MXPA96004215A - Closure to proof of children, with indeb handling indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

A child-resistant tamper-indicating closure is described for sealing a container with the top open, which has an external thread formed on the neck end, which includes a combination of inner and outer caps, where the inner lid it includes a tamper indicating band, which is connected to the rest of the inner lid, by a series of fragile elements. The inner lid further includes a series of ratchet-shaped tabs, which are in a position secured behind an annular rim. The tabs are arranged to engage an annular lip on the neck end. The outer cover, and includes a series of ratchet teeth which are directed towards the inner cover. The upper surface of the inner lid includes a series of depressions that are sized and accommodated for engagement with the series of ratchet teeth. The child resistant arrangement allows the outer cover to rotate relative to the inner cover in a counterclockwise direction. In the clockwise direction, the ratchet teeth and the depressions are in engagement, such that when turning the outer cover the interior will be advanced in threaded coupling. Removal of the inner cap from the neck end is achieved by ovalizing the outer cap to engage the projections on the inner cap, with the projections on the inner surface of the side wall of the outer cap. By means of the coupling of the projections and the frictional interference, the outer cover is used to remove the inner cover

Description

CLOSURE TO PROOF OF CHILDREN, WITH INDICATOR OF UNDUE MANIPULATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the design of a threaded plastic closure, which is used to close the outlet opening of a container with the top part open. More specifically, the present invention relates to the design of a threaded closure which is constructed to provide an arrangement that exposes tampering, as is resistant or child resistant. The tamper-indicating closure of the present invention is described in two main embodiments, one with the child-proof arrangement and one without the childproof arrangement. However, it could be possible with the design of the mold that is used for the present invention to build the inner cover without the tamper-indicating feature and effectively create four different configurations from the same design basic mold. The child resistant or resistant arrangement is achieved through the use of an outer cover which is concentrically configured in relation to a REF: 23214 internal cover, and is press fit on the inner cover to be retained in its desired relation with the cover internal The elimination of the external cover eliminates the capacity intended for children. Threaded closures, with an improper handling indicator, made of plastic, have been available for a number of years and are thus considered as well known to a person of ordinary experience in 1 technique. These closures employ a variety of features for various reasons and applications. Arrangements that indicate or expose tampering equally represent a variety of design procedures, although certain similarities very often exist. The objective is to make it possible for the user of the product to determine if the container initially filled and closed has been improperly opened, which could indicate an attempted tampering.Closures indicating tampering have been commonly developed aluminum or plastic, with a type of closure that includes an upper cap portion and a lower safety band or band coupled to the cap portion by a cut or break line.When the two-piece cap is removed, the closure It breaks along the line of rupture, leaving the ring separated from the lid portion.

While this technique is very tight, it is believed that the following listed patent references provide a representative sampling of prior closures with tamper indicator which relate in general to the present invention: PATENT No. HOLDER DATE OF ISSUE 4,546,892 Couput Oct. 15, 1985 4,721,218 Gregory et al. Jan. 26, 1988 4. 801,030 Barriac Jan. 31, 1989 4. 801,031 Barriac Jan. 31, 1989 4,913,300 iedmer et al. Apr. 3, 1990 4,971,212 Kusz Nov. 20, 1990 4. 978,016 Hayes Dec. 18, 1990 4. 978,017 McBride Dec. 18, 1990 5,090,788 Ingram et al. Feb. 25, 1992 5,107,998 Zumbuhl Apr. 28, 1992 5,129,530 Fuchs Jul. 14, 1992 ,295,600 Kowal Mar. 22, 1994 ,310,069 Ingram et al. May. 10, 1994 ,397,009 Salmon et al. Mar. 14, 1995 ,400,913 Kelly Mar. 28, 1995 4,884,706 Julián Dec. 5, 1989 ,080,246 Hayes Jan. 14, 1992 PATENT HOLDER DATE OF ISSUE ,145,078 Hannon et al. Sep. 8, 1992 ,197,620 Gregory Mar. 30, 1993 ,271,512 El.kert Dec. 21, 1993 4,653,657 Papavasilopoulos Mar. 31, 1987 4,938,370 McBride Jul. 3, 1990 4,981,230 Marshall et al. Jan. 1, 1991 ,004,112 McBride Apr. 2, 1991 ,252,068 McCandless Sep. 7, 1993 While the above references should suitably summarize the state of the art, there are other aspects of the present invention that deserve further consideration in relation to any prior references that may be relevant. A feature of the present invention is the addition of an outer cap to convert the basic closure, whether with an improper handling indicator or not, in a childproof closure. A unique arrangement of ratchet teeth in the outer circumferential periphery of the outer lid, in combination with circumferential depressions in the upper surface of the inner lid, provide the means of advancing the inner lid over the threaded outlet opening, through of the ratchet and pressure coupling.

