Tamper Evidence Child Resistant Liquid Containment Packaging

Abstract

A tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging comprising a container and a corresponding capping assembly that inhibits unauthorized removal of capping assembly and indicates tampering. The container stores liquid. The capping assembly is operable with container to restrict access to the liquid. The capping assembly comprises an inner cap, an outer cap, a sealing member, and a tamper evidence ring. The inner and outer caps comprise complementary inner and outer cap releasable locking elements that are engageable to releasably lock the outer cap in a closed position. Manipulation of outer cap disengages outer cap from inner cap. Teeth are arranged at the container to damage the evidence resistant ring on the inner cap upon removal attempts. A sealing member is in communication with the liquid, controlling discharge. Resilient plates extend from outer cap sidewall, generating friction against inner cap during rotation. Indicia on outer cap indicates nature of liquid.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging. More so, the present invention relates to a liquid containment packaging comprising a container and a corresponding capping assembly that inhibits unauthorized removal of the capping assembly from the container while simultaneously showing indications of tampering attempts; whereby the container stores and dispenses a liquid, such as medicine; whereby the capping assembly is operable with the container to restrict access to the contents of the container through multiple tamper-evidence components requiring dexterity and strength to open; whereby the capping assembly comprises sealing member, an inner cap, a tamper evidence ring, and an outer cap that work together to restrict access to the contents of the container, inhibit tampering, and regulate dispensing of the liquid from the container; whereby teeth are arranged at the dispensing end of the container to damage an evidence resistant ring on the inner cap upon removal from the container; whereby a sealing member is in communication with the contents of the container, and serves to control drip speed during discharge of liquid, directionally control the discharge of the liquid from the container, and provide a seal for the container; whereby the inner and outer caps comprise complementary inner and outer cap releasable locking elements, respectively; whereby the inner and outer cap releasable locking elements are engageable to releasably lock the outer cap in a closed position; whereby a biasing force inhibits the outer cap releasable locking element from disengaging from the inner releasable locking element; whereby the biasing force is overcome by simultaneously pushing and rotating the outer cap, so that the outer cap is disengaged from the inner cap; whereby a radial arrangement of resilient plates extend from the outer cap sidewall to engage and deform against the inner cap base, so as to restrict rotation of the outer cap in relation to the inner cap; and whereby an indicia on the outer cap sidewall indicates a restricted liquid is in the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

It is known in the art that childproof, or tamper resistant, bottles are used to store medicine or other materials that are harmful to children or unauthorized people and animals. Typically, childproof bottles include a container and a lid that closes the container mouth opening, with the lid requiring dexterity or strength to open, not usually present in young children. In some prior art childproof bottles, a lid screws onto the container. This action requires the user to forcefully push the lid against the container enough to overcome a biasing force to have the threads of the lid engage the threads of the bottle. When this biasing force is overcome by pushing the lid and the lid is simultaneously rotated, the lid can be unscrewed.

Most of the prior art patents teach a safety cap defined by teeth that interconnect with corresponding secondary teeth on the neck of a container. The prior art also includes a safety cap that requires two or more distinct manipulation, i.e., push, pull, twist, or deform, to disengage the teeth, and thereby remove the safety cap from the container. The prior art further includes containers that are designed to contain a restricted liquid, such as a medicinal composition.

Typically, there are eclectic types of child-proof type capping systems used to inhibit unauthorized access to the contents therein. Most such systems provide a container, such as a medicine bottle, which is operable with an outer cap and a ribbed circumferential neck of a bottle. The two opposite sets of teeth or ribs engage each other to lock in a closed position. Often in these arrangements, disengaging the corresponding teeth works to detach the outer cap from the container.

Often, this can be accomplished by pushing down, twisting, deforming, or performing other discrete manipulation to the outer cap, so as to disengage the outer cap teeth with the teeth along the neck of the bottle; and thereby enabling the outer cap to be disengaged from the bottle. Conversely, fastening the outer cap to the container neck is generally less difficult and may simply require a twisting or snapping motion to urge the outer cap into place. This fastening/unfastening relationship, and the structure of the cap and container neck, is mostly what the attached prior art covers.

