Container and lid

A container and lid includes: a container body having an opening; a lid body configured to cover the opening of the container body; a lid skirt at a periphery of the lid body, the lid skirt having a tooth slot therein; and a container tooth at a periphery of the container body configured to extend into the tooth slot of the lid skirt.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to containers and lids.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Containers have been used to sell swimming pool chemical products and other household hazardous products. These containers may be subject to child resistance testing and testing associated with transportation of hazardous materials.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to improved containers and lids.

An advantage of the present invention is to provide an improved child resistant container and lid.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a container and lid having improved performance during transportation.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide improved performance during testing associated with transportation of hazardous materials.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a container and lid includes: a container body having an opening; a lid body configured to cover the opening of the container body; a lid hinge configured to allow a pivoting portion of the lid body to open while a remaining portion of the lid body remains closed; a lift tab at a periphery of the pivoting portion of the lid body, wherein the lift tab has a tooth slot therein; a container tooth at a periphery of the container body configured to extend into the tooth slot of the lift tab; one or more first retention hooks along a periphery of the pivoting portion of the lid body; one or more second retention hooks along a periphery of the remaining portion of the lid body; a first bumper portion at a periphery of the container body and having one or more retention slots configured to receive the one or more first retention hooks; a second bumper portion at a periphery of the container body and having one or more retention slots configured to receive the one or more second retention hooks; a tear strip configured to separate the one or more first retention hooks from the pivoting portion of the lid body; a pull lever at a periphery of the pivoting portion of the container body and configured to lift the lift tab, thereby removing the container tooth from the tooth slot in the lift tab; and a lever guard adjacent the pull lever and configured to block the pulling of the pull lever when the lever guard is in a normal state and to allow the pulling of the pull lever when the lever guard is pressed toward the container body.

In another aspect, a container and lid includes: a container body having an opening; a lid body configured to cover the opening of the container body; a lid skirt at a periphery of the lid body, the lid skirt having a tooth slot therein; and a container tooth at a periphery of the container body configured to extend into the tooth slot of the lid skirt.

In an additional aspect, a container and lid includes: a container body having an opening; a lid body configured to cover the opening of the container body; a lift tab at a periphery of the lid body; and a pull lever at a periphery of the container body and configured to lift the lift tab.

In an additional aspect, a container includes: a container body having an opening; a pull lever at a periphery of the container body configured to displace a lid covering the opening of the body; and a lever guard adjacent the pull lever and configured to block the pulling of the pull lever when the lever guard is in a normal state and to allow the pulling of the pull lever when the lever guard is pressed towards the container body.

In an additional aspect, a container includes: a container body having an opening; a pull lever at a periphery of the container body and configured to displace a lid covering the opening of the body; and a push stop between the container body and the pull lever.

In an additional aspect, a container and lid includes: a container body having an opening; a lid body configured to cover the opening of the container body; a lift tab at a periphery of the lid body; and tab guards configured to block lateral sides of the lift tab.

In an additional aspect, a lid includes: a lid body configured to cover an opening of a container body; a lift tab at a periphery of the lid body; and a tab cover configured to prevent the lifting of the lift tab.

In an additional aspect, a lid includes: a lid body configured to cover an opening of a container body; and upper and lower tear lines along a periphery of the lid body defining therebetween a tearstrip.

In an additional aspect, a container and lid assembly includes: a container body having an opening; a lid body covering the opening of the container body; a lid skirt along a periphery of the lid body, wherein the lid skirt is fastened to the container body; and a tearstrip configured to separate the lid skirt from the lid body.

In an additional aspect, a lid includes: a lid body configured to cover an opening of a container body; one or more retention hooks at a periphery of the lid body and configured to hold the lid body to the container body; and a tearstrip configured to separate the one or more retention hooks from the lid body.

In an additional aspect, a container and lid assembly includes: a container body having an opening; a lid body covering the opening of the container body; a lid hinge configured to allow a pivoting portion of the lid body to open while a remaining portion of the lid body remains closed; and a lid skirt portion along a periphery of the remaining portion of the lid body, wherein the lid skirt portion is fastened to the container body.

