Closure to prevent opening by children

Abstract

A closure includes a main body adapted to fit tightly with a container, a flip top lid coupled to the main body, and a hinge interconnecting the main body and the flip top lid. The main body is configured to be mounted on the container to cover a dispensing opening formed in the container. The flip top lid is configured to protect a product dispensing nozzle formed on the main body and to deter children from accessing the product dispensing nozzle and removing contents from the container.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 332,883, filed April 20, 2022, 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 closures for securing to the top of a container, particularly container closures including flip-top lids. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a closure that prevents children from opening it. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to this disclosure, the closure includes a body adapted to fit snugly with a container, a flip-top cap coupled to the body, and a hinge connecting the body and the flip-top cap to each other. The body is configured to mount on the container to cover a discharge port formed in the container. The flip-top cap is configured to protect a product dispensing nozzle formed on the body and to prevent children from accessing, for example, the product dispensing nozzle and removing contents from the container. The hinge is coupled between the body and the flip-top cap, providing a pivot point for the flip-top cap relative to the body. The hinge allows the flip-top cap to pivot relative to the body from a closed position covering the product dispensing nozzle on the body to an open position away from the body, exposing the product dispensing nozzle.

[0005] In the illustrative embodiment, the body includes an upper wall, an inner wall, and an outer wall. The upper wall is formed to include a product dispensing nozzle. The inner wall includes an inner surface attached to the inner wall and adapted to fit snugly with a discharge port formed on the container. The inner wall is arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis of the body. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall of the child-proof closure is cylindrical and attached to the upper wall. The outer wall is arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis and is located radially outside the inner wall relative to the central axis.

[0006] In the illustrated embodiment, to open the closure, a user can squeeze the flip-top cover to deform the first and second deformable tabs, thereby disengaging the first and second latches of the deformable tabs from their mating first and second body latches included in the body. This disengagement releases the flip-top cover so that it can be pivoted on the hinge to the open position by a user familiar with the opening procedure to expose the product dispensing nozzle formed in the body.

[0007] Other features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the best mode for carrying out this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

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

[0009] Figure 1 The present invention is a perspective view of a child-proof closure that is mounted on a container to cover an opening in an interior area formed within the container and is configured to include a flip-top cover that is held in a closed position on a lower body coupled to the container.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the closure, partially broken, shows the product dispensing nozzle formed within the body after the flip-top on the hinge has moved relative to the body to the open position. The view also shows the hinge connecting the body and the flip-top, two tab receiving spaces included in the body and arranged spaced apart from each other, and two deformable tabs spaced apart from each other on the bottom end of the sidewall of the flip-top to provide for the flip-top to... Figure 8 The device shown is designed to remain in a closed position to prevent children from opening it.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top plan view of the closure shows a first tab receiving space configured to receive a first deformable tab and a second tab receiving space configured to receive a second deformable tab, such that when the top cover is flipped... Figure 8 In the closed position shown, the cover latch of each deformable tab engages with the matching body latch on the outer wall of the body;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the body of the closure shown shows that the body includes an outer wall and a first body latch extending radially inward from the outer wall, the first body latch being configured to engage a cover latch of the flip-top cover in the closed position to hold the flip-top cover in the closed position.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the flip-top cover shows a first deformable tab and a second deformable tab, each tab located on opposite sides of the sidewall;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An enlarged perspective view of the closure shows the flip-top cover in the closed position;

[0015] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6The cross-sectional view taken at centerline 7-7 (without container) shows an upwardly extending lip flush with the outer surface of the outer wall, and shows the inner lip surface of the sidewall facing the flip-top with the upwardly extending lip.

[0016] Figure 8 - 11 shows Figure 1 - The opening sequence of the flip-top cover of the closure shown in Figure 6;

[0017] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken along the center line 6-6 shows the flip-top cover in the closed position on the body, and shows the user's thumb and forefinger about to apply pressure to each deformable tab;

[0018] Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing the response of opposing squeezing forces applied by the thumb and forefinger to the respective deformable tabs, for example, to release the flip-top from the closed position, the first deformable tab moves inward and deforms to disengage the first latch on the flip-top, and the second deformable tab moves inward and deforms to disengage the second latch on the flip-top.

