Patent Publication Number: US-11649095-B2

Title: Child-resistant closure

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to containers and closures for containers, and more particularly, to child-resistant containers and child-resistant closures for containers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Containers are often formed with closures which prevent children from opening products that could be harmful or are not intended for their use (i.e. pharmaceuticals). A common child-resistant mechanism comprises a press-to-open feature which prevents or inhibits removal of the closure unless the required amount of force is applied onto the closure while simultaneously rotating the closure in the correct direction. This poses disadvantages, however, as these closures are often compromised by children and are, conversely, difficult for senior citizens to open. 
     The present inventors, through ingenuity and hard work, have developed a container and closure combination which provides child-resistance without requiring a downwardly-applied force, thereby avoiding the disadvantages set forth above. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a container system comprising: a container body having a base, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the base, and a rim disposed opposite the base, wherein the rim defines an open end of the container; a lid configured to close the open end of the container, wherein the lid comprises: a track disposed at least partially circumferentially within a peripheral portion of the lid; at least one insertion point within the track; and at least one retention region within the track; a ring disposed circumferentially about the at least one sidewall, between the rim and the base, wherein the ring comprises at least one post which is configured to be inserted into and removed from the at least one insertion point and retained within the retention region; wherein at least one of the ring and the lid are circumferentially rotatable between a locked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one retention region and an unlocked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one insertion point. 
     In another embodiment, the invention comprises: a container body having a base, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the base, and a rim disposed opposite the base, wherein the rim defines an open end of the container; a ring disposed circumferentially about the at least one sidewall, between the rim and the base, wherein the ring comprises: a track disposed at least partially circumferentially within the ring; at least one insertion point within the track; and at least one retention region within the track; a lid configured to close the open end of the container, wherein the lid comprises at least one post which is configured to be inserted into and removed from the at least one insertion point and retained within the retention region; wherein at least one of the ring and the lid are circumferentially rotatable between a locked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one retention region and an unlocked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one insertion point. 
     In another embodiment, the invention comprises a lidded locking mechanism comprising: a lid configured to close the open end of a container, wherein the lid comprises: a track disposed at least partially circumferentially within a peripheral portion of the lid; at least one insertion point within the track; and at least one retention region within the track; a ring configured to be disposed circumferentially about the container, wherein the ring comprises at least one post which is configured to be inserted into and removed from the at least one insertion point and retained within the retention region; wherein at least one of the ring and the lid are circumferentially rotatable between a locked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one retention region and an unlocked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one insertion point. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a container in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of a container in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is cross sectional view of a container in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is cross sectional view of a container in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is cross sectional view of a container in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 C  are cross sectional views of a container in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  are perspective views of lids in an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a ring in an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a ring in an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     Generally speaking, the invention comprises a container which requires the correct alignment of a lid and peripheral ring to open the container. In an embodiment, the correct alignment is visually indicated by a code (i.e. “align X with 7”). The visual code may ensure that achieving the correct alignment is difficult for a person who cannot read, such as a child. Internally, the lid and ring may comprise a track and rail system. The correct alignment may require aligning a post in the rail member with a cavity in the track member such that the post may be removable through the cavity and, therefore, the lid and ring may be separated so that the lid can be removed. In an unaligned configuration, the post may be locked into the track member, preventing removal of the lid. The rail or the track may be disposed in the lid and the opposite member may be disposed in the ring. 
     Referring to the drawings, in an embodiment, the invention involves a cylindrical container  10  enclosed at its top end  12  by a disc-shaped lid  20 . In an embodiment, the container  10  may comprise a body portion comprising at least one sidewall  16  which extends upwardly from a generally flat bottom wall  18 . The bottom wall  18  may enclose the bottom end  14  of the container  10 . The bottom wall  18  may be permanently affixed to the bottom end  14  of the container  10  in an embodiment. In other embodiments, the bottom wall  18  may be removable. In one embodiment, the bottom wall  18  may have a larger diameter than the sidewall  16  of the container  10  (i.e. such as in the case of a double-crimped end), but in other embodiments the bottom wall  18  may have the same or substantially the same diameter as the sidewall  16  of the container  10 . That is, in some embodiments, the perimeter of the bottom wall  18  is flush with or substantially flush with the outer surface of the sidewall  16 . In embodiments wherein the bottom wall  18  has the same or substantially the same diameter as the sidewall  16 , the slide ring  40  (discussed below) may be fully removed from the container by sliding it downwardly against the sidewall  16  and over the bottom wall  18 . 