In an additional aspect, a lid includes: a lid body configured to cover an opening of a container body; a lid hinge configured to allow a pivoting portion of the lid body to open while a remaining portion of the lid body remains closed; and one or more retention hooks at a periphery of the remaining portion of the lid body configured to hold the remaining portion of the lid body to the container body.

In an additional aspect, a container and lid includes: a container body having an opening, the container body have a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a lid body configured to cover an opening of the container body, the lid body have a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first pull lever at the first side of the container body configured to displace the lid body covering the opening of the container body; one or more retention hooks at a periphery of the lid body; and one or more retention slots at a periphery of the container body configured to receive the one or more retention hooks.

In an additional aspect, a method of opening a container includes: pressing a lever guard toward a container body, thereby creating access to a pull lever; and pulling the pull lever via the created access, thereby displacing a lid covering an opening of the container body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Containers include a body having an opening through which contents may be added or removed. The containers may have a base and sidewalls extending upwardly therefrom. The sidewalls may include an upper edge defining an opening to the container, or the opening may be at another portion of the container. The sidewalls may be in the shape of a circle, forming a round container. The sidewall may be include one or more corners and/or straight sidewall portions, forming a container in the shape of, for example, a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon. The container may be a round container with a square opening or an oval container with a rectangular opening.

Compared with rectangular or square containers, for example, round containers may take more space on a production line, in a warehouse, in a truck (empty and full) during transportation, and on store shelves. Thus, round containers may be more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

Lids include a body configured to cover the opening of the container and may include a skirt around the periphery of the lid body.

The container and lid may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as a strong and resilient plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and may be manufactured by any suitable method, such as injection molding or blow-molding. The method may include forming a mold having a cavity having the final or near-final shape of the container or lid and injecting a molten material into the cavity of the mold.

Additional aspects of illustrated embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference toFIGS. 1-22.

FIG. 1is a top perspective view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, the container body100includes a container base105and sidewalls110. The sidewalls110taper outwardly as they extend upwardly such that like containers may be nested inside one another. The sidewalls110include an outwardly offset portion111near the upper edge of the sidewalls110.

The container may include a bumper115at the outside of the sidewalls110. As shown, the bumper115includes a first flange extending outwardly from the sidewalls110and a second flange extending downwardly from the first flange. When a container and lid are assembled, the bumper115may extend outward from the sidewalls110further than a skirt of the lid. In this case, if the container is dropped on its side, the bumper will absorb the force of the impact rather than the skirt of the lid. Also, when assembled, the bumper115may be positioned closely adjacent to a lower edge of a skirt of the lid. In this case, the space between the bumper115and the lower edge of the skirt may be minimized to prevent tampering with the container via the underside of the skirt. The space may small enough to prevent insertion of a child's fingers between the bumper and the lid skirt.

The bumper115may include retention holes120. As shown, retention holes120are included in the first flange. When the retention holes120are present, fasteners may extend into the retention holes120and fasten to an underside of the bumper. For example, a lid may be fastened to the bumper115via hooks or other fastening devices extending through complementary retention holes120in the container. In another aspect, bumper115may be fastened to the lid in another manner, such as by applying an adhesive. In another aspect, the container may include retention holes120in a non-bumper region of the container.

The bumper115may include one or more bail ears125. As shown, the bail ear125is included in the second flange of the bumper115. A handle300(not shown) may attach to the bail ear125. A second bail ear125may be located at another portion of the bumper115, such as on the opposite side of the container body100. The handle300may be made of plastic or another suitable material.

The container may further include bead130. As shown, the bead130extends around the periphery of the container near the opening of the container. The container bead may extend entirely or partially around the periphery of the container and may include gaps or breaks in the container bead. The cross-section of the container bead may be, for example, round or wedge-shaped. In some aspects, the container bead may include an upper surface, for example, extending outwardly and downwardly. When the container is assembled with a lid, the bead130may engage with the lid to hold it in place.

The container may further include a tooth135. As shown, the tooth135protrudes from an upper portion of the outside of the container body100. The tooth may be above or below a container bead if the container bead is present in the vicinity of the tooth. In one aspect, the tooth may be an extension of the container bead. Alternatively, the tooth may extend more or less than twice as much as the container bead. The tooth may include an upper surface, for example, extending outwardly and downwardly. The lower surface of the tooth may extend, for example, outwardly and upwardly, or outwardly and substantially neither upward nor downward. When the tooth and the bead are both present, the tooth may extend from the sidewall approximately twice as much at the container bead. The length of the tooth may be more or less than the width of the tooth, and the height of the tooth may be less than the length and width. When a lid having a slot is placed on the container, the tooth may extend into or through the slot.

