Package with child-resistant closure

Abstract

A child-resistant package includes a vial and a closure configured to be mounted on the vial to cover an opening to a product storage chamber of the vial. Child-resistant features cooperate with the closure and the vial to discourage unwanted removal of the closure from the vial.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 2224157, filed July 21, 2021, pursuant to Section 119(e) of Title 35 of the United States Code, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates to packaging, and more particularly to medical packaging. More specifically, this disclosure relates to child-proof packaging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to this disclosure, a child-proof package includes a vial and a closure removably coupled to the vial to cover the opening leading to a product storage compartment in the vial. The child-proof package includes child-proof features designed to prevent unnecessarily removing the closure from the vial.

[0005] In an illustrative embodiment, the vial includes a sidewall, a base plate coupled to the lower end of the sidewall, and a plurality of closure retainers coupled to the upper end of the sidewall. In an illustrative embodiment, the closure includes a top wall, a sidewall, and a plurality of closure anchors coupled to the inner surface of the sidewall. The plurality of closure anchors are configured to engage each of the plurality of closure retainers to pull the closure inward toward the vial to cover and close the mouth of the vial to establish a fully installed, sealed position.

[0006] In an illustrative embodiment, the child-proof packaging also includes a closure release control mechanism having a movable release element coupled to the vial and an upwardly angled latch coupled to the movable release element. The movable release element is configured to allow the closure to release from the vial when a consumer applies a radially inward force to the movable release element. The latch is configured to engage one of the closure anchors to prevent the closure from being removed from the vial until the consumer applies a downward force to the movable release element carried on the vial.

[0007] Additional features of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments that exemplify the best mode for carrying out this disclosure as currently understood. Attached Figure Description

[0008] For a detailed description, please refer in particular to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a child-proof package according to the present disclosure, showing a vial, a closure mounted on the vial to cover an opening leading to an interior area formed in the vial, and a closure release control mechanism having a movable release element coupled to the vial and configured to disengage a latch coupled to the vial from a closure anchor included in the closure to allow the closure to be released from the vial.

[0010] Figure 2 is an exploded assembly diagram of the child-proof packaging of Figure 1, showing the closure separated from the vial, multiple closure anchors coupled to the peripheral edge of the closure, and a movable release element coupled to the annular flange of the vial and a tilting latch included in the closure release control mechanism and configured as shown in Figure 6. Figure 10 and Figure 15 The closure retainer in the indicated closure engages to prevent selective removal of the closure from the vial until a downward thrust is applied to the movable release element to disengage the latch from the closure anchor, as shown. Figure 16 As shown;

[0011] Figure 3 This is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the vial in Figure 2, showing a tilted latch positioned between a movable release element and an annular sidewall included in the vial, and showing that the vial includes a plurality of closure retainers coupled to the annular sidewall and adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure is rotated clockwise relative to the vial, until one of the closure anchors engages the circumferential surface of the tilted latch to prevent the closure from rotating counterclockwise, until a downward thrust is applied to the movable release element;

[0012] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view and exploded view of the packaging in Figure 1, showing the closure removed from the vial. The downward arrows indicate that the closure will be lowered onto the vial in order to close and lock the closure onto the vial. Each closure anchor is located between two adjacent closure anchors.

[0013] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the package with the closure lowered onto the vial. Each of the closure anchors is placed between two adjacent closure retainers. The dashed arrows indicate that the closure can be rotated clockwise to lock it onto the vial.

[0014] Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the closure in its fully installed position on the vial, wherein each of the closure anchors is positioned directly below the corresponding one of the plurality of closure retainers, and one of the closure anchors is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by a locking tongue.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the packaging taken along line 7-7 in Figure 4;

[0016] Figure 8 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the packaging taken along line 8-8 in Figure 5, which shows that the closure also includes an annular plug that engages the radially inner surface of the defined opening of the vial and is configured to bend radially inward as the closure moves clockwise toward the fully installed position.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the packaging taken along line 9-9 in Figure 6, showing the closure in the fully installed position on the vial;

[0018] Figure 10 It is a diagram of the top of the unfolded vial, showing in dashed lines each of the closure retainers and each of the closure anchors moving from the uninstalled position, in which each of the closure anchors is offset circumferentially from each of the plurality of closure retainers, and the fully installed position, wherein each of the plurality of closure anchors is located below a corresponding closure retainer among the plurality of closure retainers, and a circumferential rotation blocking surface of one of the closure anchors engaging the latch;

[0019] Figure 11 This is a top plan view of the vial, showing each of the multiple closure anchors, indicated by dashed lines, moving from its uninstalled position to its fully installed position;

[0020] Figure 12 Figure 1 is a top plan view of the closure release control mechanism shown, which shows that the closure release control mechanism includes a first travel limiter coupled to a movable release element and adapted to engage a first accompanying travel limiter wall coupled to an annular sidewall of the vial, and a second travel limiter coupled to an annular sidewall of the vial and adapted to engage a second accompanying travel limiter wall coupled to a movable release element.

[0021] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 The bottom view of the closure release control mechanism shown;

[0022] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the closure release control mechanism taken along line 14-14 shown in Figure 2;

[0023] Figure 15 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the inner packaging shows the closure in the fully installed position, with the user's thumb pointing towards the closure to release the element downwards;

[0024] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of the packaging shown illustrates the user's thumb pushing down on the closure release element to disengage the latch from the closure anchor, thereby allowing the closure to rotate counterclockwise to remove it from the vial and access the contents of the vial.

[0025] Figure 17 This is a top view of the packaging, showing the closure in its fully installed position on the vial;

[0026] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A top view of a portion of the inner packaging shows that each closure anchor includes a first circumferential surface extending along a first plane and a second circumferential surface extending along a second plane, the second plane being angled counterclockwise and configured to engage with a circumferential rotation-blocking surface of the latch to radially inward push the closure anchor toward the annular sidewall of the vial when the closure is rotated counterclockwise without disengaging the latch from the closure anchor, such that the closure anchor is held below the anchor movement block to prevent unintentional removal of the closure from the vial;

[0027] Figure 19 is a perspective view of a child-proof package according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a vial, a closure mounted on the vial to cover an opening leading to an interior area formed in the vial, and a closure release control mechanism having a movable release element coupled to the vial and configured to disengage a latch coupled to the vial from a closure anchor included in the closure to allow the closure to be released from the vial.

[0028] Figure 20 is an exploded assembly diagram of the child-proof packaging of Figure 19, showing the closure separated from the vial, multiple closure anchors coupled to the peripheral edge of the closure, and a movable release element coupled to the annular flange of the vial and a tilting latch included in the closure release control mechanism and configured as shown in Figure 24. Figure 28 and Figure 33 The closure retainer in the indicated closure engages to prevent selective removal of the closure from the vial until a downward thrust is applied to the movable release element to disengage the latch from the closure anchor, as shown. Figure 34 As shown;

[0029] Figure 21This is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the vial in Figure 20, showing a tilting latch positioned between a movable release element and an annular sidewall included in the vial, and showing that the vial includes a plurality of closure retainers coupled to the annular sidewall and adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure is rotated clockwise relative to the vial, until one of the closure anchors engages the circumferential surface of the tilting latch to prevent the closure from rotating counterclockwise, until a downward thrust is applied to the movable release element;

[0030] Figure 22 is a partial perspective view and exploded view of the packaging in Figure 19, showing the closure removed from the vial. The downward arrows indicate that the closure will be lowered onto the vial in order to close and lock the closure onto the vial. Each closure anchor is located between two adjacent closure anchors.

[0031] Figure 23 is a partial perspective view of the package with the closure lowered onto the vial. Each of the closure anchors is placed between two adjacent closure retainers. The dashed arrows indicate that the closure can be rotated clockwise to lock the closure onto the vial.

[0032] Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of the closure in its fully installed position on the vial, wherein each of the closure anchors is positioned directly below the corresponding one of the plurality of closure retainers, and one of the closure anchors is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by a locking tongue.

[0033] Figure 25 This is a cross-sectional view of the packaging taken along line 25-25 in Figure 22;

[0034] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view of the packaging taken along line 26-26 in Figure 23, showing that the closure also includes an annular plug that engages the radially inner surface of the defined opening of the vial and is configured to bend radially inward as the closure moves clockwise toward the fully installed position.

[0035] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view of the packaging taken along line 27-27 in Figure 24, showing the closure in the fully mounted position on the vial;

[0036] Figure 28It is a diagram of the top of the unfolded vial, showing in dashed lines each of the closure retainers and each of the closure anchors moving from the uninstalled position, in the uninstalled position each of the closure anchors deviates from each of the plurality of closure retainers in the circumferential direction, and in the fully installed position, wherein each of the plurality of closure anchors is located below a corresponding closure retainer among the plurality of closure retainers, and a circumferential rotation blocking surface of one of the closure anchors engaging the latch;

[0037] Figure 29 This is a top plan view of the vial, showing each of the multiple closure anchors, indicated by dashed lines, moving from its uninstalled position to its fully installed position;

[0038] Figure 30 Figure 19 is a top plan view of the closure release control mechanism shown, illustrating that the closure release control mechanism includes a travel limiter coupled to a movable release element and adapted to engage an accompanying travel limiter wall coupled to the annular sidewall of the vial.

[0039] Figure 31 It is along Figure 30 The bottom view of the closure release control mechanism shown;

[0040] Figure 32 It is a cross-sectional view of the closure release control mechanism taken along line 32-32 shown in Figure 20;

[0041] Figure 33 yes Figure 27 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the inner packaging shows the closure in the fully installed position, with the user's thumb pointing towards the closure to release the element downwards;

[0042] Figure 34 yes Figure 33 The cross-sectional view of the packaging shown illustrates the user's thumb pushing down on the closure release element to disengage the latch from the closure anchor, thereby allowing the closure to rotate counterclockwise to remove it from the vial and access the contents of the vial.

[0043] Figure 35 This is a top view of the packaging, showing the closure in its fully installed position on the vial;

[0044] Figure 36 yes Figure 35A top view of a portion of the inner packaging shows that each closure anchor includes a first circumferential surface extending along a first plane and a second circumferential surface extending along a second plane, the second plane being angled counterclockwise and configured to engage with a circumferential rotation-blocking surface of the latch to radially inward push the closure anchor toward the annular sidewall of the vial when the closure is rotated counterclockwise without disengaging the latch from the closure anchor, such that the closure anchor is held below the anchor movement block to prevent unintentional removal of the closure from the vial;

[0045] Figure 37 This is a perspective view of a child-proof package according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a vial, a closure mounted on the vial to cover an opening leading to an interior area formed in the vial, and a closure release control mechanism having a movable release element coupled to the vial and configured to disengage a latch coupled to the vial from a closure anchor included in the closure to allow the closure to be released from the vial.

[0046] Figure 38 yes Figure 37 An exploded assembly diagram of child-proof packaging shows the closure detached from the vial, multiple closure anchors coupled to the peripheral edge of the closure, and a movable release element coupled to the annular flange of the vial and a tilting latch included in the closure release control mechanism and configured to... Figure 42 , Figure 46 and Figure 51 The closure retainer in the indicated closure engages to prevent selective removal of the closure from the vial until a downward thrust is applied to the movable release element to disengage the latch from the closure anchor, as shown. Figure 52 As shown;

[0047] Figure 39 yes Figure 38 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of the vial shows a tilted latch positioned between a movable release element and an annular sidewall included in the vial, and shows that the vial includes a plurality of closure retainers coupled to the annular sidewall and adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure is rotated clockwise relative to the vial, until one of the closure anchors engages the circumferential surface of the tilted latch to prevent the closure from rotating counterclockwise, until a downward thrust is applied to the movable release element;

[0048] Figure 40 yes Figure 37Partial perspective and exploded view of the inner packaging show the closure removed from the vial. The downward arrows indicate that the closure will be lowered onto the vial in order to close and lock the closure onto the vial. Each closure anchor is located between two adjacent closure anchors.

[0049] Figure 41 It is a partial perspective view of the packaging with the closure lowered onto the vial, each of the closure anchors being placed between two adjacent closure retainers, and the dashed arrows indicating that the closure can be rotated clockwise to lock it onto the vial.

[0050] Figure 42 It is a partial perspective view of the closure in its fully installed position on the vial, wherein each of the closure anchors is positioned directly below the corresponding one of the plurality of closure retainers, and one of the closure anchors is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by a locking tongue.