[0019] Figure 10 It is similar to Figure 8 and Figure 9 A cross-sectional view showing the released flip-top moving upwards away from the body below;

[0020] Figure 11 It is similar to Figure 8 - A cross-sectional view of 10 shows the flipped top cover moving downward toward the closed position on the body to re-engage the first cover latch to the first body latch and the second cover latch to the second body latch;

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 The side view of the closure shown in the open position illustrates a first deformable tab being removed from a first finger receiving groove defined by a portion of the outer wall;

[0022] Figure 13 It is similar to Figure 12 A side view shows the flip-top moving downward toward the closed position on the body, and shows the structure of the deformable tabs not engaging with any part of the outer wall of the body until the flip-top moves toward the closed position when the cover latch engages with the body latch; and

[0023] Figure 14 It is similar to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The side view shows the flip-top cover in the closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0024] As shown in the figure, a child-proof closure 10 includes a body 14 adapted to fit snugly with a container 12, a flip-top lid 16, and a hinge 18 connecting the body 14 and the flip-top lid 16. Figure 2 and Figure 3 With the container in the open position, the closure 10 is adapted to be mounted on the container 12 to form as shown. Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 - As shown in Figure 11, the child-proof packaging 15. To open the closure 10, the user can... Figure 9 The indicated compression of the flip-top cover 16 deforms the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50, thereby disengaging the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66 of the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 from their mating first body latch 60 and second body latch 62 included in the body 14. This latch disengagement releases the flip-top cover 16, as shown... Figure 9 As shown, this allows it to be pivoted to the open position on hinge 18 by a user who knows the opening procedure, so as... Figure 2 The product dispensing nozzle 24 formed in the body 14 is shown exposed.

[0025] The main body 14 is configured to be mounted on the container 12, such as Figure 1 As shown. The flip-top lid 16 is configured to protect the product dispensing nozzle 24 of the body 14 and prevent children from accessing, for example, the product dispensing nozzle 24 and removing contents from the container 12. A hinge 18 is coupled between the body 14 and the flip-top lid 16, providing a pivot point for the flip-top lid 16 relative to the body 14. The hinge 18 allows the flip-top lid 16 to move relative to the body 14 from, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 8 The closed position of the covering product dispensing nozzle 24 on the main body 14 shown is pivoted to, for example, as... Figure 2 The image shows the open position of the exposed product dispensing nozzle 24, away from the body 14. In some embodiments, the hinge 18 is a movable hinge and engages with the body 14 and the flip-top cover 16 to form an integral closure 10.

[0026] The main body 14 includes an upper wall 22, an inner wall 26, an outer wall 28, a first front wall support 30 and a second front wall support 32, a first rear wall support 34, and a second rear wall support 36, all formed to include a product dispensing nozzle 24. The inner wall 26 includes an inner surface 27 attached to the inner wall 26 and adapted to fit tightly with a discharge port 20 formed on the container 12, for example... Figure 1As shown. The inner wall 26 is arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall 22 relative to the central axis 11 of the body 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 28 of the child-proof closure 10 is cylindrical and attached to the upper wall 22. The outer wall 28 is arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall 22 relative to the central axis 11 and is located radially outside the inner wall 26 relative to the central axis 11.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the first front wall support 30 and the second front wall support 32, and the first rear wall support 34 and the second rear wall support 36 are configured to reinforce the outer wall 28 with an inner wall 26. The first front wall support 30 and the second front wall support 32 are attached to the upper wall 22 and are arranged to extend downward relative to the central axis 11 away from the upper wall 22 and radially relative to the central axis 11 between the inner wall 26 and the outer wall 28. Similarly, the first rear wall support 34 and the second rear wall support 36 are attached to the upper wall 22 and are arranged to extend downward relative to the central axis 11 away from the upper wall 22 and radially relative to the central axis 11 between the inner wall 26 and the outer wall 28. The space-facing surface 31 of the first front wall support 30 is arranged to face the space-facing surface 35 of the first rear wall support 34, and the space-facing surface 33 of the second front wall support 32 is arranged to face the space-facing surface 37 of the second rear wall support 36. The first front wall support 30 and the second front wall support 32, as well as the first rear wall support 34 and the second rear wall support 36, are optional and may be omitted in some embodiments.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the inner wall 26 and the outer wall 28 cooperate to define a first tab receiving space 38 and a second tab receiving space 40 within the body 14. The first tab receiving space 38 is located radially between the inner wall 26 and the outer wall 28 relative to the central axis 11. Similarly, the second tab receiving space 40 is located radially between the inner wall 26 and the outer wall 28. The first tab receiving space 38 may also be defined circumferentially between the first front wall support 30 and the first rear wall support 34. The second tab receiving space 40 may be defined circumferentially between the second front wall support 32 and the second rear wall support 36.

