WO2001034492A1

WO2001034492A1 - Reversible child resistant closure and vial

Info

Publication number: WO2001034492A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/041440
Authority: WO
Inventors: David A. Miceli; Joseph A. Miceli
Original assignee: Tri State Distribution, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-10-25
Filing date: 2000-10-24
Publication date: 2001-05-17
Also published as: AU2615501A

Abstract

A reversible child resistant closure (2) having two positions, the first being a child resistant position and the other being a non-child resistant position. The closure (2) is characterized in that it has a dome having thereon a first engaging means for engaging the neck of a container when the closure issued in its non-child resistant position. Extending downwardly from an outer circumference (5) of the dome is an inner shoulder (9) having a second engaging means for engaging the outer wall of the neck of the container when used in its child resistant position. About the dome and inner shoulder (9) is transposed a skirt (10) which includes a locking means for locking the closure to the container when used in its child resistant position.

Description

Reversible Child Resistant Closure and Vial

TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY:

The present invention relates to a reversible child resistant closure. Specifically, the invention relates to a closure which may be applied to a vial or other container in one of two positions, the first being a child resistant position and the second being a non-child resistant position. The child resistant position provides an obstacle to children being able to remove the closure from the vial or container, whilst the non-child resistant position allows for ready removal of the closure from the vial or container. The present invention also provides a reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

There are many varying types of child resistant closures systems disclosed in the art. While many child resistant closures effectively provide protection against the danger of small children being able to remove potentially harmful pills from vials or other containers, they also provide a problem for a considerable portion of the adult population that require medication, however, lack the manual dexterity or strength to remove the child resistant closures. For example, this of a particular concern to the elderly population or people suffering from arthritis and other disabilitating diseases. Accordingly, this problem has been addressed by the development of closures having a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode such that in the non-child resistant mode the closures are more easily opened by adults. However, many such closures have a complex, multi part, structure making the closure expensive or the closures suffer from the problem of providing an inferior moisture and air barrier when used in the non-child resistant mode. Further, other attempts to develop reversible child resistant closures resulted in closures that when used in their non-child resistant mode tended to come off from the vial inadvertently, for example, when being carried in a bag with other articles.

In light of the foregoing, there is a need for a reversible child resistant closure which overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a reversible child resistant closure that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the system particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, the invention provides a reversible child resistant closure. In the first position, or child resistant position, the closure when applied to a vial or container provides an effective protection against children being able to remove the closure, whilst at the same time allow ready removal of the closure by normal adults. In the second position, or the non-child resistant position, the closure allows for easy removal of the closure from the vial or container even by persons whose ability to use their hands is severely limited.

Specifically, the present invention relates to a reversible child resistant closure for use with a container having a neck, the closure having a child resistant mode when applied to the container in a first position and the closure having a non-child resistant mode when applied to the container in a second position, the closure comprising: a dome extending downwardly from a top surface of the dome to an outer circumference of the dome, wherein the dome has a first engaging means disposed thereon for engaging an inner wall of the neck of the container; an inner shoulder extending downwardly from the outer circumference of the dome, wherein the inner shoulder comprises a second means for engaging the outer wall of the neck of the container; a skirt having an outer surface transposed about the dome and the inner shoulder, the skirt extending in an upward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to an upper marginal surface of the skirt, the skirt also extending in an downward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to a lower marginal surface of the skirt, wherein the skirt comprises a locking means for locking the closure to the container; and a tab extending outwardly from the outer surface of the skirt. In another aspect, the invention includes a reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly comprising a closure and a vial, the child resistant closure and vial assembly having a child resistant mode when the closure is applied to the vial in a first position and the child resistant closure and vial assembly having a non-child resistant mode when the closure is applied to the container in a second position, the closure comprising: a dome extending downwardly from a top surface of the dome to an outer circumference of the dome, wherein the dome has a first engaging means disposed thereon for engaging an inner wall of a neck of the vial; an inner shoulder extending downwardly from the outer circumference of the dome, wherein the inner shoulder comprises a second engaging means for engaging an outer wall of the neck of the vial; a skirt having an outer surface transposed about the dome and the inner shoulder, the skirt extending in an upward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to an upper marginal surface of the skirt, the skirt also extending in an downward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to a lower marginal surface of the skirt, wherein the skirt comprises a locking means for locking the closure to the vial; and a tab extending outwardly from the outer surface of the skirt; and the vial further having an open end and a top edge, the vial comprising: an upper radial bead extending outwardly from the outer wall of the neck in the region adjacent the second engaging means of the closure when the closure is applied to the vial in the first position; a lower radial protrusion extending outwardly from a portion of the outer wall of the neck in the region above the locking means of the closure when the closure is applied to the vial in the first position, wherein the closure is capable of being snapped over the open end of the vial irrespective of the relative circumferential position of the lower radial protrusion of the vial to that of the locking means of the closure. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly in its first position.

