CHILD RESISTANT DISPENSING CLOSURE

Abstract: A child resistant dispensing closure of the type comprising a cap base member (12) and a cap lid member (14). The cap base member (12) is provided with a dispensing opening (44), a slot (30), and a cap locking bead (32) adapted to engage a container locking bead provided on the neck of a container. The container locking bead (36) is provided with an interruption (38) which is adapted to be brought into and out of alignment with the slot (30) by manually rotating the cap base member (12) with respect to the neck (34). The cap lid member (14) is provided with a locking prong (50) adapted to be received within the slot (30) when the cap lid member (14) assumes a closed position wherein it closes off the dispensing opening (44). The locking prong (50), when the cap lid member (14) is in the closed position, is adapted to be engaged beneath the continuous portion of the container locking bead (36). The cap lid member (14) is adapted to thereafter assume the open position by a user manually rotating the cap base member (12) with respect to the neck (34) so as to bring the slot (30) into alignment with the interruption (38) in the container locking bead (36) and then manually moving the cap lid (14) member away from the cap base member (12) so as to withdraw the locking prong (50) from the slot (30), thereby presenting an unobstructed dispensing opening (44). Alignment of the slot (30) with the interruption (38) in the bottle bead may be indicated by the alignment of visible indicia (68,70) provided on the dispensing closure and the neck of the container. An alternative embodiment for the closure comprises a cap member and a spout member. The cap member (412) is provided with an exterior skirt (414), a top surface (416) having an elongated groove formed therein, and an interior skirt (418). The interior skirt (418) is provided with a cap locking bead (440) adapted to engage a container locking bead (444) provided on the neck (442) of a container for rotatably mounting the cap member on the neck of the container. The elongated groove has a dispensing opening and an open area formed therein, and the interior skirt is provided with an interruption (432) at the location of the open area (434) so as to maintain the area unobstructed. The container locking bead (444) is also provided with an interruption. The spout member includes an elongated body having a longitudinal dispensing passage therein and adapted to be mounted at one end in the elongated groove for rotation with respect to the cap member. The spout member is provided with a depending locking prong (468) adapted for insertion into the open area (434). The spout member is adapted to assume an open position wherein the spout member is oriented vertically with respect to the cap member and the dispensing opening and longitudinal passage are in communication. The spout member is capable of being rotated from the open position downwardly toward the cap member to achieve a closed position wherein the locking prong (468) is received within the open area (434) of the cap base member and the interruption (446) in the container locking bead. Realization of the latter position requires that the cap member be rotated, as required, with respect to the neck of the container so as to bring the open area and the interruption into alignment. The closed and locked position for the spout member is achieved by further rotation of the cap member with respect to the neck so that the locking prong is in engagement with an uninterrupted portion of the container locking bead.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention pertains generally to a child resistant dispensing closure adapted to be associated with the neck of a container, bottle or other like receptacle defining a dispensing opening. More particularly, it relates to a child resistant dispensing closure of the type comprising a cap capable of assuming a closed position, wherein the contents of the container are prevented from passing through the dispensing opening, and an open position, wherein the contents are allowed to pass through the dispensing opening. DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART U.S. Patent No: 4220248 discloses a child resistant dispensing closure comprising a cap base member and a cap lid member, the cap base member including a top surface, an exterior skirt, a dispensing opening formed in the top surface and a cap locking bead adapted to engage a container locking bead provided on the neck of an associated container, the cap base member being adapted for rotation with respect to the neck, the cap lid member being adapted for movement with respect to the cap base member between an open and a closed position in which respectively the dispensing opening is unobstructed and the cap lid member closes off the dispensing opening by a user manually moving the cap lid member. U.S. Patent No: 4172540 discloses a dispensing closure having a cap base and a lid mounted thereon by means of a spring. The spring serves to hold the lid relative to the top of the cap base so that the lid is held against movement when in the open position. The above U.S. Patent No: 4220248 also discloses in a closure member a spring structure and a cam structure which co-operate to hold the lid in an open or closed position. U.S. Specification No: 4209114 discloses a closure including a cap member having a rotatable or pivotable spout member mounted thereon in an elongated groove. The spout member, in the closed position of the dispensing closure, rests against the cap member and effectively closes off or blocks a dispensing opening formed in the cap member, thereby preventing release of any potentially harmful contents of the container upon