[0029] The outer wall 28 includes a hinge segment 52, a front wall segment 54, a first latch support segment 56, and a second latch support segment 58. The hinge segment 52 separates and connects the first latch support segment 56 and the second latch support segment 58. The hinge segment 52 also extends circumferentially relative to the central axis 11 between the first rear wall support 34 and the second rear wall support 36. The front wall segment 54 separates and connects the first latch support segment 56 and the second latch support segment 58. The front wall segment 54 extends circumferentially relative to the central axis 11 between the first front wall support 30 and the second front wall support 32. The first latch support segment 56 extends circumferentially relative to the central axis 11 between the first rear wall support 34 and the first front wall support 30. The second latch support segment 58 extends circumferentially relative to the central axis 11 between the second rear wall support 36 and the second front wall support 32.

[0030] like Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, both the first latch support section 56 and the second latch support section 58 include a first body latch 60 and a second body latch 62 extending radially inward from the inner surfaces 57 and 59 of the first latch support section 56 and the second latch support section 58, respectively. The first body latch 60 also extends circumferentially between the first rear wall support 34 and the first front wall support 30, while the second body latch 62 extends circumferentially between the second rear wall support 36 and the second front wall support 32. The first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62 are configured to engage with mating first cover latch 64 and second cover latch 66 of the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50, as... Figure 8 As shown.

[0031] The first main latch 60 and the second main latch 62 each include a downwardly inclined first upper surface 61 and a second upper surface 63, which are configured to engage with a mating upwardly inclined first lower surface 65 and a second lower surface 67 of the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66 when the flipped top cover 16 moves from the open position to the closed position. Figure 11 As shown. Furthermore, the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62 each include a first lower surface 69 and a second lower surface 71. When the flip-top cover 16 is in the closed position, the first lower surface 69 and the second lower surface 71 engage with the matching first upper surface 73 and the second upper surface 75 of the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66, as shown. Figure 8 As shown.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the first latch support section 56 and the second latch support section 58 of the outer wall 28 each include latch support plates 68 and 70 extending circumferentially between the first circumferential slot cover 72 and the third circumferential slot cover 74 and the second circumferential slot cover 76 and the fourth circumferential slot cover 78. The first circumferential slot cover 72 and the third circumferential slot cover 74 each extend circumferentially from the front wall section 54 to the latch support plates 68 and 70, while the second circumferential slot cover 76 and the fourth circumferential slot cover 78 each extend circumferentially from the hinge section 52 to the latch support plates 68 and 70. The latch support plates 68 and 70, the first circumferential slit cover 72 and the third circumferential slit cover 74, and the second circumferential slit cover 76 and the fourth circumferential slit cover 78 cooperate to define finger receiving spaces 80 and 82, which are axially located above the latch support plates 68 and 70 and circumferentially located relative to the central axis 11 between their respective first circumferential slit cover 72, third circumferential slit cover 74, second circumferential slit cover 76, and fourth circumferential slit cover 78. When the flip-top cover 16 is in the closed position, the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 are each located radially inside the outer wall 28 and extend circumferentially between the first circumferential slit cover 72 and the third circumferential slit cover 74 and the second circumferential slit cover 76 and the fourth circumferential slit cover 78 to minimize the gap between the outer wall 28 and the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50.

[0033] The flip-top cover 16 includes a top wall 44, a side wall 46, a first deformable tab 48, and a second deformable tab 50, for example, Figure 2 As shown. When the flip-top cover 16 is in the closed position, the sidewall 46 is attached to the top wall 44 and extends axially away from the top wall 44 relative to the central axis 11, as shown. Figure 7 and Figure 14 As shown. The first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 are each coupled to the bottom end 47 of the sidewall 46. When the flip-top cover 16 is in the closed position, the first deformable tab 48 is aligned with and received in the first tab receiving space 38. Similarly, when the flip-top cover 16 is in the closed position, the second deformable tab 50 is aligned with and received in the second tab receiving space 40.

[0034] like Figure 3As shown, the sidewall 46 of the flip-top cover 16 includes a front sidewall segment 100, a rear sidewall segment 102, and opposing first tab support segments 84 and second tab support segments 86. The front sidewall segment 100 extends circumferentially about axis 11 along the front end of the body 14 in the closed position. The rear sidewall segment 102 extends circumferentially about axis 11 along the rear end of the body 14, opposite the front end and adjacent to the hinge 18 in the closed position. The first tab support segment 84 and the second tab support segment 86 extend between and connect to the front sidewall segment 100 and the rear sidewall segment 102, and support and position the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 relative to the first tab receiving space 38 and the second tab receiving space 40, and the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the first tab support section 84 and the second tab support section 86 each include first radial extension sections 88 and 90, second radial extension sections 92 and 94 spaced apart from the first radial extension sections 88 and 90, and circumferential extension sections 96 and 98 extending between and connecting each corresponding first radial extension section 88 and 90 and second radial extension sections 92 and 94. The first radial extension sections 88 and 90 and the second radial extension sections 92 and 94 extend inwardly away from the front sidewall section 100 and the rear sidewall section 102. The first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 are coupled to the bottom end 47 of a corresponding one of the first circumferential extension sections 96 and 98. Circumferential extensions 96 and 98 are coupled to the radially inner ends of corresponding first radial extensions 88 and 90 and second radial extensions 92 and 94, to position circumferential extensions 96 and 98, first deformable tab 48, and second deformable tab 50 radially inside the front sidewall section 100, rear sidewall section 102, and latch support plates 68 and 70. Circumferential extensions 96 and 98 also position the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66 directly in a position aligned with the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62, such that when the flip-top cover 16 is moved to the closed position, the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66 interlock with the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62.

