US20230017507A1 - Tamper-proof container - Google Patents
Tamper-proof container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230017507A1 US20230017507A1 US17/781,834 US202017781834A US2023017507A1 US 20230017507 A1 US20230017507 A1 US 20230017507A1 US 202017781834 A US202017781834 A US 202017781834A US 2023017507 A1 US2023017507 A1 US 2023017507A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tamper
- container
- cap
- lid
- proof container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
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Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
- B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
- B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
- B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
- B65D55/024—Closures in which a part has to be ruptured to gain access to the contents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/10—Details of hinged closures
- B65D2251/1016—Means for locking the closure in closed position
- B65D2251/1041—The closure having a part penetrating in the dispensing aperture and retained by snapping over integral beads or projections
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
- B65D2401/20—Frangible elements completely enclosed in closure skirt
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to an easy-to-operate tamper-proof container for storing contents and to a novel cap coupled with the container with an efficient tamper evidence mechanism.
- Maintaining the safety and efficacy of products is a major concern for both companies and consumers, especially in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and wellness industries. Consumers’ heath may be at risk if defective or contaminated products are used. Also, companies suffer huge losses of revenue and lose the trust of their consumers if inferior or harmful products are sold to consumers. Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies are actively working on their packaging to prevent tampering of the contents in order to protect the integrity of their products.
- tamper-proof packaging has been an area of significant research over the past several decades.
- Several types of tamper-proof packaging solutions are available on the market; however, these solutions have often been deficient in enabling the consumer to differentiate between tampered and non-tampered products.
- some tamper-proof packaging is not completely effective at preventing tampering from all sides of the container.
- the inclusion of a tamper-proof mechanism interferes with the proper closure of the product dispensing orifice, thereby leading to leaking or contamination of the contents from the orifice during storage or transport.
- tamper evidence mechanism that also provides a visual confirmation to consumers that a tamper evidence mechanism was present even after it has been broken. It is also preferable that the tamper-proof container be easy to open and close and that the tamper evidence mechanism does not interfere with the operation of the cap.
- a tamper-proof container comprising a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall, the top portion defining a cavity wherein contents can be held; a cap provided on the container comprising: an inner surface provided over the cavity and containing an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism; and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member.
- the present invention further includes a plug projecting from the inner surface of the lid, wherein the plug fits into the orifice to seal the orifice so as to provide moisture tight and resealable seal. Additionally, in the present invention, the plug enters the orifice prior to the male component of the tamper evidence mechanism completing its engagement with the corresponding female component of the tamper evidence mechanism.
- aspects of the present invention are further directed to the neck of the cap including a sloped portion located at a front side of the cap and the lid including an extended part extending over the sloped portion, wherein the lid of the cap may be opened by pushing up from under the extended part.
- the sloped portion is made of a soft material and has an angel between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis.
- the soft material of the sloped portion can be selected from a group comprising, silicon, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, or PET.
- aspects of the present invention are directed to two tamper evidence mechanism provided on opposite sides on the neck of the cap. Aspects of the present invention are further directed to the male component of the tamper evidence mechanism which is provided on the rim of the lid and the female component of the tamper evidence mechanism which is provided on the neck of the cap. Aspects of the present invention are further directed to the locking member which is provided on the female component and extends in a horizontal direction from one end of the female component to the other end of the female component. Further, in the present invention, the locking member is connected with one point of connection at one end of the female component and two points of connection at the other end of the female component.
- aspects of the present invention are directed to a cap comprising an inner surface containing an orifice, a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism, and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member.
- a tamper-proof container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall, the top portion defining a cavity wherein contents can be held; a cap provided on the container comprising: an inner surface provided over the cavity and containing an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism; and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member, wherein the neck of the cap includes a sloped portion located at a front side of the cap and the lid includes an extended part extending over the sloped portion, wherein the lid of the cap may be opened by pushing up from under the extended part, and wherein the sloped portion is made of a soft material and has an angel between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis.
- a tamper-proof container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall, the top portion defining a cavity wherein contents can be held; a cap provided on the container comprising: an inner surface provided over the cavity and containing an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism; and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member, wherein the neck of the cap includes a sloped portion located at a front side of the cap and the lid includes an extended part extending over the sloped portion, wherein the lid of the cap may be opened by pushing up from under the extended part, wherein the sloped portion is made of a soft material and has an angel between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis, and wherein the soft material of the sloped
- a tamper-proof container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall, the top portion defining a cavity wherein contents can be held; a cap provided on the container comprising: an inner surface provided over the cavity and containing an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism; and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member, wherein the locking member is provided on the female component and extends in a horizontal direction from one end of the female component to the other end of the female component, and wherein the locking member is connected with one point of connection at one end of the female component and two points of connection at the other end of the female component.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position
- FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an opened position
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a female component of a tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 7 A- 7 D illustrates a side view of an exemplary method of securing the tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 8 A- 8 D illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary method of securing the tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention in the opened position.
- FIGS. 10 A- 10 D illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary method of opening an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cap of an embodiment present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention in a broken state.
- FIGS. 1 through 12 are based upon engineering drawings used for the development and representation of a tamper-proof container 100 and represents the various embodiments of the present invention. Hence, the drawings are to scale and representative of the geometry of the tamper-proof container 100 comprising a container 200 , a cap 300 , and a tamper evidence mechanism 304 according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 1 - 3 illustrate an exemplary tamper-proof container 100 of the present invention in a closed position.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the tamper-proof container 100 in the closed position.
- the tamper-proof container 100 includes a container 200 , a cap 300 , and at least one tamper evidence mechanism 304 .
- the container 200 includes a bottom portion 201 , a side wall 202 and a top portion 203 defining an inner cavity of the container 100 wherein contents may be held.