     In an embodiment, the container  10  comprises an open top end  12  and an upper rim  13 . The rim  13  may comprise an integral rolled rim (i.e. in the case of a composite cylindrical container) or a separately-applied rim. As an example, a separately-applied rim may comprise an easy-open (EZO) end (see  FIGS.  1 - 4   ). The rim  13 , in an embodiment, has a larger diameter than the sidewall  16  of the container  10 . 
     While the container is described as having a generally cylindrical sidewall  16 , any shape or configuration of the container may be utilized in the invention. For example, the container may have four sidewalls and a rectangular or square cross-section. The container may have three sidewalls and have a generally triangular cross-section. The container may have an ovular or elliptical cross-section in various embodiments. 
     Likewise, any composition of materials may be useful to form the container sidewall  16 , bottom wall  18 , and lid  20 . For example, the container sidewall  16  may be paper-based, the bottom wall  18  may be paper-based or metal, the lid  20  may be plastic or paper, etc. Any combination of paper-based materials, plastic-based materials, or metal-based materials may be utilized for any one of the sidewall  16 , bottom wall  18 , and lid  20 . The container may comprise a composite container in some embodiments. The container, bottom, and lid may all be plastic components in an embodiment. The container, bottom, and lid may all be paper-based components in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the sidewall  16  and bottom end  18  may be paper-based and the lid  20  and the slide ring  40  may be plastic. 
     In an embodiment, the lid  20  may be shaped and configured to fit onto the top end  12  of the container  10 , over the rim  13 . The lid  20  may have a shape and diameter which is configured to snap-fit onto the rim  13  of the container  10 . In an embodiment, the lid  20  may be the same shape as the container. Thus, if the container is cylindrical, the lid may comprise a circular disc shape. In some embodiments, the lid  20  may have an upper or outer surface  22  and a lower or inner surface  24 . The inner surface  24  may be the product-facing surface and the outer surface  22  may be the consumer-facing surface of the lid. 
     The lid  20  may be reclosable in some embodiments. That is, after initial removal of the lid  20  from the container  10 , the lid may be replaced onto the rim  13  of the container  10  through a snap-fit or other connection. 
     In an embodiment a peelable membrane (not shown) may be adhered to the rim  13  of the container  10 , between the lid  20  and the container  10 . The peelable membrane may be removable and the lid  20  may be replaced upon the rim  13  after removal of the membrane, in some embodiments. 
     In an embodiment, the lid  20  may comprise a downwardly-extending (vertically toward the container) flange. The flange may be shaped and configured to snap-fit over the rim  13  of the container  10 . In other embodiments, the lid  20  may be configured to rest atop the rim  13  of the container, as shown in  FIGS.  3 - 4   . 
     In an embodiment, the lid  20  comprises a peripheral portion  26  which extends about its circumference. The peripheral portion  26  of the lid  20  may comprise a height H (which may be the same height as the lid  20 ) and a width W. The lid  20  may have a diameter (i.e. width) which is larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the sidewall  16 , in an embodiment. The width W of the peripheral portion  26  may comprise the distance from approximately the exterior surface of the container sidewall  16  to the outermost edge  29  of the lid  20 . The peripheral portion  26  of the lid  20  may extend radially outwardly beyond the circumference of the sidewall  16 , in an embodiment. 
     In an embodiment, the peripheral portion  26  of the lid  20  (which may comprise a flange) may comprise an internal track  28 . The track  28  may be disposed within the peripheral portion  26 . Access to the track  28  may be disposed on the underside  27  of the peripheral portion  26  of the lid  20 . 
     The track  28  may be circumferential within the peripheral portion  26  of the lid  20 , in an embodiment. In other embodiments, the track  28  may be partially or substantially circumferential within the peripheral portion  26  of the lid  20 . The track  28  may comprise a plurality of partially circumferential tracks  28  in an embodiment. For example, two or three separated tracks  28  may be disposed about the circumference of the peripheral portion  26  in an embodiment. 
     The track  28  may comprise a hollow recess into or within the peripheral portion  26  of the lid. In an embodiment, the track  28  is disposed radially outward of the sidewall  16  of the container  10 . In an embodiment, the track  28  is disposed vertically above the sidewall  16  and/or the rim  13  of the container  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the track  28  comprises a neck-receiving portion  30  and a head-receiving portion  32 . The neck-receiving portion  30  may be narrower than the head-receiving portion  32  of the track  28 . The neck receiving portion  30  and head-receiving portion  32  of the track  28  may each have a substantially uniform width, height and depth, progressing circumferentially about the peripheral portion  26 . 
