Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02810353 2013-03-22
ONE PIECE REVERSIBLE CLOSURE AND CONTAINER SYSTEM
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to a reversible child resistant closure. More
particularly,
this disclosure relates to a one-piece reversible child resistant closure
which may be
applied to a vial or other container in either a child resistant mode or a non-
child resistant
mode.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are many types of child resistant closure systems described in
the art.
While many child resistant caps effectively provide protection against the
danger of small
children being able to remove potentially harmful contents, e.g. pills, from
vials or other
containers, they also provide a problem for a considerable portion of the
adult population
that require medication but lack sufficient manual dexterity or strength to
remove the
child resistant cap. This is of a particular concern to the elderly population
or people
suffering from arthritis and other disabling diseases.
[0003] Continuous threaded, torque actuated child resistant caps are a popular
type of
child resistant closures. These caps involve the use of two parts, one part
rests above the
other part in an axial configuration and requires both a rotational and
downward action to
engage for removal. These caps are used in literally thousands of various
applications
and packaging configurations due to the universally understood push and turn
structures
and ease of use and adaptation in a wide variety of automated filing lines and
processes.
Most of these prior art torque actuated child resistant closures are
continuously in a child
resistant mode and, therefore, can pose a problem to the segment of the
population
needing the pharmaceuticals contained therein, but lacking the manual
dexterity or
strength to open the axially, torque actuated closures.
[0004] This particular problem has been addressed by the development of
closure
systems having both a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode such
that, in
the non-child resistant mode, the closures are more easily opened by adults.
However,
many such caps have a complex, multipart structure making the caps expensive
and/or
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difficult to convert between the child resistant and non-child resistant
configurations.
One example of such a closure is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,579,934, (the
'934
patent). The '934 patent proposes a container closure that is selectively
manipulatable
between a configuration which resists opening by children and a configuration
which
may be easily opened without special manipulation of the closure.
Specifically, the
closure is manipulated into its non-child resistant mode by "pressing down" on
the
central portion of the top surface of the closure.
[0005] Although this type of closure provides an advance in the art of
protection against
the danger of small children being able to remove it from vials or other
containers, the
cap is made with two separately manufactured pieces that must be assembled.
These
aspects of the cap of the '934 patent, as well as other caps sharing these
aspects, increases
both the manufacturing cost and assembly time for the caps. Further, these
caps cannot
be sealed with tamper resistant liners in an induction sealing process as the
two-piece cap
includes an inner component that protrudes into the opening of the container
and would
break the seal.
[0006] Additionally, many caps that are convertible between a child resistant
mode and
non-child resistant mode have lacked the capability to properly include a
warning to the
consumer once this closure has been converted to its non-child resistant
configuration.
This warning, or message, is normally required by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission to alert users that the closure has been converted into the non-
child resistant
configuration.
[0007] In light of the foregoing, what is needed in the art is a reversible
one piece child
resistant closure and one piece child resistant closure and container system
that is
efficient to manufacture and use. The closure and container system preferably
should
provide a warning to the user when the closure system is in a non-child
resistant mode
and is operable to be used in conjunction with an induction sealing system.
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SUMMARY
[0008] A closure is disclosed for use with a container having a neck including
a container
engaging structure and a container locking mechanism. The closure has a child
resistant
mode when applied to the container in a child resistant configuration and a
non-child
resistant mode when applied to the container in a non-child resistant
configuration. The
closure includes a circumferential side wall having an interior surface, a
first section, a
second section, and a solid divider. The first section includes a first
closure engaging
structure disposed on the interior surface of the circumferential side wall
configured to
contact and interact with the container engaging structure when the closure is
in the non-
child resistant configuration. The second section includes a second closure
engaging
structure disposed on the interior surface of the circumferential side wall
configured to
contact and interact with the container engaging structure when the closure is
in the child
resistant configuration and a closure locking mechanism configured to engage
the
container locking mechanism for restricting axial movement of the closure with
respect to
the container when the closure is in the child resistant mode. The solid
divider is
disposed between the first section and the second section for closing an
opening of the
container when the closure is installed on the container in the non-child
resistant mode
and the child resistant mode. In preferred embodiments, the circumferential
side wall,
first section, second section, and divider are formed as a unitary one-piece
closure.
