Closure for threaded containers

Abstract

A child-resistant closure for a threaded container is constructed to allow removal by a combination of lifting and turning. The closure is constructed of an outer piece and a threaded inner piece which are rotatably connected to each other. Axial movement of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece is controlled by a biasing device, such as a torsion spring. The biasing device pulls the outer piece and inner piece closer together into a resting position. In the resting position, rotation of the outer piece, in a direction to open the closure, does not engage the threaded inner piece. When the outer piece is lifted, the biasing device is strained and rotation of the outer piece, in a direction to open the closure, engages the threaded inner piece. When the outer piece is released, the biasing device returns the outer piece to the resting position.

Description

CLOSURE FOR THREADED CONTAINERSBACKGROUND

[0001] Threaded containers, such as plastic bottles for medicines, typically have a closure, commonly called a cap, which is child-resistant. Such closures also are designed and constructed with the experiences of other consumers, typically seniors, in mind. Such closures are sometimes called child-resistant / senior-friendly closures. In the United States, certain statutes and regulations require such closures for certain containers. For example, the 1970 Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPP A) mandates the use of child-resistant packaging to protect children under five years of age. Further, the Consumer Product Safety Commission holds drug companies responsible for ensuring that packaging passes testing protocol regulations (PPPA Regulations: Title 16 C.F.R.1700.20).

[0002] Yet, the problem of designing an effective child-resistant drug container that is, at the same time, not a challenge for the elderly to open has been called “one of the biggest riddles in packaging.” See Henry Petroski, “Painful Design,” in American Scientist, volume 93, issue 2, March 2005. Designs for such closures also involve considerations of manufacturability at scale, economics, aesthetics, and, for food products and pharmaceutical products, interaction of the materials of the closure and container with such products.

[0003] There are currently two main types of child-resistant / senior-friendly closures which are commercially available and in common and frequent use today.

[0004] The first type has a two-piece construction and typically is called a “push down and turn” cap. To remove the cap, a person applies a downward force, i.e., toward the container, and then a rotational force while maintaining this downward force, to disengage a childresistant feature within the cap before and during turning.

[0005] The second type has a one-piece construction and typically is called a “squeeze and twist” cap. To remove the cap, a person applies an inward force, i.e., toward the center of the cap and threaded section of the container, at two points on opposite sides of the cap, and then a rotational force while maintaining this inward force. The squeezing force disengages a childresistant feature in the cap from its corresponding child-resistant feature in the threaded section of the container, enabling the cap to be turned.

[0006] Such caps are child-resistant in the sense that they are intended to frustrate a young child (typically four to seven years old) from opening the container by leveraging the typically egocentric nature of such young children. Specifically, a general characteristic of cognitive activity of young children is “centration.” A young child tends to focus on one dimension of asituation and fails to make use of another, equally relevant dimension, and therefore cannot appreciate the relations between the two. Thus, when presented with a child-resistant cap, a young child focuses on turning the cap, but not on either pushing down or squeezing the cap. Adults, however, are instructed to use, and become familiarized with, such caps and generally have little cognitive difficulty appreciating the need to combine two actions.

[0007] These two types of child-resistant closures also differ in mechanical construction.

[0008] The “push down and turn” cap typically has a two-piece construction, and the childresistant features are provided entirely within the cap. This construction can be used with any threaded container, provided the container is correctly sized to match the cap. Typically, such a cap has legible instructions embossed on the cap about the need to push down on the cap to open the cap.

[0009] The “squeeze and twist” cap typically has a one-piece construction, and one part on the cap engages another part on the container to prevent removal of the closure when the cap is not squeezed. Thus, this construction involves designing the container and closure together because the child-resistant features are provided by the interaction of the closure with the container. Typically, such a cap has visual cues to indicate where the cap should be squeezed for proper operation.

[0010] There are yet other kinds of closures for containers that provide some form of safety. For example, some non-threaded closures and containers are available. Some constructions of this type require the closure to be in a specific orientation with respect to the container before the closure can be pulled off the container. Typically, there are arrows or other indicia on the closure and the container which must be aligned before a person can pry off the closure.SUMMARY

[0011] This Summary introduces a selection of concepts in simplified form that are described further below in the Detailed Description. This Summary neither identifies key or essential features, nor limits the scope, of the claimed subject matter.

[0012] While adults generally do not have cognitive difficulties using push down and turn caps or squeeze and twist caps, the required actions of pushing and squeezing can be difficult for some adults who have physical weakness or impairment in their hands. Further, the combination of pushing down and turning operations required for push down and turn caps is counterintuitive and counterproductive to the desired result.

[0013] To address these concerns, a child-resistant closure or cap for a threaded container is constructed to allow removal by a combination of lifting, or pulling, and turning. This “lift and turn” cap is constructed of an outer piece and a threaded inner piece which are rotatably connected to each other with an axis of rotation. Further, axial movement (i.e., movement along the axis of rotation) of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece is controlled by a biasing device, such as a torsion spring. The biasing device pulls the outer piece and inner piece closer together into a resting position. Due to the biasing device, in the resting position, rotation of the outer piece, in a direction to open the closure, does not engage the threaded inner piece. When the outer piece is lifted, the biasing device is strained and rotation of the outer piece, in a direction to open the closure, engages the threaded inner piece. When the outer piece is released, the biasing device returns the outer piece to the resting position with respect to the inner piece. This closure provides effective child-resistance with minimal physical and cognitive challenges for seniors to open and close.