[0051] Figure 43 It is the edge of the packaging Figure 40 Cross-sectional view taken at centerline 43-43;

[0052] Figure 44 It is the edge of the packaging Figure 41 The cross-sectional view taken at centerline 44-44 shows that the closure also includes an annular plug that engages the radially inner surface of the defined opening of the vial and is configured to bend radially inward as the closure moves clockwise toward the fully installed position.

[0053] Figure 45 It is the edge of the packaging Figure 42 The cross-sectional view taken at 45-45° centerline shows the closure in the fully installed position on the vial;

[0054] Figure 46 It is a diagram of the top of the unfolded vial, showing in dashed lines each of the closure retainers and each of the closure anchors moving from the uninstalled position, in the uninstalled position each of the closure anchors deviates from each of the plurality of closure retainers in the circumferential direction, and in the fully installed position, wherein each of the plurality of closure anchors is located below a corresponding closure retainer among the plurality of closure retainers, and a circumferential rotation blocking surface of one of the closure anchors engaging the latch;

[0055] Figure 47 This is a top plan view of the vial, showing each of the multiple closure anchors, indicated by dashed lines, moving from its uninstalled position to its fully installed position;

[0056] Figure 48 yes Figure 37The top plan view of the closure release control mechanism shown illustrates that the closure release control mechanism includes a travel limiter coupled to the annular sidewall of the vial and adapted to engage an accompanying travel limiter wall coupled to a movable release element.

[0057] Figure 49 It is along Figure 48 The bottom view of the closure release control mechanism shown;

[0058] Figure 50 It is the closure release control mechanism along Figure 38 The cross-sectional view taken by line 50-50 shown;

[0059] Figure 51 yes Figure 45 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the inner packaging shows the closure in the fully installed position, with the user's thumb pointing towards the closure to release the element downwards;

[0060] Figure 52 yes Figure 51 The cross-sectional view of the packaging shown illustrates the user's thumb pushing down on the closure release element to disengage the latch from the closure anchor, thereby allowing the closure to rotate counterclockwise to remove it from the vial and access the contents of the vial.

[0061] Figure 53 This is a top view of the packaging, showing the closure in its fully installed position on the vial;

[0062] Figure 54 yes Figure 53 A top view of a portion of the inner packaging shows that each closure anchor includes a first circumferential surface extending along a first plane and a second circumferential surface extending along a second plane, the second plane being angled counterclockwise and configured to engage with a circumferential rotation-blocking surface of the latch to radially inward push the closure anchor toward the annular sidewall of the vial when the closure is rotated counterclockwise without disengaging the latch from the closure anchor, such that the closure anchor is held below the anchor movement block to prevent unintentional removal of the closure from the vial;

[0063] Figure 55 This is a perspective view of a child-proof package according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a vial, a closure mounted on the vial to cover an opening leading to an interior area formed in the vial, and a closure release control mechanism having a movable release element coupled to the vial and configured to disengage a latch coupled to the vial from a closure anchor included in the closure to allow the closure to be released from the vial.

[0064] Figure 56yes Figure 55 An exploded assembly diagram of child-proof packaging shows the closure detached from the vial, multiple closure anchors coupled to the peripheral edge of the closure, and a movable release element coupled to the annular flange of the vial and a tilting latch included in the closure release control mechanism and configured to... Figure 60 , Figure 64 and Figure 66 The closure retainer in the indicated closure engages to prevent selective removal of the closure from the vial until a downward thrust is applied to the movable release element to disengage the latch from the closure anchor, as shown. Figure 67 As shown;

[0065] Figure 57 yes Figure 56 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of the vial shows a tilted latch positioned between a movable release element and an annular sidewall included in the vial, and shows that the vial includes a plurality of closure retainers coupled to the annular sidewall and adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure is rotated clockwise relative to the vial, until one of the closure anchors engages the circumferential surface of the tilted latch to prevent the closure from rotating counterclockwise, until a downward thrust is applied to the movable release element;

[0066] Figure 58 yes Figure 55 Partial perspective and exploded view of the inner packaging show the closure removed from the vial. The downward arrows indicate that the closure will be lowered onto the vial in order to close and lock the closure onto the vial. Each closure anchor is located between two adjacent closure anchors.

[0067] Figure 59 It is a partial perspective view of the packaging with the closure lowered onto the vial, each of the closure anchors being placed between two adjacent closure retainers, and the dashed arrows indicating that the closure can be rotated clockwise to lock it onto the vial.

[0068] Figure 60 It is a partial perspective view of the closure in its fully installed position on the vial, wherein each of the closure anchors is positioned directly below the corresponding one of the plurality of closure retainers, and one of the closure anchors is prevented from rotating counterclockwise by a locking tongue.

[0069] Figure 61 It is the edge of the packaging Figure 58 Cross-sectional view taken at centerline 61-61;

[0070] Figure 62It is the edge of the packaging Figure 59 The cross-sectional view taken at centerline 62-62 shows that the closure also includes an annular plug that engages the radially inner surface of the defined opening of the vial and is configured to bend radially inward as the closure moves clockwise toward the fully installed position.

[0071] Figure 63 It is the edge of the packaging Figure 60 The cross-sectional view taken at centerline 63-63 shows the closure in the fully installed position on the vial;

[0072] Figure 64 It is a diagram of the top of the unfolded vial, showing in dashed lines each of the closure retainers and each of the closure anchors moving from the uninstalled position, in the uninstalled position each of the closure anchors deviates from each of the plurality of closure retainers in the circumferential direction, and in the fully installed position, wherein each of the plurality of closure anchors is located below a corresponding closure retainer among the plurality of closure retainers, and a circumferential rotation blocking surface of one of the closure anchors engaging the latch;

[0073] Figure 65 This is a top plan view of the vial, showing each of the multiple closure anchors, indicated by dashed lines, moving from its uninstalled position to its fully installed position;

[0074] Figure 66 yes Figure 63 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the inner packaging shows the closure in the fully installed position, with the user's thumb pointing towards the closure to release the element downwards;

[0075] Figure 67 yes Figure 66 The cross-sectional view of the packaging shown illustrates the user's thumb pushing down on the closure release element to disengage the latch from the closure anchor, thereby allowing the closure to rotate counterclockwise to remove it from the vial and access the contents of the vial.

[0076] Figure 68 This is a top view of the packaging, showing the closure in its fully installed position on the vial; and

[0077] Figure 69 yes Figure 68A top plan view of a portion of the inner packaging shows that each closure anchor includes a first circumferential surface extending along a first plane and a second circumferential surface extending along a second plane, the second plane being angled counterclockwise and configured to engage with a circumferential rotation-blocking surface of the latch to radially inwardly push the closure anchor toward the annular sidewall of the vial when the closure is rotated counterclockwise without disengaging the latch from the closure anchor, such that the closure anchor is held below the anchor movement block to prevent unintentional removal of the closure from the vial. Detailed Implementation

[0078] Child-proof packaging 10 includes a vial 12 or container and a closure 14 mounted on the vial 12 to cover the opening 15 leading to a product storage chamber 16 formed within the vial 12, as shown in the illustrative embodiments of Figures 1 and 2. Figures 1-18 show a first embodiment of child-proof packaging 10. Figures 19-36 show a second embodiment of child-proof packaging 210. Figure 37-54 A third embodiment of the child-proof packaging 310 is shown. Figures 55-69 A fourth embodiment of the child-proof packaging 410 is shown.

[0079] Vial 12 is adapted to receive closure 14 to seal the contents of vial 12. Product storage compartment 16 is adapted to contain products, such as medications, and is sealed when closure 14 is coupled to vial 12. Child-resistant packaging 10 also includes closure release control mechanism 18, configured to control the release of closure 14 from vial 12.

[0080] The vial 12 includes an annular sidewall 30, a base plate 32 coupled to the lower end of the sidewall 30, and a plurality of closure retainers 34 coupled to the outer surface of the upper end of the sidewall 30, as shown in FIG2. The sidewall 30 extends vertically along the axis 17 of the child-proof packaging 10. The sidewall 30 and the base plate 32 cooperate to define a product storage chamber 16 of the vial 12. The plurality of closure retainers 34 extend outward away from the axis 17 and are configured to cooperate with the closure 14 to hold the closure 14 in a fully installed position on the vial 12, as shown in FIG1. ​​The closure 14 is arranged to be coupled to the vial 12 after the closure 14 has been rotated about the axis of rotation 17, for example, as shown in FIG1. ​​The vial 12 does not include external threads, and the plurality of closure retainers 34 are used only when the child-proof packaging 10 is used to attach the closure 14 to the vial 12.

[0081] The closure 14 includes a circular top wall 36 and an annular sidewall 38 extending downward from the top wall 36. The top wall 36 and the sidewall 38 form an inner region 40 of the closure 14. Instead of threads on the sidewall 38 within the inner region 40, the closure 14 includes a plurality of closure anchors 22 coupled to the inner surface 23 of the sidewall 38 within the inner region 40. These plurality of closure anchors 22 are configured to engage the plurality of closure retainers 34 such that, after the closure 14 is rotated about a rotation axis 17, the closure 14 is retained on the vial 12, for example, as shown in FIG1.

[0082] The closure release control mechanism 18 includes a movable release element 20 coupled to the vial 12 and a latch 28 mounted on the vial 12 for biaxial pivoting about a first horizontal pivot axis 28H1 during installation of the closure 14 onto the vial 12 and about a second horizontal pivot axis 28H2 during removal of the closure 14 from the vial 12. The closure release control mechanism 18 also includes a plurality of radially inwardly extending closure anchors 22 coupled to the edge 26 of the closure 14, as shown in FIG2. Removal of the closure 14 from the vial 12 is prevented when the latch 28, included in the closure release control mechanism 18 and coupled to the movable release element 20, is positioned in the path of one of the plurality of closure anchors 22. Figure 16 As shown, when the consumer pushes the movable release element 20 downwards, the latch 28 moves out of the path of one of the plurality of closure anchors 22 on the closure 14 to allow counterclockwise rotation and removal of the closure 14 from the vial 12, as... Figure 16 As shown in the diagram, the vial 12 also includes an internal thread 110 corresponding to the external thread 112 on the outer surface of the sidewall 38 opposite to the inner region 40 of the closure 14, to allow the child-proof mode of the closure 14 to be coupled to the vial 12. To change the closure 14 to the child-proof mode, the closure 14 is removed from the vial 12, inverted, and the top wall 36 of the closure 14 is inserted through the opening 15 and coupled to the vial 12 via threads 110, 112. When the closure 14 is in the child-proof mode, the closure release control mechanism 18 is inactive to prevent the removal of the closure 14 from the vial 12.

[0083] The movable release element 20 includes a pair of support arms 24, 25 and an actuator pad 27, such as Figure 3As shown. The pair of support arms 24, 25 extend radially outward from the sidewall 30 of the vial 12 and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other about axis 17. Actuator pad 27 extends between and connects to the pair of support arms 24, 25. Locking tongue 28 is coupled to actuator pad 27, but in other embodiments it may be coupled to one of the support arms 24, 25. An operator can use actuator pad 27 to deform the pair of support arms 24, 25 and to pivot the locking tongue 28 together with actuator pad 27 downward about a second horizontal axis 28H2 away from the path of the plurality of closure anchors 22, so that the closure 14 can be removed from the vial 12. Actuator pad 27 also includes a plurality of ribs 21, such as Figure 12-14 As shown, it provides a gripping surface for the operator's thumb.

[0084] The closure release control mechanism 18 also includes one or more travel limiters 29, 31 and one or more accompanying travel limiter walls 33, 39, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown. In Figure 12 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the closure release control mechanism 18 includes a first travel limiter 29 and a second travel limiter 31. The first travel limiter is coupled to the actuator pad 27 of the movable release element 20 and extends radially inward from the actuator pad 27 of the movable release element 20. The second travel limiter 31 is coupled to the annular sidewall 30 of the vial 12 and extends radially outward from the annular sidewall 30 of the vial 12 relative to the axis 17. The first travel limiter 29 is integrally coupled to the latch 28, while the second travel limiter 31 is integrally coupled to the annular sidewall 30.

