Controllable tamper proof closure for a vial

The present invention provides a tamper proof closure for a vial, which may be used only when needed, by insertion of a security member having engaging means in contact with corresponding engaging means on a ring part of a closure cap so that the cap may t be removed from the vial only with this ring part of the closure cap being separated from the cap by an action exerted by the engaging means of the security member on the engaging means of the ring part.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a closure for a vial. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a controllable tamper proof closure for a vial.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vial containers with improved closure are known. Tamper resistant containers for storing and transporting liquids and solids for example, such as urine specimens, and tablets are also available.

A widely used method for protecting container vial against tampering and adulteration of the content thereof consists of securing a plastic or a metal seal over the mouth of the container beneath the screw cap.

Another method, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,077, consists of forming a barb or hook inside an open upper end of the vial, providing a cap adapted for insertion into the vial having a mating hook formed about a lower edge thereof, and providing sealing rings formed on the outer surface thereof, thereby yielding a tamper-resistant, leak-proof sealing between the enclosure and the vial.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,586,622 and 4,449,640 describe an open-top vial covered by a cap having a depending peripheral skirt, in such a way that an inner surface of the cap skirt and an outer surface of the cap are provided with complementary mating interlock elements. Moreover, the cap comprises an integral tear member, defined by at least one weakened, partially circumferential weakened junction lines, such that pulling away the tear member along the junction line allows both annual removal of the cap and ready visual confirmation that vial integrity has been breached.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,211,333 and 4,306,357 disclose a vial having a flange about its opening so that, below the flange and spaced apart therefrom, a shoulder defines an indented neck therebetween. An overcap extends over the flange and about the neck to form a skirt about the neck. The skirt has at least a portion thereof extending inwardly in gripping reaction with the neck and limited in removal by contact with the underside of the flange, whereby the cap cannot be removed without destroying a structural integrity thereof.

Although vial containers with improved closure have been proposed, they may usually be used only once.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a tamper proof closure for a vial, which may be used only when needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a tamper-proof vial and cap assembly comprising a vial having an upper portion; a cap comprising a main part and a ring part connected to the main part by a weakening line, the cap being able to be secured on the upper portion of the vial, the ring part displaying first engaging means; and a security member insertable between the vial and the cap and displaying second engaging means complementary to the first engaging means of the ring part of the cap; wherein, when the second engaging means of the security member are engaged with the first engaging means of the ring part, the cap may be removed from the vial with the ring part thereof being separated from the main part thereof along the weakening line; and wherein, when the second engaging means of the security member are disengaged from the first engaging means of the ring part, the cap may be removed from the vial with the ring part thereof remaining connected to the main part thereof.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Generally stated, there is provided a tamper proof closure for a vial, which may be used only when needed.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2of the appended drawings, a vial10typically comprises a lower portion12and an upper portion14.

The lower portion12receives a content to be contained, such as a liquid or a solid for example. The upper part14is intended to receive a closure element as illustrated inFIG. 3.

The closure element is generally a cap30as illustrated inFIG. 3, which is secured onto an outside circumferencial surface of the upper part14of the vial.

The cap30comprises a ring part32connected to a main part34by a weakening line or a series of bridges36. An inner circumferencial surface of the main part34is provided with an internal thread (not shown) matching a thread provided on an outside circumferencial surface38of the upper part14of the vial10. An inner circumferencial surface (not shown) of the ring part32is provided with engaging means, such as indentations or any other members prominent from this circumferencial surface.

The main part34of such a closure element may provide a hermetic sealing, while the ring part32thereof contributes to a tamper proof feature thereof, as will now be explained.

When the cap30is secured on top of the vial10by a matching of the internal thread (not shown) of the main part34with the thread on the outside circumferencial surface38of the upper part14, the ring part32of the cap30lies in a region below the thread of the outside circumferencial surface38of the upper part14.

A security member18is provided with engaging means24complementarily corresponding to the engaging means provided on the inner circumferencial surface (not shown) of the ring part32of the cap.

The security member18may be positioned in a neutral mode as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2for example, in which it does not take part in the positioning of the cap30on top of the vial10as previously described. In such a mode, the vial closed with the cap secured on the upper part thereof is opened by unscrewing the cap in a usual way.

Alternatively, the security member18may be positioned in an active mode wherein the engaging means24come into an engaging contact with the engaging means on the inner circumferential surface of the ring part32of the cap as the cap30is secured to the vial10. In this case, any attempt to unscrew the cap30will result in the engaging means24of the security member18to engage the engaging means of the ring part32, thereby creating a force on the ring part32, which causes the weakening line36to break, and consequently the ring part32to separate from the main part34of the cap. Such a broken cap is a clear evidence that the vial has been opened.

Therefore, when the vial10needs not be closed in a tamper-proof manner, the security member18is positioned in the neutral mode thereof.

In the contrary, when the vial10needs to be closed in a tamper-proof manner the security member18is inserted into the active mode with the engaging means24thereof engaging the engaging means (not shown) on the inner circumferential surface of the ring part32, whereby the cap30may only be removed with the ring part32thereof being separated from the main part34of the cap30. Indeed, when unscrewing the cap from the upper part32of the vial in this mode, the engaging means24of the security member engage with the engaging means of the ring part32, which causes the bridges between the ring part32and the main part34of the cap30to break.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1or2, the security member18is pivotally secured on the lower part12of the vial10so that it may be pivoted form the neutral mode to the active mode, wherein the engaging means24thereof come into engagement with the engaging means on the inner circumferencial surface of the ring part32.

Obviously, the security member may alternatively be secured to the upper part12of the vial10, for example by using an attachment loop (not shown). It may also be attached to the cap30, provided it may easily be inserted in the desired mode thereof. Alternatively, it may be provided as an independent piece altogether.

Additionally, the main part of the cap and the ring part thereof may be connected along a weakening line provided with at least one ratchet40(seeFIG. 3) to further increase the force exerted on the weakening line when unscrewing the cap while the security member is in the active mode.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the nature and teachings thereof as defined in the appended claims.