A child-resistant molded-fiber container includes a base, a lid, and a hinge. The base includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface defines a cavity and the lower surface defines a channel surrounding the cavity. The channel is disposed between an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall of the base. The outer sidewall includes a locking member. The lid includes a sidewall having an opening. The hinge rotatably connects the base and the lid, and allows rotation of the lid between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to the base. In the closed configuration, the sidewall of the lid is disposed around the outer sidewall of the base and conceals the upper surface of the base. In the closed configuration, the locking member of the base extends through the opening of the lid to inhibit movement of the lid to the open configuration.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a container. In particular, embodiments relate to a lockable molded-fiber container.

BACKGROUND

Containers can be used to store and transport items (e.g., during travel). Some containers can be used to store items for personal consumption such as food, beverages, or medicine. Various mechanisms can be used to prevent access to the contents of the container, for example a lock. However, these mechanisms can be complex and may not be child-resistant, and may not be suitable for use with a container formed of compostable material, such as molded-fiber.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a child-resistant molded-fiber container includes a molded-fiber base, a molded-fiber lid, and a molded-fiber hinge. The molded-fiber base includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface defines a cavity and the lower surface defines a channel surrounding the cavity. The channel is disposed between an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall of the base. The outer sidewall includes a locking member. The molded-fiber lid includes a sidewall having an opening. The molded-fiber hinge rotatably connects the base and the lid. The hinge allows rotation of the lid between an open configuration and a closed configuration relative to the base. When in the closed configuration, the sidewall of the lid is disposed around the outer sidewall of the base and conceals the upper surface of the base. When in the closed configuration, the locking member of the base extends through the opening of the lid to inhibit movement of the lid to the open configuration.

In some embodiments, the molded-fiber hinge is continuously formed with at least one of the base and the lid.

In some embodiments, the locking member is formed as a bulge in the outer sidewall.

In some embodiments, when in the closed configuration, the bulge extends through the opening such that a bottom edge of the bulge engages the bottom edge of the opening.

In some embodiments, the locking member is flexible such that a bottom edge of the locking member can be pushed through the opening of the lid to unlock the container.

In some embodiments, the base includes a plurality of locking members disposed on opposing sides of the base.

In some embodiments, the base includes a tab having an opening. The lid may also include a tab having an opening. When in the closed configuration, the opening of the base may align with the opening of the lid.

In some embodiments, the base includes a plurality of dividers disposed within the cavity.

In some embodiments, the dividers are integral to the base.

In some embodiments, a child-resistant molded-fiber container includes a molded-fiber base and a molded-fiber lid. The molded-fiber base includes an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface defining a cavity and the lower surface defining a channel surrounding the cavity. The channel is disposed between an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall of the base. The molded-fiber lid includes a sidewall extending around a perimeter of the molded-fiber lid. When in a closed configuration, the sidewall of the lid is disposed around the outer sidewall of the base and conceals the upper surface of the base. When the container is in the closed configuration, an interior surface of the sidewall of the molded-fiber lid engages the upper surface of the molded-fiber base to secure the container in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the container is maintained in the closed configuration at least in part by friction between a surface of the sidewall of the lid and the upper surface of the outer sidewall of the base.

In some embodiments, the channel has a depth-to-width ratio of 2:1.

In some embodiments, the interaction of the surface of the sidewall of the lid and the upper surface of the outer sidewall of the base have a coefficient of friction of 0.8 to 0.2.

In some embodiments, the cavity has a depth greater than a depth of the sidewalls of the base and the lid.

In some embodiments, the base includes a plurality of dividers disposed within the cavity.

In some embodiments, the dividers are integral to the base.

In some embodiments, the customizable insert includes one or more dividers.

In some embodiments, the base includes a customizable insert disposed within the cavity.

In some embodiments, the child-resistant molded-fiber container includes a molded-fiber hinge rotatably connecting the base and the lid. In some embodiments, the hinge allows rotation of the lid between an open configuration and the closed configuration relative to the base. In some embodiments, the child-resistant molded-fiber container does not include a hinge.