The retrograde removal of the inner cap, which could be achieved in the normal manner of counterclockwise rotation of the outer cap, is achieved by other means that do not involve the ratchet tooth coupling. Removal of the inner lid according to the present invention requires the ovalization of the outer lid, to pull the portions of the outer lid in engagement with the inner lid, at which point the axial projections are pulled in abutment with the top. to transfer the rotational torsion from the outer cover to the inner cover. The use of the inner and outer caps, in order to provide what is referred to as a type of childproof closure, is described in US Patent No. 4,598,833, issued July 8, 1986 to Herr, and in U.S. Patent No. 5,280,842, issued January 25, 1994 to Koo. The Herr patent describes a tamper-evident closure, child-proof, having inner and outer covers fitted one on the other, with ratchet teeth on the sides of the face edge inward of the respective caps, for cooperating to secure the closure on the container, and the ratchet teeth on the upper walls facing inwardly from the respective caps, for removal of the closure after the simultaneous application of twisting and a force with downward direction. The Koo patent discloses a child-resistant two-piece closure, which utilizes a ratchet feature to be screwed onto the closure. A feature of this design is a particular ratchet configuration that includes a specific positioning of the elements thereof, in order to provide reverse twisting of the non-depressed counter-clockwise rotation of the outer closure member during the non-depressed rotation . In this application, the negligible inverse torque is defined as the torsion caused by the frictional contact of the outer and inner cap members, when the non-depressed closure is rotated in the removal direction, and this is insufficient to cause unwanted removal or accidental closure from the container. The top wall of each cover in these two listed references is a solid circular panel in contrast to an annular ring-shaped top wall, which is consistent with the present invention. In addition, the ratchet teeth on each cover are arranged in a radial pattern through the corresponding surface of the top wall. In order to accommodate such a ratchet tooth pattern, the top wall of each lid needs to be of a solid circular shape instead of an annular shape. The presence of a solid top wall for each lid results in the use of more material, increased weight of the closure, and makes the desired ovalization of the lid significantly more difficult to handle. With a solid circular upper wall, the wall material must deform in some direction if the outer lid is to be radially compressed into an oval shape. This requires more force than is required with a substantially open top wall. However, since the retrograde removal of the corresponding inner caps of these two references involves the engagement of the ratchet teeth and a force with simultaneous downward direction in an instant, the ovalization of the outer cap is not a consideration. Since the Koo lock receives an axial force with downward direction, which must be exerted on the upper surface of the outer cover, in order to remove the inner cover, this could provide another reason to require an upper wall solid, as part of the outer cover. In contrast, the present invention uses a unique outer cap design, only with a partial top wall having an annular shape. The annular shape of the upper wall portion of the present invention therefore defines the central area open. The ratchet teeth which are present on the »outer cover, are positioned on the underside of the partial upper wall portion, and extend in the direction of the inner cover. The pattern of the ratchet teeth on the outer cap is circumferential rather than radial, and this allows the central portion of the outer cap to be left open, thereby reducing the weight and amount of material. The central open portion of the outer lid also simplifies to some degree the ovalization of the outer lid, which is the required manipulation in order to make it possible to remove the inner lid. Returning now to covers and closures that incorporate some type of tamper-indicating feature, a separation or detachment ring is often provided. For most of these closure designs, tongues extending inwardly and upwardly as described in the '833 patent of Herr. This style of tabs requires some type of post-forming operation after the cap is initially molded so as to orient the tabs in the desired direction inward and upward. As noted by Herr, "conventional molding processes are not capable of producing a closure having the preferred tabs extending in an upward and inward direction, as described above" (Herr's' 833 patent, column 5, lines 27-29). Accordingly, in a separate operation, the tabs are flexed radially inwardly and upwardly, with heat being applied to the tongue joints. It is obviously important to have the tabs oriented in the desired manner, as efficiently and at an effective cost, as possible. Although the descriptions in the Herr '833 patent, US Patent No. 5,007,545, issued April 16, 1991 to Imbery, Jr., discloses a molding method, it does not require side-action molding parts or any operation of subsequent training. The sequential molding steps are illustrated in FIGURES 9-13 of the Imbery patent, Jr. U.S. Patent No. 4,997,097, issued March 5, 1991 to Krautkramer, describes a closure with tabs directed inward and upward. However, there is no specific mention of the molding process, nor whether a post-training operation is required to achieve this particular tongue orientation. The Krautkrámer patent describes a design that is otherwise conceived as conventional for the general style and function of the tabs. The present invention provides a unique manufacturing method and a configuration results * unique to a series of tabs directed in an upward direction. As the inner cap is molded, a circumferential series of tabs are initially formed in an orientation that extends in a downward direction. However, as the molding process is concluded and the lid is ejected from the mold, the tabs are bent upwards and picked up or rolled up inside an annular rim, which is integrally formed as part of the side wall of the lid inside. The annular rim, which is effectively a displaced wall portion, keeps the tabs bent in this desired configuration, thereby presenting the tabs in an operable orientation to provide a tamper-indicating feature for the present invention. The tabs are also placed in engagement with projections or axial ribs, placed around the neck end of the corresponding container on which the cap is used, to provide an anti-reverse feature. Whether the present invention is configured as a childproof closure, such as a tamper-indicating closure, or as a combination of the two, each of these various configurations includes unique structural features and features that are not found in none of the listed patent references.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A child resistant or resistant closure for sealing an open top container having an external screw thread, formed on a neck end of the container according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises an outer cover having a portion of upper annular wall defining an open central portion, the outer cap having a surrounding side wall and an inner cap having an upper wall and an internally threaded, surrounding side wall for engagement with the external screw thread on the neck end of the container, the outer cover is superimposed on the inner cover and is substantially concentric therewith, an annular pattern of ratchet teeth in unitary construction with the upper annular wall portion facing the upper wall of the inner cover, having the upper wall formed therein an annular pattern of reception depressions and the teeth of trinq They are coupled with the reception depressions, when the outer cover is rotated in a direction of advance in a clockwise direction, to rotate the inner and outer covers, with only, and with this cause the advance in threaded coupling of the inner cap on the neck end, the ratchet teeth sliding over the receiving depressions when the outer cap is rotated in a clockwise direction of retreat, at least a number of projections or axial ribs under construction unit with the side wall of the outer lid, and oriented towards the side wall of the inner lid, and a plurality of axial projections in unitary construction with the side wall of the inner lid, and facing the side wall of the lid outside, with which the outer cover is ovalized by compressive forces directed in an opposite direction and in an inward direction, which places a plurality of axial projections of the outer cap in the vicinity of the axial projections of the inner cap, whereby the outer cap is rotated in a withdrawal direction counter-clockwise, which results in the coupling of the axial rib to assist the Removal of the inner end cap from the neck. A tamper-indicating closure for sealing an open top container having an external screw thread formed on a neck end of the container, according to another embodiment of the present invention, comprises a closure cap having a top wall and a surrounding, internally threaded side wall, the side wall extending in the direction of aba or from the top wall towards a lower edge portion, the closure lid further includes, in unitary construction with the side wall • and with the lower edge portion, an annular flange which extends downwardly below the lower edge portion, and tamper indicating means, comprising an annular release portion that depends on the lower edge portion of the wall lateral, a plurality of fragile elements that detachably secure the annular portion to the portion of the bord and lower, and a plurality of ratchet tabs flexed in the upward direction, the fragile elements being radially spaced outwardly from the annular rim, and defining therewith an annular channel, a portion of the ratchet tabs being placed within the annular rim. of the annular channel, whereby the annular rim is used to hold the ratchet tabs in their folded position. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved childproof closure. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improved tamper indicating closure. A further objective of the present invention is to provide an improved closure, tamper-resistant and tamper-resistant indicator or child resistant. The related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tamper-evident closure, child proof, as applied to the outlet opening of a container according to a typical embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the neck end of the container of Figure 1, with the closure removed.

