Abstract:
A lockable package can include a case and an insert. The case and insert can collectively include engagement and receiving mechanisms to provide the lockable package with a locking feature. When the engagement and receiving mechanisms are engaged, the insert can be substantially immobilized, and access to the items stored in or on the insert can thereby be limited. The case can include a lock deactivation feature for disabling the locking feature of the lockable package. The receiving or engagement mechanisms can be included on a slideable insert for moving the mechanisms in and out of a functioning position. If the mechanisms are out of position, then the receiving and engagement mechanisms can not engage, thereby preventing the insert from being locked into the case.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Number 60/938,623, filed May 17, 2007, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to lockable packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to adjustable mechanisms for use with a selectably lockable case. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Child-resistant or lockable containers, wherein multiple movements are required to open the container, have many uses. One use for a lockable container is to control the dispensing of medicine and medicaments in the form of pills and tablets. For example, locking caps on medicine bottles are well known. The typical locking cap mechanism requires a coordinated alignment and tipping, or axial pressure, or inward radial squeezing while turning the cap to remove it from its container in order to access the medicaments. 
         [0004]    By way of another example, medicines are packaged in convenient flat boxes, which are difficult to secure with child-resistant features. Many medicaments in the form of tablets are sold in blister packs—blisters formed on a sheet sealed by a barrier that is punctured when extracting a tablet from a blister. When a typical cardboard flat box holding one or more blister packs is opened the entire contents of the package is exposed, making all of the tablets immediately available. The dangers posed by children with access to a large quantity of tablets not intended for their consumption is self evident. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a child-resistant lockable container for storage and dispensing of medications packaged with a slideable member that holds items, for example, a tray, a drawer with compartments, a blister card, a blister pack, or the like (“slideable card”). The slideable card is illustrated as a conventional blister package, but the slideable member can be a tray, a slideable package, or any other packaging, as is known to those skilled in the art. The lockable container is illustrated as a two-piece molded plastic container closed on three sides to form a void that receives the slideable card. The slideable card slideably translates through the open fourth side of the lockable container. Posts molded on one piece of the lockable container are connected, and in some embodiments sealed or welded, with the corresponding hollow cylinders molded on the other piece of the lockable container. Other attachment mechanisms can be used, and use of such other mechanisms is contemplated. 
         [0006]    The lockable container can include one or more locking features. The locking features can include engagement mechanisms formed on one or both of the two pieces of the lockable container. The engagement mechanisms can include, for example, one or more posts, apertures, catches, lips, hooks, adhesives, metallic and/or magnetic surfaces, VELCRO® fasteners, or other mechanisms (“post”). When the slideable card is inserted into the container, the engagement mechanisms can engage receiving mechanisms formed on or in the slideable card. The receiving mechanisms can include, for example, one or more apertures, posts, catches, lips, hooks, adhesives, metallic and/or magnetic surfaces, VELCRO® fasteners, or other mechanisms (“aperture”). A release button is located on the lockable container, and is positioned proximate to the post. A means for biasing, such as ribs and/or springs, can be located proximate the engaging or receiving mechanisms to exert a compressive force upon, and thereby urge, the engaging mechanism to engage the receiving mechanism. Pressing the release button manipulates the slideable card to disengage the engaging and receiving mechanisms so that the slideable card can be slideably removed. 
         [0007]    At times, it may be desirable to deactivate the locking features of the lockable container. Therefore, the lockable container is equipped with a lock deactivation feature, several embodiments of which are herein disclosed and described. The lock deactivation feature can be integrated or can be attached to the lockable container. In one embodiment, a slideable spacer can be included in the lockable container. The slideable spacer can include a lock release that is slideable into a position adjacent the locking post. When the lock release is in this position, the locking aperture of the slideable element is prevented from completely engaging the locking post. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a slideable locking post is included in the lockable container. When the slideable locking post is placed into a first position, the locking aperture of the slideable element can engage the slideable locking post. When the slideable locking post is placed into a second position, the locking aperture of the slideable element cannot engage the slideable locking post. As such, when the slideable locking post is in the second position, the locking feature of the lockable container is effectively disabled. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a slideable composite locking mechanism includes a biasing element and a locking post. When the slideable composite locking mechanism is placed into a first position, the locking aperture of the slideable element can engage the composite locking mechanism. When the slideable composite locking mechanism is placed into a second position, the locking aperture of the slideable element cannot engage the slideable locking post of the slideable composite locking mechanism. As such, when the slideable composite locking mechanism is in the second position, the locking feature of the lockable container is effectively disabled. 