Although not shown, the container may include a second tooth. The second tooth may be positioned at an opposite side of the container. When a lid having a slot is placed on the container, the tooth may extend into or through the slot. In this instance, the first tooth may be positioned at a first side of the container configured to the opened and the second tooth may be positioned at a second side of the container configured to the maintained in place when the first side is opening. The second tooth may provide stronger engagement of the lid to the container at the second side.

The container may include a pull lever140. As shown, the pull lever140is included at an upper outside portion of the container body100. The pull lever140is attached to the sidewall110at an upper end of the pull lever140as shown inFIG. 1. The pull lever140has a free end at a lower end of the pull lever140. When the free end of the pull lever140is pulled, the lever140pivots near the attached end of the pull lever140, thereby lifting the free end of pull lever140. When the container is assembled with a lid, the pull lever140may lift the lid thereby disengaging the lid from the container.

The container may include a lever guard145positioned around the pull lever140. The lever guard145includes portions at the lateral sides of the pull lever140and at a portion below the pull lever140. Between the pull lever140and the lever guard145is a gap. The gap is designed to be small enough to prevent insertion of a child's fingers. The lever guard145may be flexible enough to allow a user to press a portion of the lever guard145towards the container body100, thereby creating a space between the lever guard145and the pull lever140, such that a user may insert one or more fingers in the created space and pull the pull lever140. As illustrated, the lever guard145may be an extension of a bumper115of the container.

Although not illustrated, the container may include a second pull lever140and/or a second lever guard145on an opposite side of the container. As such, the container may provide for a symmetry that allows a lid to be assembled to the container in either direction and provide for the same results.

FIG. 2is a see-through top perspective view of a container according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the container ofFIG. 1, the container may include sidewalls110, an outwardly offset portion111of the sidewalls110, a bumper115, retention holes120, a bail ear125, a container bead130, a container tooth135, a pull lever140, and a lever guard145.

As further shown inFIG. 2, one embodiment of the container may include a central base portion106and a peripheral base portion107. The central base portion106may be elevated with respect to the bottom of the sidewalls110. The peripheral base portion107surrounds the central base portion106and curves upwardly and outwardly until the peripheral base portion connects with the sidewalls110. As viewed from below the container, the peripheral base portion has a convex shape. In some aspects, the container may be stacked onto a lid. When the container includes the elevated central base portion106, the lid may include raised portions in a central portion of the lid without interfering with the stackability of the container.

As illustrated, in one aspect, the central base portion106includes a gate site109and flow leaders108. As viewed from below the container, the gate site109has a concave shape and as viewed from above the container, the gate site109has a convex shape. The flow leaders108extend outward from the gate site109to the sidewalls110. As viewed from above the container, the flow leaders108form regions of increased wall thickness of the central base portion106.

Additionally, the container tooth135of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2has an upper surface that slopes outwardly and downwardly and has a generally horizontal bottom surface. When a container having the container tooth135is assembled with a lid, the container tooth135may engage with the lid to hold the lid in place. InFIG. 2, the pull lever140may be lifted to thereby lift a portion of the lid engaged with the tooth135, thereby disengaging the lid from the container tooth135and allowing the lid to be removed from the container.

Furthermore, the container ofFIG. 2includes a bumper115and bumper supporting ribs116. The bumper supporting ribs116may be positioned between the bumper115and the sidewalls110. As shown, the bumper supporting ribs116connect to the sidewalls110and to upper and outer flanges of the bumper115. In a side of the container including the lever guard145, bumper supporting ribs116may be positioned at either side of the lower portion of the lever guard145and may be omitted at the portion of the lever guard below the pull lever140. As such, the bumper supporting ribs116may support the bumper115and lever guard145without interfering with the ability of the lever guard to be pressed towards the sidewalls110of the container.