Other proposals have involved tamper evidence child resistant and child-proof containers. The problem with these tamper proofing containers is that they do not provide multiple structures to restrict tampering, and also indicate attempts at tampering at the same time. Also, the characteristics or potential hazards of the liquid in the container are not identified. even though the above cited child-proof containers meet some of the needs of the market, a tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging comprising a container and a corresponding capping assembly that inhibits unauthorized removal of the capping assembly from the container and shows indications of tampering attempts is still desired.

SUMMARY

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging. The tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging provides a container and a corresponding capping assembly that inhibits unauthorized removal of the capping assembly from the container and shows indications of attempts to forcibly detach the capping assembly from the container.

The tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging provides a container that is sized and dimensioned to store and dispense a liquid. A capping assembly is operable with the container to restrict access to the contents of the container through multiple tamper-evidence components and functions that require dexterity and strength to open. An outer cap and an inner cap of the capping assembly are outfitted with an interlocking releasable lock elements, which functions to tamperproof the container by requiring the user to first apply a downward force before rotating and removing the outer cap. These difficult manipulations are not usually easy for a young child, elderly person, person with muscular or articulation disorders, person affected by a temporary or chronic medical condition, or animal to perform. The capping assembly also indicates to physical tampering attempts.

In some embodiments, the container is defined by a container sidewall that forms an enclosed region for containing a liquid. The container sidewall is defined by a base end for supporting the container, and a dispensing end that forms a container mouth opening. The dispensing end includes a container coupling member for fastening the capping assembly thereto. In some embodiments, a plurality of teeth are arranged at the dispensing end of the container. The teeth destructively engage a tamper evidence ring on the capping assembly to indicate attempts to detach the capping assembly. The teeth work to tear a tamper evidence ring from an inner cap, as discussed below.

The capping assembly is selectively movable between a closed position in which the outer cap closes the inner cap, and an opened position in which the outer cap clears the container mouth opening for allowing access into the inner cap dispensing means from the container. The capping assembly comprises multiple unique components that form a synergy for a tamper evidence child resistant design, providing multiple tamper-resisting structures and functions.

In one embodiment, the capping assembly comprises sealing member, an inner cap, a tamper evidence ring, and an outer cap that work together to restrict access to the contents of the container, inhibit tampering, and regulate dispensing of the liquid from the container.

The sealing member is in communication with the contents of the container, and serves to control drip speed during discharge of the liquid, directionally control the discharge of the liquid in the container, and also provides a seal for the container. The sealing member includes a mouth that couples to the inner container, and a plug tip that regulates discharge of the liquid from the container. Thus, the sealing member works to: 1) control drip speed during discharge of the liquid, 2) directionally control the discharge of the liquid in the container, and 3) provides a seal to the container.

The capping assembly has complementary inner and outer cap releasable locking elements that are located on the inner and outer caps, respectively. The inner and outer cap releasable locking elements are engageable to releasably lock the outer cap in a closed position. A biasing force inhibits the outer cap releasable locking element from disengaging from the inner releasable locking element. When this biasing force is overcome by pushing the outer cap and the outer is simultaneously rotated, the outer cap can be decoupled from the inner cap to an open position.

The inner cap encapsulates the sealing nozzle, working with the outer cap to inhibit detachment of the outer cap from the capping assembly. In some embodiments, the inner cap comprises an inner cap sidewall, an inner cap base, and a nozzle extending from the inner cap sidewall and terminating an inner cap opening. The inner cap opening is in communication with the enclosed region of the container.

As discussed above, the inner cap includes an inner cap releasable locking element that forms at the inner cap base. The inner cap releasable locking element creates a biasing force to maintain engagement between the inner cap and the outer cap, as discussed below. In one embodiment, the inner cap releasable locking element is a plurality of slots. The slots are arranged in a radial configuration and used to restrict detachment of the outer cap, as described below.

A tamper evidence ring attaches to the inner cap to indicate if the inner cap has been removed from the container since the tamper evidence ring would be torn by the teeth from the container if removal of the inner cap was attempted. The inner cap also includes an inner cap sidewall, an inner cap coupling member for mounting the container mouth opening, and a coupling base that forms the inner cap releasable locking element, i.e. slots.

An outer cap detachably covers the inner cap. In some embodiments, the outer cap comprises an outer cap sidewall. The outer cap sidewall may include a plurality of ridges that facilitate gripping for manipulation of the outer cap. A radial arrangement of resilient plates extend from the outer cap sidewall to engage the inner cap base. The resilient plates are configured to deform so as to restrict rotation of the outer cap in relation to the inner cap. Specifically, the resilient plates generate frictional resistance against the inner cap to inhibit detachment of the outer cap from the inner cap. The resilient plates provide yet another child-resistance layer to the packaging.

