GB2441433A

GB2441433A - Safety closure cap

Info

Publication number: GB2441433A
Application number: GB0716721A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Leslie Howes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-08-30
Filing date: 2007-08-29
Publication date: 2008-03-05
Also published as: GB0617023D0; GB0716721D0; WO2008025970A1

Abstract

A safety closure cap 1 for releasable attachment to an object such as a bottle or the like comprises an inner cap member (29, figure 7) with a cylindrical sidewall incorporating releasable attachment means for attaching the cap to an object; and a top closing one end of the sidewall whilst the other end Is open In order to allow the releasable attachment of an object; an outer cap member 2 overlying said inner cap member; and a one-way rotation transmitting means arranged so that when an operator turns the outer cap member in one direction the outer cap member causes the inner cap member to turn as well; whereby the cap attaches onto said object to close it; and when an operator turns the outer cap member in an opposite direction the outer cap member does not or only marginally causes the inner cap member to turn; whereby when the cap is attached onto said object the cap is not released from said object; characterised in that said top of said inner cap member incorporates abutment means (figure 7, 33 and 34) and said outer cap member incorporates a top with a portion 8 which is inwardly collapsible without resiliently tending to return to its uncollapsed position; whereby once the portion is collapsed and the outer cap member is rotated in said opposite direction said collapsed portion engages said abutment means in order to turn the inner cap member to release said cap.

Description

SAFETY CLOSURE CAP

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to safety closure caps for releasable attachment to objects such as a bottle or the like. Such objects may be for example chemical containers, medical tablet containers, medical liquid containers and cosmetic produce containers. The inventive safety enclosure cap is not limited to any particular use with specific objects. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims at the end of this specification.

Background to the Invention and Prior Art know to the Applicant The closest prior art known to the Applicant is GB 1370577, which shows a cap for releasable attachment to a bottle. The cap comprises an inner cap to be threaded onto a bottle and an outer cap member overlying the inner cap member. The inner cap member is made out of hard, unyielding plastics material whilst the outer cap member is made out of flexible plastics material. The thickness of the outer cap member is reduced relative to the thickness of the inner cap member for further flexibility. The outer cap member incorporates a projecting axis which is held in a bearing provided in the inner cap member which also serves to retain the outer cap member on the inner cap member. The outer cap member incorporates a ramp which when rotated in a closing direction engages an abutment provided for in the inner cap member which extends across the entire diameter of the inner cap member. When rotating the outer cap member in the opening direction, the ramp ratchets over the abutment so that the outer cap member does not or only marginally causes the inner cap member to turn. In this mode of rotation, no opening occurs. In order to open the bottle it is necessary to simultaneously press a flexible flap downwards and rotate the outer cap member in the opening direction. It is also necessary for the flap to be in line with the abutment which diametrically crosses the inner cap member. After the operation of simuttaneously keeping the flap depressed, whilst rotating the outer cap member, the flap resiliently returns to its starting position. In addition, in order to allow the outer cap member to turn as a unit with the inner cap member, it is essential for the flap to be in line with the diametrical abutment. Since the diametricat abutment would not be visible, this may prove very tricky indeed.

Because this prior art configuration requires simultaneous depression of flap and rotation of outer cap member, will be particularly difficult for the elderly to operate. One of the problems which the invention solves is how to improve safety closure caps by meeting similar child safety standards as the prior art whilst diminishing the amount of force required to open the safety closure cap.

The applicant aLso acknowledges the following Less relevant prior art documents: US3,863,796; U 54,1S4,354; US4,41 0,098; CA2541 164; ES2255822; W003/068620A1; and W02005/05641 6A1.

Summary of the Invention

In its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides a safety closure cap for releasable attachment to an object such as a bottle or the like comprising: * an inner cap member with a cylindrical sidewall incorporating releasable attachment means for attaching the cap to an object; and a top closing one end of the sidewall whilst the other end is open in order to allow the releasable attachment of an object; * an outer cap member overlying said inner cap member; and * a one-way rotation transmitting means arranged so that when an operator turns the outer cap member in one direction the outer cap member causes the inner cap member to turn as well; whereby the cap attaches onto said object to close it; and when an operator turns the outer cap member in an opposite direction the outer cap member does not or only marginally causes the inner cap member to turn; whereby when the cap is attached onto said object the cap is not released from said object; * characterised in that said top of said inner cap member incorporates abutment means and said outer cap member incorporates a top with a portion which is inwardly collapsible without resiliently tending to return to its uncollapsed position; whereby once the portion is collapsed and the outer cap member is rotated in said opposite direction said collapsed portion engages said abutment means in order to turn the inner cap member to release said cap.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the actions of applying pressure and rotation in a safety cap to be separated. It is believed that if a child of tender years were to attempt to remove such a safety cap, he/she would simply attempt to pull or turn it off. Pulling would be ineffective, because of the releasable attachment means, whilst turning would also be ineffective because in the opening direction, the outer cap member wilt turn freely without turning the inner cap member. A child of tender years is not likely to realise that he must not only turn the outer cap but before doing so, collapse the collapsible portion. The elderly on the other hand would readily realise that in order to open the safety cap pressure on the top surface needs to be initially applied thereafter, their entire strength if necessary can be channelled in the rotary opening action. In other words, the safety closure cap is both child safe and may be readily opened by the elderly.

