Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/216,595, filed Mar. 17, 2014, which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/802,060 to the inventors, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     Example embodiments in general relate to child-resistant closure systems for containers. 
     2. Related Art 
     The Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) proposed a rule in early 2012 to require child-resistant (“CR”) packaging for any over-the-counter or prescription product containing the equivalent of 0.08 milligrams or more of an imidazoline, a class of drugs that includes tetrahydrozoline, naphazoline, oxymetazoline, and xylometazoline, in a single package. Imidazolines are a family of drugs that are vasoconstrictors indicated for nasal congestion and/or ophthalmic irritation. Products containing imidazolines can cause serious adverse reactions, such as central nervous system (“CNS”) depression, decreased heart rate, and depressed ventilation in children treated with these drugs or who accidentally ingest them. Based on the scientific data, the CPSC has preliminarily found that availability of 0.08 milligrams or more of an imidazoline in a single package, by reason of its packaging, is such that special packaging is required to protect children under 5 years old from serious personal injury or illness due to handling, using, or ingesting such a substance. The CPSC has taken this action under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970. 
     Accordingly, as it is expected that this rule will become law, manufacturers will be required to develop child-resistant closure (CRC) systems for their nasal pump sprayers and eye-dropper dispenser products (such as Visine®), as each of these products contain the equivalent of 0.08 milligrams or more of an imidazoline. In doing so, one goal is to ensure that the newly developed dispensers are robust enough to prevent children five years old and under from being able to inadvertently open the bottle to use or ingest the contents, while still being “senior friendly” to mature adults. 
     Moreover, the same child-resistant principals as to be applied to nasal sprayers and eye-dropper (squeeze) bottles so as to comply with impending CR packaging regulations, could also be made applicable to other fields of fluid dispenser/packaging. For example, little or no thought has be given to developing CRC systems for consumer fluid pump dispensers having a viscosity generally higher than that of water or water-based medicinal fluids, such as those dispensers holding lotions, shampoos, baby oils, and paints. 
     SUMMARY 
     An example embodiment is directed to a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer. The system includes a cap having a rim at its lower end and including a pair of legs, each leg in opposite relation to one another and extending downward from the rim, each leg tapered and including a rib thereon which extends outward from the side of the leg, with an undercut provided between each rib and the rim of the cap. The system includes a dispensing tip configured to receive the cap thereon, a lower end of the dispensing tip including a pair of finger-depressing shoulders in opposite relation to one another and extending horizontally outward from the dispensing tip, each shoulder including a slot therein that is configured to receive a corresponding leg of the cap therethrough for locking the cap to the dispensing tip, with a cylindrical collar provided beneath the shoulders as the bottom end of the dispensing tip, the collar including a pair of buttons in opposite relation to one another on a vertical facing of the collar, the buttons configured to be simultaneously actuated to release the legs from interior structure within the dispensing tip so as to remove the cap off of the dispensing tip. The system includes a cylindrical base having its upper end secured to the collar of the dispensing tip and its lower end secured to a dispenser bottle which contains fluid, the dispensing tip and base housing a sprayer pump unit therein which partly extends into the dispenser bottle interior and which is actuated by depressing the shoulders on the dispensing tip to spray the fluid within the dispenser bottle. With the cap in place on the dispensing tip, the legs extend downward through the slots in the shoulders to contact the top of the base, with interior structure within the dispensing tip engaged in the undercuts provided between the ribs of the legs and the rim of the cap so as to allow for the sprayer pump unit to be locked out from operation. To release the cap so as to permit actuation of the sprayer pump unit via the shoulders, the buttons on the collar are pressed simultaneously to deflect the legs inward and off of the base, which also deflects the corresponding ribs on the legs away from interior structure within the dispensing tip, so that the cap with its legs is drawn up through the slots in the shoulders and off of the dispensing tip. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawing, wherein like elements are represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to an example embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a portion of an interface between cap and dispensing tip to show selected components thereof. 
         FIG. 3A  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the yz-plane to illustrate a locked condition. 
         FIG. 3B  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the yz-plane to illustrate an unlocked condition 
         FIG. 4  is a portion of a sectional view of the underside of the dispensing tip in the xz-plane with selected components removed to illustrate a locked condition. 
         FIG. 5  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the xy-plane to illustrate a locked condition. 
         FIG. 6  is a portion of a sectional view of the underside of the dispensing tip in the xz-plane with selected components removed to illustrate an unlocked condition. 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of a dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the dispensing tip shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of a base according to the system of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 12  is a dispensing bottle usable with the system of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the bottle shown in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a portion of a sectional view taken of the system to show a locked condition. 
         FIG. 15  is a partial bottom perspective view of the dispensing tip. 
         FIG. 16  is a portion of a cross-cut of the cap and dispensing tip in the xz-plane to show positions of the legs and buttons in a locked position. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 20  is a close-up view of the lower portion of the cap shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a close-up view of a lower portion of a dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 22  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 23  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a front view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 25  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 26  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of a dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 29  is a top view of the dispensing tip of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 31  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 33  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 35  is a top view of the dispensing tip of  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 36  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 31 . 
         FIG. 37  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 38  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 37 . 
         FIG. 40  is a front rotated view of the dispensing tip of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 41  is a portion of a sectional view of the dispensing tip and legs in the xz-plane with selected components removed to illustrate a locked condition. 
         FIG. 42  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the yz-plane to illustrate a locked condition. 
         FIG. 43  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 44  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 46  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 47  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 48  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 50  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 47 . 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 53  is a top view of the dispensing according to the system of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 54  is a bottom perspective view of a base according to the system of  FIG. 51 . 
         FIG. 55  is a portion of a cross-cut of the cap and dispensing tip in a bottom view to show positions of the legs in the slots in a locked position. 
         FIG. 56  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the yz-plane to illustrate a locked condition. 
         FIG. 57  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 58  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 57 . 
         FIG. 59  is a top perspective view of a base according to the system of  FIG. 57 . 
         FIG. 60  is a top view of the dispensing according to the system of  FIG. 57 . 
         FIG. 61  is a close-up of a bottom underside view of a portion of the dispensing tip. 
         FIG. 62  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the upper leg of the cap. 
         FIG. 63  is a sectional view of the system taken in the yz plane. 
         FIG. 64  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump assembly according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 65  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 64 . 
         FIG. 66  is a perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 64  with a different pump cap. 
         FIG. 67  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 64 . 
         FIG. 68  is a top view of the assembly of  FIG. 64 . 
         FIG. 69  is sectional view A-A taken from  FIG. 68 . 
         FIG. 70  is a perspective view of the pump cap of the system. 
         FIG. 71  is a top view of the dispenser according to the system. 
         FIG. 72  is a sectional view taken in the xy plane of a portion of the system to show a locked condition thereof. 
         FIG. 73  is a perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 64  showing an unlocked condition. 
         FIG. 74  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump assembly according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 75  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 74 . 
         FIG. 76  is a perspective view of the pump cap of the system. 
         FIG. 77  is a top view of the dispenser according to the system. 
         FIG. 78  is sectional view A-A taken from  FIG. 77 . 
         FIG. 79  is a portion of a sectional view of the dispenser and legs in the xz-plane from a bottom viewpoint with selected components removed to illustrate a locked condition. 
         FIG. 79A  is a sectional view taken in the xy plane of a portion of the system to show a locked condition thereof. 
         FIG. 80  is a perspective view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump assembly according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 81  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 80 . 
         FIG. 82  is a front view of the pump cap of the system. 
         FIG. 83  is a rear perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 82 . 
         FIG. 84  is a top view of the system of  FIG. 80 . 
         FIG. 85  is sectional view A-A taken from  FIG. 84 . 
         FIG. 86  is a sectional view taken in the xy plane of a portion of the system to show a locked condition thereof. 
         FIG. 87  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 88  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 87 . 
         FIG. 89  is a bottom perspective view of a dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 87 . 
         FIG. 90  is a portion of a sectional view taken of the system in the xy-plane to show a locked condition. 
