US3874540A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Tamperproof cap
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-01-30
•
Granted: 1975-04-01
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Expires: 1994-01-30
Abstract
Abstract A tamperproof cap is arranged for use with a container having a threaded neck portion and at least one external tooth extending radially outwardly adjacent the threaded portion. The tamperproof cap includes a cap body, a tamperproof ring and a plurality of breakable connectors coupling the ring to the cap body. A number of triangularly shaped pawls extend inwardly from the tamperproof ring for locking engagement with the container tooth, and the breakable connectors are joined to the tamperproof ring at the pawls.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter E Hidding
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 19:11
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65D; B65D41/00; B65D41/32; B65D41/34; B65D41/3404; B65D41/3409; B65D41/02; B65D41/04; B65D41/0407; B65D41/0414
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
A tamperproof cap for use with a container having a threaded neck portion and at least one external tooth, said cap comprising: an internally threaded cap body; a tamperproof ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly extending, triangularly shaped pawls for locking engagement with said container tooth in a first direction of rotation and riding over said container tooth in a second, opposite direction of rotation; and a plurality of breakable connectors coupling said ring to said cap body, said connectors being individually joined to said pawls for holding a said pawl in engagement with said container tooth whereby to insure breaking of said connectors and releasing said ring from said cap body upon rotation of said cap in said first direction, said ring being undulated by outwardly bending portions disposed between said pawls, said portions being relatively more flexible than said pawls to permit said pawls to ride over said container tooth in said second direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
A tamperproof cap for use with a container having a threaded neck portion and at least one external tooth, said cap comprising: an internally threaded cap body; a tamperproof ring having a plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially inwardly extending, triangularly shaped pawls for locking engagement with said container tooth in a first direction of rotation and riding over said container tooth in a second, opposite direction of rotation; and a plurality of breakable connectors coupling said ring to said cap body, said connectors being individually joined to said pawls for holding a said pawl in engagement with said container tooth whereby to insure breaking of said connectors and releasing said ring from said cap body upon rotation of said cap in said first direction, said ring being undulated by outwardly bending portions disposed between said pawls, said portions being relatively more flexible than said pawls to permit said pawls to ride over said container tooth in said second direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein said connectors comprise angularly disposed arms.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A tamperproof cap according to claim 1 wherein each of said pawls has a first planar surface facing generally in said first direction and a second planar surface facing generally in said second direction and wherein said connectors are joined to said pawls at said second planar surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tamperproof cap according to claim 3 wherein said connectors are joined to said second planar surfaces at an angle of about 75*.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3310191A
Cited
US3504818A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-31 | 1978-09-30 | 1979-04-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-31 | 1982-09-30 | 1983-04-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-31 | 1986-09-30 | 1987-04-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |