EP2633919B1 - Fermeture améliorée pour récipient - Google Patents

Fermeture améliorée pour récipient Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2633919B1
EP2633919B1 EP13157231.5A EP13157231A EP2633919B1 EP 2633919 B1 EP2633919 B1 EP 2633919B1 EP 13157231 A EP13157231 A EP 13157231A EP 2633919 B1 EP2633919 B1 EP 2633919B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
dispensing
actuator
push button
container
rotating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP13157231.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2633919A3 (fr
EP2633919A2 (fr
Inventor
Emil Meshberg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Packaging Concepts Associates Holdings Inc
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US13/411,521 external-priority patent/US8777061B1/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP2633919A2 publication Critical patent/EP2633919A2/fr
Publication of EP2633919A3 publication Critical patent/EP2633919A3/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2633919B1 publication Critical patent/EP2633919B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0089—Dispensing tubes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1043—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container
    • B05B11/1046—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump chamber being arranged substantially coaxially to the neck of the container
    • B05B11/1047—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump chamber being arranged substantially coaxially to the neck of the container the pump being preassembled as an independent unit before being mounted on the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1059—Means for locking a pump or its actuation means in a fixed position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/28—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor
    • B65D83/30—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor for guiding the flow of spray, e.g. funnels, hoods
    • B65D83/303—Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor for guiding the flow of spray, e.g. funnels, hoods using extension tubes located in or at the outlet duct of the nozzle assembly

Definitions

  • the present disclosure generally relates to the field of product dispensing pumps, and more particularly to a safety closure comprising a multi-element security cap which requires two independent motions to dispense the product and an elongated nozzle extension for efficient application of the product.
  • a safety closure according to the preamble of independent claim 1 is known from US 2005/035154 A1 .
  • dispensing containers have been developed that provide a security feature to prevent undesired and unsafe dispensing of a product contained therein. These containers may store products such as cleaners, lotions, insect repellant, medications, sanitizers and the like, which may be dispensed as desired for use.
  • dispensing of the product may be toxic or harmful to a person.
  • a primary example would be when a small child inadvertently gains access to a dispensing container storing a toxic substance.
  • a closure such as cap or lid on the dispensing container that prevents the child from obtaining the toxic substance from within the container. By doing so, this prevents unwanted ingestion of the product by the child and/or undesired application/spillage of the product.
  • a variety of child-resistant closures are known to exist. Generally these include various threaded caps that cooperate with a corresponding container to prevent removal of the cap without first performing a secondary task that disengages a portion of the cap from a portion of the container. While this known solution is somewhat useful, it presents drawbacks. The safety function of this known solution may be overcome by simply forcing the cap to turn with respect to the container. The threaded solutions are not easily adaptable to pump and/or aerosol dispensers.
  • Another known solution provides a one-time locking apparatus that also provides a user with evidence of tampering.
  • the locking/child-resistance feature is generally only applicable for the initial use, wherein any subsequent access to the product is without hindrance. While this solution is somewhat useful, it presents a significant drawback of only providing protection from access to undesired/unsafe products for the first use only. In the situation where the product is a single-dose this may be beneficial. Conversely, once the one-time locking feature is removed from a container storing a quantity of product for multiple doses, , the housed product may be undesirably accessed by an unintended person such as a child.
  • a pump assembly attached or integrated into a bottle.
  • a pump actuator is provided to operate the pump for dispensing of a product housed within the bottle.
  • the pump actuator assembly includes a dispensing actuator locking interface which governs vertical motion of the pump actuator.
  • the dispensing actuator locking interface includes a projecting locking feature extending outward from an upper portion of the pump actuator.
  • the projecting locking feature is retained in a locked configuration by an engagement edge of an actuator control feature.
  • the projecting locking feature disengages from the actuator control feature by rotating the pump actuator. Rotation of the pump actuator is restricted by a rotation locking member extending hingeably outward from the pump actuator.
  • the rotation locking member engages with a locking wall, wherein the locking wall is a vertical edge provided in an upstanding wall circumscribing the pump actuator.
  • the rotation locking member configuration presents several limitations.
  • the rotation locking member is an integral feature of the pump actuator, wherein combined into a uniform construction, being formed during the same molding process.
  • the rotation locking member is hingeably attached to the pump actuator using living hinge technology integrated into the molding process and material selection. This configuration risks damage to the hinge, where the rotation locking member can become detached from the pump actuator. Once the rotation locking member is detached, the rotation locking member no longer provides the intended locking function. Since the pump actuator and rotation locking member are fabricated having a uniform construction, the material selection for each feature is not optimized.