Fig 2 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the closure of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a detail view of the detail B portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 A is a detailed view of a first embodiment of the locking lug of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is a detailed view of a second embodiment of the locking lug of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a detail view of the detail A portion of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the reversible closure in the first position according to one aspect of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the reversible closure in the second position according to one aspect of the invention.

Fig. 7A is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the reversible closure and vial neck in the second position. Fig. 7B is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the reversible closure attached to a vial neck in the second position.

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the reversible closure attached to a vial neck in the second position. Fig. 9 is a detail view of the detail D portion of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the vial of Fig. 11.

Fig. 11 is a front side view of an embodiment of the vial.

Fig. 12 is a cross sectional view of the vial of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the vial of Fig. 11. Fig. 14A is a bottom view of the closure taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 14B is a top view of the vial taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 17.

Fig. 15A is a bottom view of the closure taken along the line 2-2 of Fig. 16A.

Fig. 15B is a top view of the vial taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 16 A.

Fig. 16A is a frontal view of an embodiment of the reversible closure separated from a vial neck oriented in a non-locking orientation.

Fig. 16B is a rear view of the closure and vial neck shown in Fig. 16 A.

Fig. 17 is a frontal view of an embodiment of the reversible closure separated from the vial neck oriented in a locking orientation.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view of a portion of the neck of an embodiment of the vial.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION:

Referring now to the drawings of the present disclosure in which like numbers represent the same structure in the various views, a perspective view of an embodiment of the reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly of the present invention is shown generally at 1 in FIG. 1 and comprises a reversible child resistant closure 2 and a vial 3. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the reversible child resistant assembly in the first position, i.e. the child resistant position. Thus, when the closure is in the first position the child resistant side of the closure mates with the neck of the vial or other suitable container.

The reversible child resistant closure of the present invention comprises a dome extending downwardly from a top surface 4 to an outer circumference 5. The dome includes a first engaging means disposed thereon for engaging an inner wall of the neck of a container.

As shown in the longitudinal sectional view FIG. 2, and in the more detailed FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 showing detailed portions of FIG. 2, the closure also comprises an inner shoulder 9 which extends downwardly from the outer circumference 5 of the dome. The inner shoulder includes a second means for engaging an outer wall of the neck of a container.

The closure also comprises a skirt 10 having an outer surface 6 transposed about the dome and the inner shoulder 9, the skirt extending in an upward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to an upper marginal surface 7 of the skirt. Further, the skirt also extends in a downward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to a lower marginal surface 11 of the skirt. Additionally, the skirt also comprises a locking means for locking the closure to the container when the closure is used in its first or child resistant position.

Further, extending from the outer surface 6 of the skirt is a tab 8. This is used to facilitate the removal of the closure when the closure is mounted on the vial. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the dome has a top surface which is substantially flat. As illustrated in FIG. 5 having a substantially flat top surface 4 enables a message or other visual information to be included on the top surface. The message may include instructions on how to remove the closure from the vial or other suitable container when the closure is used in its first position, the message may include a warning relating to the contents of the vial, the message may be used to indicate the content of the vial, or the message may be in the form of a trademark or tradename. Similarly, preferably the dome also has a substantially flat bottom surface. As illustrated in FIG. 6 having a substantially flat bottom surface 12 enables a message or other visual information to be included on the bottom surface. The message may include a warning that the closure is in the non-child resistant position, the message may include a warning relating to the contents of the vial, the message may be used to indicate the content of the vial, or the message may be in the form of a trademark or tradename. Any suitable first engaging means may be disposed on the dome for engaging an inner wall of the neck of a vial or other suitable container. Preferably, the first engaging means is a circular bead 13. More preferably, the circular bead extends from the dome at a point between the top surface 4 and the outer circumference 5. As depicted in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in a more preferred embodiment the dome continues to extend in a downward and outward direction from the edge 14 of the top surface 4 until a point at which the circular bead 13 extends outwardly from the dome, at which point the dome extends in a substantially downward direction until it intersects with the outer circumference 5. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first engaging means is a thread bead 39. More preferably, the thread bead extends from the dome at a position between the top surface 4 and the outer circumference 5 of the dome. As depicted in the sectional view of the even more preferred embodiment at FIGS. 7 A and 7B, the dome continues to extend in a substantially downward direction from the edge 14 of the top surface 4 until it intersects with the outer circumference 5 of the dome, wherein the tread bead 39 extends from the dome between the edge 14 and the outer circumference 5.

