Tamper-proof and controlled dosing containers

Abstract

A tamper-proof and controlled quantitative container includes a container for storing contents, an actuator coupled to the container, and a multifunctional ring, wherein the actuator can be pressed down in the longitudinal direction to drive the contents contained in the container out of a nozzle protruding horizontally from the actuator. The multifunctional ring also includes a tamper ring portion, a metering ring portion, and a nozzle plug. One end of the nozzle plug is fixed to the multifunctional ring, and includes a protrusion at the opposite end to block the orifice of the nozzle. The tamper ring portion is removably arranged on the functional ring to prevent tampering of the contents held in the container. The metering ring portion controls the dose dispensed from the container by limiting the vertical movement of the actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a container for storing contents, and more particularly to a container including a multi-functional ring on the container to provide an effective tamper proof mechanism and controlled dosing. Background Art

[0002] Containers with pumps provide a hygienic and convenient way to dispense the contents contained in the container. Such containers are easily used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Typically, the user presses down on an actuator, which activates an internal pump and dispenses a predetermined amount of contents from the nozzle of the actuator. Since the piston moves the same distance with each pump of the container, the amount of contents that can be dispensed each time the user presses the actuator is constant. When pressing the actuator, it is difficult for the user to manually control the distance the piston moves. Different contents require different doses to be dispensed compared to other contents. Therefore, a method of changing the amount of contents dispensed from a storage container without changing the internal function of the pump is highly desired.

[0003] Furthermore, maintaining the safety and effectiveness of products is a major concern for both companies and consumers, especially in the pharmaceutical, medical, and healthcare industries. A common solution to such issues is to use tamper-evident packaging to ensure product safety. Therefore, tamper-evident packaging has been an important area of ​​research over the past few decades. Summary of the invention

[0004] A tamper-resistant and controlled quantitative container comprises: a container, the container comprising a top, a bottom and a side wall portion, the space between the bottom and the side wall portion defining an interior space for storing contents; an actuator coupled to the container, the actuator being depressible in a longitudinal direction to drive the contents held in the interior space of the container out of a nozzle protruding horizontally from the actuator; a multi-function ring, the multi-function ring comprising a tamper ring portion, a metering ring portion and a nozzle plug, wherein the nozzle plug extends from the multi-function ring to the nozzle, and wherein one end of the nozzle plug is permanently fixed to the multi-function ring, and the opposite end of the nozzle plug comprises a protrusion which can be removably inserted into an orifice of the nozzle.

[0005] The present invention also provides that the multifunctional ring is disposed on the neck of the container, below the nozzle, and occupies the entire length of the neck. The present invention also provides that the tamper ring portion is disposed on the top surface of the metering ring portion. In addition, the tamper ring portion is removably connected to the metering ring portion and must be removed before the first access to the contents contained in the container.

[0006] The present invention further provides that when the actuator is depressed in the longitudinal direction, the actuator abuts against the top surface of the metering ring portion, thereby adjusting the distance the actuator is depressed. In addition, the present invention provides that one end of the nozzle plug is connected to the metering ring portion of the multifunctional ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2 is a rear view of a first embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0009] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0010] Figure 4 is a rear view of a first embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, with the nozzle plug removed;

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the actuator is depressed;

[0013] Figure 7 is a top view of a tamper ring portion according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0015] Fig. 9 is a rear view of a second embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0016] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0017] Fig.11 is a rear view of a second embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0018] Fig.12 is a top view of a tamper ring portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0020] Fig.14 is a rear view of a third embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0021] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0022] Fig.16 is a rear view of a third embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0023] Fig.17 is a top view of a tamper ring portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Fig.18 is a perspective view of a multifunctional ring according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a multifunctional ring according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a multifunctional ring according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Fig.21 is a perspective view of a portion of a metering ring according to the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 22 is a top view of a metering ring portion according to the present invention;

[0029] Fig.23 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0030] Fig.24 is a rear view of a fourth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0031] Fig.25 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, with the nozzle plug removed;

[0032] Fig.26 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0033] Fig. 27is a rear view of a fourth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0034] Fig.28 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, with the tamper ring portion and the nozzle plug removed;

[0035] Fig.29 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the actuator is depressed;

[0036] Fig.30 is a top view of a tamper ring portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Fig.31 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0038] Fig.32 is a rear view of a fifth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention;

[0039] Fig.33 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0040] Fig.34 is a rear view of a fifth embodiment of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container according to the present invention, wherein the tamper ring portion is removed;

[0041] Fig.35 is a top view of an anti-tamper ring portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig.36 is a perspective view of a multifunctional ring according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig.37 is a perspective view of a multifunctional ring according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Figure 1-37 Based on the engineering drawings used to develop and represent the tamper-resistant and controlled quantitative container 100, and represent various embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings are drawn to scale and represent the geometry and function of the tamper-resistant and controlled quantitative container 100 including the container 200 and the multifunctional ring 300 according to the present invention.

[0045] Aspects of the present invention relate to a container 200 comprising a multifunctional ring 300 including a tamper ring portion 300a, a metering ring portion 300b and a nozzle plug 300c. The container 200 also comprises a pump for dispensing the contents via an actuator 302, the actuator 302 comprising a nozzle 301. Figure 1-6 A perspective view of a tamper-proof and controlled quantitative container 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container 200 includes a sidewall, a top and a bottom. The top includes an opening that allows access to a cavity defined by the container 200. Contents can be retained in the cavity of the container 200. In one embodiment, the sidewall can have a curved or cylindrical shape. An actuator 302 is coupled to the container 200 and can be pressed longitudinally. A tube can be provided so that the top end of the tube extends into the actuator 302 and the bottom end of the tube extends into the container 200 until the contents are accommodated in the cavity. When the actuator 302 is pressed down, the tube facilitates the contents to be moved out of the container 200 through the nozzle 301. The actuator 302 includes a nozzle 301 that protrudes horizontally from the actuator 302.

[0046] Figure 6 A perspective view of a tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container 100 according to the present invention is shown with the actuator depressed. The actuator 302 can be pressed longitudinally by a user to engage an internal pump and drive the contents out of the container 200. The nozzle 301 includes an orifice 303 from which the contents can be dispensed.

[0047] The container 200 also includes a lid 201 that is disposed on top of the container and covers the opening of the cavity. The lid 201 includes a shoulder 203 and a hollow circular neck 202 disposed on the shoulder 203. In one embodiment, the container 200 can be composed of two separate parts, wherein the lid 201 can be a separate removable part that can be snap-fitted or friction-fitted to the top of the container 200 to form a permanent and airtight seal. In another embodiment, the lid 201 can be integrally formed with the rest of the container 200, such that the container 200 constitutes a single continuous part.

[0048] The neck 202 is disposed below the nozzle 301 and further includes a multifunctional ring 300 disposed on the outer surface of the neck 202. In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional ring 300 includes a tamper ring portion 300a, a metering ring portion 300b, and a nozzle plug 300c. Before a user first accesses the contents contained in the container 200, the tamper ring portion 300a needs to be removed. Therefore, the tamper ring portion 300a is configured to be removable. The multifunctional ring 300 can be connected to the neck 202 in any suitable manner known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional ring 300 is snap-fitted onto the neck.

[0049] The multi-function ring 300 may completely occupy the space or length of the neck 202, such that when the tamper ring portion 300a of the multi-function ring 300 is in place, the actuator 302 cannot be depressed or moved longitudinally to engage the pump within the container 200. The space or length of the neck is the distance between the bottom of the actuator 302 and the top of the shoulder 203. Therefore, before using the container 200 to dispense the contents, the user must remove or destroy the tamper ring portion 300a. The tamper ring portion 300a prevents the user from tampering with the contents before the first use of the container 200 by preventing access to the contents contained in the container 200. In addition, if there has been any prior access to the contents or tampering with the contents, the tamper ring portion 300a will necessarily be removed or destroyed, and therefore, subsequent users will find obvious signs of tampering.