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the neck end of Figure 2, with an internal tamper-indicating cap applied, the cap being illustrated as a full transverse sectional view.

Figure 4 is a front elevational view, in partial section of the inner lid of Figure 3, comprising a portion of the closure of the Figure 1, according to the present invention, with its interlocking tabs in a downward direction.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the inner lid of Figure 4.

Figure 5A is an enlarged detail of a receiving depression located in the upper surface of the inner lid of Figure 4, as seen in the direction of line 5A-5A in the Figure Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the inner lid < of Figure 4.

Figure 7 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the inner lid of Figure 4, according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is a front elevational view, in partial section of the inner lid of Figure 4, with the interlocking tabs folded upwards and secured in position behind an annular rim, which is formed on the inside of the inner cover.

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the inner lid of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the inner lid of Figure 8, according to the present invention.

Figure 11 is a front elevational view, in partial section of an outer lid, comprising a portion of the closure of Figure 1 according to the present invention.

Figure * 12 is a top plan view of the outer lid of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the outer lid of Figure 11.

Figure 14 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a portion of the outer lid of Figure 11.

Figure 15 is a front elevational view, in partial section, of the outer lid of the Figure 11 snapped into position on the inner lid of Figure 8, in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 16 is an enlarged detail in full section of the upper, outer corner of the covers of Figure 8 and Figure 15, showing a coupling area between the inner and outer covers.

Figure 17 is an enlarged detail, in full section of the outer, lower portion of the lids of Figure 8 and Figure 15, showing yet another area of engagement between the inner and outer lids. Figure.18 is a front elevation view, partial, in full section, of the mold arrangement used for the injection molding of the inner lid of Figure 4.

Figure 19 is a front elevational view, in full section of the inner core comprising a portion of the mold arrangement of Figure 18 * Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of the inner core of Figure 19.

Figure 21 is a front elevation view, in full section, of the outer ring comprising a portion of the mold arrangement of Figure 18.

Figure 22 is a top plan view of the outer ring of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a bottom plan view of the outer ring of Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a front elevation view, in full section, of the mold arrangement of Figure 18, with the upper portion of the mold removed.

Figure 25 is a front elevation view, in full section, of the mold arrangement of Figure 18, with an inner core removed.

Figure 26 is a front elevational view, in full section, of the mold arrangement of Figure 18, with the outer ring being removed.