As disclosed above, the inner shoulder 9 extends downwardly from the outer circumference of the dome and comprises a second engaging means for engaging the outer wall of the neck of the container. Any suitable means may be used as the second engaging means. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second engaging means is a bead 15. More preferably, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the bead 15 extends or protrudes in an inward direction from the inner shoulder 9. More preferably, the bead 15 protrudes from the shoulder for a substantial portion of the inner shoulder. Accordingly, in an even more preferred embodiment of the closure of the present invention, the second engaging means is a circular bead forming a bead ring protruding in an inward direction from the inner shoulder 9. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, not shown in the figures, the second engaging means comprises a bead protruding from the inner shoulder in an outward direction. The inner shoulder may be of any suitable size and shape to suitably support the second engaging means. Accordingly, not shown in the figures, the inner shoulder 9 may be a separate and distinct element extending from a position adjacent the outer circumference 5 of the dome. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4 the inner shoulder 9 may be integrated with a portion of the skirt 10. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the skirt comprises a gripping means on its outer surface to assist a person in rotating the closure relative to the vial. Any suitable gripping means may be used. For example the outer surface of the skirt may be provided with a plurality of knurlments, a plurality of serration's, a plurality of indentations, one or more protrusions, or coated with an abrasive coating. In a more preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the outer surface 6 of the skirt is provided with a plurality of knurlments which serve as a gripping means.

As disclosed above, the skirt comprises a locking means for locking the closure to the vial or other suitable container. Any suitable locking means may be used. In a preferred embodiment the skirt is provided with one or more locking lugs 16. In a more preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the locking lugs 16 are positioned vertically at a point between the lower marginal surface 11 and the second engaging means, wherein the locking lugs 16 extend substantially horizontally from the inner wall 17 of the skirt 10 in an inward direction. More preferably, the locking lugs are positioned adjacent the lower marginal surface 11. The locking lugs 16 may be of any suitable size and shape. As shown in FIG. 3, preferably the locking lugs have a top surface 18 having a surface plane which is about perpendicular to the inner wall 17 from which it protrudes. Further, preferably, the locking lugs have a bottom surface 19 having a surface plane which has an angle θ relative to the plane of the top surface 18. Preferably angle θ is between 0 degrees and about 80 degrees. More preferably, angle θ is between about 20 degrees and about 60 degrees. Even more preferably, angle θ is about 35 degrees.

To enable or aid the manufacture of the closure of the present invention, comprising locking lugs 16 having a top surfaces 18 that substantially perpendicular to the inner wall 17, the closure comprises molding holes 41 positioned above each locking lug 16 such that portions of an upper mold may pass through the molding holes to form the top surface 18 of the locking lugs 16. To retain the moisture and air barrier properties of the closure, the molding holes 41 are positioned between the skirt 10 and the second engaging means. Using an upper mold to form the top surface 18 and a separate lower mold to form the bottom surface 19 of the locking lug 16, as opposed to the use of a lower mold to form both the top surface 18 and bottom surface 19, allows the locking lugs to have a length LL (as shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B) which is greater than would ordinarily be possible. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, using an upper mold to form the top surface 18 allows the top surface to be substantially perpendicular to the skirt for its entire length LL. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 3 A, the locking lug 16 can have a top surface 18 having a substantially perpendicular length SL which is about the same as length LL of the locking lug. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the lower mold is used to form both the top surface 18 and the bottom surface 19 of the locking lugs 16, length SL must be shorter than length LL so that the closure may be removed from the lower mold without damaging the locking lugs 16. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, locking lugs 16 have a perpendicular surface length SL which is about the same as the locking lug length LL. Having a length SL about the same as the length LL increases the surface area by which the locking means of the skirt operates to lock the closure in its child resistant configuration. Accordingly, the length LL can be reduced without reducing the effective locking means of the closure (i.e., without reducing length SL), which in turn allows the end user to place the closure on the vial or other suitable container more easily, because the locking lugs are less prone to catch on the edges of the neck of the vial when being place on the vial.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the skirt extends in an upward direction sufficient for the upper marginal surface of the skirt to be at least in about the same plane as the top surface of the dome. More preferably, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 the upper marginal surface 7 has a higher plane than the top surface 4. When the upper marginal surface 7 has a higher plane than the top surface 4 of the dome, the skirt helps prevent the top surface 4 from picking up moisture and dirt when the closure is placed top surface 4 facing down onto a surface, for example, a bathroom sink surface. Accordingly, the skirt will provide some degree of protection against the top surface picking up dirt or moisture which could contaminate the contents of the vial or the container when the closure is placed on the vial or container in its second position, i.e. in the non-child resistant position.

