CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/741,118 filed May 10, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a closure that is configured to work with a container to form a package. More specifically, the present invention relates to a polymeric child-resistant closure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Polymeric closures have been used in many applications over the years in conjunction with containers. Some containers contain product or contents that are not intended for certain individuals, such as children. These contents may include products such as over-the-counter (OTC) medication, vitamins, prescriptions, etc. These containers are desirably child-resistant such that children are prevented or inhibited from gaining access to the products therein. These containers, however, may be difficult for other individuals to open and access the products contained therein. These other individuals may be those with reduced gripping strength, limited dexterity of their upper limbs (e.g., arms or hands), or other disabilities of their upper limbs that make such containers difficult to open.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a child-resistant closure that overcomes these disadvantages of existing containers, while still performing desirable properties of a closure including securely positioning the closure on a container.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a child-resistant closure comprises a polymeric top portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion and a slidable lid. The polymeric top portion has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The polymeric top portion further includes a slide portal. The slide portal includes a retention wall and at least one depression formed in a top surface of the slide portal. The slide portal forms an aperture. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top portion. The slidable lid includes at least one spring-retention mechanism and a retention projection extending from the slidable lid. The at least one spring-retention mechanism is configured to be located in the at least one depression when the closure is in a closed position. The slidable lid is configured to slide along the slide portal. The retention projection in conjunction with the retention wall assists in inhibiting removal of the slidable lid from the remainder of the closure.

[0006] According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the at least one spring-retention mechanism is a plurality of spring-retention mechanisms, and the at least one depression is a plurality of depressions.

[0007] In a further aspect of the above implementation, the retention wall includes a pair of sidewalls bridging a top wall. The top wall has a downwardly extending retention tab.

[0008] In a further aspect of the above implementation, the retention wall and the top surface of the slide portal assist in forming an opening to allow the slidable lid to move therethrough. The opening may be generally C-shaped.

[0009] In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the slide portal is integrally formed with the polymeric annular skirt portion and a remainder of the polymeric top portion. [0010] In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the slide portal is a polymeric slide portal.

[0011] According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the slidable lid further includes a gripping projection extending from the top surface thereof. The gripping projection is configured to assist in the sliding of the slidable lid along the slide portal.

[0012] In a further aspect of the above implementation, the slidable lid includes a pusher tab. The pusher tab is located at a first end and the gripping projection is located at a second end. The first and second ends are located opposite of each other.

[0013] In a further aspect of the above implementation, an audible sound occurs when the at least one spring-retention mechanism is located within the at least one depression.

[0014] In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the at least one spring-retention mechanism and the at least one depression secure the child-resistant closure in the closed position.

[0015] In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the gripping projection is a generally rectangular-walled structure.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package comprises a container and a closure. The container has a neck portion defining an opening. The neck portion has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The closure is configured for fitment to the neck portion of the container for closing the opening. The closure includes a polymeric top portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion and a slide portal. The polymeric top portion has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The slide portal includes a retention wall and at least one depression formed in a top surface of the slide portal. The slide portal forms an aperture. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top portion. The slidable lid includes at least one spring -retention mechanism and a retention projection extending from the slidable lid. The at least one spring-retention mechanism is configured to be located in the at least one depression when the closure is in a closed position. The slidable lid is configured to slide along the slide portal. The retention projection in conjunction with the retention wall assists in inhibiting removal of the slidable lid from the remainder of the closure.

[0017] According to a configuration of the above implementation, the container has an external thread formation on the neck portion.

[0018] According to a configuration of the above implementation, the at least one springretention mechanism is a plurality of spring-retention mechanisms, and the at least one depression is a plurality of depressions.

[0019] According to another configuration of the above implementation, the retention wall includes a pair of sidewalls bridging a top wall. The top wall has a downwardly extending retention tab. The retention wall and the top surface of the slide portal assist in forming an opening to allow the slidable lid to move therethrough. The opening may be generally C- shaped.

[0020] According to a further configuration of the above implementation, the slidable lid further includes a gripping projection extending from a top surface thereof. The gripping projection is configured to assist in sliding the slidable lid along the slide portal.

[0021] In a further aspect of the above implementation, an audible sound occurs when the at least one spring-retention mechanism is located within the at least one depression.

