EP3870519A1

EP3870519A1 - Safety-cap bottle assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3870519A1
Application number: EP20888727.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ibrahiem H. Aboabdo
Original assignee: Chubby Gorilla Inc
Current assignee: Chubby Gorilla Inc
Priority date: 2019-12-06
Filing date: 2020-12-04
Publication date: 2021-09-01
Also published as: CA3116888A1; WO2021113604A1; EP3870519A4; US20210171249A1; MX2021006576A; CN113226940A

Abstract

A safety-cap container with a cap assembly that couples with a finish to close the opening into the interior space. The cap assembly includes an outer cap with an outer wall. A spring member extends from an inner face of the upper wall. An inner cap nests within the outer cap. The inner cap includes an outer cylindrical wall with an inner thread configured to engage with the thread of the finish. The inner cap is rotatable with respect to the outer cap and the spring member engages with an upper face of the transverse wall of the inner cap to bias the transverse wall of the inner cap away from the upper wall of the outer cap.

Description

SAFETY-CAP BOTTLE ASSEMBLY

CROSS REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/945,016 filed December 6, 2019 the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for bottles with child-resistant safety caps.

Related Art

[0003] Various mechanisms for bottles with child-resistant safety caps exist in the market. However, manufacturing and use improvement can still be made.

SUMMARY

[0004] One aspect of the disclosure is a safety-cap bottle that includes a container with a body enclosing a interior space. The body includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall. The sidewall extends between the first end and the second end. A finish has an opening into the interior space. The finish includes an upper wall. An upper rim defining the opening. And a thread. The thread extends at least partially around a circumference of the upper wall. A cap assembly couples with the finish to close the opening into the interior space. The cap assembly includes an outer cap with an outer wall. A first end of the outer wall enclose an upper wall. A spring member extending from an inner face of the upper wall. An inner cap nests within the outer cap. The inner cap includes an outer cylindrical wall with an inner thread configured to engage with the thread of the finish. A first end of the outer cylindrical wall enclosed by a transverse wall. A seal is within the inner cap between the transverse wall and the upper rim of the finish. There is an upward projection on the first end of the inner cap and a downward projection on the first end of the outer cap.

[0005] In another aspect, the inner cap is rotatable with respect to the outer cap and the spring member engages with an upper face of the transverse wall to bias the transverse wall of the inner cap away from the upper wall of the outer cap. The spring member has a proximal end attached with the inner face of the upper wall and a distal end extending away from the proximal end in a first circumferential direction. In another aspect, the spring member is curved from the proximal end towards the distal end. In another aspect, the transverse wall includes a ramp. The ramp includes a slope and an end face. The slope raised above the upper face of the transverse wall and extending away from the end face in the first circumferential direction. In another aspect, the ramp is aligned with the distal end of the spring member such that rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap in the first circumferential direction engages the distal end of the spring member with the end face of the ramp and rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction, passes the distal end of the spring member over the slope of the ramp. In another aspect, rotation of the cap assembly in the first direction tightens engagement of the thread with the inner thread and rotation of the cap assembly in the second direction loosens engagement of the thread with the inner thread. In another aspect, the inner cap is movable within the outer cap along a longitudinal axis relative to the outer cap. In another aspect, the outer wall of the outer cap includes an inner circumferential protrusion and the outer cylindrical wall of the inner cap includes an outer circumferential protrusion and the inner circumferential protrusion contacts the outer circumferential protrusion to maintain the inner cap nested within the outer cap. In another aspect, the upward projection engages with the downward projection to transfer a rotational force from the outer cap to the inner cap when an axial force on the outer cap overcomes a biasing force between the spring member and the inner cap. In another aspect, the upward projection of the inner cap includes a ramped surface.

