Patent Publication Number: US-2023150737-A1

Title: Child-resistant container

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to small containers and more specifically containers with child-resistant features, and related methods of use thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable, child-resistant containers may be useful for a variety of applications. For example, such containers may be used to store medications, tobacco products, cannabis products, or other products and substances that may be hazardous to children. Ideally, such containers may be lightweight, may be easily opened for access to the contents, may be easily closed to keep the contents fresh, and may include a mechanism suitable for preventing children from accessing the contents. Existing containers may lack these desirable features and may be constructed in a manner that is inefficient for mass production. Accordingly, existing containers may be unsuitable for storage of the items described and existing containers may also be unsuitable for retail distribution of various products. 
     As such, there exists a need for improved child-resistant containers and methods of using the same to provide users with desirable features and functionality via a container that can be manufactured in a low-cost and efficient manner. 
     The present disclosure is directed to addressing the above-referenced challenges. The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art, or suggestions of the prior art, by inclusion in this section. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to certain aspects of the disclosure, child-resistant containers and methods for using the same are described. 
     In one example, a child-resistant container may include: an inner tray including a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a first locking mechanism on the first side, and a second locking mechanism on the second side; and an outer sleeve including a first sleeve side, a second sleeve side opposite the first sleeve side, a first locking port on the first sleeve side, a second locking port on the second sleeve side, an open end, and one or more catches located on an interior of the outer sleeve toward the open end. The inner tray may be configured to be slidably inserted into the outer sleeve through the open end such that each of the locking mechanisms releasably engages at least one of the locking ports upon insertion of the inner tray into the outer sleeve; and at least one of the locking mechanisms may be further configured, upon sliding the inner tray outwardly through the open end of the outer sleeve, to engage with the one or more catches to prevent the inner tray from being fully withdrawn from the outer sleeve. 
     In another example, a child-resistant container may include: an inner tray including a first side and a first locking mechanism positioned on the first side; and an outer sleeve including a first sleeve side, a first locking port on the first sleeve side, an open end, and a catch located on an interior of the outer sleeve toward the open end. The inner tray may be configured to be slidably inserted into the outer sleeve through the open end such that the locking mechanism releasably engages the locking port upon insertion of the inner tray into the outer sleeve; and the locking mechanism may be further configured, upon sliding the inner tray outwardly through the open end of the outer sleeve, to engage with the catch to prevent the inner tray from being fully withdrawn from the outer sleeve. 
     In still another example, a method of accessing contents of a child-resistant container comprising an inner tray positioned with an outer sleeve may include: disengaging a first locking mechanism of the inner tray from a first locking port of the outer sleeve and a second locking mechanism of the inner tray from a second locking port of the outer sleeve; withdrawing the tray through an open end of the outer sleeve until at least one of the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism engages with at least one catch positioned on an interior of the outer sleeve to prevent the inner tray from being fully withdrawn from the outer sleeve; and accessing the contents located in a cavity of the inner tray. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG.  1    depicts an isometric view of a container according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    depicts an isometric view of a container in a partially exploded configuration according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 A  depicts an isometric view of a tray of a container according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 B  depicts an isometric view of a tray of a container according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    depicts an isometric view of a tray of a container according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    depicts a rear view of a tray according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6 A  depicts a top view of a tray according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6 B  depicts a bottom view of a tray according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    depicts an isometric view of a locking tab according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8 A  depicts a side view of a sleeve according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8 B  depicts a front view of a sleeve according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    depicts an isometric view of a container in an exploded configuration according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    depicts an isometric view of a container in an exploded configuration according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The terminology used below may be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific examples of the present disclosure. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features, as claimed. 
     In this disclosure, the term “based on” means “based at least in part on.” The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context dictates otherwise. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, or product that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Relative terms such as “substantially” and “generally” are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% of a stated or understood value. 
     In general, the present disclosure is directed to improved, child-resistant containers and methods for using the same. The devices and methods described in the present disclosure offer significant technical benefits which will become apparent. 