[0022] In yet a further aspect of the above implementation, the at least one spring-retention mechanism and the at least one depression secure the child-resistant closure in the closed position.

[0023] The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are apparent from the detailed description and figures set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: [0025] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a child-resistant closure in a closed position according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. IB is a top perspective view of the child-resistant closure of FIG. 1A in an open position.

[0027] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken generally across line 1C-1C of the closure of FIG. 1A.

[0028] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a portion of a child-resistant closure according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 2B is a side view of the portion of the child-resistant closure of FIG. 2A.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a slidable lid according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a side view of a container according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 5 A is a top perspective view of a package including the container of FIG. 4 and the child-resistant closure of FIG. 1A in which the package is in a closed position.

[0033] FIG. 5B is a side view of the package of FIG. 5 A.

[0034] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1A, IB, a polymeric child-resistant closure 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is a two-piece closure, but is advantageous in that it greatly reduces the possibility of separating the child-resistant closure from the container as will be discussed below. Thus, the polymeric child-resistant closure assists in reducing environmental waste when the container is recycled.

[0036] The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is configured for fitment to a neck portion of a container for closing an opening of the container. The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is configured to be used with a container 100 of FIG. 4 that forms a package 200 as shown in FIGS. 5 A, 5B.

[0037] The polymeric child-resistant closure of the present invention is advantageous because it allows users with limited dexterity or reduced gripping strength to open and access the products contained in the container using much less physical effort. It also is advantageous for users with other disabilities of the upper limbs (e.g., the hand and/or arm) to open and access the products contained in the container using much less physical effort. In one method, the child-resistant closure can be opened to access the product using a single hand.

[0038] The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 of FIGS. 1A, IB includes a polymeric top portion 12, a polymeric annular skirt portion 40, and a slidable lid 50. The polymeric annular skirt portion 40 depends from the polymeric top portion 12. The polymeric annular skirt portion 40 is shown as having a generally smooth exterior surface. This is advantageous if it desirable for a user to not obtain a grip in an attempt to open the closure without using the slidable lid. It is contemplated that the polymeric annular skirt portion may have a textured exterior surface.

[0039] The polymeric top portion 12 of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is best shown in the absence of the slidable lid 50 in FIGS. 2A, 2B. The polymeric top portion 12 has an exterior surface 14 and an interior surface 16. The polymeric top portion 12 further includes a slide portal 20. The slide portal 20 includes a retention wall 22 and a plurality of depressions 24a, 24b formed in a top surface 26 of the slide portal 20. The slide portal 20 forms an aperture 30. The aperture 30, as shown best in FIG. 2A, is located at a first end 20a of the slide portal 20, while the retention wall 22 is formed at a second end 20b of the slide portal 20. The first end 20a and the second end 20b are at opposing ends of the slide portal 20.

[0040] The retention wall 22 is a mechanical stop in the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 that greatly limits the ability to remove the slidable lid 50 completely once the slidable lid 50 has been engaged into a remainder of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. As shown best in FIG. 2B, the retention wall 22 is a structure that extends above the remainder of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. The retention wall 22 has a pair of side walls 22a, 22b that is bridged by a top wall 22c. The top wall 22c includes a downwardly extending retention tab 22d. In conjunction with the top surface 26, the retention wall 22 forms an opening 32 that allows the slidable lid 50 to slide partially therethrough. As shown in FIG. 2B, a section of the opening 32 has a height Hl between the retention tab 22d and the top surface 26.

[0041] The opening 32 has multiple larger opening sections by height between the top wall 22c and the top surface 26. The opening 26 is an inverted generally C-shape and also includes varying heights with a height H2 that is greater than the height Hl. These larger opening sections by height. These larger opening sections of the opening 32 assist in initially locating the slidable lid 50 with its upwardly projections into the slide portal 20. Specifically, during manufacturing, the slidable lid 50 is placed into the slide portal 20 via the opening 32. Thus, the opening 32 must be sized to receive and allow the slidable lid 50 to be inserted therethrough. The retention wall 22 has flexibility to allow insertion of the slidable lid 50 into the slide portal 20. More specifically, the retention tab 22d has a thickness such that it allows flex during the insertion of the slidable lid 50 into the slide portal 20.