[0006] A second aspect of the disclosure is safety-cap bottle with a container that includes a body enclosing a interior space. The body includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall. The sidewall extends between the first end and the second end. A finish has an opening into the interior space. The finish includes an upper wall. An upper rim defines the opening. A thread extends at least partially around a circumference of the upper wall. A cap assembly couples with the finish to close the opening into the interior space. The cap assembly includes an outer cap with an outer wall. A first end of the outer wall encloses an upper wall. A spring member extends from an inner face of the upper wall. An inner cap nests within the outer cap. The inner cap includes an outer cylindrical wall with an inner thread configured to engage with the thread of the finish. A first end of the outer cylindrical wall encloses a transverse wall herein The inner cap is rotatable with respect to the outer cap and the spring member engages with an upper face of the transverse wall to bias the transverse wall of the inner cap away from the upper wall of the outer cap. [0007] According to another aspect, the spring member has a proximal end attached with the inner face of the upper wall and a distal end extending away from the proximal end in a first circumferential direction. According to another aspect, the spring member is curved from the proximal end towards the distal end. According to another aspect, the transverse wall includes a ramp. The ramp includes a slope and an end face. The slope raised above the upper face of the transverse wall and extending away from the end face in the first circumferential direction. According to another aspect, the ramp is aligned with the distal end of the spring member such that rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap in the first circumferential direction engages the distal end of the spring member with the end face of the ramp and rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction, passes the distal end of the spring member over the slope of the ramp. According to another aspect, rotation of the cap assembly in the first direction tightens engagement of the thread with the inner thread and rotation of the cap assembly in the second direction loosens engagement of the thread with the inner thread. According to another aspect, the inner cap is movable within the outer cap along a longitudinal axis relative to the outer cap. According to another aspect, the outer wall of the outer cap includes an inner circumferential protrusion and the outer cylindrical wall of the inner cap includes an outer circumferential protrusion and the inner circumferential protrusion contacts the outer circumferential protrusion to maintain the inner cap nested within the outer cap. According to another aspect, the cap assembly further has a seal. The seal positioned within the inner cap between the transverse wall and the upper rim of the finish. According to another aspect, an upward projection on the first end of the inner cap and a downward projection are on the first end of the outer cap. According to another aspect, the upward projection engages with the downward projection to transfer a rotational force from the outer cap to the inner cap when an axial force on the outer cap overcomes a biasing force between the spring member and the inner cap. According to another aspect, the upward projection of the inner cap includes a ramped surface. According to another aspect, the transverse wall includes one or more raised concentric rings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] Various examples are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the examples. Various features of different disclosed examples can be combined to form additional examples, which are part of this disclosure. [0009] Fig. 1 A is a perspective view of a safety-cap bottle;

[0010] Fig. IB is a top view of the safety-cap bottle;

[0011] Fig. 1C is a bottom view of the safety-cap bottle;

[0012] Fig. ID is a side view of the safety-cap bottle;

[0013] Fig. 2A is a front view of the safety-cap bottle;

[0014] Fig. 2B is a section view taken along the line A-A in Fig. 2A;

[0015] Fig. 3 shows Detail B in Fig. 2B;

[0016] Fig. 4A is an exploded view of the safety-cap bottle;

[0017] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of an inner cap of the safety-cap bottle;

[0018] Fig. 4C is a bottom view of an outer cap of the safety-cap bottle;

[0019] Fig. 5 shows other features of an inner cap of the safety-cap bottle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present disclosure includes manufacturing, effectiveness, and usability improvements over existing child resistant designs, as described further below. The various features and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods of the technology described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of the examples illustrated in the figures. These examples are intended to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure should not be limited to merely the illustrated examples. The features of the illustrated examples can be modified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein.

[0021] Figs. 1 A-4C show a first example of a safety-cap bottle 110. The bottle 110 can be used for securely storing contents (e.g., liquid, powder or other) therein. The safety-cap bottle 110 can include a body 120. The body 120 can comprise a polymer material. The body 120 can be blow molded (e.g., from a preform) into a final shape. The body 120 can include a first end 121, a second end 122 and a sidewall 123. The sidewall 123 can extend between the first end 121 and the second end 122. The sidewall 123 and/or the first and second ends 121, 122 can fully or partially enclose the interior space or enclosure of the body 120.

