Tamper-proof container

Abstract

To provide a container with an effective tamper-evident mechanism that provides consumers with visual confirmation of the presence of the tamper-evident mechanism even after it has been broken.SOLUTION: A tamper-evident container includes a container, a cap, and a tamper-evident mechanism including a female component, a male component, and a locking member. The container for holding contents includes an upper portion, a bottom portion, and side wall portions, with a cap attached to the upper portion of the container. The cap includes an inner portion having an orifice and a lid for opening and closing the tamper-evident container, pivotally connected to the inner portion via a hinge. The cap further includes an inclined portion in its front region having a smooth surface for directly dispensing the contents to a desired area. After the contents are filled into the container, the lid is first closed, and the tamper-evident mechanism locks the male component into the corresponding female component. At this time, the locking member is provided on top of the male component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to an easy to operate, tamper-resistant container for storing contents, and a novel cap coupled to the container that provides an efficient tamper-evident mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] Maintaining product safety and efficacy is a major concern for both companies and consumers, especially in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and wellness industries. If a defective or contaminated product is used, consumer health can be put at risk. Also, if an inferior or harmful product is sold to a consumer, a company can suffer significant lost revenue and loss of consumer trust. Pharmaceutical and healthcare companies work aggressively to make their packaging tamper-resistant to protect the integrity of their products.

[0003] One common solution to these problems is to utilize tamper-evident packaging to ensure product security. Accordingly, tamper-evident packaging has been an important area of ​​research over the past few decades. While several types of tamper-evident packaging solutions are available on the market, these solutions are often incomplete in allowing consumers to distinguish between tampered and tamper-evident products. Furthermore, some tamper-evident packaging is not completely effective in preventing tampering from all sides of the container. Furthermore, in some tamper-evident containers, the inclusion of a tamper-evident mechanism prevents the product dispensing orifice from properly closing, thereby leading to leakage or contamination of the contents from the orifice during storage or transportation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Due to the aforementioned problems, it is desirable to have an effective tamper-evident mechanism that also provides the consumer with visual confirmation that the tamper-evident mechanism was present even after it has been defeated. It is also preferable that the tamper-evident container be easy to open and close, and that the tamper-evident mechanism do not interfere with operation of the cap. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aspect of the present invention is directed to a tamper-evident container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a sidewall, the top portion defining a cavity capable of holding contents; a cap disposed over the container, the cap comprising: an inner surface disposed over the cavity and including an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper-evident feature; and a lid pivotally connected to the cap via a hinge and movable between a closed position and an open position, the tamper-evident feature comprising a male component, a female component, and a locking member. The present invention further includes a plug protruding from the inner surface of the lid, the plug fitting within and sealing the orifice to provide a fluid-tight, resealable seal. Furthermore, in the present invention, the plug enters the orifice before the male component of the tamper-evident feature completes engagement with the corresponding female component of the tamper-evident feature.

[0006] Aspects of the present invention are further directed to a cap neck including a sloped portion located on the front side of the cap and a lid including an extended portion extending above the sloped portion, where the cap lid can be opened by pushing up from below the extended portion. The sloped portion is made of a soft material and has an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis. In accordance with the present invention, the soft material of the sloped portion can be selected from the group including silicone, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, or PET.

[0007] Aspects of the present invention are directed to two tamper-evident features located on opposite sides of the neck of the cap. Aspects of the present invention are further directed to a male component of the tamper-evident feature located on the rim of the lid and a female component of the tamper-evident feature located on the neck of the cap. Aspects of the present invention are further directed to a locking member located on the female component and extending horizontally from one end of the female component to the other end of the female component. Furthermore, in this invention, the locking member is connected at one connection point at one end of the female component and at two connection points at the other end of the female component.

[0008] Aspects of the present invention are directed to a cap comprising an inner surface including an orifice, a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper-evident feature, and a lid pivotally connected to the cap via a hinge and movable between a closed position and an open position, the tamper-evident feature including a male component, a female component, and a locking member.