     In an embodiment, the head-receiving portion  32  of the track  28  may be generally cylindrical and circular in cross section (see  FIG.  3   ). In an embodiment, the head-receiving portion  32  of the track  28  may be sized and configured to receive a generally spherical head of a post. 
     In an embodiment, the neck-receiving portion  30  may be a three-dimensional rectangle or square and may have generally parallel sidewalls in cross section (see  FIG.  3   ). In an embodiment, the neck-receiving portion  30  may be sized and configured to receive an elongated neck of a post. 
     In an embodiment, the track  28  may comprise one or more cavities or insertion points  50  (see  FIG.  6 B ). The insertion point  50  of the track  28  may have the same or a similar size, shape and configuration as the head-receiving portion  32  of the track  28 . That is, the insertion point  50  may not have a neck-receiving portion  30  and may instead extend vertically downwardly from the head-receiving portion  32  of the track  28  in a manner which is parallel to the diameter of the head-receiving portion  32 . Said alternatively, the neck-receiving portion of the insertion point  50  may be sized and shaped equivalently to the head-receiving portion  32 . In an embodiment, the insertion point  50  may be substantially cylindrical and hollow. The insertion point  50  of the track  28  may be sized and configured to allow the head  46  of the post  52  to be inserted or removed from the track  28 . In an embodiment, the system may comprise a plurality of insertion points  50 . In a particular embodiment, the system may comprise at least two insertion points  50 . 
     In an embodiment, the portions of the track  28  which are not insertion points  50  may be referred to as retention points  54  or retention regions  54  (see  FIG.  6 C ). Retention points or regions  54  within the track  28  may retain the post  52  (described below) in position within the track  28 . Retention points or regions  54  may not allow insertion of the post  52  into the track  28  or removal therefrom. 
     In an embodiment, the container assembly additionally comprises a peripheral slide ring  40 . The slide ring  40  may be disposed on the exterior surface of the container sidewall  16 , in an embodiment. The slide ring  40  may be shaped and configured to slide upwardly and downwardly, vertically, along the exterior surface of the container sidewall  16 , in an embodiment. The slide ring  40  may also be shaped and configured to slide or rotate circumferentially along the exterior surface of the container sidewall  16  (i.e. clockwise or counterclockwise) in some configurations. In an embodiment, the slide ring  40  is cylindrical and/or mirrors the shape of the container sidewall  16 . In some embodiments, the diameter of the slide ring  40  is larger than the diameter of the container sidewall  16  such that the slide ring  40  slides or rotates smoothly about the container sidewall  16 . In some configurations, the slide ring  40  may be removable over the bottom end  18  of the container. Once disconnected from the lid  20  (see  FIG.  6 B  and will be further explained), the slide ring  40  may slide downwardly along the sidewall  16  and over the bottom end  18  to be recycled or otherwise discarded. In an embodiment, the slide ring  40  may comprise a polymeric material, a paper-based material, or a combination thereof. 
     The vertical height of the slide ring  40  may vary based upon the container  10  height or any other factor known in the art. In an embodiment, the height of the ring  40  is small compared to the height of the sidewall  16 . In an embodiment, the height of the ring  40  is configured so that the ring  40  can be easily manipulated by a user using the methods set forth herein. 
     In an embodiment, the slide ring  40  comprises several regions along its vertical height. In an embodiment, the slide ring  40  may comprise a parallel region  60  near its lower end (nearest the base  18 ). The parallel region  60  may have an internal surface  43  and an external surface  41  which are parallel to each other and to the sidewall  16  of the container. In this parallel region  60 , the internal surface  43  and external surface  41  of the ring  40  may be vertical. Above the parallel region  60 , the ring  40  may comprise a thickened region  62 . The thickened region  62  may comprise an internal surface  43  which is parallel to the container sidewall  16 , but an external surface  41  which extends angularly away from the container sidewall  16  such that the thickened region  62  is thicker in cross-section than the parallel region  60 . 
     In an embodiment, the slide ring  40  comprises at least one thumb tab  42  (see  FIG.  1 - 2   ). The thumb tab  42  may extend vertically downwardly from the circumferential ring portion of the slide ring  40 . The thumb tab  42  may be disposed on the lower side  49  of the slide ring  40 , closer to the bottom wall  18  of the container  10 . In an embodiment, the thumb tab  42  may extend downwardly from the parallel region  60  of the slide ring  40 . The thumb tab  42  may be any shape or configuration known in the art. In an embodiment, the thumb tab  42  may be semi-ovular, semi-circular, square, or rectangular. In an embodiment, the thumb tab  42  may be sized to accommodate the size of an average adult&#39;s thumb or finger. In an embodiment, the exterior surface of the thumb tab  42  may have ridges or a texture which improves the gripability of the thumb tab  42 . 