     Portable, child-resistant containers may be useful for storing medications, tobacco products, cannabis products, or other products and substances that may be hazardous to children. As one example, such containers may be used to store pre-rolled tobacco or cannabis cigarettes. In such an application, a child-resistant container may serve multiple functions, such as protecting the contents from physical damage during shipment, maintaining the freshness of the contents before use, providing a means for a user to safely and easily transport the contents, and preventing access by children to whom the contents may be hazardous or toxic. 
     It may be desirable for child-resistant containers to be sufficiently rigid to protect the contents, for example, during shipment to a retail location or to an end user. If the contents of a container include pre-rolled cigarettes, the container may protect the cigarettes from physical damage during shipment. The container may further be suitable for and allow packing of large quantities of similar containers without buckling or flattening. 
     It may also be desirable for child-resistant containers to be easily opened and resealed such that the contents need not be removed from the container all at once. For example, a user may wish to open such a container to remove one of multiple cigarettes for immediate use and reseal the remaining cigarettes in the container. That way, the user may save the remaining cigarettes for later use in the container, thereby preventing the cigarettes from becoming stale and also preventing access of the remaining cigarettes by children. The container may further allow the user to easily transport the remaining cigarettes in a pocket, for example, without risking crushing, tearing, or other physical damage to the cigarettes. 
     It may further be desirable for child-resistant containers to include a mechanism suitable for preventing children from accessing the contents of the containers while simultaneously being easily operable by the intended user. An easily operable mechanism may be operated manually, requiring minimal force and not requiring tools. An easily operable mechanism may also be sufficiently complex so as to inhibit a child from opening the container, but not so complex that an adult could not readily open the container. 
     Additionally, it may be desirable for child-resistant containers incorporating one or more of the foregoing features to be formed of a simple construction to enable efficient and low-cost manufacturing. When configured in such a manner, containers may be suitable for use in high-volume packaging applications without significantly contributing to a cost of the end product stored within the containers. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for improved child-resistant containers and methods of using the same to provide users with the desirable features described herein via a container that can be manufactured in a low-cost and efficient manner. Embodiments of the present disclosure offer technical solutions to address the foregoing needs, as well as other needs. 
       FIG.  1    depicts an exemplary child-resistant container  100  in accordance with the present disclosure. Child-resistant container  100  may include an outer sleeve  102  and an inner tray  104 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , inner tray  104  may be positioned within outer sleeve  102  when the child-resistant container  100  is in a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, child-resistant container  100  may enclose contents stored therein, such as pre-rolled cigarettes or the like. In the closed configuration, a user may be prevented from simply withdrawing inner tray  104  from outer sleeve  102  without taking additional steps, which will be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     In the closed configuration, child-resistant container  100  may be compact for convenient transport by a user, such as in a pocket of an article of clothing, in a purse, or the like. In some embodiments, child-resistant container  100  may be about 5 inches long, about 2.5 inches wide, and about 0.5 inches thick. Though exemplary dimensions are provided herein, these dimensions are not intended to be limiting and it should be understood that the dimensions of child-resistant container  100  may vary. 
       FIG.  2    depicts child-resistant container  100  in a partially exploded configuration, i.e., with inner tray  104  fully withdrawn from outer sleeve  102 . Outer sleeve  102  may be formed of a generally hollow construction, having a space therein sized to accommodate inner tray  104 . In some embodiments, outer sleeve  102  may be formed, for example, of a folded paper material such as paperboard, cardboard, or the like. In some embodiments, outer sleeve  102  may alternatively be formed of molded plastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene. In some embodiments, outer sleeve  102  may be formed from a plastic sheet that is folded into shape. In some embodiments, outer sleeve  102  may formed of a stamped metal material such as aluminum, tin, or the like. In some embodiments, outer sleeve  102  may be formed of a combination of any of the foregoing materials. 