[0042] As will be discussed below, the plurality of depressions 24a, 24b is sized to receive and contain a respective one of a plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b when the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is in a closed position. The plurality of depressions 24a, 24b is shown as being generally rectangular in FIG. 2A. It is contemplated that the depressions may be other shapes and sizes that function with the spring-retention mechanisms. These shapes and sizes of the depressions may be other polygonal (e.g., square) or non-polygonal shapes (e.g., oval). It is also contemplated that a slide portal of the polymeric child-resistant closure may include at least one depression.

[0043] The depth of the depressions can vary but in one embodiment is from about 0.005 inches to about 0.025 inches. In another embodiment, the depth of the depressions is from about 0.005 to about 0.01 inches.

[0044] The aperture 30 formed in the slide portal 20 is shown in FIG. 2 A as being generally rectangular. It is contemplated that an aperture formed in a slide portal may be other shapes and sizes. These shapes and sizes of the aperture may be other polygonal (e.g., square) or non-polygonal shapes (e.g., circular or oval). The size of the aperture 30 can vary and may desirably be dependent on the product being dispensed. This allows for metered control of product release by corresponding the aperture size to the product size.

[0045] The top surface 26 includes two extensions (only extension 26a is shown in FIG. 2A) that assist in forming the aperture 30. The two extensions along with generally vertically extending walls 28a, 28b form a guided structure for the slidable lid 50 to move along the slide portal 20. This assists the user in easily and consistently opening the polymeric childresistant closure 10 and gaining access to the aperture 30.

[0046] In one method, the slide portal 20 is integrally formed with the polymeric top portion 12 and the polymeric annular skirt portion 40. The slide portal, for example, may be molded with the polymeric top portion and the polymeric annular skirt portion. In another embodiment, the slide portal may be formed separately and attached to the polymeric top portion and the polymeric annular skirt portion.

[0047] The slidable lid 50 of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is shown best in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment. The slidable lid 50 is configured to slide into and along the slide portal 20 to open and close the polymeric child-resistant closure 10, which also provides access to the contents of the container 100 of FIG. 4 in the package 200 of FIGS. 5A, 5B. The slidable lid 50 in one method is formed separately from the remainder of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10.

[0048] The slidable lid 50 includes a plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b, a retention projection 54, a gripping projection 56, and a pusher tab 60. Each of the retention and gripping projections 54, 56 extends from a top surface 50a of the slidable lid 50. The top surface 50a is in a generally or roughly rectangular shape. It is contemplated that the slidable lid may be of other shapes and sizes. The top surface 50a is generally flat in this embodiment in locations where the spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b, the retention projection 54, the gripping projection 56, and the pusher tab 60 are not present.

[0049] Each of the plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b of FIG. 3 is configured to be located within a respective one of the plurality of depressions 24a, 24b (FIG. 2A) when the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is in a closed position (FIG. 1A). The positional relationship of the plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b and the plurality of depressions 24a, 24b is best shown in FIG. 1C. The plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b is located near or at the retention wall when the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is in the closed position (FIG. 1A). The plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b extends outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion 40 when the polymeric childresistant closure 10 is in the open position (FIG. IB).

[0050] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view that shows the relationship of the spring-retention mechanism 52a and the depression 24a. In one embodiment, once each of the plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b is moved within a respective one of the plurality of depressions 24a, 24b, an audible sound (e.g., a snap or a click) initially occurs indicating that the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is in a closed position. This informs a user that the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 has been securely closed.

[0051] It is contemplated that a slidable lid of the polymeric child-resistant closure may include at least one spring-retention mechanism.

[0052] For a user to move the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 from the closed position (FIG. 1A) to the closed position (FIG. IB) in the general direction of arrow A in FIG. 1A, a certain amount of force is needed to overcome the resistance of the spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b being located within the plurality of depressions 24a, 24b.

[0053] The retention projection 54 of the slidable lid 50 works in conjunction with the retention wall 22 to assist in preventing or inhibiting removal of the slidable lid 50 from the remainder of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. Specifically, the retention projection 54 has a height H3 (FIG. 3) that exceeds the height Hl (distance between the retention tab 22d and the top surface 26 of the slide portal 20 in FIG. 2B). Thus, when the retention projection 54 is slid in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1A, the retention projection 54 abuts and contacts the retention tab 22d of FIG. IB. The retention projection 54 is shown as being an elongated rectangular-shaped structure. It is contemplated that the retention projection may be of other shapes and sizes.