[0050] Once the tamper ring portion 300a is removed by the user, the metering ring portion 300b remains on the neck 202. The metering ring portion 300b of the multi-function ring 300 controls the distance that the actuator 302 moves when depressed by the user, thereby controlling the amount of contents dispensed from the container 200. When the user depresses the actuator 302, the bottom of the actuator 302 abuts the top surface of the metering ring portion 300b. The contact of the actuator 302 with the metering ring portion 300b creates a mechanical stop that prevents the actuator 302 from being further depressed, thereby controlling the distance that the actuator 302 moves and controlling the amount of contents dispensed from the nozzle 301. The metering ring portion 300b preferably remains on the neck 202 of the container 200 so that dosing of the container 200 is consistent over the life of the container 200. Metering ring portions 300b having different heights may be used in conjunction with the same standard container 200 and the same actuator 302 and pump, enabling containers 200 that dispense different preset amounts to be obtained in an efficient manner while minimizing manufacturing cost and complexity.

[0051] In one embodiment, the metering ring portion 300b can occupy about 1 / 4 of the total space or length of the neck 202. In another embodiment, the metering ring portion 300b can occupy about 1 / 2 of the total space or length of the neck 202. In another embodiment, the metering ring portion 300b can occupy about 3 / 4 of the total space or length of the neck 202. In a preferred embodiment, the metering ring portion 300b occupies about 1 / 2 of the total space or length of the neck 202, thereby limiting the vertical movement of the actuator 202 by about half to dispense about half of the predetermined metered amount. In a preferred embodiment, the metering ring portion 300b can change the container 200 from dispensing about 4g per actuation to dispensing about 2g per actuation by limiting the vertical movement of the actuator 302 along the neck 202 by about half.

[0052] In one embodiment, the metering ring portion 300b can be disposed below the tampering ring portion 300a, whereby the bottom surface of the tampering ring portion 300a can be disposed on the top surface of the metering ring portion 300b. Since the tampering ring portion 300a must be removed before the contents of the container 200 are accessed for the first time, the tampering ring portion 300a is attached to the metering ring portion 300b so as to be removable. The metering ring portion 300b remains on the container 200 to change the metering dispensed from the container by limiting the vertical movement of the actuator. Once the tampering ring portion 300a is removed, the metering ring portion 300b remains on the neck and controls the distance that the actuator 302 moves when it is pressed by the user. In another embodiment, the bottom surface of the nozzle 301 can abut the top surface of the metering ring portion 300b to limit the vertical movement of the actuator 302.

[0053] The present invention also includes a nozzle plug 300c disposed on the multifunctional ring 300. The nozzle plug 300c can extend from the metering ring portion 300b to the orifice 303 of the nozzle and plug the orifice 303 to prevent leakage and / or contamination of the contents held in the container 200. The nozzle plug 300c can include a band, one end of which includes a roughly square head and is connected to the metering ring portion 300b at the opposite end. In another embodiment, the head can be a roughly rectangular shape. In addition, the head of the nozzle plug is not limited and can be any suitable shape and size.

[0054] The head of the nozzle plug 300c includes a protrusion 304 on the inner surface of one end. The protrusion protrudes from the head in a generally vertical direction and fits into the orifice 303 to block the opening. In one embodiment, one end of the nozzle plug 300c is permanently connected to the multi-function ring and is removably inserted into the orifice 303 of the nozzle 301 at the opposite end; therefore, when the user dispenses the contents from the container, the nozzle plug 300c can be removed from the orifice 304 of the nozzle 301 so that the contents can flow out of the orifice 304.

[0055] Figure 7 2 shows a top view of a tamper loop portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the tamper loop portion 300a of the multi-function loop 300 can be a substantially circular ring that can be removed from either end by a user in a pulling motion. In a preferred embodiment, the tamper loop portion 300a is not a complete ring and there is a gap between the two ends of the tamper loop portion 300b when it is around the neck 202. The tamper loop portion 300a can also include a grip portion at each end that allows a user to easily grip and tear off the tamper loop portion 300a.

[0056] Figure 8-12A tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the tamper ring portion 300a includes a loop disposed at either or both ends of the tamper ring portion 300b. The user can insert their fingers into the loop or hold the loop to easily pull down the tamper ring portion 300b in a quick motion. This embodiment is particularly useful for elderly people with dexterity problems.

