Safety Closure

Abstract

A safety closure for a threaded container includes a first cap having a first top wall with a peripheral edge and, a first skirt extending transversely from the peripheral edge with first and second flexible contact tabs. The interior surface of each of the tabs has a protrusion extending radially inwardly. A second cap has a second top wall with a peripheral edge and a second skirt extending transversely from the peripheral edge. A plurality of circumferentially extending recesses are disposed on the exterior surface of the second skirt. A corresponding plurality of lugs extend radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the second skirt adjacent each recess. Each lug includes an angled lug ramp intersecting with a generally flat face. The second cap is positioned within the first cap in nested coaxial relationship. Simultaneously rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a radially inwardly extending force to the tabs causes the protrusions to engage the recesses and the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 60/710,752 filed Aug. 24, 2005 entitled “Safety Closure”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Young children are exposed to a variety of potentially harmful materials that are sold in the open market. The variety and availability of such materials increases every day and, therefore, it is desirable for these materials to be stored in containers equipped with a safety closure mechanism that will at least deter young children from opening the container to gain access to the materials stored therein. It is known to provide child-resistant bottle safety closures which are intended to be easily removed from a container by an adult, but which are less easily removed by a child. A multiplicity of such closure mechanisms have been developed and marketed in the past.

Many of the know child-resistant safety closures include at least a single lug on the inner surface of the cap and a corresponding locking lug disposed on the storage container itself. Thus, in these designs, at least a portion of the safety mechanism is integrally formed with the container. This results in the cap and container being adaptable only for use with each other and, thus, limits the utility of the safety closure. Thus, it is desirable to provide an integral safety closure adaptable for use within a variety of containers and which does not require design modifications of a commonly known threaded container for operation of the closure. Eliminating the need for such container modifications facilitates a child-resistant safety closure which is readily and inexpensively manufactured.