which the cap member is mounted. The spout member is adapted to be manually grasped at one end and rotated or pivoted upwardly with respect to the cap member for purposes of bringing a longitudinal passage formed in the spout member into alignment with the dispensing opening formed in the cap member. In the latter open position for the dispensing closure, the contents of the associated container are able to pass through the aligned opening and passage. While the attributes of the foregoing dispensing closures are numerous, the need exists to provide such closures with an effective means for preventing unwanted access to potentially harmful contents of the container with which the closure is associated. The dispensing closure must be relatively difficult to open so as to remain impenetrable to the often rigorous stresses and forces imposed upon it by an inquisitive and determined child. However, the dispensing closure must also be sufficiently easy to open so that it may be operated by individuals of average mental capacity, even if such individuals do not possess what may be regarded as normal physical strengths. Previous attempts to provide dispensing closures of a child resistant character have often resulted in structures which, due to their complexity, were prohibitively expensive to manufacture for commercial utilization. Additionally, complicated construction often rendered the closure difficult to operate, even by an adult, requiring highly complicated manipulations and/or considerable force. It is generally known in the prior art to provide a dispensing closure with a locking member which is adapted to engage an internal portion of the base portion of the closure in the closed or sealed position of the dispensing closure. For example, U.S. Patent No: 3623622 shows a cap lid having a downwardly extending arm adapted to engage within an aperture in the wall of the base portion of the closure. The arm is withdrawn from the aperture when a lock disc on the lid is rotated. It is also known in the prior art to provide a closure wherein locking means provided on a lid or cap member is adapted to engage an external portion of a closure base member. For example, U.S. Patent No: 4022352. Moreover, the prior art teaches the concept of providing a closure wherein the lid carrier is formed with an opening for reception of a locking member provided on the lid, in particular see U.S. Patent No: 4244495. Additionally, the prior art teaches a variety of dispensing closures wherein locking means formed on the skirt of the closure engages with the associated container, whereby rotational movement of the closure is required in order to disengage same from the container. An example of this type of closure is show in in U.S. Patent No: 4573599. U.S. Patent no: 3627160 teaches a safety cap rotatably mounted on the neck of a container and having a lug for locking reception beneath a rib formed on the neck. The cap may be removed when the lug is brought into registry with a cap in the locking rib. The prior art further discloses dispensing closures of the general type wherein a cap is adapted to be mounted on the neck of a container, and a spout is mounted on the cap for movement between an open and closed position. It is also known in the prior art to provide dispensing closures of this general type with means which renders the closure child resistant, for example U.S. Patents Nos: 3957181 and 4081113. Finally, it is known from US Patent 4449639 to provide a child resistant dispensing closure comprising a cap having a top surface and a skirt adapted to engage with the neck of an associated container having a dispensing opening, the cap being adapted for rotation with respect to the neck, at least part of the cap being adapted for movement with respect to the container between an open and a closed position in which respectively the dispensing opening is unobstructed and the cap closes off the dispensing opening by a user manually moving the cap, the container having a locking bead provided with an interruption and the cap being provided with an engagement member adapted to engage the bead in a locked and closed position of the cap but such that manual rotation of the cap upon the neck to align the engagement member with the interruption in the bead disengages the engagement member from the bead so that a user can manually move the cap away from the container to achieve the open position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is characterised over US 4449639 in that the cap has two parts namely a cap closure member and a cap base member the base member having a top surface defining a dispensing opening connected with the dispensing opening in the container and defining a slot and having an exterior skirt surrounding the skirt which contacts the container neck, the skirt being provided with a skirt interruption at the location of the slot the cap closure member being movable between the open and closed positions relative to the cap base member and carrying the engagement member in the form of a locking prong, which prong is adapted to enter the slot and engage the container locking bead in the locked and closed position of the cap. The cap closure member in the form of a lid preferably has means maintaining it in the fully open position so as not to interfere with the dispensing of the container contents until such time as it is manually moved downwardly towards the cap base member to close or seal off the dispensing opening. In a second embodiment the invention also provides a child resistant dispensing closure in which the cap base member has an elongated recessed groove formed in its top surface, the groove having a first end and a second end the cap dispensing opening being formed in