An indicia on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall indicates a restricted liquid is inside the container. The indicia may include a hazard warning or an actual label for a medicine, for example.

As discussed above, the outer cap comprises an outer cap releasable locking element, which may include a plurality of ribs that correspond to the plurality of slots formed in the sidewall base of the inner cap. The ribs are configured to selectively engage the slots. The ribs are biased to interlock with the slots, so as to restrict disengagement between the outer cap and the inner cap. However, when the ribs are deformed by manipulating the outer cap, the ribs disengage from the slots, and the outer cap detaches from the inner cap.

The manipulation of the outer cap may include pressing down on the outer cap, torqueing the outer cap, rotating the outer cap, depressing the outer cap, twisting, deforming, performing other discrete manipulation to the outer cap, and other forces known in the art for overcoming childproof or tamper evidence child resistant biases. Once the biased force between the outer and inner cap releasable locking elements is overcome, the outer cap may then be detached through rotation. This is to disengage the outer cap releasable locking element from the inner cap releasable locking element; and thereby enabling the outer cap to be disengaged from the bottle.

In operation, a force is applied to the outer cap by pushing down and rotating counter clockwise to remove the outer cap. If an attempt is made to rotate the outer cap without pushing down, the ribs in the outer cap interlock with the slots in the inner cap to inhibit rotation, and thereby removal of the outer cap. The tamper evidence child resistant disclosure for the tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging is unique in that it provides: 1) inner and outer cap releasable locking elements that interlock and require overcoming a biasing force to disengage; 2) deformable plates that counteracts compression forces from attempts to screw open the outer cap, 3) a plurality of teeth at the dispensing end of the container that work to tear a tamper evidence ring disposed on the inner cap when the outer cap is rotated, so as to indicate attempts to remove the outer cap from the inner cap; and 4) an indicia that indicates the nature of the liquid in the container.

In one aspect, a tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging, comprises:

• • a container defined by a container sidewall forming an enclosed region, a base end, and a dispensing end, the dispensing end forming a container mouth opening, the dispensing end comprising a container coupling member;
  • a plurality of teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the container;
  • a sealing member configured to regulate access to the enclosed region of the container, the sealing member comprising a sealing mouth that forms a friction fit relationship with the container mouth opening, the sealing member further comprising a plug tip configured to regulate discharge from the container mouth opening;
  • an inner cap configured to cover the sealing member, the inner cap defined by an inner cap sidewall at least partially coupled to the dispensing end of the container, an inner cap base having an inner cap coupling member, and a nozzle extending from the inner cap sidewall, the nozzle terminating at an inner cap opening that is in communication with the enclosed region of the container;
  • an inner cap releasable locking element disposed at the inner cap base;
  • a tamper evidence ring disposed at the inner cap sidewall, the tamper evidence ring corresponding to the plurality of teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the container,
  • whereby the plurality of teeth are configured to deform the tamper evidence ring when the inner cap is at least partially decoupled from the dispensing end of the container;
  • an outer cap configured to cover the inner cap, the outer cap comprising an outer cap sidewall, the outer cap sidewall defined by a terminus and a plurality of ridges, the plurality of ridges configured to facilitate gripping the outer cap;
  • an outer cap releasable locking element disposed at the outer cap sidewall, the outer cap releasable locking element corresponding to the inner cap releasable locking element,
  • whereby the inner cap releasable locking element and the outer cap releasable locking element are configured to interlock to maintain engagement,
  • whereby a biasing force maintains the engagement between the inner cap releasable locking element and the outer cap releasable locking element,
  • whereby manipulation of the outer cap helps overcome the biasing force for disengaging the outer cap from the inner cap;
  • a plurality of resilient plates extending in a radial arrangement from the outer cap sidewall, the plurality of resilient plates configured to engage the inner cap base and the inner cap sidewall during manipulation of the outer cap,
  • whereby manipulation of the outer cap allows the plurality of resilient plates to generate frictional resistance against the inner cap base and the inner cap sidewall to help inhibit detachment of the outer cap from the inner cap; and
  • an indicia disposed on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall.