         FIG. 91  is a perspective view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 92  is an exploded view of the system of  FIG. 91 . 
         FIG. 93  is a portion of a sectional view taken of the system in the xy-plane to show a locked condition. 
         FIG. 94  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump assembly according to another example embodiment. 
         FIG. 95  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 94 . 
         FIG. 96  is a top view of the dispenser according to the system. 
         FIG. 97  is sectional view A-A taken from  FIG. 96 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to an example embodiment. The child-resistant closure (CRC) system  100  includes a cap  110 , a dispensing tip  120  and a base  130 . Each of the cap  110 , dispensing tip  120  and base  130  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. The cap  110  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  110 . The base  130  has interior grooves or threads for coupling it to a threaded member on dispenser bottle  140  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. The base  130  and dispensing tip  120  also enclose a sprayer pump unit  150  (not shown) which partly extends into the dispenser bottle  140  interior. 
     In an example, the CRC system  100  described here and child-resistant based embodiments to be described hereafter may be applicable, but not limited to: single or multi-dose dispensers such as nasal sprayers, ocular sprayers, dermal sprayers, misters, aerators, airless dispensers, air-use dispensers, spouted and non-spouted pump assemblies, and the like. The containers or dispensers foreseeable have applications in the healthcare, home and garden, beauty and food and beverage industries, thus the embodiments described herein are applicable to dispensers or containers configured for, but not limited to dispensing nasal medicine, sunscreens, food products, paints and protectants, deodorants, insect repellants, sealed breath fresheners, ear medicine, dermal medicine, lotions, fragrances, air fresheners, spray starches, oxygen, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, spray oils, talcs, and spray food stuffs. Further, the CRC systems can be varied in size and applied as a platform to handle any desired viscosity of fluid. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of a portion of an interface between cap and dispensing tip to show selected components thereof. The dispensing tip  120  includes finger depressing shoulders  121  on which is formed a plurality of slots  123  and  124 . Slots  123  are adapted to receive corresponding hooks  111  which extend from the bottom rim  113  of cap  110 . Slots  124  are adapted to receive extending legs  112  of the cap  110 . As will be seen, the hooks  111  and legs  112  prevent actuation of shoulders  121  in a locked condition, with the hooks  111  preventing removal of the cap  110  whether or not the cap  110  is locked or unlocked to the dispensing tip  120 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the yz-plane to illustrate a locked condition,  FIG. 4  is a portion of a sectional view of the underside of the dispensing tip in the xz-plane with selected components removed to illustrate a locked condition, and  FIG. 5  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the xy-plane to illustrate an locked condition. Referring to  FIGS. 3A-5 , when the cap  110  is inserted into the slots  123 ,  124 , the hooks  111  snap fit into slots  123  and lock, such that a hook  111  and the rim  113  of cap  110  captures part of dispensing tip  120  around the edge of slot  123 , as can be seen in both  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the legs  112  extend all the way down through slots  124  to terminate against base  130 . Accordingly, depression of shoulders  121  to activate sprayer pump unit  150  is not possible; operation is locked out. 
       FIG. 3B  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the yz-plane to illustrate an unlocked condition, and  FIG. 6  is a portion of a sectional view of the underside of the dispensing tip in the xz-plane with selected components removed to illustrate an unlocked condition. To remove the cap  110 , a user needs to rotate the cap  110 , as best seen in  FIG. 6 . This aligns the hooks  111  and legs  112  in the wider portions of their slots  123  and  124 . However, although the cap  110  is loose, the hooks  111  are still retained to the inner lip surface of dispensing tip  120 . In order to fully remove the cap  110  and permit pump actuation, one must squeeze both ribbed members  114  on the outer surface of cap  110 , simultaneously. The ribbed members  114  are seen best in  FIG. 2 . By squeezing both ribbed members  114  simultaneously, the hooks  111  will deflect inward into the open larger slot space of slot  123 , permitting cap  110  removal. 
     Thus, when cap  110  is in either the “locked” or “unlocked” position, the hooks  111  prevent the cap  110  from being removed, as they are always engaged under the surface of the dispensing tip  120 . By placing the cap in the “unlocked” position and squeezing the sides of the cap  110  at the ribbed members  114 , the hooks  111  are allowed to disengage and the cap  110  can be removed. Unlike locking caps which are “squeeze and twist”, this design is “twist and squeeze. Additionally, because the hooks  111  snap into place when the cap  110  is installed, the end-user has the option of leaving the cap  110  unlocked, but it will still need to be squeezed to remove it, and it won&#39;t fall off. Moreover, as the shoulders  121  cannot be depressed with the cap  110  on, even loosely, it will still prevent accidental deployment. 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. The child-resistant closure (CRC) system  200  includes a cap  210 , a dispensing tip  220  and a base  230 . Each of the cap  210 , dispensing tip  220  and base  230  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. The cap  210  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  210 . The base  230  has interior grooves or threads for coupling it to a threaded member on dispenser bottle  240  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. The base  230  and dispensing tip  220  also enclose a sprayer pump unit  250  (not shown) which partly extends into the dispenser bottle  240  interior. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 7 . Cap  210  has a pair of legs  211  extending downward on either side. Each leg  211  has a rib  215  separated from the rim  213  of the cap  210  by an undercut  216 . 
       FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of a dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 10  is a top view of the dispensing tip shown in  FIG. 9 . Dispensing tip  220  includes a pair of shoulders  221  that are used to depress the sprayer pump unit  250  within (not shown) under finger pressure, as is known. On either side is provided a pair of buttons  222  with reliefs  224  separated by a hinge  225  that acts as a cam when the button  222  is actuated by the user. A ramp  227  is position on the back side of each relief  224 ; this interfaces with each leg  211 , once the legs  211  are inserted through slots  223  in the shoulders  221  of dispensing tip  220 . 
       FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of a base according to the system of  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 12  is a dispenser bottle usable with the system of  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 13  is a top view of the bottle shown in  FIG. 12 . Referring to  FIGS. 11-13 , an anti-back off feature has been added to both the dispenser bottle  240  and base  230 . The base  230  is formed with internal threads  231  and serrated teeth  232  at its bottom skirt. Upon full seating of the base  230  to the bottle  240 , the downward force of application will push the bottom skirt of the base  230  over formed teeth  242  in the bottle  240 , providing a secure method of application where tampering to remove the base  230  would be evident and would eliminate accidental removal. 
       FIG. 14  is a portion of a sectional view taken of the system to shown a locked condition;  FIG. 15  is a partial bottom perspective view of the dispensing tip, and  FIG. 16  is a portion of a cross-cut of the cap and dispensing tip in the xz-plane to show positions of the legs and buttons in a locked position. Referring to  FIG. 16 , once the cap  210  is placed on the dispensing tip  220 , the legs  211  travel through the slots  223  and ride over the ramps  227  to lock into place, as best shown in  FIG. 16 . In this locked condition, collar  226  of the dispensing tip  220  is retained between the rim  213  of cap  210  and the rib  215 , as best seen in  FIG. 14 . The leg  211  extends all the way down to the base  230 , locking out movement of the shoulders  221  and hence sprayer pump unit  250 . 
     To unlock for operation, the user depresses both buttons  222  inward. This causes the ramps  227  to cant outward by way of the cam action of hinges  225 . This allows legs  211  free travel. The user then rotates the cap  210  30 degrees after having depressed both buttons  222  to release the cap  210  from the dispensing tip  220 . With the cap removed, actuation is now possible via shoulders  221 . 
     Although the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-16  describes a cap  210  having two legs that is twist to lock, in which the cap locks out actuation of a nasal pump sprayer, the exact same embodiment can be accomplished with a cap  210  having a single button actuating a single leg  211 . The functions of locking and unlocking operations described above with a single button, having essentially the same construction and functionality as button  222  on dispensing tip  220 , and a single leg having the same construction as leg  211 , would accomplish the same goal of locking out shoulder  221  of the dispensing tip  220 , as the leg  211  would extend all the way to base  230 . The other side would by legless but have a dummy button for manufacturing purposes. 
