Child-resistant closure and package

Abstract

The child-resistant closure (10) comprises a polymeric top portion (12), a polymeric annular portion, and a slidable lid (50). The polymeric top portion has an outer surface (14). The polymeric top portion further comprises a slide portal (20), which has a retaining wall portion (22) and at least one recess (24a, 24b) formed in the top surface (26) of the slide portal. The slide portal forms a hole (30). A skirt portion (40) depends from the polymeric top portion. The slidable lid comprises at least one spring retaining mechanism (52a, 52b) and a retaining projection (54) extending from the slidable lid. The spring retaining mechanism is configured to be positioned within the recess when the closure is in the closed position. The slidable lid is configured to slide along the slide portal. The retaining projection, in combination with the retaining wall portion, assists in preventing the slidable lid from disengaging from the remainder of the closure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 741,118, filed on May 10, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to closures configured to cooperate with a container to form a package. More particularly, the present invention relates to polymeric child - resistant closures.

Background Art

[0003] Polymeric closures have been used in numerous applications in combination with containers for many years. Some containers hold products or contents not intended for a particular individual such as a child. These contents can include products such as over - the - counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, prescription drugs, etc. These containers desirably have child - resistant properties that prevent or deter a child from accessing the product inside the container. However, these containers can be difficult for other people to open and access the product contained therein. These other people can be those with reduced grip strength, limited dexterity in the upper limbs (e.g., arms or hands), or other disabilities in the upper limbs who have difficulty opening such containers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is desirable to provide a child - resistant closure that still realizes the desirable properties of a closure, including securely positioning the closure on the container while eliminating these drawbacks of existing containers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a child-resistant closure comprises a polymeric top portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a slidable lid. The polymeric top portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. The polymeric top portion further comprises a slide portal. The slide portal comprises a retaining wall portion and at least one recess formed in the top surface of the slide portal. The slide portal forms a hole. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top portion. The slidable lid comprises at least one spring retaining mechanism and a retaining protrusion extending from the slidable lid. The at least one spring retaining mechanism is configured to be positioned within the at least one recess when the closure is in the closed position. The slidable lid is configured to slide along the slide portal. The retaining protrusion, in combination with the retaining wall portion, assists in preventing the slidable lid from disengaging from the remainder of the closure.

[0006] According to a further configuration of the above-described implementation, the at least one spring retaining mechanism is a plurality of spring retaining mechanisms, and the at least one recess is a plurality of recesses.

[0007] In a further aspect of the above-described implementation, the retaining wall portion comprises a pair of side wall portions bridging a top wall portion. The top wall portion has a downwardly extending retaining tab.

[0008] In a further aspect of the above-described implementation, the retaining wall portion and the top surface of the slide portal assist in forming an opening to allow the slidable lid to move therethrough. This opening may be substantially C-shaped.

[0009] In yet a further aspect of the above-described implementation, the slide portal is integrally formed with the polymeric annular skirt portion and the remainder of the polymeric top surface portion.

[0010] In yet a further aspect of the above-described implementation, the slide portal is a polymeric slide portal.

[0011] According to a further configuration of the above-described implementation form, the slidable lid further includes a grip protrusion extending from its top surface. The grip protrusion is configured to assist the sliding of the slidable lid along the slide portal.

[0012] In a further aspect of the above-described implementation form, the slidable lid includes a pusher tab. The pusher tab is positioned at the first end, and the grip protrusion is positioned at the second end. The first end and the second end are positioned opposite to each other.

[0013] In a further aspect of the above-described implementation form, an audible sound is generated when at least one spring retaining mechanism is positioned within at least one recess.

[0014] In yet a further aspect of the above-described implementation form, at least one spring retaining mechanism and at least one recess fix the child-resistant closure in the closed position.

[0015] In yet a further aspect of the above-described implementation form, the grip protrusion is a substantially rectangular wall structure.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a package includes a container and a closure. The container has a neck portion that defines an opening. The neck portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. The closure is configured to be attached to the neck portion of the container to close the opening. The closure includes a polymeric top portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a slide portal. The polymeric top portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. The slide portal includes a retaining wall portion and at least one recess formed in the top surface of the slide portal. The slide portal forms a hole. The polymeric annular skirt portion depends from the polymeric top portion. The slidable lid includes at least one spring retaining mechanism and a retaining protrusion extending from the slidable lid. The at least one spring retaining mechanism is configured to be positioned within the at least one recess when the closure is in the closed position. The slidable lid is configured to slide along the slide portal. The retaining protrusion, in combination with the retaining wall portion, assists in preventing the slidable lid from disengaging from the remainder of the closure.