In another aspect, the container coupling member includes at least one of the following: a threaded neck, a protrusion, a hole, and a pressure sensitive element.

In another aspect, the container contains a liquid.

In another aspect, the container is generally elongated and cylindrical.

In another aspect, the plurality of teeth encircle the dispensing end of the container.

In another aspect, the plug tip comprises an orifice.

In another aspect, the manipulation of the outer cap comprises a pressing force and a rotating force.

In another aspect, the inner cap releasable locking element comprises a plurality of slots.

In another aspect, the outer cap releasable locking element comprises a plurality of ribs configured to interlock with the plurality of slots.

In another aspect, the plurality of ribs are radially disposed.

In another aspect, the plurality of slots are radially disposed.

In another aspect, the plurality of resilient plates are fabricated from at least one of the following: elastic, a pliable polymer, and rubber.

In another aspect, the enclosed region of the container contains a liquid.

In another aspect, the indicia is configured to indicate characteristics of the liquid in the container.

In another aspect, the indicia is a triangle.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging or mechanism that prevents a child or unauthorized person from unnecessarily accessing the liquid in the container, yet allows adults to conveniently open the capping assembly.

Another objective is to minimize tampering of a medicine bottle through use of inner and outer cap releasable locking elements that inhibit removal of an outer cap unless a manipulation of the outer cap overcomes a biasing force between the releasable locking elements.

Yet another objective is to provide a tamper evidence ring that indicates whether the outer cap has been removed or not.

Yet another objective is to provide resilient plates that restrict rotation of the outer cap, so as to provide another tamper-evidence layer.

Yet another objective is to provide a sealing nozzle to control drip speed during discharge of the liquid, directionally control the discharge of the liquid in the container, and also provides a seal.

Yet another objective is to provide indicia on the outer cap that indicates the nature of the liquid in the container.

Another objective is to provide a container that is safe for containing ingestible materials, such as medicine.

Another objective is to provide a container and capping assembly that is economical and easy to manufacture.

Other systems, packaging, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a sectioned view of the tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an elevated side view of the tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a blow up view of an exemplary cap assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary outer cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an elevated side view of the outer cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a sectioned view of the outer cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an elevated side view of an exemplary inner cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a sectioned view of the inner cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an elevated side view of an exemplary container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a sectioned view of the container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D illustrate various views of an alternative embodiment of the tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging having a clip extending from the outer cap, and a tactile indicia disposed on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall, where FIG. 12A is a perspective view, FIG. 12B is a left side view, FIG. 12C is a bottom view, and FIG. 12D is a top view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific packaging and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

A tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging is referenced in FIGS. 1-12D. The tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging 100, hereafter “packaging 100” provides a container 138 and a corresponding capping assembly 102 that inhibits unauthorized removal of the capping assembly 102 from the container 138 and shows indications of attempts to forcibly detach the capping assembly 102 from the container 138.

For purposes of this disclosure, the following are defined as:

Child resistant—Child-resistant packaging is special packaging used to reduce the risk of children ingesting dangerous items. This is often accomplished by the use of a special safety cap. It is required by regulation for prescription drugs (nicotine products in our case), over-the-counter medications, pesticides, and household chemicals. By combining the motion of compressing and rotating at the same time, a user have to be mature and strong enough to understand how to open the container. This design is tested by a certified testing agent and proved to be effective on restrict a confident percentage of children access. “Child-proof” packaging is not quite accurate because the design is not necessary to prevent all children from accessing the content. Such certification is authorized by The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to use on packaging for restricted material.

Resilience plate/elastic plate—Our unique design on enhancing the effectiveness of Child resistant. Making it even harder for children to access the restricted content mistakenly. Any design without it can be opened if the upper cap settled at the slot of inner cap by gravity and at the same time the user is a underage robust genius. The purpose of Resilience plate is at least having the cap settling at an idle state despite the effect of gravity. It also required a stronger force to open.

Tamper evidence—is one having one or more indicators or barriers to entry which, if breached or missing, can reasonably be expected to provide visible evidence to consumers that tampering has occurred. The definition is given by the FDA. The design here is not necessary to ensure “product not being tampered”, but rather to show to consumer that the product being tampered if it really is. By know the content being tampered, consumers are capable to avoid consuming any contaminated, used, deteriorated product.