[0014] In some implementations, the child-resistant features that can be engaged or disengaged are located along the sidewalls of the interface between an inner surface of the outside piece and the outer surface of the inside piece. In some implementations, these features include a row of cogs or gears regularly spaced along the sidewalls. When the outer piece is rotated, the cogs or gears travel and engage on either a lower track or an upper track of the inner piece, depending on whether the outer piece is lifted with respect to the inner piece, or the outer piece in the resting position. When traveling along the lower track, when the biasing device is in a resting position, the outer piece spins around the inner piece in one direction and tightens in the opposite direction. When traveling along the upper track, when the biasing device is strained, the cogs or gears on the outer piece engage the inner piece when the outer piece is rotated in the opening direction.

[0015] Thus, to remove the cap, a person lifts or pulls the outer piece. The action of lifting the outer piece causes the outer piece to engage the inner piece, which in turn causes the threaded inner piece to engage threads on the container. While lifting the cap, the person can turn the cap in the opening direction to remove the cap from the container. To close the cap, the person places the cap on the container and turns the cap in the closing direction. The outer piece is in the resting position with respect to the inner piece, which causes the outer piece to engage with the inner piece only in the closing direction to close the cap tightly on the container.

[0016] In an implementation with cogs and gears in two distinct tracks on the sidewalls and a torsion spring, when the person lifts the outer piece, expanding the torsion spring, the outerpiece shifts with respect to the inner piece and the upper track of cogs are engaged on the inner piece. If the person releases the outer piece, the expanded spring recoils, and the outer piece shifts with respect to the inner piece to now engage the lower track of cogs on the inner piece.

[0017] Several benefits are provided by the lift and turn cap. Minimal physical hand strength is involved. Further, the action to remove the cap from a threaded container is intuitive for an adult - the required action (lifting and turning) is the desired result - but not for a young child. Also, the lift and turn cap can be used with any threaded container, because the child-resistant features reside entirely within the cap. Additionally, the lift and turn cap can be manufactured with the same materials as conventional push down and turn caps.

[0018] In some implementations, a flat torsion spring is located at a top interface between the inner and outer pieces, and all the cogs or gears are located on the sidewall interface of the inner and outer pieces. The cogs or gears engage with each other when the outer piece is rotated with respect to the inner piece, with different sets of cogs or gears being engaged as regulated by the torsion spring.

[0019] In some implementations, the inner piece and the outer piece snap together. In some implementations, a top plate of the outside piece and a top plate of the inside piece can include a central snap to provide a snap-fit assembly. In some implementations, an inside surface of a rim of the outside piece engages an outside surface of a rim of the inside piece to form a rim snap which provides a snap-fit assembly. In some implementations, both a central snap and a rim snap can be used.

[0020] In some implementations, the biasing device includes a flat torsion spring formed in a top plate of the inner piece. In some implementations, the biasing device includes a top plate formed of a flexible membrane.

[0021] In some implementations, the sidewall of the outer piece has radial grooves which extend upward past the top edge of the cap and curl inward forming a visual and tactile rolled rim. These grooves and rolled rim are identifiable in either lightness, by sight, or darkness, by touch. The vertical lines that move upward, crest at the top, and curl inward, like a fountain, which suggests a lightness and movement upwards rather than downwards.

[0022] Accordingly, in one aspect, a closure for a threaded container includes an outer piece with an inner wall, an inner piece with an outer wall, and a biasing device. The biasing device pulls the outer piece toward the inner piece into a resting position when no external pulling force along the axis of rotation (an axial force) is applied. When the pulling (axial) force is applied, the outer piece is lifted away from the inner piece. The inner wall of the outer piecehas an outer cog mechanism, and the outer wall of the inner piece has an inner cog mechanism. In the resting position, rotating the outer piece in the closing direction engages the cog mechanisms to rotate the inner piece, while rotating in the opening direction allows the outer piece to rotate without engaging the inner piece. In the lifted position, rotating the outer piece in the opening direction engages the cog mechanisms to rotate the inner piece.

[0023] In one aspect, a package includes a threaded container and a closure for the threaded container. The closure includes an outer piece with an inner wall, an inner piece with an outer wall, and a biasing device. The biasing device pulls the outer piece toward the inner piece into a resting position when no external pulling force is applied. When a pulling force is applied, the outer piece is lifted away from the inner piece. The inner wall of the outer piece has an outer cog mechanism, and the outer wall of the inner piece has an inner cog mechanism. In the resting position, rotating the outer piece in the closing direction engages the cog mechanisms to rotate the inner piece, while rotating in the opening direction allows the outer piece to rotate without engaging the inner piece. In the lifted position, rotating the outer piece in the opening direction engages the cog mechanisms to rotate the inner piece.

[0024] In some implementations, the outer cog mechanism includes distinct first and second cog elements. In the resting position, the first cog element, an upper cog element, engages the inner cog mechanism in the closing direction, while neither cog element engages in the opening direction. In the lifted position, the second cog element, a lower cog element, engages the inner cog mechanism in the opening direction.

[0025] In some implementations, the inner cog mechanism includes distinct first and second cog elements, with the first cog element engaging the outer cog mechanism in the closing direction in the resting position, and the second cog element engaging the outer cog mechanism in the opening direction in the lifted position.

[0026] Any of the foregoing can include one or more of the following features. The biasing device comprises a flat torsion spring formed in a top plate of the inner piece. The outer piece and the inner piece are rotatably connected by a snap-fit assembly. This snap-fit assembly may include a central snap formed by a flange on the outer piece and a mating element on the inner piece, or a rim snap formed by an inside surface of a rim of the outer piece engaging an outside surface of a rim of the inner piece, or both.

