CHILD RESISTANT CAP

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/453, 174, filed on February 1, 2017 and titled "Child Resistant Cap" the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to child-resistant closures, and more particularly to child-resistant closures with caps that engage a neck of an associated container by radial contact. The preferred cap is a two-piece cap with an inner cap and an outer cap, wherein the outer cap is urged downwardly relative to the inner cap to permit rotational removal of the cap from the container and the cap does not permit rotational removal unless downward pressure is applied to the outer cap onto the inner cap to engage tabs of the outer cap with lugs of the inner cap. Prior art two- part caps permitted the outer cap to float or rest at differing vertical positions relative to the inner cap, which makes automated inspection of such caps difficult. For example, US Patent No.

6,206,216, describes such a two-part cap, wherein lugs of the outer cap may rest on, between or some combination of on and between ramps of the inner cap, thereby resulting in multiple vertical positions and orientations of the outer cap relative to the inner cap. These prior art two-part caps with variable vertical positioning and orientation of the outer cap relative to the inner cap results in inaccurate visual inspection by mechanisms designed to detect whether the inner cap is properly assembled to the outer cap. The two-part cap and container combination of the present invention offers advantages over the prior art two-part caps by enabling improved inspection and a simplified design in comparison to the prior art two-part cap and container assemblies.

[0003] Child-resistant closures are important for the safety of children. As used herein, use of the term "child-resistant closure" is consistent with 16 C.F.R. § 1700 and refers generally to the inability of a younger child's strength or manual dexterity to open a closure eighty-five percent (85%) of the time within a given amount of time without a demonstration of how to open the closure, or eighty percent (80%) of the time with such a demonstration.

[0004] There are many different prior art child-resistant closure designs. Common closures often require two or more concurrent motions to facilitate opening. For example, one such design is the "push-and-turn" closure. Generally, such closures can only be opened by simultaneously pushing downward on the cap while turning it.

[0005] Examples of "push-and-turn" designs are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,319,690, issued to Stewart H. Birrell and Peter Hedgewick on Mar. 16, 1982 and titled, "Child-Resistant Closure and Container Assembly Including Improved Outer Cap." This design describes a two-piece cap, including an inner cap and an outer cap, with ramps and lugs on the inner or outer caps, respectively. In this design, the inner cap and the outer cap are rotatably attached to one another. A plurality of lugs on the inner our outer cap project towards a plurality of corresponding ramps on the opposite inner or outer cap. The ramps and lugs typically engage each other when turned in a fastening direction such that the two caps turn in tandem upon application of an external pushing and turning force.

[0006] When the cap is rotated in an unfastening direction without the pushing force, the lugs tend to slide over the ramps. The outer cap turns freely relative to the inner cap without the downward application of force and the inner cap remains fastened to the container. In order to open the container assembly, the outer cap is pushed downward with a sufficient force to counteract the tendency of the lugs to slide over the ramps while the cap is turned, thereby facilitating rotation of the inner cap relative to the container and unthreading of the threads on the inner cap from the threads on the neck of the container.

[0007] These two-part cap designs tend to work well in securing the cap because children lack the strength, cognitive ability, dexterity and/or motor skills to make the required motions

simultaneously. The dual motion closures are often difficult for children to open and, therefore, effectively achieve the goal of preventing children from opening the container on which the closure is attached.