As FIG. 1 references, the packaging 100 comprises a container 138 and a corresponding capping assembly 102. The capping assembly 102 comprises an outer cap 104 and an inner cap 116 that are outfitted with an interlocking releasable lock elements 114, 130, which function to tamperproof the container 138 by requiring the user to first apply a downward force before rotating and removing the outer cap 104 from the inner cap 116.

Looking now at FIG. 2, the container 138 stores a liquid, such as a medicine, consumable fluid materials, or hazardous fluids. The capping assembly 102 is operable with the container 138 to restrict access to the liquid. The capping assembly 102 comprises an inner cap 116, an outer cap 104, a sealing member 132, and a tamper evidence ring 128.

In some embodiments, the inner and outer caps 116, 104 comprise complementary inner and outer cap releasable locking elements 114, 130 that are engageable to releasably lock the outer cap 104 in a closed position. Forcible manipulation of outer cap 104 disengages the outer cap 104 from the inner cap 116. The interface between the inner and outer cap releasable locking elements 114, 130 also serves to form a watertight seal to minimize spills and leaks, even when the container 138 is tipped over.

A sealing member 132 is in communication with the liquid, controlling discharge. Resilient plates 108 extend from outer cap sidewall 106, generating friction against inner cap 116 during rotation. Indicia 112 on outer cap 104 indicates nature of liquid.

In another tamper proof feature of the packaging 100, a plurality of teeth 148 are radially arranged at a dispensing end 146 of the container 138. The teeth 148 are sufficiently sharp, so as to damage an evidence resistant ring 128 that encircles the inner cap 116 when an attempt is made to at least partially remove the inner cap 116 from the container 138.

In yet another tamper proof feature of the packaging 100, a plurality of resilient plates 108 extend in a radial arrangement from the outer cap sidewall 106. The resilient plates 108 engage the inner cap base 120 and the inner cap sidewall 118 during manipulation of the outer cap 104. Though in other embodiments, the resilient plates 108 engage just the inner cap base 120. Thus, manipulation of the outer cap 104 allows the resilient plates 108 to generate frictional resistance against the inner cap base 120 and the inner cap sidewall 118.

As referenced in FIG. 3, the packaging 100 comprises a container 138. The container 138 is defined by a container sidewall 140 forming an enclosed region 142. A liquid may be stored in the enclosed region 142. In one embodiment, the liquid is a medicinal composition. The container 138 is also defined by a base end 144 that may be generally flat, so as to support the container 138 in an upright position.

The container is also defined by a dispensing end 146, opposite the base end 144, which forms a container mouth opening 150 to dispense the liquid. In one embodiment, the container 138 may have a generally elongated cylindrical shape. Suitable materials for the container 138 may include, without limitation, food grade plastic, medicine grade plastic, glass, and polyurethane.

Looking ahead to FIGS. 10 and 11, the dispensing end 146 of the container 138 comprises a container coupling member 152. The container coupling member 152 is configured to couple to a corresponding cap coupling member 122. In this manner, the capping assembly 102 can be securely coupled to the container 138. In some embodiments, the container coupling member 152 may include, without limitation, a threaded neck, a protrusion, a hole, and a pressure sensitive element.

In some embodiments, a plurality of teeth 148 are disposed at the dispensing end 146 of the container 138. The teeth 148 may be disposed to encircle the terminus of the dispensing end 146 of the container 138. The teeth 148 are configured to destructively engage a tamper evidence ring 128 on the capping assembly 102 when the ring 128 is manipulated against the teeth 148. This, at least partial destruction, helps to indicate attempts to detach the inner cap 116 of the capping assembly 102 from the container 138.

As FIG. 4 shows, the capping assembly 102 further comprises a sealing member 132 that attaches to the container 138. The sealing member 132 works to regulate access to the enclosed region 142 of the container 138. In this manner, the rate of liquid discharge from the container 138 may be more easily controlled, or in some cases, completely plugged. The sealing member 132 comprises a sealing mouth 134 that forms a friction fit relationship with the container mouth opening 150. Though in other embodiments, a threaded coupling relationship may be formed. Thus, the sealing member 132 works to: 1) control drip speed during discharge of the liquid, 2) directionally control the discharge of the liquid in the container, and 3) provides a seal to the container.

