WO2020219860A1 - Couvercle de surbouchage à l'épreuve des enfants - Google Patents

Couvercle de surbouchage à l'épreuve des enfants Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2020219860A1
WO2020219860A1 PCT/US2020/029789 US2020029789W WO2020219860A1 WO 2020219860 A1 WO2020219860 A1 WO 2020219860A1 US 2020029789 W US2020029789 W US 2020029789W WO 2020219860 A1 WO2020219860 A1 WO 2020219860A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
overcap
center portion
container
snap
snap features
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2020/029789
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John R. Ross
Original Assignee
Ball Corporation
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ball Corporation filed Critical Ball Corporation
Priority to CA3136193A priority Critical patent/CA3136193A1/fr
Priority to MX2021012450A priority patent/MX2021012450A/es
Publication of WO2020219860A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020219860A1/fr

Links

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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
    • 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
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
    • B65D43/0256—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
    • 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
    • B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
    • B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
    • B65D50/04—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one
    • B65D50/045—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring
    • 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
    • B65D55/06—Deformable or tearable wires, strings, or strips; Use of seals, e.g. destructible locking pins
    • B65D55/08—Annular elements encircling container necks
    • B65D55/0818—Destructible or permanently removable bands, e.g. adhesive
    • 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
    • B65D55/06—Deformable or tearable wires, strings, or strips; Use of seals, e.g. destructible locking pins
    • B65D55/08—Annular elements encircling container necks
    • B65D55/089—Annular tamper band connected to the closure, but not coacting with the container for preventing initial downward motion, e.g. on two-parts child-proof closures
    • 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
    • B65D2215/00—Child-proof means
    • B65D2215/02—Child-proof means requiring the combination of simultaneous actions
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
    • B65D2543/00935—Means for facilitating removing of the closure by depressing the central part at least locally
    • 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
    • B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
    • B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
    • B65D50/04—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one
    • B65D50/045—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring
    • B65D50/046—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring and such deformation causes the disengagement of locking means, e.g. the release of a pawl-like element from a tooth or abutment, to allow removal of the closure by simultaneous rotation