[0009] According to some embodiments, the first closure engaging structure is
a
continuous thread and the second closure engaging structure is a segmented
thread. In
other embodiments, both the first closure engaging structure and the second
closure
engaging structure are segmented threads.
[0010] According to certain embodiments, no part of the closure extends into
the opening
of the container when the closure is installed on the container in the child
resistant mode
and the non-child resistant mode. The closure may also include a tamper
resistant liner
configured to be inserted adjacent the divider in one of the first section and
the second
section for sealing the opening of the container in an induction sealing
process.
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100111 According to some embodiments, warning indicia is molded into the
divider such
that the warning information is visible when the closure is in the non-child
resistant
mode. In other embodiments, the closure includes a first liner and a second
liner, the first
liner configured to be inserted into the first section such that the first
liner is visible when
the closure is installed on the container in the child resistant mode and the
second liner
configured to be inserted into the second section such that the second liner
is visible
when the closure is installed on the container in the non-child resistant
mode. The second
liner preferably includes warning indicia indicating that the closure is in
the non-child
resistant mode.
[0012] According to other embodiments, the divider is at least partially see-
through and
the closure includes a liner having a first side and a second side. The liner
is configured
to be inserted in one of the first section and the second section such that
the first side is
viewable when the closure is installed on the container in the non-child
resistant mode
and the second side is viewable when the closure is installed on the container
in the child
resistant mode. The first side of the liner preferably includes warning
indicia indicating
that the closure is in the non-child resistant mode.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a reversible child
resistant
closure system having a child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode is
disclosed.
The reversible child resistant closure system includes a container and a
unitary one piece
closure. The container includes a neck having a container engaging structure
disposed on
an outer surface of the neck and a container locking mechanism. The unitary
one piece
closure includes a circumferential side wall having an interior surface, a
first section, a
second section, and a solid divider. The first section has a first closure
engaging structure
disposed on the interior surface of the circumferential side wall configured
to contact and
interact with the container engaging structure when the closure is installed
on the
container in a non-child resistant configuration. The second section includes
a second
closure engaging structure disposed on the interior surface of the
circumferential side
wall configured to contact and interact with the container engaging structure
when the
closure is installed on the container in a child resistant configuration and a
closure
locking mechanism configured to engage the container locking mechanism for
restricting
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axial movement of the closure with respect to the container when the closure
is installed
on the container in the child resistant mode. The solid divider is disposed
between the
first section and the second section for closing an opening of the container
when the
closure is installed on the container in the non-child resistant mode and the
child resistant
mode.
100141 According to some embodiments, the container is injection molded. In
other
embodiments, the container is blow molded.
100151 According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a closure for use
with a
container having a neck including a container engaging structure and a
container locking
mechanism is disclosed. The closure has a child resistant mode when applied to
the
container in a child resistant configuration and a non-child resistant mode
when applied
to the container in a non-child resistant configuration. The closure includes
a
circumferential side wall having an interior surface, a first section, a
second section, and
a solid divider. The first section includes a first engaging thread disposed
on the interior
surface of the circumferential side wall configured to interact with the
container engaging
structure when the closure is installed on the container in the non-child
resistant
configuration. The second section includes a second engaging thread disposed
on the
interior surface of the circumferential side wall configured to interact with
the container
engaging structure when the closure is installed on the container in the child
resistant
configuration and a closure locking mechanism configured to engage the
container
locking mechanism for restricting axial movement of the closure with respect
to the
container when the closure is installed on the container in the child
resistant mode. The
solid divider is disposed between the first section and the second section for
closing an
opening of the container when the closure is installed on the container in the
non-child
resistant mode and the child resistant mode. The closure according to this
embodiment
also includes a first liner and a second liner. The first liner is disposed in
the first section
having first liner indicia printed thereon such that the first liner indicia
is visible when the
closure is installed on the container in the child resistant mode. The second
liner is
disposed in the second section having second liner indicia printed thereon
such that the
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second liner indicia is visible when the closure is installed on the container
in the non-
child resistant mode.