- the container 100 may be rigid and the side wall 202 may maintain its shape.
- the container 100 may be flexible and the side wall 202 may be squeezed to move contents out of the container 100 .
- the top portion 203 of the container 200 includes an upright annular neck 206 which is hollow and serves as the sole opening for the passage of contents out of the container 200 .
- the cap 300 may be provided on the neck 206 of the container 200 so as to close the opening to the cavity.
- the diameter of the container 200 may be between about 25 mm and about 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the container is about 40 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the diameter of the container is about 30 mm.
- the diameter of the cap 300 may be between about 24 mm and about 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cap is about 39 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cap is about 29 mm.
- the present invention may be formed through the combination of the container 200 and cap 300 formed either integrally or non-integrally.
- the cap 300 and the container 200 may be formed of a blow-molded material or injection molded using methods known to one skilled in the art.
- the cap 300 and container 200 are non-integrally connected, they may be connected, for example, by being screwed on to external or internal threads, friction fitted, snap fitted, or secured onto the container 200 in any other suitable manner known to one skilled in the art.
- the container 200 and cap 300 are connected by being snap fitted.
- the cap 300 is permanently fixed to the container 200 after or before the container is filled with contents, thereby rendering the container 200 and cap 300 into a connected system.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing an exemplary tamper-proof container 100 in an opened position.
- the cap 300 may be molded as one piece and includes a substantially cylindrical neck 301 , an inner surface 318 , and a lid 305 .
- the lid 305 further includes, a bottom surface 310 , a side surface 208 and a plug 312 protruding from the bottom surface 310 .
- the neck 301 is provided around the inner surface and extends down from the inner surface 318 towards the container 200 .
- a back end of the lid 305 is connected to the neck 301 of the cap 300 via a hinge 302 and pivots about the hinge 302 to move the tamper-proof container 100 between the opened position and the closed position.
- the lid 305 further includes an extended part 307 at a front end of the lid 305 .
- the extended part 307 may consist of a soft material and allows the user to easily and comfortably open and close the lid.
- the material of the extended part may be silicon, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, PET, or any other suitable soft or rubberized material.
- the material of the extended part may be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene.
- the material of the extended part 22 is TPE.
- the neck 301 includes a sloped portion 303 at a front end of the cap 300 .
- the sloped portion 303 slopes in an inward direction from the front of the cap 300 towards a back end of the cap 300 .
- the extended part 307 extends over the top of the sloped portion 303 to allow for a convenient and smooth single-handed opening and closing of the lid 305 .
- the sloped portion 303 has an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the sloped portion 303 has an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the horizontal axis.
- a user may place their thumb or other finger on the sloped portion 303 to push the extended part 307 in an upward direction from an underside of the extended part 307 .
- the extended part 307 has a curved shape; however, the shape of the extended part 307 is not limited and can be any suitable shape.
- the material of the sloped portion may be silicon, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, PET, or any other suitable soft or rubberized material.
- the material of the sloped portion may be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the sloped portion is polypropylene.
- the cap 300 further includes an orifice 313 provided on the inner surface 318 of the cap 300 by which contents can be dispensed from the tamper-proof container 100 when the tamper-proof container 100 is in the opened position.
- the orifice 313 is a circular shape, but it may be any suitable shape to dispense the contents held in the tamper-proof container 100 .
- the diameter of the orifice 313 may be between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the orifice 313 is about 4.2 mm. A user may squeeze the side wall 202 of the container to push the containers out of the orifice 313 .
- the sloped portion 303 can serve as an applicator and provides a smooth surface for direct application of the contents to an area. Further, the slope of the sloped portion 303 allows for easy direct application of the contents to difficult to reach areas with minimal manipulation of the tamper-proof container 100 by the user. This direct application of the contents to the desired area prevents contamination of the contents by avoiding contact with a user’s fingers prior to application and prevents waste of the contents.
- the plug 312 In a closed position, the plug 312 extends in a downwards direction from the bottom surface 310 of the lid 305 towards the container 200 and fits into the orifice 313 to create a secure air tight seal to prevent contamination and leaking of the contents.
- the tamper-proof container 100 is moisture-tight and is resealable to maintain the moisture tight properties.
- the term “resealable” means that the tamper-proof container 100 can be opened or reopened and closed or reclosed a numerous amount of times (e.g. more than 5 times) and still retain its moisture-tight properties.
- moisture-tight means the moisture ingress of the container is less than about 1500 micrograms of water/day, determined by the following test method: (a) place approximately one gram of molecular sieve in the container and record the weight; (b) close the resealable mechanism; (c) place the sealed container in an environment chamber at conditions of 80% relative humidity and 72° F.; (d) after one day, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; (e) after approximately two weeks, weigh the container; and (f) subtract the first day sample from the value obtained and divide by the number of days to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in units of micrograms of water/day.
- the cap 300 further comprises at least one tamper evidence mechanism 304 provided on the cap 300 to prevent tampering with the contents prior to a user opening the tamper-proof container 100 for the first time.
- tamper evidence mechanisms 304 There can be any suitable number of tamper evidence mechanisms 304 provided on the cap 300 .
- Two tamper evidence mechanisms 304 provide the benefit of additional protection by preventing the lid 305 from being lifted or opened from either side of the hinge 302 or the extended part 307 without breaking at least one of the two tamper evidence mechanisms 304 to indicate signs of tampering.
- each of the tamper evidence mechanisms 304 have the same structure and function.
- Each tamper evidence mechanism 304 includes a male component 304 A, a corresponding female component 304 B, and a locking member 304 C.
- the male component 304 A is provided on a rim 311 of the side surface 308 of the lid 305 .
- the male component 24 A protrudes from the rim 311 of the side surface 308 of the lid 305 in an upwards direction when the tamper-proof container 100 is in the opened position.