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and apparatuses for enclosing containers. More specifically, this disclosure provides a child-resistant overcap for use with containers that have a seamed end closure and/or curled neck.
  • Modem containers are used to store a variety of products including beverages and food contents, and containers can have a variety of shapes and configurations depending on the contents.
  • beverage containers may have a neck that is double seamed with a peripheral curl of an end closure to seal pressurized contents within the container.
  • Other containers may have an open end that is configured to receive a deflectable lid or screw-on lid to enclose non-pressurized contents within the container.
  • the present disclosure provides a child-resistant overcap that can be used with a container that has an end closure or a container that has an open end without an end closure.
  • the overcap requires two forces simultaneously applied to the overcap in opposing directions to remove the overcap from the container. This configuration is counterintuitive to a child or others who cannot appreciate the potentially hazardous contents and thus prevents unauthorized access of the container.
  • the container can be used for hazardous materials, cannabis products, alcoholic products, etc.
  • a center portion of the overcap that can deflect between a first position where the overcap is secured to an outermost diameter of an end of a container and a second position where the overcap may be removed from the container.
  • the center portion can be deflected from the first position to the second position and remain in the second position.
  • the center portion can be deflected from the first position to the second position but then automatically deflect back to the first position in the absence of a force on the center portion.
  • the same downward force is required to both deflect the center portion from the first position to the second position and hold the center portion in the second position.
  • a deflection force moves the center portion from the first position to the second position, and then a smaller holding force maintains the center portion in the second position.
  • the deflection force can be a first downward force and the holding force can be a second downward force.
  • the deflection force and/or holding force can also be referred to as a downward force.
  • the snap features may be connected to the perimeter edge of the center portion at an angle that remains substantially constant as the center portion deflects between the first and second positions.
  • distal or lower ends of the snap features define an inner diameter when the center portion is in the first position that is less than an inner diameter when the center portion is in the second position.
  • the distal ends of the snap features can tuck under an outermost diameter of an end of the container such as a double seam or a curl when the center portion is in the first position.
  • the distal ends of the snap features move outward and release from the outermost diameter when the center portion is in the second position.
  • the container may not have a distinct outermost diameter, and the snap features press into a neck or body of the container when the center portion of the overcap is in the first position.
  • the snap feature may have a first portion connected to the center portion of the overcap at an angle and have a second portion that is connected to the first portion at an angle. These angles allow the snap feature to secure the overcap to the container or end closure when the center portion is in the first position and then release the overcap from the container or end closure when the center portion is in the second position.
  • the snap features can have other configurations.
  • each snap feature may be a single, continuous portion that is connected to the center portion of the overcap and allows the snap feature to provide the selective connection with the container or end closure.
  • the overcap may have a single, continuous snap feature arranged about the perimeter edge of the center portion. Deflection of the center portion causes the continuous snap feature to move and provide the selective connection functionality.
  • the overcap can be made from a variety of materials.
  • the overcap including the center portion and the snap features, can be made from a metal material such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, a plastic material such High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET, PETE),
  • HDPE High Density Polyethylene
  • LDPE Low Density Polyethylene
  • PETE Polyethylene Terephthalate
  • a metal overcap may have a smaller inner diameter formed by the snap features when compared to a plastic overcap due to the lower elasticity of metal.
  • the present disclosure describes the structure of an overcap, but for example, embodiments of the overcap can include reinforcing structures or supporting features that help a metal overcap revert to an original shape. For instance, an inner surface of a snap feature can have a rib that is oriented along a longitudinal length to help the snap feature revert back to an original shape and position when a downward force is removed from a center portion of the overcap.
  • the manufacturing process can at least partially depend on the material of the overcap.
  • an injection molding process may be preferred for a plastic overcap.
  • the overcap is molded in a structure as shown in the below figures. Then, the plastic overcap is pressed onto the end closure or neck of a container to enclose the container. Subsequent actions can be performed on the overcap and/or container such as applying a pilfer band to the overcap. In the instance of a metal overcap, the overcap can be impact extruded, cut and bent, etc.
  • a planar piece of metal is cut in a circular shape where the outer perimeter of the shape corresponds to the distal ends of the snap features. Then, the slots between the snap features are cut into the piece of metal. The piece of metal is positioned on the end closure or neck of the container, and a roller or other similar device bends the snap features downward around a portion of the container to both create the shape of the overcap and secure the overcap to the container.