In some embodiments, the child-resistant molded-fiber container includes one or more locking members to secure the container in the closed configuration. In some embodiments, the child-resistant molded-fiber container includes a hinge and one or more locking members to secure the container in the closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “about” as used herein refers to a considerable degree or extent. When used in conjunction with, for example, an event, circumstance, characteristic, or property, the term “about” can indicate a value of a given quantity that varies within, for example, 1-15% of the value (e.g., ±1%, ±2%, ±5%, +10%, or ±15% of the value), such as accounting for typical tolerance levels or variability of the embodiments described herein.

Containers can be used to store items for personal consumption such as food, beverages, or medicine. However, containers used to store medicine or other contents may benefit from being child-resistant. Inhibiting access to the contents of a container can be achieved through the use of child-resistant locks. However, child-resistant locks are typically made out of non-compostable materials such as, e.g., rigid plastic. These characteristics can result in a container that is costly, complex, difficult to recycle, and not environmentally friendly (i.e., compostable and biodegradable).

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a child-resistant molded-fiber container that is compostable, biodegradable, inexpensive to manufacture, and has few components. Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to safely store and transport various kinds of contents such as, for example, consumables (e.g., food, beverages, and medicine) and personal belongings (e.g., currency, trinkets, jewelry), while also inhibiting children from accessing such contents. The described molded-fiber container with lock inhibits access to the contents of the container in a manner that uses few components, is inexpensive to manufacture, and is compostable and biodegradable.

The container as described herein can include a base and a lid for storing various kinds of contents. In some embodiments, the base and lid are separate components. In some embodiments, the base and lid are hingedly coupled to each other. In some embodiments, the container is sized to hold small items, for example, pills or medicine. In some embodiments, the container is sized to hold larger items or greater quantities of items.

In some embodiments, the base is secured to the lid through friction, snap fitting, and a locking mechanism. In some embodiments, the base is secured to the lid from a combination of friction fitting, press fitting, snap fitting, and locking mechanisms. In some embodiments, the container is configured to inhibit tampering or bypassing the locking mechanism by an unintended person (e.g., a child). In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is configured to inhibit tampering by a child, while also allowing access to an intended person, including individuals who are elderly or who have difficulty with fine-motor skills (e.g. those suffering from arthritis).

In some embodiments, the container is made of biodegradable material, a recycled material, or a material that is both recyclable and biodegradable (e.g., wheat straw, sugarcane, hemp, bamboo, reed grass, miscanthus, recycled paper, hardwood, or softwood). In some embodiments, the container is made of a combination of materials, such as two or more ligno-cellulosic materials (e.g., listed above). In some embodiments, the container is made of one or more ligno-cellulosic materials and a biopolymer (e.g., polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), or Polycaprolactone (PCL)). The container is configured to prevent unwanted access to the contents of the container, specifically from children. As discussed in further detail below, by preventing tampering or unwanted opening of the container, the container can be more secure.

Embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures. With reference toFIGS.1-5, for example, a container10can include a base100and a lid200and can be configured to store, transport, or secure contents5(e.g., consumables or personal belongings). Contents5can include, for example, food, medicine, currency, trinkets, or jewelry.

With reference toFIG.2, for example, container10can include base100and lid200coupled to base100. In some embodiments, when in the closed configuration550(e.g.,FIG.1), the lid200encloses the base100. In some embodiments, base100encloses lid200.

Base100includes an upper surface110defining a cavity130, and a lower surface120defining a channel140(seeFIG.3). In some embodiments, upper surface110has a rough surface texture to help inhibit contents5from moving around within container10during transport or storage and to help secure container10in a closed configuration (e.g., when lid200is engaged with base100). In some embodiments, upper surface110and lower surface120have different surface textures to promote friction. For example, in some embodiments, upper surface110and lower surface120may have a coefficient of friction between 0.2-1.

In some embodiments, base100includes inner sidewall150, outer sidewall152, and bottom edge154. Cavity130is disposed between the inner sidewalls150and has a depth of d1(seeFIG.5). In some embodiments, base100can include a plurality of cavities130. Cavity130is configured to house contents5. For example, in some embodiments, depth of d1is about 1-2 inches. In some embodiments, depth d1is less than 20% of width w1. However, in some embodiments, as shown for example inFIG.11, depth d1may be equal to or greater than w1to store larger quantities or different shaped contents5. In some embodiments, as discussed in more detail below, cavity130can house an insert400for storing or securing the contents of container10.