Figure 27 is a front elevation view, in full section, of a folding apparatus which can be used in combination with the inner lid of the present invention, to fold the tabs in a secured position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY For purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and the specific language will be used to describe them. It will be understood, however, that this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, such alterations and further modifications to the illustrated device, and additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as occurring. normal for someone of skill in the art, to which the invention relates. With reference to Figure 1, a combination 30 of closed container and lid assembly according to the present invention is illustrated. The combination 30 includes a plastic container 31 blow molded, with an externally threaded and raised neck end 32. The neck end 32 provides the outlet opening 33 through which the contents of the container 31 pass. In the illustration of Figure 1, the outlet opening 33 is hermetically sealed by the lid assembly 34. The lid assembly 34 includes an inner cap 35 which provides an improper tamper indicating capability to the combination, and an outer cap 36 that provides a child resistant or child proof feature to the combination. While the childproof feature is the result of adding the outer cap 36, it should be understood that the portions of the inner cap 35 are required to cooperate with the outer cap 36, in order to achieve the capacity of the cap. children. The neck end 32 of the container 31, which is illustrated in detail in Figure 2, includes a series of external threads 40 and a plurality of axial ribs 41, which extend around the outer circumference of the neck end 32. , below the external threads 40. The neck end 32 is substantially cylindrical and of unitary construction with the rest of the container blow molded. Positioned between the threads 40 and the axial projections 41 is a retaining lip 40a, which serves to retain the tamper indicating ring on the neck end of the container, once this ring is broken to be free of the rest of the container. inner cap 35. Lip 40a also provides the abutment or abutment surface, which prevents axial movement of the tamper indicating ring, as the inner cap is unscrewed. As a result of this stop, the tamper indicating ring is separated from the rest of the inner lid 35. With reference to Figure 3, the inner lid 35 is illustrated as being threadedly mounted on the neck end 32. The inner lid 35 internally The threaded portion engages the externally threaded neck end in a conventional manner with the upper wall 44 of the inner cap 35, sealing against the upper edge 45 of the outlet opening 33. An optional liner or liner 46 is illustrated as being positioned against the outer surface of the upper end wall 44 or of the upper part. The liner 46 seals against the upper edge 45 with the required sealing force, which is provided by the threaded coupling and the manual tightening of the internal threads 47 of the inner cap 35 on the neck end 32. As could be understood by the normal or conventional threaded coupling, the inner cover 35 advances on the end of neck 32 with rotation in favor of the hands of the clock, and it is able to be removed from the neck end with rotation counterclockwise. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, a circumferential array of pawls 49 in the form of a pawl is provided as part of the inner lid 35. These tabs are part of a stripping ring 50, which provides the capacity of indication of tampering with the present invention. The tabs 49 (see Figure 7) are configured in a manner to provide two separate capabilities to the present invention. The tabs are illustrated in their folded orientation in Figure 8. Each tab 49 has a wedge-like shape in the axial direction, and the wedge-like shape is oriented with a radially thinner section 49a, positioned at the lower edge of the ring of detachment 50, where the tongues 49 are hinged and extend upwardly from it to a radially thicker section 49b. A substantially horizontal surface 49c provides the surface of the boundary or stop against the underside of the annular lip 40a. As should be understood, the folded tabs 49 are capable of deflecting radially in an outward direction to pass over the lip 40a, with the advancing of the threaded coupling of the inner cap 35 on the neck end 32. However, any attempt to remove the inner cap 35 causes the surface 49c of each tab 49 to be pulled upwardly in contact with the lip 40a. This limit or stop results in the latter separating the release ring 50 from the rest of the inner cover. The lip 40a then serves to retain the ring 50 on the neck end. Each tab 49 also includes a ratchet-like projection 49d (see Figure 9), which has a triangular shape, an inclined surface 49e and a lip extension 49f. The projections 49d engage the axial projections 41 in a ratchet-like manner such that the inner cap can be advanced over the neck end with the tabs traveling over the axial shoulders 41. Once the inner cap is completely coupled on the neck end, the projections are interlocked with the axial projections 41 in order to prevent any recoil of the inner end cap of the neck, due to the vibrations and movements that may occur during boarding and handling. While interaseguramiento can also contribute to a certain degree to the capacity for tampering, this is not the main function of the interlocking of projection 49d and projection 41. Increasing the level of force of retrograde rotation in a direction against the hands of the watch, it will be caused at the end that the release ring 50, indicator of tampering, is separated from the rest of the inner cover 35 by breaking the fragile connecting elements 51. Once the fragile elements 51 are free , the lip 40a helps to keep the ring 50 retained on the neck end, so that this loose ring can not fall off or loosen in an unacceptable location such as inside the receptacle where the contents of the container 31 are being drained. detachment ring, 50, there is a visual indication provided to the end user to see if a freshly arrived container Swim and closed has been opened after a new tamper-indicating inner cap is applied. Any attempt to tamper with the container and its contents will be evidenced by the breaking of the fragile elements 51. If the release ring 50 is separated from the rest of the inner cover 35, the end user is immediately alerted and can proceed in consequence either to analyze the content of the container to verify contamination or simply not to use the content and to select instead an unopened container. With reference now to Figures 4-7, the inner lid 35 is illustrated as it appears in an initially molded configuration with the ratchet-like tongues 49 in an orientation extending in a downward direction. This is the orientation that results from the molding arrangement in the initial stages of the process. In the later stages of the molding process, the tabs are bent upwardly and rolled up or picked up in a secured position within an annular channel 54, and behind an annular rim 55, as illustrated in Figure 10. extension, lip 49f provides the means to achieve a secure position behind the annular rim 55. With reference specifically to Figure 4, the inner cap 35 includes an outer side wall 56, substally cylindrical, which includes a circumferential series of projections 56a axially elevated, uniformly spaced, which extend between the upper edge or edge 57 and the lower edge 58. The side wall 56 is internally threaded for the threaded coupling with the external threads 40 placed on the neck end 32. The underside 59 of the lower edge 58 is initially connected to the detachment ring 50 by the fragile elements 51. The tabs 49 in the form of a ratchet extend downwardly from the lower edge of the ring 50, and are interconnected with one another by a connecting membrane 60, which extends between the adjacent tabs as individual membrane sections 61. The inner cover 35 is a unitary member, all of plastic, except for the optional coating 46, which is a separately manufactured member and is constituted by a cover coating material such as paper stock reinforced with aluminum or polyethylene foam. The front cover 35 provides a portion of a two-cap assembly which provides sturdy or childproof features. In order to provide this feature, the ratchet teeth coupling is employed with an annular series of receiving depressions 64, which are molded downwardly within the inner surface 65 of the inner lid 35 (see Figure 5). Each depression includes an axial wall 64a and an inclined ramp portion 64b (see Figure 5A). This design allows free rotation counterclockwise of the outer cover, due to the orientation of its ratchet teeth. However, any clockwise rotation for treating and advancing the inner cap on the neck end results in the limit or stop of the ratchet tooth against the axial walls 64a. It should be understood that the outer cap 36 has a slight axial preload on the inner cap 35, due to the press fit assembly between the two caps, as will be described below. This slight preload effectively forces the ratchet teeth against the receiving depressions 64 and the upper surface 65. Consequently, the outer cover is free to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, there being slight friction between the two, due to the preload. In Figure 7, the enlarged details of the tabs 49, the annular channel 54, the annular rim 55, and the membrane sections 61 are illustrated. The final orientation of the folded tabs 49 is illustrated in Figure 10. In the Figures 8 and 9, the inner lid is illustrated once the tabs are folded into the annular channel 54, behind the annular rim 55. While FIGS. 4 and 8 are for the most part similar to each other, the lower portion as illustrated in Figure 8 it is different due to the fact that the tabs are now folded upwards and placed in a secured position. Accordingly, Figures 6 and 9 are similar to each other as are Figures 7 and 10. It will be noted that the top floor view does not change since the folding of the tabs 49 has no visual effect on the plan view higher. It should be understood that the child resistant feature of the present invention is provided by the engagement of the ratchet tooth and the depression 64. Therefore, removal of the outer cover 36 will eliminate the child resistant appearance of the present invention. invention. This means that the