[0057] Figure 13-17 A tamper-resistant and controlled dosing container 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the tamper-resistant ring portion 300a includes two separate components disposed on the neck 202 of the container 200, each having a ring at one end. The two components of the tamper-resistant ring portion 300a can be connected around the neck to form a complete circle, or can be connected around the neck to have a gap at either end. In order to allow the actuator to be depressed, the two components of the tamper-resistant ring portion 300a must be removed by the user.

[0058] Figure 18-20 A multifunctional ring 300 according to the present invention is shown separated from a container 200. The multifunctional ring 300 includes a tamper ring portion 300a, a metering ring portion 300b, and a nozzle plug 300c. The tamper ring portion 300a, the metering ring portion 300b, and the nozzle plug 300c can operate as a connection system, with each portion connected together.

[0059] Figure 21-22 The metering ring portion 300b is shown separated from the rest of the multi-function ring 300. The metering ring portion 300b is preferably a complete circle and includes nozzle plugs 300c connected to the side surface at any point around the metering ring portion 300b.

[0060] Figure 23-37 4 and 5 embodiments of the present invention are shown. As shown, the nozzle plug 300c includes a generally rectangular head portion including a protrusion. The nozzle plug 300c is also connected to the metering ring portion 300b of the multi-function ring 300 by a plate protruding from the metering ring portion 300b in a substantially vertical direction. Other aspects of the present invention are as follows Figure 23-37 Depicted, ie, the container 200, the actuator, the nozzle 301, the orifice 303, the tamper ring portion 300a of the functional ring 300, and the metering ring portion 300b of the functional ring 300, all have substantially the same or similar structures and functions as described above.

[0061] The contents contained in the container can be any compound or composition that can be used to cleanse the skin, provide pain relief, or provide overall health and wellness benefits to the user. Non-limiting examples of the contents can include pharmaceutical active ingredients, including over-the-counter actives, behind-the-counter actives, prescription actives, or any combination thereof.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the contents can be obtained in various forms and are selected from the group consisting of gel, lotion, cream, oil, emulsion, ointment and powder. In one embodiment, the contents contained in the container are a cream or gel containing diclofenac sodium. In a preferred embodiment, the contents contained in the container are a combination of diclofenac sodium, ammonia, c-type carbomer homopolymer, coconut caprylate / caprate, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetearyl ether, propylene glycol and water.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the basic scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but that the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tamper-resistant container (100), comprising: A container (200), the container comprising a top, a bottom and a side wall, wherein a space between the bottom and the side wall defines an interior space for storing contents; an actuator (302) coupled to the container (200), the actuator (302) being pressable in a longitudinal direction to drive the contents held in the inner space of the container (200) out of a nozzle (301) protruding horizontally from the actuator (302); as well as A multifunctional ring (300) comprising a tamper ring portion (300a) and a nozzle plug (300c), wherein the nozzle plug (300c) extends from the multifunctional ring (300) to the nozzle (301), and wherein one end of the nozzle plug (300c) is permanently fixed to the multifunctional ring (300), and the opposite end of the nozzle plug comprises a protrusion which can be removably inserted into an orifice (303) of the nozzle (301), The invention is characterized in that the container is a controlled quantitative container, and the multifunctional ring further comprises a metering ring part (300b); wherein the tamper ring portion (300a) is removably connected to the metering ring portion (300b), and the tamper ring portion (300a) must be removed prior to first access to the contents contained in the container (200); and The metering ring portion (300b) is retained on the container (200) to vary the metered dose dispensed from the container by limiting vertical movement of the actuator (302).

2. The tamper-resistant container according to claim 1, wherein the multifunctional ring (300) is arranged on the neck (202) of the container, below the nozzle (301).

3. The tamper-resistant container of claim 2, wherein the multi-functional ring (300) occupies the entire length of the neck (202) of the container.

4. The tamper-resistant container according to claim 1, wherein the tamper ring portion (300a) is disposed on a top surface of the metering ring portion (300b).

5. The tamper-resistant container according to claim 1, wherein when the actuator (302) is pressed down in the longitudinal direction, the actuator (302) abuts against the top surface of the metering ring portion (300b), thereby adjusting the distance that the actuator (302) is pressed down.

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