  • the hinge portion requires a high spring constant and reduced brittle nature, whereas the pump actuator portion requires a more rigid material.
  • the design of the rotation locking member including geometry, size, and location, is limited by the inclusion of the hinge. The design limitations restrict the effectiveness of the rotation locking member. This also contributes to the forces required to adequately depress the locking member. A person with limited strength or mobility may find it difficult to apply the force required to depress the locking member. Since the pump actuator and rotation locking member are fabricated having a uniform construction, they are manufactured of the same colored material. This conceals the rotation locking member from the user. This is particularly important for sight impaired individuals, such as the elderly.
  • US 2005/0035154 describes an arrangement for assembly to a squeeze bottle, said arrangement comprising a washer and a hinged tab formed as part of and extending from the washer. Also included is a cover having a recess formed therein, the recess having a vertical wall, such that, when said cover is screwed on the neck of the bottle, the hinged tab will have a portion abutting the wall and preventing movement, unless the tab is pushed in so that the portion clears the wall.
  • the present invention is set out in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims.
  • the basic inventive concept provides a child-resistant locking interface that restricts operation of a dispensing element of a container and provides an improved nozzle extension for efficient application of the product.
  • the locking interface is designed to prevent undesired dispensing while enabling a design having optimized geometries and fabrication of differing materials for the various components.
  • FIGS. 1 through 10 An exemplary safety closure 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 10 .
  • the access-safety closure 100 can be coupled to or integrated with a container 200 forming a child-resistant package or C-R package as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the safety closure 100 is used to reduce the risk of children ingesting dangerous items. Child-resistant packaging is required by regulation for prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, pesticides, and household chemicals.
  • the 100 would be applicable for any pump or aerosol dispensed composition.
  • the container 200 is configured as a storage vessel defining a volumetric space therein capable of holding a defined volume of a fluid or a defined quantity of dispensable product.
  • the safety closure 100 includes a cylindrical cap body 110, a rotating dispensing actuator 120, and a rotation locking member 130.
  • a user applies an inwardly directed force (as indicated by an arrow representative of an inward motion 210 illustrated in FIG. 2 ) such that rotation locking member 130 becomes displaced into a central cavity within the rotating dispensing actuator 120, thereby permitting the rotating dispensing actuator 120 to rotate (as indicated by an arrow representative of a rotational motion 220 illustrated in FIG. 2 ) within the cap body 110.
  • the safety closure 100 is preferably coupled to an upper end 202 of the container 200, wherein the safety closure 100 includes a mechanism for dispensing the contents stored within the container 200.
  • the cap body 110 can be integrated into the container 200 or fabricated as a separate assembly and subsequently attached thereto.
  • the coupling between the safety closure 100 and container 200 may be one of several well-known assembly methods such as a screw-top interface, a press-fit interface, a snap-on interface, a welded interface, and the like.
  • any suitable method can be utilized for combining the safety closure 100 and the container 200.
  • the cylindrical cap body 110 includes a base portion 111 and an upstanding wall 113.
  • the base portion 111 has a height spanning between a bottom edge 112 and a base portion upper edge 114.
  • the upstanding wall 113 extends upward from the base portion upper edge 114.
  • the upstanding wall 113 is generally cylindrical in shape, having a thin wall and a plurality of relief cuts formed therein.
  • the upstanding wall 113 is bounded between an upstanding wall top edge 105 and the base portion upper edge 114.
  • the upstanding wall 113 includes a first relief cut that extends from the upstanding wall top edge 105 towards the base portion upper edge 114 to thereby form a horizontally arranged actuator limit stop 116.
  • the actuator limit stop 116 prevents downward movement of the rotating dispensing actuator 120 when the rotating dispensing actuator 120 is rotated into a locked configuration as indicated by locking rotational motion 230 shown in FIG. 3 .
  • Actuator limit stop 116 provides an actuation governing engagement edge 117 that is configured to engage with a portion of the rotating dispensing actuator 120 when rotated into a locked state.
  • the rotating dispensing actuator 120 includes an upper surface 121.
  • the rotating dispensing actuator 120 additionally includes a projecting locking feature 123 outwardly extending from an upper edge 122 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120.
  • the projecting locking feature 123 is designed to engage with the actuation governing actuation governing engagement edge 117 when rotated into a locked position, and disengage therefrom when rotated into a unlocked, dispensing position.
