 causes the first locking tooth 2700 to engage the lumen 2814A of said first seat 2810A and the second locking tooth 2801 to engage the lumen 2814B of the second seat 2810B.

Thus, simultaneous inward pressing of the outer surface 2922 of the circumferential side wall 2920 of the seal cap 2900 at a location adjacent the first and

second locking teeth

2700 and 2801 disengages the first locking tooth 2700 from the first cavity 2814A of the first seat 2810A, the second locking tooth 2801 from the second cavity 2814B of the second seat 2810B, and reverse rotation of the seal cap disengages the cylindrical closure tube 2950 from the dispensing nozzle 2815.

The sidewall of the container of the above apparatus is made of a material selected from the group consisting of a rolled laminated plastic and a rolled laminated aluminum, each material having at least one to eight layers of a rolled laminated plastic or a rolled laminated aluminum, the plastic being selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene compounds, and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing polypropylene, polyethylene compounds.

Referring to fig. 29, an exploded view is shown showing a bottom perspective view of a container with a standard threaded spout (which includes a sponge above the spout) and a pair of oppositely disposed seats, and a closure cap with a mating threaded cap, a central sealing post, and a pair of locking teeth. Referring to fig. 30, a top plan view of the container of fig. 29 is shown with a central nozzle, sponge and a pair of oppositely disposed pedestals. Referring to fig. 31, a bottom plan view of the closure of fig. 29 is shown showing the sealing post and a pair of locking teeth. Referring to fig. 32, a plan view is shown showing the engagement of the respective locking teeth in the closure of fig. 29 with the respective abutments.

Referring to fig. 29 to 32, there is shown an apparatus 3010 of the invention, the apparatus comprising: sealing cap 3900 and its components; and container 3800 and components thereof.

Sealing cap 3900 includes the following. First, transverse top wall 3910 has an outer surface 3908 and an inner surface 3906. Transverse top wall 3910 is integrally formed with an outer peripheral side wall 3920 having an inner peripheral surface 3924 terminating at a peripheral bottom edge 3940 and an outer surface 3922. The respective inner surface 3906 and circumferential inner side wall 3924 of the transverse top wall 3910 surround a sealing cap interior chamber 3930 having an open bottom 3942, the central longitudinal post 3400 having a proximal end 3410 integrally formed at a center of the inner surface 3906 of the top transverse wall 3910 corresponding to a center of the sealing cap 3900, the central longitudinal post 3400 including an elongate shaft 3460 terminating at a distal end 3466. The seal cap interior 3930 has a first inner diameter "D-5" of the inner peripheral surface 3924.

Another component of sealing cap 3900 is a cylindrical closure tube 3950 having a cylindrical outer wall 3952 attached to inner surface 3906 of said transverse top wall 3910 and having a cylindrical inner surface 3954 with a first set of mating threads 3956 in cylindrical inner surface 3954. The cylindrical closure tube 3950 has a second diameter "D-6" that is less than the first diameter and is centered within the sealing cap chamber 3930. A circumferential interior space 3948 is located between the cylindrical wall 3952 of cylindrical closure tube 3950 and the inner surface 3924 of cylindrical sidewall 3920.

The other two components of seal cap 3900 are first locking teeth 3700 and second locking teeth 3801. The first locking tooth 3700 has a body 3712 with a top end 3714 attached to the inner surface 3906 of the transverse top wall 3910 and a bottom end 3716 adjacent the interior of the circumferential bottom edge 3940. The body 3712 of the first locking tooth 3700 is attached to the inner surface 3924 of the circumferential side wall 3920 at the inner end 3700-EN. The body 3712 extends at an angle relative to the inner sidewall 3924. The inner end 3700-IE of the first locking tooth 3700 is within the cylindrical interior space 3948 of the inner chamber 3930 and is spaced apart from the cylindrical outer wall 3952 of the cylindrical closure tube 3950. The second locking tooth 3801 has a body 3812 with a top end 3814 attached to the inner surface 3906 of the transverse top wall 3910 and a bottom end 3816 adjacent the interior of the circumferential bottom edge 3940. The body 3812 of the second locking tooth 3801 is attached to the inner surface 3924 of the circumferential side wall 3920 at the inner end 3801-EN and extends at an angle relative to the inner side wall. The inner end 3801-IE of the second locking tooth 3801 is within the cylindrical interior space 3948 of the interior chamber 3930 and is spaced from the cylindrical outer wall 3952 of the cylindrical closure tube 3950. The first and

second locking teeth

3700 and 3801 are attached one hundred and eighty degrees apart and extend at opposite angles relative to the circumferential inner side wall 3924.