In some embodiments, container10can be secured in a closed position through securement mechanisms including friction fitting, material elasticity, and a lock. In some embodiments, container10may utilize one or more securement mechanisms.

In some embodiments, base100and lid200are configured to engage each other when container10is in closed configuration550, and to maintain container10in the closed configuration550. Container10may be secured through a friction fit between the upper surface110of the base and the interior surface212of sidewall210. When lid200is placed over base100, upper surface110contacts interior surface212. This interaction between contacting surfaces can create a friction fit that secures lid200to base100.

In some embodiments, base100and lid200are about equal size (e.g., width and depth) such that when lid200is placed over base100, lid200is flexed to fit around base100. The elasticity of lid200creates an adhesion force as the lid200is trying to compress base100such that lid200can return to its original shape.

In some embodiments, the surface texture of the upper surface110of the base and the surface texture of the interior surface212of sidewall210have an increased roughness value (i.e., have a high coefficient of friction between the two contacting surfaces) to increase the amount of friction and increase the security of containment. The greater the coefficient of friction, the greater the friction fit, thus the harder the container is to open.

Allowing the container to be maintained in the closed configuration550through friction minimizes the necessary components, leverages material properties of molded fiber, and promotes the compostability and biodegradability of container10.

In some embodiments, container10may be further secured in the closed configuration550through the use of a locking member160. Base100may include locking member160. Locking member160may be a flexible bulge162in outer sidewall152of base100. In some embodiments, as shown for example inFIGS.2,4, and5, bulge162extends further away from the outer sidewall152at a bottom end166than at a top end164. This configuration allows bulge162to have an angled shape that tapers towards outer sidewall152as the bulge extends from the bottom end166to the top end164(seeFIG.4). The tapering shape facilitates easy engagement with an opening220in the lid200. In the closed configuration, bottom edge154of base100sits above bottom edge240of lid200(seeFIG.5). This configuration inhibits container10from opening unless locking member160is disengaged.

In some embodiments, locking member160is integral to base100. For example, bulge162may be integral to base100(e.g., formed of the same molded-fiber substrate as base100). Bulge162provides a simple and more unitary design for locking member160because it does not involve any other components. This allows container10to be cheaper to manufacture and promotes the compostability of container10since locking member160can be made of the same material as container100.

In some embodiments, base100may include more than one locking member160, as shown, e.g., inFIG.10. As shown, locking members160may be formed on opposing sides of base100. In this configuration, a user must depress both locking members160to open container10. This provides additional security to container10. Additionally, this configuration may be more difficult for a child to open as a child is unlikely to possess the coordination, strength, or hand size to depress both locking members160at the same time to open container10.

In some embodiments, bottom end166of locking member160may be aligned with bottom edge154of base100. As shown, e.g., inFIGS.10-11, locking member160may be offset from bottom edge154. In some embodiments, locking member160may be formed on lid200. In some embodiments, locking member160is a tab, button, fastener, or any other similar locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, lid200includes top wall205, sidewall210, opening220, and interior surface212(see, e.g.,FIGS.2and5). Lid200is configured to engage base100to close container10and enclose contents5within container10. In some embodiments, sidewall210extends fully around top wall205, defining interior surface212. In some embodiments, sidewall210has an opening220that is configured to engage locking member160of the base100. In some embodiments, sidewall210includes more than one opening220(e.g., the same number of openings as there are locking members160in base100).

Once in the closed configuration550, container10may be released to the open configuration500through exerting physical force to overcome the frictional forces of the contacting surfaces. In some embodiments, where locking member160is utilized, a user may depress locking member160. Depressing locking member160pushes bulge162through opening220to disengage locking member160from opening220. Once bulge162passes through opening220, a user can lift bottom edge240of lid200to open container10. Without depressing bulge162, bottom edge154of base100prevents lid200from lifting to the open configuration500.

In addition to securing container10in the closed configuration550, container10may include further child-resistant features to prevent unwanted access to contents5. In some embodiments, lid200has a depth d3. As shown inFIG.5, depth d3is greater than depth d2of channel140. This configuration allows sidewall210of lid200to extend past the bottom edge154of base100, thus enclosing outer sidewall152of the base. With outer sidewall152enclosed, a user will be inhibited from accessing outer sidewall152of base100and therefore inhibited from prying open container10. In some embodiments, for further security, depth d3is greater than depth d1. This configuration allows sidewall210of lid200to extend past the bottom edge154of base, and past the lower surface120of base100, thus further inhibiting access to container10. As described above, the depth of the lid200and channel140can be modified to alter the security of container10.