The sealing member 132 further comprises a plug tip 136 that extends from the sealing mouth 134. The plug tip 136 serves primarily to regulate discharge from the container mouth opening 150. The plug tip 136 may be tapered, and terminating at a small orifice 156. In one possible embodiment, the orifice 156 is not formed during manufacture, but must be formed after a user obtains the packaging 100.

Looking now to FIG. 8, the capping assembly 102 further comprises an inner cap 116 configured to cover the sealing member 132. The inner cap 116 enables passage of any liquid that has passed through the sealing member 132. Thus in one embodiment, the inner cap 116 is in general alignment and follows a similar shape as the sealing member 132. In some embodiments, the inner cap 116 may be defined by an inner cap sidewall 118 and an inner cap base 120 that are generally perpendicular to each other. The inner cap sidewall 118 may taper inwardly to follow the general shape of the sealing member 132.

In some embodiments, the inner cap base 120 may include an inner cap coupling member 122 that at least partially couples to the container coupling member 152 at the dispensing end 146 of the container 138. This is illustrated in the sectioned view of FIG. 9, which shows a nozzle 126 extending from the inner cap sidewall 118 from an inner cap opening 124 that is in communication with the enclosed region 142 of the container 138 and the sealing mouth 134 of the sealing member 132.

In some embodiments, the capping assembly 102 further comprises an inner cap releasable locking element 130 disposed at the inner cap base 120. The inner cap releasable locking element 130 is the component that works to tamper proof the capping assembly 102 and container 138 by requiring 128 the user to first apply a downward force before rotating and removing the outer cap 104. Though other forcible manipulations may be used. In one embodiment, the inner cap releasable locking element 130 comprises a radial arrangement of a plurality of slots that correspond to ribs from an outer cap releasable locking element 114.

Turning now to FIG. 6, the capping assembly 102 further comprises an outer cap 104 that is sized and dimensioned to cover the inner cap 116. The outer cap 104 comprises an outer cap sidewall 106 that is defined by a terminus 110 and a plurality of ridges 154. The plurality of ridges 154 encircle the outer cap sidewall 106, serving to facilitate gripping of the outer cap 104. An indicia 112 on the terminus 110 of the outer cap sidewall 106 indicates the nature of the liquid in the container 138. For example, a triangle shaped indicia may indicate hazard, while a skull indicia may indicate poison. The indicia 112 may be printed on the outer cap sidewall 106, or may be adhered to the outer cap sidewall 106 as a label.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the capping assembly 102 further comprises an outer cap releasable locking element 114 disposed at the outer cap sidewall 106. The outer cap releasable locking element 114 is the component that tamper proofs the capping assembly 102 and container 138 by requiring 128 the user to first apply a downward force before rotating and removing the outer cap 104.

In one embodiment, the outer cap releasable locking element 114 comprises a radial arrangement of a plurality of ribs that correspond and interlock with the inner cap releasable locking element 130, i.e., slots, discussed above. In this manner, the inner cap releasable locking element 130 and the outer cap releasable locking element 114 are configured to interlock to maintain engagement.

In one embodiment, the outer cap releasable locking element 114 comprises a plurality of ribs configured to interlock with the plurality of slots from the inner cap releasable locking element 130. Though other types of interlocking mechanisms and structures may be used. This interlocking relationship creates a biasing force that maintains engagement between the inner cap releasable locking element 130 and the outer cap releasable locking element 114. In any case, a forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104 in relation to the inner cap 116 is required to overcome the biasing force for disengaging the outer cap 104 from the inner cap 116. Once the outer cap 104 is detached, the liquid may be accessed through the nozzle 126 from the inner cap 116.

The manipulation of the outer cap 104 may include pressing down on the outer cap 104 in relation to the inner cap 116, torqueing the outer cap 104, rotating the outer cap 104, depressing the outer cap 104, twisting, deforming, performing other discrete manipulation to the outer cap 104, and other forces known in the art for overcoming childproof or tamper evidence child resistant biases. Once the biased force between the outer and inner cap 104, 116 releasable locking elements 114, 130 is overcome, the outer cap 104 may then be detached through rotation. This is to disengage the outer cap releasable locking element 114 from the inner cap releasable locking element 130; and thereby enabling the outer cap 104 to be disengaged from the container 138.

In one embodiment, the forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104 comprises a pressing force and a rotating force. In another embodiment, the forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104 comprises applying a downward force and rotating the outer cap 104. In another embodiment, the forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104 comprises applying torque and pulling the outer cap 104.