[0022] The first end 121 can include a finish 130. The finish 130 can include a cylindrical portion 131, a thread 132, a neck ring 133, and/or an upper rim 135. The cylindrical portion 131 can include the upper rim 134. The upper rim 134 can define an opening into the interior enclosure of the body 120. The thread 132 can be angled and extend at least partially around a circumference of the cylindrical portion 131. The thread 132 can comprise a plurality of threads. The neck ring 133 can extend outwardly from the cylindrical portion 131. The neck ring 133 can extend at least partially around the circumference of the cylindrical portion 131. The neck ring 133 can be located beneath the thread 132 and above the sidewall 123. The neck ring 133 can include an upper tapered surface.

[0023] The bottle 110 can include a cap assembly 140. The cap assembly 140 can include child-resistant features that can prevent access to the contents of the bottle 110 by minors and/or others who lack sufficient manual dexterity to remove the cap assembly 140 from the body 120. The cap assembly 140 can include an outer cap 150, an inner cap 160 and/or a seal 170.

[0024] The outer cap 150 can include an outer wall 151, an upper wall 152, a lower rim 153, one or more tabs 154, a spring member 155, a downward projection 156, and/or an inner (circumferential) protrusion 157. The outer wall 151 can be generally cylindrical about a central axis. The outer wall 151 can comprise one or more grip enhancing features around an outer circumference thereof. A first end of the outer wall 151 can include the upper wall 152. The upper wall 152 can be planar or include contours. The upper wall 152 can enclose the first end of the outer wall 151. The upper wall 152 can include an inner face. The inner face can be planar. The upper wall 152 can include an outer face, opposite the inner face. A second end of the outer wall 151 can include the rim 153. The rim 153 can extend around the circumference of the outer wall 151. The one or more tabs 154 can comprise curved portions. The curved portions can connect with and extend from the rim 153. The one or more tabs 154 can be spaced on opposite sides of the rim 153. Moreover, the outer cap 150 can have different shapes, e.g., the outer shape can have grooves, ribs, or other features or shapes.

[0025] The spring member 155 can comprise a polymer material. The spring member 155 can be formed integrally with the upper wall 152. The spring member 155 can include a distal end 155a and a proximal end 155b. The spring member 155 can taper from the proximal end 155b to the distal end 155a. The spring member 155 can be curved between the proximal end 155b to the distal end 155a. The distal end 155a can extend away from the proximal end 155b in a first circumferential direction. The outer cap 150 can comprise a plurality of spring members 155. The plurality of spring members 155 can be distributed around the central axis of the outer wall 151. The spring member 155 can connect with the inner face of the upper wall 152 at the proximal end 155b. The spring member 155 can be a cantilevered member extending from the inner face of the upper wall 152. The spring member 155 can deform elastically and provide a spring force when deflected.

[0026] The downward projection 156 can comprise a transverse portion having one or more edges. The edges can be aligned radially with respect to the central axis. The downward projection 156 can be coupled with the inner face of the upper wall 152 and/or an inner surface of the outer wall 151. The edges of the downward projection 156 can project downwardly from the inner face of the upper wall 152. The outer cap 150 can comprise a plurality of projections 156. The plurality of projections 156 can be distributed around the central axis of the outer wall 151. The plurality of proj ections 156 can be outside of the plurality of spring members 155.