same inner cover design should be used with or without childproof capability. To convert the inner lid 35 into a childproof combination, the outer cap 36 is simply pressed down on the inner cap in a substantially concentric manner, and then snapped into position with a slight preload, as previously mentioned. After this, the interaction of the ratchet teeth on the inner surface of the upper wall of the outer lid with the receiving depressions 64 on the upper surface of the inner lid means, so that the outer lid is able to rotate without coupling in the counterclockwise direction. Consequently, any attempt to unscrew the inner lid by means of ratchet coupling is not possible. However, the ratchet and depression tooth coupling is effective to advance the inner cover 35 over the neck end 32, by means of the forward rotation of the outer cover 36. Referring now to FIGS. -14, the details of the outer lid 36 are illustrated. The outer lid 36 is a unitary molded plastic lid of a substantially cylindrical shape with an annular top wall 70. The circular central portion 71 of the top wall 70 is open , leaving an annular portion 72 extending radially downward from the side wall 73. The lower surface 74 of the portion 72 includes a circumferential series of ratchet teeth 75 which are shaped, oriented and positioned to be in alignment with the circumferential pattern of the receiving depressions 64 in the upper surface 65 of the upper wall 44 of the inner lid 35. The partial section view of Figure 1 1 illustrates the triangular shape of the ratchet teeth 75. The teeth that are illustrated are on the back or the back side of the ring portion 72, as the front side is removed for illustration in partial section. This understanding is important to make it possible to appreciate that the outer cap 36 rotates without the ratchet coupling relative to the depressions 64 in an anti-clockwise direction, and with the ratchet coupling, when rotated in one direction in favor of the hands of the clock. Consequently, any attempt to remove the inner lid by means of the ratchet coupling with the outer lid will not be successful. The rotation of the outer lid is representative of the type of effort that a child could make when trying to open the container. Since the inner lid is not simply released by counterclockwise rotation of the outer lid, the container and lid assembly combination of the present invention is childproofed. While there is <; a way to remove the inner lid 35 by means of the outer lid 36, and thereby open the container 31, the manual manipulations that are required to perform this task are not capable of being carried out by children. Due in part to the limitations of hand size and partly due to resistance limitations, the required opening procedure is one that children can not normally perform. While the child's age is a consideration, the larger the child is, presumably the more mature and the risks of inappropriate opening are minor. In order to remove the inner lid 35 and thereby open the container, the side wall 73 of the outer lid 36 is compressed by the manual application of compression forces directed inwardly, which are substantially 180 degrees from the side wall of the outer lid. This form of compression of the lid ovalizes the side wall and, > as a result, it places two opposingly placed portions of the side wall 73 in contact or at least in close proximity with the outer wall of the inner lid 35, and more specifically in close proximity to the axial shoulders 56. While the high frictional forces in a radial direction between the contact surfaces of the inner and outer caps, may be sufficient to remove the inner cap 35, there is additional assistance provided by three separate series of axial bosses 78, which are formed on the inner surface of the side wall of the outer cover. Each of these three series includes six axial shoulders, and each series extends circumferentially by approximately 60 degrees. In addition, each of these three series is separated by approximately 60 degrees from the open wall area. As the axial projections 78 are compressed in closer proximity to the axial projections 56 on the inner cover 35, some protrusion to protrusion will normally occur, whereby the protrusion to protrusion engagement in a circumferential direction becomes possible, thereby facilitating effort to remove the inner cover. While this protruding coupling is not ratchet-tooth engagement, because it is not unidirectional in nature, it is still auxiliary and decreases to a certain extent the degree of compressive forces that are required in order to obtain sufficient frictional contact for the inner cover 35 is removed by counterclockwise rotation of the outer cover 36. It is not necessary to place the compressive forces of the side wall at specific locations relative to the three series of axial projections 78. The fact that there are three separate series at 60 degrees, it is enough to put at least a few of the shoulders in mesh. The annular shape of the upper wall 70, which creates the open central portion 71, makes the ovalization of the side wall 73 somewhat easier compared to a lid with a solid central portion (cover). The outer surface 79 of the side wall 73 includes a circumferential series of axial projections 80, relatively thin, slightly raised, which extend from the upper edge 81 towards the flange or lower edge 82. The flange or edge 82 is notched with a uniformly spaced series of V-shaped notches 83. V-shaped notches 83 create edge portions 84, evenly spaced. The axial projections 80 are oriented relative to the edge portions 84, such that each projection intersects a corresponding edge portion at its approximate center. Accordingly, each V-shaped notch is located at the approximate intermediate point between the adjacent axial projections 80. The addition of the notches 83 serves to relieve the compression forces, so that the outer cover 36 is easier to ovalize for the removal of the inner lid. The notches provide a place for the material to lodge as ovalization occurs. As previously mentioned, the outer cover 36 is designed with a size and shape to fit over and around the inner lid 35 in a substantially concentric manner. The lightweight radial free space is designed in the sizes of the respective caps, to make it possible for the outer cap 36 to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, relative to the inner cap 35, noting the preload between the two caps and the slight frictional interference that is created. In order to securely hold the outer cap on the inner cap in the axial direction, once the outer cap is applied, three lips 88 are placed radially inward on the inner surface 89 of the lower edge 82. Each lip 88 has a substantially triangular shape as illustrated in Figure 14, and extends circumferentially by approximately 60 degrees. The three lips 88 are equally spaced, and each is positioned between adjacent series of axial projections 78. The axial height of the outer cover 36 relative to the inner cover 35 is such that the three lips 88 are placed below the lower edge 58 of the inner lid 35. The lower surface 88a, inclined in an upward direction of each lip 88, makes it possible for the outer lid to slide more easily over the lower edge 58 before it snaps into the final position. It should be noted at this point that the fragile elements 51 are fixed slightly in a radially inward direction, whereby a slight gap 90 is left below the lower edge 58. This gap or space 90 is engaged by the upper surface 91. of each lip 88. This style of lid coupling is illustrated in Figure 17, and it is clear from this drawing that the fragile elements 51 can be separated from the lower edge 58 for separation of the release ring 50, without affecting the pressure fitting coupling of the lips 88 within the recess 90 below the lower edge 58. This particular configuration means that the inner cover 35 can be configured without the tamper-indicating feature and still receive the outer cap to create a closure to test of children. It is also a fact that, even if the inner lid is initially designed as an tamper indicating cap, once the container is initially opened and the tamper indicating ring is separated from the rest of the lid, the lid can still retain its childproof capabilities. With reference to Figures 15-17, the coupling between the outer cover 36 and the inner cover 35 is illustrated. Two enlarged detail views are included, which illustrate the engagement of the lips 88 and a second position of the coupling by the the outer lid 36 around the upper edge 57. The upper lip 92 radially inward is circumferential and extends below the upper edge 57. The combination of the lip 92, the upper wall 70 and the upper edge 81 connecting the portion between them, it creates and defines an annular pocket 93 within which the annular upper edge 57 is received. The upper edge 57 has a curved outer contour in lateral section, which approximates the lateral shape of the bag 93. Also illustrated in Figure 16 is the placement of a ratchet tooth 75 within one of the receiving depressions 64. The engagement of the upper lip 92 below the upper edge 57 also n serves to axially secure the outer cap 36 to the inner cap 35, and to radially position the two caps one relative to the other. Since the series of three lips 88 and the annular lip 92 serve to axially position and secure the outer cap 36 on the inner cap 35, it can be thought that each position is either the primary position or the secondary position of the axial coupling between the two. two tapas With reference to Figure 18, the mold arrangement 100 used for manufacturing the inner lid 35 of the present invention is illustrated. While there are a number of mold components, the main focus is on the inner core 101 and the outer ring 102, which cooperate to provide the mold cavity required for the fragile elements 51, the release ring 50 and the tabs 49 simi lasres a ratchet. The upper portion 103 of the mold arrangement 100 includes an inner section 103a and a cooperative outer section 103b. The arrangement and JThe placement of the dividing line between these two sections makes it possible for the upper portion to be separated and removed from the molded inner lid 35. The combination of sections 103a and 103b creates a cup-shaped, substantially cylindrical member, which includes nozzle 104 for the introduction of molten plastic into the mold cavity. The nozzle 104 is centrally located in the internal section 103a.