Other know child-resistant safety closures include safety closures having first and second caps which rotate freely relative to each other, unless the first cap is pressed down upon, and brought into engagement with the second cap. When so engaged, torque applied to the first cap by a user is transferred to the second cap, allowing the child-resistant cap safety closure to be unscrewed from a container. Many such closures, developed in the past, have been found to be so difficult to remove from a container that even an average adult user could not readily remove the closure. Such closures often require an excessive amount of torque to be applied to the first cap in order to install a safety closure onto or remove a safety closure from a container. It is, therefore, desirable to provide new child-resistant safety closures which are designed to require little force to be applied to a cap in order to facilitate easy installation of the safety closure on and removal of the safety closure from a container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention is direction to a safety closure for a threaded container. The safety closure comprises a first cap having a first top wall with a peripheral edge, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. A first skirt extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the first top wall and includes first and second flexible contact tabs which extend from a terminal end of the first skirt toward the first top wall. Each tab has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of each of the tabs has a protrusion extending radially inwardly proximate a terminal end of the tab. The safety closure further comprises a second cap having a second top wall with a peripheral edge. A second skirt extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the second top wall. The second skirt has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the second skirt includes a screw thread. A plurality of circumferentially extending recesses are disposed on the exterior surface of the second skirt adjacent a juncture of the second skirt and the second top wall. A corresponding plurality of lugs extend radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the second skirt adjacent each recess. Each lug includes an angled lug ramp intersecting with a generally flat face. The second cap is positioned within the first cap in nested coaxial relationship. Simultaneously rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a radially inwardly extending force to the tabs causes the protrusions to engage the recesses and the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction. Conversely, rotating the first cap in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall, without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the tabs, causes a corner of the protrusions to engage the lug faces and the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a clockwise direction. Furthermore, rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall, without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the tabs, causes the protrusions to slide over the lug ramps such that the first cap rotates and the second cap remains stationary.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a safety closure for a threaded container. The safety closure comprises a first cap having a first top wall with a peripheral edge, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. A first skirt extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the first top wall and includes a plurality of lugs which extend radially inwardly from the interior surface of the first skirt. Each lug comprises a first segment disposed proximate a juncture of the first skirt and the first top wall and a second segment which extends from a position proximate the juncture of the first skirt and the first top wall towards a terminal end of the first skirt. The safety closure further comprises a second cap having a second top wall with a peripheral edge, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. A second skirt extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the second top wall. The second skirt has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the second skirt includes a screw thread. A plurality of recesses are disposed on the exterior surface of the second skirt. Each recess extends from a position proximate a juncture of the second skirt and the second top wall towards a terminal end of the second skirt. The second cap is positioned within the first cap in nested coaxial relationship. Simultaneously rotating the first cap in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a force to the exterior surface of the first top wall towards the second top wall causes the first segment of the lugs to engage the recesses and the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a clockwise direction. Simultaneously rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt causes the second segment of the lugs to engage the recesses and the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction. Rotating the first cap in a clockwise direction or counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall, without applying a force to the exterior surface of the first top wall or a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt, causes the lugs of the first cap to slide freely over the recesses of the second cap such that the first cap rotates and the second cap remains stationary.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a safety closure for a threaded container. The safely closure comprises a first cap having a first top wall with a peripheral edge, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. A plurality of protrusions extends generally transversely from the interior surface of the first top wall. The protrusions are formed by a first segment, extending transversely from the interior surface of the first top wall, and a second segment, extending radially outwardly and generally perpendicular to the first segment. A first skirt having an interior surface and an exterior surface extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the first top wall and includes a plurality of lugs which extend radially inwardly from the interior surface of the first skirt. Each lug extends from a position proximate a juncture of the first skirt and the first top wall towards a terminal end of the first skirt. The safety closure further comprises a second cap having a second top wall with a peripheral edge and a generally circular opening, extending through the second top wall and having a circumferentially extending rim. A second skirt extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the second top wall. The second skirt has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface of the second skirt includes a screw thread. A plurality of recesses are disposed on the exterior surface of the second skirt. Each recess extends from a position proximate a juncture of the second skirt and the second top wall towards a terminal end of the second skirt. A corresponding plurality of angled ramps extend radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the second skirt adjacent each recess and adjacent a terminal end of the second skirt. Each angled ramp intersects with a generally flat face. The second cap is positioned within the first cap in nested coaxial relationship. Simultaneously rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt causes the lugs to engage the recesses and the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction. Conversely, rotating the first cap in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall, without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt, causes a corner of the lugs to engage the flat faces of the angled ramps and the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a clockwise direction. Further, rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall, without applying a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt, causes the lugs to slide over the angled ramps such that the first cap rotates and the second cap remains stationary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an upper side perspective view of a container safety closure in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an upper side perspective view of the safety closure shown in FIG. 1, with a first cap shown as being transparent to in order to illustrate a second cap retained within the first cap;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the safety closure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an upper side perspective view of the second cap shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a bottom side perspective view of the first cap of the safety closure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of a flexible contact tab and recess of the safety closure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an upper side perspective view of a safety closure in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a first cap shown as being transparent to in order illustrate a second cap retained within the first cap;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the first cap of the safety closure of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the second cap of the safety closure of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the safety closure taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged detail view of a first portion of a first cap lug and second cap recess of the safety closure of FIG. 7, shown with the first cap in a transversely undeflected position relative to the second cap;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged detail view of the first cap lug and second cap recess of FIG. 11, shown with the first cap in a transversely deflected position relative to the second cap;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged detail view of a second portion of the first cap lug and second cap recess of the safety closure of FIG. 7, shown with the first cap in a radially undeflected position relative to the second cap;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged detail view of the first cap lug and second cap recess of FIG. 13, shown with the first cap in a radially inwardly deflected position relative to the second cap;

FIG. 15 is an upper side perspective view of a safety closure in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a first cap shown as being transparent to in order to illustrate a second cap;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the first cap of the safety closure of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view of the second cap of the safety closure of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the safety closure taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 19 is an enlarged detail view of a first portion of a first cap lug and second cap recess of the safety closure of FIG. 15, shown with the first cap in a radially undeflected position relative to the second cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the bottle safety closure and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Additionally, the word “a” as used in the specification means “at least one.”