[0036] like Figure 8 As shown in Figure 10, the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 each include tab plates 104 and 106 and a first latch 64 and a second latch 66 fixed to the radially outer surfaces of the respective tab plates 104 and 106. Each tab plate 104 and 106 is coupled to a corresponding one of the circumferential extensions 96 and 98. The first latch 64 and the second latch 66 are coupled to the lowermost distal ends of the tab plates 104 and 106 spaced apart from the sidewall 46.

[0037] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, by simultaneously applying a squeezing force F with the thumb and fingers, for example, on the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50, the flip-top cover 16 can be removed from the closed position to the open position of the body 14. The squeezing force F bends the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 and / or the sidewall 46, and moves the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66 away from the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62 and closer to the inner wall 26. Once the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66 are substantially and / or completely disengaged from the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62, as Figure 9 As shown, the flip-top cover 16 can be lifted from the main body 14, as... Figure 10 As shown, the device reaches the open position. The first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 may also include finger grips 112 and 114 formed on the radially outer surfaces of the latch support plates 68 and 70 to increase the user's finger grip when the flip-top cover 16 is opened.

[0038] The closure 10 is configured to automatically lock upon reaching the closed position. For example... Figure 11 As shown, when the flip-top cover 16 is closed, the first upper surfaces 61 and 63 of the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62 eventually contact the first lower surfaces 65 and 67 of the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66. This contact between the first upper surfaces 61, the second upper surfaces 63, the first lower surfaces 65 and the second lower surfaces 67 causes the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 to bend inward until the first upper surfaces 73 and 75 of the first cover latch 64 and the second cover latch 66 are below the first lower surfaces 69 and 71 of the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62. The elasticity of the first deformable tabs 48 and 50 causes them to return to at least a partially undeformed position, where the first lower surfaces 69 and 71 engage with the first upper surfaces 73 and 75 to prevent the flip-top cover 16 from opening.

[0039] like Figure 8As shown, the height H of each latch support plate 68 and 70 is defined between the upper surfaces 77 and 79 and the lower surfaces 81 and 83 of each latch support plate. The tab plates 104 and 106 have heights extending downwards from the sidewalls 46 of the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 along a large portion of the height of the outer wall 28 and through the lower end of the inner wall 26 to the heights of the first body latch 60 and the second body latch 62. Coupling the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 to the flip-top cover 16 instead of the body 14, for example, allows for an increase in the height of the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50, thereby allowing the deformable tabs to bend a greater distance when subjected to a compressive force F. Due to this increased bending distance without requiring an additional force F to achieve the increased bending distance provided by the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50, the dimensions of the first body latch 60, the second body latch 62, the first cover latch 64, and the second cover latch 66 can have a greater radial thickness, thereby providing a more secure child-proof closure 10. Increasing the height of the deformable tabs also provides a greater mechanical advantage to users who are familiar with the opening process, allowing them to apply the squeezing force F, thus facilitating the opening of the flip-top cover 16.

[0040] like Figure 12 As shown in Figure 14, the structure of the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 minimizes interference with portions of the outer wall 28 when moving between the open and closed positions, and also minimizes proximity to the interface between the body 14 and the flip-top cover 16. The first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 are formed to include gap spaces 108 and 110 located at the front ends of the first latch 64 and the second latch 66. The circumferential lengths of the first latch 64 and the second latch 66 are less than the circumferential lengths of the latch support plates 68 and 70 to provide the gap spaces 108 and 110. The gap spaces 108 and 110 allow the deformable tabs to move through the first circumferential slit cover 72 and the third circumferential slit cover 74 when the flip-top cover 16 is opened or closed, so as... Figure 13 The first latch 64 and the second latch 66 shown do not contact the first circumferential slit cover 72 and the third circumferential slit cover 74. The large circumferential lengths of the latch support plates 68 and 70 minimize the gap between the first circumferential slit cover 72 and the third circumferential slit cover 74 and the latch support plates 68 and 70, thereby reducing the area where objects such as fingernails can wed into and pry open the flip-top cover 16.