In a subsidiary aspect, in accordance with the invention's broadest independent aspect, said abutment means incorporates a ramp; whereby when the ramp is turned in said one direction, said portion rides up the ramp to position itself into a passive position and when the cap is turned in said opposite direction, said portion abuts said abutment means so that the inner cap member and outer cap member turn as a unit.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the closing action to return the collapsed portion to a passive position. This allows the cap to be returned to a child safe configuration during the action of closing the cap onto a bottle or the like. -a

In a further subsidiary aspect, said coltapsible portion incorporates a flap which hinges relative to the top of the outer cap member and has two portions which themselves hinge relative to one another.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the rotation to reliabLy transmit from the rotation of the outer cap member to the inner cap member. The abutment is also potentially located further radially outwards when compared to the flap of the prior art so that Larger moments are achieved which allow an operator to reduce the force applied to the outer cap member to achieve the opening of the cap.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the one-way rotation transmitting means are Located radially outwards from said abutment means. This allows the closing action to be achieved with

Less force than in the prior art.

In a further subsidiary aspect, the top of the outer cap member incorporates an opening into which the flap is coLlapsed and a rest surface extending from said opening to the cap's periphery; said rest surface being recessed relative to the uppermost surface of the top; whereby when the flap is in its uncollapsed form the flap rests against said rest surface and after the flap has been collapsed and the flap is brought to a passive position by said ramp, the operator may bring the flap back to its uncollapsed position by pivoting the outermost flap portion against the surface. This configuration also allows an operator to return the flap in its uncollapsed position with minimum effort in order to present the top of the cap with two members, the flap and the rest of the top, which may be substantially co-planar.

In a further subsidiary aspect, a snap fit mechanism is provided to retain said flap in its uncolLapsed position. This is particularly advantageous because it allows the operator to realise when the flap is returned to its fully uncoLlapsed position. It also improves the retention of the flap in its uncollapsed position.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a safety cLosure cap in a perspective view.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the cap of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer cap member of the cap of figure 1.

Figure 4 shows the bottom plan view of the outer cap member.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the cap with its flap hinged outwards in a fully extended position.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the outer cap member with the flap outwardly extended.

Figure 7 shows the inner cap member in cross-sectional view.

Figure 8 shows a top view of the inner cap member.

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the cap with the outer and inner cap members overlaid.

Figure 10(a) shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the outer cap member.

Figure 10(b) shows a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the outer cap member.

Figure 10(c) shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the outer cap member.

Figure 10(d) shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the outer cap member.

Figure 10(e) shows a cross-sectional side view of the hinged members incorporated within the alternative embodiment of the outer cap member.

Figure 10(f) shows a prospective view of an alternative embodiment of the outer cap member with its incorporated hinged members depressed.

Figure 10(e) shows a prospective view of an alternative embodiment of the outer cap member with its incorporated hinged members not depressed.

Detailed Description of the Figures

Figure 1 shows a safety closure cap 1, suitable for being attached to a bottle or the like. It comprises an outer cap member 2, with a cylindrical side wall 3 and a top closing surface 4. The periphery of the outer cap member incorporates a high friction surface. The peripheral surface of the cap incorporates a plurality of ribs 5, which in this embodiment extend upwards. There are provided at regular intervals ribs such as rib 6 which extends further radially outwards or are of greater width than the ribs appearing between such ribs.

Ribs 6 are provided at regular intervals along the periphery of the cap. At its lowermost extremity, the outer cap member incorporates flange 7.