       FIG. 17  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment, and  FIG. 18  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 17 . Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  300  includes a cap  310 , a dispensing tip  320  and a base  330 . Each of the cap  310 , dispensing tip  320  and base  330  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. The cap  310  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  310 . The dispensing tip  320  includes a pair of buttons  322  to allow cap  310  removal to permit sprayer pump unit  350  (not shown) actuation via the shoulders  321 . The base  330  has interior grooves or threads for coupling it to a threaded member on dispenser bottle  340  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. The base  330  and dispensing tip  320  also enclose part of the sprayer pump unit  350  (not shown) which partly extends into the dispenser bottle  340  interior. 
     The base  330  and dispenser bottle  340  have serrations similar to that shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . In other words, an anti-back off feature is included. The base  330  is formed with internal threads and serrated teeth at its bottom skirt. Upon full seating of the base  330  to the bottle  340 , the downward force of application pushes the bottom skirt of the base  330  over formed teeth in the bottle  340 , providing a secure method of application where tampering to remove the base  330  would be evident and would eliminate accidental removal. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 17 , and  FIG. 20  is a close-up view of the lower portion of the cap shown in  FIG. 19 . Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the cap  310  has slits or reliefs  317  formed therein to provide flexibility. Additionally, each leg  311  is tapered and includes a rib  315  and the rim  313  of the cap  311  sandwiching an undercut  316 . 
       FIG. 21  is a close-up view of a lower portion of a dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 17 . Each button  322  has a cutout on three sides, enhancing flexibility inward. The buttons  322  are located on a collar  326  of the dispensing tip  320 , and the dispensing tip  320  includes support ribs  328  to provide strength for the shoulders  321 . As will be seen hereafter, depression of both buttons  322  simultaneously actuates the two legs  311  inward, allowing cap  310  removal. 
       FIG. 22  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 17 . Referring to  FIG. 22 , with the cap  310  in place, actuation is locked out, with the legs  311  contacting the base  330 . The cap  310  is retained in slots  323  biased against undercuts  316  between ribs  315  and rim  313 . When engaging, the legs  311  will temporarily deflect inwards until the undercuts  316  pass cutouts on the dispensing tip  320  where they will snap back to vertical, with ribs  315  and rim  313  engaging. As noted, the legs  311  extend to the top of the base  330  and allow for the sprayer pump unit  350  (by way of shoulders  321 ) to be locked out while the cap  310  is in place.  FIG. 25  also shows the internal threads  331  and serrations  332  of the base  330  which provide the anti-back off feature and hence a mechanical bond with the top serrations (teeth) on dispenser bottle  340 . 
     To release the cap  310 , the buttons  322  on the collar  326  of dispensing tip  320  are to be pressed simultaneously, causing the legs  311  to once again deflect inwards away and off of base  330 , deflecting its corresponding ribs  315  as well, and the cap  310  can be drawn up through slots  323  and off of the dispensing tip  320 . With cap  310  removed, downward movement of the shoulders  321  to actuate the sprayer pump unit  350  within dispensing tip  320  and base  330  is possible. 
       FIG. 23  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. The child-resistant closure (CRC) system  400  includes a cap  410 , a dispensing tip  420  and a base  430 . Each of the cap  410 , dispensing tip  420  and base  430  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. The cap  410  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  410 . The cap  410  includes a pair of buttons  412  to allow cap  410  removal to permit sprayer pump unit  450  (not shown) actuation via the shoulders  421 . The base  430  has interior grooves or threads for coupling it to a threaded member on dispenser bottle  440  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. The base  430  and dispensing tip  420  also enclose the sprayer pump unit  450  (not shown) which partly extends into the dispenser bottle  440  interior. 
     The base  430  and dispenser bottle  440  have serrations similar to that shown in  FIGS. 11-13 ; in other words, an anti-back off feature is included. The base  430  is formed with internal threads and serrated teeth at its bottom skirt. Upon full seating of the base  430  to the bottle  440 , the downward force of application pushes the bottom skirt of the base  430  over formed teeth in the bottle  440 , providing a secure method of application where tampering to remove the base  430  would be evident and would eliminate accidental removal. 
       FIG. 24  is a front view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 23 . The cap  410  has slits or reliefs  417  formed on either side of button  412  to provide flexibility. Additionally, each leg  411  is tapered and includes a rib  415  and the rim  413  of the cap  411  sandwiching an undercut  416 . 
       FIG. 25  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 23 . Referring to  FIG. 25 , with the cap  410  in place, actuation is locked out, with the legs  411  contacting the base  430 . The cap  410  is retained in slots  423  biased against undercuts  416  between ribs  415  and rim  413 . When engaging, the legs  411  will temporarily deflect inwards until the undercuts  416  pass cutouts on the dispensing tip  420  where they will snap back to vertical, with ribs  415  and rim  413  engaging. As noted, the legs  411  extend to the top of the base  430  and allow for the sprayer pump unit  450  (by way of shoulders  421 ) to be locked out while the cap  410  is in place.  FIG. 25  also shows the internal threads  431  and serrations  432  of the base  430  which provide the anti-back off feature and hence a mechanical bond with the top serrations (teeth) on dispenser bottle  440 . 
     To release the cap  410 , the buttons  412  on the cap  410  are to be pressed simultaneously, causing the legs  411  to once again deflect inwards away and off of base  430 , deflecting its corresponding ribs  415  as well, and the cap  410  can be drawn up through slots  423  and off of the dispensing tip  420 . With cap  410  removed, downward movement of the shoulders  421  to actuate the sprayer pump unit  450  is possible. 
       FIG. 26  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment. The child-resistant closure (CRC) system  500  includes a cap  510 , a dispensing tip  520  and a base  530 . Each of the cap  510 , dispensing tip  520  and base  530  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. The cap  510  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  510 . The dispensing tip  520  includes a pair of buttons  522  on a surface thereof to allow cap  510  removal to permit sprayer pump unit  550  (not shown) actuation via the shoulders  521 . The base  530  has interior grooves or threads for coupling it to a threaded member on dispenser bottle  540  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. The base  530  and dispensing tip  520  also partially enclose the sprayer pump unit  550  (not shown) which partly extends into the dispenser bottle  540  interior. 
     The base  530  and dispenser bottle  540  have serrations similar to that shown in  FIGS. 11-13 ; in other words, an anti-back off feature is included. The base  530  is formed with internal threads and serrated teeth at its bottom skirt. Upon full seating of the base  530  to the bottle  540 , the downward force of application pushes the bottom skirt of the base  530  over formed teeth in the bottle  540 , providing a secure method of application where tampering to remove the base  530  would be evident and would eliminate accidental removal. 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 26 . The cap  310  includes a pair of spaced legs  511 . Each leg  511  includes a rib  515  and the rim  513  of the cap  511  sandwiching an undercut  516 . 
       FIG. 28  is a front perspective view of a dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 26 . The dispensing tip  420  includes a collar on which is disposed the buttons  522 . The shoulders include a pair of slots  523  through which the cap  510  is inserted. The rear side of each button  522  has a ramp  527  that is designed as a stop to lock a leg  511  in place in a locked condition. 
       FIG. 29  is a top view of the dispensing tip of  FIG. 28 , and  FIG. 30  is a sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 26 . Referring to  FIGS. 29 and 30 , with the cap  510  inserted through the slots  523  in place, the legs  511  contacting base  530  and the ribs  515  and rim  513  sandwiching internal elements of collar  526  of the dispensing tip  520 , operation of the shoulders  521  is locked out; actuation of sprayer pump unit  550  is not possible. Specifically, the cap  510  is retained by the two legs  511 , with vertical undercuts that engage the two ramps  527  that extend from the back side of the buttons  522  on the collar  526 . When engaging, the cap  510  is placed and turned in a clockwise motion; this will press the legs  511  against the ramps  527 . This in turn forces the ramps  527  to deflect downwards until the undercuts  516  on the cap  510  pass. Once clear, the ramps  527  snap into position behind the undercuts  516  on the legs  511  and lock the cap  510  in place. 