[0027] Any of the foregoing can include one or more of the following features. The outer cog mechanism of the closure includes a plurality of teeth formed by a sequence of ramp-shaped or pointed elements. Pointed elements can have a rounded trailing edge. The sidewall of theouter piece has radial grooves which extend upward past the top edge of the cap and curl inward, forming a visual and tactile rolled rim. The outer piece and the inner piece are made from polypropylene plastic.

[0028] The following Detailed Description references the accompanying drawings which form a part of this application, and which show, by way of illustration, specific example implementations. Other implementations may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a side plan view illustrating an example implementation of a threaded container with a “lift and turn” type child-resistant closure.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an example implementation of a threaded container.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-section along line 3-3 of the container and closure of Figure 1 with the closure in a resting position.

[0032] Figure 4 illustrates the outer piece of Figure 3 in a lifted position with respect to the inner piece.

[0033] Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the inner surface of an example outer piece.

[0034] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the outer surface of an example inner piece.

[0035] Figure 7A is a bottom perspective view of a first example of an outer piece.

[0036] Figure 7B is a bottom perspective view of a second example of an outer piece.

[0037] Figure 8 is a top perspective view of an example outer piece.

[0038] Figure 9A is a bottom perspective view of a first example of an inner piece.

[0039] Figure 9B is a bottom perspective view of a second example of an inner piece.

[0040] Figure 10A is a top perspective view of the first example of the inner piece.

[0041] Figure 10B is a top perspective view of the second example of the inner piece.

[0042] Figure 11 illustrates an example snap construction and an example fixture for constructing the closure by snapping the inner piece into the outer piece.

[0043] Figure 12 is a top plan view of this example closure.

[0044] Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of this example closure.

[0045] Figure 14 is a cross-section along line 14-14 of Figure 3 of the combined outer piece and inner piece taken just above the top of the container along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the closure.

[0046] Figure 15 is a cross-section along line 15-15 of Figure 3 of the combined outer piece, inner piece, and container taken just above the threads of the container along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the closure.

[0047] Figures 16A-16D illustrate schematically the interaction of the cog mechanisms in the first example.

[0048] Figures 16E-16H illustrate schematically the interaction of the cog mechanisms in the second example.

[0049] Figure 17A is a perspective view of an example torsion spring in a top plate of the first example of the inner piece.

[0050] Figure 17B is a perspective view of an example torsion spring in a top plate of the second example of the inner piece.

[0051] Figures 18A through 18F are top plan views of inner pieces with different examples of a torsion spring.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 and Figure 2 illustrate an example implementation of a threaded container 100 with a “lift and turn” type child-resistant closure 150. The container can have any size or shape body and can be made of any material. In Figure 2, the threaded container 100 has a threaded section 102, which is shaped like a tube or open cylinder with threads 104. The threaded section 102 typically has a circular-shaped cross-section along planes perpendicular to the axis A passing through the center of the threaded section 102. The threaded container 100 in Figure 2 is illustrated as a one-thread turn, but the closure can be designed for other types of containers, including but not limited to 1.5 thread turn, 2 thread turns (whether with a tall “H” dimension, or narrow thread), or a buttress finish, or a lug finish, or a finish with non-continuous threads.

[0053] The child-resistant closure 150, in this example implementation in Figure 1, has an exterior sidewall 152 with grooves 154 which extend from a bottom rim 156 to and over a top edge 158, and then curl inward forming a visual and tactile rolled rim. These grooves and rolled rim are identifiable either in lightness, by sight, or in darkness, by touch. The vertical lines that move upward, crest at the top, and curl inward suggest a lightness and movement upwards rather than downwards.

[0054] Figure 3 is a cross-section of Figure 1 along line 3-3 and in a plane containing the axis A. Figure 3 illustrates the inner construction of this example implementation of a childresistant closure that allows removal by a combination of lifting and turning. This “lift andturn” cap is constructed of an outer piece 200 and a threaded inner piece 202 which are rotatably connected to each other, rotating about the axis A. The threaded inner piece 202 has an inner surface with threads 232 which engage the threads 230 on the outer surface of the container.

[0055] In the implementation shown in Figure 3, the inner piece and the outer piece snap together. In this implementation, a top plate 220 of the outside piece and a top plate 222 of the inside piece include a central snap. In the example shown in Figure 3, the central snap is formed in part by a flange 224 on the outer piece and a mating element 226 on the inner piece to provide such a snap-fit assembly. In some implementations, the central snap structures can be reversed - the mating element can be on the outer piece and flanges can be on the inner piece. In some implementations, an inside surface of a rim of the outside piece engages an outside surface of a rim of the inside piece to form a rim snap which provides a snap-fit assembly. In some implementations, both a central snap and a rim snap can be used.

[0056] Axial movement of the outer piece 200 along the axis A with respect to the inner piece 202 is controlled by a biasing device. In the construction shown in Figure 3, the biasing device is implemented using a flat torsion spring 204 formed in the top plate 222 of the inner piece. A biasing device is strained in response to an external pulling force from when an individual lifts the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in direction A, and the biasing device pulls the outer piece and inner piece closer together into a resting position when the outer piece is released, which is the position shown in Figure 3.

[0057] Due to the biasing device, the closure has a resting position of the outer piece with respect to the threaded inner piece. When the outer piece is lifted (shown in Figure 4 and discussed below), the biasing device is strained and axial rotation of the outer piece in the opening direction engages the threaded inner piece. When the outer piece is released, the biasing device returns the closure to its child-resistance mode, where the outer piece is in a resting position with respect to the inner piece. This closure provides effective child-resistance with minimal physical and cognitive challenges for seniors to open and close. The childresistance is effective because a combination of actions, lifting and turning, is involved. The challenges for seniors are reduced because the lifting and turning actions are intuitive and natural and involve minimal physical effort.