[0085] The first accompanying travel limiter wall 33 is coupled to the middle portion 30M of the annular sidewall 30 and extends radially outward from the middle portion 30M of the annular sidewall 30 relative to the axis 17, as shown below. Figure 14 As shown. The first accompanying stroke limiter wall 33 includes a contact surface 33S that is radially aligned with the upper portion 30U of the annular sidewall 30 and parallel to the lower portion 30L of the annular sidewall. The second accompanying stroke limiter wall 39 is coupled to the radially inward surface 27S of the actuator pad 27 and extends radially inward from the radially inward surface 27S of the actuator pad 27. The second accompanying stroke limiter wall 39 includes a contact surface 39S. Alternatively, the contact surfaces 33S and 39S of the accompanying stroke limiter walls 33 and 39 can be surfaces of the annular sidewall 30 or the actuator pad 27, respectively.

[0086] When the movable release element 20 is not deformed, the contact surface 33S is parallel to the contact surface 29S of the first travel limiter 29 and spaced apart by a first distance. Similarly, when the movable release element 20 is not deformed, the contact surface 39S is parallel to the contact surface 31S of the second travel limiter 31 and spaced apart by a second distance. The first distance is approximately equal to or equal to the second distance. The radial lengths of the travel limiters 29, 31 and the accompanying travel limiter walls 33, 39 can each be any radial length between the actuator pad 27 and the annular sidewall 30.

[0087] When the operator pushes the movable release element 20 downwards, the contact surface 29S of the first travel limiter 29 can engage the contact surface 33S of the first accompanying travel limiter wall 33. Similarly, the contact surface 39S of the second accompanying travel limiter wall 39 can engage the contact surface 31S of the second travel limiter 31. The engagement of the contact surfaces 29S, 31S, 33S, and 39S prevents the actuator pad 27 from deforming beyond its elastic limit. Therefore, the travel limiters 29, 31 and the accompanying travel limiter walls 33, 39 cooperate to reduce wear on the movable release element 20 and prevent breakage or permanent deformation of the pair of support arms 24, 25.

[0088] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the exemplary embodiment shown, a first travel limiter 29 is disposed at the circumferential midpoint of the actuator pad 27. A first accompanying travel limiter wall 33 is circumferentially aligned with the first travel limiter 29 relative to axis 17. A latch 28 is integrally coupled to the first travel limiter 29 and extends circumferentially from the first travel limiter toward the support arm 24. A second accompanying travel limiter wall 39 is coupled to the actuator pad 27 and is circumferentially positioned between the first travel limiter 29 and the support arm 25. A second travel limiter 31 is circumferentially aligned with the second accompanying travel limiter wall 39 relative to axis 17. In other embodiments, the first travel limiter 29 may be placed at any point along the radially inward surface 27S of the actuator pad 27, provided that it is circumferentially aligned with the first accompanying travel limiter wall 33 and / or the contact surface 33S. Similarly, in other embodiments, the second accompanying travel limiter wall 39 and / or the contact surface 39S may be placed at any point along the radially inward surface 27S, provided that it is circumferentially aligned with the second travel limiter 31.

[0089] Each of the plurality of closure retainers 34 includes a closure displacement ramp 42 and a closure retainer surface 44, such as Figure 3As shown. Each closure displacement ramp 42 is configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors as the closure 14 rotates toward the fully installed position along the closure installation direction. Each closure retainer surface 44 is configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors 22 in the installed position to prevent the closure 14 from being removed from the vial 12 along the axis of rotation 17.

[0090] Each of the plurality of closure retainers 34 is configured to pull the closure 14 toward the vial 12 as the closure 14 rotates in the closure mounting direction and at least some of the closure anchors 22 travel along the closure displacement ramp 42 of each closure anchor 34. The closure 14 also includes an annular stopper seal 46, which is arranged to extend downward away from the top wall 36 through the mouth 15 of the vial 12 and into the product storage chamber 16 in the mounted position. The annular stopper seal 46 is adapted to engage the inner surface of the sidewall 30 of the vial 12 to provide a liquid-gas seal between the closure 14 and the vial 12.

[0091] The annular stopper seal 46 can bias the closure 14 upwards away from the vial 12, such as... Figure 8 As shown. The radially outer surface of the annular stopper seal 46 has a first diameter 48. The radially inner surface of the sidewall 30 of the vial 12 at the mouth 15 has a second diameter 50. The second diameter 50 is smaller than the first diameter 48, such that the annular stopper seal 46 bends inward toward the axis 17 when the closure 14 is rotated onto the vial 12. The force provided by the annular stopper seal 46 on the vial 12 can cause the closure 14 to move away from the vial 12, so as to facilitate the removal of the closure 14 from the vial 12. The annular stopper seal 46 extends downward from the skirt 84 and the upper sidewall 80. The annular stopper seal 46 is radially spaced from the lower sidewall 82, and when the closure 14 is fully installed, the vial 12 is received between the annular stopper seal 46 and the lower sidewall 82.

[0092] Bottle 12 does not include external threads, and closure 14 does not include internal threads for coupling closure 14 to bottle 12 in a child-proof mode. Instead, bottle 12 includes circumferentially spaced closure retainers 34, and closure 14 includes circumferentially spaced closure anchors 22. These plurality of closure anchors 22 retain the function of the threads while also cooperating with closure release control mechanism 18 to prevent removal of closure 14 from bottle 12 when closure 14 is in the fully installed position. Thus, threads are omitted from the inner surface of closure 14 and the outer surface of bottle 12 while retaining the function of the threads.

[0093] The closure displacement ramp 42 transitions directly to the closure retainer surface 44, such that the lower end of the closure displacement ramp surface 42 and at least a portion of the closure retainer surface 44 are located at the same height from the mouth 15 of the vial 12. In the fully installed position, the upper surface of the sidewall 30 of the vial 12 and each of the closure retainers 34 engage the closure 14 to prevent vertical movement of the closure 14 downward toward the vial 12. In this way, the operator can remove the closure 14 from the vial 12 simply by rotating the closure 14 counterclockwise after the latch 28 has disengaged from the closure anchor 22.

[0094] At least one of the plurality of closure retainers 34 also includes an anti-rotation stop 52, which extends downward from the closure retainer surface 44 at a circumferential end opposite the closure displacement ramp 42. The anti-rotation stop 52 is configured to engage one of the closure anchors 22 in the installation position to prevent further rotation of the closure 14 along the closure installation direction. In the illustrative embodiment, only three of the four closure retainers 34 include anti-rotation stops 52; however, any suitable number of anti-rotation stops 52 can be used.

[0095] In an illustrative embodiment, vial 12 also includes a retainer movement stop 60 coupled to the sidewall 30 of vial 12. The retainer movement stop 60 is positioned above the closure release control mechanism 18. The retainer movement stop 60 is also circumferentially aligned with one of the closure anchors 22 that engages with the latch 28 when the closure 14 is in the fully installed position. The retainer movement stop 60 is configured to prevent vertical movement of the closure anchor 22 relative to the latch 28 to avoid unintentionally removing the closure 14 from vial 12.

[0096] The retainer movement blocker 60 is similar to the closure retainer 34. The circumferential length of the retainer movement blocker 60 is smaller than the circumferential length of each of the plurality of closure retainers 34. The radial thickness of the retainer movement blocker 60 is also approximately equal to the radial thickness of each of the plurality of closure retainers 34. In some embodiments, the retainer movement blocker 60 may be identical to one or all of the closure retainers 34. In yet another embodiment, the retainer movement blocker 60 may be omitted.

[0097] Each of the closure retainer 34 and the retainer movement blocker 60 is partially spaced from the sidewall 30 of the vial 12, such that a hollow space 54 is formed between the outer surface 56 of each closure retainer 34 and the sidewall 30. Providing a hollow space 54 between each closure retainer 34 and the sidewall 30 reduces the amount of material required to form the vial 12, thereby reducing the cost of the vial 12 and the packaging 10. Each closure retainer 34 may include a support rib 58 that extends outward from the sidewall toward the outer surface of the corresponding closure retainer through the hollow space 54.

[0098] When the closure 14 is attached to the vial 12, the latch 28 is configured to move independently of the movable release element 20 about a first horizontal pivot axis 28H1, as shown in FIG2. The latch 28 is also configured to move together with the movable release element 20 and about a second horizontal pivot axis 28H2 relative to the annular sidewall 30 to allow the closure 14 to be removed from the vial 12, as shown in FIG2. Figure 16 As shown.

[0099] The latch 28 is configured to engage one of the closure anchors 22 included in the closure 14 to prevent removal of the closure 14 from the vial 12 until a downwardly directed thrust is applied to the movable release element 20. Rotation of the closure 14 in a clockwise closure mounting direction causes one of the closure anchors 22 to engage the latch 28, thereby deflecting the latch 28 and moving it about a horizontal pivot axis 28H1 in a downward direction 35. The downward movement of the latch 28 about the horizontal pivot axis 28H1 via the closure anchor 22 does not cause movement of the movable release element 20 relative to the annular sidewall 38. A downward thrust applied by the consumer to the movable release element 20 causes the latch 28 to move or pivot below the closure anchor 22 about a second horizontal pivot axis 28H2 to allow removal of the closure 14 from the vial 12.

[0100] The latch 28 includes an inclined upper surface 70 and a rotation-blocking surface 72. The inclined upper surface 70 is configured to engage with one of the closure anchors 22 of the closure 14 during rotation of the closure 14 on the vial 12 in a clockwise closure mounting direction 37, so that the latch 28 pivots downward in direction 35 about a horizontal pivot axis 28H1 to allow the closure anchor 22 to move past the latch 28 during installation of the closure 14 onto the vial 12.

[0101] During the installation of the closure 14 onto the vial 12 in the clockwise closure installation direction 37, the closure anchor 22 moves toward the inclined upper surface 70 of the latch 28. The continuous rotation of the closure 14 in the clockwise closure installation direction 37 causes the closure anchor 22 to engage the inclined upper surface 70 of the latch 28, and causes the latch 28 to move in the downward direction 35 about the horizontal pivot axis 28H1, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 9 As shown. The continuous rotation of the closure 14 causes the closure anchor 22 to move past the latch 28, resulting in the latch 28 rapidly returning to its original position, partly due to its elasticity. With the latch 28 in its original position, the path of the closure anchor 22 is blocked, and the closure 14 cannot be removed from the vial 12.

[0102] The sidewall 38 of the closure 14 includes an upper sidewall 80, a lower sidewall 82, and a skirt 84 that connects the upper sidewall 80 and the lower sidewall 82 to each other, such as Figure 7 As shown. The external thread 112 of the closure 14 is coupled to the outer surface of the upper sidewall 80. Each of the closure anchors 22 is coupled to the inner surface of the lower sidewall 82. Annular plug seals 46 extend downward from the skirt 84 and are radially spaced inward from the lower sidewall 82. The lower sidewall 82 is formed to include a plurality of openings 86 that pass through the lower sidewall 82 and are circumferentially aligned with each closure anchor. The closure 14 can be formed in a thermoforming process using material removed from the portion of the lower sidewall 82 defining each opening 86 to form each closure anchor 22.

[0103] Each closure anchor 22 is typically formed as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 18 The cubic shape shown is acceptable, although other suitable shapes or structures may be used in other embodiments. Each closure anchor 22 is shaped to engage with the latch 28 to prevent unintentional unlocking of the closure 14. Each closure anchor 22 includes a clockwise side or first circumferential side 90 and a counterclockwise side or second circumferential side 92. The first circumferential side 90 is arranged radially outward from the first circumferential side 90 of each closure anchor 22 at a right angle to a tangent point 91 on the sidewall 38. The second circumferential side 92 is arranged radially outward from the second circumferential side 92 of each closure anchor 22 at an acute angle to a tangent point 93 on the sidewall 38. In this way, the second circumferential side 92 is arranged to extend counterclockwise along the plane 94.

[0104] The rotating blocking surface 72 of the latch 28 is similarly arranged to extend along a plane 95 generally parallel to plane 94 when the second circumferential side 92 directly contacts the rotating blocking surface 72. Rotation of the closure 14 in a counterclockwise direction without removing the latch 28 from the path of the closure anchor 22 will cause the closure anchor to deflect radially inward toward the side wall 30 of the vial 12. Because the closure anchor 22 is deflected by the rotating blocking surface 72, the closure anchor 22 is held below the retainer movement stop 60.

