Allen K Barker

US Patent:

52997014, Apr 5, 1994

Filed:

Aug 19, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/109401

Inventors:

Allen Barker - Boulder CO
Gage Garby - Boulder CO

Assignee:

Senetics, Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

B65D 5502

US Classification:

215230

Abstract:

An apparatus for counting the number of times a container has been opened or some other event has occurred, with particular usefulness in medicine bottles and the like. An outer cover portion with a set of teeth holds an indicator wheel with an engaging pawl and another set of teeth and a ratchet wheel with a another pawl. The pawls and teeth in combination with a slot for engaging the ratchet wheel result in a lost motion drive in which the outer cover will turn relative to the indicator wheel each time the container is opened or closed or some other event occurs. Various embodiments of the invention include means for using the cap with child-resistent containers, means for attaching the cap to containers and means to facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the device.