         [0010]    According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a storing and dispensing system can include a case and a sliding element. The sliding element can include a first locking element. The case can include a first side and a second side matingly connected to form a void for receiving the sliding element. The case can include an open end to permit the sliding element to translate between a first position and a second position. The case can also include a channel to receive a slideable spacer associated with an internal locking mechanism and an access port proximate to the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer. The case can also include a release proximate to the internal locking mechanism. 
         [0011]    According to an aspect of the disclosure, the first locking element includes at least one locking aperture. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, a slideable spacer can be positioned within the channel and can extend therefrom. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, the sliding element can further include a hinge. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the sides includes a second locking element configured to releasably engage the first locking element. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, the sliding element further includes a spacer aperture. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, the slideable spacer further includes at least one locking post. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, the slideable spacer further includes a locking post and a biasing element configured to urge the sliding element against the locking post. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second locking element includes at least one locking post. 
         [0019]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the sides includes a biasing element proximate the at least one slideable locking post and configured to urge the sliding element against the at least one slideable locking post. 
         [0020]    According to another aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the sides includes a biasing element proximate to the at least one locking post, and configured to urge the sliding element against the at least one locking post. 
         [0021]    These and further features will be described with reference to the drawings and the description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of an exemplary selectably lockable container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the partially assembled elements of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a plan view showing the selectably lockable container of  FIG. 2  with the exemplary internal locking mechanism in an activated configuration, and showing, in phantom, the internal locking mechanism in a deactivated configuration. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a transparent view of the lockable container of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an exemplary selectably lockable container, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  shows the selectably lockable container of  FIG. 5  with an exemplary internal locking mechanism in an activated configuration, and showing, in phantom, the internal locking mechanism in a deactivated configuration. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an exemplary selectably lockable container, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective views of the lockable container of  FIG. 7 , partially assembled. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are perspective views of the partially assembled elements of  FIG. 7 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. 
         [0032]    It is also contemplated that the present disclosure is not limited to the pharmaceutical-related goods referenced with the illustrated embodiments, but is applicable to any small, delicate, sensitive, or portable item. Examples of such items include all manner of consumable products such as candy, food, vitamins, and the like; all manner of personal care products such as contact lens, birth control devices, smoking cessation patches, hearing aid batteries, and the like; and any item that can fit within a portable container. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the trays and blister packs referenced with the illustrated embodiments, but is applicable to any slideable tray, card, rack, pack, pouch, and the like to or within which an item of any sort may be held, stored, attached, secured or otherwise associated. 
         [0033]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like features throughout, there are illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure. Turning first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exploded view of an exemplary lockable package  10  (also referred to as a “lockable container”). As illustrated, the lockable package  10  holds a sliding element  12  within a selectively lockable case  14  (“case”). As explained above, the sliding element  12  can be a tray, a blister pack, a pouch, a drawer, a card, a rack, or the like (“slideable element,” “card,” or “tray”) The case  14  comprises a base  16  and a top  18 . A release button  20  is defined by an aperture  22 . The aperture  22  surrounds the release button  20 , except for a hinge  24  that connects the release button  20  to the base  16 . The portion of the release button  20  that is moveable, i.e., the portion of the release button  20  that is opposite the hinge  24  and bound by the aperture  22 , is referred to as the free end  26 . The inside edge of the free end  26  includes an extended rim  28 . Pushing inwardly on the free end  26  of the release button  20  pushes the extended rim  28  inwardly to free an engaged tray  12 , as explained in detail below. As best shown in  FIG. 4 , the case  14  can have at least one open end  29  through which the sliding element  12  can move. 
         [0034]    The base  16  includes internal elements that form an internal locking mechanism. A locking post  30  with an engaging edge  32  is located proximate the release button  20 . Positioned along a base end wall  34  is a spacer channel  36 , configured to slideably receive a slideable spacer  38 . Integral to both the base  16  and top  18  are means for attaching  40 , explained in detail below. Also integral to the base  16  and/or the top  18  is an optional end cap  42 . 
         [0035]    The base  16 , the top  18 , or both, can include means for attaching  40 . As illustrated, the base  16  and top  18  can be permanently or temporarily attached by cylinders  44  that matingly engage pins  46  (not shown), base side walls  48  that engage top side walls  50 , combinations thereof, or the like. More specifically, the side walls  48  can include engaging tabs  52  that connect to tab apertures  54  located on the top side walls  50 . In this manner, the base  16  and top  18  can be snapped together to form a case  14 . After or during assembly, the base  16  and the top  18  that form the case  14  can be permanently welded together. 