[0008] These prior art two-part caps are typically constructed with the outer cap resting loosely on the inner cap. When mounted on a container in a manufacturing facility, the loose fitting outer cap of the prior art two-piece cap may have various orientations, positions and heights relative to the inner cap. Such caps are optically and automatically inspected during the manufacturing process to determine if the caps and containers are properly engaged. The loose fitting nature of the inner and outer caps and the various orientations and positions of the outer cap relative to the inner cap make consistent and automatic optical inspection of these prior art caps and containers difficult. It would be desirable to design, manufacture and deploy a two-piece cap wherein the outer cap is consistently positioned relative to the inner cap when mounted to the container to facilitate consistent and automatic optical inspection. It is also desirable to design, manufacture and deploy a two-part cap having a relatively simple and repeatable design with a limited number of parts. The preferred invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art caps and containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a child-resistant, multiple-piece cap which has substantially radial contact between the caps. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, removal of the cap requires simultaneously rotating the cap and pushing downward to engage various protrusions on the caps. Fastening of the cap, however, requires only rotating the cap in the opposite direction, with no corresponding second force required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0011] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a prior art container that may be utilized with any of the caps of the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

[0012] Fig. 2 is a front, exploded perspective view of upper and lower caps of a child-resistant cap in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional, partial front perspective view of the cap of Fig. 2 in a relaxed configuration;

[0014] Fig. 4 is an alternate cross-sectional, partial front perspective view of the cap of Fig. 3 in a compressed position;

[0015] Fig. 5 is an alternate cross-sectional, partial front perspective view of the cap of Fig. 3 in a compressed position;

[0016] Fig. 6A is a top perspective view of an alternative outer cap of the cap of Fig. 1 that may be utilized with an inner cap of the cap of the first preferred embodiment;

[0017] Fig. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the alternative outer cap of Fig. 6A;

[0018] Fig. 6C is a top perspective view of an alternative inner cap of the cap of Fig. 1 that may be utilized with the outer cap of the cap of the first preferred embodiment or the alternative outer cap of Fig. 6 A; [0019] Fig. 7 is a front, exploded perspective view of upper and lower caps of a child-resistant cap in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional, partial bottom perspective view of the cap of Fig. 7 in a relaxed configuration;

[0021] Fig. 8 A is a cross-sectional view of the cap of Fig. 7, similar to the cross-section of Fig. 8 with the second preferred cap in a compressed position or configuration;

[0022] Fig. 9 is an alternative, magnified bottom perspective, cross-sectional view of the cap of Fig. 7 in a partially compressed position;

[0023] Fig. 10 is another alternate, magnified bottom perspective, cross-sectional view of the cap of Fig. 7 in a compressed position; and

[0024] Fig. 11 is a further alternate, magnified bottom perspective, cross-sectional view of the cap of Fig. 7 in a relaxed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a", "an" and "the" are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning "at least one". The words "right," "left," "lower," and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" or "distally" and "outwardly" or "proximally" refer to directions toward and away from,

respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the device and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0026] It should also be understood that the terms "about," "approximately," "generally," "substantially" and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the invention, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally the same or similar, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using

mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not typically vary the least significant digit.

[0027] Referring to Fig. 1, a prior art container 1 that may be utilized with any of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. The container 1 preferably includes a body 2, a neck 3 and external threads 4 that are releasably engageable with a cap. The container 1 also preferably includes a mouth 5 through which medication may be inserted or removed from the body 2. The exemplary prior art container 1 has a substantially cylindrical body 2, but is not so limited and may have nearly any size and shape, as long as the container 1 has the neck 3 with external threads 4 for releasable engagement with the preferred caps, which are described in greater detail below.

[0028] Referring to Figs. 2-6, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a child-resistant cap 110 for engagement with the container 1 is comprised of an inner cap 120 and an outer cap 140. The child-resistant cap 110 is a preferred assembly of a two-piece cap. The inner cap 120 and outer cap 140 are preferably both formed from a rigid polymeric material such as polypropylene (PP), though other materials such as low or high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, polyester terephthalate (PET), nylon, and the like may be similarly used. The inner and outer caps 120, 140, however, are not limited to constructions comprising polymeric materials or to the specifically listed polymeric materials and may be constructed of any material that is able to take on the general size and shape of the inner and outer caps 120, 140, perform the described functions of the inner and outer caps 120, 140 and withstand the normal operating conditions of the inner and outer caps 120, 140.