[0016] According to some embodiments, the circumferential side wall, first
section,
second section, and divider are formed as a unitary one-piece closure. The
second liner
indicia preferably includes warning indicia indicating that the closure is in
the non-child
resistant mode, and the first liner and/or second liner indicia may include
promotional
information.
[0017] According to yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a closure for
use with a
container having a neck including a container engaging structure and a
container locking
mechanism is disclosed. The closure has a child resistant mode when applied to
the
container in a child resistant configuration and a non-child resistant mode
when applied
to the container in a non-child resistant configuration. The closure includes
a
circumferential side wall having an interior surface, a first section, a
second section, and
a solid divider. The first section includes a first closure engaging structure
disposed on
the interior surface of the circumferential side wall configured to contact
and interact
with the container engaging structure when the closure is in the non-child
resistant
configuration. The second section includes a second closure engaging structure
disposed
on the interior surface of the circumferential side wall configured to contact
and interact
with the container engaging structure when the closure is in the child
resistant
configuration and a closure locking mechanism configured to engage the
container
locking mechanism for restricting axial movement of the closure with respect
to the
container when the closure is in the child resistant mode. The solid divider
disposed
between the first section and the second section for closing an opening of the
container
when the closure is installed on the container in the non-child resistant mode
and the
child resistant mode. The solid divider is at least partially transparent, and
the
circumferential side wall is substantially opaque.
[0018] According to some embodiments, the circumferential side wall, first
section,
second section, and divider are formed as a unitary one-piece closure. The
closure
includes a liner including a first side and a second side. The liner is
configured to be
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inserted in one of the first section and the second section such that the
first side is
viewable when the closure is installed on the container in the non-child
resistant mode
and the second side is viewable when the closure is installed on the container
in the child
resistant mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Further advantages of the disclosure are apparent by reference to the
detailed
description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to
scale so as
to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like
elements
throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 A is a side perspective view of a reversible child resistant
closure system in
a child resistant mode according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of a reversible child resistant
closure system in
a non-child resistant mode according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a container of a reversible child
resistant
closure system according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0023] FIGS. 3A-3D are side perspective views of a closure of a reversible
child resistant
closure system according to one embodiment of the disclosure, oriented with a
non-child
resistant section located on the top and a child resistant section located on
the bottom
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0024] FIGS. 4A-4D are side perspective views of a closure of a reversible
child resistant
closure system according to one embodiment of the disclosure, oriented with a
non-child
resistant section located on the top and a child resistant section located on
the bottom
according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the closure oriented so that the child
resistant side
is facing upward according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
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[0026] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the closure according to one
embodiment
of the disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 7 is side perspective view of the closure being applied to a
container in the
child resistant configuration according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 8 is side cross-sectional view of a reversible child resistant
closure system in
the child resistant mode according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the closure with the non-child resistant
side facing up
according to one embodiment of the disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the closure with the child resistant side
facing up
according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
[0031] FIGS. 11A-11D are top views of the closure having various liners
according to
embodiments of the disclosure; and
[0032] FIGS. 12A-12D are top views of various liners according to embodiments
of the
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The disclosure relates to a reversible child resistant closure system
primarily
directed for use with containers intended to store and dispense pharmaceutical
products
and the like. However, the system may also be used with containers intended to
have a
child resistant mode and a non-child resistant mode irrespective of its
contents.
[0034] Referring first to FIGS. 1A-1B, there is shown a reversible child
resistant closure
system 10 according to the disclosure. FIG. 1 A shows the closure system 10 in
its child
resistant mode, and FIG. 1B shows the same closure system 10 in its non-child
resistant
mode. The closure system 10 includes a container 12 and a one piece reversible
child
resistant closure 40.
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[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the container 12 includes a body 13 and a neck 14.