         [0036]    The illustrated sliding element  12  may be a tray or a blister card, including blisters, configured to hold items. The sliding element  12  includes a locking post receiver or locking aperture  56 , a spacer aperture  58 , and an optional hinge  60 . Here, the locking aperture  56  is configured to cooperatively engage the sliding element  12  to the base  16  to prevent removal of the tray  12  from the case  14 . As will be explained in further detail below, the locking aperture  56  is positioned to cooperatively engage the post  30  to prevent movement or translation of the card  12  until the card  12  is released by pressing or otherwise manipulating the release button  20 . The hinge  60 , if included, provides additional flexibility to the engaging end of the sliding element  12 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a configuration wherein the slideable spacer  38  is positioned within the spacer channel  36 . The slideable spacer  38  can include a lock release  62 . In  FIG. 3 , the lock release  62  is located in the spacer aperture  58 . When the lock release  62  is located in this position, the locking aperture  56  is allowed to interface with and engage the locking post  30 , thereby locking the slideable element  12 . 
         [0038]    Also illustrated in  FIG. 3  (using phantom lines), is a configuration in which the lock release  62  is not located in the spacer aperture  58 . In this configuration, the lock release  62  is offset from the spacer aperture  58  and interferes with the locking post  30  by preventing the locking post  30  from interfacing with and engaging the locking aperture  56 . The lock release  62  thereby prevents the card  12  from being locked into position. Alternatively, the lock release  62  can release the card  12  from a locked position by lifting the end of the card  12  to disengage the locking aperture  56  from the locking post  30 . When the lock release  62  is in this orientation, the sliding element  12  is not attached to the base  16  because the locking aperture  56  is prevented from engaging, or is disengaged from, the locking post  30 . 
         [0039]    A biasing element  64  is visible in  FIG. 4 . The biasing element  64  provides a means for urging the locking aperture  56  to mount the locking post  30 . In  FIG. 4 , the illustrated biasing element  64  is a rib. Additional means for biasing  64  include leaf springs, dagger springs, and similar configurations that exert a compressive force on the card  12  to engage or remain engaged with the locking post  30 . As will be understood, the means for biasing  64  does not have to be opposite the locking post  30 . Instead, the means for biasing  64  and the locking post  30  are merely configured to cooperatively engage the locking aperture  56  of the sliding element  12 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , releasing a locked tray  12  from the locking post  30  will be described. To release the locked tray  12  from the locking post  30 , the release button  20  is pressed into the case  14 . When the release button  20  is pressed, the rim  28  lifts the end of the card  12  until the locking aperture  56  is lifted over the locking post  30 . Simultaneously, the opposite or free end of the card  12  can be grasped and pulled to access at least the first item. The card  12  can continue to be fully extracted, or indexed, or otherwise metered as taught in other application filed by the present applicant. 
         [0041]    The locking post  30  includes an engaging edge  32  that engages the locking aperture  56  when the card  12  is fully inserted within the case  14 , and holds the tray  12  to prevent outward movement until the release button  20  is pressed and the rim  28  disengages the aperture  56  from the post  30 . After an item is removed from the case  14 , the card  12  can be slid inwardly and returned within the sleeve  14 . Reinserting the card  12 , the sloping upper face  66  of the post  30  lifts and urges the engaging end of the card  12 , optionally along the hinge  60 , if included, so the aperture  56  can receivingly mount the post  30  as the card  12  is fully reinserted in the case  14 . When fully inserted, the aperture  56  substantially surrounds and engages the post  30 . 
         [0042]    The illustrated embodiments and description presented above include the advantages of a lockable container  10 . However, under certain condition the locking feature isn&#39;t desired. For example, while a lockable container  10  holds medication in blister packs there may not be children in the vicinity to access the lockable container  10 . Alternatively, children may be in the vicinity of the lockable container  10  only during limited times. In these circumstances it may be desirable to deactivate the locking or child resistance features so that the user, presumably an adult who owns the lockable container  10  and its contents or for whom the contents are intended, can access the contents without repeatedly manipulating the child-resistant features. 