The inner core 101 is illustrated in greater detail in Figures 19 and 20, where Figure 19 is a front elevation view in full section, and Figure 20 is a bottom plan view. The inner core 101 in cooperation with the upper portion 103 defines a mold cavity for the upper portion of the inner lid. In particular, the inner core 101 is contoured to create a mold cavity for the internal threads 47, the upper wall 44, the side wall 56 and the axial shoulders 56a. As illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the inner core 101 includes a substantially cylindrical body 107, a central opening 108 and a thread portion 109. With reference to Figures 21, 22 and 23 the outer ring 102, substantially cylindrical, is illustrated in greater detail. The full section view of Figure 21 accurately details the outer ring, including the inner shape and contour that creates the mold cavity for the fragile elements 51, the ring 50 and the tabs 49. The top plan view of Figure 22 and the bottom plan view of Figure 23 complete the details of the outer ring 102. The outer ring is a unitary member that moves axially in and out of its molding orientation. Due to the design of the inner core 101 and the outer ring 102, and by the manufacture within the mold design, the anticipated shrinkage of the molded plastic, the design of the outer ring 102, can be realized as a unitary member. A unitary design avoids the need for a split block mold, thereby avoiding the requirement for more expensive tools and major maintenance tools, which are generally recognized as disadvantageous when using the split block tool set. The body portion 112 of the outer ring 102 is substantially cylindrical, with the square notching relief at the inner upper edge 113. The notch relief provides the mold cavity for the fragile elements 51. The bolt space holes 114 and Threaded holes 115 are each accommodated in a pattern of three holes at a spacing of 120 degrees. These holes are used to mount and move the outer ring 102. E the mold arrangement 100 of Figure 18, the inner core 101, the outer ring 112 and the upper portion 103 are oriented in their initial position ready for the plastic to be injection molding. The mold cavity 118, defined, corresponds to the desired shape for the inner lid 35, after considering the anticipated shrinkage of the polyethylene material, which represents the preferred material for the inner lid 35. Once the The inner lid is molded, although at the same time the plastic is still hot, the upper portion 103 is capable of being axially separated from the upper portion of the inner lid 35, by separating the sections 103a and 103b, and moving each section away from the molded inner lid. The resulting configuration, once the upper portion 103 is removed, is illustrated in Figure 24. The next step in ejecting the lower mold cover is to unscrew the inner core 101 from the molded cover. The unscrewing action effectively lowers the inner core 101 relative to the inner lid. The inner core 101 is axially lowered below the lower edge of the tabs 49. This leaves the entire interior of the molded inner lid 35 open, as illustrated in Figure 25. The final step in the molding method is to lower the unit outer ring 102. As should be clear from the illustration of Figure 25, the inclined surface 49e of each tab 49 projects radially outwardly and is pushed in an inward direction as the outer ring is removed (see FIG. 26). The various molding and ejection steps that have been described can be reviewed in different sequences of a sequence described <; * or Figures 18 and 24-26. For example, the section 103a could be removed first, followed by the inner core 101 and then the outer ring 102, before finally removing the section 103b. In order to manufacture the individual fragile elements 51, the inner core 101 and the outer ring 102 are placed in contact adjacent to the edge of the upper part of the outer ring. The individual projections of the outer ring extend radially in an inward direction, abutting the outer surface of the inner core 101. The spaces between the adjacent projections create the corresponding portions of the mold cavity, which in turn result in the molding of fragile elements. The polyethylene material used for the inner lid has a natural tendency to shrink after molding. As a consequence of this tendency, the fragile elements and their surrounding portions of the inner cover, which include the cuts centered in the mold between the fragile elements, will be pushed away from the inner core and the outer ring. There is sufficient shrinkage to make it possible to use a unitary outer ring 102, and thus to exclude the need for the split block tool set, which is more expensive and has higher maintenance requirements. As previously described, the plurality of tabs 49 are separated and connected by the thin membrane sections 61. Each tab 49 is connected to the lower edge of the ring 50, such that the union of the ring 50 and the section 49a provides a hinge site for the initial bending inward of each tab, as the outer ring 102 is separated from the molded part. The inward bending of each tab as the outer ring is removed is illustrated in Figure 26. Due to the fact that the ring 50 is circumferential and continuous in nature, it resists any radically inward bending or deflection as a result of removal of the outer ring. Accordingly, the hinge site is between the ring 50 and the tabs 49. This particular relationship between the various portions of the molded bottom portion of the inner cap 35 continues as the tabs 49 are folded up and secured. in the folded orientation behind the annular rim 55. There are two options for the procedure of folding the tabs behind the annular rim 55. With the inter-piping lid oriented as illustrated in Figure 26, although with the outer ring 102 completely removed, The tabs are flexed in the inward direction. Accordingly, when the inner core 101 is axially raised and reinserted within the molded inner lid 35, the outer edge of the inner core limits against the surfaces of the individual tabs 49. The continued advancement of the inner core flexes the tabs with direction upwards and folds each tab behind the annular rim 55, where the tabs 49 are secured in position, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 10. Another option for flexing the tabs 49 in an upward direction to a secured position behind the annular rim 55, is to do it manually by means of the tongue folding apparatus 121, of Figure 27. The apparatus 121 includes a handle 122, the stationary outer sleeve 123, the movable inner plunger 124 and the deflection spring 125. In order to use the apparatus 121, the molded lid of Figure 26 is inverted and the outer jacket 123 is placed on the lid. As the handle is pushed in a downward direction, the inner plunger lowers, pushing against the surfaces of the folded tabs 49. This step of the method results in the tabs being folded in a position secured behind the annular rim 55. When the handle is released to leave the apparatus 121 ready for the next stage, the deflection spring returns the handle and the movable internal piston to its initial positions, as illustrated in Figure 27. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, it must be be considered as illustrative and not of a restrictive nature, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described, and that changes and modifications that fall within the spirit of the invention are intended to be protected.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (17)