the groove approximate the first end, aligned bearing cavities provided in the groove, the cap closure member comprising a spout member defined by an elongate body having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spout member being provided with trunnions adapted to be received within the bearing cavities for rotatably mounting the spout member within the groove, a longitudinal dispensing passage formed in the spout member, and the spout member being movable manually between an open position in which the longitudinal dispensing passage is aligned with the dispensing opening and a closed position in which the spout member closes off and seals the dispensing opening characterised in that: the slot is formed by an open area formed in the groove approximate its second end, and the locking prong is formed on the spout member. In the locked and closed position, the locking prong is in locking engagement with the neck of the container and the spout member is effectively and positively secured against inadvertant opening by a child. In both the above forms of the invention the provision of a specific unlocked position for the dispensing closure with respect to the container neck, which unlocked position is available at only a very limited location, addresses the almost universal reaction exhibited by children in attempting to remove a closure from a container. More specifically, a child who is presented with the opportunity to explore a closed container will inevitably twist and rotate the attached closure in an effort to free the closure from the container, or will attempt to separate the closure from the container by pulling the respective parts directly apart. Removal of the dispensing closure by rotation is prevented, due to the fact that the dispensing closure is positively secured to the neck of the container. The latter instinctive pulling motion is likewise ineffective to achieve opening of the dispensing closure of the present invention because the cap member is positively and frictionally engaged with the neck of the associated container and cannot be pulled therefrom, even with the application of great force normally not possessed by a child. A normal child is manifestly incapable of exercising the reason and intellect that is essential for accurately and properly rotating the dispensing closure to assume the unlocked position and thereafter, in an entirely dissimilar motion, to pivot the lid or spout member with respect to the cap member. This requirement for a second dissimilar action virtually insures against unwanted operation of the instant dispensing closure by a child, in that a child is inherently incapable of engaging in the sophisticated mental and physical steps involved in making the transition from a manual rotational action to a second, manual pivoting action. With advantage the invention contemplates forming an additonal cap locking bead on the interior skirt of the cap base member for frictional engagement with a corresponding additional container locking bead on the neck of the container. These additional locking beads are intended to be generally continuous, thereby securing the cap base member to the neck of the container in a manner which affords maximum hoop strength. In one form the cap lid member is integral with a spring but separate from the cap base member. In the embodiment of the invention comprising a cap member and a spout member, the spout member is preferably adapted to assume a closed position wherein the bottom surface of the spout member rests snugly against the recessed portion of the cap member so as to close off and seal the open area, as well as the vertical opening formed in the elongated groove and the top surface of the spout is flush with the top surface of the cap member. The latter closed position is able to be achieved by the user manually rotating the cap member with respect to the neck of the container so that the interruption in the container locking bead is aligned with the open area. The aforementioned alignment allows the locking prong to be fully inserted through the open area and into the interruption in the container locking bead. From the closed position, the dispensing closure is able to assume a closed and locked position by the user further rotating the cap member with respect to the neck of the container so that the interruption and the open area are no longer aligned. The closed and locked position is characterized by the open area being aligned with a continuous portion of the container locking bead such that a hook-like end member provided on the locking prong is lockingly engaged with the container locking bead. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:- Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a dispensing closure showing the dispensing closure in the fully open position; Fig. 2 is a side sectional view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2 and showing the neck of the associated container in phantom; Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 2 taken along line 3-3; Fig. 4 is a side sectional view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 2 showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and unlocked position; Fig. 5 is a right front view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a top sectional view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 4 taken along line 6-6 and showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and unlocked position; Fig. 7. is a top sectional view of the dispensing closure of Figs. 4 and 6, showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and locked position; Fig. 8. is a side sectional view of a first alternative embodiment for the dispensing closure showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and