     Inner tray  104  may be dimensioned so as to substantially occupy the space within outer sleeve  102 . For example, inner tray  104  may be sized such that a clearance fit is created between outer sleeve  102  and inner tray  104 , thereby allowing a user to slide inner tray  104  relative to outer sleeve  102 . Inner tray  104  may be formed of molded plastic materials such as PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, or polystyrene. In some embodiments, inner tray  104  may be formed of a stamped metal material such as aluminum or tin. In some embodiments, inner tray  104  may be formed of a folded paper material. In some embodiments, inner tray  104  may be formed of a combination of any of the foregoing materials, such as a folded paper material with plastic and/or metal components. 
     Inner tray  104  may include a sealing substrate  106  configured to seal the contents of child-resistant container  100  within inner tray  104 . Sealing substrate  106  may be a flexible material and may include an adhesive disposed on a lower side thereof. Sealing substrate  106  may be formed from a plastic film, aluminum foil, paper, paper laminated with a plastic film, or any other suitable flexible material. The adhesive may adhere to an upper surface of inner tray  104  such that it may be selectively peeled from inner tray  104  by the user to reveal or otherwise provide access to the contents of child-resistant container  100 . Sealing substrate  106  may serve, for example, to maintain freshness of the contents and/or to prevent contamination of the contents by impurities. In some embodiments, sealing substrate  106  may be transparent or translucent to allow a user to see the contents of child-resistant container  100  without peeling sealing substrate  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 A , sealing substrate  106  may include a pull tab  108  disposed toward an open-end side  126  of inner tray  104 , where the open-end side  126  is a side exposed when child-resistant container  100  is in a closed state, as shown in  FIG.  1   . Pull tab  108  may extend over the open-end side  126  of inner tray  104  such that a user may easily grasp pull tab  108  to peel sealing substrate  106  from inner tray  104  to access the contents of inner tray  104 . In some embodiments, pull tab  108  may extend out of outer sleeve  102  when child-resistant container  100  is in a closed state, thereby permitting the user to withdraw inner tray  104  from outer sleeve  102  via pull tab  108 . Pull tab  108  may have any suitable configuration. 
     Inner tray  104  may further include an upper planar surface  110  positioned opposite the open-end side  126  toward a distal side of inner tray  104 . Upper planar surface  110  may include cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  formed therein. Cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  may be formed as elongated openings in upper planar surface  110 , extending through inner tray  104 . Cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  may be positioned adjacent a closed-end side of inner tray  104 , which is opposite the open-end side  126 . Cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  may further be positioned, respectively, adjacent a right side and a left side of inner tray  104 . Upper planar surface  110  may further accommodate an adhering strip  116  of sealing substrate  106 . Adhering strip  116  may be a portion of sealing substrate  106  having an adhesive on a lower side thereof that may serve to maintain an orientation of sealing substrate  106  relative to inner tray  104  when sealing substrate  106  is peeled. Adhering strip  116  may further be shaped so as to adhere between cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  located on upper planar surface  110 . 
     Inner tray  104  may include a sidewall  114  extending around the perimeter of inner tray  104 . Inner tray  104  may also include locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b , positioned on or otherwise extending from sidewall  114  on left and right sides of the inner tray  104 , respectively. Locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may releasably engage with locking ports  202   a  of outer sleeve  102 , as described hereinafter in greater detail, to prevent opening of child-resistant container  100  by a child. Locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may be, for example, depressible tabs, depressible buttons, or any other suitable mechanism for selectively engaging locking ports of outer sleeve  102 . Locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may be positioned toward the closed-end side  128  of inner tray  104 . 
     In some embodiments, and as shown in  FIG.  3 B , pull tab  108  may be folded down against sidewall  114 . In some embodiments, pull tab  108  may include adhesive applied to an underside thereof such that pull tab  108  may be adhered to sidewall  114  when folded down. Pull tab  108  may further include a grip portion  130 , an underside of which does not include adhesive applied thereto. Grip portion  130  may be hemispherical, triangular, rectangular, or any other shape. Grip portion  130  may allow a user to more easily position a finger or other object between pull tab  108  and sidewall  114  to release pull tab  108  from sidewall  114  when removing sealing substrate  106  from inner tray  104 . By folding pull tab  108  down against sidewall  114  and adhering it thereto, the seal of sealing substrate  106  to inner tray  104  may be enhanced and/or further secured. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , to access the contents of child-resistant container  100 , a user may peel sealing substrate  106  from inner tray  104  to expose cavity  118 . Cavity  118  may be a space formed within inner tray  104  configured to store or retain medications, pre-rolled cigarettes, edible products, or any other items suitable for storage in child-resistant container  100 . In some embodiments, cavity  118  include a single space, as shown in  FIG.  4   . Alternatively, in some embodiments, cavity  118  may be subdivided into multiple spaces. For example, cavity  118  may include multiple discrete spaces, each of which is configured to store one or more pre-rolled cigarettes. 