  • the upstanding wall 113 further includes a second relief cut that extends from the upstanding wall top edge 105 towards the base portion upper edge 114 to thereby form a actuation enabling clearance 118 which provides a recess for a portion of rotating dispensing actuator 120 when rotated into an unlocked position as illustrated in FIG. 4 .
  • the user must depress the rotation locking member 130 wherein that rotation locking member 130 becomes displaced behind the upstanding wall 113, enabling the rotation locking member 130 to be rotated past the pushbutton locking edge 119. This enables the rotating dispensing actuator 120 to be rotated into the unlocked state as indicated by unlocking rotational motion 240 shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the first relief cut recess forming the actuator limit stop 116 transcends a longitudinal distance (as aligned with longitudinal axis 115) from the upstanding wall top edge 105 towards the base portion upper edge 114 to a depth point that operatively engages with the projecting locking feature 123.
  • the actuator limit stop 116 is positioned to engage with the projecting locking feature 123 when the rotating dispensing actuator 120 is at an uppermost portion of a dispensing stroke.
  • a second relief cut recess forming actuation enabling clearance 118 can be positioned in arcuate alignment with the first relief cut recess forming actuator limit stop 116 and circumferentially extending from one end of the first relief cut.
  • the second relief cut transcends downward from the upstanding wall top edge 105 a longitudinal distance (as aligned with the longitudinal axis 115) that is substantially equal to a dispensing stroke required to actuate the dispensing mechanism 320 (described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 6 ).
  • the rotating pump actuator 120 is disposed within the cap body 110 and is configured for two (2) directions of motion: (1) a slidable movement parallel to the longitudinal axis 115 and (2) a rotational motion about the longitudinal axis 115.
  • the projecting locking feature 123 is preferably configured as a plurality of rectangular blocks that extend radially outward from rotating dispensing actuator 120. The plurality of rectangular blocks provides a gripping surface for engagement with the user's finger.
  • projecting locking feature 123 may be configured as a unitary protrusion.
  • the projecting locking feature 123 may include a textured surface to provide an increased frictional interface to aid in the rotational motion.
  • the projecting locking feature 123 is substantially similar in arc distance to the overall arc distance of actuation enabling clearance 118. Additionally, the arc distance of projecting locking feature 123 combined with the arc distance of the rotation locking member 130 is preferably similar to the combined arc distance 125 of the actuation enabling clearance 118 and the actuator limit stop 116.
  • the rotating dispensing actuator 120 may be longitudinally depressed such that the projecting locking feature 123 is permitted to travel longitudinally within the actuation enabling clearance 118.
  • a dispensing mechanism (described below with reference to FIG. 6 ) may be actuated to dispense a fluid or product stored within container 200.
  • a nozzle clearance section 127 is formed in a region of the upstanding wall 113 as identified in FIG. 5 .
  • the nozzle clearance section 127 is preferably located on the upstanding wall 113 at an area that is opposite from the actuation enabling clearance 118 and extends downward from the upstanding wall top edge 105 towards the base portion upper edge 114.
  • the nozzle clearance section 127 transcends a longitudinal distance that is sufficient to permit discharge from a nozzle/discharge port 300 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120 during the dispensing stroke.
  • the nozzle clearance section 127 is designed to provide a clearance for discharge of a fluid or product from the container 200 through a nozzle or discharge port 300 ( FIG. 6 ) throughout the dispensing stroke of the rotating dispensing actuator 120.
  • the cylindrical cap body 110 includes a base portion 111 and an upstanding wall 113.
  • the base portion 111 has a height spanning between a bottom edge 112 and a base portion upper edge 114.
  • the upstanding wall 113 extends upward from the base portion upper edge 114.
  • the rotating dispensing actuator 120 is disposed within a cylindrical cavity formed by the upstanding wall 113.
  • the rotating pump actuator 120 includes a top surface 121, a projecting locking feature 123 and a nozzle or discharge port 300 that is in fluid communication with a central inlet port 310 formed into an inner surface 124 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120.
  • the central inlet port 310 is preferably configured to couple with a discharge end 325 of a dispensing mechanism 320 coupled within the cap body 110.
  • the dispensing mechanism 320 may be a spring-loaded fluid pump that discharges a predefined amount of fluid for each actuation/dispensing stroke of the dispensing mechanism 320.