The neck
14 includes a container engaging structure 18 disposed on an exterior of the
neck 14, a
container opening edge 20 defining a container opening 22, and a bottom edge
24
opposite the container opening edge 20. In preferred embodiments, the bottom
edge 24
of the neck 14 is defined by a rim 25. In some embodiments, the neck 14 may
have
substantially the same diameter as the body 13. However, in other embodiments,
the
neck 14 may have a smaller diameter than the body 13 of the container 12. The
engaging
structure 18 is operable to interact with a corresponding structure on the
reversible child
resistant closure 40 to secure the closure 40 to the container 12. In
preferred
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the engaging structure 18 includes one or
more
threads. However, other suitable engaging structures 18 may be used including
beads,
cams, lugs and the like.
[0036] Disposed adjacent the bottom edge 24 of the neck 14 is a container
locking
mechanism configured to interact with a corresponding closure locking
mechanism for
preventing axial movement of the closure 40 when the closure system 10 is in
the child
resistant mode.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, one embodiment of the container locking mechanism
includes one or more deflectable locking structures 26 disposed at an
interruption of
space in the rim 24. A locking lug 30 extends from a top surface 28 of the
locking
structure 26 towards the opening edge 20 of the container 12 for releasably
engaging a
corresponding locking lug of the reversible child resistant closure 40. For
clarification
purposes, the locking lug 30 of the container 12 is referred to herein as a
locking tab, and
the corresponding locking lug of the closure 40 is referred to as a locking
projection. In
order for the locking tab 30 to releasably engage the corresponding locking
projection of
the closure 40, the locking structure 26 is yieldable or deflectable relative
to the neck 14.
This deflection of the locking structure 26, as will be further described
below, allows for
engagement or disengagement of the locking tab 30 from the locking projection
of the
closure 40 to allow for either child locking or disengagement of the closure
40 with
respect to the container 12. For ease of manufacturing of a container having
the
deflectable locking structure 26, the container 12 is preferably injection
molded.
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However, it should be noted that other types of locking mechanisms may be
utilized
within the scope of the disclosure including locking mechanisms for blow
molded
containers.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D and FIGS. 4A-4D, the one piece closure 40
includes a
first section 42 having a first edge 44 and a second section 46 having a
second edge 48.
The first section 42 and second section 46 are separated by a solid divider 50
which
prevents pharmaceuticals or other materials from exiting the opening 22 of the
container
12 whether the one piece closure 40 is used in a child resistant configuration
or a non-
child resistant configuration. A circumferential side wall 52 extends around
the outer
circumference of the closure 40 extending from the first edge 44 of the first
section 42 to
the second edge 48 of the second section 46. The solid divider 50 and side
wall 52 forms
a first section cavity 43 extending between the first edge 44 and the divider
50 and a
second section cavity 47 extending from the second edge 48 to the divider 50.
As shown,
the diameter of the circumferential side wall 52 is preferably substantially
the same
throughout the height of the closure 40.
[0039] The exterior surface 53 of the side wall 52 preferably includes a
gripping structure
such as a plurality of knurls 55 for assisting a user to grip and rotate the
closure 40
relative to the container 12. The interior surface 54 of the side wall 52 of
both the first
section 42 and the second section 46 includes respective engaging structures
56, 58
operable to interact for rotatable engagement with the complementary engaging
structure
18 on the container 12 to secure the closure 40 to the container 12. Referring
to FIG. 1A,
when the closure 40 is applied to the container 12 in the child resistant
configuration,
engaging structure 58 of the closure 40 interacts with the engaging structure
18 of the
container 12.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1B, when the closure 40 is inverted and applied to
the container
in the non-child resistant configuration, engaging structure 56 of the closure
40 interacts
with the engaging structure 18 of the container 12. As shown in the Figures,
the
engaging structures 56 and 58 are preferably solid or segmented threads.
However, other
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suitable engaging structures 56, 58 may be used as long as they are operable
to interact
with the engaging structure 18 of the container 12.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, both of the engaging structures
56 and
58 of the closure 40 includes a segmented thread for interacting with the
threaded
engaging structure 18 of the container 12. To assist in manufacturing the
closure 40 of
this embodiment, the thread segments 56 of the first section 42 are preferably
vertically
aligned with the thread segments 58 of the second section 46 as shown in the
cross-
sectional view of FIG. 6. Lifter bars are preferably used to make the
segmented threads
56, 58 in an injection molding process.