[0058] As shown schematically at 206 in Figure 3, child-resistant features that can be engaged or disengaged are located along the sidewalls of the interface between an inner surface 210 of the outside piece and the outer surface 208 of the inside piece. In some implementations, thesefeatures include a row of cogs or gears which are regularly spaced along the sidewalls. When the outer piece is axially rotated, the cogs or gears travel on and engage in either a lower track or an upper track, depending on whether the outer piece is lifted with respect to the inner piece (see Figure 4), or in the resting position shown in Figure 3. When the biasing device is in a resting position, the outer piece does not engage the inner pieces and spins around the inner piece in the opening direction, but engages the inner piece and tightens, i.e., closes the closure on the container, in the closing direction. When the biasing device is strained, the cogs or gears on the outer piece engage the inner piece when the outer piece is rotated in the opening direction.

[0059] As shown schematically at 206 in Figure 4, the child-resistant features that can be engaged or disengaged are located along the sidewalls of the interface between an inner surface of the outside piece and the outer surface of the inside piece. After the outer piece is 200 is lifted with respect to the inner piece 202, the biasing device 204 is strained, and the elements 206 engage, allowing turning of the outer piece to cause turning of the inner piece.

[0060] Thus, to remove the cap, a person lifts the outer piece 200. The action of lifting the outer piece causes the threaded inner piece to engage threads on the container. While lifting the cap, the person can turn the cap in the opening direction to remove the cap from the container. To close the cap, the person places the closure on the container and turns the closure in the closing direction, causing the outer piece to engage with the inner piece and close tightly.

[0061] Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the inner surface of an example outer piece 500, whereas Figure 6 is a top plan view of the outer surface of an example inner piece 600.

[0062] In Figure 5, the outer piece 500 has a wall 502 which forms an open cylinder which has an inner surface 504 and outer surface 506. Bottom cogs 508 are formed on the inner surface 504. Top cogs are behind the bottom cogs in Figure 5. A top plate 510, of which the inner surface is shown in Figure 5, has a center 512 defining an axis of rotation for the outer piece.

[0063] In Figure 6, the inner piece 600 has a wall 602 which forms an open cylinder which has an inner surface 604 and outer surface 606. Inner cogs 608 are formed on the outer surface 606. Threads 605 are formed on the inner surface 604. A top plate 610, of which the inner surface is shown in Figure 6, has a center 612 defining an axis of rotation for the inner piece.

[0064] The inner piece 600 is designed to fit within the outer piece 500, such that the outer diameter (O.D.) of the inner piece 600 is just slightly smaller than the inner diameter (I.D.) of the outer piece 500. The difference between these two dimensions is approximately two timesthe value indicated as “A”. The value “A” is the approximate thickness of the bottom cogs 508, top cogs (not shown), and inner cogs 608 between the inner and outer pieces.

[0065] For this example implementation shown in Figures 5 and 6, a first snap element 514 is formed in the top plate 510 of the outer piece 500. Similarly, a second snap element is formed in the top plate of the inner piece 600. This example of snap element includes, in the first snap element 514, a ring of a plurality of flexible elements 516 separated by gaps 518. Figure 5 shows eight such flexible elements 516. The flexible elements 516 have flanges 517. See also flange 224 in Figure 3 for a cross-section of an example flange configuration. While Figure 5 illustrates curved flexible elements 516, such elements can be straight. The outer diameter of the ring, without the flanges, is slightly less than inner diameter of a corresponding element 616 defining a hole in the top plate of the inner piece.

[0066] When top plates (510, 610) of the inner piece and the outer piece are pressed together, the flexible elements 516 flex inward toward the center 512 to pass through the hole formed by element 616. After the flanges pass through the hole, the flexible elements 516 flex outward away from the center (512, 612) and engage the inner surface of the element 616, thus securing the elements 516 within the top plate 610. Because the ring of flexible elements 516 and hole defined by element 616 are collectively substantially circular about the centers 512, 612 of the inner and outer pieces, and the outer diameter of the ring is slightly less than the inner diameter of the hole, the outer piece and inner piece can be rotated about an axis defined by their centers 512, 612, and are thus rotatably connected. It should be understood that this snap design is only one of many ways to construct a combination of an outer piece and inner piece which are rotatably connected as a central snap.

[0067] Also shown in Figure 6, and described in more detail below in connection with Figures 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B, is an example construction of a torsion spring in the top plate of the inner piece. Further examples are found in Figures 17A, 17B, and 18A-18F. The torsion spring is formed through a combination of the material of the top plate and the geometric patterns and shapes formed in the top plate by a combination of slits, such as arcuate shaped slits 620, 622, and 624.

[0068] More details of this example implementation of the outer piece will now be described in connection with Figures 7A, 7B, and 8. Figure 7A is a bottom perspective view of a first example embodiment of an outer piece. The outer piece shown in Figure 7A can be used in combination with the inner piece of Figure 9A described below. Figure 7B is a bottom perspective view of a second example embodiment of an outer piece. The outer piece shownin Figure 7B can be used in combination with the inner piece of Figure 9B described below. Figure 8 is a top perspective view of an example outer piece.