  • the dispensing mechanism 320 may be a finger pump (not shown), a continuous spray aerosol dispensing mechanism (not shown), or a metered spray aerosol dispensing mechanism (not shown), each being configured to dispense a pressurized fluid or product stored within container 200.
  • the exemplary rotation locking member 130 is independently illustrated as an isometric view presented in FIG. 7 .
  • the rotation locking member 130 is configured as a semi-circular, ring shaped biasing member that acts as a spring in various operative states of the safety closure 100.
  • the rotation locking member 130 has a locking end 131, an opposite biasing end 132, a convex surface 133 and a concave surface 134. Extending radially outward from the convex surface 133 and adjacent to the locking end 131 is a protruding push button 135.
  • a locking wall engaging surface 136 is defined on the distal end of push button 135 and in one embodiment, is substantially co-planer with the distal end of the locking end 131 of rotation locking member 130.
  • An alternate embodiment includes a rounded transition between the outer surface of the push button 135 and the engaging surface 136 to thereby facilitate sliding motion between the engaging surface 136 and the pushbutton locking edge 119 of the upstanding wall 113.
  • the engaging surface 136 may be slightly angled in an alternate embodiment such that sliding motion between engaging surface 136 and pushbutton locking edge 119 is enhanced.
  • the push button 135 may be offset from the locking end 131 of the rotation locking member 130 (as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 ).
  • the push button 135 can be designed having a height wherein a lower surface thereof rests against the actuation stop edge 126 when placed into the locked configuration. This provides additional restrictions of vertical motion of the rotating dispensing actuator 120. It is noted that the prior art is incapable of achieving this feature, as the design is limited in shape by the hinged interface.
  • the cap body 110, the rotating dispensing actuator 120 and the rotation locking member 130 may be manufactured using any of the well known manufacturing processes known by those skilled in the art, including injection molding, vacuum forming, machining, and the like. Additionally, it is contemplated that the material selected to fabricate the cap body 110, the rotating dispensing actuator 120 and the rotation locking member 130 may be chosen based upon material properties that provide specific performance of each component for each respective function, such as biasing or spring force characteristics of rotation locking member, rigidity for the cap body 110, and the like. It is also recognized that these components may be fabricated in different colors for any of a multitude of reasons.
  • the cap body 110 and the rotating dispensing actuator 120 are preferably fabricated of the same material, which is preferably injection molded plastic, polypropylene, and the like.
  • the rotation locking member 130 can be fabricated of plastic, silicone, acetyl and the like, preferably fabricated of a material having a geometric memory. Different colors can be used to aid in locating the push button 135. Different colors can be utilized for color-coding features and functionality, and the like.
  • the rotating dispensing actuator 120 includes a tubular shaped actuator wall 129 terminating at the upper end wall 121.
  • the upper end wall includes an outer compression receiving surface and an interior surface 124.
  • the inner surface of the tubular shaped actuator wall 129 and the interior surface 124 defines an interior cavity 330 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120.
  • the rotation locking member 130 is positioned within the actuator internal cavity 330 such that the convex surface 133 of rotation locking member 130 is in contact with a concave inner wall 335 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120.
  • a locking button aperture 340 is formed adjacent to one end of projecting locking feature 123.
  • the locking button aperture 340 is sized and configured to accept the push button 135 of the rotation locking member 130 therethrough.
  • the locking button aperture 340 extends circumferentially forward from an unlocking end 128 of the projecting locking feature 123.
  • the push button 135 is sized and shaped to extend radially outward beyond a convex outer wall surface 336 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120 such that the locking wall engage surface 136 operatively engages with the pushbutton locking edge 119 of the upstanding wall 113 (shown in FIGS. 3 through 5 ).
  • the biasing end 132 of the rotation locking member 130 is positioned having a gap between the biasing end 132 and a biasing member stop feature located within the interior portion of the rotating dispensing actuator 120.
  • Biased operation of the rotating dispensing actuator 120 within the rotation locking member 130 cycles between a relaxed, locked condition ( FIG. 9 ) and a depressed unlocked condition ( FIG. 10 ).
  • a relaxed state the rotation locking member 130 naturally remains in a locked condition, where the push button 135 passes through the locking button aperture 340, extending radially outward beyond the rotating dispensing actuator convex outer surface 336.
  • the biasing end 132 of the rotation locking member 130 is spaced apart from an internal fixed bias member limiting feature, wherein the bias member limiting feature can be an internally located discharge conduit 332of the discharge port 300.
