Contemporary Closures

In January, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) started enforcing its protocol for testing senior-friendly, child-resistant packages. Pharmaceutical manufacturers must now make sure—and document—that all packages and closures conform to the protocol. To ensure that their packages pass, many manufacturers are looking toward closure suppliers for innovative solutions.

Squeeze-and-turn, child-resistant closures are one-piece, linerless components that provide liquid-tight seals. Made out of white polypropylene with optional red-colored instructions, the closures are supplied in 28-, 33-, and 38-mm sizes. Other colors and lined units are available. They can be made to accommodate the company's own line of bottles or another manufacturer's line. Custom imprinting on stock closures is also available, using either client artwork or designs generated by in-house developers who work with clients. Owens-Brockway, Toledo, OH.
 

Low-profile, child-resistant closures are specifically designed for healthcare and pharmaceutical uses. The Squeeze-Lok closure is designed to fit within industry-standard neck finishes with minor modifications to existing bottle tooling. The non-torque-dependent, continuous-thread closure uses a squeeze-and-turn mechanism and has a locked position that can be seen, heard, and felt. Closure tabs provide visual and audible verification that the cap is latched. An audible snap occurs as the cap is turned, and users can feel the tabs drop into place when the cap is closed. Rexam Closures, Evansville, IN.
 

Vented closures incorporate microporous PTFE to allow free passage of air while blocking liquids. Special hydrophobic venting media that are used in the closures can also be used as a sterile barrier, blocking the passage of microbiological contaminants. Pore sizes smaller than 0.2 µm can be achieved. Caps sizes range from ¼ in. ID to more than 70 mm ID and are available with standard threaded bottle-cap formats. The closures are suitable for liquid containers, allowing gases to enter or exit during storage to prevent container expansion or collapse. Performance Systematix Inc., Caledonia, MI.
 

Top-squeeze closures are both child resistant and senior friendly. To open and close them, users only need to squeeze with one hand the tabs found at the top of the closure located on opposite sides of the cap, then turn the cap 180°. This closure system enables arthritic users to open and close the caps easily, yet the squeeze opening motion and the unusual pressure points make it difficult for children. An audible click indicates that the cap is closed. Weatherchem Corp., Twinsburg, OH.