- the shape of the male component 304 A can be any suitable shape.
- the male component 304 A has a substantially rectangular shape.
- the male component 304 A further includes a lip 314 at a top portion of the male component 204 A that extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the remainder of the male component 304 A.
- the female component 204 B includes a recess provided on a rim 309 of the neck 301 of the cap 300 and extends down onto the neck 301 of the cap 300 .
- the female component 304 B is a substantially rectangular shape, but the present invention is not limited to this shape and the female component can be any suitable shape.
- the tamper evidence mechanism 304 further includes a locking member 304 C.
- the locking member 304 C can be any suitable shape and size.
- the locking member 304 C is in the form of a band and extends from one end of the female component 304 B to the other end in a horizontal direction, thereby connecting the two ends of the female component of the tamper mechanism 304 .
- the length of the locking member may be between about 3 mm and about 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the locking member is about 6 mm.
- a gap exists between the locking member 304 C and the neck 301 of the cap 300 .
- FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary female component of the tamper evidence mechanism of the present invention.
- Each end of the locking member 304 C is connected to an end of the female component 304 B in the horizontal direction.
- the locking member 304 C is connected so as to have a stronger connection at one end as compared to the other end.
- the locking member 304 C is connected by a single point of connection 317 at one end of a female component 304 B, and by two points of connection 315 & 316 at the other end of the female component 304 B.
- the locking member 304 C has a stronger connection at the end with two points of connection as compared to the end with the single point of connection.
- the locking member 304 C will detach from the female component 304 B predictably and consistently at the end with the single point of connection only and remain attached at the opposite end having two points of connection. This provides clear indication of prior opening to the user since the severed locking member 304 C is still attached at one end once the lid 305 has been opened for the first time providing visual confirmation that a tamper mechanism was present and has been broken. Additionally, since the locking member 304 C remains attached at one end, there is no need to discard the locking member 304 C once the tamper-proof container 100 has been opened.
- the locking member 304 C may be connected with three points of connection at one end and a single point of connection at the other end. In another embodiment, the locking member may be connected with two points of connection at one end and three points of connection at the other end.
- the present invention may have any combination of connections so long as the connection at one end is stronger than the connection at the opposite end.
- FIG. 6 is a view of an exemplary tamper evidence mechanism 304 secured on the tamper-proof container 100 of the present invention.
- the tamper evidence mechanism 304 is secured onto the tamper-proof container 100 .
- the lid 305 is secured in the closed position over the inner surface 318 of the cap 300 , thereby preventing access to the contents held in the container 200 .
- the male component 304 A engages with the female component 304 B and sits in the recess of the female component 304 B with the locking member 304 C provided on top of the male component 304 A.
- the bottom of the locking member 304 C resists the movement of the lip 314 of the male 304 A so as to lock and hold the male component 304 A in place.
- the male component 304 A cannot be removed from the female component 304 B without detaching the locking member 304 C from at least one end indicating tampering.
- the tamper evidence mechanism 304 remains intact until the lid 305 is opened for the first time.
- the lip 314 of the male component 304 B pushes against the locking member 304 C causing the locking member 304 C to disengage at one end to allow the lid 305 to be lifted and the tamper-proof container 100 to be opened.
- FIG. 7 A to FIG. 7 D illustrate a process of securing the tamper evidence mechanism 304 on the present invention.
- the lid 305 is closed for the first time, and the tamper evidence mechanism is enabled.
- the lid 305 is moved in a downward direction to cover the orifice 313 on the inner surface 318 of the cap 300 .
- the plug 312 substantially enters the orifice 313 to seal the orifice 313 before the male component 304 A of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 completes its engagement with the corresponding female component 304 B.
- FIG. 7 A to FIG. 7 D illustrate a process of securing the tamper evidence mechanism 304 on the present invention.
- FIGS. 8 A- 8 D illustrate a cross-sectional view of the process of closing the lid 305 of the cap 300 for the first time according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 8 A- 8 D further indicate the process in which the plug 312 enters the orifice 313 .
- the male component 304 A of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 provided on the lid 305 engages with the female component 304 B.
- the plug 312 substantially enters the orifice 313 before the engagement of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 is complete.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the cap of the present invention in an opened position.
- Line 10 indicates that the center point of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 is closer to the hinge 302 as compared to the center point of the orifice 313 . Accordingly, in a typical container with this arrangement, the tamper evidence mechanism 304 would engage and lock before the plug 312 completely enters the orifice 313 . However, if the tamper evidence mechanism 304 engages and locks in place prior to the plug 312 entering the orifice 313 , the lid 305 will not be closed properly and will not be flat against the inner surface 318 of the cap 300 as desired.
- the length of the male component 304 A projecting from the rim 311 of the lid 305 is less than the length of the plug 312 projecting from the inner surface 318 of the cap 300 so as to facilitate entry of the plug 312 into the orifice 313 before the male component 304 A of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 is fully locked into the corresponding female component 304 B.
- the projection length of the plug 312 from an inner surface 310 of the lid 305 to the end of the plug 312 may be between about 3 mm and about 7 mm.
- the projection length of the plug is about 5.51 mm.
- the length of the male component 304 A from the rim 311 of the side surface 308 of the lid 305 to the end of the male component 304 A may be between about 1.5 mm and about 3.5 mm.
- the length of the male component 204 A is about 2.84 mm.
- the ratio of the projection length of the male component 204 A to the projection length of the plug is 1:9.
- the distance between the hinge 302 and the center of the orifice 313 is between about 15 mm and about 23 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the hinge 302 and the center of the orifice 313 is about 18.55 mm.
- the distance between the hinge 302 and the center of the female component 304 B is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the hinge 302 and the center of the female component 304 B is about 13.25 mm.
- FIGS. 10 A to 10 D depict the process of opening the tamper-proof container 100 for the first time.
- the tamper evidence mechanism 304 is clearly intact on either side of the cap 300 to indicate to the user that there has been no tampering with the contents held in the container 200 .
- the tamper evidence mechanism 304 begins to disengage.
- a user may open the tamper-proof container 100 in a flip motion with a single hand.
- the force applied by the user to the lid 305 causes the male component 304 A to press against the locking member 304 C and put pressure on the locking member 304 C until the locking member 304 C breaks at one end.
- the locking band 304 C breaks at the end with the single point of connection and remains connected to the female component 304 B at the other end with the two points point of connection.
- the locking member 304 C remains attached to the female component 304 B at one end so as to provide visual confirmation of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 being broken.
- two tamper evidence mechanisms 304 are provided on either side of the orifice 313 so as to prevent opening the lid 305 from any point around the lid 305 without breaking one or both tamper evidence mechanisms 304 .
- FIG. 11 depicts the cap 300 of the present invention in the opened position removed from the container 200 .
- the locking member 304 C of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 remains attached to the female component 304 B.
- the locking member 304 C will remain attached to the female component 304 B at the end with the stronger connection, i.e. two points of connection 315 and 316 , instead of the end with the weaker connection, i.e. the single point of connection 317 .
- the end with the stronger connection may be the end of the female component 304 B closest to the hinge 302 .
- the material of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 , the container 200 , the lid 305 and the neck 301 of the cap 300 may be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene.
- the material of the tamper evidence mechanism 304 , the container 200 , the lid 305 , and the neck 301 of the cap 300 is polypropylene.
- the contents held in the container tube may be any compound or composition that can be used to cleanse the skin, provide pain relief, or provide overall health and wellness benefits to the user.
- Non-limiting examples of the contents may include pharmaceutical active ingredients including over the counter actives, behind the counter actives, prescription actives, or any combination thereof.
- the contents may be available in various forms and selected from group comprising gel, lotion, cream, oil, emulsion, ointment and powder.
- the contents held in the container is a cream or gel containing diclofenac sodium.
- the contents held in the container is a combination of diclofenac sodium, ammonia, carbomer homopolymer type c, coco-caprylate/caprate, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, and water.
- the tamper-proof container 100 of the present invention may be compatible with any pump or spray device, including, but not limited to airless pumps.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to an easy-to-operate tamper-proof container for storing contents and to a novel cap coupled with the container with an efficient tamper evidence mechanism.
- Maintaining the safety and efficacy of products is a major concern for both companies and consumers, especially in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and wellness industries. Consumers’ heath may be at risk if defective or contaminated products are used. Also, companies suffer huge losses of revenue and lose the trust of their consumers if inferior or harmful products are sold to consumers. Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies are actively working on their packaging to prevent tampering of the contents in order to protect the integrity of their products.
- One common solution to these problems to is utilize tamper-proof packaging to ensure product safety. Thus, tamper-proof packaging has been an area of significant research over the past several decades. Several types of tamper-proof packaging solutions are available on the market; however, these solutions have often been deficient in enabling the consumer to differentiate between tampered and non-tampered products. Additionally, some tamper-proof packaging is not completely effective at preventing tampering from all sides of the container. Furthermore, in some tamper-proof containers, the inclusion of a tamper-proof mechanism interferes with the proper closure of the product dispensing orifice, thereby leading to leaking or contamination of the contents from the orifice during storage or transport.
- Due to the aforementioned issues, it is desirable to have an effective tamper evidence mechanism that also provides a visual confirmation to consumers that a tamper evidence mechanism was present even after it has been broken. It is also preferable that the tamper-proof container be easy to open and close and that the tamper evidence mechanism does not interfere with the operation of the cap.
- Aspects of the present invention are directed to a tamper-proof container comprising a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall, the top portion defining a cavity wherein contents can be held; a cap provided on the container comprising: an inner surface provided over the cavity and containing an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism; and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member. The present invention further includes a plug projecting from the inner surface of the lid, wherein the plug fits into the orifice to seal the orifice so as to provide moisture tight and resealable seal. Additionally, in the present invention, the plug enters the orifice prior to the male component of the tamper evidence mechanism completing its engagement with the corresponding female component of the tamper evidence mechanism.
- Aspects of the present invention are further directed to the neck of the cap including a sloped portion located at a front side of the cap and the lid including an extended part extending over the sloped portion, wherein the lid of the cap may be opened by pushing up from under the extended part. The sloped portion is made of a soft material and has an angel between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis. According to the present invention, the soft material of the sloped portion can be selected from a group comprising, silicon, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, or PET.
- Aspects of the present invention are directed to two tamper evidence mechanism provided on opposite sides on the neck of the cap. Aspects of the present invention are further directed to the male component of the tamper evidence mechanism which is provided on the rim of the lid and the female component of the tamper evidence mechanism which is provided on the neck of the cap. Aspects of the present invention are further directed to the locking member which is provided on the female component and extends in a horizontal direction from one end of the female component to the other end of the female component. Further, in the present invention, the locking member is connected with one point of connection at one end of the female component and two points of connection at the other end of the female component.
- Aspects of the present invention are directed to a cap comprising an inner surface containing an orifice, a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism, and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member.
- Aspects of the present invention are directed to a tamper-proof container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall, the top portion defining a cavity wherein contents can be held; a cap provided on the container comprising: an inner surface provided over the cavity and containing an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism; and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member, wherein the neck of the cap includes a sloped portion located at a front side of the cap and the lid includes an extended part extending over the sloped portion, wherein the lid of the cap may be opened by pushing up from under the extended part, and wherein the sloped portion is made of a soft material and has an angel between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis.
- Aspects of the present invention are directed to a tamper-proof container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall, the top portion defining a cavity wherein contents can be held; a cap provided on the container comprising: an inner surface provided over the cavity and containing an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism; and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member, wherein the neck of the cap includes a sloped portion located at a front side of the cap and the lid includes an extended part extending over the sloped portion, wherein the lid of the cap may be opened by pushing up from under the extended part, wherein the sloped portion is made of a soft material and has an angel between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis, and wherein the soft material of the sloped portion can be selected from a group comprising, silicon, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, or PET.
- Aspects of the present invention are directed to a tamper-proof container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a side wall, the top portion defining a cavity wherein contents can be held; a cap provided on the container comprising: an inner surface provided over the cavity and containing an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper evidence mechanism; and a lid connected to the cap pivotally via a hinge and moveable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the tamper evidence mechanism includes a male component, a female component and a locking member, wherein the locking member is provided on the female component and extends in a horizontal direction from one end of the female component to the other end of the female component, and wherein the locking member is connected with one point of connection at one end of the female component and two points of connection at the other end of the female component.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a closed position; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention in the closed position; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an opened position; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a female component of a tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 7A-7D illustrates a side view of an exemplary method of securing the tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary method of securing the tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention in the opened position; -
FIGS. 10A-10D illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary method of opening an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a cap of an embodiment present invention; and -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tamper evidence mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention in a broken state. - Aspects of the present invention are directed to a novel tamper-
proof container 100 including acontainer 200 to told contents, acap 300, and atamper evidence mechanism 304.FIGS. 1 through 12 are based upon engineering drawings used for the development and representation of a tamper-proof container 100 and represents the various embodiments of the present invention. Hence, the drawings are to scale and representative of the geometry of the tamper-proof container 100 comprising acontainer 200, acap 300, and atamper evidence mechanism 304 according to the present invention. -
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exemplary tamper-proof container 100 of the present invention in a closed position.FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the tamper-proof container 100 in the closed position. The tamper-proof container 100 includes acontainer 200, acap 300, and at least onetamper evidence mechanism 304. Thecontainer 200 includes abottom portion 201, aside wall 202 and atop portion 203 defining an inner cavity of thecontainer 100 wherein contents may be held. In an embodiment, thecontainer 100 may be rigid and theside wall 202 may maintain its shape. In another embodiment, thecontainer 100 may be flexible and theside wall 202 may be squeezed to move contents out of thecontainer 100. Thetop portion 203 of thecontainer 200 includes an upright annular neck 206 which is hollow and serves as the sole opening for the passage of contents out of thecontainer 200. Thecap 300 may be provided on the neck 206 of thecontainer 200 so as to close the opening to the cavity. The diameter of thecontainer 200 may be between about 25 mm and about 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the container is about 40 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the diameter of the container is about 30 mm. The diameter of thecap 300 may be between about 24 mm and about 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cap is about 39 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cap is about 29 mm. - The present invention may be formed through the combination of the
container 200 andcap 300 formed either integrally or non-integrally. If thecap 300 is integrally connected to thecontainer 200, thecap 300 and thecontainer 200 may be formed of a blow-molded material or injection molded using methods known to one skilled in the art. If thecap 300 andcontainer 200 are non-integrally connected, they may be connected, for example, by being screwed on to external or internal threads, friction fitted, snap fitted, or secured onto thecontainer 200 in any other suitable manner known to one skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, thecontainer 200 andcap 300 are connected by being snap fitted. In a preferred embodiment, thecap 300 is permanently fixed to thecontainer 200 after or before the container is filled with contents, thereby rendering thecontainer 200 andcap 300 into a connected system. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view showing an exemplary tamper-proof container 100 in an opened position. Thecap 300 may be molded as one piece and includes a substantiallycylindrical neck 301, aninner surface 318, and alid 305. Thelid 305 further includes, abottom surface 310, a side surface 208 and aplug 312 protruding from thebottom surface 310. Theneck 301 is provided around the inner surface and extends down from theinner surface 318 towards thecontainer 200. A back end of thelid 305 is connected to theneck 301 of thecap 300 via ahinge 302 and pivots about thehinge 302 to move the tamper-proof container 100 between the opened position and the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, theinner surface 318 is stationary and does not move during opening and closing of the tamper-proof container 100. Thelid 305 further includes anextended part 307 at a front end of thelid 305. Theextended part 307 may consist of a soft material and allows the user to easily and comfortably open and close the lid. In an embodiment, the material of the extended part may be silicon, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, PET, or any other suitable soft or rubberized material. In another embodiment, the material of the extended part may be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the extended part 22 is TPE. - The
neck 301 includes a slopedportion 303 at a front end of thecap 300. The slopedportion 303 slopes in an inward direction from the front of thecap 300 towards a back end of thecap 300. Theextended part 307 extends over the top of the slopedportion 303 to allow for a convenient and smooth single-handed opening and closing of thelid 305. In an embodiment, the slopedportion 303 has an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the slopedportion 303 has an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the horizontal axis. A user may place their thumb or other finger on the slopedportion 303 to push theextended part 307 in an upward direction from an underside of theextended part 307. If a user is not able to use their hands or fingers to open the container, another object or an edge of a surface may be placed under theextended part 307 and used to push up on theextended part 307 to open the tamper-proof container 100. In a preferred embodiment, theextended part 307 has a curved shape; however, the shape of theextended part 307 is not limited and can be any suitable shape. In an embodiment, the material of the sloped portion may be silicon, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, PET, or any other suitable soft or rubberized material. In another embodiment, the material of the sloped portion may be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the sloped portion is polypropylene. - The
cap 300 further includes anorifice 313 provided on theinner surface 318 of thecap 300 by which contents can be dispensed from the tamper-proof container 100 when the tamper-proof container 100 is in the opened position. In a preferred embodiment, theorifice 313 is a circular shape, but it may be any suitable shape to dispense the contents held in the tamper-proof container 100. The diameter of theorifice 313 may be between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of theorifice 313 is about 4.2 mm. A user may squeeze theside wall 202 of the container to push the containers out of theorifice 313. When contents is dispensed from theorifice 313, a user can flip the tamper-proof container 100 upside down and apply the contents directly to the desired area without having to take the contents on their finger first. There is a smooth transition from the slopedportion 313 to theinner surface 318 of thecap 300 to facilitate the application of the contents directly to the desired area. Thus, the slopedportion 303 can serve as an applicator and provides a smooth surface for direct application of the contents to an area. Further, the slope of the slopedportion 303 allows for easy direct application of the contents to difficult to reach areas with minimal manipulation of the tamper-proof container 100 by the user. This direct application of the contents to the desired area prevents contamination of the contents by avoiding contact with a user’s fingers prior to application and prevents waste of the contents. - In a closed position, the
plug 312 extends in a downwards direction from thebottom surface 310 of thelid 305 towards thecontainer 200 and fits into theorifice 313 to create a secure air tight seal to prevent contamination and leaking of the contents. In an embodiment, the tamper-proof container 100 is moisture-tight and is resealable to maintain the moisture tight properties. As used herein, the term “resealable” means that the tamper-proof container 100 can be opened or reopened and closed or reclosed a numerous amount of times (e.g. more than 5 times) and still retain its moisture-tight properties. As used herein, the term “moisture-tight” means the moisture ingress of the container is less than about 1500 micrograms of water/day, determined by the following test method: (a) place approximately one gram of molecular sieve in the container and record the weight; (b) close the resealable mechanism; (c) place the sealed container in an environment chamber at conditions of 80% relative humidity and 72° F.; (d) after one day, weigh the container containing the molecular sieve; (e) after approximately two weeks, weigh the container; and (f) subtract the first day sample from the value obtained and divide by the number of days to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in units of micrograms of water/day. - The
cap 300 further comprises at least onetamper evidence mechanism 304 provided on thecap 300 to prevent tampering with the contents prior to a user opening the tamper-proof container 100 for the first time. There can be any suitable number oftamper evidence mechanisms 304 provided on thecap 300. In an embodiment, there is onetamper evidence mechanism 304. In a preferred embodiment, there are twotamper evidence mechanisms 304 located on either side of thehinge 302 so as to be on opposite sides around thecap 300. Twotamper evidence mechanisms 304 provide the benefit of additional protection by preventing thelid 305 from being lifted or opened from either side of thehinge 302 or theextended part 307 without breaking at least one of the twotamper evidence mechanisms 304 to indicate signs of tampering. In a preferred embodiment, each of thetamper evidence mechanisms 304 have the same structure and function. - Each
tamper evidence mechanism 304 includes amale component 304A, a correspondingfemale component 304B, and a lockingmember 304C. Themale component 304A is provided on arim 311 of theside surface 308 of thelid 305. The male component 24A protrudes from therim 311 of theside surface 308 of thelid 305 in an upwards direction when the tamper-proof container 100 is in the opened position. The shape of themale component 304A can be any suitable shape. In a preferred embodiment, themale component 304A has a substantially rectangular shape. Themale component 304A further includes alip 314 at a top portion of the male component 204A that extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from the remainder of themale component 304A. - The female component 204B includes a recess provided on a
rim 309 of theneck 301 of thecap 300 and extends down onto theneck 301 of thecap 300. In a preferred embodiment, thefemale component 304B is a substantially rectangular shape, but the present invention is not limited to this shape and the female component can be any suitable shape. Thetamper evidence mechanism 304 further includes a lockingmember 304C. The lockingmember 304C can be any suitable shape and size. In a preferred embodiment, the lockingmember 304C is in the form of a band and extends from one end of thefemale component 304B to the other end in a horizontal direction, thereby connecting the two ends of the female component of thetamper mechanism 304. In an embodiment, the length of the locking member may be between about 3 mm and about 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the locking member is about 6 mm. A gap exists between the lockingmember 304C and theneck 301 of thecap 300. -
FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary female component of the tamper evidence mechanism of the present invention. Each end of the lockingmember 304C is connected to an end of thefemale component 304B in the horizontal direction. The lockingmember 304C is connected so as to have a stronger connection at one end as compared to the other end. In a preferred embodiment, the lockingmember 304C is connected by a single point ofconnection 317 at one end of afemale component 304B, and by two points ofconnection 315 & 316 at the other end of thefemale component 304B. The lockingmember 304C has a stronger connection at the end with two points of connection as compared to the end with the single point of connection. Therefore, when thelid 305 is opened for the first time, the lockingmember 304C will detach from thefemale component 304B predictably and consistently at the end with the single point of connection only and remain attached at the opposite end having two points of connection. This provides clear indication of prior opening to the user since the severed lockingmember 304C is still attached at one end once thelid 305 has been opened for the first time providing visual confirmation that a tamper mechanism was present and has been broken. Additionally, since the lockingmember 304C remains attached at one end, there is no need to discard the lockingmember 304C once the tamper-proof container 100 has been opened. In an embodiment, the lockingmember 304C may be connected with three points of connection at one end and a single point of connection at the other end. In another embodiment, the locking member may be connected with two points of connection at one end and three points of connection at the other end. The present invention may have any combination of connections so long as the connection at one end is stronger than the connection at the opposite end. -