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals and characters indicate like elements throughout, there are shown in FIGS. 1-19 presently preferred embodiments of a safety closure in accordance with the present invention. With reference initially to FIGS. 1-6, a first preferred embodiment safety closure, generally designated 10, is an assembly of a first cap 20 and a second cap 40.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the first cap 20 includes a first top wall 22 with a peripheral or radially outer edge 22c, an exterior or upper surface 22a, and an interior or lower surface 22b. A first skirt 24 extends generally transversely downwardly from the peripheral edge 22c of the first top wall 22. The first skirt 24 includes first and second flexible contact tabs 26 which extend from a lower or terminal end 24b of the first skirt 24 towards the first top wall 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible contact tabs 26 are generally square in shape, and are connected to a remainder of the first skirt 24 only along one edge proximate the terminal end 24b of the first skirt 24. The flexible contact tabs 26 are thus capable of being readily deflected radially inwardly by the application of only a small or limited force. Each flexible contact tab 26 has an outer or exterior surface 26a and an interior surface 26b. The interior surface 26b of each flexible contact tab 26 includes a protrusion 28 that extends radially inwardly proximate a terminal end 26c of the flexible contact tab 26. Operation of the protrusion 28 is described in detail below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second cap 40 comprises a second top wall 42 with a peripheral or radially outer edge 42c and a second skirt 44 which extends generally transversely downwardly from the peripheral edge 42c of the second top wall 42. The second skirt 44 has an outer or exterior surface 44a and an interior surface 44b. The interior surface 44b of the second skirt 44 includes a screw thread 46 which is matched with corresponding threads or the like of a container (not shown) with which the safety closure 10 may be used. A plurality of circumferentially extending recesses 50 are disposed on the exterior surface 44a of the second skirt, adjacent a juncture 43 of the second skirt 44 and the second top wall 42. Each recess 50 comprises a recessed face 60 extending inwardly from the exterior surface 44a of the second skirt 44 and a step 58 disposed on at least one end of the recessed face 60 where the recessed face 60 recedes from the exterior surface 44a of the second skirt 44. A corresponding plurality of lugs 52 extend radially outwardly from the exterior surface 44a of the second skirt 44, each lug 52 being located adjacent each recess 50 at an opposite end of the recessed face 60 from the associated step 58. Each lug 52 includes an angled lug ramp 54 intersecting with a generally flat lug face 56.

With particular reference to FIG. 3, the second cap 40 is positioned within the interior of the first cap 20 in a nested coaxial relationship. A first ring 32 extends radially inwardly from the terminal end 24b of the first skirt 24. A second ring 48 extends radially outwardly from the terminal end 44c of the exterior surface 44a of the second skirt 44. The first ring 32 interacts with the second ring 48 with a snap fit when the second cap 40 is installed within the first cap 20 to retain the second cap 40 within the first cap 20. In this manner, the second cap 40 is rotatable within the first cap 20 by the interaction of the first and second rings 32, 48. A plurality of spacers 30 extend from the interior surface 22b of the first top wall 22 toward the second top wall 42 to limit physical contact between the first top wall 22 and the second top wall 42 when the caps 20,40 are assembled. The spacers 30 facilitate relative rotation between the first cap 20 and the second cap 40.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, simultaneously rotating the first cap 20 in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 22 (illustrated in FIG. 6 as the direction of arrow B) and applying a radially inwardly extending force to at least one and preferably both of the flexible contact tabs 26 causes the protrusions 28 to engage the recesses 50. The engagement causes the first cap 20 and the second cap 40 to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction, thus, rotating the screw threads 46 on the interior surface 44b of the second cap skirt 44 of safety closure 10 out of threaded engagement with the container (not shown).

Conversely, rotating the first cap 20 in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 22 (illustrated in FIG. 6 as the direction of arrow A) with or without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the flexible contact tabs 26 causes a corner of the protrusions 28 to engage the lug faces 56 which causes the first cap 20 and the second cap 40 to rotate collectively in a clockwise direction. Such rotation (in the clockwise direction in FIG. 6) corresponds to tightening of the safety closure 10 onto a threaded container (not shown). Thus, when the safety closure 10 is being tightened onto a container, engagement of the protrusion 28 and lug face 56 causes the first and second caps 20, 40 to rotate collectively onto the container.

However, rotating the first cap 20 in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 22 (Illustrated in FIG. 6 as the direction of arrow B) without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the flexible contact tabs 26 causes the protrusions 28 to slide over the angled lug ramps 54 such that the first cap 20 rotates and the second cap 40 remains stationary. Thus, with the safety closure 10 installed onto a threaded container (not shown), rotating the first cap 20 in a direction to loosen the safety closure 10, without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the one or preferably both of flexible contact tabs 26, results in the protrusions 28 of the first cap 20 failing to engage the recesses 50 of the second cap 40 so that the caps 20,40 freely rotate with respect to each other and the user is unable to remove the safety closure 10 from the container (not shown).