[0042] In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the engaging
structure 56
of the first section 42 is a single continuous thread while the engaging
structure 58 of the
second section 46 is a segmented thread. In this embodiment, during
manufacture, the
thread segments 58 of the second section 46 are preferably made using lifter
bars, and the
lifter bars will pull on the thread segments 58 of the second section to bump
the closure
40 off the mold. The thread segments 58 of the second section 46 are
preferably between
about .75 inches to about 1.25 inches long depending on the size of the
closure 40.
However, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, smaller thread segments may be used for
either the
first section 42 or the second section 46.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 3D and 4D, the second section 46 includes a flange
60
extending radially from the side wall 52 axially downward from the second edge
48. At
least one locking projection 64 extends radially inward from the inner surface
62 of the
flange 60. The locking projection 64 is operable to engage the locking tab 30
of the
container 12 for preventing the closure 40 from rotating with respect to the
container 12.
When the closure 40 is applied to the container 12 in the child resistant
configuration and
the locking projection 64 of the closure 40 engages the locking tab 30 of the
container 12,
the closure system 10 is in the child resistant mode. In order to remove the
closure 40
from the container 12, a user must deflect the locking structure 26 so that
the locking
projection 64 disengages the locking tab 30. For example, the locking
structure 26 may
be deflected downward by a thumb of the user.
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[0044] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the locking tab 30 of
container 12
includes a ramp or inclined surface 31 and a locking edge 33. Referring to
FIG. 5, the
locking projection 64 of closure 40 also includes a ramp or inclined surface
66 and a
locking edge 68. In operation, the closure 40, when applied to the container
12 in the
child resistant configuration, is rotated in a closing direction, preferably
clockwise, about
the neck 14 of container 12 until the locking projection ramp 66 traverses the
locking tab
ramp 31. Referring to FIG. 7, to assist the locking projection ramp 66 in
traversing the
locking tab ramp 31, the locking structure 26 and corresponding locking tab 30
of the
container 12 is deflected downward as the locking projection ramp 66 travels
across the
locking tab ramp 31.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 8, showing a cross-sectional view of the closure
system 10 in
the child resistant mode where the locking projection 64 is engaging the
locking tab 30,
the locking edge 33 of the locking tab 30 and the locking edge 68 of the
locking
projection 64 prevent the closure 40 from rotating in an opening direction,
the opening
direction preferably being counter-clockwise. In order to allow counter-
clockwise
rotation of the closure 40 for removing the closure 40 from the container 12,
a user holds
down or otherwise deflects the locking structure 26 so that the locking
projection 64 may
traverse the locking tab 30.
[0046] In a non-child resistant operation, the closure 40 is inverted 180
degrees so that it
may be applied to the container 12 in the non-child resistant configuration as
shown in
FIG. 1B. As the first section 42 of the closure 40 does not include a locking
tab or any
other type of structure that would engage the locking structure 26 of the
container 12, the
closure 40 is operable to freely move in both a clockwise and counter-
clockwise
direction.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 9-10, the divider 50 is seen from above when the
closure
system 10 is in either the child resistant mode (FIG. 9) or the non-child
resistant mode
(FIG. 10). Indicia, such as company branding, may be molded into one or both
sides of
the divider 50. As shown in FIG. 10, a warning that closure system 10 is in
the non-child
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resistant mode is preferably molded into the second section side of the
divider 50 such
that the warning is visible when the closure system 10 is in the non-child
resistant mode.
[0048] As explained above, the divider 50 disposed between the first section
42 and
second section 46 forms a first section cavity 43 and a second section cavity
47. Thus,
each cavity is configured to easily receive liners 70 for providing
information to the user
of the child resistant closure system 10. The liners 70 are preferably shaped
in the form
of a disc so that they may be positioned adjacent to and parallel the divider
50 in the first
section 42, the second section 46, or both the first section 42 and the second
section 46 of
the closure 40. To easily secure the liners without glue or other adhesives,
the liners
preferably include a diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter
of the side
wall 52.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11D, a first liner 72 is inserted into the first
section cavity
43 such that the first liner is viewed when the closure system 10 is in the
child resistant
mode, and a second liner 74 is inserted into the second section cavity 47 such
that the
second liner 74 is viewed when the closure system 10 is in the non-child
resistant mode.