[0054] Referring back to FIG. 3, the gripping projection 56 is shown as a rectangular-walled structure with an opening 58 formed in the general center. The rectangular-walled structure is formed of a plurality of walls 56a-d with the opening 58 in the general center. In this embodiment, the gripping projection 56 and the retention projection 54 are located adjacent to each other. The retention projection 54 is located between the gripping projection 56 and the plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b as shown in the slidable lid 50 of FIGS. 1A, IB. Referring still to FIGS. 1A, IB, the plurality of spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b and the gripping projection 56 are located at opposite ends of the slidable lid 50.

[0055] The gripping projection 56 of FIG. 3 assists a user in moving the slidable lid 50 along the top surface 26 with guidance from the generally vertically extending walls 28a, 28b (FIG. IB). The gripping projection 56 assists in moving the slidable lid to open the polymeric child resistant closure 10 in the general direction of arrow A in FIG. 1A. The gripping projection 56 may also be used to close the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 in the general direction of arrow B in FIG. IB.

[0056] In one method, a user may place a finger or thumb in the opening 58 formed from the plurality of walls 56a-56d and move the slidable lid 50 in either direction. In opening the polymeric child-resistant closure 10, the movement of the gripping projection 56 needs to overcome a minimal load to disengage the spring-retention mechanisms 52a, 52b from the depressions 24a, 24b to slide the slidable lid 50.

[0057] It is also contemplated that the retention projection 56 may also assist a user in moving the slidable lid 50 in opening or closing the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. It is also contemplated that both the gripping projection 56 and the retention projection 54 may assist a user in moving the slidable lid 50 in opening or closing the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. Thus, if this method is used, it is desirable for the gripping projection 56 and the retention projection 54 to be located adjacent to each assist in the sliding of the slidable lid 50 along the slide portal 20. [0058] The slidable lid 50 further includes a pusher tab 60 as shown in FIG. 3. The pusher tab 60 is shown as a general C-shaped structure with a plurality of walls 60a-60c. In manufacturing, the pusher tab 60 assists in the automation process by positioning/pushing the slidable lid 50 into its initial position with respect to the slide portal 20, which is the closed position. The pusher tab 60 can also assist a user in moving the slidable lid 50 from the open position back to the closed position by pushing the pusher tab 60 instead of pulling the slidable lid 50 by, for example, the gripping projection 56 and/or the retention projection 54. [0059] The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 may also include tamper-evident features. More specifically, the tamper-evident features show visual identification to a user that the closure may have been opened and the product potentially been accessed. For example, the tamper-evident feature may be of a structure where the slidable lid 50 cannot be moved without removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature. Some non-limiting examples include a tamper-evident feature located on either the gripping projection or the retention projection. Another non-limiting example would be a tamper-evident feature located on an end 50b blocking the slidable lid from sliding. It is contemplated that other tamper-evident features may be added to the polymeric child-resistant closure.

[0060] It is contemplated that the polymeric child-resistant closure may also include a liner located on an interior surface of the top wall portion. The liner is typically made of compressible polymeric material and provides sealing for the closure. In one embodiment, the liner is a polymeric foam liner. In other embodiments, other sealing mechanisms can be used in conjunction with the polymeric child-resistant closure. For example, in one embodiment, an interior surface of the top wall portion may include a polymeric continuous plug seal and/or an outer seal. The polymeric continuous plug seal and/or the outer seal depend from the polymeric top portion and provide a sealing mechanism. It is contemplated that other sealing mechanisms may be used in the polymeric child-resistant closure.

[0061] An interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion may also include an internal thread formation in one embodiment. The internal thread formation may be a continuous helical thread in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the internal thread formation includes a first closure lead and a second closure lead, which are referred collectively as a double lead closure thread. Each of the first and second closure leads may be continuous. The first and second helical closure leads may be helical. It is also contemplated that the internal thread formation of the closure may differ from a helical thread formation. It is also contemplated that other internal thread formations may be used in the closure. [0062] In another embodiment, the interior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion may include one or more anti -rotational features. Having either the closure or the container having anti -rotational features is advantageous when the product being stored in the container is not desirable for certain individuals (e.g., medicine for children).