[0105] When manufacturing the package 10 and / or the vial 12, the arrangement of the vial 12 with the closure retainer 34, as illustrated and described, minimizes tooling complexity. The closure retainer 34 provides a downward sealing force when clockwise rotation is applied to the closure 14. However, the closure retainer 34 may be easier to form than a thread extending annularly around the vial. Tools and / or molds used to manufacture threaded vials may require several actions, movements, or splits within the mold to create the vial. For example, such tools may employ rotational actions or additional splits. This complicates the tooling and increases manufacturing costs. The vial 12 of this disclosure can be formed from a two-piece cavity and core tooling and / or mold for manufacturing. This minimizes tooling complexity and reduces manufacturing costs while providing the closure retainer 34 to hold the closure 14 onto the vial 12.

[0106] The child-proof packaging 210 according to a second embodiment of the invention includes a vial 212 or container and a closure 214 mounted on the vial 212 to cover an opening 215 leading to a product storage chamber 216 formed in the vial 212, as shown in the illustrative embodiments of Figures 19 and 20. The vial 212 is adapted to receive the closure 214 to seal the contents of the vial 212. The product storage chamber 216 is adapted to contain a product, such as a medicine, and is sealed when the closure 214 is coupled to the vial 212. The child-proof packaging 210 also includes a closure release control mechanism 218 configured to control the release of the closure 214 from the vial 212.

[0107] Bottle 212 includes an annular sidewall 230, a base plate 232 coupled to the lower end of the sidewall 230, and a plurality of closure retainers 234 coupled to the outer surface of the upper end of the sidewall 230, as shown in FIG20. The sidewall 230 extends vertically along an axis 217 of a child-proof packaging 210. The sidewall 230 and the base plate 232 cooperate to define a product storage chamber 216 of bottle 212. The plurality of closure retainers 234 extend outward away from axis 217 and are configured to cooperate with closure 214 to hold closure 214 in a fully mounted position on bottle 212, as shown in FIG19. Closure 214 is arranged to be coupled to bottle 212 after closure 214 has been rotated about axis of rotation 217, for example, as shown in FIG19. Bottle 212 does not include external threads, and when package 210 is used in a child-proof mode, only the multiple closure retainers 234 are used to attach the closure 214 to bottle 212.

[0108] The closure 214 includes a circular top wall 236 and an annular sidewall 238 extending downward from the top wall 236. The top wall 236 and the sidewall 238 form an inner region 240 of the closure 214. Instead of threads on the sidewall 238 within the inner region 240, the closure 214 includes a plurality of closure anchors 222 coupled to the inner surface 223 of the sidewall 238 within the inner region 240. These plurality of closure anchors 222 are configured to engage the plurality of closure retainers 234 such that, after the closure 214 is rotated about a rotation axis 217, the closure 214 is held on the vial 212, for example, as shown in FIG19.

[0109] The closure release control mechanism 218 includes a movable release element 220 coupled to a vial 212 and a latch 228 mounted on the vial 212 for biaxial pivoting about a first horizontal pivot axis 228H1 during installation of the closure 214 onto the vial 212 and about a second horizontal pivot axis 228H2 during removal of the closure 214 from the vial 212. The closure release control mechanism 218 also includes a plurality of radially inwardly extending closure anchors 222 coupled to the edge 226 of the closure 214, as shown in FIG20. Removal of the closure 214 from the vial 212 is prevented when the latch 228, included in the closure release control mechanism 218 and coupled to the movable release element 220, is positioned in the path of one of the plurality of closure anchors 222. Figure 34 As shown, when the consumer pushes the movable release element 220 downwards, the latch 228 moves out of the path of one of the plurality of closure anchors 222 on the closure 214 to allow counterclockwise rotation and removal of the closure 214 from the vial 212, as... Figure 34As shown in the diagram, vial 212 also includes an internal thread 2110 corresponding to the external thread 2112 on the outer surface of the sidewall 238 opposite to the inner region 240 of the closure 214, to allow the child-proof mode of the closure 214 to be coupled to vial 212. To change the closure 214 to the child-proof mode, the closure 214 is removed from vial 212, inverted, and the top wall 236 of the closure 214 is inserted through opening 215 and coupled to vial 212 via threads 2110, 2112. When the closure 214 is in the child-proof mode, the closure release control mechanism 218 is inactive to prevent removal of the closure 214 from vial 212.

[0110] The movable release element 220 includes a pair of support arms 224, 225 and an actuator pad 227, such as Figure 21 As shown. The pair of support arms 224, 225 extend radially outward from the sidewall 230 of the vial 212 and are circumferentially spaced from each other about axis 217. Actuator pad 227 extends between and connects to the pair of support arms 224, 225. Locking tongue 228 is coupled to actuator pad 227, but in other embodiments it may be coupled to one of the support arms 224, 225. An operator can use actuator pad 227 to deform the pair of support arms 224, 225 and to pivot the locking tongue 228 together with actuator pad 227 downward about a second horizontal axis 228H2 away from the path of the plurality of closure anchors 222, so that closure 214 can be removed from vial 212. Actuator pad 227 also includes a plurality of ribs 221, such as Figure 30-32 As shown, it provides a gripping surface for the operator's thumb.

[0111] The closure release control mechanism 218 also includes a travel limiter 229 and an accompanying travel limiter wall 233, such as Figure 30 and Figure 31 As shown. In Figure 30 In the illustrated embodiment, the travel limiter 229 is coupled to and extends radially inward from the actuator pad 227 of the movable release element 220. The travel limiter 229 is integrally coupled to the latch 228.

[0112] The travel limiter wall 233 is coupled to the middle portion 230M of the annular sidewall 230 and extends radially outward from the middle portion 230M of the annular sidewall 230 relative to the axis 217, as shown below. Figure 32As shown. The accompanying stroke limiter wall 233 includes a contact surface 233S that is radially aligned with the upper portion 230U of the annular sidewall 230 and parallel to the lower portion 230L of the annular sidewall. Alternatively, the contact surface 233S of the accompanying stroke limiter wall 233 can be a surface of the annular sidewall 230. When the movable release element 220 is not deformed, the contact surface 233S is parallel to the contact surface 229S of the first stroke limiter 229. The radial lengths of the stroke limiter 229 and the accompanying stroke limiter wall 233 can each be any radial length between the actuator pad 227 and the annular sidewall 230.

[0113] When the operator pushes the movable release element 220 downward, the contact surface 229S of the travel limiter 229 engages with the contact surface 233S of the accompanying travel limiter wall 233. This engagement of contact surfaces 229S and 233S prevents the latch 228 and actuator pad 227 from further pivoting and deforming about the second horizontal axis 228H2 beyond the elastic limit of the actuator pad 227. The travel limiter 229 and the accompanying travel limiter wall 233 cooperate to reduce wear on the movable release element 220 and prevent breakage or permanent deformation of the pair of support arms 224, 225.

[0114] exist Figure 30 and Figure 31 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the travel limiter 229 is disposed at the circumferential midpoint of the actuator pad 227. The accompanying travel limiter wall 233 is circumferentially aligned with the travel limiter 229 relative to the axis 217. The latch 228 is integrally coupled to the travel limiter 229 and extends circumferentially from the travel limiter 229 toward the support arm 224. In other embodiments, the travel limiter 229 may be placed at any point along the radially inward surface 227S of the actuator pad 227, provided it is circumferentially aligned with the accompanying travel limiter wall 233 and / or the contact surface 233S.

[0115] Each of the plurality of closure retainers 234 includes a closure displacement ramp 242 and a closure retainer surface 244, such as Figure 21 As shown. Each closure displacement ramp 242 is configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure 214 rotates along the closure mounting direction toward the fully installed position. Each closure retainer surface 244 is configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors 222 in the installed position to prevent the closure 214 from being removed from the vial 212 along the axis of rotation 217.

[0116] Each of the plurality of closure retainers 234 is configured to pull the closure 214 toward the vial 212 as the closure 214 rotates in the closure mounting direction and at least some of the closure anchors 222 travel along the closure displacement ramp 242 of each closure anchor 234. The closure 214 also includes an annular stopper seal 246, which is arranged to extend downward away from the top wall 236 through the opening 215 of the vial 212 and into the product storage chamber 216 in the mounted position. The annular stopper seal 246 is adapted to engage the inner surface of the sidewall 230 of the vial 212 to provide a liquid-gas seal between the closure 214 and the vial 212.

[0117] The annular stopper seal 246 can bias the closure 214 upwards away from the vial 212, such as... Figure 26 As shown. The radially outer surface of the annular stopper seal 246 has a first diameter 248. The radially inner surface of the sidewall 230 of the vial 212 at the mouth 215 has a second diameter 250. The second diameter 250 is smaller than the first diameter 248, such that the annular stopper seal 246 bends inward toward the axis 217 when the closure 214 is rotated onto the vial 212. The force provided by the annular stopper seal 246 on the vial 212 can cause the closure 214 to move away from the vial 212, so as to facilitate the removal of the closure 214 from the vial 212. The annular stopper seal 246 extends downward from the skirt 284 and the upper sidewall 280. The annular stopper seal 246 is radially spaced from the lower sidewall 282, and when the closure 214 is fully installed, the vial 212 is received between the annular stopper seal 246 and the lower sidewall 282.

[0118] Bottle 212 does not include external threads, and closure 214 does not include internal threads for coupling closure 214 to bottle 212 in a child-proof mode. Instead, bottle 212 includes circumferentially spaced closure retainers 234, and closure 214 includes circumferentially spaced closure anchors 222. These plurality of closure anchors 222 retain the function of the threads while also cooperating with closure release control mechanism 218 to prevent removal of closure 214 from bottle 212 when closure 214 is in the fully installed position. Thus, threads are omitted from the inner surface of closure 214 and the outer surface of bottle 212 while retaining the function of the threads.

[0119] The closure displacement ramp 242 transitions directly to the closure retainer surface 244, such that the lower end of the closure displacement ramp surface 242 and at least a portion of the closure retainer surface 244 are located at the same height from the mouth 215 of the vial 212. In the fully installed position, the upper surface of the sidewall 230 of the vial 212 and each engaging closure 214 in the closure retainer 234 prevent vertical movement of the closure 214 downward toward the vial 212. In this way, the operator can remove the closure 214 from the vial 212 simply by rotating the closure 214 counterclockwise after the latch 228 has disengaged from the closure anchor 222.

[0120] At least one of the plurality of closure retainers 234 also includes an anti-rotation stop 252, which extends downward from the closure retainer surface 244 at a circumferential end opposite the closure displacement ramp 242. The anti-rotation stop 252 is configured to engage one of the closure anchors 222 in the installation position to prevent further rotation of the closure 214 along the closure installation direction. In the illustrative embodiment, only three of the four closure retainers 234 include the anti-rotation stop 252; however, any suitable number of anti-rotation stops 252 may be used.

[0121] In an illustrative embodiment, vial 212 also includes a retainer movement stop 260 coupled to the sidewall 230 of vial 212. The retainer movement stop 260 is positioned above the closure release control mechanism 218. The retainer movement stop 260 is also circumferentially aligned with one of the closure anchors 222 that engages with the latch 228 when the closure 214 is in the fully installed position. The retainer movement stop 260 is configured to prevent vertical movement of the closure anchor 222 relative to the latch 228 to avoid unintentionally removing the closure 214 from vial 212.

[0122] The retainer movement block 260 is similar to the closure retainer 234. The circumferential length of the retainer movement block 260 is less than the circumferential length of each of the plurality of closure retainers 234. The radial thickness of the retainer movement block 260 is also approximately equal to the radial thickness of each of the plurality of closure retainers 234. In some embodiments, the retainer movement block 260 may be identical to one or all of the closure retainers 234. In yet another embodiment, the retainer movement block 260 may be omitted.

[0123] Each of the closure retainer 234 and the retainer movement blocker 260 is spaced apart from the sidewall 230 of the vial 212, such that a hollow space 254 is formed between the outer surface 256 of each closure retainer 234 and the sidewall 230. Providing a hollow space 254 between each closure retainer 234 and the sidewall 230 reduces the amount of material required to form the vial 212, thereby reducing the cost of the vial 212 and the packaging 210. Each closure retainer 234 may include a support rib 258 that extends outward from the sidewall toward the outer surface of the corresponding closure retainer through the hollow space 254.