1. A childproof closure for sealing an open top container, having an external screw thread formed on a neck end of the container, the child resistant closure is characterized in that it comprises: an outer cover having a portion ring top wall, which defines an open central portion and which also has a surrounding side wall; an inner cap having a top wall and an internally threaded surrounding side wall, for engagement with the external screw thread on the ext. As the neck of the container, the outer cover is underlying the bottom cover and is substantially concentric therewith; an annular ring pattern of ratchet teeth in unitary construction with the annular wall portion facing the upper wall of the inner lid, said upper wall having formed therein, a ring pattern of receiving depressions and the ratchet teeth which engage with the reception depressions when the outer cover is rotated in a clockwise direction, to rotate the inner and outer covers together, and thereby advance the threaded coupling of the cover lower on the neck end, the ratchet die sliding over the receiving depressions when the outer cover is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction of retreat, in a counter-clockwise direction of retreat , at least one series of axial ribs or projections in unitary construction with the side wall of the outer layer, and oriented towards the lat wall Eral of the inner lid; and a plurality of axial projections in unitary construction with the side wall of the inner lid, and facing the side wall of the outer lid, whereby the outer lid is ovalized by the compression forces directed in an opposite direction and in an inward direction. they place a plurality of axial projections of the outer cover in the vicinity of the axial projections of the inner cover, whereby the outer cover is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction of withdrawal which results in the coupling of the projection axial to make it possible for the inner cover to be threadedly withdrawn from the neck end.

