Non-removable Closure Cap with Anti-rotation Collar

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manually operated pump dispensers typically have removably attached closure caps, which are not suitable for non-refillable applications, as they can be removed with pressure or by applying force to specific locations, posing a need for a non-removable closure cap solution.

Innovation Solution

A closure cap system featuring a collar that engages with the cap to securely attach it to the dispenser neck, allowing clockwise rotation for tightening but preventing counter-clockwise rotation, ensuring the cap remains affixed and non-refillable by utilizing ramps and cap protrusions for secure alignment and snap-fit engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a removable closure cap is used, then the dispenser can be refilled or replaced, but the closure cap can be removed with pressure or force, making it unsuitable for non-refillable applications

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverefillabilityVSAvoidsecurity against removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two functional parts: a closure cap that provides the sealing function and a collar that provides the security function. The collar is separable from the closure cap, allowing the cap to remain on the dispenser while the collar prevents removal. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar acts as an intermediary element between the closure cap and the dispenser body. It mediates the security function by engaging with both the closure cap (via protrusions and recesses) and the dispenser (via the neck), preventing direct removal of the closure cap while maintaining the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a non-removable closure cap is implemented, then the dispenser becomes non-refillable and secure, but the closure cap cannot be removed for refilling or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against removalVSAvoidrefillability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two functional parts: a closure cap that provides the sealing function and a collar that provides the security function. The collar is separable from the closure cap, allowing the cap to remain on the dispenser while the collar prevents removal. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the closure cap itself non-removable, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the closure cap removable but adding a separate collar that prevents removal. The security function is inverted from being integrated into the cap to being provided by a separate collar component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional tamper resistant closures are used, then child resistance is provided, but the closures can still be removed with correct pressure applied to specific locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild resistanceVSAvoidsecurity against removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is divided into two functional parts: a closure cap that provides the sealing function and a collar that provides the security function. The collar is separable from the closure cap, allowing the cap to remain on the dispenser while the collar prevents removal. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure system combines two different functional elements (closure cap and collar) into a composite security mechanism. The collar acts as a composite security layer that adds a second level of protection beyond traditional tamper-resistant closures, requiring both collar and cap to be removed together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10183790B2Non-removable closure cap with a collar

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 BERLIN PACKAGING LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment there is provided a closed non-refillable dispenser having a bottle configured to hold a liquid with a neck surrounding an opening for access to the liquid, and having a pump assembly fitted to the neck to manually pump liquid out of the bottle. The dispenser further having a closure cap fitted over the neck of the bottle and having a central closure opening to receive the pump assembly and a collar seated entirely over the closure cap. The collar and closure cap have corresponding engaging means configured to tighten the closure cap onto the neck when the collar is rotated clockwise and the collar being further configured to not engage the closure cap when the collar is rotated counter-clockwise, such that the closure cap is non-removably affixed to the bottle, thereby preventing the bottle from being refillable.