[0069] In Figure 7A, some details of a first example implementation of a cog mechanism are shown. A partial view of some of the flexible elements 716 and gaps 718 of the central snap are shown. A first cog element 702 includes a plurality of teeth, e.g., 704, which are formed by a sequence of ramp-shaped elements 701. Each tooth 704 has an edge which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the outer piece. As described in more detail below in connection with Figures 16A-16D, when the closure is in the resting position, i.e., when the outer piece is not being pulled away from the inner piece, a mating cog element on the inner piece engages a tooth, e g., 704 when the outer piece is rotated in direction 703 (the closing direction) around the inner piece. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 705 (the opening direction) around the inner piece, the mating cog element of the inner piece slides along the ramped shaped elements 701 and does not engage the teeth 704, thus preventing opening of the closure.

[0070] A second cog element includes a plurality of blocks, e.g., 706. In Figure 7A, each block has an edge which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the outer piece. As described in more detail below in connection with Figures 16A-16D, when the closure is in the lifted position, i.e., when the outer piece is being pulled away from the inner piece, a mating cog element on the inner piece engages a block, e.g., 706. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 705 (the opening direction) around the inner piece, the block 706 engages the inner piece, causing the inner piece to rotate as well.

[0071] The spacing, shape, and size of teeth or blocks, e.g., 704, 706, of each cog element should be regular within the cog element. The blocks 706 may have a different spacing than the teeth 704.

[0072] In Figure 7B, some details of a second example implementation of a cog mechanism are shown. A first cog element 752 includes a plurality of teeth, e.g., 754, which are formed by a sequence of pointed elements 751. The pointed elements can have a rounded trailing edge as shown in Figure 7B, but other trailing edge shapes can be used. Each tooth 754 has an edge which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the outer piece. As described in more detail below in connection with Figures 16E-16H, when the closure is in the resting position, i.e., when the outer piece is not being pulled away from the inner piece, a mating cog element on the inner piece engages a tooth, e g., 754 when the outer piece is rotated in direction 753 (the closing direction) around the inner piece. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 755(the opening direction) around the inner piece, the mating cog element of the inner piece slides along the pointed elements 751 and does not engage the teeth 754, thus preventing opening of the closure.

[0073] A second cog element includes a plurality of blocks, e.g., 756. In Figure 7B, each block has an edge which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the outer piece. As described in more detail below in connection with Figures 16E-16H, when the closure is in the lifted position, i.e., when the outer piece is being pulled away from the inner piece, a mating cog element on the inner piece engages a block, e.g., 756. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 755 (the opening direction) around the inner piece, the block 756 engages the inner piece, causing the inner piece to rotate as well.

[0074] The spacing, shape, and size of teeth or blocks, e.g., 754, 756, of each cog element should be regular within the cog element. The blocks 756 may have a different spacing than the teeth 754.

[0075] In Figure 8, more details of an example of visual and tactile indicators for this “lift and turn” type of cap are shown. Figure 12 is a top plan view of this implementation of the cap. As noted above in connection with Figure 1, the exterior sidewall 852 has radial grooves 854 which extend from a bottom rim 856 to and over a top edge 858 and then curl inward forming a visual and tactile rolled rim 860. The grooves 854 define a sequence of raised elements 802. These grooves 854, raised elements 802, and rolled rim 860 are identifiable either in lightness, by sight, or in darkness, by touch. The vertical lines that move upward, crest at the top, and curl inward suggest a lightness and movement upwards rather than downwards.

[0076] More details of this example implementation of the inner piece will now be described in connection with Figures 9A and 9B and Figures 10A and 10B. Figure 9A is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of an inner piece. Figure 10A is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the inner piece. Figure 9B is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of an inner piece. Figure 10B is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the inner piece.

[0077] In Figure 9A, some details of a first example implementation of a cog mechanism are shown. An inner cog element 902 includes a first plurality of teeth, e.g., 904, which are formed by a sequence of ramp-shaped elements 906. Each tooth 904 has an edge which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the outer piece around the inner piece. As described in more detail below in connection with Figures 16A-16D, when the closure is in the resting position, i.e., when the outer piece is not being pulled away from the inner piece, the uppermating cog element on the outer piece (e.g., 704 in Figure 7A or 754 in Figure 7B) engages the plurality of teeth 904 when the outer piece is rotated in direction 903 (the closing direction) around the inner piece. This engagement causes the inner piece also to rotate in direction 903, and subsequently the threads 910 rotate in direction 912 to engage the threading on the container. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 905 (the opening direction) around the inner piece, the teeth (e.g., 704 in Figure 7A or 754 in Figure 7B) on the outer piece slide along ramp-shaped elements 906 of the inner piece and do not engage the teeth 904 of the inner piece, thus the closure is not rotated in the opening direction.

[0078] The inner cog element 902 includes a second plurality of teeth, e.g., 907. In Figure 9A, a tooth 907 has an edge which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the outer piece. As described in more detail below in connection with Figures 16A-16D, when the closure is in the lifted position, i.e., when the outer piece is being pulled away from the inner piece, a block on the outer piece (e.g., 706 in Figure 7A) engages with a tooth 907. The block engages the open area 909 next to the tooth 907 and is guided into the area by a ramp-shaped element 908. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 905 (the opening direction) around the inner piece the block 706 engages the tooth 907, causing the inner piece also to rotate. In turn the threads rotate in direction 914 to remove the closure from the threads of the container. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 903 (the closing direction) around the inner piece, blocks 706 drop out of the area 909 due to the biasing device and do not engage the inner piece to close the cap on the container.