[0029] The inner cap 120 preferably includes a first circular top 122 and a first sidewall 124 extending generally perpendicularly downwardly from an outer edge or outer periphery of the first circular top 122 with the first circular top 122 defining a substantially horizontal plane in a mounted configuration. The first sidewall 124 includes inner threads 125 and is configured to be threadably mounted on the container 1 by selective engagement of the inner threads 125 with the external threads 4 of the container 1. The first sidewall 124 preferably terminates at a lower bead 124a proximate or at a bottom edge of the first sidewall 124. The bottom edge is preferably spaced the greatest distance from the first circular top 122 compared to any other portion of the inner cap 120. The outer cap 140 is preferably comprised of a second circular top 142 and a second sidewall 144 extending approximately perpendicularly and downwardly from the second circular top 142.

[0030] The first circular top 122 of the first preferred embodiment of the cap 110 preferably includes a series or plurality of upper lugs 127 evenly spaced around the periphery of the first circular top 122 and extending generally upwardly from the first circular top 122. The upper lugs 127 preferably extend from the first circular top 122 toward the outer cap 140 or the second circular top 142 in a relaxed configuration (Figs. 3 and 5). The first circular top 122 preferably includes twelve (12) lugs 127, but may include nearly any suitable number of lugs 127 without deviating from the inventive concept described herein. The plurality of lugs 127 preferably includes at least first and second lugs 127 that are positioned diametrically opposed to each other on the first circular top 122, but are not so limited and may be alternatively or otherwise positioned on the first circular top 122, as long as the plurality of upper lugs 127 are able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the cap 110 and perform the functions of the upper lugs 127, as is described herein. The plurality of upper lugs 127 preferably extend from an opposite side of the first circular top 122 relative to the first sidewall 124, such that the first sidewall 124 and the upper lugs 127 extend away from each other relative to the first circular top 122. The first and second lugs 127 preferably include first and second angled leading edges 128 and first and second substantially flat trailing edges 129.

[0031] As shown in detail in Figs. 5 and 6, each of the lugs 127 preferably includes an angled leading edge 128 and a trailing edge 129. The angled leading edges 128 preferably extend from the first circular top 122 or are oriented at approximately a first acute angle 1Δ relative to the first circular top 122. In the first preferred embodiment, the first acute angle 1Δ is approximately forty- five degrees (45°), but is not so limited and may be configured at nearly any angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first circular top 122. The first acute angle 1Δ may, for example, be comprised of an angle between thirty and sixty degrees (30° - 60°). The trailing edge 129 preferably extends perpendicularly from the first circular top 122 and is substantially flat or planar in the vertical direction.

[0032] The outer cap 140 preferably contains a series or plurality of flexible tabs 146 preferably evenly spaced around the periphery of the second circular top 142. The flexible tabs 146 are associated with holes 146a in the second circular top 142 in the first preferred embodiment that expose the first circular top 122 through the second circular top 142 in the mounted configuration. The holes 146a preferably include first and second holes 146a that are associated with first and second flexible tabs 146. The flexible tabs 146 preferably extend downwardly from the second circular top 142 toward the first circular top 122 in the assembled configuration and the plurality of flexible tabs 146 are positioned proximate an outer edge of the second circular top 142. The flexible tabs 146 preferably extend downwardly from the second circular top 142 toward the first circular top 122 in the mounted or assembled configuration. The outer cap 140 preferably includes six (6) flexible tabs 146 and six holes 146a, but is not so limited. The flexible tabs 146 are preferably relatively rigid, but are also preferably, slightly flexible to act substantially as springs. The flexible tabs 146 urge the outer cap 140 and the inner cap 120 apart in a relaxed configuration by acting essentially as a spring applying a force to urge the outer and inner caps 140, 120 away from each other in the assembled configuration. In the relaxed configuration the flexible tabs 146 urge the inner and outer caps 120, 140 apart or away from each other such that the lower bead 124a and the lower end 144a are in engagement to retain the assembly. [0033] The outer cap 140 also preferably contains a series or plurality of locking lugs 160 evenly spaced around the periphery of the second circular top 142. The plurality of locking lugs 160 preferably extend downwardly from the second circular top 142 and are positioned proximate the outer edge of the second circular top 142. The locking lugs 160 are preferably spaced from the flexible tabs 146. The outer cap 140 preferably contains six (6) locking lugs 160, but is not so limited. The flexible tabs 146 and locking lugs 160 are preferably arranged in alternating fashion on the periphery or outer edge of the second circular top 142, but may be arranged in any suitable configuration without deviating from the inventive concept described herein. The combined number of flexible tabs 146 and locking lugs 160 is preferably equal to the number of upper lugs 127 on the first circular top 122. In the first preferred embodiment, the outer cap 140 includes six flexible tabs 146 and six locking lugs 160, while the inner cap 120 includes twelve upper lugs 127.

