Closure and container package with child-resistant and non-child-resistant modes of operation

Abstract

A package that has both child-resistant and non-child-resistant modes of operation. A container has an end with an open mouth surrounded by a container wall with a central axis and at least one first lock element extending radially outwardly from the wall. A closure includes an annular base wall having inner and outer peripheral edges. A cylindrical skirt extends from the outer peripheral edge of the base wall, and at least one second lock element is disposed on the skirt. A projection extends axially from the inner peripheral edge of the base wall in a direction opposite from the skirt. The projection has an annular sidewall spaced radially inwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the skirt. The closure is adapted to be secured to the container in a child-resistant mode of operation with the second lock element on the skirt releasably engaged with the first lock element on the container wall, and with the inner peripheral edge of the base wall in resilient engagement with the outer surface of the container wall to bias the lock elements in engagement with each other and to seal the package. The closure is adapted to be inverted and secured to the container in a non-child-resistant mode of operation with the annular sidewall of the projection received in plug-sealing engagement within the container mouth.

Description

[0001] Reference is made to U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10 / 388,293, 10 / 386,192 and 10 / 378,441 assigned to the assignee of the present application.[0002] The present invention relates to child-resistant closure and container packages, such as prescription packages for example, to closures and containers for such packages, and to methods of making such packages. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,057,159, 4,059,198 and 4,485,932 disclose child-resistant closure and container prescription packages that include a container or vial, a closure, and a spring / seal disk arrangement disposed between the closure and the container. The closure has lugs on an inside surface of a skirt that cooperate with external locking notches or pockets on projections around the mouth of the container for securing the closure to the container. An internal abutment on the closure cooperates with the spring / seal disk(s) to urge the closure away from the container so that the lugs are...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the annular base wall of the closure is flat and lies in a plane between the inner and outer peripheral edges of the base wall. The inner and outer peripheral edges of the base wall preferably are circular and concentric. In some embodiments of the invention, the portion of the container wall between the lock element(s) on the container wall and the container mouth tapers in radial thickness. This container wall portion is flexible radially inwardly upon engagement with the inner peripheral edge of the base wall in the child-resistant mode of operation, and radially outwardly upon engagement with the closure projection in the non-child-resistant mode of operation. In one embodiment, an undercut on the inner surface of the container enhances the flexibility of the container end. In other embodiments of the invention, an external stiffening bead or rib surrounds the container mouth to prevent flexure of the container wall portion surrounding the mouth, and the closure itself is resiliently flexible radially outwardly in the child-resistant mode of operation for sealing the package and biasing the locking elements in engagement with each other. In some embodiments of the invention, an external bead on the closure projection engages an internal bead on the container wall to secure the closure to the container in the non-child-resistant mode of operation. In other embodiments of the invention, an external wall on the closure surrounds the projection and externally engages the container to secure the closure to the container in the non-child-resistant mode of operation.

Problems solved by technology

For example, it can be difficult for adults with impaired dexterity to push and twist the closure with respect to the container to open the package for access to the contents.

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