[0041] Hinge 18 may include an upwardly extending lip 42, such as Figure 6- As shown in Figure 7. An upwardly extending lip 42 is coupled to the upper end 55 of the front wall section 54 of the outer wall 28 and extends upward relative to the central axis 11 away from the upper wall 22. The upwardly extending lip 42 also extends circumferentially around the front wall section 54 between the first latch support section 56 and the second latch support section 58. When the flip-top cover 16 is in the closed position, the upwardly extending lip 42 blocks access to the interface 43 between the side wall 46 of the flip-top cover 16 and the upper wall 22 of the body 14. Thus, for example, a child's finger or fingernail cannot slide between the side wall 46 and the upper wall 22, nor can the flip-top cover 16 be removed from the body 14 to gain unauthorized access to the product dispensing nozzle 24. When the flip-top cover 16 is in the closed position, the upper end of the upwardly extending lip 42 is positioned above the interface 43 to prevent access to the interface 43 at least along the front wall section 54 between the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50. The formation of the first deformable tab 48 and the second deformable tab 50 on the flip-top cover 16 also minimizes the circumferential area of ​​the interface 43 formed between the flip-top cover 16 and the body 14, thereby minimizing the area where an object can be wedged in and where the flip-top cover 16 can be pried open.

[0042] The following numbered clauses include both contemporaneous and non-limiting embodiments:

[0043] Clause 1: A childproof closure includes a body comprising an upper wall formed to include a product dispensing nozzle.

[0044] Clause 2: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further comprising an inner wall attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis of the body.

[0045] Clause 3: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 2, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the inner wall includes an inner surface attached to the inner wall and adapted to fit tightly with an outlet formed on the container, and the outer wall is attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis.

[0046] Clause 4: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer wall is located radially outside the inner wall relative to the central axis.

[0047] Clause 5: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 4, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the inner and outer walls cooperate to define a first tab receiving space radially between the outer and inner walls relative to a central axis and a second tab receiving space radially between the outer and inner walls relative to a central axis.

[0048] Clause 6: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further comprising a flip-top cover including a top wall, a side wall coupled to the top wall and arranged to extend axially away from the top wall, a first deformable tab coupled to the bottom end of the side wall and aligned with a first tab receiving space, and a second deformable tab coupled to the bottom end of the side wall and aligned with a second tab receiving space.

[0049] Clause 7: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further comprising a hinge coupled between the body and the flip-top cover to support the flip-top cover relative to the body from a closed position covering the product dispensing nozzle on the body to an open position away from the body, exposing the product dispensing nozzle.

[0050] Clause 8: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each deformable tab includes a cover latch extending radially outward from the deformable tab and arranged to engage, in the closed position, a body latch extending radially inward from the inner surface of the outer wall.

[0051] Clause 9: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 8, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein, upon deformation of each deformable tab, the cover latch disengages from the body latch, allowing the flip-top cover to be moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0052] Clause 10: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a first deformable tab is coupled to a first portion of the bottom end of a sidewall, and a second deformable tab is coupled to a second portion of the bottom end of a sidewall, wherein the first and second portions of the bottom end of the sidewall are each radially inward relative to the central axis of the third and fourth portions of the bottom end of the sidewall, and wherein the first and second deformable tabs each extend axially away from the sidewall relative to the central axis.

[0053] Clause 11: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a first deformable tab is arranged in a spaced-apart relative to a central axis and a second deformable tab, such that the center point of the first deformable tab forms approximately 180° with the center point of the second deformable tab.

[0054] Clause 12: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein when the flip-top is in the closed position, the latch of the first deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a first distance; when the flip-top is in the closed position, the latch of the second deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a second distance; wherein when a first force is applied to the first deformable tab, the latch of the first deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a third distance; and when a second force is applied to the second deformable tab, the latch of the second deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a fourth distance, and wherein the third distance is less than the first distance and the fourth distance is less than the second distance.

[0055] Clause 13: A closure designed to prevent child opening as described in Clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.

[0056] Clause 14: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a first force is applied between the sidewall and the cover latch of the first deformable tab, and a second force is applied between the sidewall and the cover latch of the second deformable tab.

[0057] Clause 15: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer wall comprises a front wall segment, a rear wall segment, a first tab receiving space, and a second tab receiving space, and wherein the first tab receiving space is separated from the second tab receiving space by at least one of the front wall segment and the rear wall segment.