unlocked position; Fig. 9. is a partial top sectional view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 8 taken along line 9-9 and showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and unlocked position; Fig. 10. is a partial top sectional view of the dispensing closure of Figs. 8 and 9 showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and locked position; Fig. 11. is a side sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of the dispensing closure taken along line 11-11 of Fig. 12 and showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and unlocked position; Fig. 12. is a top plan view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 11; Fig. 13. is a top sectional view of the dispensing closure of Fig. 11 taken along line 13-13 and showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and unlocked position; Fig. 14. is a top plan view of a third embodiment of dispensing closure having a spout member which is rotatably mounted on a cap member; and Fig. 15. is a side sectional view of the dispensing closure shown in Fig. 14 taken along line 15-15 of Fig. 14 and showing the dispensing closure in the fully closed and locked position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Each of the dispensing closures of Figures 1 to 13 is constructed as a unitary body by conventional injection molding techniques out of any one of a wide variety of known, somewhat flexible, somewhat resilient, polymer materials. Various polyolefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, may be effectively utilized. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 7 the child resistant dispensing closure 10 comprises a cap base member 12 which is connected to a cap lid member 14 by means of an integral, so-called "living" hinge 16. The cap base member is defined by a first generally cylindrical exterior depending skirt 18 and a top surface 20. An annular recessed shoulder 22 is provided around the periphery of the top surface 20 between the top surface and the exterior skirt 18. As is best depicted in Figs. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, a second generally cylindrical interior depending skirt 24 extends downwardly from the top surface, spaced from and concentric with exterior skirt 18. This interior skirt is not continuous, however, but is interrupted at 26 in Figs. 6 and 7, at which point the interior skirt diverges into interior skirt portions 28 which merge with the exterior skirt 18. A generally rectangular slot 30 is provided in the top surface 20 of the cap base member at the location of interruption 26 of the interior skirt 24, extending generally between skirt portions 28. With particular reference to Figs. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, the interior skirt 24 is provided with means, in the form of a peripheral cap locking bead 32, for securing the interior skirt to the neck 34 of a container (not shown). As can best be seen in Fig. 3, the cap locking bead 32 is provided on the continuous portion of interior skirt 24, but is not provided on the skirt portions 28, thereby leaving the slot 30 unobstructed. The neck 34, which may be formed integral with a bottle or container, or which may be formed separately therefrom, is provided wtih peripheral container locking bead 36. The container locking bead 36 is adapted to be engaged with the cap locking bead 32 for purposes of positively and frictionally securing the cap base member upon the neck 34, while allowing the cap base member to be rotated with respect to the neck. The cap locking bead and container locking bead are configured so as to be capable of permanent locking engagement, impenetrable to a child's efforts to pull the cap base member from the neck or to free the cap base member from the neck by twisting it relative thereto. Figs. 6 and 7 depict in section the cap base member 12 as it appears when secured to the neck 34. As is shown therein, the container locking bead is not continuous, but is provided wtih an interruption 38, generally equal in length to the interruption 26 in the interior skirt 24. When the cap base member 12 is secured to the neck 34 as depicted in Figs. 4 and 5, the exterior skirt 18 defines with the container a continuous aesthetically satisfying and symmetrical configuration of an enclosed receptacle. It should be noted that other similar known means may be utilized instead of the locking beads 32 and 36 for mounting the cap base member on the neck 34. Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, it can be seen that a dependent cylindrical sealing element 40 extends downwardly from the top surface 20 interior of and concentric with interior skirt 24. The sealing element is adapted to fit within the neck 34 of the associated container to form a seal therewith. Obviously, various equivalent sealing structures may be employed in conjunction with the dispensing closure and neck. A nozzle-like boss 42 is provided on the top surface 20 interiorly of the sealing element around an opening 44 extending through the top surface and providing communication with the interior of the associated container. As best depicted in Figs. 2 and 4, the cap lid mmeber 14 includes a substantially planar top 46 which carries a plug member 48 adapted to fit within the dispensing opening 44 formed in cap base member 12 so as to close off the opening when the cap lid member is in the closed position. An integral resilient locking prong 50 extends from the interior surface of the planar top 46, generally perpendicular thereto, and terminates in a hook-like end member 52. The cap lid member is further defined by a cap skirt 54, one end of which is connected to the recessed shoulder 22 of the cap base member by means of