FIG. 6 is a view of an exemplarytamper evidence mechanism 304 secured on the tamper-proof container 100 of the present invention. When the tamper-proof container 100 is closed for the first time after being filled with the contents, thetamper evidence mechanism 304 is secured onto the tamper-proof container 100. When thetamper evidence mechanism 304 is attached, thelid 305 is secured in the closed position over theinner surface 318 of thecap 300, thereby preventing access to the contents held in thecontainer 200. In order to secure thetamper proof mechanism 304, themale component 304A engages with thefemale component 304B and sits in the recess of thefemale component 304B with the lockingmember 304C provided on top of themale component 304A. The bottom of the lockingmember 304C resists the movement of thelip 314 of the male 304A so as to lock and hold themale component 304A in place. In this configuration, themale component 304A cannot be removed from thefemale component 304B without detaching the lockingmember 304C from at least one end indicating tampering. Thetamper evidence mechanism 304 remains intact until thelid 305 is opened for the first time. When the user moves thelid 305 in an upward direction to open the tamper-proof container 100 for the first time, thelip 314 of themale component 304B pushes against the lockingmember 304C causing the lockingmember 304C to disengage at one end to allow thelid 305 to be lifted and the tamper-proof container 100 to be opened. -
FIG. 7A toFIG. 7D illustrate a process of securing thetamper evidence mechanism 304 on the present invention. After contents is filled in the container, thelid 305 is closed for the first time, and the tamper evidence mechanism is enabled. Thelid 305 is moved in a downward direction to cover theorifice 313 on theinner surface 318 of thecap 300. As can be seen inFIGS. 7B and 7C , as thelid 305 pivots about thehinge 302 in the downwards direction, theplug 312 substantially enters theorifice 313 to seal theorifice 313 before themale component 304A of thetamper evidence mechanism 304 completes its engagement with the correspondingfemale component 304B. As can be seen inFIG. 7C , while theplug 312 enters theorifice 313, themale component 304A continues to enter the gap in the correspondingfemale components 304B until thetamper evidence mechanism 304 is secured in place. Only after theplug 312 has entered theorifice 313 completely to seal theorifice 313, does themale component 304A complete its engagement with the correspondingfemale component 304B. -
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a cross-sectional view of the process of closing thelid 305 of thecap 300 for the first time according to the present invention.FIGS. 8A-8D further indicate the process in which theplug 312 enters theorifice 313. Additionally, as thelid 305 is moved down into the closed position, themale component 304A of thetamper evidence mechanism 304 provided on thelid 305 engages with thefemale component 304B. As can be seen inFIG. 8C , theplug 312 substantially enters theorifice 313 before the engagement of thetamper evidence mechanism 304 is complete. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the cap of the present invention in an opened position.Line 10 indicates that the center point of thetamper evidence mechanism 304 is closer to thehinge 302 as compared to the center point of theorifice 313. Accordingly, in a typical container with this arrangement, thetamper evidence mechanism 304 would engage and lock before theplug 312 completely enters theorifice 313. However, if thetamper evidence mechanism 304 engages and locks in place prior to theplug 312 entering theorifice 313, thelid 305 will not be closed properly and will not be flat against theinner surface 318 of thecap 300 as desired. Instead, a gap may exist between thelid 305 and theinner surface 318 of thecap 300 causing the contents to spill out, be contaminated, or exposed to harmful environmental factors. In order to address this problem, in the present invention, the length of themale component 304A projecting from therim 311 of thelid 305 is less than the length of theplug 312 projecting from theinner surface 318 of thecap 300 so as to facilitate entry of theplug 312 into theorifice 313 before themale component 304A of thetamper evidence mechanism 304 is fully locked into the correspondingfemale component 304B. In an embodiment, the projection length of theplug 312 from aninner surface 310 of thelid 305 to the end of theplug 312 may be between about 3 mm and about 7 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the projection length of the plug is about 5.51 mm. In an embodiment, the length of themale component 304A from therim 311 of theside surface 308 of thelid 305 to the end of themale component 304A may be between about 1.5 mm and about 3.5 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the male component 204A is about 2.84 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the projection length of the male component 204A to the projection length of the plug is 1:9. The distance between thehinge 302 and the center of theorifice 313 is between about 15 mm and about 23 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between thehinge 302 and the center of theorifice 313 is about 18.55 mm. The distance between thehinge 302 and the center of thefemale component 304B is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between thehinge 302 and the center of thefemale component 304B is about 13.25 mm. -
FIGS. 10A to 10D depict the process of opening the tamper-proof container 100 for the first time. As can be seen inFIG. 10A , when the user first encounters the tamper-proof container 100, thetamper evidence mechanism 304 is clearly intact on either side of thecap 300 to indicate to the user that there has been no tampering with the contents held in thecontainer 200. As the user beings to lift up thelid 305 by pushing theextended part 307 up from an underside of theextended part 307, thetamper evidence mechanism 304 begins to disengage. A user may open the tamper-proof container 100 in a flip motion with a single hand. The force applied by the user to thelid 305 causes themale component 304A to press against the lockingmember 304C and put pressure on the lockingmember 304C until the lockingmember 304C breaks at one end. In a preferred embodiment, thelocking band 304C breaks at the end with the single point of connection and remains connected to thefemale component 304B at the other end with the two points point of connection. As can be seen inFIG. 10D , once thelid 305 is opened, and thetamper evidence mechanism 304 is broken, the lockingmember 304C remains attached to thefemale component 304B at one end so as to provide visual confirmation of thetamper evidence mechanism 304 being broken. Thus, if the contents have been previously accessed, the subsequent user will have clear visual indication via the broken and attached lockingmember 304C. In a preferred embodiment, twotamper evidence mechanisms 304 are provided on either side of theorifice 313 so as to prevent opening thelid 305 from any point around thelid 305 without breaking one or bothtamper evidence mechanisms 304. -
FIG. 11 depicts thecap 300 of the present invention in the opened position removed from thecontainer 200. Once thelid 305 has been opened for the first time, the lockingmember 304C of thetamper evidence mechanism 304 remains attached to thefemale component 304B. The lockingmember 304C will remain attached to thefemale component 304B at the end with the stronger connection, i.e. two points ofconnection connection 317. In a preferred embodiment, the end with the stronger connection may be the end of thefemale component 304B closest to thehinge 302. - In an embodiment, the material of the
tamper evidence mechanism 304, thecontainer 200, thelid 305 and theneck 301 of thecap 300 may be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the material of thetamper evidence mechanism 304, thecontainer 200, thelid 305, and theneck 301 of thecap 300 is polypropylene. - The contents held in the container tube may be any compound or composition that can be used to cleanse the skin, provide pain relief, or provide overall health and wellness benefits to the user. Non-limiting examples of the contents may include pharmaceutical active ingredients including over the counter actives, behind the counter actives, prescription actives, or any combination thereof.