[0079] In Figure 9B, some details of a second example implementation of a cog mechanism are shown. An inner cog element 952 includes a first plurality of teeth, e.g., 954, which are formed by a sequence of ramp-shaped elements 956. As shown in Figure 9B and 10B, the ramp-shaped element 956 has a radius of curvature to reduce the surface area of contact with the pointed elements (e.g., 751 in Figure 7B) of the upper cog element of the outer piece. Each tooth 954 has an edge which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the outer piece around the inner piece. As described in more detail below in connection with Figures 16E- 16H, when the closure is in the resting position, i.e., when the outer piece is not being pulled away from the inner piece, the upper mating cog element on the outer piece (e.g., 752 in Figure 7B) engages the plurality of teeth 954 when the outer piece is rotated in direction 953 (the closing direction) around the inner piece. This engagement causes the inner piece also to rotate in direction 953, and subsequently the threads 960 rotate in direction 962 to engage the threading on the container. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 955 (the openingdirection) around the inner piece, the pointed elements of the upper mating cog element on the outer piece (e.g., 751 in Figure 7B) slide along the ramp-shaped elements 956, and the teeth 954 of the inner piece do not engage with the outer piece, thus the closure is not rotated in the opening direction.

[0080] The inner cog element 952 includes a second plurality of teeth, e.g., 957. In Figure 9B, a tooth 957 has an edge which is perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the outer piece. As described in more detail below in connection with Figures 16E-16H, when the closure is in the lifted position, i.e., when the outer piece is being pulled away from the inner piece, a block on the outer piece (e.g., 756 in Figure 7B) engages with a tooth 957. The block engages the open area 959 next to the tooth 957 and is guided into the area by a ramp-shaped element 958. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 955 (the opening direction) around the inner piece the block 756 engages the tooth 957, causing the inner piece also to rotate. In turn the threads rotate in direction 954 to remove the closure from the threads of the container. When the outer piece is rotated in direction 953 (the closing direction) around the inner piece, blocks 756 drop out of the area 959 due to the biasing device and do not engage the inner piece to close the cap on the container.

[0081] In both Figures 9A and 9B, the spacing of teeth 907 or 957, respectively, can be small than the spacing between blocks (706 in Figure 7A, or 756 in Figure 7B) of the outer piece to cause the teeth 907 or 957 to engage those blocks more quickly in response to a lift and rotation of the outer piece.

[0082] Turning now to Figures 10A and 10B, an example implementation of a biasing device will now be described. This biasing device includes a torsion spring formed in the top plate of the inner piece. The torsion spring is formed through a combination of the material of the top plate and the geometric patterns and shapes formed in the top plate by a combination of slits in the top plate. A first set of slits includes an arc-shaped slit 1018 which is connected to a Ilshaped slit of two additional arc-shaped slits 1020 and 1022. Four such sets of slits are shown in Figures 10A and 10B. The combination of the U-shaped slit of one set and the arc-shaped slit of another set forms a section of material having a serpentine shape, e.g., 1024, which extends from an inner edge 1026 on the top plate to an exterior edge 1028 of the top plate. In Figures 10A and 10B, four such shapes are formed. When the upper and inner piece are connected, and the inner piece is threaded onto a container, pulling the outer piece away from the inner piece causes the top plate of the inner piece to flex along these four sections of material with the serpentine shape, which forms a torsion spring. See also 204 in Figure 4.

[0083] Turning now to Figure 11, an example snap construction and an example fixture for constructing the closure by snapping the inner piece into the outer piece, will now be described. In some implementations a central snap can be used. In some implementations a rim snap can be used. In some implementations, both a central snap and a rim snap can be used. Figure 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the snap functionality using both a central snap and a rim snap.

[0084] As also described in connection with Figures 3 through 6, a central snap can include an outer center snap element formed in the outer piece 1100, such as a ring of a plurality of flexible elements separated by gaps. Each element has a respective flange 1124. Similarly, an inner center snap element is formed in the inner piece 1102, such as a ring with a flange 1126.

[0085] In some implementations, an inside surface 1140 of a rim of the outside piece engages an outside surface 1142 of a rim of the inside piece to form a rim snap which provides a snap- fit assembly. In Figure 11, the ramp-shaped elements 1106, which also function as cogs, are ramp-shaped so that the elements can slide over the cog assembly 1108 of the inner piece.

[0086] Figure 11 also illustrates a fixture 1150 for constructing the closure using such an outer piece and inner piece with a central snap and a rim snap. An outer fixture 1152 holds the outer piece 1100 and an inner fixture 1154 holds the inner piece 1102. The inner fixture 1154 includes an inner post 1156. As the fixtures 1152 and 1154 are moved towards each other, the inner piece is pressed into the outer piece by surfaces 1158 and 1159 and 1160. When the outer piece and inner piece are pressed together, the flanges 1124 flex inward toward the center and pass through flange 1126. Blocks 1106 pass over the cog assembly 1108 and come to rest on the outer surface of the rim of the inner piece at 1142. After assembly, the outer piece and inner piece can be rotated about an axis defined by their centers and are thus rotatably connected.

[0087] Figure 13 is a cross-section of the combined outer piece, inner piece, and container taken through the threads of the container along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the closure. The wall 1300 of the outer piece, the wall 1304 of the inner piece, and the wall 1308 of the neck of the threaded container form concentric circles. The gap 1302 between the wall 1300 and wall 1304 is the space within which the cog mechanisms on the inner and outer pieces engage. The gap 1306 between wall 1304 and wall 1308 is the space within which threads of the container and threads of the inner piece engage.

[0088] Figure 14 is a cross-section along line 14-14 in Figure 3 of the combined outer piece and inner piece taken just above the top of the container along a plane perpendicular to the axisof rotation of the closure. The wall 1400 of the outer piece and the wall 1404 of the inner piece form concentric circles. The gap 1402 between the wall 1400 and wall 1404, as shown, does not include any cog mechanisms, as the cog mechanisms are located in a lower section of these pieces.