[0058] Clause 16: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the body includes an upwardly extending lip that extends axially away from the front wall segment relative to the central axis and includes a distal upper end arranged on the interface between the flip-top cover and the body to prevent access to that interface.

[0059] Clause 17: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the body further includes a first front wall support and a second front wall support, as well as a first rear wall support and a second rear wall support, each extending radially relative to a central axis between the inner and outer walls to define a first tab receiving space and a second tab receiving space, respectively.

[0060] Clause 18: A child-proof closure as described in Clause 9, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer wall comprises a front wall segment, a rear wall segment, a first latch support segment, and a second latch support segment, wherein the first body latch comprises a first upper edge, the second body latch comprises a second upper edge, and wherein when the flip-top is moved from the open position to the closed position, the first and second upper edges respectively guide the latch of each deformable tab to deform each deformable tab so that the upper surface of each latch engages with the lower surface of each body latch when the flip-top reaches the closed position.

[0061] Clause 19: A child-proof package includes a container that includes a discharge port.

[0062] Clause 20: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 19, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, which also includes a child-proof closure.

[0063] Clause 21: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 19, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the child-proof closure comprises a body comprising an upper wall formed to include a product dispensing spout.

[0064] Clause 22: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 21, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, further comprising an inner wall attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis of the body.

[0065] Clause 23: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 22, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the inner wall includes an inner surface attached to the inner wall and adapted to fit tightly with an outlet formed on the container, and the outer wall is attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis.

[0066] Clause 24: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer wall is located radially outside the inner wall relative to the central axis.

[0067] Clause 25: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 24, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the inner and outer walls cooperate to define a first tab receiving space radially between the outer and inner walls relative to a central axis and a second tab receiving space radially between the outer and inner walls relative to a central axis.

[0068] Clause 26: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further comprising a flip-top lid including a top wall, a side wall coupled to the top wall and arranged to extend axially away from the top wall, a first deformable tab coupled to the bottom end of the side wall and aligned with a first tab receiving space, and a second deformable tab coupled to the bottom end of the side wall and aligned with a second tab receiving space.

[0069] Clause 27: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 26, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, further comprising a hinge coupled between the body and the flip-top lid to support the flip-top lid relative to the body from a closed position covering the product dispensing nozzle on the body to an open position away from the body, exposing the product dispensing nozzle.

[0070] Clause 28: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 27, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each deformable tab includes a cover latch extending radially outward from the deformable tab and arranged to engage, in the closed position, a body latch extending radially inward from the inner surface of the outer wall.

[0071] Clause 29: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 28, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein, upon deformation of each deformable tab, the cover latch disengages from the body latch, allowing the flip-top cover to be moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0072] Clause 30: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a first deformable tab is coupled to a first portion of the bottom end of a sidewall, and a second deformable tab is coupled to a second portion of the bottom end of a sidewall, wherein the first and second portions of the bottom end of the sidewall are each radially inward relative to the central axis of the third and fourth portions of the bottom end of the sidewall, and wherein the first and second deformable tabs each extend axially away from the sidewall relative to the central axis.

[0073] Clause 31: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 30, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first deformable tab is arranged in a spaced-apart relative to the central axis and the second deformable tab is positioned such that the center point of the first deformable tab forms approximately 180° with the center point of the second deformable tab.

[0074] Clause 32: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 30, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein when the top cover is flipped into the closed position, the latch of the first deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a first distance; when the top cover is flipped into the closed position, the latch of the second deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a second distance; wherein when a first force is applied to the first deformable tab, the latch of the first deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a third distance; and when a second force is applied to the second deformable tab, the latch of the second deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a fourth distance, and wherein the third distance is less than the first distance and the fourth distance is less than the second distance.

[0075] Clause 33: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 32, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.

[0076] Clause 34: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 32, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein a first force is applied between the sidewall and the latch of the first deformable tab, and a second force is applied between the sidewall and the latch of the second deformable tab.

[0077] Clause 35: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 29, any other suitable clause or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer wall comprises a front wall segment, a rear wall segment, a first tab receiving space and a second tab receiving space, and wherein the first tab receiving space is separated from the second tab receiving space by at least one of the front wall segment and the rear wall segment.

[0078] Clause 36: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the body includes an upwardly extending lip that extends axially away from the front wall segment relative to the central axis and includes a distal upper end arranged on the interface between the flip-top lid and the body to prevent access to that interface.

[0079] Clause 37: Child-proof packaging as described in Clause 36, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the body further includes a first front wall support and a second front wall support, as well as a first rear wall support and a second rear wall support, each extending radially relative to a central axis between an inner wall and an outer wall to define a first tab receiving space and a second tab receiving space, respectively.