[0017] According to one configuration of the above-described implementation, the container has a male thread forming portion on the neck portion.

[0018] According to one configuration of the above-described implementation, the at least one spring retaining mechanism is a plurality of spring retaining mechanisms, and the at least one recess is a plurality of recesses.

[0019] According to another configuration of the above-described implementation, the retaining wall portion includes a pair of side wall portions that bridge a top wall portion. The top wall portion has a downwardly extending retaining tab. The retaining wall portion and the top surface of the slide portal assist in forming an opening through which the slidable lid can move. The opening may be substantially C-shaped.

[0020] According to a further configuration of the above-described implementation, the slidable lid further includes a grip protrusion extending from its top surface. The grip protrusion is configured to assist in sliding the slidable lid along the slide portal.

[0021] In yet another aspect of the above-described implementation, when at least one spring retaining mechanism is positioned within at least one recess, an audible sound is generated.

[0022] In yet another aspect of the above-described implementation, at least one spring retaining mechanism and at least one recess secure a child-resistant closure in a closed position.

[0023] The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings set forth below.

[0024] Other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Fig. 1A

Fig. 1B

Fig. 1C

Fig. 2A

Fig. 2B

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5A

Fig. 5B

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Although the present invention is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments of the present invention are shown by way of example in these drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific forms disclosed, and on the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a polymeric child-resistant closure 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is a two-piece closure, but is advantageous in that it significantly reduces the possibility of separating the child-resistant closure from the container, as will be described later. Thus, the polymeric child-resistant closure aids in reducing waste to the environment when the container is recycled.

[0028] The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is configured to be attached to the neck portion of the container to close the opening of the container. This polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is configured to be used with the container 100 of FIG. 4 that forms the package 200 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0029] The polymeric child-resistant closure of the present invention is advantageous because it enables a user with limited dexterity or reduced grip strength to access the product contained therein by opening the container with much lower physical effort. It is also advantageous for a user having other disabilities in the upper limbs (e.g., hands and / or arms) to access the product contained therein by opening the container with much lower physical effort. In one way, the child-resistant closure can be opened to access the product using one hand.

[0030] The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a polymeric top portion 12, a polymeric annular skirt portion 40, and a slidable lid 50. The polymeric annular skirt portion 40 depends from the polymeric top portion 12. The polymeric annular skirt portion 40 is shown as having a generally smooth outer surface. This is advantageous when it is desirable that a user not be able to grasp the closure when attempting to open it without using the slidable lid. It is contemplated that the polymeric annular skirt portion may have a textured outer surface.

[0031]

[0030] In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the polymeric top portion 12 of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is best shown in the absence of the slidable lid 50. The polymeric top portion 12 has an outer surface 14 and an inner surface 16. The polymeric top portion 12 further includes a slide portal 20. The slide portal 20 includes a retaining wall portion 22 and a plurality of recesses 24a, 24b formed in the top surface 26 of the slide portal 20. The slide portal 20 forms an aperture 30. As best shown in FIG. 2A, the aperture 30 is located at a first end 20a of the slide portal 20 and the retaining wall portion 22 is formed at a second end 20b of the slide portal 20. The first end 20a and the second end 20b are located at opposite ends of the slide portal 20.

[0032] The retaining wall portion 22 is a mechanical stopper in the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 and substantially limits the ability to completely remove the slidable lid 50 when the slidable lid 50 is engaged within the remainder of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. As best shown in FIG. 2B, the retaining wall portion 22 is a structural portion that extends above the remainder of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. The retaining wall portion 22 has a pair of side wall portions 22a, 22b bridged by a top wall portion 22c. This top wall portion 22c includes a downwardly extending retaining tab 22d. The retaining wall portion 22, in combination with the top surface 26, forms an opening 32 through which the slidable lid 50 can slide partially therethrough. As shown in FIG. 2B, the section with the opening 32 has a height H1 between the retaining tab 22d and the top surface 26.