[0027] The inner cap 160 can include an outer wall 161, an upper wall 162, a lower rim 163, an upward projection 164, a ramp 165, a tamper-evident ring 166, an inner (circumferential) protrusion 167 and/or a thread 168. The outer wall 161 can be generally cylindrically shaped about a central axis. A first end of the outer wall 161 can include the upper wall 162. The upper wall 162 can be generally planar. The upper wall 162 can include an upper face (e.g., transverse wall). The upper wall 162 can include an inner face, opposite the upper face. The upper wall 162 can enclose the first end of the outer wall 161. A second end of the outer wall 161 can include the lower rim 163. The lower rim 163 can extend around an opening into the outer wall 161.

[0028] The first end of the outer wall 161 can include the upward projection 164. The upward projection 164 can extend above the upper face of the upper wall 162. The projection can include a ramped surface extending away from an edge. The edge can be aligned radially with respect to the central axis. The ramped surface can extend away from the edge in the first circumferential direction. The inner cap 160 can comprise a plurality of projections 164. The plurality of projections 164 can be distributed around the central axis of the outer wall 161.

[0029] The upper face of the upper wall 162 can include the ramp 165. The ramp 165 can include a slope 165a and an end face 165b. The end face 165b can be aligned radially with respect to the central axis. The slope 165a can extend from the end face 165b in the first circumferential direction. The end face 165b can include an indentation into an upper face of the upper wall 162. The slope 165a can extend upwardly above the upper face of the upper wall 162. The inner cap 160 can comprise a plurality of ramps 165. The plurality of ramps 165 can be distributed around the central axis of the outer wall 161. The plurality of ramps 165 can be located within the plurality of projections 164. [0030] The tamper-evident ring 166 can include a cylindrical sleeve. The tamper-evident ring 166 can include an inner lip 166a. The inner lip 166a can extend partially or fully around an inner circumference of the cylindrical sleeve. The tamper- evident ring 166 can attach with the lower rim 163 by a frangible portion.

[0031] The protrusion 167 can comprise an outwardly extending ridge. The protrusion 167 can extend partially or fully around a circumference of the outer wall 161. The protrusion 167 can include an upper tapered surface. The protrusion 167 can be located between the first and second ends of the outer wall 161.

[0032] The thread 168 can extend fully or partially around the inner surface of the outer wall 161. The thread 168 can include a plurality of threads.

[0033] The seal 170 can be formed of a polymer, rubber, silicon, or other material. The seal 170 can be an O ring, circular disk, or other shape that corresponds to the shape of the opening of the body 120. The seal 170 can include an outer perimeter and an inner portion. The outer perimeter can include a flange. The flange can be generally planar. The inner portion can be generally planar. The inner portion can be offset (e.g., in elevation) from the flange by a frustroconical wall portion.

[0034] The cap assembly 140 can be removable and attachable with the finish 130 for opening and closing the interior enclosure of the body 120. In the assembled configuration shown in Fig. 3, the inner cap 160 can be nested within the outer cap 150. The inner cap 160 can be moveable with respect to the outer cap 150 along an axial (e.g., longitudinal) direction. In certain configuration, the inner cap 160 can be alternatively rotatable within the outer cap 150 and rotatably fixed with the outer cap 150, as described further below. The protrusion 167 can have a greater outer circumference than an inner circumference of the inner protrusion 157. The protrusion 167 of the inner cap 160 can engage with the inner protrusion 157 of the outer cap 150 to maintain the inner cap 160 within the outer cap 150.

[0035] The spring member 155 (e.g., the distal end 155a) can engage with the upper face of the upper wall 162. The spring member 155 can bias the outer cap 150 and the upper wall 152 away from the inner cap 160 and the upper wall 162. The spring member 155 can bias the protrusion 167 of the inner cap 160 to engage with the inner protrusion 157 of the outer cap 150.