[0080] Clause 38: Child-resistant packaging as described in Clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the outer wall comprises a front wall segment, a rear wall segment, a first latch support segment, and a second latch support segment, wherein the first body latch comprises a first upper edge, the second body latch comprises a second upper edge, and wherein when the flip-top is moved from the open position to the closed position, the first upper edge and the second upper edge respectively guide the latch of each deformable tab to deform each deformable tab so that when the flip-top reaches the closed position, the upper surface of each latch engages with the lower surface of each body latch.

Claims

1. A child-proof closure, comprising: The body includes an upper wall formed to include a product dispensing nozzle. An inner wall, which is attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis of the body, wherein the inner wall includes an inner surface attached to the inner wall and adapted to fit tightly with an inner mounting edge formed on the container. An outer wall, attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis, wherein the outer wall is located radially outside the inner wall relative to the central axis, and wherein the inner wall and the outer wall cooperate to define a first tab receiving space radially located between the outer wall and the inner wall relative to the central axis and a second tab receiving space radially located between the outer wall and the inner wall relative to the central axis. A flip-top cover includes a top wall, sidewalls coupled to the top wall and arranged to extend axially away from the top wall, a first deformable tab coupled to the bottom end of the sidewall and aligned with a first tab receiving space, and a second deformable tab coupled to the bottom end of the sidewall and aligned with a second tab receiving space. A hinge, coupled between the body and the flip-top cover, supports the flip-top cover relative to the body from a closed position covering the product dispensing nozzle on the body to an open position away from the body, exposing the product dispensing nozzle. Each deformable tab includes a latch extending radially outward from the deformable tab and arranged to engage a body latch extending radially inward from the inner surface of the outer wall in the closed position. Upon deformation of each deformable tab, the latch disengages from the body latch, allowing the flip-top cover to move from the closed position to the open position. The main body further includes a first front wall support and a second front wall support, as well as a first rear wall support and a second rear wall support, each extending radially relative to the central axis between the inner wall and the outer wall to define a first tab receiving space and a second tab receiving space, respectively. The first tab receiving space is defined circumferentially between the first front wall support and the first rear wall support, and the second tab receiving space is defined circumferentially between the second front wall support and the second rear wall support. The first front wall support and the second front wall support are attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend downward relative to the central axis away from the upper wall. The first rear wall support and the second rear wall support are attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend downward relative to the central axis away from the upper wall. The first deformable tab and the second deformable tab each include a tab plate, which, when the flip-top cover is in the closed position, has a height that extends downward along the outer wall and through the lower end of the inner wall to reach the body latch.

2. The child-proof closure of claim 1, wherein the first deformable tab is coupled to a first portion of the bottom end of the sidewall, the second deformable tab is coupled to a second portion of the bottom end of the sidewall, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the bottom end of the sidewall are each radially inward relative to the central axis of the third and fourth portions of the bottom end of the sidewall, and wherein the first deformable tab and the second deformable tab each extend axially away from the sidewall relative to the central axis.

3. The child-proof closure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first deformable tab is arranged in a spaced-apart relative to the central axis and the second deformable tab, such that the center point of the first deformable tab and the center point of the second deformable tab form a 180° angle.

4. The child-proof closure as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the flip-top cover is in the closed position, the latch of the first deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a first distance; when the flip-top cover is in the closed position, the latch of the second deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a second distance; wherein when a first force is applied to the first deformable tab, the latch of the first deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a third distance; and when a second force is applied to the second deformable tab, the latch of the second deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a fourth distance, and wherein the third distance is less than the first distance, and the fourth distance is less than the second distance.

5. The child-proof closure as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.

6. The child-proof closure of claim 4, wherein the first force is applied between the sidewall and the latch of the first deformable tab, and the second force is applied between the sidewall and the latch of the second deformable tab.

7. The child-proof closure of claim 1, wherein the outer wall comprises a front wall segment, a rear wall segment, a first tab receiving space segment, and a second tab receiving space segment, and wherein the first tab receiving space segment is separated from the second tab receiving space segment by at least one of the front wall segment and the rear wall segment.

8. The child-proof closure of claim 7, wherein the body includes an upwardly extending lip that extends axially away from the front wall segment relative to the central axis and includes a distal upper end arranged on the interface between the flip-top and the body to prevent access to the interface.

9. The child-proof closure of claim 1, wherein the outer wall comprises a front wall segment, a rear wall segment, a first latch support segment, and a second latch support segment, wherein the first body latch comprises a first upper edge, the second body latch comprises a second upper edge, and wherein when the flip-top is moved from the open position to the closed position, the first upper edge and the second upper edge each guide the latch of each deformable tab to deform each deformable tab such that the upper surface of each latch engages with the lower surface of each body latch when the flip-top reaches the closed position.