[0063] The exterior surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion may also include a plurality of ridges. This may be employed if there is a desire for a user to obtain and grip the closure. Since the polymeric child-resistant closure is typically designed not to allow the closure to be unthreaded from the container, the polymeric annular skirt portion is typically smooth. This makes it more difficult to get a better grip on the polymeric annular skirt portion when attempting to pull off or remove the closure with respect to the container.

[0064] The closure may include an oxygen-scavenger material. This oxygen-scavenger material may be distributed within the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygenscavenger material may be any material that assists in removing oxygen within the container, while having little or no effect on the contents within the container.

[0065] Alternatively, or in addition to, the closure may include an oxygen-b airier material. The oxygen-b arri er material may be added as a separate layer or may be integrated within the closure itself. The oxygen-barrier materials assist in preventing or inhibiting oxygen from entering the container through the closure. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is contemplated that other oxygen-b arri er materials may be used in the closure.

[0066] A container is used with a polymeric child-resistant closure. A container has a neck portion defining an opening. The neck portion has an exterior surface and an interior surface. In one embodiment, the container has an external thread formation on the neck portion. It is contemplated in another embodiment that the container does not include an external thread formation on the neck portion. In such an embodiment, the container may have anti- rotational features instead.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, a container 100 is shown that includes a neck portion 102 defining an opening 106. The neck portion 102 of the container 100 includes an external thread formation 110 in this embodiment. In one embodiment, the external thread formation is for mating engagement with an internal thread formation of the polymeric closure. In another embodiment, if a polymeric closure includes anti -rotational features, then there will not be a threaded engagement with an external thread formation of the container.

[0068] The external thread formation 110 is one continuous helical thread in this embodiment. In another embodiment, the external thread formation includes a first container lead and a second container lead, which are referred collectively as a double lead closure thread. Each of the first and second container leads may be continuous. The first and second helical container leads may be helical. It is contemplated that the first and second container leads may be discontinuous.

[0069] It is also contemplated that the external thread formation of the container may differ from a helical thread formation. It is also contemplated that other external thread formations may be used in the container. For example, the external thread formation may include a triple-threaded structure having first, second and third closure leads.

[0070] It is contemplated that other features may be included on the neck portion 102. Some non-limiting examples include retention lugs, A-collar for banded applications and splines.

[0071] In one embodiment, a package comprises a container with an opening and a polymeric child-resistant closure. The polymeric child-resistant closure is configured for fitment to a neck portion of the container for closing the opening. The closures are configured to be placed on a container or bottle that contain product. The product may be a liquid product, but typically is a solid product. In another embodiment, the product may be a combination of a liquid and solid product. Some products that may be especially desirable to use include dispensable tablets such as over-the-counter (OTC) medication, vitamins, prescriptions, etc. It is noted that the aperture 30 of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 may allow for metered dispersion of product by varying aperture size dependent upon product variation. The closures can be color coordinated for product type to aid in visual identification of product being used before opening the container.

[0072] One non-limiting example of a closure and a container forming a package is shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B. FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of the package 200 including the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 of FIG. 1A and the container 100 of FIG. 4 in a closed position. FIG. 5B is a side view of the package 200 including the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 of FIG. 1 A and the container 100 of FIG. 4 in a closed position.

[0073] The child-resistant closure is typically made of polymeric material, such as olefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or blends thereof. One example of a polyethylene that may be used is high density polyethylene (HDPE). It is contemplated that the child-resistant closure may be made of other polymeric materials.

[0074] The closures are typically formed by processes such as injection or compression molding. [0075] The container 100 is typically made of polymeric material. One non-limiting example of a material to be used in forming a polymeric container is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or blends using the same. It is contemplated that the container may be formed of other polymeric or copolymer materials. The container 100 is typically have an encapsulated oxygen-barrier layer or oxygen barrier material incorporated therein.

[0076] In another embodiment, the child-resistant closure may be made of non-polymeric materials such as metal. In such a configuration, the closure would need to be designed such that the slidable lid would be able to be properly positioned on the slide portal.

[0077] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.