[0034] The outer cap 140 includes a first locking lug 160 spaced between first and second flexible tabs 146 of the plurality of flexible tabs 146. The first locking lug 160 extends away from the second circular top 142 near the outer edge of the second circular top 142. The outer cap 140 further includes a second locking lug 160 spaced between the first and second flexible tabs 146 of the plurality of flexible tabs 146. The second locking lug 160 extends away from the first circular top 122 near the outer edge and the first locking lug 160 is positioned diametrically opposite the second locking lug 160 on the second circular top 142

[0035] Referring to Figs. 3-5, in operation, the outer cap 140 is mounted to the inner cap 120 such that the first circular top 122 is oriented substantially parallel to the second circular top 142 with a lower bead 124a of the first sidewall engaging a lower end 144a of the second sidewall 144 to secure the outer cap 140 to the inner cap 120 in an assembled configuration. In the relaxed configuration, the flexible tabs 146 interact with the first circular top 122 to bring the lower bead 124a into contact with the lower end 144a. In this relaxed configuration, if an operator rotates the cap 110 in an opening direction, which is counterclockwise when looking downwardly on the cap 110 of the first preferred embodiment, the flexible tabs 146 travel over the lugs 127 by flexing upwardly when the lugs 127 are encountered.

[0036] The flexible tabs 146 generally prevent the circular top 142 of the outer cap 140 from engaging the first circular top 122 of the inner cap 120 in the relaxed configuration. The outer cap 140 of the first preferred embodiment includes the locking lugs 160 extending downwardly from the second circular top 142. The locking lugs 160 are preferably positioned between the flexible tabs 146, but are not so limited and may be otherwise arranged and positioned relative to the flexible tabs 146 and on the outer cap 140. The flexible tabs 146 preferably prevent engagement between the outer and inner caps 140, 120 when the outer cap 140 is turned in an opening direction, which is counterclockwise in the preferred embodiment, but is not so limited. The flexible tabs 146 may be depressed by the user, thereby flexing the flexible tabs 146 and allowing the first circular top 122 to move toward the second circular top 142. In this depressed configuration, the depressed flexible tabs 146 and the locking lugs 160 engage the lugs 127.