     As noted, the legs  511  extend to the top of the base  530  and allow for the sprayer pump unit  550  (by way of shoulders  521 ) to be locked out while the cap  510  is in place.  FIG. 29  also shows the internal threads  531  and serrations  532  of the base  530  which provide the anti-back off feature and hence a mechanical bond with the top serrations (teeth) on dispenser bottle  540 . 
     To release the cap  510 , the buttons  522  on the collar  526  of dispensing tip  520  must be pressed simultaneously in a vertical downward motion, causing the legs  511  to once again deflect downwards and the cap  511  can be turned in a counter-clockwise motion, drawn up through slots  523 , and off of the dispensing tip  520 . With cap  510  removed, downward movement of the shoulders  521  to actuate the sprayer pump unit  550  within dispensing tip  520  and base  530  is possible. 
       FIG. 31  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment;  FIG. 32  is a side view of the system of  FIG. 31 ; and  FIG. 33  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 31 . Referring to  FIGS. 31-33 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  600  includes a cap  610 , a dispensing tip  620  and a retainer collar  630 . Each of the cap  610  and dispensing tip  620  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known; the retainer collar  630  may be formed of a metal or plastic material. The cap  610  includes a pair of upstanding levers  612  to allow cap  610  removal to permit sprayer pump unit  650  (not shown) actuation via the shoulders  621 . Each lever  612  has a slit or relief  617  on either side thereof to promote flexibility. Unlike previous embodiments which are threaded, the dispenser bottle  640  here is a ferrule type dispenser bottle. As such, the retainer collar  630  is provided with clamp elements  632  and top projections  633  to provide a positive mechanical bond to the upper ferrule portion of the bottle  640  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. Once installed, this cannot be broken by a 5-year old or younger child. The dispensing tip  620  partly encloses the sprayer pump unit  850  (not shown) which also partly extends into and is enclosed by the dispenser bottle  840  interior. 
     The legs  611  of the cap  610  are designed to be inserted into slots  623  present in the shoulders  621  of the dispensing tip  620 . The retainer collar  630  is secured within the dispensing tip  620  interior atop the upper ferrule portion of bottle  640 . 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 31 , and  FIG. 35  is a top view of the dispensing tip of  FIG. 33 . Referring to  FIGS. 34 and 35 , the cap  610  includes a pair up spaced upstanding levers  612 , and a corresponding deflection tab  614  beneath each lever  612 . As will be seen, and referring to  FIG. 35 , upon rotation of the cap  610  clockwise into a locked position, each tab  614  engages with the underside of a shoulder  621  in the narrower slot portion  623 B to lock out the cap  610  and prevent it from disengagement. The cap leg  611  includes a rib  615  that sandwiches an undercut  616  between the rib  613  of the cap  610 . This undercut  616  also temporarily contacts a portion of the shoulder  621  of dispensing tip  620  through leg  611  rotation along slot  623 B to its final locked location, before rotation is stopped by tab  614  in slot  623 B, causing the bottom of leg  611  to bear on base  630  in the locked condition. The locked condition is achieved via depressing the levers  612  inward simultaneously, and turning the cap  610  clockwise with legs inserted in slots, rotating from slot portion  623 A to portion  623 B. 
       FIG. 36  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 31 . With the cap  610  inserted through the slots  623 A and rotated clockwise to slots  623 B in place, the legs  611  contacting base  630 , operation of the shoulders  621  is locked out; actuation of sprayer pump unit  650  is not possible. Specifically, the cap  610  is retained by the two legs  611 , with undercuts  616  that engage with the underside of the slots  623 B on the shoulders  621  of the dispensing tip  620 , and the two tabs  614  that extend from the levers  612  on the cap  610 . When engaging, the legs  611  will pass the slots  623 B and engage with the dispensing tip  620  once turned clockwise. At the end of the turning motion, the tabs  614  deflect downward and engage with the shoulder  621  portion at slot  623 B to lock out the cap  610  and keep it from disengagement. 
     As noted, the legs  611  extend to the top of the base  630  and allow for the sprayer pump unit  650  (by way of shoulders  621 ) to be locked out while the cap  610  is locked in place. 
       FIG. 36  also shows the clamp elements  632  and top projections  633  which provide a positive mechanical bond to the upper ferrule portion  641  of the dispenser bottle  640 . Specifically, the clamp elements  632  crimp to the underside of the lip of the ferrule portion  641  of the dispenser bottle  640 , providing an upward engagement pressure, with the projections  633  providing a positive engagement pressure on the ferrule portion  641  top surface, solidifying the mechanical bond. 
     To release the cap  610 , the levers  612  must be pressed inward simultaneously, causing the tabs  614  to deflect upwards. The cap  611  is then turned in a counter-clockwise motion, drawn up through wider slot portions  623 A, and off of the dispensing tip  620 . With cap  610  removed, downward movement of the shoulders  621  to actuate the sprayer pump unit  650  is possible. 
       FIG. 37  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment, and  FIG. 38  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 37 . Referring to  FIGS. 37 and 38 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  700  includes a cap  710 , a dispensing tip  720  and a retainer collar  730 . Each of the cap  710  and dispensing tip  720  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known; the retainer collar  730  may be formed of a metal or plastic material. The dispensing tip  720  includes a pair of spaced buttons  722  on opposite sides of a collar  726  thereof beneath shoulders  721  of the dispensing tip  720  to allow cap  710  removal and permit sprayer pump unit  750  (not shown) actuation via the shoulders  721 . Unlike previous embodiments which are threaded, the dispenser bottle  740  here is a ferrule type dispenser bottle. As such, the retainer collar  730  is provided with clamp elements  732  and top projections  733  to provide a positive mechanical bond to the upper ferrule portion of the bottle  740  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. Once installed, this cannot be broken by a 5-year old or younger child. The dispensing tip  720  partly encloses the sprayer pump unit  750  (not shown) which also partly extends into and is enclosed by the dispenser bottle  740  interior. 
     The legs  711  of the cap  710  are designed to be inserted into slots  723  present in the shoulders  721  of the dispensing tip  720 . The retainer collar  730  is secured within the dispensing tip  720  interior atop the upper ferrule portion of bottle  740 . 
       FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 37 , and  FIG. 40  is a front rotated view of the dispensing tip of  FIG. 38 . Referring to  FIGS. 39 and 40 , cap  710  has a pair of legs  711  extending downward on either side. Each leg  711  has a rib  715  separated from the rim  713  of the cap  711  by an undercut  716 . Dispensing tip  720  includes a pair of shoulders  721  that are used to depress the sprayer pump unit  750  within (not shown) under finger pressure, as is known. On either side of the collar  726  of dispensing tip  720  is provided a pair of buttons  722  with reliefs  724  separated by a hinge  725  that acts as a cam when the button  722  is actuated by the user. A ramp  727  is positioned on the back side of each relief  724 ; this ramp  727  interfaces with each leg  711  once the legs  211  are inserted through slots  723  in the shoulders  721  of dispensing tip  720 . 
       FIG. 41  is a portion of a sectional view of the dispensing tip and legs in the xz-plane with selected components removed to illustrate a locked condition, and  FIG. 42  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the yz-plane to illustrate a locked condition. Referring to  FIGS. 41 and 42 , once the cap  710  is placed on the dispensing tip  720 , the legs  711  travel through the slots  723  and ride over the ramps  727  to lock into place, as best shown in  FIG. 41 . In this locked condition, collar  726  of the dispensing tip  720  is retained between the rim  713  of cap  710  and the rib  715 . As shown in  FIG. 42 , the leg  711  extends all the way down to the retainer collar  730 , locking out movement of the shoulders  721  and hence sprayer pump unit  750 . 