[0089] Figure 15 is another cross-section along line 15-15 in Figure 3 of the combined outer piece, inner piece, and container taken just above the threads of the container along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the closure. The wall 1500 of the outer piece, the wall 1504 of the inner piece, and the wall 1508 above the threads of the threaded container form concentric circles. The gap 1502 between the wall 1500 and wall 1504 is the space within which the cog mechanisms on the inner and outer pieces engage.

[0090] Figures 16A-16D illustrate the interaction of the cog mechanisms in a first example implementation. In these Figures, the illustrated elements represent the inside surface of the outer piece and the outside surface of the inner piece as if the walls of the inside and outside pieces were cut and laid flat on top of each other. Thus, Figure 16A illustrates a top cog mechanism 1602 and a bottom cog mechanism 1600, which represents the cog mechanism of the outer piece from the example implementation described above in connection with Figure 7A. Figure 16B illustrates and inner cog mechanism 1604, which represents the cog mechanism of the example implementation as described above in connection with Figures 9A and 10A. In Figure 16A the structures of the inner piece are shown in dashed lines. In Figure 16B the structures of the outer piece are shown in dashed lines.

[0091] In Figure 16C, the bottom cog mechanism 1600 engages the inner cog mechanism 1604. This engagement occurs when the outer piece is pulled with respect to the inner piece. In this lifted position, the outer piece can cause the inner piece to rotate in the opening direction. Top cog mechanism 1602 is disengaged. In this example embodiment, when rotated in the closing direction while the outer piece is pulled, the bottom cog mechanism 1600 slides along the ramped surface of the inner cog mechanism 1604, such that the inner piece should not engage and should not be rotated in the closing direction.

[0092] In Figure 16D, the top cog mechanism 1602 engages the inner cog mechanism 1604. This engagement occurs when the outer piece is released and returns to the resting position with respect to the inner piece. In this resting position, the outer piece can cause the inner piece to rotate in the closing direction. The bottom cog mechanism 1600 is disengaged. When rotated in the opening direction, the top cog mechanism slides along the ramped surface of the innercog mechanism, such that the inner piece is not engaged and is not rotated in the opening direction.

[0093] Figures 16E-16H illustrate the interaction of the cog mechanisms in a second example implementation. In these Figures, the illustrated elements represent the inside surface of the outer piece and the outside surface of the inner piece as if the walls of the inside and outside pieces were cut and laid flat on top of each other. Thus, Figure 16E illustrates a top cog mechanism 1602 and a bottom cog mechanism 1600, which represents the cog mechanism of the outer piece from the example implementation described above in connection with Figure 7B. Figure 16F illustrates and inner cog mechanism 1604, which represents the cog mechanism of the example implementation as described above in connection with Figures 9B and 10B. In Figure 16E the structures of the inner piece are shown in dashed lines. In Figure 16F the structures of the outer piece are shown in dashed lines.

[0094] In Figure 16G, the bottom cog mechanism 1600 engages the inner cog mechanism 1604. This engagement occurs when the outer piece is pulled with respect to the inner piece. In this lifted position, the outer piece can cause the inner piece to rotate in the opening direction. Top cog mechanism 1602 is disengaged. In this example embodiment, when rotated in the closing direction while the outer piece is pulled, the bottom cog mechanism 1600 slides along the ramped surface of the inner cog mechanism 1604, such that the inner piece should not engage and should not be rotated in the closing direction.

[0095] In Figure 16H, the top cog mechanism 1602 engages the inner cog mechanism 1604. This engagement occurs when the outer piece is released and returns to the resting position with respect to the inner piece. In this resting position, the outer piece can cause the inner piece to rotate in the closing direction. The bottom cog mechanism 1600 is disengaged. When rotated in the opening direction, the pointed element of top cog mechanism slides along the curved ramped surface of the inner cog mechanism. Due to the shapes of the pointed elements of top cog mechanism 1602 and inner cog mechanism 1604, there is limited surface area in contact between this two pieces, and thus limited friction, so the inner piece is not engaged and is not rotated in the opening direction.

[0096] It should be noted that while the example implementation described above has a central cog element formed on the inner piece, and the lower and upper cog elements formed on the outer piece, conversely the central cog element can be formed on the outer piece, while the lower and upper cog elements can be formed on the inner piece.

[0097] It should also be noted that while the example implementation described above is designed to have the opening direction be a counterclockwise direction when viewed from the top down onto the external top of the closure, and the closing direction is thus clockwise, as is conventional, the threading, and thus corresponding cog elements, can be configured to operate in the opposite of these conventional directions if desired.

[0098] A torsion spring in the top plate of the inner piece can be implemented in many ways to form a semi-rigid plate of geometric patterns or shapes that have the ability to store potential energy when expanded, twisted, or deformed. Examples of such geometric patterns or shapes include, but are not limited to, single or multi-arm spirals, concentric circles or waves, flexible diaphragms, radial patterns, overlapping concentric circles, or hinged struts radiating from a rim inward. Also, varying the thickness of this semi-rigid plate can affect the upward resistance experienced by the person.

[0099] Figure 17A is an additional example of a torsion spring in the top plate of the inner piece. A first arc-shaped slit 1700 extends from a point in the top plate to an outer edge of the top plate. A second arc-shaped slit 1702 also extends from a point in the top plate to an outer edge of the top plate. The combination of slits forms a first section of material having a serpentine shape, identified by curved line 1704. This first section of material extends from an inner edge on the top plate to an exterior edge of the top plate. The combination of slits forms a second section of material having a serpentine shape, identified by curved line 1706. This second section of material extends from an inner edge on the top plate to an exterior edge of the top plate. In Figure 17A, two such sections of material are formed, but more than two sections of material can be constructed. When the outer and inner piece are connected, and the inner piece is threaded onto a container, pulling the outer piece away from the inner piece causes the top plate of the inner piece to flex along these sections of material with the serpentine shape, which forms a torsion spring. In Figure 17B, the same torsion spring is shown as in Figure 17A, however the cog mechanism shown is the same as Figures 9B and 10B.