Any suitable tab having a suitable size and shape may be used as part of the closure of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment, the tab 8 extends outwardly from the outer surface 6 of the skirt 10 at a position such that the top surface 20 of the tab is adjacent the upper marginal surface 7 of the skirt. In a more preferred embodiment as shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the top surface 20 of the tab includes a top surface indicator 21. When the closure is used in its first position, the top surface indicator 21 enables the end user to more accurately rotate the closure relative to the vial or other container to locate its unlocked configuration. The term "unlocked configuration" means that the closure is attached to the vial or other suitable container in its first position, and that the closure is oriented about its rotational axis 23 with respect the vial or other container such that the closure can be removed. Similarly, the tab 8 also includes a side surface indicator 22 to further assist the end user more accurately locate the closures unlocked configuration. As shown in FIG. 6 the side surface indicator 22 may extend downwardly from the main body of the tab 8 protruding from the outer surface 6 of the skirt 10. Alternatively, the side surface indicator 22 may be distinct and separate from the tab 8. For example, the side surface indicator 22 may be in the form of an indentation in the outer surface 6 of the skirt. In the preferred closure, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bottom surface 24 of the tab 8 has a surface that is concave in the horizontal plane. This facilitates the end user using his or her thumb to removing the closure when the closure is in its unlocked configuration.

As disclosed above, the present invention also includes a reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly which comprises the closure of the present invention as disclosed above in combination with a vial. FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show a preferred embodiment of a vial 3 according to the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a front view of the vial 3, FIG. 12 shows a cross sectional view of the vial 3 taken along the line B-B of FIG. 11, and FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the vial 3. The vial has a neck 25, wherein the neck has an inner wall 26, an outer wall 27, and a top edge 28. The vial 3 also has an open end 29. An upper radial bead 30 extends outwardly from the outer wall 27 of the neck 25 situated adjacent the second engaging means of the closure 2 when the closure is attached to the vial in its first position. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper radial bead 30 is situated to engage the second engaging means, i.e. the bead 15, such that the closure is securely attached to the vial in its first position. The vial also comprises a lower radial protrusion 31 extending outwardly from a portion of the outer wall 27 in the region above the locking means of the closure when the closure 2 is applied to the vial 3 in its first position. When referring to the lower radial protrusion 31 extending outwardly from "a portion" of the outer wall 27, what is meant is that the lower radial protrusion extends outwardly from the outer wall 27 radially about axis 23 for a portion of the radius of the outer wall. Accordingly, if the vial 3 is rotated about axis 23, there will be portions of the outer wall 27 having a lower radial protrusion 31 protruding therefrom and other portions of the outer wall 27 not having a lower radial protrusion 31 protruding therefrom. As shown in FIGS. 14B and 15B, each portion of the outer wall 27 which does not have a lower radial protrusion 31 protruding therefrom forms a gate 32. FIG. 14B is a top view of the vial taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 17. Similarly, FIG. 15B is a top view of the vial taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 16A. The vial includes at least one gate 32 of sufficient size and shape such that at least one locking lug 16 of the closure is able pass through the gate 32 so that the closure 2 may be removed from the vial 3 in its unlocked configuration. However, the position, size and shape of the lower radial protrusion 31 and gate 32 must be such that they prevent the closure being removed from the vial when the closure is in its first position but not in its unlocked configuration. FIGS. 16A and 16B show a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the closure and vial are rotationally orientated such that they would be in an unlocked configuration if they were attached. This unlocked orientation can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 15 A and 15B. FIG. 15A is a bottom view of the closure 2 taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 16 A, and FIG. 15B is a top view of the vial 3 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 16A. As can be seen from these figures, gate 32 lines up with one of the locking lugs such that the locking lug 16 adjacent tab 8 is able to pass through the gate 32 allowing the closure to be removed from the vial. Preferably, when the closure is in its unlocked configuration, the gate 32 is situated behind tab 8. More preferably, not shown in the figures, the vial has a plurality of gates which line up with a plurality of locking lugs on the closure such that locking lugs and gates line up in the unlocked configuration. Even more preferably, the plurality of locking lugs and the plurality of gates are orientated to allow for only one unlocked configuration.