- In an embodiment of the present invention, the contents may be available in various forms and selected from group comprising gel, lotion, cream, oil, emulsion, ointment and powder. In an embodiment, the contents held in the container is a cream or gel containing diclofenac sodium. In a preferred embodiment, the contents held in the container is a combination of diclofenac sodium, ammonia, carbomer homopolymer type c, coco-caprylate/caprate, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, and water.
- The tamper-
proof container 100 of the present invention may be compatible with any pump or spray device, including, but not limited to airless pumps. - While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (13)
Priority Applications (1)
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US17/781,834 US20230017507A1 (en) | 2019-12-04 | 2020-12-03 | Tamper-proof container |
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US201962943433P | 2019-12-04 | 2019-12-04 | |
US17/781,834 US20230017507A1 (en) | 2019-12-04 | 2020-12-03 | Tamper-proof container |
PCT/IB2020/061456 WO2021111367A1 (en) | 2019-12-04 | 2020-12-03 | Tamper-proof container |
Publications (1)
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US20230017507A1 true US20230017507A1 (en) | 2023-01-19 |
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US17/781,834 Pending US20230017507A1 (en) | 2019-12-04 | 2020-12-03 | Tamper-proof container |
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US (1) | US20230017507A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4069604A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2023504710A (en) |
CN (1) | CN114945521A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2020397645A1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112022010479A2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3163422A1 (en) |
CH (1) | CH718002B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE212020000517U1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2021111367A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220250810A1 (en) * | 2019-05-26 | 2022-08-11 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Closure |
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US5497906A (en) * | 1992-08-06 | 1996-03-12 | Createchnic Ag | Plastic closure with security element |
WO2003026981A1 (en) * | 2001-09-20 | 2003-04-03 | Seaquist-Löffler Kunststoffwerk Gmbh | Dispenser closure for a container that contains a flowable product |
US20040069806A1 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2004-04-15 | Claude Benoit-Gonin | Tamperevident closure |
US20060043052A1 (en) * | 2004-08-25 | 2006-03-02 | Robert Lin | Bottle closure |
CH713025A1 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2018-04-13 | Fostag Formenbau Ag | Plastic closure with an integrity guarantee element. |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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FR2752821B1 (en) * | 1996-08-29 | 1998-09-25 | Oreal | DISPENSING CAPSULE WITH IMPROVED GRIPPING MEANS |
EP2691313B1 (en) * | 2011-03-31 | 2017-01-04 | Bericap | Stopper device provided with a first-opening indicator |
-
2020
- 2020-12-03 US US17/781,834 patent/US20230017507A1/en active Pending
- 2020-12-03 JP JP2022533533A patent/JP2023504710A/en active Pending
- 2020-12-03 CN CN202080092873.3A patent/CN114945521A/en active Pending
- 2020-12-03 EP EP20821409.8A patent/EP4069604A1/en active Pending
- 2020-12-03 AU AU2020397645A patent/AU2020397645A1/en active Pending
- 2020-12-03 BR BR112022010479A patent/BR112022010479A2/en unknown
- 2020-12-03 CH CH70653/21A patent/CH718002B1/en unknown
- 2020-12-03 WO PCT/IB2020/061456 patent/WO2021111367A1/en unknown
- 2020-12-03 DE DE212020000517.6U patent/DE212020000517U1/en active Active
- 2020-12-03 CA CA3163422A patent/CA3163422A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5497906A (en) * | 1992-08-06 | 1996-03-12 | Createchnic Ag | Plastic closure with security element |
US20040069806A1 (en) * | 2001-01-30 | 2004-04-15 | Claude Benoit-Gonin | Tamperevident closure |
WO2003026981A1 (en) * | 2001-09-20 | 2003-04-03 | Seaquist-Löffler Kunststoffwerk Gmbh | Dispenser closure for a container that contains a flowable product |
US20060043052A1 (en) * | 2004-08-25 | 2006-03-02 | Robert Lin | Bottle closure |
CH713025A1 (en) * | 2016-10-12 | 2018-04-13 | Fostag Formenbau Ag | Plastic closure with an integrity guarantee element. |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20220250810A1 (en) * | 2019-05-26 | 2022-08-11 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Closure |
US11753216B2 (en) * | 2019-05-26 | 2023-09-12 | Obrist Closures Switzerland Gmbh | Closure |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN114945521A (en) | 2022-08-26 |
JP2023504710A (en) | 2023-02-06 |
BR112022010479A2 (en) | 2022-09-06 |
EP4069604A1 (en) | 2022-10-12 |
CH718002B1 (en) | 2023-03-31 |
DE212020000517U1 (en) | 2021-09-28 |
WO2021111367A1 (en) | 2021-06-10 |
AU2020397645A1 (en) | 2022-06-23 |
CA3163422A1 (en) | 2021-06-10 |
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