When the container includes bumper supporting ribs116and retention holes120, the bumper supporting ribs116may be strategically located to avoid crossing the retention holes120. Also the bumper supporting ribs116may be strategically located closely adjacent to the retention holes120to strengthen a portion of the bumper115that may otherwise be weak due to the presence of the retention holes120.

The container ofFIG. 2may include tab guards150. As shown, the tab guards150connect to the bumper115and the sidewalls110. When a lid is assembled with the container, the tab guards150may be positioned to block access to lateral portions of a space between a lift tab of a lid and the sidewall110of the container.

FIG. 3is a top view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 3, the container may include a central base portion106and a peripheral base portion107between the central base portion106and sidewalls110of the container. The interior of the sidewalls110may include a strengthening web. The strengthening web includes channels having an increased wall thickness as compared to adjacent non-web portions. In certain embodiments, the strengthening web may be arranged in the shape of a repeating pattern of diamonds.

If the container is formed by, for example, injection molding, flow leaders108in the central base portion106may facilitate a faster flow of molten material from a gate site109to the web of channels in the sidewalls110.

FIG. 4is a bottom view of the container ofFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 4, the container may include base strengthening ribs155at the peripheral base portion107. The base strengthening ribs155may be positioned in a space between sidewalls110and upwardly curved peripheral base portion107. The base strengthening ribs155connect to the sidewalls110, the peripheral base portion107and a junction formed by the sidewalls110and the peripheral base portion107. Further, the base strengthening ribs155may be arranged to be non-perpendicular to the sidewalls110of the container.

FIG. 5is a top perspective view of a lid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 5, the body200of the lid may include a first raised portion201and a second raised portion202and a valley portion203therebetween. As illustrated, the first raised portion201and second raised portion202include generally horizontal top surface, generally vertical side surfaces near the periphery of the lid, and angled surfaces facing each other.

In some aspects, a container may be stacked on the lid body200. If the container has an elevated central base portion, the first and second raised portions201and202may extend upward toward the central base portion. The container may have sidewalls extending around the first raised portion201and second raised portion202. In this case the side surfaces of the first raised portion201and second raised portion202may be closely adjacent or abut the inside surfaces of the container sidewalls. As such, the containers resist sliding off of the lid after stacking.

The lid may include stacking guides210. As shown, the stacking guides210are formed at the four corners of the lid but may be formed at fewer than four corners or at least one location on a non-rectangular lid. The stacking guides210are designed to guide a base of a container that corresponds to the lid. When the container base is placed on the lid, the stacking guides210guide the container base such that the sidewalls fit between the stacking guides210and the first and second raised portions of the lid. Further, the stacking guides210may include upper surfaces which are sloped downward and inward to assist in guiding the containers to an appropriate stacked position.

The lid may include a lid hinge205. If the valley portion is present on the lid, the lid hinge205may be positioned in the vicinity of the valley portion203or in another portion. The hinge205permits the lid to pivot. As shown, the second raised portion may be lifted and thereby pivot toward the first raised portion. When the second raised portion is lifted to the first, the angle surface of the second raised portion201is moved toward that of the first raised portion202. In one aspect, the angles of the surfaces are between about 30 and 60 degrees. Although not shown, the lid may further include a second hinge205.

In one embodiment, the lid hinge205may be positioned along a length of a container at approximately one third of the length of a side. As such, two thirds of the lid may pivot or one third of the lid may pivot along the lid hinge205. However, the lid hinge205may be positioned at other positions of the lid.

The lid may include hinge locking ribs206and hinge locking slots207. In one aspect, the hinge locking ribs206may have a thickness approximately the same as the thickness of other portions of the lid body200.

As shown, the hinge locking ribs206extend from the second raised portion202into the valley portion203, and the hinge locking slots207are formed in the first raised portion201. Alternatively, the hinge locking ribs206may extend from the first raised portion202and the hinge locking slots207may be formed in the second raised portion201.

As illustrated, when the second raised portion202is pivoted to the first raised portion201, the hinge locking ribs206extend into and are held by the hinge locking ribs207, and the pivoted portion of the lid is held in place until and user pulls the lid closed.