[0036] In a first configuration, the spring member 155 can exert a spring force on the inner cap 160 to space the upward projection 164 away from the downward projection 156 to prevent engagement therebetween. The outer cap 150 can rotate with respect to the inner cap 160. When the outer cap 150 rotates in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction, the spring member 155 can move over the ramp 165. The distal end 155a can slide over the slope 165a of the ramp 165. Accordingly, the outer cap 150 can rotate independently of the inner cap 160 in the second circumferential direction. When the outer cap 150 rotates in the first circumferential direction, the spring member 155 can automatically engage with the end face 165b (e.g., due to the biasing into contact of the upper wall 162 with the spring member 155). Accordingly, the end face 165b can limit rotation of the outer cap 150 relative to the inner cap 160 in the first circumferential direction. The spring member 155 can thereby transfer rotation of the outer cap 150 to the inner cap 160 in the first circumferential direction.

[0037] In certain implementations, the spring member 155 (e.g., the distal end 155a) can always be engaged with the upper face of the upper wall 162. The protrusion 167 of the inner cap 160 can engage with the inner protrusion 157 of the outer cap 150 to position the inner cap 160 at an elevation within the outer cap 150 that the spring member 155 always contacts the upper wall 162 or the ramp 165. This can enable the spring member

155 to automatically engage with the ramp 165. Accordingly, no axial force is needed to couple rotation between the outer cap 150 and the inner cap 160. This has the benefit of making the cap assembly 140 easier to install on the finish 130. In certain other implementations, the spring member 155 must be at least partially compressed (e.g., by an axial force on the outer cap 150) to align with the end face 165b.

[0038] The first circumferential direction can correspond to a tightening direction in which the thread 168 engages with the thread 132 of the finish 130. This can attach the inner cap 160 securely with the finish 130 and the upper wall 162 can seal the opening by engagement with the upper rim 134 which may or may not involve the seal 170. The seal 170 can be assembled within the inner cap 160 (e.g. against the upper wall 162). The seal 170 can be positioned at least partially between the upper rim 134 and the upper wall 162.

[0039] In a second configuration, an axial force on the outer cap 150 can overcome the spring force of the spring member 155 and compress the spring member 155. The upward projection 164 can be pressed into alignment with the downward projection

156 and allow engagement therebetween (e.g., between the radially-aligned edges thereof). When the outer cap 150 rotates in the second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction, the upward projection 164 can engage the downward projection 156 and rotational force on the outer cap 150 can be transferred to the inner cap 160. The second circumferential direction can correspond to a loosening direction in which the thread 168 begins to disengage with the thread 132 of the finish 130. This can remove the inner cap 160 from the finish 130.

[0040] During rotation of the outer cap 150, an insufficient axial force can enable the spring member 155 to disengage the projections 156 from the projections 164 and thereby prevent further rotation of the inner cap 160. The ramp surface of the projections 164 and/or projections 156 can increase the sufficient axial force that overcomes the spring force of the spring member 155. The ramp surfaces which allow increased slippage between the projections 156, 164 and therefor require a greater degree of manual dexterity to open the cap assembly 140.

[0041] Rotation of the outer cap 150 relative to the inner cap 160 in the second circumferential direction can cause an audible clicking sound. The clicking sound can be emitted in the first configuration or in the second configuration (where an insufficient axial force is applied). The clicking sound can deceive a child into thinking that the cap is being removed. The clicking sound can be created as the spring member 155 rotates over the ramp 165 (e.g., up the slope 165a and down the end face 165b). Alternatively, the clicking sound can be created by interaction of a protrusion an grooves on the outer walls 151, 161. The outer wall 161 of the inner cap 160 can include a plurality of grooves arranged circumferentially. An inner side of the outer wall 151 of the outer cap 150 can include a protrusion that interacts with the plurality of grooves to make the clicking sound.

[0042] Increasing the number of spring members 155 can also require a greater axial force to compress the spring members 155. An increased number of downward projection 156, 164 can reduce the amount of rotation necessary for the outer cap 150 to catch the inner cap 160 in the second configuration. An increased number of ramps 165 and/or spring members 155 can reduce stress on any individual spring member 155 when engaged with the end face 165b of the ramps 165.