     Sealing substrate  106  may be adhered to one or more of left edge  120   a , right edge  120   b , or open-end edge  122 , each of which border cavity  118 . Sealing substrate  106  may be peeled initially from open-end edge  122 , then from left edge  120   a  and right edge  120   b  to expose the contents stored in cavity  118 . As shown, sealing substrate  106  need not necessarily be removed entirely from inner tray  104  and may indeed remain partially adhered to inner tray  104  while a user accesses the contents. For example, adhering strip  116  of sealing substrate  106  may remain adhered to upper planar surface  110  while a user accesses the contents in cavity  118 . Accordingly, an orientation of sealing substrate  106  relative to inner tray  104  may be maintained so that sealing substrate  106  may easily be re-adhered to inner tray  104 , thereby resealing cavity  118 . Such a configuration may be particularly useful, for example, for a user who wishes to remove one of several items from cavity  118  and preserve the freshness of the remaining items. 
       FIG.  5    depicts closed-end side  128  of child-resistant container  100  and an exemplary configuration of locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  in greater detail. In some embodiments, locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may be hinged tabs extending from and attached to a lower edge of sidewall  114 . Locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may be integrally formed with the lower edge of sidewall  114 , such that they may be folded upward toward the upper surface of inner tray  104 . Upon folding of locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  upward toward the upper surface of inner tray  104 , a resiliency of the hinges may cause the locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  to be biased outwardly, away from sidewall  114 . As a result of the outward biasing, locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may be selectively depressed inwardly by the user. 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  depict top and bottom views, respectively, of inner tray  104 . As shown, locking mechanism  112   a  may be positioned adjacent cut-out  110   a , and locking mechanism  112   b  may be positioned adjacent cut-out  110   b . In such a configuration, cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  may facilitate the selective depression of locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b . For example, cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  may allow for increased inward flexion of sidewall  114 , thereby permitting locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  to be easily depressed by the user. 
     As shown in  FIG.  6 B , inner tray  104  may be integrally formed of a thin-walled construction, such that contours of cavity  118  can be seen via a corresponding lower cavity wall  118   a  in a bottom view of inner tray  104 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , features of an exemplary locking mechanism  112   b  will be described in greater detail. Locking mechanism  112   b  may include a projection  124  extending outwardly therefrom. Projection  124  may be configured to engage with a locking port of outer sleeve  102 , e.g. locking port  202   a  as shown in  FIG.  8 A . Projection  124  may include a locking portion  124   a  and a tactile portion  124   b . Locking portion  124   a   may engage with a locking port of outer sleeve  102  to prevent inner tray  104  from being withdrawn from outer sleeve  102 . Locking portion  124   a  may be, for example, a partially cylindrical shape. Tactile portion  124   b  may be a textured, raised, or otherwise distinct portion of projection  124 , which may allow a user to easily locate and/or depress locking mechanism  112   b . Further, as inner tray  104  may be integrally formed of a thin-walled construction, by including locking portion  124   a  and tactile portion  124   b  on projection  124  in lieu of a uniform surface, projection  124  may be fortified against deformation which could render projection  124  non-functional. Though not shown in  FIG.  7   , locking mechanism  112   a  may include substantially the same features as locking mechanism  112   b . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B , outer sleeve  102  will be described in greater detail. Outer sleeve  102  may include a locking port  202   a  located on a left side wall  204   a  of outer sleeve  102 . Locking port  202   a  may be in the form of a cut-out extending through left side wall  204   a  and shaped to receive projection  124  as described herein previously. Outer sleeve  102  may further include a right side wall  204   b , a closed end  206 , a lower wall  208 , an upper wall  210 , and an open end  212 . Though not shown, right side wall  204   b  may include a locking port substantially similar to locking port  202   a  and positioned opposite locking port  202   a . 