[0033] The opening 32 has a plurality of opening sections with a larger height dimension between the top wall portion 22c and the top surface 26. The opening 32 is in a generally inverted C-shape and has various heights, with a height H2 being greater than the height H1. These larger openings of the height dimensions of the opening 32 assist in initially positioning the slidable lid 50 with its upper protrusion within the slide portal 20. Specifically, during manufacture, the slidable lid 50 is placed within the slide portal 20 through the opening 32. Thus, the opening 32 must be sized to receive the slidable lid 50 and allow the slidable lid 50 to be inserted therethrough. The retaining wall portion 22 has flexibility to allow the slidable lid 50 to be inserted into the slide portal 20. More specifically, the retaining tab 22d has a thickness such that it can flex during insertion of the slidable lid 50 into the slide portal 20.

[0034] As described below, the plurality of recessed portions 24a, 24b are sized to receive and accommodate each of the plurality of spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b when the polymer child-resistant closure 10 is in the closed position. The plurality of recessed portions 24a, 24b are shown as being generally rectangular in FIG. 2A. It is anticipated that the recessed portions may be of other shapes and sizes that function with the spring retaining mechanism. These shapes and sizes of the recessed portions may be other polygons (e.g., square) or non-polygons (e.g., oval). Also, it is anticipated that the slide portal of the polymer child-resistant closure may include at least one recessed portion.

[0035] The recessed portions can have various depths, but in one embodiment are from about 0.005 inches to about 0.025 inches. In another embodiment, the depth of the recessed portion is from about 0.005 to about 0.01 inches.

[0036] The hole 30 formed in the slide portal 20 is shown as being generally rectangular in FIG. 2A. It is anticipated that the hole formed in the slide portal may be of other shapes and sizes. These shapes and sizes of the hole may be other polygons (e.g., square) or non-polygons (e.g., circular or oval). The hole 30 can have various sizes, but desirably can be determined according to the product being supplied. This allows for the metered control of the release of the product by matching the size of the hole to the product size.

[0037] The top surface 26 includes two extensions (only extension 26a is shown in FIG. 2A) that assist in the formation of the hole 30. These two extensions, along with the generally vertically extending wall portions 28a, 28b, form a guided structure for moving the lid 50 slidable along the slide portal 20. This assists the user in easily and steadily opening the polymer child-resistant closure 10 and accessing the hole 30.

[0038] In one method, the slide portal 20 is integrally formed with the polymeric top portion 12 and the polymeric annular skirt portion 40. For example, the slide portal may be molded with the polymeric top portion and the polymeric annular skirt portion. In another embodiment, the slide portal may be formed separately and attached to the polymeric top portion and the polymeric annular skirt portion.

[0039] The slidable lid 50 of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 according to one embodiment is best shown in FIG. 3. The slidable lid 50 is configured to slide within and along the slide portal 20 to open and close the polymeric child-resistant closure 10, and further provides access to the contents of the container 100 of FIG. 4 within the package 200 of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In one method, the slidable lid 50 is formed separately from the remainder of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10.

[0040] The slidable lid 50 includes a plurality of spring retention mechanisms 52a, 52b, retention protrusions 54, grip protrusions 56, and a pusher tab 60. Each of the retention protrusions 54 and the grip protrusions 56 extends from the top surface 50a of the slidable lid 50. The top surface 50a is generally, roughly rectangular in shape. It is expected that the slidable lid may consist of other shapes and sizes. In this embodiment, the top surface 50a is substantially flat at positions where the spring retention mechanisms 52a, 52b, retention protrusions 54, grip protrusions 56, and the pusher tab 60 are not present.

[0041] Each of the plurality of spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b in FIG. 3 is configured to be positioned within one of each of the plurality of recessed portions 24a, 24b (FIG. 2A) when the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is in the closed position (FIG. 1A). The positional relationship between the plurality of spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b and the plurality of recessed portions 24a, 24b is best shown in FIG. 1C. The plurality of spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b are located near or on the retaining wall portion when the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is in the closed position (FIG. 1A). The plurality of spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b extend outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion 40 when the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is in the open position (FIG. 1B).

[0042] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the spring retaining mechanism 52a and the recessed portion 24a. In one embodiment, when each of the plurality of spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b is moved within one of each of the plurality of recessed portions 24a, 24b, an audible sound (such as a snap sound or a click sound) indicating that the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 is in the closed position is first generated. This informs the user that the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 has been securely closed.

[0043] It is expected that the slidable lid of the polymeric child-resistant closure may include at least one spring retaining mechanism.

[0044] In order for the user to move the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 from the closed position (FIG. 1A) to the open position (FIG. 1B) substantially in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1A, a certain amount of force is required to overcome the resistance of the spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b located within the plurality of recessed portions 24a, 24b.

[0045] The retaining protrusion 54 of the slidable lid 50 assists in preventing or deterring the slidable lid 50 from disengaging from the remainder of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 by cooperating with the retaining wall portion 22. Specifically, the retaining protrusion 54 has a height H3 (FIG. 3) that exceeds a height H1 (the distance between the retaining tab 22d in FIG. 2B and the top surface 26 of the slide portal 20). Thus, when the retaining protrusion 54 is slid in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1A, the retaining protrusion 54 abuts and contacts the retaining tab 22d in FIG. 1B. The retaining protrusion 54 is shown as an elongate rectangular shaped structure. It is contemplated that the retaining protrusion may consist of other shapes and sizes.

[0046] Referring back to FIG. 3, the grip protrusion 56 is shown as a rectangular wall structure with an opening 58 formed substantially centrally therein. The rectangular wall structure is formed from a plurality of wall portions 56a - 56d and has an opening 58 substantially centrally located therein. In this embodiment, the grip protrusion 56 and the retaining protrusion 54 are positioned adjacent to each other. The retaining protrusion 54 is positioned between the grip protrusion 56 and the plurality of spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b as shown in the slidable lid 50 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. Further referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the plurality of spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b and the grip protrusion 56 are positioned at both ends of the slidable lid 50.

[0047] The grip protrusion 56 in FIG. 3 assists the user in moving the slidable lid 50 along the top surface 26 by being guided by the walls 28a, 28b (FIG. 1B) that extend substantially vertically. The grip protrusion 56 assists in opening the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 in substantially the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1A by moving the slidable lid. Also, the grip protrusion 56 can be used to close the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 in substantially the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1B.

[0048] In one method, a user can place a finger or thumb into an opening 58 formed by a plurality of wall portions 56a - 56d and move a lid 50 that is slidable in any direction. When opening the polymeric child-resistant closure 10, in order to move the grip protrusions 56, it is necessary to overcome a minimal load to disengage the spring retaining mechanisms 52a, 52b from the recesses 24a, 24b and slide the slidable lid 50.

[0049] Also, it is expected that the retaining protrusions 54 can assist a user in moving the slidable lid 50 when opening and closing the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. It is also expected that both the grip protrusions 56 and the retaining protrusions 54 can assist a user in moving the slidable lid 50 when opening and closing the polymeric child-resistant closure 10. Thus, when this method is utilized, it is desirable for the grip protrusions 56 and the retaining protrusions 54 to be positioned adjacent to each other to assist in sliding the slidable lid 50 along the slide portal 20.

[0050] The slidable lid 50 further comprises a pusher tab 60 as shown in FIG. 3. The pusher tab 60 is shown as a generally C-shaped structure having a plurality of wall portions 60a - 60c. During manufacture, the pusher tab 60 assists in an automated process by positioning / pushing the slidable lid 50 relative to the slide portal 20 to an initial position which is the closed position. Also, the pusher tab 60 can assist a user in moving the slidable lid 50 back from the open position to the closed position by pushing the pusher tab 60 rather than pulling the slidable lid 50, for example by the grip protrusions 56 and / or the retaining protrusions 54.

[0051] The polymeric child-resistant closure 10 may include an unauthorized opening indication feature. More specifically, this unauthorized opening indication feature visually indicates to the user that the closure has been opened and there may have been access to the product. For example, the unauthorized opening indication feature may consist of a structure that prevents the slidable lid 50 from being moved without removal or destruction of the unauthorized opening indication feature. Some non-limiting examples include an unauthorized opening indication feature positioned on either a grip protrusion or a retaining protrusion. Another non-limiting example is an unauthorized opening indication feature positioned on the end portion 50b that prevents the slidable lid from sliding. It is expected that other unauthorized opening indication features may be added to the polymeric child-resistant closure.

[0052] The polymeric child-resistant closure may further include a liner positioned on the inner surface of the top wall portion. This liner is typically made of a compressible polymeric material and provides a sealing property to the closure. In one embodiment, the liner is a polymeric foam liner. In other embodiments, other sealing mechanisms may be used in combination with the polymeric child-resistant closure. For example, in one embodiment, the inner surface of the top wall portion may include a polymeric continuous plug seal and / or an outer seal. This polymeric continuous plug seal and / or outer seal depends from the polymeric top portion and provides a sealing mechanism. It is expected that other sealing mechanisms may be used in the polymeric child-resistant closure.