With reference now to FIGS. 7-14, there is shown a second preferred embodiment of a safety closure, generally designated 110, in accordance with the present invention. The second embodiment safety closure 110 is generally similar to the first embodiment safety closure 10, including a first cap 120 and a second cap 150 rotatably retained within the first cap 120 by the interaction of first and second rings 142, 158.

With particular reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, the first cap 120 includes a first top wall 122 with a peripheral edge 122c, an exterior surface 122a, and an interior surface 122b. A first skirt 126 extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge 122c of the first top wall 122. The first skirt 126 includes a plurality of generally circumferentially spaced apart lugs 128 which extend radially inwardly from an interior surface 126b of the skirt 126. Each lug 128 comprises a first segment 130, disposed proximate a juncture 125 of the first skirt 126 of first top wall 122, and a second portion 136, which extends from a position proximate the juncture 125 of the first skirt 126 and first top wall 122 towards a terminal end 126c of the first skirt 126. The first segment 130 of each lug 128 comprises an angled ramp 134 intersecting with a generally flat lug face 132. The second segment 136 of each lug 128 comprises another angled ramp 140 intersecting with a generally flat lug face 138 which extends generally transversely from a position proximate the juncture 125 of the first skirt 126 and the first top wall 122 towards a terminal end 126c of the first skirt 126. Operation of the first cap lugs 128 is described below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second cap 150 comprises a second top wall 152 with a peripheral edge 152c, an exterior surface 152a, and an interior surface 152b. A second skirt 154, having an exterior surface 154a and an interior surface 154b, extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge 152c of the second top wall 152. The interior surface 154b of the second skirt 154 includes a screw thread 156. A plurality of recesses 160 are disposed on the exterior surface 154a of the second skirt 154. Each recess 160 extends from a position proximate a juncture 153 of the second skirt 154 and the second top wall 152 towards a terminal end 154c of the second skirt 154. Each recess 160 comprises a recessed face 164 extending inwardly from the exterior surface 154a of the second skirt 154 and a step 162 disposed at one end of the recessed face 164 where the recessed face 164 recedes from the exterior surface 154a of the second skirt 154.

With particular reference to FIG. 10, the second cap 150 is positioned within the first cap 120 in a nested coaxial relationship. A first ring 142 extends radially inwardly from the terminal end 126c of the first skirt 126. The first ring 142 includes a plurality of cutouts 144 which extend from the interior surface 126b of the first skirt 126 towards the exterior surface 126a of the first skirt 126. Operation of the cutouts 144 is described below. A second ring 158 extends radially outwardly from a terminal end 154c of the exterior surface 154a of the second skirt 154. The first ring 142 interacts with the second ring 158 to retain the second cap 150 within the first cap 120. Further, the second cap 150 is rotatably retained within the first cap 120 by the interaction of the first and second rings 142, 158. A plurality of spaced apart spacers 124 extend from the interior surface 122b of the first top wall 122 towards the second top wall 152 to limit physical contact between the first top wall 122 and the second top wall 152 when the caps are assembled.

With particular reference to FIG. 12, simultaneously rotating the first cap 120 in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 122 (illustrated in FIG. 12 as the direction of arrow A) and applying a force to the exterior surface 122a of the first top wall 122 towards the second top wall 152 causes the first segment 130 of the lugs 128 to engage the recesses 160 of the second cap 150. The engagement causes the first cap 120 and the second cap 150 to rotate together in a clockwise direction. Such rotation (in the clockwise direction of FIG. 12) corresponds to tightening of the safety closure 110 onto a threaded container (not shown). Thus, when the safety closure 110 is being tightened onto a container, engagement of the lug first segments 130 and the recesses 160 causes the first and second caps 120, 150 to rotate together onto the container (not shown).