     To unlock for operation, the user depresses both buttons  722  inward. Referring to  FIG. 41 , this causes the ramps  727  to cant outward by way of the cam action of hinges  725 . This allows legs  711  free travel. The user then rotates the cap  710  30 degrees (into the wider part of slot  723 , see  FIG. 38 ) after having depressed both buttons  722  to release the cap  710  from the dispensing tip  720 . With the cap  710  removed, actuation of sprayer pump unit  750  is now possible via shoulders  721 . 
       FIG. 42  also shows the clamp elements  732  and top projections  733  which provide a positive mechanical bond to the upper ferrule portion  741  of the dispenser bottle  740 . Specifically, the clamp elements  732  crimp to the underside of the lip of the ferrule portion  741  of the dispenser bottle  740 , providing an upward engagement pressure, with the projections  733  providing a positive engagement pressure on the ferrule portion  741  top surface, solidifying the mechanical bond. 
       FIG. 43  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment,  FIG. 44  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 43 , and  FIG. 45  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 43 . Referring to  FIGS. 43-45 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  800  includes a cap  810 , a dispensing tip  820  and a retainer collar  830 . Each of the cap  810  and dispensing tip  820  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known; the retainer collar  830  may be formed of a metal or plastic material. The dispensing tip  820  includes a pair of spaced buttons  822  on opposite sides thereof beneath shoulders  821  of the dispensing tip  820  to allow cap  820  removal and permit sprayer pump unit  850  (not shown) actuation via the shoulders  821 . Each button  822  has a cutout on three sides, enhancing flexibility inward. The buttons  822  are located on a collar  826  of the dispensing tip  320 . As will be seen hereafter, depression of both buttons  822  simultaneously actuates the two legs  811  inward, allowing cap  810  removal. 
     As dispenser bottle  840  here is a ferrule type dispenser bottle, the retainer collar  830  is provided with clamp elements  832  and top projections  833  to provide a positive mechanical bond to the upper ferrule portion of the bottle  840  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. The retainer collar  830  is secured within the dispensing tip  820  interior atop the upper ferrule portion of bottle  840 . The dispensing tip  820  partly encloses the sprayer pump unit  850  (not shown) which also partly extends into and is enclosed by the dispenser bottle  840  interior. 
     The legs  811  of the cap  810  are designed to be inserted into slots  823  formed through the shoulders  821  of the dispensing tip  820 . The cap  810  has slits or reliefs  817  formed therein to provide flexibility. Additionally, each leg  811  is tapered and includes a rib or thickened portion  815  and the rim  813  of the cap  810  sandwiching an undercut  816 . 
       FIG. 46  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 43 . Referring to  FIG. 43 , with the cap  810  in place, actuation is locked out, with the legs  811  contacting the retainer collar  830 . The cap  810  is retained in slots  823  with a section of shoulder  821  biased against undercuts  816  and engaged between ribs  815  and rim  813 . When engaging, the legs  811  will temporarily deflect inwards until the undercuts  816  pass cutouts on the shoulder  821  of the dispensing tip  820 , where they will snap back to vertical, with ribs  815  and rim  813  engaging. As noted, the legs  811  extend to the top of the retainer collar  830  and allow for the sprayer pump unit  850  (by way of shoulders  821 ) to be locked out while the cap  810  is in place. 
     To release the cap  310 , the buttons  822  on the collar  826  of dispensing tip  820  are to be pressed simultaneously, causing the legs  811  to once again deflect inwards away and off of retainer collar  830 , deflecting its corresponding ribs  815  as well, and the cap  810  can be drawn up through slots  823  and off of the dispensing tip  820 . With cap  810  removed, downward movement of the shoulders  821  to actuate the sprayer pump unit  850  is possible. 
       FIG. 46  also shows the clamp elements  832  and top projections  833  which provide a positive mechanical bond to the upper ferrule portion  841  of the dispenser bottle  840 . Specifically, the clamp elements  832  crimp to the underside of the lip of the ferrule portion  841  of the dispenser bottle  840 , providing an upward engagement pressure, with the projections  833  providing a positive engagement pressure on the ferrule portion  841  top surface, solidifying the mechanical bond. 
       FIG. 47  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment,  FIG. 48  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 47 , and  FIG. 49  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 47 . Referring to  FIGS. 47-49 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  900  includes a cap  910 , a dispensing tip  920  and a retainer collar  930 . Each of the cap  910  and dispensing tip  920  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known; the retainer collar  930  may be formed of a metal or plastic material. The cap  910  includes a pair of spaced buttons  912  on opposite sides thereof to allow cap  910  removal and permit sprayer pump unit  950  (not shown) actuation via the shoulders  921 . Each button  922  has a slit or relief  917  on either side thereof, enhancing flexibility inward. As will be seen hereafter, depression of both buttons  912  simultaneously actuates the two legs  911  inward, allowing cap  910  removal. 
     As dispenser bottle  940  here is a ferrule type dispenser bottle, the retainer collar  930  is provided with clamp elements  932  and top projections  933  to provide a positive mechanical bond to the upper ferrule portion of the bottle  940  which holds the medicinal fluid therein. The retainer collar  930  is secured within the dispensing tip  920  interior atop the upper ferrule portion of bottle  940 . The dispensing tip  920  partly encloses the sprayer pump unit  950  (not shown) which also partly extends into and is enclosed by the dispenser bottle  940  interior. 
     The legs  911  of the cap  910  are designed to be inserted into slots  923  formed through the shoulders  921  of the dispensing tip  920 . Each leg  911  is tapered and includes a rib or thickened portion  915  and the rim  913  of the cap  910  sandwiching an undercut  916 . 
       FIG. 50  is sectional view C-C taken from  FIG. 47 . The cap  910  is retained in slots  923  with a section of shoulder  921  biased against undercuts  916  and engaged between ribs  915  and rim  913 . When engaging, the legs  911  will temporarily deflect inwards until the undercuts  916  pass cutouts on the dispensing tip  920  where they will snap back to vertical, with ribs  915  and rim  913  engaging. As noted, the legs  911  extend to the top of the retainer collar  930  and allow for the sprayer pump unit  950  (by way of shoulders  921 ) to be locked out while the cap  910  is in place. 
     To release the cap  910 , the buttons  912  on the cap  910  are to be pressed simultaneously, causing the legs  911  to once again deflect inwards away and off of retainer collar  930 , deflecting its corresponding ribs  915  as well, and the cap  910  can be drawn up through slots  923  and off of the dispensing tip  920 . With cap  910  removed, downward movement of the shoulders  921  to actuate the sprayer pump unit  950  within dispensing tip  920  is possible. 
       FIG. 50  also shows the clamp elements  932  and top projections  933  which provide a positive mechanical bond to the upper ferrule portion  941  of the dispenser bottle  940 . Specifically, the clamp elements  932  crimp to the underside of the lip of the ferrule portion  941  of the dispenser bottle  940 , providing an upward engagement pressure, with the projections  933  providing a positive engagement pressure on the ferrule portion  941  top surface, solidifying the mechanical bond. 
       FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment,  FIG. 52  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 51 ,  FIG. 53  is a top view of the dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 51 , and  FIG. 54  is a bottom perspective view of a base according to the system of  FIG. 51 . Referring to  FIGS. 51-54 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  1000  includes a cap  1010 , a dispensing tip  1020  and a base  1030 . Each of the cap  1010 , dispensing tip  1020  and base  1030  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. Although a dispenser bottle is not shown in this embodiment, this system  1000  is configured for use with threaded nasal sprayer dispenser bottles, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-30 , although the example embodiments are not so limited to use with nasal sprayer dispensers. 
     The cap  1010  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  1010 . Cap  1010  includes a pair of spaced legs  1011 , with each leg  1011  having an upper rib  1015  bounding a first undercut  1016  and a lower rib  1018  bounding a second undercut  1019 . The dispensing tip  1020  includes a skirt  1021  which has slots  1023  formed there through. A user depresses the skirt  1021  to actuate the sprayer pump unit within (not shown). The base  1030  includes interior threaded grooves  1031 , an aperture  1034  for receiving a nozzle of a sprayer pump unit (not shown) there through into the dispensing tip  1020  and an upper lip  1035  for engagement to the lower rib  1018  of the leg  1011  when in a locked condition. 