  • a sequence of forces is required to operate the overcap.
  • a downward force is applied to the center portion of the overcap to move the center portion from a first position to a second position. This force causes the snap feature to move outward from the container, and this force can be generated by the index finger of a user’s hand.
  • a lesser holding force is required to maintain the center portion in the second position.
  • one or more of the remaining fingers of a user’s hand can grasp and pull the overcap with an upward force that is at least greater than a holding force to remove the overcap from the container and access the contents of the container.
  • a particular embodiment of the present disclosure is a flexible overcap to selectively prevent the opening of a container, comprising a center portion that is deflectable between a first upper position and a second lower position, wherein the center portion is biased toward the first upper position; a plurality of downwardly-oriented snap features arranged at least partially around a perimeter edge of the center portion, wherein each snap feature of the plurality of snap features has a distal end, and the distal ends form an inner diameter; and wherein when the center portion is in the first upper position, the distal ends form a first inner diameter, and wherein when the center portion deflects to the second lower position, the distal ends move outwardly to a second inner diameter that is larger than the first inner diameter, wherein, in the second lower position, the overcap can be disengaged from the container.
  • each snap feature of the plurality of snap features has a first portion connected to a second portion at a connection angle.
  • first portion of each snap feature of the plurality of snap features forms a first angle with a horizontal plane between approximately 60 degrees and 90 degrees
  • second portion of each snap feature of the plurality of snap features forms a second angle with a horizontal plane between approximately 45 degrees and 90 degrees.
  • the first portion of each snap feature of the plurality of snap features forms a first angle with a horizontal plane between approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees
  • the second portion of each snap feature of the plurality of snap features forms a second angle with a horizontal plane between approximately 60 degrees and 120 degrees.
  • a deflection force moves the center portion from the first upper position to the second lower position, and a holding force maintains the center portion in the second lower position.
  • the holding force is less than the deflection force.
  • each snap feature is connected to the center portion at an angle that remains substantially constant between the first upper position and the second lower position.
  • an overcap system to prevent the unauthorized opening of a container, comprising a container having a closed bottom portion, a sidewall extending upward from the closed bottom portion, and an upper portion of the sidewall that defines an opening end diameter; an overcap having: a center portion that is deflectable between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the center portion is biased upwardly and away from the container to form a convex cross-sectional shape, and, in the second position, the center portion has a concave cross-sectional shape; a plurality of snap features positioned about a perimeter edge of the center portion, wherein distal ends of the plurality of snap features form an inner diameter; wherein, in the first position, the distal ends of the plurality of snap features engage the upper portion of the sidewall, and wherein, in the second position, the distal ends of the plurality of snap features disengage from the upper portion of the sidewall.
  • an edge of the center portion forms a positive angle with a horizontal plane in the first position, and the edge of the center portion forms a negative angle with the horizontal plane in the second position.
  • the plurality of snap features is connected to the center portion at an angle that is substantially constant between the first position and the second position of the center portion.
  • the inner diameter is smaller than the opening end diameter in the first position, and the inner diameter is larger than the opening end diameter in the second position. In some embodiments, the inner diameter is larger in the second position than the first position, and the inner diameter is less than the opening end diameter in the second position.
  • a slot is formed between adjacent snap features of the plurality of snap features, and the slot extends from a lower end of adjacent snap features of the plurality of snap features to a point that is offset from an upper end of adjacent snap features of the plurality of snap features.
  • an overcap system to prevent unauthorized opening of a container, comprising a container having a closed bottom portion, a sidewall extending upward from the closed bottom portion, and an upper end having an end diameter; an overcap having: a center portion that is deflectable from a first position and a second position in response to a downward force; at least one snap feature positioned about a perimeter edge of the center portion, wherein distal ends of the at least one snap feature form an inner diameter; wherein, in the first position, the inner diameter is smaller than the end diameter such that the at least one snap feature engages the upper end, and wherein, in the second position, the inner diameter is larger than the end diameter such that the overcap is removable from the upper end in response to an upward force applied to the at least one snap feature.
  • the upward force is greater than the downward force.
  • the center portion remains in the second position after removal of the downward force.
  • the center portion reverts to the first position after removal of the downward force.