With particular reference to FIG. 14, simultaneously rotating the first cap 120 in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 122 (Illustrated in FIG. 14 as the direction of arrow B) and applying a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface 126a of the first skirt 126 causes the second segment 136 of the lugs 128 to engage the recesses 160 on the second cap 150. The engagement causes the first cap 120 and the second cap 150 to rotate together in a counter-clockwise direction. The first ring cutouts 144 allow the first skirt 126 to be more flexible than would be the case if the first ring 142 was continuous thus facilitating movement of the first cap 120 into the radially deflected position 176 as shown. Thus, when the safety closure 110 is being loosened from a container (not shown), engagement of the lug second segments 136 and the recesses 160 causes the first and second caps 120, 150 to rotate together in a counter-clockwise direction, thus rotating the safety closure 110 out of threaded engagement with the container (not shown).

With particular reference to FIGS. 11 and 13, rotating the first cap 120 in a clockwise direction or counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 122 without applying a force to the exterior surface 122a of the first top wall 122 (see FIG. 11) or a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface 126a of the first skirt 126 (see FIG. 13) causes the lugs 128 of the first cap 120 to slide freely over the recesses 160 of the second cap 150 such that the first cap 120 rotates ad the second cap 150 remains stationary. Thus, with the safety closure 110 installed onto a container (not shown), rotating the first cap 120 in a direction to loosen the safety closure 110, without applying the force to the radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface 126a of the first skirt 126, results in the first cap 120 failing to engage the second cap 150 and, thus, the user is unable to remove the safety closure 110 from the container.

With reference now to FIGS. 15-19, there is shown a third preferred embodiment of a safety closure, generally designated 210, in accordance with the present invention. The third embodiment safety closure 210 is generally similar to the first and second embodiment safety closures 10, 110, respectively, including a first cap 220 and a second cap 240 rotatably retained within the first cap 220. However, rather than being retained by a first and second ring, the third embodiment second cap 240 is retained to the first cap 220 by the interaction of a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart protrusions 224 on the first cap 220 and an annular rim 246 of an opening 244 in the second cap 240.

With particular reference to FIGS. 16 and 18, the first cap 220 includes a first top wall 222 with a peripheral edge 222c, an exterior surface 222a, and an interior surface 222b. A first skirt 230 extends generally transversely from peripheral edge 222c of the first top wall 222. A plurality of protrusions 224 extend generally transversely from the interior surface 222b of the first top wall 222. The protrusions 224 are each formed by a first segment 226 extending transversely from the interior surface 222b of the first cap top wall 222 and a second segment 228 extending radially outwardly and generally perpendicularly to the first segment 226. The first skirt 230 includes a plurality of lugs 232 which extend radially inwardly from an interior surface 230b of the first skirt 230. Each lug 232 extends from a position proximate a juncture 229 of the first skirt 230 and the first top wall 222 towards a terminal end 230c of the first skirt 230. Operation of the lugs 232 is described below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the second cap 240 comprises a second top wall 242 with a peripheral edge 242c and a generally circular opening 244 extending through the center of the second top wall 242. The opening 244 has a circumferentially extending rim. A second skirt 248, having an exterior surface 248a and an interior surface 248b, extends generally transversely from the peripheral edge 242c of the second top wall 242. The interior surface 248b of the second skirt 248 includes a screw thread.

A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart recesses 252 are disposed on the exterior surface 248a of the second skirt 248. Each recess 252 extends from a position proximate a juncture of the second skirt 248 and the second top wall 242 towards a terminal end 248c of the second skirt 248. Each recess 252 comprises a recessed face 252a extending inwardly from the exterior surface 248a of the second skirt 248. A corresponding plurality of angled ramps 254 extend outwardly from the exterior surface 248a of the second skirt 248, adjacent each recess 252 and adjacent a terminal end 248c of the second skirt 248. Thus, there is preferably one angled ramp 254 for each recess 252. Each angled ramp 254 intersects with a generally flat face 258 which extends radially outwardly from the exterior surface 248a of the skirt. The angled ramps 254 further comprise inclined planes 256.

With particular reference to FIGS. 15 and 18, the second cap 240 is positioned within the first cap 220 in a nested coaxial relationship. The second segments 228 of the protrusions 224 of the first cap 220 engage the rim 246 of the second cap 240 to retain the second cap 240 within the first cap 220, while also allowing the second cap 240 to rotate relative to the first cap 220.