[0037] The user is not required to depress the outer cap 140 relative to the inner cap 120 to mechanically engage the outer cap 140 with the inner cap 120 when applying or mounting the cap 110 to the container 1. As shown in Fig. 3, when no compressing force is applied and the cap 110 is in the relaxed configuration, the flexible tabs 146 raise the outer cap 140 relative to the inner cap 120 and the locking lugs 160 are spaced above the upper lugs 127. As shown in Fig. 6, in this relaxed configuration, the upper lugs 127 do not engage the locking lugs 160, which causes the outer cap 140 to spin when rotated in the opening direction while the inner cap 120 remains in place and does not release from the container 1. The flexible tabs 146 preferably deflect over the angled leading edges 128 of the upper lugs 127 as the outer cap 140 rotates in the relaxed configuration of the first preferred embodiment. The user is required to depress the outer cap 140 relative to the inner cap 120 to mechanically engage the outer cap 140 with the inner cap 120 when removing the cap 110 from the container 1. The flexible tabs 146 are also configured to deflect or flatten when a downward force is applied to the outer cap 140 toward the inner cap 120.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4, when a compressing force is applied to the outer cap 140 from the relaxed configuration toward the inner cap 120, the flexible tabs 146 deflect or compress, which causes the outer cap 140 to move downwardly relative to the inner cap 120. As shown in Fig. 5, in this compressed position the upper lugs 127 engage with the locking lugs 160 and the flexible tabs 146, which are positioned in spaces between the upper lugs 127, engage the angled leading edges 128 of the lugs 127. Engagement of the upper lugs 127 with the locking lugs 160 and the flexible tabs 146 with continued downward force on the upper cap 140 mechanically engages the outer cap 140 with the inner cap 120. The user may then apply an opening rotational force to the cap 110 to rotate and release or disengage the cap 110 from the container 1.

[0039] To replace the cap 110 on the container 1, an operator can either rotate the cap 110 in a closing direction or apply downward pressure while rotating the cap 110 in the closing direction. Referring again to Fig. 2, when rotated in the closing direction, the flexible tabs 146 engage the trailing edges 129 of the lugs 127, regardless of whether a compressing force is applied to the outer cap 140 toward the inner cap 120. Further, when the compressing force is applied, the locking lugs 160 and the flexible tabs 146 engage the trailing edges 129 of the lugs 127. Accordingly, when the first preferred cap 110 is rotated in the closing direction, the cap 110 is preferably tightened onto the container 1 regardless of whether the compressing force is applied to the outer cap 140 toward the inner cap 120. Specifically, when the cap 110 is rotated in the closing direction or the outer cap 140 is rotated in the closing direction relative to the inner cap 120, at least first and second flexible tabs 146 of the plurality of flexible tabs 146 engage at least first and second trailing edges 129 of the plurality of upper lugs 127 to tighten the cap 110 onto the container 1. The first and second flexible tabs 146 preferably extend away from the second circular top in the same direction as the second sidewall 144.

[0040] Referring to Figs. 2 and 6A-6C, in an alternative configuration, the cap 110' of the alternative first preferred embodiment may be constructed of an alternative outer cap 140' and an alternative inner cap 120'. The alternative inner and outer caps 120', 140' have similar features and functionality when compared to the inner and outer caps 120, 140 of the first preferred embodiment and the same reference numerals are utilized to identify the features of the alternative inner and outer caps 120', 140' in comparison to the inner and outer caps 120, 140 of the first preferred embodiment, with a prime symbol (') utilized to distinguish the features of the alternative preferred inner and outer caps 120', 140'.