[0100] The biasing device for the closure can be implemented in many ways and is not limited to a torsion spring in the top plate of the inner piece, some non-limiting examples of which are shown in Figure 18A through Figure 18E. In Figure 18A, the inner cap can have a flexible diagram. In Figure 18B, the inner cap can have multiple arms defined by spirals. In Figure 18C, the inner cap can have a radial pattern of overlapping concentric circles. In Figure 18D, the inner cap can have curved hinged struts. In Figure 18E, the inner cap can have a single arm spiral. In Figure 18F, the inner cap can have concentric waves or folds.

[0101] The various parts of the closure, i.e., the inner piece and the outer piece, can be manufactured using, for example, commercially available #5 PP (polypropylene plastic) or bioplastics. Other example materials include, but are not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or high-density polyethylene (HPPE). Any other materials currently used for currently available closures and containers can be used. The pieces can be manufactured using a variety of techniques, including but not limited to injection molding, extrusion, and additive manufacturing (three-dimensional printing).

[0102] It should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific implementations described above. The specific implementations described above are disclosed as examples only.

[0103] What is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A closure for a threaded container, comprising: an outer piece having an inner wall; an inner piece rotatably connected to the outer piece about an axis and having an outer wall; and a biasing device configured to pull the outer piece toward the inner piece into a resting position in absence of an external pulling force along the axis being applied to the outer piece, and having a lifted position when an external pulling force along the axis is applied to the outer piece to lift the outer piece away from the inner piece; wherein the inner wall of the outer piece has an outer cog mechanism; wherein the outer wall of the inner piece has an inner cog mechanism; wherein, in the resting position, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in a direction of closing, the outer cog mechanism engages the inner cog mechanism to cause rotation of the inner piece with respect to the threaded container, and, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in a direction of opening, the outer cog mechanism and inner cog mechanism do not engage whereby the outer piece rotates in the direction of opening around the inner piece; wherein, in the lifted position, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in the direction of opening, the outer cog mechanism engages the inner cog mechanism to cause rotation of the inner piece with respect to the threaded container.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the outer cog mechanism comprises a first cog element and a second cog element distinct from the first cog element, and wherein, in the resting position, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in a direction of closing the first cog element engages the inner cog mechanism, and in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in a direction of opening the first and second cog elements do not engage with the inner cog mechanism; and wherein, in the lifted position, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in the direction of opening causes the second cog element to engage the inner cog mechanism.

3. The closure of claim 1, wherein the inner cog mechanism comprises a first cog element and a second cog element distinct from the first cog element, and wherein, in the resting position, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in a direction of closingthe first cog element engages the outer cog mechanism, and in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in a direction of opening the first and second cog elements do not engage with the outer cog mechanism; and wherein, in the lifted position, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in the direction of opening causes the second cog element to engage the outer cog mechanism.

4. The closure of claim 1, wherein the biasing device comprises a flat torsion spring formed in a top plate of the inner piece.

5. The closure of claim 4, wherein the outer piece and the inner piece are rotatably connected by a snap-fit assembly.

6. The closure of claim 5, wherein the snap-fit assembly includes a central snap formed by a flange on the outer piece and a mating element on the inner piece.

7. The closure of claim 5, wherein the snap-fit assembly includes a rim snap formed by an inside surface of a rim of the outer piece engaging an outside surface of a rim of the inner piece.

8. The closure of claim 1, wherein the outer cog mechanism comprises a plurality of teeth formed by a sequence of ramp-shaped elements, and the inner cog mechanism includes a plurality of complementary shaped teeth that engage the plurality of teeth of the outer cog mechanism.

9. The closure of claim 1, wherein the outer cog mechanism comprises a sequence of pointed elements, and the inner cog mechanism includes a sequence of curved ramp-shaped elements forming teeth that engage the pointed elements of the outer cog mechanism.

10. The closure of claim 1, wherein a sidewall of the outer piece has radial grooves which extend upward past a top edge of the cap and curl inward, forming a visual and tactile rolled rim.

11. The closure of claim 1, wherein the outer piece and the inner piece are made from polypropylene plastic.

12. A package comprising: a threaded container having a body and a threaded section; and a closure comprising: an outer piece having an inner wall; an inner piece rotatably connected to the outer piece about an axis and having an outer wall; and a biasing device configured to pull the outer piece toward the inner piece into a resting position in absence of an external pulling force along the axis being applied to the outer piece, and having a lifted position when an external pulling force along the axis is applied to the outer piece to lift the outer piece away from the inner piece; wherein the inner wall of the outer piece has an outer cog mechanism; wherein the outer wall of the inner piece has an inner cog mechanism; wherein, in the resting position, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in a direction of closing, the outer cog mechanism engages the inner cog mechanism to cause rotation of the inner piece with respect to the threaded section of the threaded container, and, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in a direction of opening, the outer cog mechanism and inner cog mechanism do not engage whereby the outer piece rotates in the direction of opening around the inner piece; wherein, in the lifted position, in response to rotation of the outer piece with respect to the inner piece in the direction of opening, the outer cog mechanism engages the inner cog mechanism to cause rotation of the inner piece with respect to the threaded section of the threaded container.

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