Container 3800 is formed to have a closed rear end 3814-RE surrounding inner chamber 3808, an outer side wall 3816-SW and a transverse top wall 3812-TW. A centrally located dispensing nozzle 3815 is integrally formed with the transverse top wall 3812-TW and has a threaded vertical wall 3813 with mating threads 3817 thereon. The dispensing nozzle 3815 includes a longitudinal inner shaft 3819 that extends through a distal central opening 3821 into the transverse top wall 3812-TW. The longitudinal inner shaft 3819 opens into the interior chamber 3808 of the container 3800. In addition, the cylindrical sponge 3500 has a transverse proximal rear surface 3510, a cylindrical body 3550, and a transverse distal front surface 3520. A lateral proximal rear surface 3510 of the cylindrical sponge 3500 is attached to a distal lateral front wall 3823 of the dispensing nozzle 3815. The cylindrical sponge 3500 further includes an inner shaft 3519 that extends from the distal front wall 3823 to the proximal rear surface 3510 and aligns with the proximal inner shaft 3819 of the dispensing nozzle.

The transverse top wall 3812-TW of container 3800 also includes a first abutment 3810A, which first abutment 3810A is attached to the top wall of container 3800 and is located between dispensing nozzle 3815 and a top circumferential edge 3812-TE of transverse top wall 3812-TW. The first mount 3810A has a first body 3811A, with a first cavity 3814A extending into the first body 3811A. An opposing second seat 3810B is attached to the transverse top wall 3812-TW of the container 3800 and is located between the dispensing nozzle 3815 and the top peripheral edge 3812-TE of the front wall 3812A. The second support 3810B has a second body 3811B, wherein the second cavity 3814B extends into the second body 3811B. The first and

second seats

3810A, 3810B are located on opposite sides of the dispensing nozzle 3815.

The sealing cap 3900 is removably attached to the dispensing nozzle 3815 with threads 3956 on the cylindrical closure tube 3950 threadedly connected to mating threads 3819 on the threaded vertical wall 3813 of the dispensing nozzle 3815 such that the distal opening 3821 of the dispensing nozzle 3815 is closed by the inner surface of the sealing cap lateral wall 3910 and the central post 3400 of the sealing cap 3900 is also inserted through the aligned central shaft 3519 of the cylindrical sponge 3500 and the aligned central shaft 3819 of the dispensing nozzle 3815 to further seal the container 3800 and rotation of the sealing cap 3900 engages the first locking teeth 3700 with the cavity 3814A of the first mount 3810A and the second locking teeth 3801 with the cavity 3814B of the second mount 3810B.

Thus, simultaneous inward pressing of the outer surface 3922 of the circumferential side wall 3920 of the seal cap 3900 at a location adjacent to the first and

second locking teeth

3700 and 3801 disengages the first locking tooth 3700 from the first lumen 3814A of the first seat 3810A, the second locking tooth 3801 from the second lumen 3814B of the second seat 3810B, and reverse rotation of the seal cap disengages the cylindrical closure tube 3950 from the dispensing nozzle 3815.

Referring to fig. 33, an exploded view showing a bottom perspective view of a flare-type container with a snap-close nozzle (with a dispensing tip) and a pair of oppositely disposed seats and a closure cap with a threaded closure portion and a pair of locking teeth is shown. Referring to fig. 34, a top plan view of the container of fig. 33 is shown with a central nozzle, sponge, and a pair of oppositely disposed pedestals. Referring to fig. 35, a bottom plan view of the closure of fig. 33 is shown with a pair of locking teeth. Referring to fig. 36, a plan view showing the engagement of the respective locking teeth in the closure of fig. 33 with the respective abutments is shown.

Referring to fig. 33 to 36, there is shown an apparatus 4010 of the invention, the apparatus comprising: seal cap 4900 and its components; and vessel 4800 and its components.

The seal cap 4900 includes the following components. First, the transverse top wall 4910 has an exterior surface 4908 and an interior surface 4906. The transverse top wall 4910 is integrally formed with an outer peripheral sidewall 4920 having an inner peripheral surface 4924 terminating at a peripheral base 4940 and an outer surface 4922. The respective inner surface 4906 and circumferential inner side wall 4924 of the transverse top wall 4910 surround a seal lid inner compartment 4930 having an open bottom 4942. Seal cap interior 4930 has a first inner diameter "D-7" of an inner peripheral surface 4924.