     Optionally, the base  1030  can have the configuration shown in  FIG. 11 . Specifically, the base  1030  can be configured with serrations (teeth) on its skirt, so as to form a mechanical bond with a dispenser bottle upon screwing the base down onto the threads of the dispenser bottle to seat the system  1000  on the bottle. 
       FIG. 55  is a portion of a cross-cut of the cap and dispensing tip in a bottom view to show positions of the legs in the slots in a locked position, and  FIG. 56  is a portion of a sectional view of the system in the yz-plane to illustrate a locked condition. Referring to  FIGS. 55 and 56 , the legs  1011  of cap  1010  are inserted into the wider opening portions  1023 A of the slots and rotated clockwise to seat in the smaller opening portions  1023 B. This locks out operation of the skirt  1021  and hence the sprayer pump unit, as the legs  1011  extends all the way down to the lip  1035  of the base  1030 , with the lip  1035  captured in the undercut  1019  and the lower rib  1018  capturing the underside of lip  1035  to lock the cap  1010  in place. A friction fit lock is provided between the leg  1011  and the dimensional tolerances in slot  1023 B, locking the leg in place at its upper end as well. This friction is strong enough so it cannot be turned counter-clockwise by a 5-year old, providing a lock for the dispenser. An adult however, can overcome the frictional hold to turn the cap counterclockwise and place the legs into the wider portions  1023 A of the slot to withdrawal the legs  1011 . This also releases the lower rib  1018  from the lip  1035  at base  1030 . 
       FIG. 57  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment,  FIG. 58  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 57 ,  FIG. 59  is a top perspective view of a base according to the system of  FIG. 57 , and  FIG. 60  is a top view of the dispensing according to the system of  FIG. 57 . Referring to  FIGS. 57-60 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  1100  includes a cap  1110 , a dispensing tip  1120  and a base  1130 . Each of the cap  1110 , dispensing tip  1120  and base  1130  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. Although a dispenser bottle is not shown in this embodiment, this system  1100  can be configured for use with threaded nasal sprayer dispenser bottles, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-30 , although the example embodiments are not so limited to use with nasal sprayer dispensers. 
     The cap  1110  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  1110 . Cap  1110  includes a pair of spaced legs  1111 , with each leg  1111  having a lower rib  1115 , an upper wing  1116 , and a leg slot  1118  formed above the wing  1116  and terminating at a notch  1117 . The dispensing tip  1120  includes shoulders  1121  which has slots  1123  formed there through. A user depresses the shoulders  1121  to actuate the sprayer pump unit within (not shown). The base  1130  includes interior threaded grooves (not shown), an aperture  1134  for receiving a nozzle of a sprayer pump unit (not shown) there through into the dispensing tip  1120  and an inner circumferential rib  1132  for engagement with the legs  1111  when in a locked condition. A spacing  1135  is provided when the cap is rotated to un-engage the legs  1111  from the rib  1132  and withdrawal the cap from the dispensing tip  1120 . 
     Optionally, the base  1130  can have the configuration shown in  FIG. 11 . Specifically, the base can be configured with serrations (teeth) on its skirt, so as to form a mechanical bond with a dispenser bottle upon screwing the base down onto the threads of the dispenser bottle to seat the system  1100  on the bottle. 
       FIG. 61  is a close-up of a bottom underside view of a portion of the dispensing tip, and  FIG. 62  is an enlarged side view of a portion of the upper leg of the cap. These two figures illustrate the relationship between a tab  1127  on the underside of shoulders  1121  behind slot  1123 , and a notch  1117  on the wing  1116  of leg  1111 . As the leg  1111  is inserted into slot  1123  and rotated, leg  1111  rotation is terminated once the tab  1127  is captured by the notch  1117 . There is a notch  1117  on each leg and a tab  1127  next to each slot on the underside of the dispensing tip  1120 . 
       FIG. 63  is a sectional view of the system taken in the yz plane. As shown in  FIG. 63 , in the locked condition, the leg  1111  extends all the way down through the bottom of the dispensing tip  1120  to the base  1130 . Specifically, lower rib  1115  catches the centrally formed inner rib  1132  on base  1130  to lock leg  1111  in place. Recall also that rotation of the cap  1110  to the locked position causes tab  1127  on the underside of slot  1123  to ride in leg slot  1118  as the leg  1111  rotates, with leg  1111  rotation terminating once the tab  1127  is captured in notch  1117 . Accordingly, the shoulders  1121  cannot be depressed, and actuation is locked out. 
       FIG. 64  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump assembly according to another example embodiment,  FIG. 65  is a side view of the assembly of  FIG. 64 ,  FIG. 66  is a perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 64  with a different pump cap, and  FIG. 67  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 64 . Referring to  FIGS. 64-67 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  1200  includes a cap  1210 , a pump head  1215  with spout  1216 , a dispenser  1220  and a base  1230 . Each of the cap  1210 , pump head  1215 , spout  1216 , dispenser  1220  and base  1230  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. The dispenser bottle is not shown, although it is a bottle that may hold a liquid having a viscosity higher than water, examples being a lotion, shampoo, sunscreen, baby oil and the like, although the CRC system  1200  and associated pump assembly are not so limited to handling liquids of these viscosities. Accordingly, there is included a tank  1240  which holds a portion of the liquid in the bottle. The tank  1240  is secured at its upper end by a bottle cap (not shown), as is known, which in turn is threadingly engaged within the interior of the lower portion of base  1230 . 
     The cap  1210  includes a rim  1213  at its bottom and terminates in a pair of spaced legs  1211 . The legs  1211  are designed to be inserted into slots  1223  in the top of dispenser  1220  to lock out actuation of the pump head  1215 . The cap includes an inverse L-shaped aperture  1214  that has locked and unlocked positions for spout  1216 . 
       FIG. 68  is a top view of the assembly of  FIG. 64 , and  FIG. 69  is sectional view A-A taken from  FIG. 68 .  FIG. 69  shows the engagement of the bottle cap  1250  to the tank  1240  and the engagement of the bottle cap  1250  and tank  1240  to the base  1230 . Specifically, the base includes interior grooves  1231  which mate with exterior threads  1251  on cap  1250 . Optionally, the base  1230  can have the configuration shown in  FIG. 11 . Specifically, the base  1230  can be configured with serrations (teeth) on its skirt (shown by arrow  1232 ), so as to form a mechanical bond with corresponding teeth or serrations (shown by arrow  1252 ) formed on the bottle cap skirt, upon screwing the base  1230  down onto the threads  1251  of the bottle cap  1250  to seat the system  1200  on the dispenser bottle. 
       FIG. 70  is a perspective view of the pump cap of the system, and  FIG. 71  is a top view of the dispenser according to the system. The cap  1210  includes the aforementioned two legs  1211  which are tapered. Each leg includes an outer rib  1218  near its top, with an undercut  1219  sandwiched between the rib  1218  and the rim  1213  of the cap  1210 . The dispenser  1220  includes a pair of facing slots  1223 . Each slot  1223  includes a detent  1227  therein. The detents  1227  interface with the legs  1211  as the legs  1211  rotate in the slots  1223 . 
       FIG. 72  is a sectional view taken in the xy plane of a portion of the system to show a locked condition thereof, and  FIG. 73  is a perspective view of the assembly of  FIG. 64  showing an unlocked condition. In operation, with the cap  1210  in place in the slots  1223 , operation of the pump head  1215  is locked out. The cap  1210  is retained by the two legs  1211  which are tapered, with the horizontal undercut  1219  which engages with the underside of the dispenser  1220  while in slot  1223 . When engaging, the cap  1210  is placed and turned in a clockwise motion, which engages the undercuts  1219  with the underside of the dispenser  1220 . While turning, the legs  1211  of the cap  1210  will pass the two detents  1227  in slots  1223  and produce a tangible click, which indicates full engagement. As shown in  FIG. 72 , the legs  1210  extend to the top of the base  1230  and allow for the dispenser  1220  to be locked out while the cap  1210  is in place. Accordingly, the pump head  1215  cannot be actuated. 