  • the system further comprises a pilfer band extending around the at least one snap feature to hold the at least one snap feature against the upper end, wherein the pilfer band breaks in response to a predetermined force caused by the center portion moving from the first position to the second position and the at least one snap feature moving outward.
  • the system further comprises an end closure seamed onto the upper end, wherein the end closure has a tab configured to deflect or remove part of the end closure to create an opening.
  • the system further comprises a sealable cover positioned on the upper end, wherein the sealable cover is selectively removable to provide access to contents in the container.
  • a“bottle,”“beverage bottle,”“metallic beverage bottle,”“metallic container,”“beverage container,”“aluminum bottle,”“can,” and“container,” it should be appreciated that the methods and apparatus described herein may be used with containers of any size or shape and that are formed of any material, including, but not limited to metal, plastic, and glass containers including, without limitation, beverage cans and beverage containers. Further, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the methods and apparatus of the present disclosure may be used for any type of container and are not specifically limited to a beverage container such as a soft drink or beer can.
  • metal or“metallic” as used hereinto refer to any metallic material that may be used to form a container, including without limitation aluminum, steel, tin, and any combination thereof.
  • apparatus and methods of the present disclosure may be used with threaded containers formed of any material, including paper, plastic, and glass.
  • each of the expressions“at least one of A, B and C,”“at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,”“one or more of A, B, or C,” and“A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.
  • a claim incorporating the term“means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, Abstract, and Claims themselves.
  • FIG. 1 A is a side elevation view of a child-resistant overcap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. IB is a side elevation view of a child-resistant overcap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional side elevation view of the child-resistant overcap in Fig. 1 showing a first position and a second position of a center portion of the overcap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 2B is a further cross-sectional side elevation view of the child-resistant overcap in Fig. 1 showing a first position and a second position of a center portion of the overcap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 2C is another cross-sectional side elevation view of the child-resistant overcap in Fig. 1 showing a first position and a second position of a center portion of the overcap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 3 A is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a snap feature of a child- resistant overcap in a first position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a snap feature of a child- resistant overcap in a second position in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 4A is a side elevation view of the child-resistant overcap in Fig. 1 with a first downward force applied to the overcap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 4B is a side elevation view of the child-resistant overcap in Fig. 1 with a first downward force and a second upward force applied to the overcap in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • FIG. 5A is a side elevation view of a container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 5B is a side elevation view of another container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • a side elevation view of a container 10 and a child- resistant overcap 16 is provided.
  • the container 10 has a body 12 that transitions into a neck 14.
  • An end closure may be doubled seamed onto the end of the neck 14 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, a curl or flared end may be formed at the end of the neck 14 without seaming an end closure onto the neck 14.
  • the overcap 16 has a center portion 18 and a resilient liner or sealing material can be connected to an underside of the center portion 18 to provide a seal against the container 10 seal contents within the container 10.
  • At least one snap feature 20 is arranged around a perimeter edge of the center portion 18.
  • the snap features 20 may be directly connected to the center portion 18, and in other embodiments the snap features 20 may be connected to one or more intermediate portions that are connected to the center portion 18. Further, in various embodiments, a continuous snap feature 20 may extend around the entire perimeter edge of the center portion 18.
  • Each snap feature 20 in Fig. 1 A has a first portion 24 and a second portion 26 connected at an angle. Moreover, adjacent snap features 20 form a slot 22 that allow individual snap features 20 to freely move inward and outward.
  • the slots 22 extend from a lower end of the snap features 20, past the second portions 26, and partially into the first portions 24. This arrangement allows the snap features 20 to move outward, but the portion of the first portions 24 that connect to adjacent portions promote the return of the snap features 20 to the inward position.
  • embodiments of the present disclosure encompass embodiments, with slots 22 that extend only partially into the second portions 26 or extend fully to the top end of the first portions 24.
  • Some embodiments may include a snap feature with a single portion or more than two portions.
  • the container 10 and the overcap 16 are generally oriented along a longitudinal axis 28.
  • one or more components of the overcap 16 may be made from metal that has sufficient rigidity to enclose an end of a container, but flexible enough to transition between positions to be selectively removed from the container. A structure such as a peripheral curl may also add rigidity to the container.
  • a pilfer band 31 may be included to indicate whether the container 10 has been opened or compromised.