[0009] An aspect of the present invention is directed to a tamper-evident container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and sidewalls, the top portion defining a cavity capable of holding contents; a cap disposed over the container, the cap comprising: an inner surface disposed over the cavity and including an orifice; a neck portion extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper-evident feature; and a lid pivotally connected to the cap via a hinge and movable between a closed position and an open position, the tamper-evident feature including a male component, a female component, and a locking member, the neck portion of the cap including a sloped portion located on a front side of the cap, and the lid including an extended portion extending above the sloped portion, the lid of the cap may be opened by pushing up from below the extended portion, the sloped portion being made of a soft material and having an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis.

[0010] an inner surface over the cavity and including an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper-evident feature; and a lid pivotally connected to the cap via a hinge and movable between a closed position and an open position, the tamper-evident feature including a male component, a female component, and a locking member, the neck of the cap including a sloped portion located on a front side of the cap, and the lid including an extended portion extending above the sloped portion, the lid of the cap may be opened by pushing up from below the extended portion, the sloped portion being made of a soft material and having an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees with respect to a horizontal axis, the soft material of the sloped portion may be selected from the group including silicone, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, or PET.

[0011] An aspect of the present invention is directed to a tamper-evident container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and sidewalls, the top portion defining a cavity capable of holding contents; and a cap disposed on the container, the cap comprising: an inner surface disposed over the cavity and including an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper-evident feature; and a lid pivotally connected to the cap via a hinge and movable between a closed position and an open position, the tamper-evident feature including a male component, a female component, and a locking member, the locking member being disposed on the female component and extending horizontally from one end of the female component to the other end of the female component, the locking member being connected to the female component at one connection point and at two connection points at the other end of the female component. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention in an open position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a female component of a tamper-evident feature of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tamper-evident mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7A-7D are side views of an exemplary method for securing a tamper-evident feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8A-8D are cross-sectional views of an exemplary method for securing a tamper-evident feature in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the present invention in an open position. [Figure 10] 10A-10D are perspective views of an exemplary method of opening one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cap according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tamper-evident mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention in a broken state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Aspects of the present invention are directed to a novel tamper-evident container 100 that includes a container 200 for holding contents, a cap 300, and a tamper-evident mechanism 304.

[0014] 1 through 12 represent various embodiments of the present invention based on product drawings used to develop and depict tamper-evident container 100. As such, the figures are to scale and represent the geometry of tamper-evident container 100, including container 200, cap 300, and tamper-evident feature 304, in accordance with the present invention.

[0015] 1-3 show an exemplary tamper-evident container 100 of the present invention in a closed position. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the tamper-evident container 100 in a closed position. The tamper-evident container 100 includes a container 200, a cap 300, and at least one tamper-evident feature 304. The container 200 includes a bottom portion 201, a sidewall 202, and a top portion 203 that define an interior cavity of the container 100 in which contents may be held. In one embodiment, the container 100 may be rigid, and the sidewall 202 may maintain its shape. In another embodiment, the container 100 may be flexible, and the sidewall 202 may be compressed to move contents out of the container 100. The top portion 203 of the container 200 includes an upstanding annular neck 206 that is hollow and serves as the only opening for contents to pass through and out of the container 200. A cap 300 can be provided on the neck 206 of the container 200 to close the opening of the cavity. The diameter of the container 200 can be between about 25 mm and about 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the container is about 40 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the diameter of the container is about 30 mm. The diameter of the cap 300 can be between about 24 mm and about 50 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cap is about 39 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cap is about 29 mm.