The lid may include an outer skirt215. As shown, the outer skirt215includes a skirt ledge216at which the skirt215is outwardly offset below the skirt ledge216. When one lid is stacked on top of another lid, the lower edge of the outer skirt215of the first lid may rest on the skirt ledge216of the second lid. When the lid is assembled with a container, the lower edge of the outer skirt215may abut or be closely adjacent to a bumper of the container. A gap between the outer skirt215and the bumper may be minimized to prevent tampering via the underside of the skirt.

The lid may include a tear strip225. In the illustrated embodiment, if an attempt is made to tamper with the contents of the container, evidence of the tampering would be evident in the state of the tear strip225, such as a portion of the tear strip225being torn or bent. In addition or in place of the tear strip225, other forms of tamper evidency may be employed. For example, tape, a shrink wrap, or shrink band may be wrapped around the container periphery.

As illustrated, the lid may include a pull ring226and an upper tear line227. Although not shown in this figure, the tear strip225and/or the remainder of the outer skirt215may include a lid underhang250on their interiors. The lid underhang250may, for example, include an upper surface of a protrusion extending from the interior or may include an upper surface of a cut-out portion of the interior.

When the lid is assembled with a container, the lid underhang250may engage with the container, thereby holding the lid to the container. In some aspects, the container may include a bead. In this instance, the lid underhang250may engage with the container bead, thereby firmly holding the lid to the container.

In certain aspects, when the lid is assembled to the container, the lid may be difficult or impossible to pull off the container. In this instance, the tear strip225may be removed. As such, after removal of the tear strip225, any lid underhang250on the tear strip225may no longer be in engagement with the container, and the entire lid or a portion of the lid may be lifted from the container. As such, removal the tear strip225and subsequent removal of the lid may not require any or minimal amount of tools.

According to one aspect, the tear strip225may start approximately ¼ of the distance from one corner and tear away the remaining ¾ of the side, all of the adjoining side and ¾ of a further adjoining side. The portion that is not torn away, i.e. parts of 2 opposite sides and all of the side that joins them, is attached and creates the hinge from which the pivoting portion of the lid swings open and closed.

When the lid includes a tear strip225and a hinge205, removal of the tear strip225may allow a portion of the lid to be lifted and pivoted at the hinge205, while a remaining portion of the lid remains engaged to the container.

The lid may include retention hooks235. As illustrated, the retention hooks235extend downward from a bottom edge of the lid skirt215and include an outwardly extending catch236. When multiple lids are stacked together, the outwardly extending catch236of the top lid extends away from the lid skirt215of the lower lid. The retention hooks235may alternatively or additionally include other catches, such as an inwardly extending catch236.

If the lid is assembled to a container, the retention hooks235may extend into retention holes of the container. In this instance, when the lid is being assembled to the container, the retention hooks235flex inwardly as the hooks235pass through the retention holes. Then after the catch236of the retention hooks235passes through the holes, the retention hooks may rebound outwardly, thereby positioning the catch236of the retention hooks235below an edge of the retention holes. After assembly, lifting of the lid from the container may become difficult or impossible due to the holding of the retention hooks235within the retention holes120.

When the lid includes retention hooks235and a lid hinge205, the retention hooks235may be strategically located close to the lid hinge205. In this manner, the retention hooks235may strengthen the retention force of an area of the lid that would be otherwise weak.

When the lid includes retention hooks235and a tear strip225, the tear strip225may be positioned to separate the retention hooks235from all or a remaining portion of the lid body200.

After the tear strip225is removed, the entire lid or a portion of the lid may be lifted from the container. When the lid includes a tear strip225, a hinge205and retention hooks235, the tear strip225may allow a portion of the lid to be lifted and pivoted at the hinge205, while a remaining portion remains connected to the container at least partly or mostly by the retention hooks235.

In one embodiment, the container may have a first side and a second side, and a lid may have a first side and a second side. There may be a first pull lever140at the first side of the container, one or more retention hooks235at a periphery of the lid body200, and one or more retention slots120at a periphery of the container body100. In case of only the first pull lever140, the retention hooks235and retention slots120may be asymmetrically positioned to engage each other when the first side of the lid body200covers the first side of the container body100but not when the first side of the lid body200covers the second side of the container body100. As such, during assembly the lid may not be incorrectly placed on the container.