  • the pilfer band 31 may have a serrated lateral line that breaks when subjected to a predetermined force. Initially, the pilfer band 31 secures the overcap 16 in a first position to prevent access to the container. During operation, the center portion 18 deflecting from a first position to second position, and the snap features 20 moving outwardly can impose the predetermined force on the pilfer band 31 to remove or break the pilfer band 31. The pilfer band 31 may be completely removed when subjected to the predetermined force, and a user will appreciate that an overcap 16 without a pilfer band 31 has been opened at least once before.
  • the pilfer band 31 may break along the serrated line such that the part of the band 31 below the line remains with the container 10, and the part above the line is removed. Therefore, a user will appreciate that an overcap 16 and container 10 that retains only a portion of the pilfer band 31 has been opened at least once before.
  • the center portion 18 of the overcap 16 can be slack material in a dome shape that is deflectable between a first position 30 shown with a solid line and a second position 32 shown with a broken line.
  • the center portion 18 can deflect from the first position 30 to the second position 32 when subjected to a downward force and remain in the second position 32 in the absence of the downward force.
  • the center portion 18 can deflect from the second position 32 to the first position 30 and remain in the first position 30 in the absence of a force.
  • the center portion 18 can deflect from the first position 30 to the second position 32 when subjected to a downward force and remain in the second position 32 only if the downward force is applied to the center portion 18.
  • center portion 18 is biased toward the first position 30 and will deflect back to the first position 30 from the second position 32 in the absence of the downward force. Biased can include a linear or non-linear response.
  • FIG. 2B a further cross-sectional view of the container 10 and child resistant overcap 16 is provided where the first and second positions 30, 32 of the center portion 18 of the overcap 16 are described in relation to a horizontal plane 34 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 28.
  • first position 30 an edge of the center portion 18 forms a first angle 36 with the horizontal plane 34 that is positive such that the center portion 18 is generally positioned above the horizontal plane 34.
  • second position 32 an edge of the center portion 18 forms a second angle 38 with the horizontal plane 34 that is negative such that the center portion 18 is generally positioned below the horizontal plane 34.
  • the first angle 36 may be between approximately 5 and 35 degrees, and the second angle 38 may be between approximately -5 and -35 degrees. In various embodiments, the first angle 36 may be approximately 20 degrees, and the second angle may be approximately -20 degrees. It will also be appreciated that the first and second angles 36, 38 may be the same or different in various embodiments. Further, it will be appreciated that the midpoint of the center portion 18 may deflect by a distance of between approximately 0 and 2 inches as center portion 18 moves between the first position 30 and the second position 32. In a preferred embodiment, the midpoint of the center portion 18 may deflect by a distance of between approximately 0.9 and 0.5 inches.
  • distal ends of the snap features 20 define an inner diameter that changes between the first and second positions 30, 32.
  • the distal ends of the snap features 20 define a first inner diameter 40 that is less than the outermost diameter 42 of an end of the container, which may be defined by, for example, a curled end or an end closure.
  • the distal ends of the snap features 20 define a second inner diameter 44 that is both larger than the first inner diameter 40 and the outermost diameter 42 of an end of the container.
  • the overcap 16 may be removed from the container 10 with an upward force applied to, for example, the lower ends of the snap features 20.
  • the second inner diameter 44 is smaller than the outermost diameter 42 and an additional force is required to deflect the snap features 20 and pull the overcap 16 off of the container. The combination of forces required to remove the overcap 16 from the container 10 serves the childproof aspect of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2C another cross-sectional view of the container 10 and the child-resistant overcap 16 is provided.
  • the center portion 18 of the overcap 16 connects to the snap features 20, and this connection forms a first angle 46 when the center position 18 is in the first position 30 and forms a second angle 48 when the center position 18 is in the second position 32.
  • the first angle 46 is substantially the same as the second angle 48.
  • the term substantially substantially can indicate a 0% to 5% relative difference in the angles 46, 48 as measured in degrees. It will be further appreciated that the term substantially can indicate a less than 2% relative difference in the angles 46, 48 as measured in degrees.
  • the angles 46, 48 may each be between 45 and 135 degrees in some embodiments. In various embodiments, the angles 46, 48 are each approximately 90 degrees.
  • the term substantially may indicate a 0% to 5% relative difference in the angles 46, 48 as measured in degrees.
  • the angles 46, 48 may each be between 45 and 135 degrees in some embodiments. In various embodiments, the angles 46, 48 are each approximately
  • angles 46, 48 are each approximately 135 degrees.
  • a cross-sectional view of a snap feature 20 of an overcap is provided.
  • the center portion 18 of the overcap is in a first position 30, and the first portion 24 and the second portion 26 of the snap feature 20 can be described relative to horizontal planes 34a, 34b.
  • an angle 50 between the first portion 24 and a horizontal plane 34a is between approximately 60 degrees and 90 degrees. In various embodiments, the angle 50 is approximately 75 degrees.
  • an angle 52 between the first portion 24 and a horizontal plane 34b is between approximately 45 degrees and 90 degrees. In various embodiments, the angle 52 is approximately 60 degrees.