Part of the top surface for a flap 8 is shown in a collapsed mode. Flap 8 hinges relative to surface 4 though a hinge 9. The flap is formed by two portions 10 and 11 which are themselves separated by a hinge so that when the flap is in its collapsed state it takes the form of a V in cross-section. In its un-collapsed position the flap covers a recess 12 sized and shaped to closely match the thickness of the flap. When the flap is in its un-collapsed position, portion 11 of the flap snugly fits into recess 12 between the bottom of the recess 12 and its side walls 13 and 14. The upper face of the cap has indications 15 and 16 which respectively show the direction for opening and closing the cap.

Figure 2 shows the top of the outer cap member in more detail. An indication of "press here" is shown on flap 8. In addition, portion 10 and portion 11 of the flap are separated by a hinge 17. Hinge 17 may be a weakened joint which forms a fold line permitting the collapse of the flap inwards as shown in figure 1 when an operator presses on the flap.

Figure 3 shows a section of a ramp 18 provided on the underside of the top face 4 of the outer cap member 2. Ramp 18 will ratchet against an abutment provided on the top of the inner cap member in order to achieve rotary transmission in one direction only.

Surface 12 is the top of a Ledge 19 on which the un-collapsed flap rests. The outer cap member also comprises an inwardly stepped lip 20 which allows the outer cap member to be retained over the inner cap member.

Figure 4 shows a rim of the outer cap member and the underside of the top wall 24. Ramp 18 and ramp 25 are shown located radially outwards from opening 26. In the configurations shown, flap 8 projects upwardly so that only the lower hinge face 27 of the flap is visibLe in the figure.

Figure 5 shows the flap standing upwards which would be its moulding position. The lower portion of the flap shows three chamfers 41, 42 and 43. When the outer cap is rotated in the clockwise direction, chamfer 42 helps the flap return to its passive position when rotated to contact the ramp. The opposite edge to chamfer 42 is without a chamfer to allow full face contact with the stop so that the rotation is transmitted from outer cap member to inner cap member when rotated in the anti-clockwise direction.

Figure 6 shows the ledge 19 and side wall 14 which are sized and shaped to accommodate flap 8 in its uncollapsed position. Ramp 18 is also clearly visible in the figure. As shown by arrow 28, the inner cap member generally referenced 29 in figure 7 would be placed within the opening shown in figure 6. Its peripheral surface 30 incorporates a ring 31 or annular member which once forced past 1ip 20 of the outer cap member, allows the inner cap member to be withheld within the cap. One or more internal threads such as thread 32 can be seen in figure 7. On the top of the inner cap member there are provided a number of ramps such as ramp 33 and 34 which incorporate an abutment surface respectively 35 and 36, which are sized and shaped for the ramps 18 and 25 to abut when the outer cap member is rotated in the closing direction which is the clockwise direction in this embodiment. A further ramp 37 is provided radially within ramps 33 and 34 and incorporates an abutment face 38 in the opposite direction to the abutment faces of ramps 33 and 34. This would allow the flap 8 (not shown in figure 7) when collapsed within the outer member as shown in figure 1 to abut against face 38 so that when the outer cap member is rotated in the open or in the figure anti-clockwise direction, the flap abuts against the surface 38 to achieve an opening motion.

When the outer cap member is rotated in the closed direction, the collapsed flap runs up ramp 37 50 as to tend to return to its uncollapsed position. In this manner, the flap does not restrict the closing action of the cap.

Figure 8 shows more detail of the ramp 37 and the further ramps 33 and 34.

Figure 9 shows the assembled cap with the outer cap member 2 overlying the inner cap member 29. Flap 8 with its portions 10 and 11 are clearly known to form a V-shape.

Hinge 17 is shown between portions 10 and 11 of flap 8 and is formed by a thinner portion to allow the portions to be readily foldable relative to one another. Ledge 12 can act as a pivot point for flap 8 if pressure is applied to the distal extremity 39 of the flap.

Ramp 18 would abut against the front face 40 of ramp 34 when the outer cap member is rotated in the clockwise direction. This would allow the outer cap member to rotate with the inner cap member as a single unit. In this mode of rotation, the flap would run up ramp 37 which would tend to return the flap to its uncollapsed state.

If the outer cap member is rotated in the opposite direction of this configuration in the anti-clockwise direction the flap would abut against the front of the ramp which serves as an abutment means so that the outer cap member transmits rotation to the inner cap member to tend to open the closure mechanism.

Figures 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the outer cap 45, which overlies the inner cap member 29 (as shown in figure 7).