[0043] The tamper-evident ring 166 can be assembled over the neck ring 133. Removal of the cap assembly 140 can shear the tamper-evident ring 166 from the lower rim 163 along the frangible portion and thereby indicate that the bottle 110 has been opened.

[0044] Fig. 5 illustrates another version of the inner cap 160. The inner cap 160 can include one or more projecting rings 169 on the upper wall 162. The rings 169 can be raised from the upper wall 162. The projecting rings 169 can intersect with the ramps 165. The rings 169 can increase the depression of the spring members 155. The rings 169 can increase the force exerted by the spring members 155 on the inner cap 160. The rings 169 can increase the stability of the motion (e.g., rotation) of the outer cap 150 relative to the inner cap 160. The rings 169 can be aligned concentrically. The rings 169 can be centered on the upper wall 162. Both the inner cap 160 with and without the projecting ring 169 can be used with any size or shape of container.

Certain Terminology

[0045] Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,” “distal,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end,” are used in the context of the illustrated example. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to- side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular,” “cylindrical,” “semi-circular,” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

[0046] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more examples.

[0047] Conjunctive language, such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain examples require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

[0048] The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some examples, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain examples, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. All ranges are inclusive of endpoints. Summary

[0049] Several illustrative examples of bottles have been disclosed. Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain illustrative examples and uses, other examples and other uses, including examples and uses which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be arranged or performed differently than described and components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined, merged, added, or left out in various examples. All possible combinations and subcombinations of elements and components described herein are intended to be included in this disclosure. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable.

[0050] Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0051] Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one example in this disclosure can be combined or used with (or instead of) any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different example or flowchart. The examples described herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations, variations, and some implementations of the disclosed features are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0052] While operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in some implementations. Also, the separation of various components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, some implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] Further, while illustrative examples have been described, any examples having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/or combinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular example. For example, some examples within the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group of advantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some examples may achieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein.

[0054] Some examples have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn and/or shown to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various examples can be used in all other examples set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[0055] For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been described herein. Not all, or any such advantages are necessarily achieved in accordance with any particular example of the inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. In many examples, the devices, systems, and methods may be configured differently than illustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, various functionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined, rearranged, added, or deleted. In some implementations, additional or different processors or modules may perform some or all of the functionalities described with reference to the examples described and illustrated in the figures. Many implementation variations are possible. Any of the features, structures, steps, or processes disclosed in this specification can be included in any example. [0056] In summary, various examples of bottles and related methods have been disclosed. This disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed examples to other alternative examples and/or other uses of the examples, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, this disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed examples can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed examples described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A safety-cap bottle comprising: a container, including: a body enclosing a interior space, the body including a first end, a second end, and a sidewall, the sidewall extending between the first end and the second end; a finish having an opening into the interior space, the finish including an upper wall, an upper rim defining the opening, and a thread, the thread extending at least partially around a circumference of the upper wall; and a cap assembly coupled with the finish to close the opening into the interior space, the cap assembly including: an outer cap including an outer wall, a first end of the outer wall enclosed by an upper wall, a spring member extending from an inner face of the upper wall; an inner cap nested within the outer cap, the inner cap including an outer cylindrical wall with an inner thread configured to engage with the thread of the finish, a first end of the outer cylindrical wall enclosed by a transverse wall; a seal, the seal positioned within the inner cap between the transverse wall and the upper rim of the finish; and an upward projection on the first end of the inner cap and a downward projection on the first end of the outer cap; wherein the inner cap is rotatable with respect to the outer cap and the spring member engages with an upper face of the transverse wall to bias the transverse wall of the inner cap away from the upper wall of the outer cap; wherein the spring member comprises a proximal end attached with the inner face of the upper wall and a distal end extending away from the proximal end in a first circumferential direction; wherein the spring member is curved from the proximal end towards the distal end; wherein the transverse wall includes a ramp, the ramp including a slope and an end face, the slope raised above the upper face of the transverse wall and extending away from the end face in the first circumferential direction; wherein the ramp is aligned with the distal end of the spring member such that rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap in the first circumferential direction engages the distal end of the spring member with the end face of the ramp and rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction, passes the distal end of the spring member over the slope of the ramp; wherein rotation of the cap assembly in the first direction tightens engagement of the thread with the inner thread and rotation of the cap assembly in the second direction loosens engagement of the thread with the inner thread; wherein the inner cap is movable within the outer cap along a longitudinal axis relative to the outer cap; wherein the outer wall of the outer cap includes an inner circumferential protrusion and the outer cylindrical wall of the inner cap includes an outer circumferential protrusion and the inner circumferential protrusion contacts the outer circumferential protrusion to maintain the inner cap nested within the outer cap; wherein the upward projection engages with the downward projection to transfer a rotational force from the outer cap to the inner cap when an axial force on the outer cap overcomes a biasing force between the spring member and the inner cap; wherein the upward projection of the inner cap includes a ramped surface.

