Childproof bottle cap for medicine poisoning prevention

Abstract

The present invention involves a childproof safety cap for medicine bottles to prevent accidental consumption and poisoning. The cap is fixed on the bottle and has a locking latch that acts as a key to open the valve on the cap. By placing the key on the groove of the valve and pulling in the specified direction, the valve can be opened. A sliding mechanism allows the latch to reverse and open the valve. A spring behind the valve ensures the cap closes immediately after the key is released. The consumer must hold the key while in use to keep the valve open. Removing and reversing the key then secures the closure. This design addresses the risks of medicine poisoning in children and provides a flexible and practical solution that is cost-effective.

Description

Childproof Bottle Cap for Medicine Poisoning Prevention

[0001] Currently, the lids or caps of medicine bottles are similar to those of water and soft drinks bottles are usually, which is unsafe for children, because these lids are easily opened. Accidental consumption of certain drugs causes serious, irreparable complications and even death of the child.

[0002] Of course there are examples of safe medicine closure caps for packaging. These products are suitable for packing tablets because they are not isolated from liquids. On the other hand, due to their design, it is difficult for adults to open these lids. It is also unsightly, and in addition, these lids need to be designed as accompanying pieces to their own bottles and cannot be placed on every bottle, which is not economically justified.

[0003] Here an attempt has been made to consider the risks of medicine poisoning in children and devise a solution that offers the necessary safety measures. Moreover, the flexibility and applicability of the design make the product economically reasonable and practical.

[0004] B65D 50 / 04 – B65D 50 / 06 – A61J 1 / 00

[0005] CN1887657

[0006] CHILDPROOF MEDICINE BOTTLE OPENER

[0007] The childproof medicine bottle opener consists of one bottle body and one bottle cap. The bottle body has one bottle neck with one outside raised ring possessing one notch and one bottle mouth over the neck. The bottle cap to be covered onto the bottleneck has one cylindrical inside cavity and one arced elastic lug, which has spherical ends and possesses length greater than that of the notch and distance to the inside top of the bottle cap greater than the distance between the raised ring to the bottle mouth. When the bottle cap is opened properly, the bottle cap is first rotated to make the elastic lug located below the notch and then pushed upwards to deform the ends of the elastic lug for passing through the notch to release the cap. When the bottle cap is rotated by child, the elastic lug is always below the raised ring and the bottle cap can not be taken off.

[0008] Both this invention and our claimed one provide childproof medicine caps, but their comprising elements and designs are different. For instance, this patent includes an accompanying bottle for the safety cap whereas ours involves a cap that could be placed on all bottles.

[0009] FR2387167

[0010] CHILDPROOF CLOSURE FOR MEDICINE BOTTLE - HAS COVER FITTING OVER SCREW CAP AND PUSHED DOWN TO ENGAGE AND DRIVE THROUGH TOOTHED RINGS

[0011] The childproof closure also has a pilfer proof seal and is used on medicine bottles and similar containers. It comprises a cap(8) screwed onto the bottle neck (2), this cap having a cover(16) over it. The cover is combined with a flexible raised portion(6, 7) on top of the screw cap, downwards movement being possible through deformation of this flexible area into the bottle neck. The pilfer proof strip(11) prevents this downwards movement and, when pulled off, it exposes a toothed ring(12) around the cap. A similar ring(20) inside the cover engages this when pushed down and the drive permits unscrewing of the cap.

[0012] This mentioned patent has a similar function to our designed safety cap and they both work on various medicine containers. However, their mechanisms are different, for example, this design relies on a toothed ring and manual pressure to unscrew the cap but ours features a safety spring and a latch that operates as a key.

[0013] FR2442197

[0014] CHILDPROOF SAFETY CAP FOR MEDICINE BOTTLES - HAVING A REMOVABLE KEY TO UNSCREW THE CAP FROM THE BOTTLE

[0015] The bottle cap has a permanent outside collar fixed to the bottle by a flange under the neck. The collar has an external sleeve, cylindrical on both sides and a male screw thread fitting on the outside of the bottle neck. The cap has an internal core forming a seal on the bottle and an external cone with a serrated surface. The bottle is opened by means of a removeable key which fits over the cap and has an internal serrated cone and a cylindrical wall fitting over the wall of the fixed collar.

[0016] This patent involves a safety cap that operates with a removable key so the mechanism of opening the bottle has certain similarities to ours. But the components are different, for instance, this one features elastic lugs while ours relies on a latch that doubles as a key and a safety spring that closes the lid automatically.

[0017] IT1291620

[0018] CHILDPROOF CLOSURE FOR MEDICINE BOTTLES WHICH ENABLES EASIER OPERATION AND IMPROVED SAFETY

[0019] Closure comprises a metal cap (2) that can be screwed onto the neck of a bottle coupled to a hood by axial protrusions, tabs and knurling to prevent separation of the hood and cap. Closure (1) comprises a metal cap (2) that can be screwed onto the neck of a bottle, a hood capable of being rigidly coupled to the metal cap and an outer cap (20) that is superimposed on the metal cap and the hood. Axial protrusions (15) at the hood base can be detachably coupled to the inner teeth (22) formed by the outer cap. Tabs (23) space the outer cap bottom and the hood base and allows the engagement of the protrusions and the inner teeth to rigidly rotationally couple the outer cap the hood by applying axial compression to the outer cap. An inner knurling at the hood lower part can be coupled to an outer knurling (12) formed on the metal cap. An annular protrusion engages the narrower portion located below the outer knurling on the metal cap to prevent removal of the hood from the metal cap.