hinge 16. The locking prong is located on the planar top of the cap lid member at the side of the cap lid member opposite hinge 16. The cap skirt 54, at the general location of the locking prong and directly opposite the hinge, terminates in an arcuate outwardly projecting lip 56. The cap lid member 14 is adapted to be pivoted substantially about an axis (not shown) from a fully open position, as indicated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 extending outwardly from the cap base member 12, in which it is formed by an injection molding operation, to a fully closed position depicted in Figs. 4 and 5. In this fully closed position, the locking prong 50 is received within the slot 30 formed in cap base member 12, with the edge of the cap skirt 54 abutting against the recessed shoulder 22 of the cap base member. The cap skirt 54 thus appears to be a continuation of the exterior skirt 18 of the cap base member, except for the lip 56, which projects slightly beyond the exterior skirt 18 of the cap base member. Two separate, resilient upstanding posts 58, serving essentially as leaf springs, project upwardly from recessed shoulder 22 on opposite sides of hinge 16. With reference to Figs. 2 and 4, it can be seen that the posts extend upwardly for a distance beyond top surface 20 of the cap base member. These posts are located on the cap base member such that they are capable of being engaged by cam lugs 60 provided on the cap lid member. Alternatively, the posts could take the form of vertical cam surfaces which co-operate with cam followers or lugs extending from the cap lid member, one on each side of the hinge. Cam lugs 60 are situated on the cap lid member 14 so as to in effect constitute extension of the cap skirt 54 on opposite sides of hinge 16. During movement of the cap lid member 14 from the fully open position of Figs. 1, 2 and 3 to the closed position of Figs. 4 and 5, the ends 62 of the cam lugs 60 will abut against the posts 58 so as to push upon these posts and temporarily distend them. The cam lugs 60 are dimensioned so that, as the lid reaches a closed position, the cam lugs will be located generally along side of and next to the posts 58. It should be noted that this position is "stable" in that, with the cap lid member in the closed position, the posts 58 will not be under any continuing pressure such as might cause a degree of creeping or deformation. When the cap lid member is moved to an open position from a closed position, the ends 62 of the cam lugs 60 again abut and temporarily deform the posts 58 until such time as the cam lugs 60 are approximately perpendicular to the posts 58. The lid is thus held so that it cannot swing back toward a closed position so as to interfere with the discharge of material through the opening 44. A user can then manually pivot the cap lid member toward the cap base member 12 around hinge 16 so that the locking prong 50 enters the slot 30 and plug member 48 is received within opening 44. If the slot 30 is not in alignment with the interruption in the container locking bead, the locking prong, because of its resiliency, will then deflect around the container locking bead until fully inserted within the slot, at which point the hook-like end member 52 of the locking prong is automatically engaged under the container locking bead. In the fully closed and locked position of the dispensing closure, the locking prong effectively and securely locks the cap lid member to the neck of the container such that it cannot be moved to the open position without the user engaging in further manipulation of the dispensing closure as will be discussed herein. If, when the cap lid member is moved to the fully closed position, the slot is in alignment with the interruption 38 of the container locking bead 36, as shown in Fig. 6, then the dispensing closure can be locked by rotation relative to the neck to the position shown in Fig. 7. The exterior skirt 18 of the cap base member is provided therearound with serrations 64 which are interrupted by a smooth portion 66 at the location of the slot 30 as shown in Fig. 5. A downwardly pointing arrow 68, or other like indicia, is provided on the smooth portion. A corresponding upwardly pointing arrow 70 is provided on the exterior surface of the neck 34 at the location of the interruption 38 in the container locking bead. Hence, alignment or non-alignment of the respective arrows 68 and 70 indicates respectively the unlocked or locked position of the fully closed dispensing closure. The dispensing closure is able to be opened from the fully closed and locked position by a user first rotating the dispensing closure to the unlocked position, as indicated by the alignment of the arrows 68 and 70, and then manually pressing upwardly upon or grasping the lip 56 of the cap lid member so as to pivot the cap lid member upwardly and away from the cap base member. The dispensing closure as illustrated in Figs. 8 to 10 is essentially identical to that disclosed in Figs. 1 to 7 except that cap base member 112 is provided with an interior depending skirt 124 having first continuous peripheral cap locking bead 131 for engaging a first peripheral continuous container locking bead 135 for further securing the cap base member to the neck 134 of a container. A second peripheral cap locking bead 132 is provided on the interior skirt above the first cap locking bead 131 for engagement with a second container locking bead 136 similarly provided on the container neck 134 above the first container locking bead 135. The interior skirt above the engagement of the respective first cap and first container locking beads 131, 135 is discontinuous, however, being provided with an interruption 126 as was discussed in connection with