[0053] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion may further comprise an internal thread formation. In one embodiment, this internal thread formation may be a continuous helical thread. In another embodiment, the internal thread formation comprises a first closure lead and a second closure lead, which are collectively referred to as a two-piece closure thread. Each of the first closure lead and the second closure lead may be continuous. The first helical closure lead and the second helical closure lead may be helical. It is expected that the internal thread formation of the closure may be different from the helical thread formation. Also, it is expected that other internal thread formations may be used in the closure.

[0054] In another embodiment, the inner surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion may comprise one or more anti-rotation features. It is advantageous for either the closure or the container to have anti-rotation features when the product stored within the container is undesirable for a particular individual (such as a children's medicine).

[0055] Also, the outer surface of the polymeric annular skirt portion may comprise a plurality of ridges. This can be used when the user desires to grasp the closure by hand. Since a polymeric child-resistant closure is typically designed to prevent the closure from being unscrewed from the container, the polymeric annular skirt portion is typically smooth. This makes it more difficult to firmly grasp the polymeric annular skirt portion when attempting to pull or remove the closure from the container.

[0056] The closure may comprise an oxygen scavenger material. This oxygen scavenger material may be dispersed within the closure or may be a separate layer. The oxygen scavenger material may be any material that aids in removing oxygen within the container with little or no effect on the contents within the container.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the closure may comprise an oxygen barrier material. This oxygen barrier material may be added as a separate layer or incorporated into the closure itself. The oxygen barrier material assists in preventing or blocking oxygen from passing through the closure and entering the container. These materials may include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). It is expected that other oxygen barrier materials may be used in the closure.

[0058] The container is used with a polymeric child-resistant closure. The container has a neck portion that defines an opening. The neck portion has an outer surface and an inner surface. In one embodiment, the container has a male thread formation on the neck portion. In another embodiment, it is expected that the container may not have a male thread formation on the neck portion. In such an embodiment, the container may alternatively have an anti-rotation feature.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4, a container 100 is shown having a neck portion 102 that defines an opening 106. In this embodiment, the neck portion 102 of the container 100 comprises a male thread formation 110. In one embodiment, the male thread formation is for mating and engaging with a female thread formation of a polymeric closure. In another embodiment, where the polymeric closure has an anti-rotation feature, there is no threading of the male thread formation of the container.

[0060] In this embodiment, the male thread formation 110 is a single continuous helical thread. In another embodiment, the male thread formation comprises a first container lead and a second container lead, which are collectively referred to as a two-piece closure thread. The first container lead and the second container lead may each be continuous. The first helical container lead and the second helical container lead may be helical. It is expected that the first container lead and the second container lead may be discontinuous.

[0061] It is expected that the male thread forming portion of the container may be different from the spiral thread forming portion. Also, it is expected that other male thread forming portions may be used in the container. For example, the male thread forming portion may include a triple thread structure portion having a first closure lead, a second closure lead, and a third closure lead.

[0062] It is expected that other feature portions may be provided on the neck portion 102. Some non-limiting examples include retaining lugs, a collar A for band applications, and splines.

[0063] In one embodiment, a package includes a container having an opening and a polymeric child-resistant closure. The polymeric child-resistant closure is configured to be attached to the neck portion of the container to close the opening. The closure is configured to be disposed on a container or bottle that houses a product. The product may be a liquid product, but is typically a solid product. In another embodiment, the product may be a combination of a liquid product and a solid product. Some products for which use may be particularly desirable include over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and dispensable tablets such as prescription drugs. Note that the hole 30 of the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 may be able to meter out the product by changing the size of the hole according to the type of product. The closure can be color coordinated according to the product type to assist in the visual identification of the product to be used before opening the container.

[0064] In FIGS. 5A and 5B, a non-limiting example of a closure and a container forming a package is shown. FIG. 5A is an upper perspective view of a package 200 including the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 of FIG. 1A and the container 100 of FIG. 4 in a closed position. FIG. 5B is a side view of the package 200 including the polymeric child-resistant closure 10 of FIG. 1A and the container 100 of FIG. 4 in a closed position.

[0065] Typically, this child-resistant closure is made of a polymeric material such as an olefin (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP)), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a mixture thereof. An example of polyethylene that can be used is high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is expected that the child-resistant closure may be made of other polymeric materials.

[0066] Typically, these closures are formed by processes such as injection molding or compression molding.