In another embodiment, the forcible manipulation of the outer cap 104 comprises applying an upward force and skewing the outer cap 104. However in other embodiments, any manipulation of the outer cap 104 that disengages the outer cap releasable locking element 114 from the inner cap releasable locking element 130 may be used to disengage the outer cap 104 from the inner cap 116.

In yet another tamper evidence child resistant structural component provided by the packaging 100, a tamper evidence ring 128 is disposed around the circumference of the inner cap sidewall 118. The tamper evidence ring 128 may include a textured material, such as a resilient plastic or rubber that can be torn with an application of force from a sharp or serrated edge. As discussed above, the tamper evidence ring 128 corresponds to the plurality of teeth 148 at the dispensing end 146 of the container 138.

The teeth 148 are sufficiently sharp, so as to deform the tamper evidence ring 128 when the inner cap 116 is at least partially decoupled from the dispensing end 146 of the container 138. For example, as the inner cap 116 is rotated, the teeth 148 grab the surface of the tamper evidence ring 128 and tear the material of the tamper evidence ring 128. This provides a visual indication that an attempt has been made to remove the inner cap 116.

Looking back at the bottom view of the outer cap 104 shown in FIG. 5, another tamper evidence child resistant structural component is provided by the packaging 100. Here, a plurality of resilient plates 108 extend downwardly, towards the base end 144 of the container 138 and in a radial arrangement from the outer cap sidewall 106. The resilient plates 108 engage the inner cap base 120 and the inner cap sidewall 118 during manipulation of the outer cap 104.

Though in other embodiments, the resilient plates 108 engage just the inner cap base 120. Thus, manipulation of the outer cap 104 allows the resilient plates 108 to generate frictional resistance against the inner cap base 120 or the inner cap sidewall 118. This resistance works to further inhibit detachment of the outer cap 104 from the inner cap 116.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an alternative embodiment of a tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging 158 having a clip 160 extending from the outer cap 104, and a tactile indicia 162 disposed on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall 106. The clip 160 may attach from one end to the surface of the outer cap 104, and remain free from an opposite end, so as to slip onto a mounting surface (FIG. 12C). The clip 160 may be biased to maintain engagement with the outer cap 104. In some embodiments, the clip 160 may be used to attach the packaging to a pocket, a pocket strap, a medicine cabinet, or other mounting surface.

Looking at the top view of FIG. 12D, the tactile indicia 162 enhances the visually indicative indicia 112 discussed above, since a user may feel the surface to determine the liquid content inside the packaging 158. In one embodiment, the tactile indicia 162 is Braille. This feature can be especially useful to a blind or a user with weak eyesight.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

Claims

1. A tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging, the packaging comprising:

a container defined by a container sidewall forming an enclosed region, a base end, and a dispensing end, the dispensing end forming a container mouth opening, the dispensing end comprising a container coupling member;

a plurality of teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the container;

a sealing member configured to regulate access to the enclosed region of the container, the sealing member comprising a sealing mouth that forms a friction fit relationship with the container mouth opening, the sealing member further comprising a plug tip configured to regulate discharge from the container mouth opening;

an inner cap configured to cover the sealing member, the inner cap defined by an inner cap sidewall at least partially coupled to the dispensing end of the container, an inner cap base having an inner cap coupling member, and a nozzle extending from the inner cap sidewall, the nozzle terminating at an inner cap opening that is in communication with the enclosed region of the container;

an inner cap releasable locking element disposed at the inner cap base;

a tamper evidence ring disposed at the inner cap sidewall, the tamper evidence ring corresponding to the plurality of teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the container,

whereby the plurality of teeth are configured to deform the tamper evidence ring when the inner cap is at least partially decoupled from the dispensing end of the container;

an outer cap configured to cover the inner cap, the outer cap comprising an outer cap sidewall, the outer cap sidewall defined by a terminus and a plurality of ridges, the plurality of ridges configured to facilitate gripping the outer cap;

an outer cap releasable locking element disposed at the outer cap sidewall, the outer cap releasable locking element corresponding to the inner cap releasable locking element,

whereby the inner cap releasable locking element and the outer cap releasable locking element are configured to interlock to maintain engagement,

whereby a biasing force maintains the engagement between the inner cap releasable locking element and the outer cap releasable locking element,

whereby manipulation of the outer cap helps overcome the biasing force for disengaging the outer cap from the inner cap;

a plurality of resilient plates extending in a radial arrangement from the outer cap sidewall, the plurality of resilient plates configured to engage the inner cap base, or the inner cap sidewall, or both during manipulation of the outer cap,

whereby manipulation of the outer cap allows the plurality of resilient plates to generate frictional resistance against the inner cap base and the inner cap sidewall; and

an indicia disposed on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall.

2. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the container is generally elongated and cylindrical.

3. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the container coupling member and the cap coupling member include at least one of the following: a threaded neck, a friction fit structure, a protrusion, a hole, and a pressure sensitive structural element.

4. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth encircle the dispensing end of the container.

5. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the plug tip comprises an orifice.

6. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the manipulation of the outer cap comprises applying a downward force and rotating the outer cap.

7. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the manipulation of the outer cap comprises applying torque and pulling the outer cap.

8. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the manipulation of the outer cap comprises applying an upward force and skewing the outer cap.

9. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the inner cap releasable locking element comprises a plurality of slots.

10. The packaging of claim 9, wherein the outer cap releasable locking element comprises a plurality of ribs configured to interlock with the plurality of slots.

11. The packaging of claim 10, wherein the plurality of ribs are disposed in a radial arrangement.

12. The packaging of claim 11, wherein the plurality of slots are disposed in a radial arrangement.

13. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the plurality of resilient plates are fabricated from at least one of the following: elastic, a pliable polymer, and rubber.

14. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the enclosed region of the container contains a liquid.

15. The packaging of claim 14, wherein the indicia is configured to indicate characteristics of the liquid in the enclosed region of the container.

16. A tamper evidence child resistant liquid containment packaging, the packaging consisting of:

a generally elongated and cylindrical container defined by a container sidewall forming an enclosed region, a base end, and a dispensing end, the dispensing end forming a container mouth opening, the dispensing end comprising a container coupling member;

a plurality of teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the container;

a sealing member configured to regulate access to the enclosed region of the container, the sealing member comprising a sealing mouth that forms a friction fit relationship with the container mouth opening, the sealing member further comprising a plug tip configured to regulate discharge from the container mouth opening;

an inner cap configured to cover the sealing member, the inner cap defined by an inner cap sidewall at least partially coupled to the dispensing end of the container, an inner cap base having an inner cap coupling member, and a nozzle extending from the inner cap sidewall, the nozzle terminating at an inner cap opening that is in communication with the enclosed region of the container;

a plurality of slots disposed at the inner cap base;

a tamper evidence ring disposed at the inner cap sidewall, the tamper evidence ring corresponding to the plurality of teeth disposed at the dispensing end of the container,

whereby the plurality of teeth are configured to deform the tamper evidence ring when the inner cap is at least partially decoupled from the dispensing end of the container;

an outer cap configured to cover the inner cap, the outer cap comprising an outer cap sidewall, the outer cap sidewall defined by a terminus and a plurality of ridges, the plurality of ridges configured to facilitate gripping the outer cap;

a plurality of ribs disposed at the outer cap sidewall, the plurality of ribs corresponding to the plurality of slots,

whereby the plurality of slots and the plurality of ribs are configured to interlock to maintain engagement,

whereby a biasing force maintains the engagement between the plurality of slots and the plurality of ribs,

whereby manipulation of the outer cap helps overcome the biasing force for disengaging the outer cap from the inner cap;

a plurality of resilient plates extending in a radial arrangement from the outer cap sidewall, the plurality of resilient plates configured to engage the inner cap base, or the inner cap sidewall, or both during manipulation of the outer cap,

whereby manipulation of the outer cap allows the plurality of resilient plates to generate frictional resistance against the inner cap base and the inner cap sidewall to help inhibit detachment of the outer cap from the inner cap; and

an indicia disposed on the terminus of the outer cap sidewall.

17. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the manipulation of the outer cap comprises applying a downward force and rotating the outer cap.

18. The packaging of claim 16, wherein the manipulation of the outer cap comprises applying torque and pulling the outer cap.

19. The packaging of claim 16, further comprising a clip extending from the outer cap.

20. The packaging of claim 16, further comprising a tactile indicia configured to tactilely indicate characteristics of a liquid in the enclosed region of the container.