[0020] This mentioned design also involves a childproof safety cap for medicine bottles, much like our design. While the overall function of the two patents are similar, they have differences in material, mechanism and design. For example, this one does not include an embedded spring that ensures the closure of the lid automatically like ours does.

[0021] US3827592

[0022] CHILDPROOF CONTAINER CLOSURE

[0023] The neck of a container, such as a medicine bottle, has a bead gripped from below by an annular lip of an elastic closure member which is slipped around that neck from above. A cover for the open top of the neck is integral with that member or threaded into same and can be removed only with the aid of a special key engaging the cover under slight downward pressure from above.

[0024] The above mentioned contraption provides a solution regarding childproof container closure, and much like existing samples and prior art, It relies on slight downward pressure to be opened. While the function is similar to our designed cap, the mechanism is much simpler and It does not include improved safety measures like an embedded spring, or a latch that acts as a key.

[0025] Childproof closure

[0026] United States Patent 3912101

[0027] The Specification discloses a childproof screw closure for a container, comprising an inner closure member and an outer closure member which shrouds the inner closure member and is held captive on the same. The outer closure member is axially movable on the inner closure member and has projections arranged so that when the outer closure member is axially depressed against a bias, they engage projections on the inner closure member and thereby enable the closure to be unscrewed. To enable the closure to be screwed up irrespective of the relative axial positions of the inner and outer closure members, the skirt of the outer closure member is formed with ratchets which are biassed resiliently against knurls formed on the periphery of the skirt of the inner closure member. Preferably the skirt of the outer closure member is locally reduced in thickness on either side of each ratchet so as to provide the desired characteristics for the ratchets.

[0028] This design shares similarities in function with our claimed one, however, the utilized mechanisms and comprising elements are completely different. While our designed cap features a latch, a valve and a safety closure spring, this one makes no mention of such parts.

[0029] Safety closure for medicine bottles and the like

[0030] United States Patent 4007850

[0031] A safety closure for a container which makes difficult, if not impossible, access to the container contents by a child. A continuous helical thread on a container neck in which thread are formed a plurality of teeth each of which defines an abutment surface transverse to the thread. A cap interiorly threaded for engagement on the neck thread, the cap having adjacent the lower extremity thereof a pawl that engages the abutment on one of the teeth thereby preventing rotation and removal of the cap. The pawl is secured to the cap for resilient movement relative thereto and has a fingernail groove to enable adults to move the pawl out of engagement with the tooth abutments on the container neck.

[0032] The mentioned patent bears a resemblance to our proposed design, in that they both relate to safety closure for medicine bottles, their designs and components, however, vary. Unlike our patent, this one features comprising parts such as pawls and helical thread and ours includes a sliding lid, a latch and a spring.

[0033] The present invention is a childproof safety cap for medicine bottles. The cap is fixed on the bottle and has a locking latch that can be removed and reversed to act as a key to open the valve. By placing the key in the crescent groove of the cap valve, the valve can be opened by pulling the key in the specified direction. A sliding mechanism allows the latch to reverse and open the valve. A spring behind the valve provides a force to close the cap when the key is released. To keep the valve open while in use, the key must be held by the consumer. Reversing the key and placing the latch back in the gap above the valve secures the closure.

[0034] According to studies and observations, medicine poisoning is common in children. It is said that in third world countries, the fourth leading cause of child death is poisoning (45,000 deaths of children and adolescents under the age of 20 each year). One of the most common causes of child poisoning is methadone, which is a synthetic opioid drug that has a long duration of effect. The half-life of the drug is between 20 and 53 hours. Dolophin Methadone syrup is an oral solution containing 5 mg / ml of methadone hydrochloride. Consumption of one milligram per weight can cause respiratory arrest and death. Methadone poisoning is one of the most dangerous and common poisonings and one of the causes of pediatric emergency room visits. Although naloxane is an appropriate and available antagonist, the mortality rate from methadone poisoning among children is still high. Even very low doses of methadone are dangerous for children under the age of 6. Currently, methadone poisoning and deaths in children have increased in recent years due to the availability of the substance to addicts and patients with chronic pain, and in fact this substance is now more available to children than ever before. Decreased level of consciousness, coma, respiratory arrest, respiratory depression, brain damage and death are the most important complications of methadone poisoning in children.