  • the rotation locking member 130 transitions from a locked condition to an unlocked condition by applying the inward motion 210 to the push button 135 of the rotation locking member 130.
  • the inward motion 210 displaces the push button 135 into the internal cavity 330 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120.
  • the system becomes unlocked when the push button 135 is substantially flush with the concave inner wall 335 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120.
  • the rotation locking member 130 will shift or rotate such that the biasing end 132 operatively engages with an internal fixed feature 332 such as a portion of discharge port 300.
  • the operative engagement between the biasing end 132 and the internal fixed feature 332 creates a return spring force which is transferred through the rotation locking member 130 to operatively provide a spring force that returns the push button 135 through the locking button aperture 340. It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that alternative internal fixed features or a specifically provided fixed feature may be employed to provide a structural stop for the biasing end 132 of the rotation locking member when the push button 135 is depressed.
  • a nozzle extension 400 can be included with the access-safety closure 100 for more direct and efficient application of the dispensed product.
  • the nozzle extension 400 comprises an atomizer nozzle 440 integrated to an exit end of an elongated tubular apparatus 420.
  • the elongated tubular apparatus 420 comprises an attachment interface 422 affixed to an elongated tube 424.
  • the elongated tube 424 defines a hollow tubular channel 421 for transporting a fluid from the discharge port 300 of the rotating dispensing actuator 120 to the atomizer nozzle 440.
  • the attachment interface 422 is defined on an end of the elongated tubular apparatus 420 that is proximal to the safety closure 100.
  • the attachment interface 422 is configured to be coupled to the safety closure 100 at the discharge port 30. As illustrated in FIG.
  • the proximal end or entry end of the nozzle extension 400 which defines the attachment interface 422, forms a cavity for removeably connecting a discharge port 300 of a dispensing container to the elongated tubular apparatus 420 of the nozzle extension 400.
  • the attachment interface 422 allows the discharge port 300 to release the fluid into the elongated tube 424, allowing the fluid to flow through the hollow tubular channel 421 to the atomizer nozzle 440.
  • the elongated tube 424 is preferably gradually tapered as it approaches the atomizer nozzle 440, in order to gradually reduce the cross-sectional area of the tube 424 from its entry end to its exit end.
  • the longitudinal length of the elongated tube 424 is preferably configured for insertion of the nozzle extension 400 into a mouth of an average adult, for efficient and comfortable application of the fluid onto the throat and/or tonsil area of the adult.
  • the longitudinal length of the elongated tube 424 may also be preferably configured for insertion of the nozzle extension 400 into a mouth of an average child, for efficient and comfortable application of the fluid onto the throat and/or tonsil area of the child.
  • the elongated tubular apparatus 420 can have various cross-sectional configurations, such as square, rectangular, or oval, however, as shown in FIG. 12 , the elongated tubular apparatus 420 is preferably cylindrical in shape, having a circular cross-sectional configuration.
  • the atomizer nozzle 440 is located at the exit end of the elongated tube 424 and the atomizer nozzle 440 is in fluid communication with the exit end of the elongated tube 424.
  • the atomizer nozzle 440 comprises an atomizer nozzle housing 444, an atomizer projection 450, and an atomizer insert 447.
  • the atomizer nozzle housing 444 extends outwardly and upwardly from the edge of the exit end of the elongated tube 424, forming a cylindrical wall surrounding the atomizer projection 450.
  • the top edge 446 of the atomizer nozzle housing 444 extends beyond the atomizer insert 447.
  • the atomizer nozzle housing 44 is sized and shaped to possess a cross-sectional area that is sufficient to prevent the user from swallowing the atomizer nozzle 440.
  • the atomizer projection 450 extends outwardly and upwardly from one portion of the exit end of the elongated tube 424, forming a solid cylindrical wall that substantially blocks the fluid passageway from the exit end of the elongated tube 424 into the nozzle entrance 152, for substantially reducing the cross-sectional area of the fluid passageway.
  • the atomizer insert 447 comprises a circular outer wall 449 having a discharge orifice 470 and a side wall 448, extending from an edge of an outer wall 449.
  • the atomizer insert 447 is sized and shaped to fit securely in the cavity bound by the cylindrical wall formed by the atomizer nozzle housing 444.
  • the discharge orifice 470 is preferably funneled shaped, wherein a broader diameter section is located on an interior surface of the outer wall 449 and a narrower diameter section is located on an exterior surface of the outer wall 449.