[0041] In the alternative first preferred embodiment, the inner cap 120' includes stiffening ribs 127a' that extend down the first sidewall 124' between the first circular top 122' and the lower bead 124a' at the outer surface of the first sidewall 124'. The stiffening ribs 127a' are preferably positioned between an outer edge of each of the lugs 127' and the lower bead 124a', but are not so limited. The stiffening ribs 127a' may be positioned nearly anywhere on or in the first sidewall 124' to provide strength and stiffness to the first sidewall 124' and facilitate the operation of the alternative first preferred cap 110', as is described herein. The stiffening ribs 127a' may, optionally, be positioned on the first sidewall 124', laterally between the lugs 127' to provide strength and stiffness, but are preferably laterally aligned with the lugs 127' for ease of molding purposes. In addition, the stiffening ribs 127a' may be constructed of an alternative material within the first sidewall 124' that is preferably stiff er and stronger than the base material of the alternative preferred inner cap 120' such that the stiffening ribs 127a' do not project outwardly from the first sidewall 124'. The alternative first preferred inner cap 120' includes the same number of stiffening ribs 127a' as lugs 127', but is not so limited and may include less or more stiffening ribs 127a' when compared to the lugs 127'. The alternative preferred inner cap 120' is not limited to be utilized with the alternative outer cap 140' and may be assembled to the first preferred outer cap 140 without significantly impacting the structure, function or operation of the first preferred cap 110. [0042] In the alternative first preferred embodiment, the alternative outer cap 140' does not include the holes 146a of the first preferred outer cap 140, but includes a substantially solid second circular top 142' with a solid, continuous second circular top 142'. The flexible tabs 146' and the locking lugs 160' extend downwardly from the second circular top 142' and both function substantially the same as the flexible tabs 146 and the locking lugs 160 of the first preferred outer cap 140. The alternative first preferred outer cap 140' is mounted to the inner cap 120 in an assembled configuration or may be mounted to the alternative first preferred inner cap 120'. The substantially solid second circular top 142' prevents material, such as dust, debris, fluids or other foreign objects from entering a space between the outer cap 140' and the inner cap 120 or the inner cap 120' in the assembled configuration, such that the function and/or sterility of the assembled caps 110, 110' are not negatively impacted by material collected between the outer and inner caps 140', 120'.

[0043] Referring to Figs. 2-6B, in the first preferred and alternative first preferred embodiments, the second sidewall 144, 144' includes an internal surface 144b, 144b' that is generally smooth and continuous. The first preferred first sidewall 124 also preferably includes an outer surface 124b that is generally smooth and continuous. The internal surface 144b, 144b' and the outer surface 124b specifically do not include features that engage to facilitate rotation of the inner and outer caps 120, 120', 140, 140' together. In the relaxed configuration, the lower bead 124a, 124a' engages the lower end 144a, 144a' to retain the inner cap 120, 120' with the outer cap 140, 140' in the mounted or assembled configuration against the force of the flexible tabs 146, 146'.

[0044] Referring to Figs. 7-11, a second preferred embodiment of a child-resistant cap 310 includes similar features to the first preferred cap 110 and like reference numerals are utilized to identify like features of the second preferred cap 310 with a "3" prefix replacing the "1" prefix of the first preferred cap 110 for the child-resistant cap 310 of the second preferred embodiment.

[0045] The first circular top 322 of the second preferred embodiment preferably contains a series of upper lugs 327 preferably evenly spaced around the periphery of the first circular top 322. The first circular top 322 preferably contains eight (8) upper lugs 327, but may contain any suitable number of upper lugs 327 without deviating from the inventive concept described herein. The first sidewall 324 of the second preferred embodiment includes a series of lower lugs 331 preferably evenly spaced around the periphery of the first sidewall 324. The first sidewall 324 preferably contains the same number of lower lugs 331 as there are upper lugs 327, but is not so limited.

[0046] Each of the upper lugs 327 of the inner cap 320 of the second preferred embodiment includes a leading edge 328 and a trailing edge 329. The leading edges 328 preferably extend from the first circular top 322 at approximately a second acute angle 2Δ. In the second preferred embodiment, the second acute angle 2Δ is an approximately forty-five degree (45°) angle, but may be configured at any angle that is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the first circular top 322, allows the upper lugs 327 to perform their preferred function and are configured to withstand the normal operating conditions of the second preferred cap 310. The trailing edges 329 preferably extend substantially perpendicularly from the first circular top 322, but are not so limited and may extend at alternative angles relative to the first circular top 322. The inner cap 320 also preferably includes lower lugs 331 extending outwardly from the first sidewall 324. The lower lugs 331 preferably have an approximately rectangular or cuboid shape, such that its leading edge 332 and trailing edge 333 extend approximately perpendicularly from the first sidewall 324.