[0035] According to the conducted research, the most common cause of methadone poisoning in children is the lack of knowledge of parents and failure to properly store methadone and make the drug available in the environment. Despite the necessary training and sometimes awareness of the dangers of poisoning this drug for children, we still see a high rate of injury, poisoning and death of children. Although a lot of emphasis has been given to parents on how to store these drugs regarding their unwanted use by children, so far, no measures have been taken in terms of proper storage or changing the packaging of this category of drugs in a safer way, and it is distributed in normal packaging like other drugs, which can be easily opened and consumed by children. is The lack of special packaging, unsafe storage and lack of information on the part of parents are among the most important factors in methadone poisoning in children.

[0036] According to the statistics and the dangers caused by poisoning to children, it is concluded that it is wrong to store drugs, especially ones with high risk levels, in regular bottles. So far, measures have been taken to reduce these side effects, for example, in Canada, special warning labels are installed on bottles, but injuries and deaths caused by methadone are still reported. On the other hand, the average of children poisoned with Tadone is 55 months based on studies, and this is the age when children tend to consume unknown substances around them due to curiosity, and they also have the ability to open simple bottle caps. And the important point is that these damages include poisoning with all drugs and detergents, and it seems that the best way to reduce the side effects caused by poisoning is to change the appearance and structure of the packaging.Solution of Problem

[0037] The present invention involves a childproof, safety cap which can be used on a wide range of medicine bottles in order to minimize the risks of accidental consumption and poisoning. The cap is designed intentionally in a manner so that it does not open by rotating like the usual lids or caps and is instead fixed on the body of the bottle. Furthermore, there is a locking latch on the upper part of the cap valve, which can be removed and reversed. This latch acts as a key or a bottle opener, and by placing the prominent crescent part of the key on the crescent groove of the bottle cap valve, we will be able to open the valve by pulling the key in the specified direction. A mechanism is considered for placing the latch in a sliding manner so that it reverses and the valve installed on the lid will be opened. In order to close the cap itself, a spring is installed behind the valve, which provides a permanent force behind the cap to close It as soon as the key is released. It is worth mentioning that while in use, the key must be held by the consumer so that the potential force of the spring is restrained and the valve remains open. After releasing the key, the cap will be closed automatically, and by removing the key and reversing it, the latch will be placed back in the gap above the valve to secure the closure.Advantage Effects of the Invention

[0038] • Eliminating poisoning risks and complications

[0039] • Child safety measure

[0040] • Safe storage and easy use for adults

[0041] • Cost-effective solution

[0042] • High applicability of design for all bottles and substances

[0043] • No need to manufacture specific caps for each bottle

[0044] Views the designed cap from the above and from the side.

[0045] Shows the inside of the cap.

[0046] Shows variations of the sidecut view.

[0047] Captures the outside perspecive of the cap.

[0048] Shows a sketch of the designed safety cap from the outside, and includes both a sideview and a view from the above. The valve and the sliding lid can be seen, as well as the grooved side which provides an ergonomic grip.

[0049] Depicts the inside of the designed bottle cap and includes views from the underside and a vertical cut version to show the details of the cap. The embedded spring that ensures the automatic closure of the cap is shown with number 1.

[0050] Portrays views of horizontal and vertical cut sections of the cap to capture the details of the design.

[0051] Shows different views of the outside perspective of the designed safety cap to show the latch, the key and protruding part from different directions.Examples

[0052] The design of these lids is done in such a way that it is easily placed on any type of bottle and there is no need to design the bottle or change the capping device of the production line. After placing the cap on any medicine bottle, it is fixed on the main body. In order to open the cap, first the latch needs to be moved and reversed and kept in place so the valve can be reached and the medicine is dispensed. Immediately after releasing the latch, the spring puts in back in place so the cap is once again secured.

[0053] This product is designed in such a way that with the available facilities in any country, it can easily be produced and used to replace the existing bottle caps. For the mass manufacturing of this product, molds and plastic injection machines are used, which adds to the applicability and practicality of the design.

[0054] This invention can be widely manufactured by pharmaceutical products companies, and used in households, clinics, hospital and any other medical or educational facilities.

Claims

A childproof, medicine bottle safety cap is designed which comprises a main body, a latch, a key, a valve, a sliding lid and a spring, and can only be opened only through the valve on top.According to claim 1, the latch placed on top of the lid, needs to be moved using the protruding part on top of the lid in order to open the valve.According to claim 2, by releasing the latch and reversing it, the latch will act as the key of the valve door in such a way that the prominent crescent part of the latch is placed on the groove on the valve lid.According to claim 3, the valve will be opened by placing the latch, which here will be the key to open the cap, and pulling it towards the end of the valve.According to claim 4, after placing the key in the groove and pulling it in the specified direction, the valve door will open, and the spring embedded in the valve lid will close it automatically once the key is released.According to claim 5, in order for the door not to close automatically by the spring mechanism, the spring force must be restrained and the valve kept open via the force applied to the upper lid by hand.According to claim 6, to close the valve, just release the key to close automatically with the potential force of the spring.According to claim 7, after releasing and closing the valve, the key will be removed from the lid and reversed and will be placed in the empty space of the valve in the upper part of the cap as the latch.According to claim 1, the designed safety cap is suitable for all types of bottles and can be easily installed to prevent consumption and poisoning of any kind.

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