[0016] The present invention may be formed through the combination of a container 200 and a cap 300 that are integrally or non-integrally formed. If the cap 300 is integrally connected to the container 200, the cap 300 and the container 200 may be formed of blow-molded material or may be injection molded using methods known to those skilled in the art. If the cap 300 and the container 200 are non-integrally connected, they may be connected, for example, by threading onto male or female threads, friction-fitting, snap-fitting, or secured onto the container 200 in any other suitable manner known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the container 200 and the cap 300 are connected by snap-fitting. In a preferred embodiment, the cap 300 is permanently secured to the container 200 after or before the container is filled with contents, thereby making the container 200 and the cap 300 a connected system.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary tamper-evident container 100 in an open position. The cap 300 may be molded as a single piece and includes a substantially cylindrical neck 301, an inner surface 318, and a lid 305. The lid 305 further includes a bottom surface 310, side surfaces 208, and a plug 312 protruding from the bottom surface 310. The neck 301 is disposed around the inner surface and extends downward from the inner surface 318 toward the container 200. The rear end of the lid 305 is connected to the neck 301 of the cap 300 via a hinge 302 and pivots about the hinge 302 to move the tamper-evident container 100 between the open and closed positions. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface 318 is fixed and does not move during opening and closing of the tamper-evident container 100. The lid 305 further includes an extended portion 307 at the front end of the lid 305. The extended portion 307 can be made of a soft material, allowing the user to open and close the lid easily and comfortably. In one embodiment, the material of the extended portion can be silicone, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, PET, or any other suitable soft or rubberized material. In another embodiment, the material of the extended portion can be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the extended portion 22 is TPE.

[0018] The neck 301 includes a sloped portion 303 at the front end of the cap 300. The sloped portion 303 slopes inward from the front of the cap 300 toward the rear end of the cap 300. The extended portion 307 extends over the top of the sloped portion 303 to allow for convenient and smooth one-handed opening and closing of the lid 305. In one embodiment, the sloped portion 303 is angled between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to the horizontal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the sloped portion 303 is angled about 45 degrees relative to the horizontal axis. A user can place their thumb or fingers on the sloped portion 303 and push the extended portion 307 upward from below the extended portion 307. If a user is unable to open the container using their hand or fingers, the edge of another object or surface can be placed below the extended portion 307 and used to push up on the extended portion 307 to open the tamper-evident container 100. In a preferred embodiment, the extended portion 307 has a curved shape, however, the shape of the extended portion 307 is not limited and can be any suitable shape. In one embodiment, the material of the angled portion may be silicone, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber, PET, or any other suitable soft or rubberized material. In another embodiment, the material of the angled portion may be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the angled portion is polypropylene.

[0019] The cap 300 further includes an orifice 313 disposed on an inner surface 318 of the cap 300, which allows contents to be dispensed from the tamper-evident container 100 when the tamper-evident container 100 is in the open position. In a preferred embodiment, the orifice 313 is circular in shape, although it may be any shape suitable for dispensing contents held within the tamper-evident container 100. The diameter of the orifice 313 may be between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the orifice 313 is about 4.2 mm. A user can squeeze the side wall 202 of the container to force the contents out of the orifice 313. Once the contents are dispensed from the orifice 313, the user can turn the tamper-evident container 100 upside down to dispense the contents directly onto the desired area without having to first place the contents on their fingers. There is a smooth transition from angled portion 313 to inner surface 318 of cap 300, facilitating dispensing of contents directly to a desired area. Thus, angled portion 303 acts as an applicator, providing a smooth surface for dispensing contents directly to an area. Furthermore, the slope of angled portion 303 allows for easy direct dispensing of contents to hard-to-reach areas with minimal manipulation of tamper-evident container 100 by the user. This direct dispensing of contents to a desired area prevents contamination of the contents by avoiding contact with the user's fingers prior to dispensing, and prevents waste of contents.

[0020] In the closed position, plug 312 extends downward from the bottom surface 310 of lid 305 toward container 200 and fits within orifice 313 to create a tight, airtight seal to prevent contamination and leakage of the contents. In one embodiment, tamper-evident container 100 is liquid-tight and resealable to maintain its liquid-tight properties. As used herein, the term "resealable" means that tamper-evident container 100 can be opened or re-opened and closed or re-closed many times (e.g., six or more times) and still maintain its liquid-tight properties. As used herein, the term "liquid-tight" means that the moisture ingress of the container is less than about 1500 micrograms of water / day, as determined by the following test method: (a) place about 1 gram of molecular sieve into the container and record the weight, (b) close the resealable mechanism, (c) place the sealed container in an environmental chamber at 80% relative humidity and 72°F (22.2°C), (d) weigh the container containing the molecular sieve after one day, (e) weigh the container after about two weeks, and (f) subtract the first day's sample from the resulting value and divide by the number of days to calculate the moisture ingress of the container in micrograms of water / day.