     To release the cap  1210 , the cap  1210  can be turned counter clockwise, as shown in  FIG. 73 , and then the cap  1210  is drawn up so the legs  1211  are removed out of the slots  1223  and off of the dispenser  1220 . With the cap removed, the pump head  1215  is now free to dispense. 
       FIG. 74  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump assembly according to another example embodiment,  FIG. 75  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 74 , and  FIG. 76  is a perspective view of the pump cap of the system. Referring to  FIGS. 74-76 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  1300  includes a cap  1310 , a pump head  1315  with spout  1316 , a dispenser  1320  and a base  1330 . Each of the cap  1310 , pump head  1315 , spout  1316 , dispenser  1320  and base  1330  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. The dispenser  1320  includes a pair of spaced buttons  1322  on opposite sides of a collar  1326  of the dispenser  1320  to allow cap  1310  removal and permit actuation of pump head  1315 . 
     The dispenser bottle is not shown, although it is a bottle that may hold a liquid having a viscosity higher than water, examples being a lotion, shampoo, sunscreen, baby oil and the like, although the CRC system  1300  and associated pump assembly are not so limited to handling liquids of these viscosities. Accordingly, there is included a tank  1340  which holds a portion of the liquid in the bottle. The tank  1340  is secured at its upper end by a bottle cap (not shown), as is known, which in turn is threadingly engaged within the interior of the lower portion of base  1330 . 
     The cap  1310  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  1310 . The cap  1310  includes a rim  1313  at its bottom and terminates in a pair of spaced legs  1311 . The legs  1311  are designed to be inserted into slots  1323  in the top of dispenser  1320  to lock out actuation of the pump head  1315 . The cap includes an inverse L-shaped aperture  1314  that has locked and unlocked positions for spout  1316 .  FIG. 74  shows the spout  1316  in the unlocked position within aperture  1314 . Each leg  1311  has an outer rib  1318  at an upper portion thereof with an undercut sandwiched between the rib  1318  and the rim  1313  of cap  1310 . 
       FIG. 77  is a top view of the dispenser according to the system,  FIG. 78  is sectional view A-A taken from  FIG. 77 , and  FIG. 79  is a portion of a sectional view of the dispenser and legs in the xz-plane from a bottom viewpoint with selected components removed to illustrate a locked condition. Additionally,  FIG. 79A  is a sectional view taken in the xy plane of a portion of the system to show a locked condition thereof. Referring to  FIGS. 77 to 79 , there is shown the engagement of the bottle cap  1350  to the tank  1340  and the engagement of the bottle cap  1350  and tank  1340  to the base  1330 . Specifically, the base includes interior grooves  1331  which mate with exterior threads  1351  on cap  1350 . Optionally, the base  1330  can have the configuration shown in  FIG. 11 . Specifically, the base  1330  can be configured with serrations (teeth) on its skirt (shown by arrow  1332 ), so as to form a mechanical bond with corresponding teeth or serrations (shown by arrow  1352 ) formed on the bottle cap skirt, upon screwing the base  1330  down onto the threads  1351  of the bottle cap  1350  to seat the system  1300  on the dispenser bottle. 
     In operation, with the cap  1310  in place and the legs  1311  secured in the slots  1323 , actuation of the pump head  1315  is locked out. Specifically, the cap  1310  is retained by the two legs  1311  which are tapered, with horizontal undercuts that engage with tabs  1327  that extend from a backside of a relief portions  1324  on the buttons  1322  on the dispenser  1320 , as shown in  FIG. 79 . When engaging, the cap  1310  is placed and turned in a clockwise motion, which will press the legs  1311  against the tabs  1327  extending from the underside of the relief portions  1324  of the buttons  1322 , as shown in  FIG. 79 . This in turn forces the tabs  1327  to deflect outwards until the undercuts on the cap  1310  pass. Once clear, the tabs  1327  snap into position behind the undercuts on the legs  1311  and lock the cap  1310  in place. As best shown in  FIG. 78 , the legs  1311  extend to the top of the base  1330  and allow for the dispenser  1320  to be locked out while the cap  1310  is in place. 
     To release the cap  1310 , the buttons  1322  on the cap  1310  must be simultaneously pressed in a horizontal inward motion. This causes the ramps  1327  on reliefs  1324  to cant outward by way of the cam action of hinges  1325 , which in turn causes the legs  1311  to deflect outwards. The user then rotates the cap  1310  30 degrees (into the wider part of slot  1323 ) after having depressed both buttons  1322  to release the cap  1310  from the dispenser  1320 . This also places spout  1316  in the unlocked position in aperture  1314 , as shown in  FIG. 74 . The cap  1310  can then be removed, so that actuation of pump head  1315  is now possible. 
       FIG. 80  is a perspective view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump assembly according to another example embodiment, and  FIG. 81  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 80 . Referring to  FIGS. 80 and 81 , the child-resistant closure (CRC) system  1400  includes a cap  1410 , a pump head  1415  with spout  1416  extending through aperture  1414 , a dispenser  1420  and a base  1430 . Each of the cap  1410 , pump head  1415 , spout  1416 , dispenser  1420  and base  1430  may be injection molded or extruded or otherwise formed of a suitable plastic material, as is known. The cap  1410  includes a pair of spaced buttons  1412  on opposite sides thereof to allow cap  1410  removal and permit actuation of pump head  1415 . 
     The dispenser bottle is not shown, although it is a bottle that may hold a liquid having a viscosity higher than water, examples being a lotion, shampoo, sunscreen, baby oil and the like, although the CRC system  1400  and associated pump assembly are not so limited to handling liquids of these viscosities. Accordingly, there is included a tank  1440  which holds a portion of the liquid in the bottle. The tank  1440  is secured at its upper end by a bottle cap (not shown), as is known, which in turn is threadingly engaged within the interior of the lower portion of base  1430 . 
       FIG. 82  is a front view of the pump cap of the system, and  FIG. 83  is a rear perspective view of the cap of  FIG. 82 . Referring to  FIGS. 82 and 83 , the cap  1410  is 3-sided to minimize rolling and avoid losing the cap  1410 . The cap  1410  includes a slit or relief  1417  on one side of each button  1412  to provide flexibility for the button  1412 . The rear of the cap has a hollowed out opening  1409  so that it can be easily removed from the pump head  1415  once in the unlocked condition. The cap  1410  includes a rim  1413  at its bottom and terminates in a pair of spaced legs  1411 . The legs  1411  are designed to be inserted into slots  1423  in the top of dispenser  1420  (see  FIG. 81 ) to lock out actuation of the pump head  1415 . Each leg  1411  is tapered and has an outer rib  1418  at an upper portion thereof with an undercut sandwiched between the rib  1418  and the rim  1414  of cap  1410 . 
       FIG. 84  is a top view of the system of  FIG. 80 , and  FIG. 85  is sectional view A-A taken from  FIG. 85 . Referring to  FIGS. 84 and 85 , there is shown the engagement of the bottle cap  1450  to the tank  1440  and the engagement of the bottle cap  1450  and tank  1440  to the base  1430 . Specifically, the base  1430  includes interior grooves  1431  which mate with exterior threads  1451  on cap  1450 . Optionally, the base  1430  can have the configuration shown in  FIG. 11 . Specifically, the base  1430  can be configured with serrations (teeth) on its skirt (shown by arrow  1432 ), so as to form a mechanical bond with corresponding teeth or serrations (shown by arrow  1452 ) formed on the bottle cap skirt (similar to as shown on the bottle skirt of  FIGS. 12 and 13 ), upon screwing the base  1430  down onto the threads  1451  of the bottle cap  1450  to seat the system  1400  on the dispenser bottle. 
       FIG. 86  is a sectional view taken in the xy plane of a portion of the system to show a locked condition thereof.  FIG. 86  is provided to help describe the locked and unlocked conditions for cap  1410 . With the cap  1410  in place and the legs  1411  secured in the slots  1423 , actuation of the pump head  1415  is locked out. Specifically, the cap  1410  is retained by the two legs  1411  that are tapered, with undercuts  1419  that engage with the underside of the slots  1423  on the dispenser  1420 . When engaging, the legs  1411  will deflect inwards until the undercuts  1419  pass the slots on the dispenser  1420 , where the legs  1411  will snap back to vertical and engage, with a portion of the dispenser  1420  captured in the undercuts  1419  between the ribs  1418  and rim  1413  off the legs  1411 . The legs  1411  extend to the top of the base  1430  and allow for the dispenser  1420  to be locked out while the cap  1410  is in place. Accordingly, operation of the pump head  1415  is locked out. 
     To release the cap  1410  into an unlocked condition, the buttons  1412  on the cap  1410  must be pressed simultaneously, causing the legs  1411  to once again deflect inwards and the cap  1410  can be drawn up and off of the dispenser  1420 . With the cap  1410  removed off of spout  1416 , the pump head  1415  is now free to dispense. 
       FIG. 87  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment,  FIG. 88  is a perspective view of a cap according to the system of  FIG. 87 , and  FIG. 89  is a bottom perspective view of a dispensing tip according to the system of  FIG. 87 . System  1500  is identical to system  200  previously described above, with the exception that only one button is present on dispensing tip  1520  and only one leg  1511  is included on cap  1510 . Otherwise, all other functionality of the system  1500  follows that of  FIGS. 7-16  which describe system  200 . Accordingly, a refresher on the operation and mechanical bonds formed when the cap  1510  is in place on the dispensing tip  1520  is hereafter described. 
       FIG. 90  is a portion of a sectional view taken of the system in the xy-plane to show a locked condition. In addition to the mechanical bond formed between the serrated teeth (not shown) on the lower skirt of base  1530 , which engages with teeth on dispenser bottle skirt  1540  (referring back to the anti-back off feature first described in  FIGS. 11-13 , which is applicable both the system  200  and here),  FIG. 90  shows where a portion of the dispensing tip  1520  on the underside of slots  1523  is captured between the rim  1513  of leg  1511  and the rib  1515 . The leg  1511  also extends all the way down to base  1530 , locking out actuation. 
     In operation, once the cap  1510  is placed on the dispensing tip  1520 , the leg  1511  travels through the slot  1523  and rides over the ramp  1527  to lock into place. In this locked condition, a portion of the dispensing tip  220  is retained between the rim  1513  of cap  1510  and the rib  1515 , as best seen in  FIG. 90 . The leg  1511  extends all the way down to the base  1530 , locking out movement of the shoulders  1521  and hence sprayer pump unit  1550 . 
     To unlock for operation, the user depresses the button  1522  inward. This causes the ramp  1527  to cant outward by way of the cam action of hinge  1525 . This allows leg  1511  free travel. The user then rotates the cap  1510  and draws it up off of the dispensing tip  1520 . With the cap  1510  removed, actuation is now possible via shoulders  1521 . 
       FIG. 91  is a perspective view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer according to another example embodiment, and  FIG. 92  is an exploded view of the system of  FIG. 91 . System  1600  is identical to system  600  previously described above, with the exception that the retainer collar  630  has been replaced with a modified crimp seal  1645 , and the top of the dispenser bottle at the ferrule portion  641  has been modified to add a lip  1643  for the crimp seal  1645 . Otherwise, all other functionality of the system  1600  follows that of  FIGS. 31-36  which describe system  1600 . Accordingly, a refresher on the operation and mechanical bonds formed when the cap  1610  is in placed on the dispensing tip  1620  is hereafter described. 
       FIG. 93  is a portion of a sectional view taken of the system in the xy-plane to show a locked condition. Initially, the mechanical bond formed with the crimp seal  1645  is described. Referring to  FIG. 93 , and noting that any ferrule body embodiment utilizing a retainer collar may be replaced with the following, the inventors modified the ferrule portion  1641  of the dispenser bottle  1640  to add a lip  1643 . A metallic or synthetic crimp seal  1645  was then added, crimped at a substantial pressure, so as to seat at the underside of the rim  1643 , to form a mechanical bond with the rim  1643  as it engages an inner wall surface of dispenser tip  1620 . 
     In operation, with the cap  1610  inserted through the slots  1623 , the legs  1611  contacting base  1630 , operation of the shoulders  1621  is locked out; actuation of sprayer pump unit  1650  is not possible. Specifically, the cap  1610  is retained by the two legs  1611 , with undercuts  16116  that engage with the underside of the slots  1623  on the shoulders  1621  of the dispensing tip  1620 , and the two tabs  1614  that extend from the levers  1612  on the cap  1610 . When engaging, the legs  1611  will pass the slots  1623  and engage with the dispensing tip  1620  once turned clockwise. At the end of the turning motion, the tabs  1614  deflect downward and engage with the shoulder  1621  portion at slot  1623  to lock out the cap  1610  and keep it from disengagement. As noted, the legs  1611  extend to the top of the base  1630  and allow for the sprayer pump unit  1650  (by way of shoulders  1621 ) to be locked out while the cap  1610  is locked in place. 
     To release the cap  1610 , the levers  1612  must be pressed inward simultaneously, causing the tabs  1614  to deflect upwards. The cap  1611  is then turned in a counter-clockwise motion, drawn up through wider portion of slot  1623 , and off of the dispensing tip  1620 . With cap  1610  removed, downward movement of the shoulders  1621  to actuate the sprayer pump unit  1650  is possible. 
       FIG. 94  is a front view of a child-resistant closure system for a pump assembly according to another example embodiment,  FIG. 95  is an exploded view of selected components of the system of  FIG. 94 , and  FIG. 96  is a top view of the dispenser according to the system. System  1700  is identical to system  1300  previously described above, with the exception that the spouted pump unit has been replaced with a spray pump unit. Otherwise, all other functionality of the system  1700  follows that of  FIGS. 74-79  which describe system  1300 . Accordingly, a refresher on the operation and mechanical bonds formed when the cap  1710  is in placed on the dispenser  1720  is hereafter described. 
       FIG. 97  is sectional view A-A taken from  FIG. 96 . Reference should be made to  FIG. 79  as well for the following discussion, which shows specifics of the dispenser  1320 / 1720  in cross section with the legs (same construction). In operation, with the cap  1710  in place and the legs  1711  secured in the slots  1723 , actuation of the pump head  1715  is locked out. Specifically, the cap  1710  is retained by the two legs  1711  which are tapered, with horizontal undercuts that engage with tabs  1327  ( 1727 ) that extend from a backside of a relief portions  1324  ( 1724 ) on the buttons  1722  on the dispenser  1720  (see related references in  FIG. 79 ). When engaging, the cap  1710  is placed and turned in a clockwise motion, which will press the legs  1711  against the tabs  1327  ( 1727 ) extending from the underside of the relief portions  1324  ( 1724 ) of the buttons  1722  (see  FIG. 79  for related element numbers). This in turn forces the tabs  1327  ( 1727 ) to deflect outwards until the undercuts on the cap  1710  pass. Once clear, the tabs  1327  ( 1727 ) snap into position behind the undercuts on the legs  1711  and lock the cap  1710  in place. As best shown in  FIG. 97 , the legs  1711  extend to the top of the base  1730  and allow for the dispenser  1720  to be locked out while the cap  1710  is in place. 
     To release the cap  1710 , the buttons  1722  on the cap  1710  must be simultaneously pressed in a horizontal inward motion. This causes the tabs  1327  ( 1727 ) to cant outward by way of the cam action of hinges  1325  ( 1725 ), which in turn causes the legs  1711  to deflect outwards. The user then rotates the cap  1710  30 degrees (into the wider part of slot  1723 ) after having depressed both buttons  1722  to release the cap  1710  from the dispenser  1720 . The cap  1710  can then be removed, so that actuation of pump head  1715  is now possible. 
     The example embodiments being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as departure from the example embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included in the following claims.

Technology Category: b