Child Resistant Closure with Frangible Tamper-Evident Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molded plastic container/closure combinations lack effective tamper evident and child resistant features to prevent pilferage and contamination, especially for toxic products, and do not facilitate easy removal for individuals with limited manual dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A molded plastic container/closure combination featuring a tamper evident release tab that requires partial fracture for opening, a child resistant mechanism requiring two-handed coordinated actions to rotate the closure, and a removal facilitation system using radially extending closure elements and container-mounted ramps to lift the closure for easier removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple closure is used on the container, then ease of operation is improved, but tamper evident and child resistant features are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into multiple functional components: a frangible tamper evident ring that breaks upon opening, a child resistant latch mechanism requiring coordinated two-handed operation, and a closure cap. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively providing both security and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible tamper evident ring is pre-positioned around the closure neck before sealing. When the container is opened, this ring breaks in advance to provide visible tamper evidence. The child resistant latch is also pre-configured to require specific coordinated actions before the closure can be removed, ensuring security before the actual opening occurs.
2Reliability
If a frangible tamper evident ring is added to the container, then tamper evident feature is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible tamper evident ring is merged with the closure assembly as an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. The ring is positioned to be formed from the same molded material as the closure, eliminating the need for separate parts and assembly steps. This merging maintains the tamper evident function while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frangible ring is designed to automatically break and provide visible tamper evidence without requiring any additional mechanisms, sensors, or active components. The breaking action itself creates the evidence, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for complex monitoring or detection systems.
3Reliability
If a child resistant latch mechanism is incorporated, then child resistance is improved, but ease of operation for individuals with limited dexterity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through coordinated two-handed operation. The first hand depresses the latch while the second hand simultaneously rotates the closure, creating a dynamic sequence that children cannot perform but that remains manageable for adults with practice. This dynamic action provides child resistance without creating permanent mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Two embodiments of a molded plastic container/closure combination are described. Each can be structured to provide a child resistant opening feature and, optionally, a tamper-evident feature. In both embodiments, the closure has radially extending bayonets arranged around an outer skirt, which bayonets can be rotated into a position underlying semi-annular ribs in a beam molded integrally with the sidewall of the container. Rotation of the closure in the unlocking direction is opposed by a structure which requires depression of a release tab downwardly. In one embodiment, depression of the release tab requires that a frangible element first be fractured and removed from the container sidewall. In the second embodiment, depressing the release tab is made possible by a living hinge formed on one side of the release tab.