[0124] When the closure 214 is attached to the vial 212, the latch 228 is configured to move independently of the movable release element 220 about a first horizontal pivot axis 228H1, as shown in FIG20. The latch 228 is also configured to move together with the movable release element 220 and about a second horizontal pivot axis 228H2 relative to the annular sidewall 230 to allow the closure 214 to be removed from the vial 212, as shown in FIG20. Figure 34 As shown.

[0125] The latch 228 is configured to engage one of the closure anchors 222 included in the closure 214 to prevent removal of the closure 214 from the vial 212 until a downwardly directed thrust is applied to the movable release element 220. Rotation of the closure 214 in a clockwise closure mounting direction causes one of the closure anchors 222 to engage the latch 228, thereby deflecting the latch 228 and moving it about a horizontal pivot axis 228H1 in a downward direction 235. This downward movement of the latch 228 about the horizontal pivot axis 228H1 via the closure anchors 222 does not cause movement of the movable release element 220 relative to the annular sidewall 238. A downward thrust applied by the consumer to the movable release element 220 causes the latch 228 to move or pivot below the closure anchors 222 about a second horizontal pivot axis 228H2 to allow removal of the closure 214 from the vial 212.

[0126] The latch 228 includes an inclined upper surface 270 and a rotation-stopping surface 272. The inclined upper surface 270 is configured to engage with one of the closure anchors 222 of the closure 214 during rotation of the closure 214 on the vial 212 in a clockwise closure mounting direction 37, so that the latch 228 pivots downward in direction 235 about a horizontal pivot axis 228H1 to allow the closure anchor 222 to move past the latch 228 during installation of the closure 214 onto the vial 212.

[0127] During the installation of the closure 214 onto the vial 212 in a clockwise closure installation direction 37, the closure anchor 222 moves toward the inclined upper surface 270 of the latch 228. The continuous rotation of the closure 214 in the clockwise closure installation direction 237 causes the closure anchor 222 to engage the inclined upper surface 270 of the latch 228, and causes the latch 228 to move in a downward direction 235 about a horizontal pivot axis 228H1, as shown in Figures 23 and 24. Figure 27 As shown. The continuous rotation of the closure 214 causes the closure anchor 222 to move past the latch 228, resulting in the latch 228 rapidly returning to its original position, partly due to the elasticity of the latch 228. With the latch 228 in its original position, the path of the closure anchor 222 is blocked, and the closure 214 cannot be removed from the vial 212.

[0128] The sidewall 238 of the closure 214 includes an upper sidewall 280, a lower sidewall 282, and a skirt 284 that connects the upper sidewall 280 and the lower sidewall 282 to each other, such as Figure 25 As shown. The external thread 2112 of the closure 214 is coupled to the outer surface of the upper sidewall 280. Each of the closure anchors 222 is coupled to the inner surface of the lower sidewall 282. Annular plug seals 246 extend downward from the skirt 284 and are radially spaced inward from the lower sidewall 282. The lower sidewall 282 is formed to include a plurality of openings 286 that pass through the lower sidewall 282 and are circumferentially aligned with each closure anchor. The closure 214 can be formed in a thermoforming process using material removed from portions of the lower sidewall 282 that define each opening 286 to form each closure anchor 222.

[0129] Each closure anchor 222 is typically formed as shown in Figure 20 and Figure 36 The cubic shape shown may be used in other suitable shapes or structures, although other suitable shapes or structures may be used in other embodiments. Each closure anchor 222 is shaped to engage with the latch 228 to prevent unintentional unlocking of the closure 214. Each closure anchor 222 includes a clockwise side or first circumferential side 290 and a counterclockwise side or second circumferential side 292. The first circumferential side 290 is arranged radially outward from the first circumferential side 290 of each closure anchor 222 at a right angle to a tangent point 291 on the sidewall 238. The second circumferential side 292 is arranged radially outward from the second circumferential side 292 of each closure anchor 222 at an acute angle to a tangent point 293 on the sidewall 238. In this way, the second circumferential side 292 is arranged to extend counterclockwise along the plane 294.

[0130] The rotation-blocking surface 272 of the latch 228 is similarly arranged to extend along a plane 295 generally parallel to plane 294 when the second circumferential side 292 directly contacts the rotation-blocking surface 272. Rotation of the closure 214 counterclockwise without removing the latch 228 from the path of the closure anchor 222 will cause the closure anchor to deflect radially inward toward the side wall 230 of the vial 212. Because the closure anchor 222 is deflected by the rotation-blocking surface 272, the closure anchor 222 is held below the retainer movement stop 260.

[0131] When manufacturing the package 210 and / or vial 212, the arrangement of the vial 212 with the closure retainer 234, as illustrated and described, minimizes tooling complexity. The closure retainer 234 provides a downward sealing force when clockwise rotation is applied to the closure 214. However, the closure retainer 234 may be easier to form than a thread extending annularly around the vial. Tools and / or molds used to manufacture threaded vials may require several actions, movements, or splits within the mold to create the vial. For example, such tools may employ rotational actions or additional splits. This complicates the tooling and increases manufacturing costs. The vial 212 of this disclosure can be formed from a two-piece cavity and core tooling and / or mold for manufacturing. This minimizes tooling complexity and reduces manufacturing costs while providing the closure retainer 234 to hold the closure 214 onto the vial 212.

[0132] The child-proof packaging 310 according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a vial 312 or container and a closure 314 mounted on the vial 312 to cover the opening 315 leading to a product storage chamber 316 formed in the vial 312, such as... Figure 37 and Figure 38 As shown in the illustrative embodiment, vial 312 is adapted to receive closure 314 to seal the contents of vial 312. Product storage compartment 316 is adapted to contain a product, such as a medication, and is sealed when closure 314 is coupled to vial 312. Child-resistant packaging 310 also includes closure release control mechanism 318, configured to control the release of closure 314 from vial 312.

[0133] The vial 312 includes an annular sidewall 330, a base plate 332 coupled to the lower end of the sidewall 330, and a plurality of closure retainers 334 coupled to the outer surface of the upper end of the sidewall 330, such as Figure 38As shown in the diagram, sidewall 330 extends vertically along axis 317 of child-proof packaging 310. Sidewall 330 and base plate 332 cooperate to define product storage compartment 316 of vial 312. A plurality of closure retainers 334 extend outward away from axis 317 and are configured to cooperate with closure 314 to hold closure 314 in a fully installed position on vial 312, as shown. Figure 37 As shown. The closure 314 is arranged to be coupled to the vial 312 after the closure 314 has rotated about the axis of rotation 317, for example, as Figure 37 As shown. Bottle 312 does not include external threads, and when package 310 is used in a child-proof mode, only the multiple closure retainers 334 are used to attach the closure 314 to bottle 312.

[0134] The closure 314 includes a circular top wall 336 and an annular sidewall 338 hanging downward from the top wall 336. The top wall 336 and the sidewall 338 form an inner region 340 of the closure 314. Instead of threads on the sidewall 338 within the inner region 340, the closure 314 includes a plurality of closure anchors 322 coupled to the inner surface 323 of the sidewall 338 within the inner region 340. These plurality of closure anchors 322 are configured to engage the plurality of closure retainers 334 such that, after the closure 314 is rotated about a rotation axis 317, the closure 314 is retained on the vial 312, for example, as... Figure 37 As shown.

[0135] The closure release control mechanism 318 includes a movable release element 320 coupled to a vial 312 and a latch 328 mounted on the vial 312 for biaxial pivoting about a first horizontal pivot axis 328H1 during installation of the closure 314 onto the vial 312 and about a second horizontal pivot axis 328H2 during removal of the closure 314 from the vial 312. The closure release control mechanism 318 also includes a plurality of radially inwardly extending closure anchors 322 coupled to the edge 326 of the closure 314, such as... Figure 38 As shown. When the latch 328, included in the closure release control mechanism 318 and coupled to the movable release element 320, is positioned in the path of one of the plurality of closure anchors 322, removal of the closure 314 from the vial 312 is prevented. Figure 52 As shown, when the consumer pushes the movable release element 320 downwards, the latch 328 moves out of the path of one of the plurality of closure anchors 322 on the closure 314 to allow counterclockwise rotation and removal of the closure 314 from the vial 312, as... Figure 52As shown in the diagram, vial 312 also includes an internal thread 3110 corresponding to the external thread 3112 on the outer surface of the sidewall 338 opposite to the inner region 340 of the closure 314, to allow the child-proof mode of the closure 314 to be coupled to vial 312. To change the closure 314 to the child-proof mode, the closure 314 is removed from vial 312, inverted, and the top wall 336 of the closure 314 is inserted through opening 315 and coupled to vial 312 via threads 3110, 3112. When the closure 314 is in the child-proof mode, the closure release control mechanism 318 is inactive to prevent removal of the closure 314 from vial 312.

[0136] The movable release element 320 includes a pair of support arms 324, 325 and an actuator pad 327, such as Figure 39 As shown. The pair of support arms 324, 325 extend radially outward from the sidewall 330 of the vial 312 and are circumferentially spaced apart from each other about axis 317. Actuator pad 327 extends between and connects to the pair of support arms 324, 325. Locking tongue 328 is coupled to actuator pad 327, but in other embodiments it may be coupled to one of the support arms 324, 325. An operator can use actuator pad 327 to deform the pair of support arms 324, 325 and to pivot the locking tongue 328 together with actuator pad 327 downward about a second horizontal axis 328H2 away from the path of the plurality of closure anchors 322, so that closure 314 can be removed from vial 312. Actuator pad 327 also includes a plurality of ribs 321, such as Figures 48-50 As shown, it provides a gripping surface for the operator's thumb.

[0137] The closure release control mechanism 318 also includes a travel limiter 331 and an accompanying travel limiter wall 339, such as Figure 48 and Figure 49 As shown. In Figure 48 In the illustrative embodiment shown, the travel limiter 331 is coupled to the annular sidewall 330 of the vial 312 and extends radially outward from the annular sidewall 330 of the vial 312 relative to the axis 317. The travel limiter 331 is integrally coupled to the annular sidewall 330.

[0138] The accompanying stroke limiter wall 339 is coupled to and extends radially inward from the radially inward surface 327S of the actuator pad 327. The accompanying stroke limiter wall 339 includes a contact surface 339S. Alternatively, the contact surface 339S of the accompanying stroke limiter wall 339 can be a surface of the actuator pad 327. When the movable release element 320 is not deformed, the contact surface 339S is parallel to the contact surface 331S of the stroke limiter 331. The radial lengths of the stroke limiter 331 and the accompanying stroke limiter wall 339 can each be any radial length between the actuator pad 327 and the annular sidewall 330.

[0139] When the operator pushes the movable release element 320 downward, the contact surface 339S of the accompanying travel limiter wall 339 engages with the contact surface 331S of the travel limiter 331. The engagement of contact surfaces 331S and 339S prevents the latch 328 and actuator pad 327 from further pivoting about the second horizontal axis 328H2. The travel limiter 331 and the accompanying travel limiter wall 339 cooperate to reduce wear on the movable release element 320 and prevent breakage or permanent deformation of the pair of support arms 324, 325.

[0140] exist Figure 48 and Figure 49 In the illustrated embodiment, the accompanying travel limiter wall 339 is coupled to the actuator pad 327 and is circumferentially positioned between the latch 328 and the support arm 325. The travel limiter 331 is circumferentially aligned with the accompanying travel limiter wall 339 relative to the axis 317. In other embodiments, the accompanying travel limiter wall 339 and / or the contact surface 339S can be positioned at any point along the radially inward surface 327S, provided that it is circumferentially aligned with the travel limiter 331.

[0141] Each of the plurality of closure retainers 334 includes a closure displacement ramp 342 and a closure retainer surface 344, such as Figure 39 As shown. Each closure displacement ramp 342 is configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure 314 rotates along the closure mounting direction toward the fully installed position. Each closure retainer surface 344 is configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors 322 in the installed position to prevent the closure 314 from being removed from the vial 312 along the axis of rotation 317.

[0142] Each of the plurality of closure retainers 334 is configured to pull the closure 314 toward the vial 312 as the closure 314 rotates in the closure mounting direction and at least some of the closure anchors 322 travel along the closure displacement ramp 342 of each closure anchor 334. The closure 314 also includes an annular stopper seal 346, which is arranged to extend downward away from the top wall 336 through the opening 315 of the vial 312 and into the product storage chamber 316 in the mounted position. The annular stopper seal 346 is adapted to engage the inner surface of the sidewall 330 of the vial 312 to provide a liquid-gas seal between the closure 314 and the vial 312.