On the other hand, the container may include a second pull lever140at the second side of the container body100. In this case, retention hooks235and retention slots120may be symmetrically positioned to engage each other when the first side of the lid body200covers the first or the second side of the container body100. As such, during assembly the lid may be correctly placed on the container in either manner.

The lid may include a tooth slot240. As shown the tooth slot240extends from the inside surface to the outside surface of the lid skirt215. When the lid is assembled to a container, a container tooth135may extend into or through the tooth slot240. When the container includes a pull lever140, the pull lever140may be lifted to thereby lift a portion of the lid having the tooth slot240, thereby removing the container tooth135from the tooth slot240and allowing the lid or a portion of the lid to be removed from the container.

Although not shown, the lid may include a second tooth slot240at an opposite side of the lid. As such, when the lid is assembled to a container, a second container tooth135may extend into or through the second tooth slot240.

FIG. 6is a top view of a lid according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 7is a bottom view of the lid ofFIG. 6.

As shown inFIG. 7, the lid may further include an inner skirt217and inner skirt supporting ribs218. The inner skirt supporting ribs218may connect to the underside of the lid body200and to the inner skirt217. In one aspect, the inner skirt supporting ribs218have a thickness less than the thickness of the inner skirt217.

The lid may further include locking slot housings208. The locking slot housings208correspond to the position of the hinge locking slots207.

The lid may further includes stacking guide slots211. The stacking guide slots211protrude into the underside of the lid and correspond to a space in the center of the stacking guides210, forming hollow spaces in the stacking guides210. As such, the stacking guides210having the stacking guide slots211may be formed of walls have substantially the same thickness as the remainder of the lid body200.

FIG. 8is a top perspective view of a container and lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 8, a lid is fastened to the container. In particular, retention hooks235are extended into retention holes120to hole the lid to the container. A tear strip225includes an upper tear line227and a lower tear line228. The portion of the lid skirt215below the lower tear line228is connected to the retention hooks235. When the tear strip225is removed, the retention hooks235hooks below the lower tear line228are separated from a pivoting portion of the container lid200.

As shown, the lid skirt215is closely adjacent to or abutting a bumper115of the container. In one aspect, the lid skirt215and the bumper115are configured so that a space therebetween is small enough to prevent tampering with the underside of the lid. Also, the bumper115may extend from the sidewalls110of the container further than the lid skirt215. In this instance, if the container is dropped to its side, the bumper115will absorb the force of the impact rather than the lid skirt215.

Also as shown, the tear strip225extends from around a corner of the lid body200to a lift tab245. The upper tear line227may extend around the corner of the lid body200to the lift tab245and form a tear line between the tear strip225and the lift tab245. In this instance, the upper tear line227connection between the tear strip225and the lift tab245may prevent the lift tab245from being lifted until after the tear strip225is removed.

In another aspect, the tear strip245may be separate from the tear strip225, such that the upper tear line227ends near the lift tab245.

Furthermore,FIG. 8illustrates a tab cover230covering a portion of the lift tab245. The tab cover230may be connected with or separated from the lift tab245. The tab cover may be frangibly or non-frangibly connected to the tear strip225. In one aspect, the tab cover230is separated from the lift tab245and non-frangibly connected to the tear strip225. As such, when the tear strip225is removed, the tab cover230is removed with the tear strip225. In another aspect, the tab cover230may be frangibly connected to the tear strip225and non-frangibly connected to the lift tab245, such that when the tear strip is removed, the tear strip225disconnects from the tab cover230and the tab cover230remains connected to the lift tab245.

Prior to removal of the tear strip225, the tab cover230prevents the lift tab245from being lifted outward. As such, engagement of a lid underhang of the lift tab245, a container bead130corresponding to the lift tab245or a container tooth135, may prevent the lid from being lifted from the container.

FIG. 9is a zoomed-in see-through top perspective view of the portion label B inFIG. 8.

As shown inFIG. 9, a bumper115includes a bumper supporting rib116. The bumper supporting rib116may be connected between upper and outer flanges of the bumper115and the sidewall110. As shown, the bumper115includes a retention hole120. According to one aspect, the portion of the bumper115including the retention hole120is weakened due to the presence of the retention hole120. A bumper supporting rib116may be positioned adjacent to the retention hole120to strengthen the portion of the bumper115including the retention hole120.