  • the funnel shape of the discharge orifice 470 provides for further narrowing of the cross-sectional area of the fluid passageway in order to further pressurize the fluid for atomization of the fluid into a spray of droplets.
  • the chamber 460 is configured to provide channels of fluid flow that are narrower than the hollow tubular channel 421 formed by the elongated tube 424.
  • the chamber has a "U" shaped cross-sectional configuration, wherein the discharge orifice 470 is located at the center of the "U" shaped cross-sectional configuration, allowing the fluid to flow evenly over and around the atomizer projection 450 and out through the discharge orifice 470 as pressurized droplets.
  • the nozzle extension 400 can be fabricated to be removeably attached to the safety closure 100 or the nozzle extension 400 can be fabricated to be in unitary construction with safety closure 100.
  • the safety closure 100 is either integrated with or coupled to the container 200, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , to control dispensing of fluid or another consumer product that is stored within the volumetric space of container 200.
  • safety closure 100 is configured in a locked state, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3 .
  • the user When a user decides to access the product within container 200, the user must proceed to unlock the container 200. To begin, the user will apply a force in accordance with an inward motion 210 to depress the push button 135 of the rotation locking member 130 such that the push button 135 no longer engages with the pushbutton locking edge 119 of the upstanding wall 113.
  • the user While continuing to depress the push button 135, the user simultaneously rotates the rotating dispensing actuator 120 in accordance with the rotational motion 220 of FIG. 2 such that projecting locking feature 123 becomes longitudinally aligned with the actuation enabling clearance 118.
  • the push button 135 becomes positioned and retained behind the concave actuator inner wall 335.
  • This configuration of the safety closure 100 enables the user to freely dispense the product from within the container 200.
  • the user may longitudinally displace the rotating dispensing actuator 120 in a downward manner, by applying a compressive force to the upper end wall 121.
  • the downward motion of the rotating dispensing actuator 120 actuates the dispensing mechanism 320 to dispense product from within the container 200.
  • An actuator return biasing element 322 returns the rotating dispensing actuator 120 upward to an upright position in preparation for a subsequent dispensing cycle. The dispensing cycle is repeated until the desired volume of product is obtained from the container 200.
  • the atomizer nozzle 440 is attached to the safety closure 100 and the product is dispensed from within the container 200 and out through the discharge port 300, the product will travel through the hollow tubular channel 421 of the elongated tube 424 towards the atomizer nozzle 440. It is well-known in the art that as fluid flows through a narrowing pipe, the velocity of the fluid increases through the narrower sections. Thus, as the product flows through the narrowing elongated tube 424, the velocity of the product increases as the product approaches the atomizer nozzle 440.
  • the "U" shaped chamber 460 of the atomizer nozzle 440 provides channels of flow that are more narrow than the elongated tube 424, thus, as the product enters the chamber 460, the chamber 460 having a relatively small volume, the product is pressurized as it is abruptly halted by the walls 448, 449, 450 of the chamber 460.
  • the product is ejected through the narrow opening of the discharge orifice 470 in a pattern and direction similar to the arrows in FIG. 14 , producing a spray of pressured droplets that are sufficiently atomized to distribute the product over a desired surface area.
  • the user rotates the rotating dispensing actuator 120 in accordance with a locking rotational motion 230, returning the projecting locking feature 123 to a locked condition, where the projecting locking feature 123 operatively engages with the actuator limit stop 116 of the upstanding wall 113.
  • the push button 135 of the rotation locking member 130 will be biased by the internal spring forces generated by the rotation locking member 130 such that the engaging surface 136 of the push button 135 operatively engages with the pushbutton locking edge 119 of the upstanding wall 113.
  • child-resistant safety caps/closures fabricated according to the teachings of the present invention are capable of substantially enhancing the safety and use provided by the dispensing container 200. Because the present invention provides a safety closure 100 that requires two independent motions (the inward motion 210 and the unlocking rotational motion 240) to actuate the dispensing mechanism. In addition, the invention provides a rotation locking member 120 that is configured as a separate component, enabling fabrication of the rotating dispensing actuator 120 and the rotation locking member 130 using different materials. This permits optimal material selection for each component based upon the desired performance characteristics of each component.
  • the present invention provides a multi-element safety closure in which each component may be fabricated from materials of different colors to thereby identify and facilitate various functions thereof.
  • each component may be fabricated from materials of different colors to thereby identify and facilitate various functions thereof.