In a preferred embodiment the closure includes an indicator which lines up with a separate indicator located on the vial to indicate to an end user that the closure is in its unlocked configuration. Fore example, as shown in FIG. 16 A, the closure includes an indicator 22 which lines up with an indicator 33 included on the vial when the closure is in its unlocked configuration.

Whilst the closure must be its unlocked position to be removed from the vial when attached in the first position, in a preferred embodiment the closure is capable of being snapped over the open end of the vial irrespective of the relative circumferential position of the gates 32 of the vial 3 to the locking lugs 16 of the closure 2. To accomplish this, as shown in FIG. 18, the lower radial protrusion 31 has a lower surface 34 which protrudes from the outer wall 27 at an angle which is substantially perpendicular to the outer wall 27, whilst the upper surface 35 of the lower radial protrusion 31 is angled at β degrees relative to the outer wall 27, as shown in FIG. 12. Accordingly, the greater angle β is reduced from 90 degrees (horizontal) the easier it becomes for the closure to snap onto the vial irrespective of its relative circumferential alignment with the vial. In a more preferred embodiment angle β is between 20 degrees and 50 degrees. Even more preferably, angle β is about 22 degrees. Optionally, a flange 36 extends outwardly from the outer wall 27 of the neck 25. Preferably, the flange 36 is provided with a flat and extended upper surface 37. As shown in FIG. 4, the extended upper surface 37 abuts flushly against the lower marginal surface 11 of the closure 2 when the closure is in its first position attached to the vial 3 so that these respective abutting surfaces are substantially flush with each other. In a more preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, the extended upper surface 37 also abuts flushly against the upper marginal surface 7 of the closure 2 when the closure is in its second position attached to the vial 3 such that these respective abutting surfaces are substantially flush with each other. Optionally, the vial 3 also includes a means for engaging the first engaging means of the closure 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the vial may include a bead 38 extending in an inward direction from the inner wall 26 of the neck 25. The bead 38 is positioned to engage the circular bead 13 of the closure 2 when the closure is in its second position, such that the closure is securely fastened to the vial 3 but can be easily removed by adults who even have restricted use of their hands or fingers. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the inner wall 26 may include thread groove 40 for engaging the thread bead 39 when the closure is used in its second position. As an alternative to a thread groove 40, a thread bead protruding from the inner wall 26 may be used to engage the thread bead 39. Preferably, the thread is a conventional right-handed thread.

Preferably, in order to provide better moisture barrier propertied the optional inner neck bead 38 and upper radial bead 30 are continuous along the entire vial neck circumference. Preferably, the lower radial bead 31 is interrupted only by the gate 32 for receiving the locking lug 16. The closure is preferably injection molded. The vial is preferably blow molded. The level of skill in the art is such that the skilled artisan would be able to make the closure and vial structures described herein without undue experimentation.

Preferably, both the closure and vial are each made of integral one-piece construction.

While the preferred embodiments incorporate a dome having a circular bead, or in the alternative, threaded beads (double or single) to secure the reversible child resistant closure to the vial when child resistance is not desired, the skilled artisan will recognize that other structures are capable of achieving acceptable non-child resistant attachment of the closure to the vial. Thus, the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown above.

Preferably, the closure is linerless, but liners may be provided if desired. The closure is preferably made from a plastic material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene. The vial is preferably made from a plastic material, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). The skilled artisan, having the benefit of the instant disclosure, will readily appreciate that the closures and vials may be made from other suitable materials.