As shown inFIG. 9, a tear strip225includes an upper tear line227and a lower tear line228. A retention hook235may be included at a lower portion of the lid skirt215below the tear strip225. As shown, the retention hook235includes a catch236. In other embodiments, the retention hook225may be formed in multiple parts, wherein a catch236is snapped onto or adhered onto a portion of the retention hook225extending into a retention hole120. The catch236may alternatively or additionally extend in other directions.

FIG. 10is a partial sectional view of the container and lid assembly ofFIG. 8approximately along a line marked C-C inFIG. 8.

As shown inFIG. 10, the sidewalls110include an outwardly offset portion111near the upper edge of the sidewalls110. The container includes a container bead130. As illustrated, the container bead130extends from the outwardly offset portion111of the sidewalls110and includes an upper surface sloping downwardly and outwardly and a generally horizontal lower surface.

The container further includes a pull lever140. The pull lever140may include a lever axis141about which the pull lever140pivots. The pull lever140may include an upper front surface142and a ledge surface143. The lever axis141may be a thinned portion that allows the pull lever140to pivot repeatedly without breaking.

In another aspect, the pull lever140may be attached to, for example, a flange, rib or block on the outside of the container. The pull lever140may be connected to the sidewall110at, for example, a middle portion of the pull lever140or a tip of the pull lever140.

The container may further include a push stop160. The push stop160may be formed between the pull lever140and the sidewalls110. As shown, the push stop160is connected with the pull lever140. In other aspects, the push stop160may be connected with the sidewalls110and/or lever guard145. The push stop160may function to prevent the pull lever140from being pushed inward by a user. In one embodiment, the push stop160may include ribs extending from the pull lever140towards the sidewalls110, but not being attached to the sidewalls110.

The container may further include a lever guard145.FIG. 10shows that the lever guard145may be closely adjacent to the pull lever140such that a user, particular a child, may not insert their fingers between the pull lever140and lever guard145.

As illustrated inFIG. 10, the lid includes a lid skirt215having a skirt ledge216, a lid underhang250, and lift tab245. In one aspect, when the pull lever140is lifted, the upper front surface142of the pull lever140lifts the lift tab245outward while the ledge surface143of the pull lever140lifts the lift tab245upward. In another embodiment, the ledge surface143of the lift tab245may be further spaced from the pull lever140, such that the lift tab245is first lifted outward by the upper front surface142before being lifted upward by the ledge surface143.FIG. 10further shows a tab cover230may be connected to the lift tab245.

FIG. 11is a partial sectional view of a container and lid assembly though a portion corresponding to a container tooth.

As shown inFIG. 11, the container sidewalls110may include a strengthening web of raised channels formed in the interior of the container sidewalls110. The vertical and horizontal lines in the strengthening web are the result of curved webs intersecting each other.

FIG. 11further illustrates a container tooth135extending into and through a tooth slot240.

A lever strengthening rib144may be observed by comparingFIGS. 10 and 11. InFIG. 10, the sectional is taken through the lever strengthening rib144, and inFIG. 11, the sectional is taken adjacent the lever strengthening rib144. As shown, the lever strengthening rib144is connected to the back of the pull lever140.

Also shown inFIG. 11, a frangible connector148may connect between the pull lever140and the lever guard145. In other aspect, second or more frangible connectors may be connected at other portions of the pull lever140or the lift tab245.

FIG. 12is a partial sectional view of a container and lid assembly through a portion corresponding to a retention hook.

As shown inFIG. 12, the container sidewalls110include an outwardly offset portion111near the upper edge of the sidewalls110. The container includes a container bead130and bumper115. The bumper115includes a retention hole120.

As illustrated inFIG. 12, the lid includes an outer lid skirt215, an inner lid skirt217, an inner lid skirt supporting rib218, and a lid underhang250. The outer lid skirt215includes a tear strip225. The tear strip255includes an upper tear line227and lower tear line228. A retention hook235is included at the bottom edge of the lid skirt215below the lower tear line228.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lid underhang250has an upper surface that engages with a lower surface of the container bead130, and the top of the outwardly offset portion111of the sidewalls110fits into a gap between the inner lid skirt217and the outer lid skirt215. The lid underhang250and the container bead130may form a tight seal and the top of the outwardly offset portion111and the gap between the inner lid skirt217and the outer lid skirt215may form a tight seal.