interruption 26 and the second container locking bead 136, like the container locking bead 36 is provided with an interruption 138, generally equal in length to the interruption 126. The interruption 138 is adapted to be aligned with the slot 130 formed in the cap base member to allow opening of the closure. The additional cap locking bead and container locking bead which are generally continuous, ensure that the engagement of the dispensing closure with the neck of the container possesses improved hoop strength. The method and mode of operation for the embodiment of Figs. 8 to 10 is identical to that previously discussed in connection with Figs. 1 to 7. The locking prong 150 is configured, however, such that its length is generally equal to the depth of the interruption 126, above the continuous first cap and container locking beads, such that the hook-like end member 152 of the locking prong may engage under the second container locking bead 136. The dispensing closure 310 of Figs 11 to 13 comprises a cap base member 312 and a cap lid member 314. The cap lid member is preferably constructed so as to be integral with a spring 316. The cap base member is defined by a first generally cylindrical exterior depending skirt 318 and a top surface 320. An annular recessed shoulder 322, shown in broken lines in Fig. 12, is provided around the periphery of the top surface between the top surface and the exterior skirt 318, being interrupted at the location of the back wall 323. Back wall 323 extends above the top surface and appears as an extension of the exterior skirt 318. A second generally cylindrical interior depending skirt 324 extends downwardly from the top surface. This interior skirt is not continuous, however, but is provided with an interruption. A generally rectangular slot 330 is provided in the top surface 320 of the cap base member at the location of the interruption. The continuous portion of the interior skirt is provided with a peripheral locking bead 332 for frictionally engaging the peripheral container locking bead 336 provided on the neck 334 of a container. The container locking bead is similarly provided with an interruption. A dependent cylindrical sealing element 340 extends downwardly from the top surface interiorly of the interior skirt and defines a dispensing opening 344 therethrough for communication with the interior of the container. An elongated opening 345 is located in the top surface immediately adjacent the back wall 323. Two parallel ridges 347 extend from the extremeties of the opening 345 generally toward the dispensing opening 344. These ridges are connected by a straight or elongated wall or ridge 349 extending across the top surface. The cap lid member 314 includes a substantially planar top 346 which carries a plug member 348 adapted to close off and seal the dispensing opening 344 in the closed position. An integral resilient locking prong 350 extends from the interior surface of the planar top, generally perpendicular thereto, and terminates in a hook-like end member 352. The cap lid member is further defined by a cap skirt 354 having a lip 356. The cap skirt is dimensioned so as to abut the recessed shoulder 322 when the cap lid member is in the closed position shown in Fig. 11. With reference to Fig.12, the cap lid member includes two inwardly extending slots or cut-outs 355 which extend generally from a straight back edge on the planar top. These two slots extend along the spring 316 when the cap lid member is in a closed position. The spring 316 is a flat, leaf-type spring which is connected to the planar top along a line 359 of reduced cross-sectional thickness serving as a pivot so as to pivotally connect the cap lid member one end of the spring. The other end of the spring is formed integral with a mounting tab 361 which extends at a right angle to the spring. This tab 361 fits closely within the opening 345 so as to secure the cap lid member to the cap base member such that it may be moved between a closed position wherein the plug member 348 on the cap lid member is received within the dispensing opening 344 in the cap base member and locking prong 350 is fully received within slot 330 and engaged beneath the continuous portions of the container locking bead, to an open position wherein the dispensing opening is unobstructed. The spring 316 serves to support the cap lid member at all times. In the closed position of the cap lid member, the spring 316 is unstressed and holds the line 359 serving as a pivot generally adjacent to the top surface. In this position, the cap lid member fits against the top surface 320 so as to close off the dispensing opening. Because of the engagement between the cap lid member and the top surface, the spring in effect biases the cap lid member in contact with the top surface so that it cannot be pivoted. In this position, the edge of the cap skirt 354 abuts the shoulder 322 on the cap base member and the locking prong 350 is fully received within the slot 330. The cap lid member is adapted to be manipulated from the fully closed, locked position to an open position, shown in phantom in Fig. 11, by first manually rotating the dispensing closure with respect to the container neck so as to bring the slot into alignment with the interruption in the container locking bead, as indicated by the alignment of visible indicia, and then by manually moving the cap lid member generally upwardly so as to bend the spring 316. As the cap lid member is moved upwardly and as the spring is bent, the line 359 is elevated relative to the top surface 320 of the cap base member. As this occurs, the cap lid member may be pivoted to an open position relative to the spring and the top surface. The ridge 349 acts as a stop means engaging