2. A safety-cap bottle comprising: a container, including: a body enclosing a interior space, the body including a first end, a second end, and a sidewall, the sidewall extending between the first end and the second end; a finish having an opening into the interior space, the finish including an upper wall, an upper rim defining the opening, and a thread, the thread extending at least partially around a circumference of the upper wall; and a cap assembly coupled with the finish to close the opening into the interior space, the cap assembly including: an outer cap including an outer wall, a first end of the outer wall enclosed by an upper wall, a spring member extending from an inner face of the upper wall; and an inner cap nested within the outer cap, the inner cap including an outer cylindrical wall with an inner thread configured to engage with the thread of the finish, a first end of the outer cylindrical wall enclosed by a transverse wall; wherein the inner cap is rotatable with respect to the outer cap and the spring member engages with an upper face of the transverse wall to bias the transverse wall of the inner cap away from the upper wall of the outer cap.

3. The bottle of Claim 2, wherein the spring member comprises a proximal end attached with the inner face of the upper wall and a distal end extending away from the proximal end in a first circumferential direction.

4. The bottle of Claim 3, wherein the spring member is curved from the proximal end towards the distal end.

5. The bottle of Claim 3, wherein the transverse wall includes a ramp, the ramp including a slope and an end face, the slope raised above the upper face of the transverse wall and extending away from the end face in the first circumferential direction.

6. The bottle of Claim 5, wherein the ramp is aligned with the distal end of the spring member such that rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap in the first circumferential direction engages the distal end of the spring member with the end face of the ramp and rotation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap in a second circumferential direction, opposite the first circumferential direction, passes the distal end of the spring member over the slope of the ramp.

7. The bottle of Claim 6, wherein rotation of the cap assembly in the first direction tightens engagement of the thread with the inner thread and rotation of the cap assembly in the second direction loosens engagement of the thread with the inner thread.

8. The bottle of Claim 2, wherein the inner cap is movable within the outer cap along a longitudinal axis relative to the outer cap.

9. The bottle of Claim 8, wherein the outer wall of the outer cap includes an inner circumferential protrusion and the outer cylindrical wall of the inner cap includes an outer circumferential protrusion and the inner circumferential protrusion contacts the outer circumferential protrusion to maintain the inner cap nested within the outer cap.

10. The bottle of Claim 2, wherein the cap assembly further comprises a seal, the seal positioned within the inner cap between the transverse wall and the upper rim of the finish.

11. The bottle of Claim 2, further comprising: an upward projection on the first end of the inner cap and a downward projection on the first end of the outer cap; wherein the upward projection engages with the downward projection to transfer a rotational force from the outer cap to the inner cap when an axial force on the outer cap overcomes a biasing force between the spring member and the inner cap.

12. The bottle of Claim 11, wherein the upward projection of the inner cap includes a ramped surface.

13. The bottle of Claim 2, wherein the transverse wall includes one or more raised concentric rings.