Thus, a liner 70 is able to be displayed to a user of the closure system 10 no
matter which
configuration, child resistant or non-child resistant, the closure 40 is
applied to the
container 12. When inserted into a section cavity, the liner would cover up
any
information that is molded into the respective side of the divider 50.
Alternatively, the
use of liners 70 could replace the step of molding or printing information
into the actual
divider 50.
[0050] Printed on each liner 70 may be information that includes, for example,
one or
more of company branding, messages, advertisements, QR (quick response) codes,
and
prescription information. Referring to FIG. 11A, the first liner 72 is shown
having
promotional information in the form of pharmacy branding as well as operating
instructions instructing the user, for example, "TO OPEN PULL TAB DOWN 8z
TURN"
and directing the user to turn the cap over for operating in the non-child
resistant mode.
Referring to FIG. 11B, another embodiment of the first liner 72 depicts
promotional
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information directing the user to a website for refilling prescriptions as
well as the
operating instructions shown in FIG. 11A.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 11C-11D, the second liner 74 is preferably provided
with
warning indicia, for example, "CAUTION NOT CHILD RESISTANT," for indicating to
the user that the child resistant closure system 10 is currently in the non-
child resistant
mode. As shown in FIG. 11D, other information may also be provided in addition
to the
warning indicia such as pharmacy branding or other promotional materials.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 12A-12D, various non-limiting examples of
advertisements or
promotional material capable of being displayed on a liners 70 are shown.
While the
liners 70 shown are first liners 72 to be inserted in the first section cavity
43 as they
include operating instructions, the promotional material may also be provided
on second
liners 74 to be inserted in the second section cavity 47 by replacing the
operating
instructions with warning indicia. As shown, the liners 70 may include
advertisements
specifically directed to goods or services that are related to the
pharmaceutical in the
container, or the advertisement can be specifically directed at items that the
user may
associate with the pharmaceuticals dispensed in the closure system 10. For
example,
advertisements directed at diabetic testing equipment can be positioned on a
pharmaceutical container that carries a prescription of diabetic medicine
therein. As such
the advertisements can be user specific.
[0053] Alternately, the advertisements can be general to a specific location
such as local
businesses within a predetermined distance of the pharmacy or the actual
pharmacy
where the closure system 10 was purchased. Specific items can be advertised,
such as
specials for a particular business, such as the pharmacy where the closure
system 10 was
purchased. Additionally, codes, such as QR codes, can be added to the
advertising.
These codes can be scanned by a user's smart phone or other code scanner to
direct them
to pharmacy web pages, coupons, etc. accessible over the Internet.
[0054] In addition to the promotional material, or in replacement of the
promotional
material, the liner 70 may also include prescription information directed
specifically to
the medication provided in the closure system. For example, the liner 70 may
include an
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identification of the pharmaceutical stored in the closure system, dosage
information such
as "Take One Pill A Day," and/or auxiliary information such as "Do Not Take
With
Dairy." Further, the a variety of liners 70 may be provided in a each in a
different color
that corresponds to particular dosage instructions for the prescribed
pharmaceutical in
order to further enhance compliance with a prescription. For example, one
liner 70 may
include the instructions such as "REMINDER: TAKE 2 PILLS IN THE A.M.," and
this
liner would have green characters. Another liner 70 may be provided for a
separate
prescription that provides "REMINDER: TAKE 2 PILLS IN THE P.M.," and this
liner
could have red character to distinguish it from the prescription that is to be
taken in the
morning.