the cap lid member to limit the amount that the cap lid member may be rotated about the line 359 as the spring is deformed. When the cap lid member is in contact with the ridge 349 it may be released and it will automatically remain in the open position in which the spring biases the lid member against the top surface and the ridge. The dispensing closure 410 of Figs. 14 and 15, comprises a spout member and a cap member 412 defined by a generally cylindrical exterior depending skirt 414 and a top surface 416. A first generally cylindrical interior depending skirt 418 extends downwardly from the top surface, being spaced from and concentric with exterior skirt 414. The top surface is provided with a recessed flat portion 420 which is bounded by integrally formed parallel side walls 422 joined by a rear wall 424. The side and rear walls integrally connect the recessed portion to the top surface. Thus, the recessed portion, together with the side and rear walls, define an elongated groove 426 in the top surface of the cap member. A second generally cylindrical interior coaxial depending skirt 428 extends downwardly from the recessed portion 420 to be sealingly received in the neck 442 of a container. The exterior skirt 414, and the first and second interior skirts 418, 428, are provided with strengthening ribs 430. The exterior and second interior skirts are continuous, while the first interior skirt is interrupted at 432 and similarly the recessed portion 420 is interrupted so as to form an open area 434. Thus, the open area 434 forms a slot or opening in the elongated groove between the terminal edge 436 of the recessed portion and the side wall 438 of the cap member, which side wall is integral with the exterior skirt. The width of the open area 434 is defined by the distance between the parallel side walls 422. The continuous portion of the first interior skirt is provided with a peripheral cap locking bead 440 (Fig.15) for securing the first interior skirt to the neck 442 of a container by engagement with a container locking bead 444. The container locking bead is able to protrude through the interruption formed in the first interior skirt. The container locking bead is also provided with an interruption 446, generally equal in width to the width of the open area 434. It should be noted that other similar known means may be utilized instead of the locking beads for mounting the cap base member upon the neck of the container. A vertically directed cylindrical opening 448 extends through the recessed portion 420 proximate the rear wall 424 and communicates with the interior of the container. Aligned conventional bearing cavities 450 for receiving trunnions on the spout member are located in the side walls 422 so as to face each other. These bearing cavities have a common horizontally extending axis (not shown) which is located so as to intersect the vertically extending axis (not shown) of the opening 448. The second end of the spout member is provided with an extension 462. Extension 462 overlies an indented portion 464 formed in the side wall 438 of the cap member at the location of the open area 434. The indented portion 464 terminates in an upper edge 466 which is slightly lower than the top surface of the cap member so that the extension on the spout member may be supported by the upper edge while maintaining a flush surface for the top of the spout and cap member when the spout is in the closed position. The tip of the extension, which protrudes beyond the upper edge 466 due to the indented portion 464, allows the tip of the spout member to be manually grasped. The spout member, in the closed position, closes off and seals the open area 434 of the cap member so as to minimize exposure of the interior of the cap member and the container to ambient air. An integral locking prong 468 depends generally vertically from the bottom surface of the spout member and termininates in a hook-like end member 470. The locking prong is located on the spout member proximate its second end such that the prong is received within the open area 434 in the closed position of the dispensing closure, which position is able to be achieved when the interruption 446 on the container locking bead 444 is brought into alignment with the open area and extension of the spout. From the foregoing closed position which may be indicated by aligned indicia, the dispensing closure is adapted to assume a closed and locked position by the user manually rotating the cap member with respect to the neck of the container until the interruption in the container locking bead is not aligned with the open area. The hook-like end member on the locking prong is urged into engagement with the container locking bead by means of an inwardly extending flange 472 provided on the inside surface of the side wall of the cap member adjacent the open area. The locking engagement between the prong of the spout member and the container locking bead positively prevents the spout member from being inadvertantly moved from the closed position except by a user first manually rotating the cap member with respect to the neck of the container to once again align the open area with the interruption in the container locking bead and then manually grasping the tip of the extension on the spout member and rotating the spout member in an upward direction with respect to the cap member. Rotation of the spout member to a vertical position, wherein the longitudinal passage formed in the spout member is aligned with the opening formed in the cap member, corresponds to the fully open position for the dispensing closure. In the fully open position, the contents of the associated container are able to be dispensed through the aligned opening and passage.