[0067] Typically, container 100 is made of a polymeric material. A non-limiting example of a material used in the formation of a polymeric container is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or a mixture using them. It is expected that this container may be formed from other polymeric materials or copolymeric materials. Typically, container 100 incorporates an encapsulated oxygen barrier layer or oxygen barrier material.

[0068] In another embodiment, the child-resistant closure may be made of a non-polymeric material such as metal. In such a configuration, the closure needs to be designed such that a slidable lid can be properly positioned on the slide portal.

[0069] Based on the above description of the present invention, it is possible for those skilled in the art to make and use what is considered to be the best embodiment at present. On the other hand, the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiments, methods, and examples in this specification will be understood and recognized by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the above-described embodiments, methods, and examples, but should be limited by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0070] 10 Polymer child-resistant closure 12 Polymer top part 14 Outer surface 16 Inner surface 20 Slide portal 20a First end 20b Second end 22 Retaining wall part 22a Side wall part 22b Side wall part 22c Top wall part 22d Lower extending retaining tab 24a Depression part 24b Depression part 26 Top surface 26a Extension part 28a Wall part 28b Wall part 30 Hole 32 Opening 40 Polymer annular skirt part 50 Slidable lid 50a Top surface 50b End 52a Spring retaining mechanism 52b Spring retaining mechanism 54 Retaining protrusion 56 Grip protrusion 56a Wall part 56b Wall part 56c Wall part 56d Wall part 58 Opening 60 Pusher tab 60a Wall part 60b Wall part 60c Wall part 100 Container 102 Neck part 106 Opening 110 Male thread forming part 200 Package

Claims

1. Child-resistant closure a polymeric top portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the polymeric top portion further comprising a sliding portal, the sliding portal comprising a retaining wall and at least one recess formed in a top surface of the sliding portal, the sliding portal forming a hole; a polymeric annular skirt portion depending from said polymeric top portion; a slidable lid including at least one spring retention mechanism and a retention protrusion extending from the slidable lid, the at least one spring retention mechanism configured to be positioned within the at least one recess when the child-resistant closure is in a closed position; Equipped with the slidable lid is configured to slide along the sliding portal; A child-resistant closure, wherein the retention protrusion, in combination with the retention wall, helps prevent the slidable lid from becoming disengaged from the remainder of the child-resistant closure.

2. 10. The child-resistant closure of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring retention mechanism is a plurality of spring retention mechanisms and the at least one recess is a plurality of recesses.

3. 10. The child-resistant closure of claim 1, wherein the retention wall comprises a pair of side walls bridging a top wall, the top wall having downwardly extending retention tabs.

4. 10. The child-resistant closure of claim 1, wherein the retaining wall and the top surface of the sliding portal help form an opening to allow the slidable lid to move therethrough.

5. 10. The child-resistant closure of claim 1, wherein an audible sound is produced when the at least one spring retention mechanism is positioned within the at least one recess.

6. a container having a neck portion defining an opening, the neck portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface; a closure configured to be attached to the neck portion of the container to close the opening, the closure comprising a polymeric top portion, a polymeric annular skirt portion, and a sliding portal, the polymeric top portion having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the sliding portal comprising a retaining wall and at least one recess formed in a top surface of the sliding portal, the sliding portal defining an aperture, the polymeric annular skirt portion depending from the polymeric top portion, the slidable lid comprising at least one spring retention mechanism and a retention protrusion extending from the slidable lid, the at least one spring retention mechanism configured to be positioned within the at least one recess when the closure is in a closed position, the slidable lid configured to slide along the sliding portal, and the retention protrusion, in combination with the retention wall portion, assist in preventing the slidable lid from being disengaged from the remainder of the closure; A package comprising:

7. 7. The package of claim 6, wherein the retaining wall comprises a pair of side walls bridging a top wall having a downwardly extending retention tab, and wherein the retaining walls and the top surface of the sliding portal assist in forming an opening to allow the slidable lid to move therethrough.

8. 7. The package of claim 6, wherein an audible sound is generated when the at least one spring retention mechanism is positioned within the at least one recess.

9. The child-resistant closure of claim 8, wherein the at least one spring retention mechanism is located near or at the retaining wall when the child-resistant closure is in the closed position; 10. The child-resistant closure of claim 1, wherein the at least one spring retention mechanism extends outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion when the child-resistant closure is in an open position.

10. The at least one spring retention mechanism is located near or at the retention wall when the closure is in the closed position; The package of claim 6 , wherein the at least one spring retention mechanism extends outwardly from the polymeric annular skirt portion when the closure is in the open position.

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