10. A child-proof package comprising: Container, which includes an outlet, and Child-proof closures include: The main body includes an upper wall, which is formed to include a product dispensing port; An inner wall, which is attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall, wherein the inner wall includes an inner surface attached to the inner wall and adapted to fit tightly with the discharge port formed on the container; An outer wall, attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend axially away from the upper wall relative to the central axis of the body, wherein the outer wall is located radially outside the inner wall relative to the central axis, and wherein the inner wall and the outer wall cooperate to define a first tab receiving space radially located between the outer wall and the inner wall relative to the central axis and a second tab receiving space radially located between the outer wall and the inner wall relative to the central axis. A flip-top cover includes a top wall, sidewalls coupled to the top wall and arranged to extend axially away from the top wall, a first deformable tab coupled to the bottom end of the sidewall and aligned with a first tab receiving space, and a second deformable tab coupled to the bottom end of the sidewall and aligned with a second tab receiving space. A hinge, coupled between the body and the flip-top cover, supports the flip-top cover relative to the body from a closed position covering the product dispensing nozzle on the body to an open position away from the body, exposing the product dispensing nozzle. Each deformable tab includes a latch extending radially outward from the deformable tab and arranged to engage a body latch extending radially inward from the inner surface of the outer wall in the closed position. Upon deformation of each deformable tab, the latch disengages from the body latch, allowing the flip-top cover to move from the closed position to the open position. The main body further includes a first front wall support and a second front wall support, as well as a first rear wall support and a second rear wall support, each extending radially relative to the central axis between the inner wall and the outer wall to define a first tab receiving space and a second tab receiving space, respectively. The first tab receiving space is defined circumferentially between the first front wall support and the first rear wall support, and the second tab receiving space is defined circumferentially between the second front wall support and the second rear wall support. The first front wall support and the second front wall support are attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend downward relative to the central axis away from the upper wall. The first rear wall support and the second rear wall support are attached to the upper wall and arranged to extend downward relative to the central axis away from the upper wall. The first deformable tab and the second deformable tab each include a tab plate having a height that extends downward along the outer wall and through the lower end of the inner wall to the body latch.

11. The child-proof packaging of claim 10, wherein the first deformable tab is coupled to a first portion of the bottom end of the sidewall, the second deformable tab is coupled to a second portion of the bottom end of the sidewall, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the bottom end of the sidewall are each radially inward relative to the central axis of the third and fourth portions of the bottom end of the sidewall, and wherein the first deformable tab and the second deformable tab each extend axially away from the sidewall relative to the central axis.

12. The child-proof packaging of claim 11, wherein the first deformable tab is arranged in a spaced-apart relative to the central axis and the second deformable tab, such that the center point of the first deformable tab is at 180° to the center point of the second deformable tab.

13. The child-proof packaging of claim 10, wherein when the flip-top is in the closed position, the latch of the first deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a first distance; when the flip-top is in the closed position, the latch of the second deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a second distance; wherein when a first force is applied to the first deformable tab, the latch of the first deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a third distance; and when a second force is applied to the second deformable tab, the latch of the second deformable tab is spaced apart from the inner wall by a fourth distance, and wherein the third distance is less than the first distance, and the fourth distance is less than the second distance.

14. The child-proof packaging as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first distance is equal to the second distance.

15. The child-proof packaging of claim 13, wherein the first force is applied between the sidewall and the latch of the first deformable tab, and the second force is applied between the sidewall and the latch of the second deformable tab.

16. The child-proof packaging of claim 10, wherein the outer wall comprises a front wall segment, a rear wall segment, a first tab receiving space segment, and a second tab receiving space segment, and wherein the first tab receiving space segment is separated from the second tab receiving space segment by at least one of the front wall segment and the rear wall segment.

17. The child-proof packaging of claim 16, wherein the body includes an upwardly extending lip that extends axially away from the front wall segment relative to the central axis and includes a distal upper end arranged on the interface between the flip-top and the body to prevent access to the interface.

18. The child-proof packaging of claim 10, wherein the outer wall comprises a front wall segment, a rear wall segment, a first latch support segment, and a second latch support segment, wherein the first body latch comprises a first upper edge, the second body latch comprises a second upper edge, and wherein when the flip-top is moved from the open position to the closed position, the first upper edge and the second upper edge each guide the latch of each deformable tab to deform each deformable tab such that the upper surface of each latch engages with the lower surface of each body latch when the flip-top reaches the closed position.

Images