Claims: A child resistant dispensing closure comprising a cap having a top surface (46) and a skirt (14) adapted to engage with the neck (34) of an associated container having a dispensing opening, the cap being adapted for rotation with respect to the neck, at least part of the cap being adapted for movement with respect to the container between an open and a closed position in which respectively the dispensing opening is unobstructed and the cap closes off the dispensing opening by a user manually moving the cap, the container having a locking bead (36) provided with an interruption (38) and the cap being provided with an engagement member (50) adapted to engage the bead in a locked and closed position of the cap but such that manual rotation of the cap upon the neck to align the engagement member (50) with the interruption (38) in the bead disengages the engagement member from the bead so that a user can manually move the cap away from the container to achieve the open position, characterised in that the cap has two parts namely a cap closure member (14) and a cap base member (12), the base member having a top surface (20) defining a dispensing opening (44) connected with the dispensing opening in the container and defining a slot (30), and having an exterior skirt (18) surrounding the skirt (24) which contacts the container neck, the skirt (24) being provided with a skirt interruption at the location of the slot (30), the cap closure member (14) being movable between the open and closed positions relative to the cap base member and carrying the engagement member in the form of a locking prong (50), which prong is adapted to enter the slot and engage the container locking bead in the locked and closed position of the cap. A child resistant dispensing closure according to Claim 1 characterised by first indicia means (68) on the cap base member (12) corresponding to the location of the slot (30) and second indicia means (70) on the neck (34) corresponding to the location of the interruption (38) in the container locking bead, the first and second indicia means being adapted to be aligned by a user manually rotating the dispensing closure with respect to the neck, the alignment of the first and second indicia corresponding to the alignment of the slot (30) and interruption (38) in the container locking bead. A child resistant dispensing closure as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein said locking prong (50) is provided with a hook-like end member (52), said end member being adapted to be engaged beneath said container locking bead (36) in said closed and locked position. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the slot (30) has a first end and a second end, the interior skirt (24) extending from proximate the first end to proximate the second end of the slot. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the cap base member is provided with a second cap locking bead (131) and the neck is provided with a second container locking bead (135), the second cap locking bead being adapted to engage with the second container locking bead, and each being generally continuous. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the cap closure member is connected to the cap base member by means of an integral hinge (16), the cap closure member, the hinge and the cap base member being integrally formed of a polymer material. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the cap closure member is connected to the cap base member by means of a spring member (116), the cap closure member and the spring member being integrally formed of a polymer material. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 1 to 7 including a peripheral recessed shoulder (22) provided on the top surface (20), the cap closure member being defined by a cap top (46) and a cap skirt (54) with the cap skirt having a peripheral edge including a projecting lip (56), the peripheral edge of the cap skirt abutting the recessed shoulder (22) in the closed position of the cap closure member. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 1 to 8 in which the interruption (38) in the container locking bead (36) has a length generally equal to the length of the slot (30) and the locking prong (50) has a width generally equal to but less than the length of the slot. A child resistant dispensing closure (410) according to any of Claims 1 to 3 in which the cap base member has an elongated recessed groove (426) formed in its top surface, the groove having a first end (424) and a second end (436), the cap dispensing opening (448) being formed in the groove approximate the first end, aligned bearing cavities (450) provided in the groove, the cap closure member comprising a spout member defined by an elongate body having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spout member being provided with trunnions adapted to be received within the bearing cavities for rotatably mounting the spout member within the groove, a longitudinal dispensing passage formed in the spout member, and the spout member being movable manually between an open position in which the longitudinal dispensing passage is aligned with the dispensing opening and a closed position in which the spout member closes off and seals the dispensing opening characterised in that: the slot is formed by an open area (434) formed in the groove approximate its second end, and the locking prong (468) is formed on the spout member. A child resistant dispensing closure according to Claim 10 characterised in that the groove is defined by a recessed portion (420), a pair of side walls (422) and a rear wall (424), the recessed portion opposite the rear wall terminating in a terminal edge (436). A child resistant dispensing closure according to Claim 11 characterised in that the dispensing opening (448) is formed in the recessed portion (420). A child resistant dispensing closure according to Claim 11 or Claim 12 in which the bearing cavities (450) are formed in the side walls (422) of the groove. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 11 to 13 in which the open area (434) extends between the terminal edge 436 and the side wall (438) of the cap member. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 10 to 14 in which the second end of the spout member is provided with an extension (462). A child resistant dispensing closure according to Claim 15 characterised in that the side wall (438) of the cap member at the location of the open area (434) is provided with an indented portion (464), the indented portion terminating in an upper edge (466), the upper edge being lower than the top surface of the cap member so that the extension overlies the upper edge when the spout member is in the closed position. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 10 to 17 characterised in that the side wall (438) adjacent the open area is provided with an internal extension flange (472), the flange being adapted to urge the locking prong into engagement with the neck of the container in the closed and locked position of the spout member. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 10 to 18 characterised in that the top surface of the spout member is substantially flush with a top surface of the cap member when the spout member is in the closed position. A child resistant dispensing closure according to any of Claims 1 to 18 in which the cap member is provided with a second interior skirt (428) adapted to engage with and form a seal with the neck of the container.

Inventors: LA VANGE, DONALD
Applicants: POLYTOP CORPORATION
Application year: 1988
Main classification: B65D55
IPC codes: B65D50, B65D47