100551 According to an alternate embodiment, the divider 50 is made of a clear
plastic or
other see-through material and the side wall 52 is preferably made from a
substantially
opaque material or matte finish. In this embodiment, the closure 40 is
preferably formed
as a unitary one piece structure using a two stage injection molding process
in which the
opaque side wall 52 resin is injected separately from the transparent divider
50. In
another embodiment, the difference in transparency between the divider 50 and
the side
wall 52 is controlled by using only a single stage injection process and
varying the
surface finish on the mold itself. Thus, the steel of the mold that forms the
divider 50
would be highly polished (yielding a clear, see-through portion) while the
steel forming
the side wall 52 would be left rough (yielding a matte, opaque finish). The
opaque side
wall 52 prevents visibility of the interface of the engaging sections to
inhibit opening by
children who might be able to see the interference if the entire cap was
transparent. In
this embodiment, liner 70 may include warning indicia on one side of the liner
70 with or
without additional information on the opposite side. As the divider 50 is see-
through or
at least partially transparent in this embodiment, one side of the liner 70 is
always visible
no matter which configuration the closure 40 is applied to the container 12.
Accordingly,
the liner 70 may be inserted into either the first section 42 or the second
section 46 such
that the side of the liner having warning indicia printed thereon is displayed
while
looking down on the closure 40 when the child resistant closure system 10 is
in the non-
child resistant mode, and the other side, preferably having the additional
information
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CA 02810353 2013-11-01
printed thereon, is displayed when the child resistant closure system 10 is in
the child
resistant mode.
[0056] In automatic filling applications, the liners 70 are preferably printed
digitally with
variable data so that the graphics and/or message of the displayed on the
liner may be
changed rapidly during the printing process. During manufacturing of the
closures 40,
the various liners 70 may then be inserted into the caps randomly or in
sequence in such a
way that boxes of closures 40 are filled having liners 70 having numerous
different
displays. In this manner, a pharmacy may order a box of closures having, for
example,
ten different advertising messages specifically tailored to that particular
pharmacy by
providing ten different advertising messages on the liners 70. The pharmacist
may then
choose which closure should be used to fill the prescription based on the
message the
pharmacist would like to provide to the patient.
[0057] The liners 70 may also be printed "on demand" by the pharmacist or
provided to
the pharmacist for selectively applying to a closure when filling a
prescription. In
embodiments in which the liners are printed at the pharmacy, a pharmacy
computer
preferably includes a database of various liner graphics and information, the
graphics/information being chosen from liners 70 substantially as described
above.
When filling a prescription, the pharmacist chooses one or more of the designs
from the
database to be printed on the liners. In preferred embodiments, the liners 70
will be
printed on a label sheet also including labels having prescription information
that is
typically applied to the body 13 of the container 12. Alternatively, numerous
liners 70
containing different graphics and information are pre-printed by the
pharmacist or
provided to pharmacist by a third party. In either of these manners, the
pharmacist can
choose from a variety of different liners having various information based on
such factors
as the patient, the type of prescription, current promotions, etc., and the
pharmacist can
selectively apply liners 70 to the closure 40 when filling the prescription.
[0058] In another aspect of the closure system 10, the divider 50 is disposed
between the
first section 42 and second section 46 such that the divider 50 forms a close
fit around the
Page 16 of 24
CA 02810353 2013-03-22
opening edge 20 and opening 22 of the container 12 whether the reversible
child resistant
closure system 10 is in the child resistant mode or the non-child resistant
mode. Further,
no part of the closure 40 traverses or extends into the opening 22 whether the
reversible
child resistant closure system 10 is in the child resistant mode or the non-
child resistant
mode. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a one piece reversible
child resistant
closure system 10 that may be used in conjunction with an induction sealing
system for
providing a tamper resistant seal to the closure system 10. In operation, a
tamper
resistant liner is inserted into one of the sections 42, 46 of the closure 40.
The closure 40
is then applied to the container 12 in the desired configuration, and the
closure system 10
is passed through an induction sealing machine for sealing the tamper
resistant liner to
the opening edge 20 of the container 12.
[0059] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this disclosure
has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to
be exhaustive
or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Obvious
modifications or
variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are
chosen and
described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of
the disclosure
and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in
the art to
utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications
as are suited
to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are
within the
scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted
in
accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably
entitled.
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