     In an embodiment, the thumb tab  42  is designed to allow the user to maintain the position of the slide ring  40  against the container sidewall  16  while twisting the lid  20  circumferentially (clockwise or counterclockwise). In an embodiment, the user depresses the at least one thumb tab  42  against the sidewall  16 , which causes the ring  40  to resist circumferential movement. The lid  20  is then twisted with the opposite hand to align the locking/unlocking mechanism of the invention. The lid  20  can be removed from the container  10  once the lid and ring are unlocked. 
     Alternatively, the thumb tab(s)  42  could be utilized to grasp and circumferentially rotate the ring  40  while maintaining the circumferential position of the lid with the opposite hand, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the thumb tab  42  may be grasped between a thumb and a finger, for example, and used to turn the ring  40  circumferentially to align the locking/unlocking mechanism. In an embodiment, a plurality of thumb tabs  42  may be provided. In an embodiment, at least two thumb tabs  42  are disposed on opposite sides of the ring  40 . 
     In an embodiment, on its upper end, the slide ring  40  comprises a post  52  comprising a neck  44  and a head  46  (see  FIG.  3   ). In an embodiment, the post  52  (more particularly, the neck  44  of the post  52 ) extends upwardly from the thickened region  62  of the slide ring  40 . In an embodiment, the neck  44  comprises an elongated extension, extending from the upper side  48  of the slide ring  40 . In an embodiment, the neck  44  may be generally cylindrical. Any shape or configuration of the neck may be encompassed within the invention, however. In an embodiment, the neck  44  may comprise a rectangular prism, a three-dimensional oval, or a three-dimensional triangle, for example. The horizontal cross section of the neck  44  may comprise a circle, oval, ellipse, square, rectangle, triangle or any other shape known in the art. The sidewalls of the neck  44  may be parallel in a vertical cross section. The neck  44  may be narrower than the head  46  in an embodiment. The neck  44  may have a diameter which is smaller than the head  46  in an embodiment. 
     In an embodiment, the neck  44  is parallel with the sidewall  16  of the container  10 . In an embodiment, the neck  44  may have an internal surface  64  and an external surface  66 . In this embodiment the external surface  64  of the neck  44  may be continuous with the external surface  41  of the ring. The neck  44  may additionally have a cross-sectional thickness which is less than that of the lower portion of the ring  40 . In an embodiment, the cross-sectional thickness of the neck  44 , between its internal surface  64  and external surface  66 , is less than the thickness of the ring  40 , in either or both of the parallel region  60  and the thickened region  62 . 
     In an embodiment, the head  46  may be generally spherical, cylindrical, rectangular, square, ovular, elliptical, triangular, or any other shape known in the art. In an embodiment, the head  46  is wider than the neck  44 . In an embodiment, the head  46  has a diameter which is greater than that of the neck  44 . In an embodiment, the head  46  may be sized and configured such that it cannot pass through the neck receiving portion  30  of the track. In an alternate embodiment, the head  46  may be sized and configured such that it can pass through the neck-receiving portion  30  via insertion through the neck-receiving portion  30  (i.e. a snap-fit), but cannot be removed from the track  28  by pulling through the neck-receiving portion  30  in the reverse direction (i.e. a triangular head with one point of the triangle positioned vertically upward). 
     In an embodiment, the post  52  (and neck  44  and head  46 ) is not circumferential about the entirety of the slide ring. In other embodiments, the post  52 , neck  44 , and head  46  are circumferential about the entirety of the slide ring. In an embodiment, the post  52 , neck  44 , and head  46  are positioned in a singular position along the circumference of the slide ring  40 . In an embodiment, a plurality of posts  52  are positioned along the circumference of the slide ring  40 . In an embodiment, at least two posts  52  are positioned along the circumference of the slide ring  40 . In an embodiment, at least three posts  52  are positioned along the circumference of the slide ring  40 . In an embodiment, the post(s)  52  (comprising the neck  44  and the head  46 ) comprise a rail system  45 . In an embodiment, the vertical position of the thumb tab(s)  42  is aligned with the position of one or more posts  52 . 