  • a cross-sectional view of a snap feature 20 of an overcap is provided.
  • the center portion 18 of the overcap is in a second position 30, and the first portion 24 and the second portion 26 of the snap feature 20 can be described relative to horizontal planes 34a, 34b.
  • an angle 50 between the first portion 24 and a horizontal plane 34a is between approximately 30 degrees and 60 degrees. In various embodiments, the angle 50 is approximately 45 degrees.
  • an angle 52 between the first portion 24 and a horizontal plane 34b is between approximately 60 degrees and 120 degrees. In various embodiments, the angle 52 is approximately 85 degrees.
  • Fig. 4A a side elevation view of the container 10 and the overcap 16 is provided.
  • a first downward force 54 has been applied to the center portion 18 of the overcap 16 to deflect the center portion 18 to a second position 32.
  • the distal ends of the snap features 20 define a larger inner diameter as described above.
  • the force required to deflect the center portion 18 to a second position 32 and the force required to maintain the center portion 18 in the second position 32 may be different.
  • the force required to maintain the center portion 18 in the second position 32, when the center portion 18 is biased toward the first position may be less than the force needed to deflect the center portion 18 to the second position 32.
  • FIG. 4B another side elevation view of the container 10 and the overcap 16 is provided.
  • a second upward force 56 is applied to the underside of the overcap 16 to lift the overcap 16 off of the container 10.
  • the second force 56 is applied while the first force 54 maintains the center portion 18 in the second position 32.
  • the second force 56 is depicted as applied to an underside of the overcap 16, it will be appreciated that the second force 56 may be applied to other portions of the overcap 16, such as the outer surfaces of the snap features 20.
  • the second force 56 is oriented in an upward direction along the longitudinal axis 28, and the first force 54 is oriented in an opposing downward direction along the longitudinal axis 28.
  • the two forces 54, 56 can be applied simultaneous. This combination of forces makes the overcap 16 difficult to remove from the container 10 or end closure by a child or other who cannot appreciate potentially hazardous contents stored in the container 10.
  • the second upward force is greater than the first downward force such to remove the overcap 16 from the container 10.
  • the second upward force is simply greater than a holding force that maintains the center portion 18 in the second position, and not necessarily greater than a force that initially deflects the center portion 18 from the first position to the second position.
  • a user could depress the center portion of the overcap 16 with a downward force from an index finger, and then pull with an upward force on the overcap 16 with a larger upward force from the other fingers or thumb to remove the overcap 16 from the container 10.
  • FIG. 5A cross-sectional side elevation views of different containers 10 are provided.
  • the container in Fig. 5A has a body 12, a neck 14, and an end 58 that flares outwardly.
  • An end closure may be double-seamed onto the end 58 to enclose contents within the container 10, and the contents may be pressurized.
  • the double seam can define the outermost diameter of the end of the sealed container where the overcap may selectively attach.
  • End closures can have a variety of forms and features.
  • the central portion of the end closure is a pull top where a user pulls a tab to remove all or part of the central portion to access the contents of the container 10.
  • the container 10 in Fig. 5B has a body 12, a neck 14, and a curled end 60. This container 10 does not receive an end closure and stores non-pressurized contents.
  • the curl 60 defines the outermost diameter of the container 10 where the overcap may selectively attach.
  • a peelable, tin, or foil cover can be positioned on top of the curled end 60 to seal the contents within the container. A user can remove the cover to access the contents of the container 10.
  • An overcap as described herein can be used to selectively cover and/or seal the container 10. It will be appreciated that the container 10 may have a variety of shapes and configurations such as pressurized, non-pressurized, wet contents, dry contents, etc.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des systèmes, des procédés et des appareils pour fermer des contenants avec un couvercle de surbouchage à l'épreuve des enfants et pour empêcher tout accès non autorisé à des contenants. Plus spécifiquement, la présente invention concerne un couvercle de surbouchage qui peut être placé sur un récipient ou une fermeture d'extrémité, et le couvercle de surbouchage peut nécessiter une combinaison de forces pour être retiré du récipient ou de la fermeture d'extrémité. Des modes de réalisation du couvercle de surbouchage peuvent avoir une partie centrale en mesure de fléchir quand une force appliquée au niveau de la partie centrale fait fléchir la partie centrale et amène les éléments d'encliquetage à se libérer par rapport à un récipient ou une fermeture d'extrémité. Une deuxième force opposée peut ensuite retirer le couvercle de surbouchage du récipient ou de la fermeture d'extrémité. Les forces et la combinaison d'éléments limitent la capacité d'un enfant ou autre à accéder à des contenus potentiellement dangereux à l'intérieur du contenant.
PCT/US2020/029789 2019-04-25 2020-04-24 Couvercle de surbouchage à l'épreuve des enfants WO2020219860A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA3136193A CA3136193A1 (fr) 2019-04-25 2020-04-24 Couvercle de surbouchage a l'epreuve des enfants
MX2021012450A MX2021012450A (es) 2019-04-25 2020-04-24 Sobretapa resistente a los ni?os.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201962838794P 2019-04-25 2019-04-25
US62/838,794 2019-04-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2020219860A1 true WO2020219860A1 (fr) 2020-10-29