In some embodiments, as shown for example, inFIGS.3and5, a channel140is disposed between inner sidewall150and outer sidewall152. Channel140has a depth of d2and a width of w2. In some embodiments, channel140is configured to help inhibit access to container10when container10is in a closed configuration. For example, the more narrow that channel140is (i.e., the smaller the width, w2), the more secure the container10is from opening because channel140will be too narrow for an unwanted user to pry lid200apart from base100. In some embodiments, the deeper that channel140is (i.e., the greater the depth, d2), the less surface area an unwanted user can access for grip to pry lid200apart from base100. In some embodiments, channel140has a depth d2of at least 10 mm and a width w2of less than 5 mm. The narrow width increases the difficulty of inserting a finger within channel140to pry open container10. Particularly for widths less than the width of a person's finger (e.g., a child's finger). In some embodiments, channel140has a depth-to-width ratio of about 2:1. In some embodiments, channel140has a depth-to-width ratio of at least 1:1.

In some embodiments, container10includes hinge300coupled to base100and lid200. As shown, for example, inFIGS.6-7, hinge300allows lid200to rotate between a closed configuration550(e.g.,FIG.6) and an open configuration500(e.g.,FIG.7). In some embodiments, hinge300is integral to container10and continuously formed with container10. The width of hinge300may vary between embodiments.FIG.9shows a rear view of container10which illustrates the position and length of hinge300. The more surface of the outer sidewall152that the hinge300extends along, the more secure container10may be from tampering because of the reduced area for a user to grip to pry open container10. For example, hinge300may extend about 25-75% of the width of one side of outer sidewall152. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG.9, hinge300may extend about 30% of width w1(seeFIG.5). In some embodiments, hinge300may extend the full width w1of container10.

In some embodiments, as shown for example, inFIGS.6-7, base100and lid200can include hanging tab170for facilitating the hanging of container10on a product shelf (e.g., for sale or display in a retail store). In some embodiments, hanging tab170includes a base portion171having an opening172, and a lid portion173having an opening174. Base portion171and lid portion173, along with openings172,174align when container10is in the closed configuration550. In some embodiments, openings172and174receive a hanger, product tag, or product seal.

In some embodiments, base100includes insert400for customizing cavity130. As shown, for example, inFIG.8, insert400includes one or more dividers410. In some embodiments, dividers410are parallel to one another to allow for easy separation of consumables5within container10. In some embodiments, dividers410are arranged to separate cavity130into one or more sections412,414,416. In some embodiments, insert400is customizable based on the consumables5being stored in container10. In some embodiments, dividers410are integral to insert400. In some embodiments, dividers410are formed directly in cavity130of base100.

The shape of container10may be customized to store specific contents5. In some embodiments, as shown for example inFIGS.1-10, container10has a rectangular shape, which is configured to store at least long and slender consumables5. In some embodiments, as shown for example inFIG.11, container10has a square shape. In some embodiments, container10can have a circular, triangular, or polygonal shape. Customizing the shape of container10can allow container10to store different types and larger quantities of consumables5, while still providing a child-resistant locking mechanism that prevents unwanted access to the contents of container10.

In some embodiments, the container10can have a hinged configuration (e.g., having base100hingedly coupled to lid200). The hinged configuration allows container10to rotate between an open configuration500and a closed configuration550. In some embodiments, the container10, having the hinged configuration, may include one or more locking members160to secure the container10in the closed position550. However, in some embodiments, the container10may not include any locking members160, and instead, the container10is secured in the closed position through a friction-fit, snap-fit, or press-fit.

In some embodiments, the container10can have a non-hinged configuration (e.g., having base100separate from lid200). In some embodiments, the non-hinged configuration can include one or more locking members160to secure the container10in the closed position550. However, in some embodiments, the container10may not include any locking members160, and instead, the container10is secured in the closed position through a friction-fit, snap-fit, or press-fit.

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections can set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present embodiments as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present embodiments and the claims in any way.