2. A closure with tamper indicator, for sealing a container with the top open, having an external screw thread formed on a neck end of the container, and an annular lip below the screw thread, the indicator closure for tampering is characterized in that they comprise: a closure cap having an upper wall and an internally threaded, surrounding side wall, with the side wall extending downwardly from the upper wall toward the lower edge portion, the closure cap includes In addition to a unitary construction with the side wall and the lower edge portion, an annular flange with downward direction extends beyond the lower edge portion; and the tamper indicating means comprises a separation or detachment ring that depends on the lower edge portion of the side wall, a plurality of fragile elements that detachably secure the ring to the edge portion -. ferior, and a plurality of tabs that are bent in the upward direction, the fragile elements being radially spaced outwardly away from the annular rim, and defining therewith an annular channel, a portion of the tabs being positioned within the annular channel, whereby the annular rim is used to hold the tongues in their folded position, and with this the stop or abutment of the tongue against the annular lip during removal of the closing cap, causes the f-agile elements to break, separating the ring from the rest of the closing lid.

3. A childproof closure according to claim 1, characterized in that the side wall of the inner lid extends downwardly from the upper wall towards a lower edge portion.

4. The childproof closure according to claim 3, characterized in that the inner lid further includes, in unitary construction with the side wall and the lower edge portion, an annular ridge extending downwardly beyond the portion of bottom edge.

5. The childproof closure according to claim 1, further characterized in that it includes the tamper indicating means, comprising a separation or detachment ring that depends on a lower portion of the side wall.

6. The childproof closure according to claim 5, characterized in that the tamper indicating means further includes a plurality of fragile elements that detachably secure the ring to the lower edge portion.

7. The childproof closure according to claim 6, characterized in that the tamper indicating means further includes a plurality of tabs flexed in the upward direction, the fragile elements are radially spaced outwardly away from the annular shoulder and define with it an annular channel, a portion of tabs is positioned within the annular channel, whereby the annular rim is used to hold the tabs in their folded position, and thereby the boundary or abutment of the tab against the annular lip during the removal of the inner cover, causes the fragile elements to break, separating the ring from the rest of the inner cover.

8. The childproof closure according to claim 7, characterized in that the neck end defines a circumferentially extending series of axial ridges, and each tongue of the plurality of tongues has a ratchet shape and the plurality of tongues is designed and built for the anti-recoil coupling with the series of axial projections.

9. The tamper indicating closure according to claim 2, further characterized by including an outer cap having an annular top wall portion, which defines an open central portion and further has a surrounding side wall.

10. The tamper indicating closure according to claim 9, characterized in that the outer cap is accommodated in superposed relation to the cap of the closure, and is substantially concentric therewith.

11. The lock with tamper indicating indicator according to claim 10, characterized in that the outer cover includes an annular ratchet tooth pattern, in unitary construction with the annular upper wall portion, and facing the upper wall of the closure cap, the upper wall having a ring pattern of receiving depressions in it, and the ratchet teeth engaging with the reception depressions when the outer cap is rotated in a forward direction in favor of the manee: , lias of the watch, to rotate the closure cap and the outer cap together, and thereby bring forward the threaded coupling of the closure cap on the neck end.

12. The lock with tamper indicator according to claim 11, characterized in that the outer cover includes at least a series of axial projections in unitary construction with the side wall of the outer cover, and that is oriented towards the side wall of the lid of the closure, and the lid of the closure includes a plurality of axial projections in unitary construction with the side wall of the closure lid, and facing the side wall of the closure lid, whereby the outer lid is ovalized by the compression forces directed in an inward direction by placing a plurality of axial projections of the outer cap in the vicinity of the axial projections of the closure cap, whereby the outer cap is rotated in a direction of withdrawal against clockwise, which results in the coupling of the axial projection to enable the closure cap to be removed from the extr Emo neck

13. The tamper-indicating closure according to claim 12, characterized in that the neck end defines a series of axial projections extending circumferentially, and each tab of the plurality of tabs has a ratchet-like shape, and the The plurality of tongues is designed and constructed for the anti-backlash coupling with the series of axial projections of the neck end.

14. The tamper-indicating closure according to claim 2, characterized in that the neck end defines a series of axial projections extending circumferentially, and each tab of the plurality of tabs has a ratchet-like shape, and the The plurality of tongues is designed and constructed for the anti-recoil coupling with the series of axial projections of the neck end.

15. A tamper-evident closure for sealing a container with an open top, which has an external screw thread formed on - 5J a neck end of the container, the tamper indicating closure is characterized in that it comprises: a closure cap having an upper wall and a surrounding internally threaded side wall, the side wall extending downwardly from the upper wall towards a lower edge portion, the closure cap further includes an annular flange extending downwardly beyond the lower edge portion; and the tamper indicating means comprises a release ring that depends on the lower edge portion of the side wall, a plurality of fragile elements that detachably secure the ring to the lower edge portion, and a plurality of flexed tabs in an upward direction, the fragile elements being radially spaced outwardly from the annular rim, and defining with it an annular channel, a portion of the tabs being placed within the annular channel, whereby the annular rim is used for keeping the tongues in their folded position, and with this the tongues cooperate with the neck end during the removal of the closure cap, causing the fragile elements to break, whereby the ring is separated from the remainder of the closure cap .

16. The tamper indicating closure according to claim 15, further characterized in that it includes an outer cap having an annular upper wall portion defining an open central portion, and having in addition a surrounding side wall.

17. The tamper indicating closure according to claim 15, characterized in that the neck end defines a series of axial projections extending circumferentially, and each tab of the plurality of tabs has a ratchet-like shape, and the plurality Tabs are designed and constructed for the anti-recoil coupling with the series of axial protrusions of the neck end. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improper handling indicator closure is described, to be tested. of children, to seal an open top container, having an external thread formed on the neck end, which includes a combination of inner and outer covers, where the inner cover includes a tamper indicating band, which is connected to the rest of the inner cover, by a series of fragile elements. The inner lid further includes a series of ratchet-shaped tabs, which are in a position secured behind an annular rim. The tabs are arranged to engage an annular lip on the neck end. The outer cap is snapped onto the inner cap, and includes a series of ratchet teeth which are directed toward the inner cap. The upper surface of the inner lid includes a series of depressions that are sized and accommodated for engagement with the series of ratchet teeth. The child resistant arrangement allows the outer cover to rotate relative to the inner cover in a counterclockwise direction. In the clockwise direction, the ratchet teeth and the depressions are in engagement, such that when turning the outer cover the inner cover will be advanced in threaded engagement. Removal of the inner end of the horn end is achieved by ovalizing the outer cover to engage the projections on the inner cover, with the projections on the inner surface of the side wall of the outer cover. By means of the coupling of the projections and frictional interference, the outer cover is used to remove the inner cover.