Numerous alterations of the structure herein disclosed will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. However, it is understood that the present disclosure relates to preferred embodiments of the invention for the purposes of illustration only and should not be construed as to be a limitation of the invention. All such modifications and alterations which do not depart from the spirit of the invention are intended to be included within the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A reversible child resistant closure for use with a container having a neck, the closure having a child resistant mode when applied to the container in a first position and the closure having a non-child resistant mode when applied to the container in a second position, the closure comprising:

a dome extending downwardly from a top surface of the dome to an outer circumference of the dome, wherein the dome has a first engaging means disposed thereon for engaging an inner wall of the neck of the container;

an inner shoulder extending downwardly from the outer circumference of the dome, wherein the inner shoulder comprises a second means for engaging the outer wall of the neck of the container;

a skirt having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface transposed about the dome and the inner shoulder, the skirt extending in an upward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to an upper marginal surface of the skirt, the skirt also extending in an downward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to a lower marginal surface of the skirt, wherein the skirt comprises a locking means for locking the closure to the container; and

a tab extending outwardly from the outer surface of the skirt.

2. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first engaging means is a circular bead.

3. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first engaging means is a thread bead.

4. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first engaging means is a double thread bead.

5. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second engaging means is a bead.

6. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bead extends inwardly from the inner shoulder.

7. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the skirt extends in an upward direction sufficient for the upper marginal surface of the skirt to be at least in about the same plane as the top surface of the dome.

8. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 7, wherein the upper marginal surface of the skirt is in a higher plane than the top surface of the dome relative to the outer circumference of the dome.

9. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the skirt further comprises a gripping means on the outer surface of the skirt.

10. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 9, wherein the gripping means comprises a plurality of knurlments.

11. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking means is a locking lug.

12. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the locking lug has a top surface which has a surface plan about perpendicular to the inner surface of the skirt.

13. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a molding hole positioned above the locking lug between the inner surface of the skirt and the second engaging means.

14. The reversible child resistant closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure is molded from high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, or polypropylene.

15. A reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly comprising a closure and a vial, the child resistant closure and vial assembly having a child resistant mode when the closure is applied to the vial in a first position and the child resistant closure and vial assembly having a non-child resistant mode when the closure is applied to the container in a second position, the closure comprising: a dome extending downwardly from a top surface of the dome to an outer circumference of the dome, wherein the dome has a first engaging means disposed thereon for engaging an inner wall of a neck of the vial; an inner shoulder extending downwardly from the outer circumference of the dome, wherein the inner shoulder comprises a second engaging means for engaging an outer wall of the neck of the vial; a skirt having an inner surface and an outer surface transposed about the dome and the inner shoulder, the skirt extending in an upward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to an upper marginal surface of the skirt, the skirt also extending in an downward direction from the outer circumference of the dome to a lower marginal surface of the skirt, wherein the skirt comprises a locking means for locking the closure to the vial; and a tab extending outwardly from the outer surface of the skirt; and the vial further having an open end and a top edge, the vial comprising: an upper radial bead extending outwardly from the outer wall of the neck in the region adjacent the second engaging means of the closure when the closure is applied to the vial in the first position; a lower radial protrusion extending outwardly from a portion of the outer wall of the neck in the region above the locking means of the closure when the closure is applied to the vial in the first position.

16. The reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the vial further comprises a flange extending outwardly from the outer wall of the neck.

17. The reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the flange has a horizontally extending flat surface adapted to flushly engage the lower marginal surface of the closure when the closure is applied to the vial in the first position.

18. The reversible child resistant closure and vial assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the flange has a horizontally extending flat surface adapted to flushly engage the upper marginal surface of the closure when the closure is applied to the vial in the second position.

19. The reversible child resistant closure and vial as claimed in claim 15, wherein the vial comprises an inner neck bead extending inwardly from the inner wall of the neck, and the first engaging means is a circular bead, the inner neck bead positioned to engage the circular bead of the closure when the closure is applied to the vial in the second position.

20. The reversible child resistant closure and vial as claimed in claim 15, wherein the vial comprises an inner neck thread on the inner wall of the neck, and the first engaging means is a thread bead, the inner neck thread positioned to engage the thread bead of the closure when the closure is applied to the vial in the second position.

21. The reversible child resistant closure and vial as claimed in claim 5, wherein the closure is capable of being snapped over the open end of the vial irrespective of the relative circumferential position of the lower radial protrusion of the vial to that of the locking means of the closure.