Figure 10(a) shows the outer cap's upper circular surface 49 which incorporates two rectangular panels 46 and 47 that extend horizontally. Panel 46 is adjacent to rectangular portion 59, which extends horizontally. Panels 46 and 59 are permanently attached to each other via a horizontal hinge 60. Rectangular portion 59 is adjacent to rectangular portion 61, which extends horizontally. Panels 59 and 61 are permanently attached to each other via horizontal hinge 48. Rectangular portion 61 is adjacent to rectangular portion 47. Panels 61 and 47 are permanently attached to each other via horizontal hinge 62. Panels 46 and 47 are permanently connected to the outer caps upper surface 49 via two horizontal hinges 50 and 70. Outer cap 45 incorporates high friction portions 51 to 58 which traverse vertically across the cap's outer cylindrical side surface. The outer cap's upper circular surface 49 incorporates tabs 70 to 73 which connect to rectangular portions 46 and 47. These are anti-tamper tabs which are broken after initial use.

Figure 10(b) shows the outer cap's tower circuLar inner surface 65 which incorporates rectangular panels 46, 47, 59 and 61 and horizontal hinges 48, 60 and 62. The Lower inner surface 65 has three evenly spaced ramps 67 to 68, which are located substantially towards the cap's inner cylindrical surface.

Figure 10(c) shows the outer cap 45 on its side, which incorporates high friction portions 51 to 55. High friction portions 51 to 55 traverse the cap's outer cylindrical surface 69 from the top surface to substantially near the bottom surface.

io Figure 10(d) shows a cross sectional view of the outer cap 45, which illustrates the collapsed position of rectangular portions 46, 47, 59 and 61 after they have they have been depressed.

Figure 10(e) shows a cross sectional view of rectangular portions 46, 47, 59 and 61, in two configurations. Configuration (i) illustrates rectangular portions 46, 47, 59, 61 and hinges 48, 60 and 62 prior to being depressed. Configuration (ii) iLlustrates rectangular portions 46, 47, 59, 61 and hinges 48, 60 and 62 after being depressed.

Figure 10(f) shows a perspective view of the outer cap 45, which illustrates the collapsed position of rectangular portions 46, 47 and 59.

Figure 10(g) shows a perspective view of the outer cap 45, which illustrates the non-collapsed position of rectangular portions 46, 47 and 59.

The advantage of this embodiment of the outer cap is that no portion of the outer cap can be damaged during use. Therefore, preventing any hinged portion, that protrudes above the cap's upper circular surface 49 from being damaged and/or removed.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A safety closure cap for releasable attachment to an object such as a bottle or the like comprising: * an inner cap member with a cylindrical sidewall incorporating releasable attachment means for attaching the cap to an object; and a top closing one end of the sidewall whilst the other end is open in order to allow the releasable attachment of an object; 10. an outer cap member overlying said inner cap member; and * a one-way rotation transmitting means arranged so that when an operator turns the outer cap member in one direction the outer cap member causes the inner cap member to turn as well; whereby the cap attaches onto said object to close it; and when an operator turns the outer cap member in an opposite direction the outer cap member does not or only marginally causes the inner cap member to turn; whereby when the cap is attached onto said object the cap is not released from said object; * characterised in that said top of said inner cap member incorporates abutment means and said outer cap member incorporates a top with a portion which is inwardly collapsible without resiliently tending to return to its uncollapsed position; whereby once the portion is collapsed and the outer cap member is rotated in said opposite direction said collapsed portion engages said abutment means in order to turn the inner cap member to release said cap.

2. A cap according to claim 1, wherein said abutment means incorporates a ramp; whereby when the cap is turned in said one direction said portion rides up the ramp to position itself into a passive position and when the cap is turned in said opposite direction said portion abuts said abutment means so that the inner cap member and outer cap member turn as a unit.

3. A cap according to either of the preceding claims, wherein said collapsible portion incorporates a flap which hinges relative to the top of the outer cap member and has two portions which themselves hinge relative to one another.

II

4. A cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one-way rotation transmitting means are located radially outwards from said abutment means.

5. A cap according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the top of the outer cap member incorporates an opening into which the flap is collapsed and a rest surface extending from said opening to the cap's periphery; said rest surface being recessed relative to the uppermost surface of the top; whereby when the flap is in its uncollapsed form the flap rests against said rest surface and after the flap has been collapsed and the flap is brought to a passive position by said ramp, the operator may bring the flap back to its uncollapsed position by pivoting the outermost flap portion against the surface.

6. A cap according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein a snap fit mechanism is provided to retain said flap in its uncollapsed position.

7. A cap substantially as hereinbefore described and/or illustrated with reference to any appropriate combination of the accompanying text and/or figures.