         [0043]    To prevent locking of the lockable container  10 , the slideable spacer  38  can be manipulated from the access port  68  to activate or deactivate the internal locking mechanisms. With a small tool such as a paper clip, pen, or similar protruding element, the user can engage the slideable spacer  38  through the access port  68 . By sliding the slideable spacer  38  away from the locking post  30  and aligning the slideable spacer  38  with the spacer aperture  58 , the case  14  is lockable because the locking aperture  56  of the sliding element  12  is not prohibited from engaging the locking post  30 . To disengage the locking feature of the container  10 , the slideable spacer  38  can be moved into a position close to the locking post  30 , and not aligned with the spacer aperture  58 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6  with phantom lines. In this position, the case  14  is not lockable because the locking aperture  56  of the sliding element  12  is prohibited from engaging the locking post  30 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  best illustrates a sliding element  12  being withdrawn or reinserted into an assembled case  14 . After removing an item from the tray or card  12 , the sliding element  12  is fully reinserted, whether the internal locking mechanisms are activated or deactivated, and the end cap  42  can be closed. 
         [0045]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , there is shown an alternative embodiment of a lockable package  10 , according to the present disclosure. Elements present in this illustrated embodiment that are substantially similar to the elements present in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , have the same element numbers and so unnecessary repetition of the teaching is avoided. 
         [0046]    The slideable locking post  70  provides the same result as described above, but functions differently by providing an engaging element that can be selectively positioned, depending on whether the user desires an activated or deactivated locking mechanism. When the locking post  70  is aligned with the locking aperture  56 , the sliding element  12  is engaged and received within the selectively lockable case  14 . When the locking post  70  is not aligned with the locking aperture  56 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6  with phantom lines, the sliding element  12  is neither engaged nor secured within the selectively lockable case  14 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 7-10  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment will be described with collective reference to  FIGS. 7-10 , though it should be appreciated that  FIG. 8A  illustrates this embodiment with a first means for attaching  40 , and  FIG. 8B  illustrates the embodiment with a second means for attaching  40 . To avoid unnecessary repetition, where substantially similar elements have been described above, the same numerals are used in conjunction with the similar elements in the illustrated embodiments. 
         [0048]    A slideable composite locking mechanism  72  includes a locking post  74  and a biasing element  76 . The top  18  includes the additional elements of a lock signal  78 , while the base  16  includes the additional elements of a support rib  80  and a receiving element  82 . The sliding element  12  includes the additional element of a receiving aperture  84 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , operation of the locking mechanism  72  is illustrated. As explained above, the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are substantially similar, though the illustrated embodiments show two alternative means for attaching  40  that can be used to assemble the base  16  to the top  18 . In  FIG. 8A , the sliding element  12  is illustrated in a partially inserted configuration. In the illustrated configuration, the locking aperture  56  has not yet engaged the locking post  74 . As the sliding element  12  is further inserted into the case  14 , the locking aperture  56  will eventually engage the locking post  74 . As the slideable element  12  is inserted, the slideable element  12  will contact the biasing element  76 . The biasing element  76  will urge the slideable element  12 , or a portion thereof, toward the locking post. Once the sliding element  12  is completely inserted, the biasing element  76  will hold the locking aperture  56  in a locked position whereat the locking aperture  56  engages the locking post  74 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8B . In  FIG. 8B , the sliding element  12  has been locked into position. To release the sliding element  12  from a locked position, the release button  20  can be manipulated in a manner substantially similar to that explained above with respect to  FIGS. 1-6 . 
         [0050]    As explained above, the locking feature of the package  10  can be selectively deactivated. To deactivate the locking feature of the package  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10 , the locking mechanism  72  is moved into the position illustrated in  FIG. 8A  and illustrated in phantom lines in  FIG. 8B . In this position, the locking aperture  56  can no longer be engaged by the locking post  74 . Therefore, the slideable element  12  can be translated into and out of the case  14  as desired without any manipulation of the release button  20 . 
         [0051]    The slideable locking mechanism  72  is accessible through the access port  68 , and can be slid between activated and deactivated positions. The mechanism  72  is positioned so that the locking aperture  56  is mounted to the locking post  74  and held in that position by a biasing element  76 , here illustrated as a spring. As shown in  FIG. 9 , when a single indicator is viewable through the lock signal  78 , the sliding element  12  is engaged and secured within the case  14 . Should a user desire to operate the case  14  with the internal locking mechanism disengaged, the user releases the sliding element  12  as described above and, by accessing the composite mechanism  72  through the access port  68 , slides the composite mechanism  72  so that the locking post  74  does not align with the locking aperture  56 . When the composite mechanism  72  is placed into this position, a double indicator is viewable through the lock signal  78 , as shown in  FIG. 10 . The double indicator informs the user that the sliding element  12  is disengaged and not secured within the case  14 . 
         [0052]    The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.