Tamper Resistant Closures

Abstract

A tamper resistant closure for a cup-like container having a rim which surrounds the open end of the container, the rim having a rib on its inner side with which a peripheral flange of the container can cooperated to inhibit removal of the closure from the container. The closure includes a dispensing spout through which the contents of the container can be consumed, the spout having a series of spaced slots. In another form, the closure is in the form of a stopper having a similar dispensing spout, the stopper being adapted to be located within the neck of a bottle-like container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This invention relates to tamper resistant closures and in particular to closures for use with drinking vessels such as cup-like containers and bottles or other necked containers to prevent tampering with the contents thereof. In one aspect, the closure is in the form of a cap for a cup-like container. In another aspect, the closure is in the form of a stopper for use with bottles or other necked containers. The present invention in a further aspect aims to provide a container such as a cup-like container and bottle-like containers provided with tamper resistant closures of the above type.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]An increasing problem which is encountered in nightclubs or other establishments or even in private events where drinks are served in cups, bottles or other containers is that of drink. tampering also commonly known as drink spiking. Thus where a person leaves a drink unattended for a short period of time, a subst...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention thus provides in one aspect a closure for a liquid container laving an open upper end through which liquid in said container can be consumed, said closure being adapted to prevent unauthorized tampering with the contents of said container and having:

[0012]Preferably the inwardly directed rib of the cup is provided on its top side with an inclined lead in surface which facilitates inward resilient deflection of the return flange as the closure is applied to the cup.

Problems solved by technology

An increasing problem which is encountered in nightclubs or other establishments or even in private events where drinks are served in cups, bottles or other containers is that of drink. tampering also commonly known as drink spiking.

Thus where a person leaves a drink unattended for a short period of time, a substantial risk arises that a contaminant can be placed into the drink unknown to the person.

This is a particular risk to females where drugs commonly known as “date-rape” drugs can be introduced into a drink container such as a cup or drink bottle with the aim of rendering the female drinking from the cup or bottle incapacitated and therefore making them susceptible to assault or sexual attack.

Of course this problem can also arise in relation to males who after drinking a contaminated drink may be rendered susceptible to assault and possible robbery.

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