FIG. 13is a top perspective view of a lid and tear strip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 13, the tear strip225may include a pull ring226, an upper tear line227, a lower tear line228and a tab cover230. A lid underhang250may be included on the inside surface of the tear strip225.

Once the tear strip225is removed from the lid, the retention hooks235are no longer used to hold closed a pivotable portion of the lid body200. As such the pivotable portion of the lid body200may pivot along the lid hinge205, unhindered by the retention hooks235.

FIG. 14is a top perspective view of a container, lid and tear strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 15is a zoomed-in top perspective view of the container, lid and tear strip ofFIG. 14.

As shown inFIGS. 14 and 15, the container may include a tab cover230. The tab cover230may be connected to a tear strip225and separated from a lift tab245. Until the tab cover230is removed, the lift tab245may be prevented from being lifted outward.

FIG. 16is a side view of the lid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 16, after the tear strip225is removed from the lid, the retention hooks235no longer hold closed a pivotable portion of the lid body200. As such the pivotable portion of the lid body200may pivot along the lid hinge205.

FIGS. 17-19illustrate steps of a method of opening a container and lid according to an embodiment of the present invention

As shown inFIG. 17, a method of opening a container according to an embodiment of the present invention includes first pressing a lever guard145toward a container body100, thereby creating access to a pull lever140. Second, the method includes pulling the pull lever140via the created access. The action of pulling the pull lever140thereby lifts a lift tab246, thereby displacing a lid body200covering an opening of the container. Finally, the lid may be lifted from the container.

As such, the method of opening the container and lid requires strength for overcoming the resistance at the container tooth135and tooth slot240, and dexterity for pressing the lever guard145while lifting the pull lever140, and logic for understanding the sequence of steps to open the container and lid. Accordingly, the container and lid combines these elements to provide for an effective child resistant closure.

FIG. 20is a zoomed-in top perspective view of a container and lid according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 20, the container includes a pull lever140and a lever guard145. A push stop160may be formed between the pull lever140and the sidewalls110. The lid includes a lift tab245including a tooth slot240.

The container further includes a tab guard150. The tab guard150blocks a lateral access to a space behind the lift tab245. A second tab guard150may be positioned on the opposite side of the lift tab245.

FIG. 21is a partial sectional view near a lever of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown,FIG. 21illustrates a round portion of container. In the illustrated embodiment, the container includes sidewalls110. The sidewalls110include an outwardly offset portion111near the upper edge of the sidewalls110. The container further includes a container bead130, a pull lever140, a push stop160and a lever guard145.

The container may further include a lever recess146. The lever recess146corresponds to the container tooth135. In the container ofFIG. 21, when the pull lever140is lifted, the pull lever140be lifted so that the pull lever140would contact the container tooth135. However, the lever recess146allows the pull lever140to be lifted further.

The container ofFIG. 21may further include a lever return147. The lever return147functions to maintain a lift tab245of a lid within space above a ledge surface143of the pull lever140and blocks a user's access to a space between the lift tab245and the ledge surface143.

FIG. 22is another partial sectional view near a pull lever of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown,FIG. 22illustrates a round portion of container. In the illustrated embodiment, the container includes sidewalls110. The sidewalls110include an outwardly offset portion111near the upper edge of the sidewalls110. The container further includes a container bead130and pull lever140, and a lever guard145.

As illustrated, the container may further include a lever recess146. The lever recess146corresponds to the container tooth135. In the container ofFIG. 22, when the pull lever140is lifted, the pull lever140be lifted so that the pull lever140would contact the container tooth135. However, the lever recess146allows the pull lever140to be lifted further.

The container ofFIG. 22may further include a lever return147. The lever return147functions to maintain a lift tab245of a lid within space above a ledge surface143of the pull lever140and blocks a user's access to a space between the lift tab245and the ledge surface143.

InFIG. 22, the container further includes a tab guard150. The tab guard150blocks a lateral access to a space behind a lift tab245. A second tab guard150may be positioned on the opposite side of the lift tab245.