Patent Publication Number: US-4544073-A

Title: Bottle-overcap combination

Description:
DESCRIPTION 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a bottle and overcap combination. More particularly, it concerns a combination of this character which gives a unitary, uninterrupted cylindrical appearance when the parts are assembled. It is also directed to a tamper resistant package having these characteristics. 
     It is known in the prior art to provide bottle and closure assemblies with an overcap. Typical of this kind of prior art is the U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,247, to Earls. Somewhat similar constructions are shown in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,280,700; 4,230,230 and 4,150,760. These, however, fail to show the combination described and claimed in more detail below. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is a bottle and overcap combination that is characterized by the fact that it gives a unitary, uninterrupted, cylindrical appearance when the parts are assembled. The overcap is provided with a lower margin that seats on a ledge cut into the bottle. An undercut is provided on the bottle which mates with a bead disposed on the inner surface of the overcap. This enables the overcap to be snap fitted onto the bottle. 
     In a preferred form of this invention, the bottle is also provided with a tamper resistant closure and a bottle overcap arrangement that is also tamper resistant. The present combination accordingly may be used to package medicines and drugs in a safe fashion. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a further understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention; the overcap being shown as being transparent; 
     FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in which the overcap is shown being removed; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another modification of this invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal cross sectional view of the modification shown in FIG. 4 taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of the modification of this invention shown in FIG. 2 of the area encompassed in dotted line. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, the overcap is shown generally at 1 and is cylindrical in shape. In the modification shown in these figures the overcap is illustrated as being transparent. It is understood, however, that it might also be opaque. 
     Near its lower margin but spaced therefrom, overcap 1 is provided with a bead 3 projecting inwardly from the inner surface of overcap 1. Bead 3 may go completely around the inner circumference of overcap 1 or may be formed as an interrupted bead formed, for example, as two semi-circular portions. 
     Extending downwardly from bead 3, overcap 1 is provided with a lower terminal margin, which is perpendicular to the wall of overcap 1. Terminal margin 7 seats on a ledge cut in the bottle 9 as described in more detail below. 
     Overcap 1 can be molded as a unitary piece from any of a variety of materials. In a preferred form of this invention, this is molded from Polystyrene, Polyethylene or Polypropylene. 
     Bottle 9 comprises a body portion 11 and a neck portion 13 that are joined together by a shoulder portion 15. Near the lower end of shoulder 15 a groove 17 is cut around the entire circumference of shoulder 15. This forms an undercut which receives bead 3 of overcap 1 when the latter is snapped into position on bottle 9. Extending downwardly from the lower margin of groove 17 is an annular marginal portion 19. At the juncture of shoulder portion 15 of bottle 9 and the upper margin of body 11 the outer diameter of annular margin 19 is smaller than the outer diameter of body 11. This relationship forms a seat 21 on which terminal margin 7 of overcap 1 rests when the latter is snapped into position on bottle 9. 
     Bottle 9 is provided with a closure 23. In a preferred form of this invention a shrink band is disposed around closure 23 and bottle 9. This serves as a tamper resistant feature in the present assembly. A rupture of the shrink band would indicate that the bottle may have been tampered with. 
     Surrounding the juncture of the bottle and overcap, there is disposed a shrink sleeve 25. As described in more detail below, this also serves as a tamper resistant feature. If desired, bottle 9 may also be provided with a separate label 27. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates one of the tamper resistant features of this invention. As shown in this Fig. the overcap 1 is being removed from bottle 9. In doing this, shrink sleeve 25 is fractured showing an irregular fracture line 31. Even if the overcap were replaced into position on bottle 9 the irregular fracture line would alert the user to the fact that the package has been tampered with. 
     In the modification illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 a unitary shrink sleeve and label combination 29 is employed. This is distinguished from the previous modification in that in the former a separate shrink sleeve and label are provided for. In all other respects, the modification shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In this modification when the overcap is grasped and removed an irregular fracture line will also be developed in the combination label and shrink sleeve 29. The user of the package will thus be advised of the fact that the overcap 1 has been previously removed. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific forms thereof, it will be understood that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of this invention.