  • the color differential can aid sight-impaired individuals in locating the push button 135, identifying the projecting locking feature 123, and the like.
  • the two-piece configuration of the rotating dispensing actuator and rotation locking member enables geometric optimization of these components in addition to permitting tighter tolerances for the locking member.
  • the design of the nozzle extension 400 utilizes the kinetic energy of fluid to provide for more direct and efficient application of products to desired areas, such as the throat and tonsil area. Particularly with medical products, the design of the nozzle extension 400 reduces product waste, reducing costs to the user due to the necessity for more medication, and reducing the probability of a prolonged illness due to improper application of medication.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200), comprenant :
    un capuchon de corps (110) qui est soit conçu pour s'accoupler avec ledit récipient distributeur (200) soit intégré dans ledit récipient distributeur (200), ledit capuchon de corps (110) comprenant une paroi verticale (113) ayant un évidement partiellement délimité par un bord vertical (119), ledit bord vertical (119) définissant un bord de verrouillage de bouton-poussoir (119) ;
    un actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) comprenant une paroi d'actionneur de forme tubulaire (129) et une cavité interne (330), ledit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) étant assemblé de manière rotative à l'intérieur dudit capuchon de corps (110) pour faire passer de manière rotative ledit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) entre une position verrouillée pour éviter la distribution de matériau depuis l'intérieur dudit récipient (200) et une position de distribution déverrouillée permettant la distribution de matériau depuis l'intérieur dudit récipient (200) ;
    caractérisé en ce que le système comprend en outre :
    un élément de verrouillage de rotation (130) comprenant un segment arqué (133, 134) et un bouton-poussoir (135) s'étendant vers l'extérieur à partir d'une surface convexe (133) dudit segment arqué (133, 134), ledit élément de verrouillage de rotation (130) étant assemblé de manière opérationnelle à l'intérieur de ladite cavité interne d'actionneur (330), et une ouverture de bouton de verrouillage (340) étant formée dans la paroi d'actionneur de forme tubulaire (129) de l'actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) et étant dimensionnée et conçue pour accepter le bouton-poussoir (135) de l'élément de verrouillage de rotation (130) à travers celle-ci ; et
    lors de l'utilisation, ledit bouton-poussoir (135) venant en prise avec ledit bord vertical (119) pour limiter un déplacement rotatif dudit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) jusqu'à ce que ledit bouton-poussoir (135) soit soumis à une force de compression qui positionne ledit bouton-poussoir (135) vers l'intérieur, dégageant ledit bord vertical (119), permettant ainsi la rotation dudit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120).
  2. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 1, ladite paroi verticale (113) s'étendant généralement longitudinalement à partir d'un bord supérieur (105) dudit capuchon de corps (110).
  3. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 1, ledit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) comprenant en outre un élément de verrouillage en saillie (123) s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur à partir de celui-ci ;
    ledit capuchon de corps (110) comprenant en outre une butée de fin de course d'actionneur (117), ledit élément de verrouillage en saillie (123) venant en prise avec ladite butée de fin de course d'actionneur (117) limitant un déplacement longitudinal dudit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) jusqu'à ce que ledit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) soit tourné dans ladite position de distribution déverrouillée où ledit élément de verrouillage en saillie (123) est transféré à une position séparée de ladite butée de fin de course d'actionneur (117), permettant ainsi ledit déplacement longitudinal dudit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) .
  4. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 3, lorsque ledit bouton-poussoir (135) est dans un état non comprimé, une surface de mise en prise de paroi de verrouillage (136) dudit bouton-poussoir (135) venant en prise avec ledit bord de verrouillage de bouton-poussoir (119) retenant la prise entre ledit élément de verrouillage en saillie (123) et ladite butée de fin de course d'actionneur (117).
  5. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, ledit élément de verrouillage de rotation (130) étant conçu comme un élément de sollicitation semi-circulaire en forme d'anneau, un manchon, un anneau allongé ou un anneau large, et ledit élément de verrouillage de rotation (130) comprenant une extrémité de verrouillage (131), une extrémité de sollicitation opposée (132), une surface convexe (133) et une surface convexe (134), ledit bouton-poussoir (135) s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur depuis ladite surface convexe (133) et étant adjacent ou décalé par rapport à ladite extrémité de verrouillage (131), et une surface de mise en prise de paroi de verrouillage (136) étant définie sur l'extrémité distale dudit bouton-poussoir (135).