     As noted, the slide ring  40  has an external surface  41  and an internal surface  43 . In an embodiment, the internal surface  43  of the slide ring  40  is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the sidewall  16 . In an embodiment, the slide ring  40  additionally comprises a stop  47 . The stop  47  may comprise any structure known in the art that stops the slide ring  40  from being removed upwardly over the rim  13  of the container. In an embodiment, the stop  47  may be a ridge, bump, extension, or the like, which prevents the slide ring  40  from moving past the rim  13  of the container  10  when the slide ring  40  is urged upwardly. The stop  47  may be disposed on the internal surface  43  of the slide ring  40 , in an embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the stop  47  comprises a plateau or ridge extending horizontally from the inner surface  43  of the slide ring  40  toward the central portion of the slide ring  40 . In this embodiment, the stop  47  is horizontal or substantially horizontal and is adjacent the neck  44  of the post  52 . In an embodiment, the stop  47  and the neck  44  meet at an angle which is approximately ninety degrees (90°). In the embodiment shown, as the slide ring  40  is urged upwardly, the stop  47  contacts the rim  13  of the container. The stop  47  cannot move past the rim  13  and, accordingly, the slide ring  40  cannot be removed from the container in this manner. If the ring  40  and lid  20  are in a locked position (see  FIG.  3   ), pulling upwardly on the lid  20  would have the same result—the stop  47  of the ring  40  would prevent the user from removing either the locked lid  20  or the ring  40  from the container  10 . 
     In an embodiment, the container assembly has a locked position (see  FIG.  3   ) and an unlocked position (see  FIG.  4   ). In the locked position, the post(s)  52  is disposed within the track  28  such that the head  46  cannot move downwardly through the neck-receiving portion  30 . In this embodiment, the post  52  is within a retention point or region  54  of the track  28 . There may be a plurality of retention points or regions  54  within the track. In this locked position, if the lid  20  is pulled upwardly, the head  46  remains within the head-receiving portion  32  and cannot move through the narrower neck-receiving portion  30 . In use, at least one of the lid  20  or the ring  40  must be rotated circumferentially to move the head  46  into alignment with the insertion point  50  of the track  28 . Once the proper alignment of the lid  20  and the ring  40  has been achieved (see  FIG.  4   ), such that the head  46  is in alignment with the insertion point  50  of the track  28 , the head can be removed from the track  28 , through the insertion point (see  FIG.  6 B ). In this embodiment, the lid  20  may be lifted away from the head  46  and ring  40  and/or the ring  40  may be lowered to separate the ring from the lid  20 . 
     In an embodiment, when the lid  20  and ring  40  are in the locked position, the lid  20  and the ring  40  may freely rotate circumferentially together, in unison, in this locked manner. In an embodiment, when the lid  20  and ring  40  are in the locked position, the fit between the post  52  and the track  28  may be snug such that they are stationary or rotate circumferentially together, in unison. In this embodiment, the fit is snug enough that the lid  20  and the ring  40  do not circumferentially rotate separately without applied forces. In other embodiments, the lid  20  and the ring  40  may rotate separately, in the same direction but different distances, in opposite directions, or one may be held in place while the other rotates. In an embodiment, when the lid  20  and ring  40  are locked, access to the container contents is not possible. 
     In an embodiment, a user must align certain visual elements disposed on the exterior of the ring  40  and/or lid  20  in order to align the head  46  is with the insertion point  50  of the track  28  and unlock the system. For example, the visual elements may comprise colors that have to be matched, shapes that have to be matched, letters that have to be matched, or images that have to be matched. In an embodiment, a written code (i.e. “align F and B” or “align 1 with 8”) is printed on the lid  20 , sidewall  16 , and/or ring  40 , directing the user to align certain elements to unlock the system. The code and/or visual elements may be printed onto the exterior surface of the lid  20 , sidewall  16 , and/or ring  40  in an embodiment. In other embodiments, the code and/or visual elements may be imprinted into (i.e. formed with) the exterior surface of the lid  20 , sidewall  16 , and/or ring  40 . 
     To properly align the elements per the code, a user may grip the thumb tab(s)  42  of the ring  40 , which retain the ring  40  in position, and may twist the lid  20  until the correct alignment is achieved. Likewise, the lid  20  may be held in place and the ring  40  may be twisted to achieve the proper alignment. In an embodiment, the visual elements which solve the code are printed or otherwise disposed in alignment with the head  46  and the insertion point  50  of the track  28 . 
     To form the inventive container system, a cylindrical container may be formed using methods known in the art, such as spiral winding with a rolled rim  13  or separate application of a rim  13 . The ring  40  may be formed via any method known in the art, such as via thermoforming techniques. The ring  40  may be placed onto the container sidewall  16  prior to application of the bottom end  18  in an embodiment. If a rim  13  is separately applied, it may be applied before or after placement of the ring  40 . The lid  20  may be affixed to the container as a final step after the container has been filled, either through its bottom or top end. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.