Simultaneously rotating the first cap 220 in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 222 and applying a radially inwardly extending force to an exterior surface 230a of the first skirt 230 causes the lugs 232 to engage the recesses 252. The engagement causes the first cap 220 and the second cap 240 to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction. Thus, when the safety closure 210 is being loosened from a container (not shown) by applying a radially inwardly extending force to an exterior surface 230a of the first skirt 230, engagement of the lugs 232 and the recesses 252 causes the first and second caps 220, 240 to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction, thus, rotating the safety closure 210 out of threaded engagement with the container (not shown).

With particular reference to FIG. 19, rotating the first cap 220 in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 222 (illustrated in FIG. 19 as the direction of arrow A) without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface 230a of the first skirt 230 causes a corner of the lugs 232 to engage the flat faces 258 of the angled ramps 254. The engagement causes the first cap 220 and the second cap 240 to rotate collectively in a clockwise direction. Such rotation (in the clockwise direction of FIG. 19) corresponds to tightening of the safety closure 210 onto a threaded container (not shown). Thus, when the safety closure 210 is being tightened onto a container, engagement of the lugs 232 and the flat faces 258 of the angled ramps 254 causes the first and second caps 220, 240 to rotate collectively onto the container (not shown).

With particular reference to FIG. 19, rotating the first cap 220 in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall 222 (Illustrated in FIG. 19 as the direction of arrow B) without applying a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface 230a of the first skirt 230 causes the lugs 232 to slide over the angled ramps 254 such that the first cap 220 rotates and the second cap 240 remains stationary. Thus, with the safety closure 210 installed onto a container (not shown), rotating the first cap 230 in a direction to loosen the safety closure 210, without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface 230a of the first skirt 230, results in the first cap 220 failing to engage the second cap 240 and, thus, the user is unable to remove the safety closure 210 from the container (not shown).

The first, second, and third embodiment safety closure 10, 110, 210 are preferably fabricated from one or more thermoplastic or other polymeric materials using injection molding techniques well know to those skilled in the art. From this disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other conventional materials and fabrication techniques could be substituted. Also based on this disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art would further recognize that the relative proportions of the components illustrated could be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the above described preferred embodiments 10, 110, and 210 of the safety closure without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A safety closure, comprising:

a first cap having a first top wall with a peripheral edge, an exterior surface and an interior surface, a first skirt extending generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the first top wall, the first skirt including first and second flexible contact tabs extending from a terminal end of the first skirt toward the first top wall, each tab having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of the tabs having a protrusion extending radially inwardly proximate a terminal end of the tab; and

a second cap having a second top wall with a peripheral edge and a second skirt extending generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the second top wall, the second skirt having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of the second skirt including a screw thread, a plurality of circumferentially extending recesses disposed on the exterior surface of the second skirt adjacent a juncture of the second skirt and the second top wall, and a corresponding plurality of lugs extending radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the second skirt adjacent each recess, each lug including an angled lug ramp intersecting with a generally flat face, the second cap being positioned within the first cap in nested coaxial relationship, wherein

simultaneously rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a radially inwardly extending force to the tabs causes the protrusions to engage the recesses, the engagement causing the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction;

rotating the first cap in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the tabs causes a corner of the protrusions to engage the lug faces, the engagement causing the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a clockwise direction; and

rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the tabs causes the protrusions to slide over the lug ramps such that the first cap rotates and the second cap remains stationary.

2. The safety closure of claim 1, wherein a first ring extends radially inwardly from a terminal end of the first skirt and a second ring extends radially outwardly from a terminal end of the exterior surface of the second skirt.

3. The safety closure of claim 2, wherein the first ring interacts with the second ring to retain the second cap within the first cap.

4. The safety closure of claim 1, wherein a plurality of spacers extend from the interior surface of the first top wall toward the second top wall to limit physical contact between the first top wall and the second top wall.

5. The safety closure of claim 1, wherein each recess further comprises a recessed face extending inwardly from the exterior surface of the second skirt and a step disposed at one end of the recessed face where the recessed face recedes from the exterior surface of the second skirt.