  6. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 5, ledit élément de verrouillage de rotation (130) étant conçu comme un élément de sollicitation en forme d'anneau semi-circulaire.
  7. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, ladite surface de mise en prise de paroi de verrouillage (136) étant sensiblement coplanaire avec l'extrémité distale de ladite extrémité de verrouillage (131) .
  8. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, comprenant une transition arrondie entre la surface extérieure dudit bouton-poussoir (135) et ladite surface de mise en prise de paroi de verrouillage (136) dudit bouton-poussoir (135) pour faciliter le déplacement coulissant entre ladite surface de mise en prise (136) et ledit bord de verrouillage de bouton-poussoir (119).
  9. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 8, dans la mesure où elles dépendent de la revendication 3 ou 4, la paroi verticale (113) comprenant un bord d'arrêt d'actionnement (126) et la hauteur dudit bouton-poussoir (135) étant conçue de sorte qu'une surface inférieure dudit bouton-poussoir (135) repose contre ledit bord d'arrêt d'actionnement (126) lorsque ledit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120) est dans une position verrouillée.
  10. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un élément fixe (332) formé dans ladite cavité interne (330) dudit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120), ledit élément fixe (332) venant en prise de manière opérationnelle avec une extrémité de sollicitation (132) dudit élément de verrouillage de rotation (130) lorsque ledit bouton-poussoir (135) est enfoncé en plaçant ledit élément de verrouillage de rotation (130) dans ladite position de distribution déverrouillée.
  11. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre un mécanisme de distribution (320) accouplé audit corps de bouchon (110),
    ledit mécanisme de distribution (320) étant actionné par un déplacement longitudinal dudit actionneur rotatif de distribution (120), et
    ledit mécanisme de distribution (320) distribuant le contenu stocké dans ledit récipient (200) à travers un orifice de décharge (300) formé dans ledit actionneur de distribution rotatif (120).
  12. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 1, ledit élément de verrouillage de rotation (120) étant fabriqué en ayant un élément visuellement distinctif par rapport audit actionneur de distribution rotatif (130).
  13. Système de fermeture améliorée (100) pour un récipient distributeur (200) selon la revendication 1, ledit actionneur de distribution rotatif (130) étant fabriqué en un matériau ayant une première couleur et ledit élément de verrouillage de rotation (120) étant fabriqué en un matériau ayant une seconde couleur, ladite première couleur et ladite seconde couleur étant différentes.
EP13157231.5A 2012-03-03 2013-02-28 Fermeture améliorée pour récipient Active EP2633919B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/411,521 US8777061B1 (en) 2012-03-03 2012-03-03 Safety closure for container
US201213644553A 2012-10-04 2012-10-04

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2633919A2 EP2633919A2 (fr) 2013-09-04
EP2633919A3 EP2633919A3 (fr) 2018-05-16
EP2633919B1 true EP2633919B1 (fr) 2020-04-08

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13157231.5A Active EP2633919B1 (fr) 2012-03-03 2013-02-28 Fermeture améliorée pour récipient

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EP (1) EP2633919B1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2799583T3 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3981704A1 (fr) * 2020-10-09 2022-04-13 Packaging Concepts Associates Holdings, Inc. Fermeture inclinable à bouton-poussoir et système de verrouillage pour récipient

Families Citing this family (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6305828B2 (ja) * 2014-05-22 2018-04-04 大成化工株式会社 吐出容器
EP3237302A1 (fr) * 2014-12-23 2017-11-01 PZ Cussons (International) Limited Capuchon pour un récipient pour une composition nettoyante post-gel moussant
CN206293313U (zh) * 2016-11-18 2017-06-30 深圳市艾维普思科技股份有限公司 按键结构及电子雾化器
FR3107518B1 (fr) * 2020-02-21 2022-02-18 Lindal France Diffuseur pour actionner la valve d'un générateur d'aérosol

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3828982A (en) * 1973-05-10 1974-08-13 Vca Corp Safety actuator for aerosol containers
US7434707B2 (en) * 2001-08-21 2008-10-14 Dispensing Patents International, Llc Childproof attachment for a dispenser

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3981704A1 (fr) * 2020-10-09 2022-04-13 Packaging Concepts Associates Holdings, Inc. Fermeture inclinable à bouton-poussoir et système de verrouillage pour récipient

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2799583T3 (es) 2020-12-18
EP2633919A3 (fr) 2018-05-16
EP2633919A2 (fr) 2013-09-04

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