[0021] The cap 300 further includes at least one tamper-evident feature 304 disposed thereon to prevent tampering with the contents before a user initially opens the tamper-evident container 100. Any suitable number of tamper-evident features 304 can be disposed on the cap 300. In one embodiment, there is one tamper-evident feature 304. In a preferred embodiment, two tamper-evident features 304 are located on opposite sides of the hinge 302 around the cap 300. The two tamper-evident features 304 provide an additional protective benefit by preventing the lid 305 from being lifted or opened from either side of the hinge 302 or the extended portion 307 without breaking at least one of the two tamper-evident features 304 to provide evidence of tampering. In a preferred embodiment, each of the tamper-evident features 304 has the same structure and function.

[0022] Each tamper-evident feature 304 includes a male component 304A, a corresponding female component 304B, and a locking member 304C. The male component 304A is disposed on a rim 311 on a side 308 of the lid 305. The male component 24A projects upward from the rim 311 on the side 308 of the lid 305 when the tamper-evident container 100 is in the open position. The shape of the male component 304A can be any suitable shape. In a preferred embodiment, the male component 304A has a substantially rectangular shape. The male component 304A further includes a lip 314 at an upper portion of the male component 204A that extends substantially perpendicularly from the remainder of the male component 304A.

[0023] The female component 204B includes a recess on the rim 309 of the neck 301 of the cap 300 and extends downwardly over the neck 301 of the cap 300. In a preferred embodiment, the female component 304B is substantially rectangular in shape, although the invention is not limited to this shape and the female component can be any suitable shape. The tamper-evident mechanism 304 further includes a locking member 304C. The locking member 304C can be any suitable shape and size. In a preferred embodiment, the locking member 304C is in the form of a band and extends horizontally from one end of the female component 304B to the other, thereby connecting the two ends of the female component of the tamper mechanism 304. In one embodiment, the length of the locking member may be between about 3 mm and about 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the locking member is about 6 mm. A gap exists between the locking member 304C and the neck 301 of the cap 300.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary female component of the tamper-evident mechanism of the present invention. Each end of locking member 304C is horizontally connected to an end of female component 304B. Locking member 304C is connected to have a stronger connection at one end compared to the other end. In a preferred embodiment, locking member 304C is connected to female component 304B at one end with a single connection point 317 and at the other end with two connection points 315 and 316. Locking member 304C has a stronger connection at the end with two connection points compared to the end with a single connection point. Thus, when lid 305 is initially opened, locking member 304C predictably and consistently detaches from female component 304B only at the end with the single connection point, while remaining attached at the opposite end with two connection points. This provides a clear indication to the user that the tamper-evident container 100 has not been opened because the severed locking member 304C remains attached to one end after the lid 305 is initially opened, providing visual confirmation that the tamper mechanism is present and has been defeated. Furthermore, because the locking member 304C remains attached to one end, there is no need to discard the locking member 304C after the tamper-evident container 100 is opened. In one embodiment, the locking member 304C may be connected with three connection points on one end and a single connection point on the other end. In another embodiment, the locking member may be connected with two connection points on one end and three connection points on the other end. The present invention can have any combination of connections as long as the connection on one end is stronger than the connection on the opposite end.

[0025] 6 is a diagram of an exemplary tamper-evident mechanism 304 secured onto a tamper-evident container 100 of the present invention. The tamper-evident mechanism 304 is secured onto the tamper-evident container 100 when the tamper-evident container 100 is initially closed after being filled with contents. When the tamper-evident mechanism 304 is installed, the lid 305 is secured in a closed position on the inner surface 318 of the cap 300, thereby preventing access to the contents held within the container 200. To secure the tamper-evident mechanism 304, the male component 304A engages with the female component 304B and seats within a recess in the female component 304B, with the locking member 304C disposed on the top of the male component 304A. The bottom of the locking member 304C resists movement of the lip 314 of the male component 304A, locking and holding the male component 304A in place. In this configuration, the male component 304A cannot be removed from the female component 304B without detaching the locking member 304C from at least one end to indicate tampering. The tamper-evident feature 304 remains intact until the lid 305 is first opened. When a user initially opens the tamper-evident container 100 by moving the lid 305 upward, the lip 314 of the male component 304B presses against the locking member 304C, disengaging it at one end and allowing the lid 305 to be lifted and the tamper-evident container 100 to be opened.