Another component of seal cap 4900 is a cylindrical closure tube 4950 having a cylindrical outer wall 4952 attached to an inner surface 4906 of said transverse top wall 4910 and having a cylindrical inner surface 4954 with a first set of mating threads 4956 therein. Cylindrical closure tube 4950 has a second diameter "D-8" that is smaller than the first diameter and is centered within gland 4930. A circumferential interior space 4948 is defined between said cylindrical wall 4952 of cylindrical closure tube 4950 and said inner surface 4924 of cylindrical sidewall 4920.

The other two components of the seal cap 4900 are first and

second locking teeth

4700, 4801. The first locking tooth 4700 has a body 4712 with a top end 4714 attached to an inner surface 4906 of a transverse top wall 4910 and a bottom end 4716 adjacent an interior of a circumferential bottom edge 4940. The body 4712 of the first locking tooth 4700 is attached at an inner end 4700-EN to an inner surface 4924 of the circumferential sidewall 4920. The body 4712 extends at an angle relative to the inner sidewall 4924. The inner ends 4700-IE of the first locking teeth 4700 are within the cylindrical interior space 4948 of the inner chamber 4930 and are spaced from the cylindrical outer wall 4952 of the cylindrical closure tube 4950. Second locking tooth 4801 has a body 4812 with a top end 4814 attached to inner surface 4906 of transverse top wall 4910 and a bottom end 4816 adjacent the interior of circumferential bottom edge 4940. The body 4812 of the second locking tooth 4801 is attached to an inner surface 4924 of the circumferential sidewall 4920 at an inner end 4801-EN and extends at an angle relative to the inner sidewall. The inner end 4801-IE of the second locking tooth 4801 is within the cylindrical interior space 4948 of the inner compartment 4930 and is spaced from the cylindrical outer wall 4952 of said cylindrical closure tube 4950. The first and

second locking teeth

4700 and 4801 are attached one hundred and eighty degrees apart and extend at opposite angles relative to the circumferential inner sidewall 4924.

The vessel 4800 is formed with a closed rear end 4814-RE, the rear end 4814-RE extending to a lower outer cylindrical sidewall 4810, the outer cylindrical sidewall 4810 extending to a flared sidewall 4818, the sidewall 4818 having an outer surface 4820 and a flared inner surface 4824, the outer surface 4820 having a plurality of spaced apart ribs 4822. Further, a centrally located dispensing nozzle 4815 is integrally formed with the central chamber 4830, the central chamber 4830 having an outer surface 4840 and a plurality of

support spacers

4801A, 4801B, 4801C, 4801D positioned between the outer surface 4830 and the flared inner surface 4824. Additionally, spray nozzle 4500 is attached to centrally located dispensing nozzle 4815 and is in fluid communication with the contents within interior chamber 4808 within centrally located dispensing nozzle 4815.

A first mount 4810A is attached within the flared sidewall 4818 and is located between the centrally located dispensing nozzle 4815 and the flared inner surface 4824. First mount 4810A has a first body 4812A with a first lumen 4814A extending from a surface of the first body into first body 4812A. An opposing second support 4810B is attached within the flared sidewall 4818 and is located between the centrally located dispensing nozzle 4815 and the flared inner surface 4924. Second support 4810B has a second body 4812B with a second cavity 4814B extending from the surface of the second body into second body 4812B. First support 4810A and second support 4810B are located on opposite sides of centrally located dispensing nozzle 4815.

Seal cap 4900 is removably attached to dispensing nozzle 4815 with threads 4956 on cylindrical closure tube 4950 being threaded or snap-fit to mating threads 4819 on threaded vertical wall 4803 of dispensing nozzle 4815 such that spray nozzle 4500 is enclosed by inner surface 4806 of seal cap transverse wall 4910. Rotation of seal cap 4900 causes first locking tooth 4700 to engage cavity 4814A of first mount 4800A and second locking tooth 4801 to engage cavity 4814B of second mount 800B.

Thus, simultaneously pressing inward against the outer surface 4922 of the circumferential side wall 4920 of the seal cap 4900 at a location adjacent to the first and

second locking teeth

4700, 4801 disengages the first locking tooth 4700 from the first cavity 4814A of the first seat 4800A and the second locking tooth 4801 from the second cavity 4814B of the second seat 4800B. The reverse rotation of the seal cap disengages the cylindrical closure tube 4950 from the centrally located dispensing nozzle 4815.