[0143] The annular stopper seal 346 can bias the closure 314 upwards away from the vial 312, such as... Figure 44 As shown. The radially outer surface of the annular stopper seal 346 has a first diameter 348. The radially inner surface of the sidewall 330 of the vial 312 at the mouth 315 has a second diameter 350. The second diameter 350 is smaller than the first diameter 348, such that the annular stopper seal 346 bends inward toward the axis 317 when the closure 314 is rotated onto the vial 312. The force provided by the annular stopper seal 346 on the vial 312 can cause the closure 314 to move away from the vial 312, so as to facilitate the removal of the closure 314 from the vial 312. The annular stopper seal 346 extends downward from the skirt 384 and the upper sidewall 380. The annular stopper seal 346 is radially spaced from the lower sidewall 382, ​​and when the closure 314 is fully installed, the vial 312 is received between the annular stopper seal 346 and the lower sidewall 382.

[0144] Bottle 312 does not include external threads, and closure 314 does not include internal threads for coupling closure 314 to bottle 312 in a child-proof mode. Instead, bottle 312 includes circumferentially spaced closure retainers 334, and closure 314 includes circumferentially spaced closure anchors 322. These plurality of closure anchors 322 retain the function of the threads while also cooperating with closure release control mechanism 318 to prevent removal of closure 314 from bottle 312 when closure 314 is in the fully installed position. Thus, threads are omitted from the inner surface of closure 314 and the outer surface of bottle 312 while retaining the function of the threads.

[0145] The closure displacement ramp 342 transitions directly to the closure retainer surface 344, such that the lower end of the closure displacement ramp surface 342 and at least a portion of the closure retainer surface 344 are located at the same height from the mouth 315 of the vial 312. In the fully installed position, the upper surface of the sidewall 330 of the vial 312 and each engaging closure 314 in the closure retainer 334 prevent vertical movement of the closure 314 downward toward the vial 312. In this way, the operator can remove the closure 314 from the vial 312 simply by rotating the closure 314 counterclockwise after the latch 328 has disengaged from the closure anchor 322.

[0146] At least one of the plurality of closure retainers 334 also includes an anti-rotation stop 352, which extends downward from the closure retainer surface 344 at a circumferential end opposite the closure displacement ramp 342. The anti-rotation stop 352 is configured to engage one of the closure anchors 322 in the installation position to prevent further rotation of the closure 314 along the closure installation direction. In the illustrative embodiment, only three of the four closure retainers 334 include anti-rotation stops 352; however, any suitable number of anti-rotation stops 352 may be used.

[0147] In an illustrative embodiment, vial 312 also includes a retainer movement stop 360 coupled to the sidewall 330 of vial 312. The retainer movement stop 360 is positioned above the closure release control mechanism 318. The retainer movement stop 360 is also circumferentially aligned with one of the closure anchors 322 that engages with the latch 328 when the closure 314 is in the fully installed position. The retainer movement stop 360 is configured to prevent vertical movement of the closure anchor 322 relative to the latch 328 to avoid unintentionally removing the closure 314 from vial 312.

[0148] The retainer movement blocker 360 is similar to the closure retainer 334. The circumferential length of the retainer movement blocker 360 is smaller than the circumferential length of each of the plurality of closure retainers 334. The radial thickness of the retainer movement blocker 360 is also approximately equal to the radial thickness of each of the plurality of closure retainers 334. In some embodiments, the retainer movement blocker 360 may be identical to one or all of the closure retainers 334. In yet another embodiment, the retainer movement blocker 360 may be omitted.

[0149] Each of the closure retainer 334 and the retainer movement blocker 360 is spaced apart from the sidewall 330 of the vial 312, such that a hollow space 354 is formed between the outer surface 356 of each closure retainer 334 and the sidewall 330. Providing a hollow space 54 between each closure retainer 34 and the sidewall 330 reduces the amount of material required to form the vial 312, thereby reducing the cost of the vial 312 and the packaging 310. Each closure retainer 334 may include a support rib 358 extending outward from the sidewall toward the outer surface of the corresponding closure retainer through the hollow space 354.

[0150] When the closure 314 is attached to the vial 312, the latch 328 is configured to move independently of the movable release element 320 about the first horizontal pivot axis 328H1, as... Figure 38 As shown. The latch 328 is also configured to move together with the movable release element 320 and about a second horizontal pivot axis 328H2 relative to the annular sidewall 330 to allow the closure 314 to be removed from the vial 312, as shown. Figure 52 As shown.

[0151] The latch 328 is configured to engage one of the closure anchors 322 included in the closure 314 to prevent removal of the closure 314 from the vial 312 until a downwardly directed thrust is applied to the movable release element 320. Rotation of the closure 314 in a clockwise closure mounting direction causes one of the closure anchors 322 to engage the latch 328, thereby deflecting the latch 328 and moving it about a horizontal pivot axis 328H1 in a downward direction 335. This downward movement of the latch 328 about the horizontal pivot axis 328H1 via the closure anchors 322 does not cause movement of the movable release element 320 relative to the annular sidewall 338. A downward thrust applied by the consumer to the movable release element 320 causes the latch 328 to move or pivot below the closure anchors 322 about a second horizontal pivot axis 328H2 to allow removal of the closure 314 from the vial 312.

[0152] The latch 328 includes an inclined upper surface 370 and a rotation-stopping surface 372. The inclined upper surface 370 is configured to engage with one of the closure anchors 322 of the closure 314 during rotation of the closure 314 on the vial 312 in a clockwise closure mounting direction 337, so that the latch 328 pivots downward in direction 335 about a horizontal pivot axis 328H1 to allow the closure anchor 322 to move past the latch 328 during installation of the closure 314 onto the vial 312.

[0153] During the installation of the closure 314 onto the vial 312 in a clockwise closure installation direction 337, the closure anchor 322 moves toward the inclined upper surface 370 of the latch 328. The continuous rotation of the closure 314 in the clockwise closure installation direction 337 causes the closure anchor 322 to engage the inclined upper surface 370 of the latch 328, and causes the latch 328 to move in a downward direction 335 about a horizontal pivot axis 328H1, as... Figure 41 and Figure 45 As shown. The continuous rotation of the closure 314 causes the closure anchor 322 to move past the latch 328, resulting in the latch 328 rapidly returning to its original position, partly due to the elasticity of the latch 328. With the latch 328 in its original position, the path of the closure anchor 322 is blocked, and the closure 314 cannot be removed from the vial 312.

[0154] The sidewall 338 of the closure 314 includes an upper sidewall 380, a lower sidewall 382, ​​and a skirt 384 that connects the upper sidewall 380 and the lower sidewall 382 to each other, such as Figure 43 As shown. The external thread 112 of the closure 314 is coupled to the outer surface of the upper sidewall 380. Each of the closure anchors 322 is coupled to the inner surface of the lower sidewall 382. Annular plug seals 346 extend downward from the skirt 384 and are radially spaced inward from the lower sidewall 382. The lower sidewall 382 is formed to include a plurality of openings 386 that pass through the lower sidewall 382 and are circumferentially aligned with each closure anchor. The closure 314 can be formed in a thermoforming process using material removed from portions of the lower sidewall 382 that define each opening 386 to form each closure anchor 322.

[0155] Each closure anchor 322 is typically formed as follows: Figure 38 and Figure 54 The cubic shape shown may be used in other suitable shapes or structures, although other suitable shapes or structures may be used in other embodiments. Each closure anchor 322 is shaped to engage with the latch 328 to prevent unintentional unlocking of the closure 314. Each closure anchor 322 includes a clockwise side or first circumferential side 390 and a counterclockwise side or second circumferential side 392. The first circumferential side 390 is arranged radially outward from the first circumferential side 390 of each closure anchor 322 at a right angle to a tangent point 391 on the sidewall 338. The second circumferential side 392 is arranged radially outward from the second circumferential side 392 of each closure anchor 322 at an acute angle to a tangent point 393 on the sidewall 338. In this way, the second circumferential side 392 is arranged to extend counterclockwise along the plane 394.

[0156] The rotating blocking surface 372 of the latch 328 is similarly arranged to extend along a plane 395 generally parallel to plane 394 when the second circumferential side 392 directly contacts the rotating blocking surface 372. Rotation of the closure 314 in a counterclockwise direction without removing the latch 328 from the path of the closure anchor 322 will cause the closure anchor to deflect radially inward toward the side wall 330 of the vial 312. Because the closure anchor 322 is deflected by the rotating blocking surface 372, the closure anchor 322 is held below the retainer movement stop 360.

[0157] When manufacturing the package 310 and / or the vial 2312, the illustrated and described arrangement of the vial 312 and the closure retainer 334 minimizes tooling complexity. The closure retainer 334 provides a downward sealing force when clockwise rotation is applied to the closure 314. However, the closure retainer 334 may be easier to form than a thread extending annularly around the vial. Tools and / or molds used to manufacture threaded vials may require several actions, movements, or splits within the mold to create the vial. For example, such tools may employ rotational actions or additional splits. This complicates the tooling and increases manufacturing costs. The vial 312 of this disclosure can be formed from a two-piece cavity and core tooling and / or mold for manufacturing. This minimizes tooling complexity and reduces manufacturing costs while providing a closure retainer 334 to hold the closure 314 onto the vial 312.

[0158] According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the child-proof packaging 410 includes a vial 412 or container and a closure 414 mounted on the vial 412 to cover the opening 415 leading to a product storage chamber 416 formed in the vial 412, such as... Figure 55 and Figure 56 As shown in the illustrative embodiment, vial 412 is adapted to receive closure 414 to seal the contents of vial 412. Product storage compartment 416 is adapted to contain a product, such as a medication, and is sealed when closure 414 is coupled to vial 412. Child-resistant packaging 410 also includes closure release control mechanism 418 configured to control the release of closure 414 from vial 412.

[0159] The vial 412 includes an annular sidewall 430, a base plate 432 coupled to the lower end of the sidewall 430, and a plurality of closure retainers 434 coupled to the outer surface of the upper end of the sidewall 430, such as Figure 56As shown in the diagram, sidewall 430 extends vertically along axis 417 of child-proof packaging 410. Sidewall 430 and base plate 432 cooperate to define product storage compartment 416 of vial 412. A plurality of closure retainers 434 extend outward away from axis 417 and are configured to cooperate with closure 414 to hold closure 414 in a fully installed position on vial 412, as shown. Figure 55 As shown. The closure 414 is arranged to be coupled to the vial 412 after the closure 414 has rotated about the axis of rotation 417, for example, as Figure 55 As shown. Bottle 412 does not include external threads, and the multiple closure retainers 434 are used only when the packaging 410 is used in a child-proof mode to attach the closure 414 to the bottle 412.

[0160] The closure 414 includes a circular top wall 436 and an annular sidewall 438 hanging downward from the top wall 436. The top wall 436 and the sidewall 438 form an inner region 440 of the closure 414. Instead of threads on the sidewall 438 within the inner region 440, the closure 414 includes a plurality of closure anchors 422 coupled to the inner surface 423 of the sidewall 438 within the inner region 440. These plurality of closure anchors 422 are configured to engage the plurality of closure retainers 434 such that, after the closure 414 is rotated about a rotation axis 417, the closure 414 is retained on the vial 412, for example, as... Figure 55 As shown.

[0161] The closure release control mechanism 418 includes a movable release element 420 coupled to a vial 412 and a latch 428 mounted on the vial 412 for biaxial pivoting movement about a first horizontal pivot axis 428H1 during installation of the closure 414 onto the vial 412 and about a second horizontal pivot axis 428H2 during removal of the closure 414 from the vial 412. The closure release control mechanism 418 also includes a plurality of radially inwardly extending closure anchors 422 coupled to the edge 426 of the closure 414, such as... Figure 56 As shown. When the latch 428, included in the closure release control mechanism 418 and coupled to the movable release element 420, is positioned in the path of one of the plurality of closure anchors 422, removal of the closure 414 from the vial 412 is prevented. Figure 67 As shown, when the consumer pushes the movable release element 420 downwards, the latch 428 moves out of the path of one of the plurality of closure anchors 422 on the closure 414 to allow counterclockwise rotation and removal of the closure 414 from the vial 412, as... Figure 67As shown in the diagram. Bottle 412 also includes an internal thread 4110 corresponding to the external thread 4112 on the outer surface of the sidewall 438 opposite to the inner region 440 of the closure 414, to allow the child-proof mode of the closure 414 to be coupled to the bottle 412. To change the closure 414 to the child-proof mode, the closure 414 is removed from the bottle 412, inverted, and the top wall 436 of the closure 414 is inserted through the opening 415 and coupled to the bottle 412 via the threads 4110, 4112. When the closure 414 is in the child-proof mode, the closure release control mechanism 418 is inactive to prevent the removal of the closure 414 from the bottle 412.