[0026] 7A-7D illustrate the process of securing a tamper-evident feature 304 on the present invention. After contents are filled into the container, the lid 305 is first closed, enabling the tamper-evident feature. The lid 305 is moved downward to cover the orifice 313 on the interior surface of the cap 300. As can be seen in FIGS. 7B and 7C, as the lid 305 pivots downward about the hinge 302, the plug 312 substantially enters and seals the orifice 313 before the male component 304A of the tamper-evident feature 304 completes engagement with the corresponding female component 304B. As can be seen in FIG. 7C, while the plug 312 is within the orifice 313, the male component 304A continues to enter the void in the corresponding female component 304B until the tamper-evident feature 304 is secured in place. Only when plug 312 is fully inserted into and seals orifice 313 does male component 304A complete engagement with corresponding female component 304B.

[0027] 8A-8D show cross-sectional views of the process of initially closing the lid 305 of the cap 300 in accordance with the present invention. Figures 8A-8D further show the process of the plug 312 entering the orifice 313. Furthermore, as the lid 305 is moved downward to the closed position, the male component 304A of the tamper-evident feature 304 provided on the lid 305 engages with the female component 304B. As can be seen in Figure 8C, the engagement of the tamper-evident feature 304 is complete once the plug 312 has substantially entered the orifice 313.

[0028] 9 shows a top view of a cap of the present invention in an open position. Line 10 indicates that the center point of tamper-evident feature 304 is closer to hinge 302 compared to the center of orifice 313. Thus, in a typical container having this arrangement, tamper-evident feature 304 engages and locks before plug 312 is fully inserted into orifice 313. However, if tamper-evident feature 304 engages and locks into place before plug 312 is inserted into orifice 313, lid 305 will not close properly and will not lie flat against inner surface 318 of cap 300 as desired. Instead, a gap may exist between lid 305 and inner surface 318 of cap 300, thereby exposing contents to spillage, contamination, and harmful environmental factors. To address this issue, in the present invention, the length of the male component 304A protruding from the rim 311 of the lid 305 is less than the length of the plug 312 protruding from the inner surface 318 of the cap 300, thereby facilitating the entry of the plug 312 into the orifice 313 before the male component 304A of the tamper-evident mechanism 304 is fully locked into the corresponding female component 304B. In one embodiment, the protruding length from the inner surface 310 of the lid 305 to the end of the plug 312 may be between about 3 mm and about 7 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the protruding length of the plug is about 5.51 mm. In one embodiment, the length from the rim 311 of the side 308 of the lid 305 to the end of the male component 304A may be between about 1.5 mm and about 3.5 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the male component 204A is about 2.84 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the protruding length of the male component 204A to the protruding length of the plug is 1:9. The distance between the hinge 302 and the center of the orifice 313 is between about 15 mm and about 23 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the hinge 302 and the center of the orifice 313 is about 18.55 mm. The distance between the hinge 302 and the center of the female component 304B is between about 10 mm and about 20 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the hinge 302 and the center of the female component 304B is about 13.25 mm.

[0029] 10A-10D illustrate the process of initially opening the tamper-evident container 100. As can be seen in FIG. 10A, when a user first views the tamper-evident container 100, the tamper-evident feature 304 is clearly intact on both sides of the cap 300, thereby indicating that the contents have been retained within the container 200 and have not been tampered with. When the user begins to lift the lid 305 by pushing up on the extended portion 307 from underneath, the tamper-evident feature 304 begins to disengage. The user can open the tamper-evident container 100 with a one-handed flip motion. The force applied by the user to the lid 305 causes the male component 304A to press down on the locking member 304C and exert pressure on the locking member 304C until it breaks at one end. In a preferred embodiment, the locking band 304C is broken at one end having a single connection point and remains connected to the female component 304B at the other end having two connection points. As can be seen in FIG. 10D , after the lid 305 is opened and the tamper-evident feature 304 is broken, the locking member 304C remains attached to the female component 304B at one end, thereby providing visual confirmation that the tamper-evident feature 304 has been broken. Thus, if the contents have been previously accessed, a subsequent user will have a clear visual indication from the broken and attached locking member 304C. In a preferred embodiment, two tamper-evident features 304 are provided on either side of the orifice 313 to prevent opening of the lid 305 from any point around the lid 305 without breaking one or both of the tamper-evident features 304.