6. The safety closure of claim 5, wherein each lug is disposed at an opposite end from the step.

7. A safety closure, comprising:

a first cap having a first top wall with a peripheral edge, an exterior surface and an interior surface, a first skirt extending generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the first top wall, the first skirt including a plurality of lugs extending radially inwardly from the interior surface of the first skirt, each lug comprising a first segment disposed proximate a juncture of the first skirt and the first top wall and a second segment extending from a position proximate the juncture of the first skirt and the first top wall towards a terminal end of the first skirt; and

a second cap having a second top wall with a peripheral edge, an exterior surface and an interior surface, and a second skirt extending generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the second top wall, the second skirt having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of the second skirt including a screw thread, a plurality of recesses disposed on the exterior surface of the second skirt, each recess extending from a position proximate a juncture of the second skirt and the second top wall towards a terminal end of the second skirt, the second cap being positioned within the first cap in nested coaxial relationship, wherein

simultaneously rotating the first cap in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a force to the exterior surface of the first top wall towards the second top wall causes the first segment of the lugs to engage the recesses, the engagement causing the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a clockwise direction,

simultaneously rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt causes the second segment of the lugs to engage the recesses, the engagement causing the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction; and

rotating the first cap in a clockwise direction or counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall without applying a force to the exterior surface of the first top wall or a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt causes the lugs of the first cap to slide freely over the recesses of the second cap such that the first cap rotates and the second cap remains stationary.

8. The safety closure of claim 7, wherein a first ring extends radially inwardly from a terminal end of the first skirt and a second ring extends radially outwardly from a terminal end of the exterior surface of the second skirt.

9. The safety closure of claim 8, wherein the first ring interacts with the second ring to retain the second cap within the first cap.

10. The safety closure of claim 8, wherein the first ring includes a plurality of cutouts extending from the interior surface of the first skirt towards the exterior of the first skirt.

11. The safety closure of claim 7, wherein a plurality of flexible spacers extend from the interior surface of the first top wall towards the second top wall to limit physical contact between the first top wall and the second top wall.

12. The safety closure of claim 7, wherein the first segment of each lug comprises an angled ramp intersecting with a generally flat face and the second segment of each lug comprises another angled ramp intersecting with another generally flat face extending generally transversely from a position proximate the juncture of the first skirt and the first top wall towards a terminal end of the first skirt.

13. The safety closure of claim 7, wherein each recess comprises a recessed face extending inwardly from the exterior surface of the second skirt and a step disposed at one end of the recessed face where the recessed face recedes from the exterior surface of the second skirt.

14. A safety closure, comprising:

a first cap having a first top wall with a peripheral edge, an exterior surface and an interior surface, a plurality of protrusions extending generally transversely from the interior surface of the first top wall, the protrusions formed by a first segment extending transversely from the interior surface of the first top wall and a second segment extending radially outwardly and generally perpendicular to the first segment, a first skirt extending generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the first top wall, the first skirt including a plurality of lugs extending radially inwardly from the interior surface of the first skirt, each lug extending from a position proximate a juncture of the first skirt and the first top wall towards a terminal end of the first skirt; and

a second cap having a second top wall with a peripheral edge, a generally circular opening extending through the second top wall and having a circumferentially extending rim and a second skirt extending generally transversely from the peripheral edge of the second top wall, the second skirt having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface of the second skirt including a screw thread, a plurality of recesses disposed on the exterior surface of the second skirt, each recess extending from a position proximate a juncture of the second skirt and the second top wall towards a terminal end of the second skirt, and a corresponding plurality of angled ramps extending radially outwardly from the exterior surface of the second skirt adjacent each recess and adjacent a terminal end of the second skirt, each angled ramp intersecting with a generally flat face, the second cap being positioned within the first cap in nested coaxial relationship, wherein

simultaneously rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall and applying a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt causes the lugs to engage the recesses, the engagement causing the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a counter-clockwise direction;

rotating the first cap in a clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall without applying the radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt causes a corner of the lugs to engage the flat faces of the angled ramps, the engagement causing the first cap and the second cap to rotate collectively in a clockwise direction; and

rotating the first cap in a counter-clockwise direction when viewing the first top wall without applying a radially inwardly extending force to the exterior surface of the first skirt causes the lugs to slide over the angled ramps such that the first cap rotates and the second cap remains stationary.

15. The safety closure of claim 14, wherein the second segment of the protrusions of the first cap engage the rim of the second cap to retain the second cap within the first cap.

16. The safety closure of claim 14, wherein each recess further comprises a recessed face extending inwardly from the exterior surface of the second skirt.