Of course, the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular form or arrangement, or any particular embodiment, or any particular use, disclosed herein, since modifications may be made in various details or relation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention as herein shown and described, and the apparatus or method shown is for purposes of illustration and disclosure of an operable embodiment, and not intended to show all of the various forms or modifications in which the invention may be embodied or operated.

Claims

1. An apparatus incorporating a container and a child-resistant locking assembly, the apparatus comprising:

(a) A seal cap, the seal cap comprising:

(i) A transverse top wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the transverse top wall being integrally formed with an outer peripheral sidewall, the outer peripheral sidewall having an inner peripheral surface and an outer surface terminating in a circumferential bottom edge, the respective inner and inner peripheral surfaces of the transverse top wall surrounding a seal lid inner chamber having an open bottom, the interior of the seal lid having a first diameter of the inner peripheral surface;

(ii) A cylindrical closure tube having a cylindrical outer wall attached to the inner surface of the transverse top wall and having a cylindrical inner surface with a first set of mating threads therein, the cylindrical closure tube having a second diameter less than the first diameter and centered within the seal cap inner chamber with a circumferential inner space between the cylindrical outer wall of the cylindrical closure tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral sidewall;

(iii) A first locking tooth having a body with a transverse top end attached to the inner surface of the transverse top wall, a bottom end of the body of the first locking tooth adjacent an interior of the circumferential base edge, the body of the first locking tooth attached at an inner end to the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential side wall and extending at an angle relative to the inner circumferential surface, wherein the inner end of the first locking tooth is located within the circumferential interior space of the seal cap inner chamber and is spaced apart from the cylindrical outer wall of the cylindrical closure tube;

(iv) A second locking tooth having a body with a top end attached to the inner surface of the transverse top wall, a bottom end of the body of the second locking tooth adjacent an interior of the circumferential base wall, the body of the second locking tooth attached at an inner end to the inner circumferential surface of the outer circumferential side wall and extending at an angle relative to the inner circumferential surface, wherein the inner end of the second locking tooth is located within the circumferential interior space of the sealing lid inner chamber and spaced apart from the cylindrical outer wall of the cylindrical closure tube;

(v) The first and second locking teeth are attached one hundred and eighty degrees apart and extend at opposite angles relative to the inner peripheral surface;

(b) A container, the container comprising:

(i) A closed back end, a lower cylindrical outer sidewall extending to a flared sidewall having an outer surface with a plurality of spaced apart ribs and a flared inner surface;

(ii) A centrally located dispensing nozzle integrally formed with a central chamber having an outer surface and a plurality of support spacers between the outer surface and the flared inner surface;

(iii) A cylindrical sponge attached to the centrally located dispensing nozzle and in fluid communication with contents within an interior chamber within the centrally located dispensing nozzle;

(iv) A first seat attached within the flared sidewall and between the centrally located dispensing nozzle and the flared inner surface, the first seat having a first body with a first cavity extending into the first body from a surface of the first body, and an oppositely disposed second seat attached within the flared sidewall and between the centrally located dispensing nozzle and the flared inner surface, the second seat having a second body with a second cavity extending into the second body from a surface of the second body, the first seat and the second seat being located on opposite sides of the centrally located dispensing nozzle; and

(c) Said sealing cap being removably attached to said dispensing nozzle with threads on said cylindrical closure tube being threaded or snap-fitted to mating threads on a threaded vertical wall of said dispensing nozzle such that said cylindrical sponge of said dispensing nozzle is enclosed by said inner surface of a transverse top wall of said sealing cap and rotation of said sealing cap engages said first locking tooth with said first cavity of said first seat and said second locking tooth with said second cavity of said second seat;

(d) Whereby simultaneously pressing inwardly on said outer surface of said peripheral sidewall of said seal cap at a location adjacent said first and second locking teeth disengages said first locking tooth from said first cavity of said first seat and said second locking tooth from said second cavity of said second seat and reverse rotation of said seal cap disengages said cylindrical closure tube from said centrally located dispensing nozzle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the cylindrical outer sidewall and the outwardly flared sidewall of the container are formed in a shape selected from the group consisting of oval, elliptical, and cylindrical.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the cylindrical outer sidewall and the outwardly flared sidewall of the container are made of a material selected from the group consisting of rolled laminated plastic and rolled laminated aluminum, each material having one to eight at least one layers of rolled laminated plastic or rolled laminated aluminum, the plastic selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene compounds, and combinations comprising one or more of the foregoing.