Family

ID=72921266

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2020/029789 WO2020219860A1 (fr) 2019-04-25 2020-04-24 Couvercle de surbouchage à l'épreuve des enfants

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20200339319A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA3136193A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2021012450A (fr)
WO (1) WO2020219860A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT202100000869A1 (it) * 2021-01-19 2022-07-19 Wuitoki Italia S R L Contenitore per alimenti

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3809272A (en) * 1972-02-14 1974-05-07 Sterling Drug Inc Safety bottle closure
US4971212A (en) * 1989-10-06 1990-11-20 Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. Tamper indicating packages
WO2005077777A1 (fr) * 2004-02-18 2005-08-25 Abacus (C.I.) Limited As Trustee Of The Bayview Trust Fermeture dotee d'un manchon temoin d'inviolabilite destructible
US20070131641A1 (en) * 2003-08-04 2007-06-14 Abacus (C.I.) Limited Closure with frangible tamper-evident band
US20110024423A1 (en) * 2008-04-30 2011-02-03 John Erspamer Tamper-evident package with improved opening performance

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3809272A (en) * 1972-02-14 1974-05-07 Sterling Drug Inc Safety bottle closure
US4971212A (en) * 1989-10-06 1990-11-20 Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. Tamper indicating packages
US20070131641A1 (en) * 2003-08-04 2007-06-14 Abacus (C.I.) Limited Closure with frangible tamper-evident band
WO2005077777A1 (fr) * 2004-02-18 2005-08-25 Abacus (C.I.) Limited As Trustee Of The Bayview Trust Fermeture dotee d'un manchon temoin d'inviolabilite destructible
US20110024423A1 (en) * 2008-04-30 2011-02-03 John Erspamer Tamper-evident package with improved opening performance

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX2021012450A (es) 2021-11-12
CA3136193A1 (fr) 2020-10-29
US20200339319A1 (en) 2020-10-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4037746A (en) Plastic cap and bottle neck
RU2729349C2 (ru) Укупорочное средство для емкости с использованием насадки для колпачка
US20140138383A1 (en) Tamper evident containers
US9475621B1 (en) Tamper evident plastic food container with trigger open mechanism
US20110108507A1 (en) Sectional container with a detachable base and lid cover
US10889413B2 (en) Tamper-evident container with a tab extending beyond a hinge
US4032029A (en) Tamper-proof bottle cap and container
US10351310B2 (en) Tamper-evident container with a bump near a tabbed hinge
US11273959B2 (en) Container with lid and detachable lid collar
WO2006083606A2 (fr) Fermeture de contenant a ouverture facile
EP3873822B1 (fr) Insert a scellage double et ensemble de fermeture non amovible
CN109153479B (zh) 包括显窃启装置的容器盖
US20120187126A1 (en) Reusable tamper-evident cover that protects beverage containers' drinking area, also once that area is re-covered
US10220985B2 (en) Tamper-evident container with a tabbed hinge
US20200339319A1 (en) Child-resistant overcap
JP5389550B2 (ja) 打栓式開閉容易キャップ
US10894635B2 (en) Tamper-evident container with a wide tab extending beyond a hinge
US20230249882A1 (en) Bottle cap with a flip lid
JP2021006468A (ja) 安全キャップおよびキャップ付き容器ユニット
JP4172873B2 (ja) 再封鎖用キャップ付き缶容器
US20230339659A1 (en) Child-resistant can top
US12077356B2 (en) Dispensing system
US20240092539A1 (en) Synthetic resin cap
CN216469689U (zh) 一拉开防伪瓶盖
US11136168B2 (en) Package with tamper evident security band

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 20794706

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 3136193

Country of ref document: CA

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2020794706

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20211125

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 20794706

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1