[0030] 11 shows the cap 300 of the present invention in an open position, removed from the container 200. After the lid 305 is initially opened, the locking member 304C of the tamper-evident mechanism 304 remains attached to the female component 304B. The locking member 304C remains attached to the female component 304B at the end with the stronger connection, i.e., two connection points 315 and 316, rather than at the end with the weaker connection, i.e., single connection point 317. In a preferred embodiment, the end with the stronger connection may be the end of the female component 304B closest to the hinge 302.

[0031] In one embodiment, the material of the tamper-evident feature 304, container 200, lid 305, and neck 301 of cap 300 may be polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polycarbonate, or polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the material of the tamper-evident feature 304, container 200, lid 305, and neck 301 of cap 300 is polypropylene.

[0032] The contents held within the container tube may be any compound or composition that can be used to cleanse the skin, provide pain relief, or provide general health and wellness benefits to the user. Non-limiting examples of contents may include active pharmaceutical ingredients, including over-the-counter actives, behind-the-counter actives, prescription actives, or any combination thereof.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, the contents are available in various forms and may be selected from the group including gel, lotion, cream, oil, emulsion, ointment, and powder. In one embodiment, the contents held in the container are a cream or gel containing diclofenac sodium. In a preferred embodiment, the contents held in the container are a combination of diclofenac sodium, ammonia, carbomer homopolymer type C, coco-caprylate / caprate, isopropyl alcohol, mineral oil, polyoxyl 20 cetostearyl ether, propylene glycol, and water.

[0034] The tamper-evident container 100 of the present invention may be compatible with any pump or spray device, including, but not limited to, an airless pump.

[0035] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A tamper-evident container comprising: a container having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a sidewall, the top portion defining a cavity capable of holding contents; A cap disposed on the container, an inner surface above the cavity and including an orifice; a neck extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper-evident feature; and a lid pivotally connected to the cap via a hinge and movable between a closed position and an open position, a cap, wherein the tamper-evident feature includes a male component, a female component, and a locking member.

2. 10. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes a plug protruding from the inner surface of the lid that fits within the orifice and seals the orifice when the tamper-evident container is in the closed position.

3. 3. The tamper-evident container of claim 2, wherein the seal between the plug and the orifice is liquid-tight and resealable.

4. 3. The tamper-evident container of claim 2, wherein the plug enters the orifice before the male component of the tamper-evident feature fully engages with the corresponding female component of the tamper-evident feature.

5. 2. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, wherein the neck of the cap includes a sloped portion located on a front side of the cap, and the lid includes an extended portion that extends above the sloped portion, and the lid of the cap can be opened by pushing up from below the extended portion.

6. 10. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, wherein the angled portion is made of a flexible material and has an angle of between about 35 degrees and about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal axis.

7. 7. The tamper-evident container of claim 6, wherein the soft material of the angled portion can be selected from the group comprising silicone, LDPE, TPE, PE, rubber or PET.

8. 10. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, wherein the container includes two tamper-evident features located on opposite sides of the neck of the cap.

9. 10. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, wherein the male component of the tamper-evident feature is provided on a rim of the lid.

10. 10. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, wherein the female component of the tamper-evident feature is provided on the neck portion of the cap.

11. 10. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, wherein the locking member is provided on the female component and extends horizontally from one end of the female component to the other end of the female component.

12. 11. The tamper-evident container of claim 10, wherein the locking member is connected at one connection point at one end of the female component and at two connection points at the other end of the female component.

13. an interior surface including an orifice; a neck portion extending around the inner surface and having at least one tamper-evident feature; a lid pivotally connected to the cap via a hinge and movable between a closed position and an open position; The cap, wherein the tamper-evident feature includes a male component, a female component, and a locking member.

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