[0162] The movable release element 420 includes a pair of support arms 424, 425 and an actuator pad 427, such as Figure 57 As shown. The pair of support arms 424, 425 extend radially outward from the sidewall 430 of the vial 412 and are circumferentially spaced from each other about axis 417. Actuator pad 427 extends between and is interconnected with the pair of support arms 424, 425. Locking tongue 428 is coupled to actuator pad 427, but in other embodiments it may be coupled to one of the support arms 424, 425. An operator can use actuator pad 427 to deform the pair of support arms 424, 425 and to pivot the locking tongue 428 together with actuator pad 427 downward about a second horizontal axis 428H2 away from the path of the plurality of closure anchors 422, so that the closure 414 can be removed from the vial 412.

[0163] Each of the plurality of closure retainers 434 includes a closure displacement ramp 442 and a closure retainer surface 444, such as Figure 57 As shown. Each closure displacement ramp 442 is configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure 414 rotates toward the fully installed position along the closure mounting direction. Each closure retainer surface 444 is configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors 422 in the installed position to prevent the closure 414 from being removed from the vial 412 along the axis of rotation 417.

[0164] Each of the plurality of closure retainers 434 is configured to pull the closure 414 toward the vial 412 as the closure 414 rotates in the closure mounting direction and at least some of the closure anchors 422 travel along the closure displacement ramp 442 of each closure anchor 434. The closure 414 also includes an annular stopper seal 446, which is arranged to extend downward away from the top wall 436 through the opening 415 of the vial 412 and into the product storage chamber 416 in the mounted position. The annular stopper seal 446 is adapted to engage the inner surface of the sidewall 430 of the vial 412 to provide a liquid-gas seal between the closure 414 and the vial 412.

[0165] The annular stopper seal 446 can bias the closure 414 upwards away from the vial 412, such as... Figure 62 As shown. The radially outer surface of the annular stopper seal 446 has a first diameter 448. The radially inner surface of the sidewall 430 of the vial 412 at the mouth 415 has a second diameter 450. The second diameter 450 is smaller than the first diameter 448, such that the annular stopper seal 446 bends inward toward the axis 417 when the closure 414 is rotated onto the vial 412. The force provided by the annular stopper seal 446 on the vial 412 can cause the closure 414 to move away from the vial 412, so as to facilitate the removal of the closure 414 from the vial 412. The annular stopper seal 446 extends downward from the skirt 484 and the upper sidewall 480. The annular stopper seal 446 is radially spaced from the lower sidewall 482, and when the closure 414 is fully installed, the vial 412 is received between the annular stopper seal 446 and the lower sidewall 482.

[0166] Bottle 412 does not include external threads, and closure 414 does not include internal threads for coupling closure 414 to bottle 412 in a child-proof mode. Instead, bottle 412 includes circumferentially spaced closure retainers 434, and closure 414 includes circumferentially spaced closure anchors 422. These plurality of closure anchors 422 retain the function of the threads while also cooperating with closure release control mechanism 418 to prevent removal of closure 414 from bottle 412 when closure 414 is in the fully installed position. Thus, threads are omitted from the inner surface of closure 414 and the outer surface of bottle 412 while retaining the function of the threads.

[0167] The closure displacement ramp 442 transitions directly to the closure retainer surface 444, such that the lower end of the closure displacement ramp surface 442 and at least a portion of the closure retainer surface 444 are located at the same height from the mouth 415 of the vial 412. In the fully installed position, the upper surface of the sidewall 430 of the vial 412 and each engaging closure 414 in the closure retainer 434 prevent vertical movement of the closure 414 downward toward the vial 412. In this way, the operator can remove the closure 414 from the vial 412 simply by rotating the closure 414 counterclockwise after the latch 428 has disengaged from the closure anchor 422.

[0168] At least one of the plurality of closure retainers 434 also includes an anti-rotation stop 452, which extends downward from the closure retainer surface 444 at a circumferential end opposite the closure displacement ramp 442. The anti-rotation stop 452 is configured to engage one of the closure anchors 422 in the installation position to prevent further rotation of the closure 414 along the closure installation direction. In the illustrative embodiment, only three of the four closure retainers 434 include anti-rotation stops 452; however, any suitable number of anti-rotation stops 452 can be used.

[0169] In an illustrative embodiment, vial 412 also includes a retainer movement stop 460 coupled to the sidewall 430 of vial 412. The retainer movement stop 460 is positioned above the closure release control mechanism 418. The retainer movement stop 460 is also circumferentially aligned with one of the closure anchors 422 that engages with the latch 428 when the closure 414 is in the fully installed position. The retainer movement stop 460 is configured to prevent vertical movement of the closure anchor 422 relative to the latch 428 to avoid unintentionally removing the closure 414 from vial 412.

[0170] The retainer movement blocker 460 is similar to the closure retainer 434. The circumferential length of the retainer movement blocker 460 is less than the circumferential length of each of the plurality of closure retainers 434. The radial thickness of the retainer movement blocker 460 is also approximately equal to the radial thickness of each of the plurality of closure retainers 434. In some embodiments, the retainer movement blocker 460 may be identical to one or all of the closure retainers 434. In yet another embodiment, the retainer movement blocker 460 may be omitted.

[0171] Each of the closure retainer 434 and the retainer movement blocker 460 is spaced apart from the sidewall 430 of the vial 412, such that a hollow space 454 is formed between the outer surface 456 of each closure retainer 434 and the sidewall 430. Providing a hollow space 454 between each closure retainer 434 and the sidewall 430 reduces the amount of material required to form the vial 412, thereby reducing the cost of the vial 412 and the packaging 410. Each closure retainer 434 may include a support rib 458 that extends outward from the sidewall toward the outer surface of the corresponding closure retainer through the hollow space 454.

[0172] When the closure 414 is attached to the vial 412, the latch 428 is configured to move independently of the movable release element 420 about the first horizontal pivot axis 428H1, as... Figure 56As shown. The latch 428 is also configured to move together with the movable release element 420 and about a second horizontal pivot axis 428H2 relative to the annular sidewall 430 to allow the closure 414 to be removed from the vial 412, as shown. Figure 67 As shown.

[0173] The latch 428 is configured to engage one of the closure anchors 422 included in the closure 414 to prevent removal of the closure 414 from the vial 412 until a downwardly directed thrust is applied to the movable release element 420. Rotation of the closure 414 in a clockwise closure mounting direction causes one of the closure anchors 422 to engage the latch 428, thereby deflecting the latch 428 and moving it about a horizontal pivot axis 428H1 in a downward direction 435. The downward movement of the latch 428 about the horizontal pivot axis 428H1 via the closure anchors 422 does not cause movement of the movable release element 420 relative to the annular sidewall 438. A downward thrust applied by the consumer to the movable release element 420 causes the latch 428 to move or pivot below the closure anchors 422 about a second horizontal pivot axis 428H2 to allow removal of the closure 414 from the vial 412.

[0174] The latch 428 includes an inclined upper surface 470 and a rotation-stopping surface 472. The inclined upper surface 470 is configured to engage with one of the closure anchors 422 of the closure 414 during rotation of the closure 414 on the vial 412 in a clockwise closure mounting direction 437, so that the latch 428 pivots downward in direction 435 about a horizontal pivot axis 428H1 to allow the closure anchor 422 to move past the latch 428 during installation of the closure 414 onto the vial 412.

[0175] During the installation of the closure 414 onto the vial 412 in a clockwise closure installation direction 437, the closure anchor 422 moves toward the inclined upper surface 470 of the latch 428. The continuous rotation of the closure 414 in the clockwise closure installation direction 437 causes the closure anchor 422 to engage the inclined upper surface 470 of the latch 428, and causes the latch 428 to move in a downward direction 435 about a horizontal pivot axis 428H1, as... Figure 59 and Figure 63 As shown. The continuous rotation of the closure 414 causes the closure anchor 422 to move past the latch 428, resulting in the latch 428 rapidly returning to its original position, partly due to the elasticity of the latch 428. With the latch 428 in its original position, the path of the closure anchor 422 is blocked, and the closure 414 cannot be removed from the vial 412.

[0176] The sidewall 438 of the closure 414 includes an upper sidewall 480, a lower sidewall 482, and a skirt 484 that connects the upper sidewall 480 and the lower sidewall 482 to each other, such as Figure 61 As shown. The external thread 4112 of the closure 414 is coupled to the outer surface of the upper sidewall 480. Each of the closure anchors 422 is coupled to the inner surface of the lower sidewall 482. Annular plug seals 446 extend downward from the skirt 484 and are radially inwardly spaced from the lower sidewall 482. The lower sidewall 482 is formed to include a plurality of openings 486 that pass through the lower sidewall 482 and are circumferentially aligned with each closure anchor 422. The closure 414 can be formed in a thermoforming process using material removed from portions of the lower sidewall 482 that define each opening 486 to form each closure anchor 422.

[0177] Each closure anchor 422 is typically formed as follows: Figure 56 and Figure 69 The cubic shape shown may be used in other suitable shapes or structures, although other suitable shapes or structures may be used in other embodiments. Each closure anchor 422 is shaped to engage with the latch 428 to prevent unintentional unlocking of the closure 414. Each closure anchor 422 includes a clockwise side or first circumferential side 490 and a counterclockwise side or second circumferential side 492. The first circumferential side 490 is arranged radially outward from the first circumferential side 490 of each closure anchor 422 at a right angle to a tangent point 491 on the sidewall 438. The second circumferential side 492 is arranged radially outward from the second circumferential side 492 of each closure anchor 422 at an acute angle to a tangent point 493 on the sidewall 438. In this way, the second circumferential side 492 is arranged to extend counterclockwise along the plane 494.

[0178] The rotating blocking surface 472 of the latch 428 is similarly arranged to extend along a plane 495 generally parallel to plane 494 when the second circumferential side 492 directly contacts the rotating blocking surface 472. Rotation of the closure 414 counterclockwise without removing the latch 428 from the path of the closure anchor 422 will cause the closure anchor to deflect radially inward toward the side wall 430 of the vial 412. Because the closure anchor 422 is deflected by the rotating blocking surface 472, the closure anchor 422 is held below the retainer movement stop 460.

[0179] When manufacturing the package 410 and / or the vial 412, the arrangement of the vial 412 with the closure retainer 434, as illustrated and described, minimizes tooling complexity. The closure retainer 434 provides a downward sealing force when clockwise rotation is applied to the closure 414. However, the closure retainer 434 may be easier to form than a thread extending annularly around the vial. Tools and / or molds used to manufacture threaded vials may require several actions, movements, or splits within the mold to create the vial. For example, such tools may employ rotational actions or additional splits. This complicates the tooling and increases manufacturing costs. The vial 412 of this disclosure can be formed from a two-piece cavity and core tooling and / or mold for manufacturing. This minimizes tooling complexity and reduces manufacturing costs while providing the closure retainer 434 to hold the closure 414 onto the vial 412.

[0180] The following numbered clauses are optional and non-restrictive:

[0181] Clause 1. A child-proof package includes a vial comprising a sidewall, a base plate coupled to and cooperating with the sidewall to define a product storage compartment, and a plurality of closure retainers coupled to the sidewall on an outer surface outside the product storage compartment, the plurality of closure retainers being circumferentially spaced from each other about an axis of rotation.

[0182] Clause 2. The child-proof packaging as described in Clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, further includes a closure comprising a top wall, side walls arranged to extend downwardly from the outer periphery of the top wall, and a plurality of closure anchors coupled to the inner surfaces of the side walls and circumferentially spaced apart from each other about an axis of rotation. The closure is configured to be mounted on the vial to present a position that closes the opening formed in the vial when rotated relative to the vial about the axis of rotation in the closure mounting direction until each of the closure retainers covers the corresponding closure anchor to prevent the closure from separating from the vial along the axis of rotation.