[0047] The outer cap 340 of the second preferred embodiment includes a series of upper locking lugs 360 extending downwardly from the second circular top 342 that are preferably evenly spaced around the periphery of the second circular top 342. The outer cap 340 preferably includes eight (8) upper locking lugs 360, but is not so limited and may include more or less upper locking lugs 360. The second sidewall 344 of the outer cap 340 preferably includes a series of lower locking lugs 370 that are evenly spaced around the second sidewall 344. The outer cap 340 preferably contains an equal number of upper locking lugs 360 and lower locking lugs 370, but is not so limited.

[0048] The upper locking lugs 360 preferably have an approximately rectangular or cuboid shape, such that its leading edge 362 and trailing edge 363 extend approximately perpendicularly from the second circular top 342, but are not so limited. As shown in detail in Figs. 9 and 10, the lower locking lugs 370 are of an inclined or ramped shape such that a leading edge 372 tapers gradually from the second sidewall 344 toward a trailing edge 373, while the trailing edge 373 extends approximately perpendicularly from the second sidewall 344.

[0049] The second or outer circular top 342 of the second preferred embodiment also includes a center post 380. When no force is applied to the cap 310 in the relaxed configuration, the center post 380 provides spacing between the inner cap 320 and outer cap 340 such that the upper locking lugs 360 pass over the ramped upper lugs 327, as shown in Fig. 8, do not engage each other, and do not release the cap 310 from the container 1. The center post 380 may be comprised of a spring-like or flexible material that allows compression to facilitate movement of the outer cap 340 relative to the inner cap 320 when a downward force is applied to the outer cap 340. The center post 380 may alternately be comprised of a substantially or comparatively rigid material, while the second circular top 342 and/or the first circular top 322 may be comprised of a spring-like or flexible material that allows deflection of the periphery of the second circular top 342 and, therefore, the second sidewall 344 relative to the inner cap 320 when a downward force is applied to the outer cap 340 (See Fig. 8A). The inner and outer caps 320, 340 may also be constructed of the same or similar polymeric materials with the center post 380 being co-molded with the outer cap 340. The first circular top 322 and the second circular top 342 deflect or bend (Fig. 8A) between their centers and the first and second sidewalls 324, 344, respectively, when downward force is applied to the outer cap 340 such that the first and second sidewalls 324, 344 move relative to each other. Such movement of the first and second sidewalls 324, 344 or the peripheries of the outer and inner caps 340, 320 results in the upper locking lugs 360 engaging the ramped upper lugs 327 to permit opening rotation of both the outer and inner caps 340, 320 relative to the container 1. As shown Fig. 9, in the relaxed

configuration, the ramped leading edge 372 allows the lower lugs 331 to slide over the lower locking lugs 370 and similarly does not release the cap 310 from the container 1.

[0050] Referring again to Figs. 7-8 A and 10, when an operator applies a compressing force to the cap 310, the periphery of the outer cap 340 deflects and engages the inner cap 320. When so deflected, the upper locking lugs 360 engage the upper lugs 327 and allow the user to remove the cap 310 from the container 1 by turning both the outer cap 340 and inner cap 320 in the

counterclockwise direction relative to the container 1. In this compressed position, as shown in Figs. 8A and 10, the lower locking lugs 370 are no longer aligned with the lower lugs 331 and, therefore, are not engaged with each other.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 11, when the cap 310 is in the relaxed configuration, rotation in the closing direction causes the lower lug 331 to engage with the trailing edge 373 of the lower locking lug 370, allowing the operator to attach the cap 310 to the container 1 by rotating the cap 310 relative to the container 1 and the threads to engage. When the cap 310 is compressed and the lower locking lugs 370 are no longer aligned with the lower lugs 331, the upper locking lugs 360 engage the upper lugs 327 and allow the user to replace the cap 310 onto the container 1. The cap 310 can, therefore, be affixed to the container 1 regardless whether the operator applies compressing force to the outer cap 340 relative to the inner cap 320.

[0052] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the present disclosure.