[0183] Clause 3. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, further includes a closure release control mechanism comprising a movable release element mounted on an outer surface of a sidewall for movement relative to the vial, and a latch coupled to the movable release element and arranged to engage one of the closure anchors to prevent the closure from rotating about a central axis in the closure removal direction when the closure is in the mounting position on the vial.

[0184] Clause 4. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the plurality of closure retainers includes a closure displacement ramp surface that engages one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure is rotated toward the installation position in the closure installation direction and a closure retainer surface that engages one of the plurality of closure anchors in the installation position.

[0185] Clause 5. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein at least one of the plurality of closure retainers further includes an anti-rotation stop extending downward from the surface of the closure retainer and configured to engage one of the closure anchors in the installation position to prevent rotation of the closure in the closure installation direction.

[0186] Clause 6. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the closure displacement ramp surface transitions directly to the closure retainer surface such that the lower end of the closure displacement ramp surface is at the same height as at least a portion of the closure retainer surface from the mouth of the vial.

[0187] Clause 7. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the closure retainers is partially spaced from the sidewalls such that a hollow space is formed between the outer surface of each closure retainer and the sidewalls.

[0188] Clause 8. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each closure retainer includes a support rib extending outward from the sidewall toward the outer surface of the corresponding closure attachment lug via a hollow space.

[0189] Clause 9. The child-proof packaging as described in Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, further includes a retainer movement blocker coupled to the sidewall and positioned above and circumferentially aligned with one of the plurality of closure anchors engaging with the latch when the closure is in the installed position to prevent vertical movement of the one of the plurality of closure anchors relative to the latch.

[0190] Clause 10. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the circumferential length of the retainer movement block is less than the circumferential length of each of the plurality of closure retainers.

[0191] Clause 11. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the radial thickness of the retainer movement block is approximately equal to the radial thickness of each of the plurality of closure retainers.

[0192] Clause 12. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the closure further includes an annular stopper seal arranged to extend downward away from the top wall through the opening and into the product storage compartment in the installed position.

[0193] Clause 13. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein, in the installed position, the upper surface of the sidewall and each of the closure retainers engages the closure to prevent vertical movement of the closure downward toward the vial.

[0194] Clause 14. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the top and side walls cooperate to define an interior area, and the closure has no internal threads on the inner surface of the side walls within the interior area.

[0195] Clause 15. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 14, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the closure further includes an external thread coupled to an outer surface of the sidewall opposite the inner region of the closure, and wherein the vial further includes an internal thread coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall of the vial in the inner product storage compartment, the external thread being adapted to engage the internal thread to arrange the closure in a child-proof mode.

[0196] Clause 16. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the movable release element comprises a pair of support arms and an actuator pad, the pair of support arms extending radially outward from the sidewall of the vial and circumferentially spaced apart from each other about an axis, and the actuator pad extending between the pair of support arms and connecting the pair of support arms to each other.

[0197] Clause 17. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the closure release control mechanism further includes an actuator pad coupled between the pair of support arms and extending radially inward toward the sidewall.

[0198] Clause 18. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 17, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the closure release control mechanism further includes a second travel limiter coupled to a sidewall between the pair of support arms and extending radially outward toward the actuator pad, the first travel limiter and the second travel limiter being circumferentially spaced apart relative to the axis.

[0199] Clause 19. A child-proof package as described in Clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the closure release control mechanism further includes a first accompanying travel limiter wall coupled to and extending radially outward from the sidewall and a second accompanying travel limiter wall coupled to and extending radially inward from the actuator pad, the first accompanying travel limiter wall being circumferentially aligned with the first travel limiter and the second accompanying travel limiter wall being circumferentially aligned with the second travel limiter.

[0200] Clause 20. Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the locking tongue is coupled to a first travel limiter and extends away from a second travel limiter.

[0201] Clause 21. A can includes a container comprising a body formed to include a product storage chamber and a mouth arranged to open into the product storage chamber, and a plurality of closure retainers coupled to an outer surface of the body outside the product storage chamber and adjacent to the mouth, the plurality of closure retainers being circumferentially spaced apart from each other about a vertical axis.

[0202] Clause 22. The can as described in Clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, further includes a closure comprising a top wall, side walls arranged to extend downwardly from the outer periphery of the top wall, and a plurality of closure anchors coupled to the inner surfaces of the side walls and circumferentially spaced from each other. The closure is configured to be mounted on the container to present an installation position that closes the opening formed in the container when rotated relative to the container about a vertical axis in the closure mounting direction until each of the closure retainers rests below the corresponding one of the closure anchors to prevent the closure from separating from the container along the vertical axis.

[0203] Clause 23. The can as described in Clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, further includes a closure release control mechanism comprising a movable release element mounted on an outer surface of the body for movement relative to the container, and a latch coupled to the movable release element and arranged to engage one of the closure anchors to prevent the closure from rotating about a central axis in the closure removal direction when the closure is in the mounting position on the container.

[0204] Clause 24. The tank as described in Clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein each of the plurality of closure retainers includes a closure displacement ramp surface that engages one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure is rotated toward the installation position in the closure installation direction, and a closure retainer surface that engages one of the plurality of closure anchors in the installation position.

[0205] Clause 25. The can as described in Clause 24, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein at least one of the plurality of closure retainers further includes an anti-rotation stop extending downward from the surface of the closure retainer and configured to engage one of the closure anchors in the installation position to prevent rotation of the closure in the closure installation direction.

[0206] Clause 26. The can as described in Clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, further includes a retainer movement stopper coupled to the sidewall and positioned above and circumferentially aligned with the closure anchor that engages with the latch when the closure is in the installed position to prevent vertical movement of the closure anchor relative to the latch.

[0207] Clause 27. The can as described in Clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the circumferential length of the retainer movement blocker is less than the circumferential length of each of the plurality of closure retainers.

[0208] Clause 28. The can as described in Clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the radial thickness of the retainer movement blocker is approximately equal to the radial thickness of each of the plurality of closure retainers.

[0209] Clause 29. The can as described in Clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any combination of suitable clauses, wherein the closure further comprises an annular plug seal arranged to extend downward away from the top wall through the opening and into the product storage chamber in the installed position.

Claims

1. A child-proof package, comprising: The vial includes a vial sidewall, a base plate coupled to and cooperating with the vial sidewall to define a product storage chamber, and a plurality of closure retainers coupled to the outer surface of the vial sidewall outside the product storage chamber, the plurality of closure retainers being circumferentially spaced from each other about a rotation axis. A closure includes a top wall, closure sidewalls arranged to extend downwardly from the outer periphery of the top wall, and a plurality of closure anchors coupled to the inner surface of the closure sidewalls and circumferentially spaced apart from each other about the axis of rotation. The closure is configured to be mounted on the vial to present a position that closes the opening formed in the vial when rotated relative to the vial about the axis of rotation in the closure mounting direction until each of the plurality of closure retainers covers a corresponding closure anchor to prevent the closure from separating from the vial along the axis of rotation. A closure release control mechanism includes a movable release element mounted on the outer surface of the sidewall of the vial for movement relative to the vial, and a latch coupled to the movable release element and arranged to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors to prevent the closure from rotating about a central axis in the closure removal direction when the closure is in the mounting position on the vial. It also includes a retainer movement blocker coupled to the sidewall of the vial and positioned above and circumferentially aligned with one of the plurality of closure anchors that engages with the latch when the closure is in the installed position, to block vertical movement of that closure anchor relative to the latch; wherein the circumferential length of the retainer movement blocker is less than the circumferential length of each of the plurality of closure retainers.

2. The child-proof packaging of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of closure retainers includes a closure displacement ramp surface that engages one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure is rotated toward the mounting position in the closure mounting direction, and a closure retainer surface that engages one of the plurality of closure anchors at the mounting position.

3. The child-proof packaging of claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of closure retainers further comprises an anti-rotation stop extending downward from the surface of the closure retainer and configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors at the mounting position to prevent rotation of the closure in the closure mounting direction.

4. The child-proof packaging of claim 2, wherein the closure displacement ramp surface transitions directly to the closure retainer surface such that the lower end of the closure displacement ramp surface and at least a portion of the closure retainer surface are located at the same height from the mouth of the vial.

5. The child-proof packaging of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of closure retainers is partially spaced from the sidewall of the vial such that a hollow space is formed between the outer surface of each closure retainer and the sidewall of the vial, and wherein each closure retainer includes a support rib extending outward from the sidewall of the vial toward the outer surface of the corresponding closure attachment lug through the hollow space.

6. The child-proof packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radial thickness of the retainer movement blocker is equal to the radial thickness of each of the plurality of closure retainers.

7. The child-proof packaging as described in claim 1, wherein, In the installation position, the upper surface of the vial sidewall and each of the plurality of closure retainers engage the closure to prevent the closure from moving vertically downward toward the vial.

8. The child-proof packaging of claim 1, wherein the top wall and the closure sidewall cooperate to define an interior region, and the closure has no internal threads on the inner surface of the closure sidewall within the interior region.

9. The child-proof packaging of claim 1, wherein the movable release element comprises a pair of support arms and an actuator pad, the pair of support arms extending radially outward from the sidewall of the vial and circumferentially spaced apart from each other about the axis, and the actuator pad extending between the pair of support arms and connecting the pair of support arms to each other, and wherein the closure release control mechanism further comprises a first travel limiter coupled to the actuator pad between the pair of support arms and extending radially inward toward the sidewall of the vial.

10. The child-proof packaging of claim 9, wherein the closure release control mechanism further includes a second travel limiter coupled to the sidewall of the vial between the pair of support arms and extending radially outward toward the actuator pad, the first travel limiter and the second travel limiter being circumferentially spaced apart with respect to the axis.

11. The child-proof packaging of claim 10, wherein the closure release control mechanism further comprises a first accompanying travel limiter wall coupled to and extending radially outward from the bottle sidewall and a second accompanying travel limiter wall coupled to and extending radially inward from the actuator pad, the first accompanying travel limiter wall being circumferentially aligned with the first travel limiter and the second accompanying travel limiter wall being circumferentially aligned with the second travel limiter.

12. The child-proof packaging of claim 10, wherein the latch is coupled to the first travel limiter and extends away from the second travel limiter.

13. A can comprising: A container comprising a body formed to include a product storage chamber and an opening arranged to open into the product storage chamber, and a plurality of closure retainers coupled to an outer surface of the body outside the product storage chamber and adjacent to the opening, the plurality of closure retainers being circumferentially spaced apart from each other about a vertical axis. A closure includes a top wall, closure sidewalls arranged to extend downwardly from the outer periphery of the top wall, and a plurality of closure anchors coupled to the inner surfaces of the closure sidewalls and circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The closure is configured to be mounted on the container to present a position that closes the opening formed in the container when rotated relative to the container about a vertical axis in the closure mounting direction until each of the plurality of closure retainers rests below a corresponding closure anchor of the plurality of closure anchors to prevent the closure from separating from the container along the vertical axis. A closure release control mechanism includes a movable release element mounted on the outer surface of the body for movement relative to the container, and a latch coupled to the movable release element and arranged to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors to prevent the closure from rotating about a central axis in the closure removal direction when the closure is in the mounting position on the container. It also includes a retainer movement stopper, which is coupled to the container sidewall and, when the closure is in the installed position, is located above and circumferentially aligned with one of the plurality of closure anchors that engages with the latch, thereby preventing vertical movement of that closure anchor relative to the latch; wherein the circumferential length of the retainer movement stopper is less than the circumferential length of each of the plurality of closure retainers.

14. The tank of claim 13, wherein each of the plurality of closure retainers includes a closure displacement ramp surface that engages one of the plurality of closure anchors when the closure is rotated toward the mounting position in the closure mounting direction, and a closure retainer surface that engages one of the plurality of closure anchors at the mounting position.

15. The tank of claim 14, wherein at least one of the plurality of closure retainers further comprises an anti-rotation stop extending downward from the surface of the closure retainer and configured to engage one of the plurality of closure anchors at the mounting position to prevent rotation of the closure in the closure mounting direction.

16. The can of claim 13, wherein the radial thickness of the retainer movement blocker is equal to the radial thickness of each of the plurality of closure retainers.

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