     When inner tray  104  is fully inserted into outer sleeve  102 , the respective projections  124  on each of locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may protrude through a respective locking port of outer sleeve  102 , thereby engaging the locking ports. When the projections  124  engage the locking ports, inner tray  104  may be prevented from sliding relative to outer sleeve  102  and may therefore be prevented from being withdrawn from outer sleeve  102 . For a user to be able to withdraw inner tray  104  from outer sleeve  102 , the user may first be required to depress each of locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  inwardly such that the projections  124  disengage from the locking ports. Cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  may be positioned near locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  such that cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  permit locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  to be depressed inwardly a sufficient distance to disengage from the locking ports. Cut-outs  110   a  and  110   b  may further reduce the pressure necessary to depress locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  inwardly by increasing the flexibility of inner tray  104 . When the projections  124  are disengaged from the locking ports, the user may slide inner tray  104  relative to outer sleeve  102  and accordingly may withdraw inner tray  104  at least partially from outer sleeve  102 . 
     In some embodiments, a user may depress locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  by applying pressure with a thumb and/or fingers. For example, a user may depress locking mechanism  112   a  with her thumb and may depress locking mechanism  112   b  with her index finger. In some embodiments, simultaneous depression of locking mechanism  112   a  and locking mechanism  112   b  may be required to withdraw inner tray  104  from outer sleeve  102 . In some embodiments, depressing locking mechanism  112   a  and locking mechanism  112   b  at different times may permit withdrawal of inner tray  104  from outer sleeve  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  8 B , open end  212  may be configured to receive inner tray  104  such that inner tray  104  is slidable with respect to outer sleeve  102  through open end  212 . Outer sleeve  102  may further include a left catch  214   a  positioned on an interior surface of left side wall  204   a  and a right catch  214   b  positioned on an interior surface of right side wall  204   b . Left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b  may be attached to left side wall  204   a  and right side wall  204   b , respectively, via hinges such that left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b  may swing inwardly into the space defined by outer sleeve  102 . In some embodiments, the hinges may be formed by simply folding left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b  inwardly. In some embodiments, left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b  may be separately formed components that are adhered or otherwise attaching to 204a// and 204b//, respectively. Catches  214   a  and  214   b  may be folded into sleeve  102  and secured therein by, e.g., a suitable adhesive. 
     Upon insertion of inner tray  104  through open end  212  and into the space defined by outer sleeve  102 , left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b  may each be caused to fold about their respective hinged attachments by inner tray  104 . When inner tray  104  is positioned within outer sleeve  102 , left catch  214   a  may be parallel or substantially parallel to an interior surface of left side wall  204   a . Similarly, when inner tray  104  is positioned within outer sleeve  102 , right catch  214   b  may be parallel or substantially parallel to an interior surface of right side wall  204   b . 
     When the inner tray  104  is positioned within outer sleeve  102  and left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b  are positioned along the respective sidewalls, left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b  may interfere with locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  to prevent inner tray  104  from being fully withdrawn from outer sleeve  102 . For example, when child-resistant container  100  is in a closed configuration ( FIG.  1   ) and the user wishes to access the contents stored within child-resistant container  100 , the user may depress locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b , thereby disengaging them from the respective locking ports. The user may then slide inner tray  104  relative to outer sleeve  102  outwardly through open end  212 . Before inner tray  104  is fully withdrawn from outer sleeve  102 , locking mechanism  112   a  may engage with left catch  214   a  and locking mechanism  112   b  may engage with right catch  214   b . Locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may thus be prevented from moving further relative to outer sleeve  102  toward open end  212 . Consequently, inner tray  104  may likewise be prevented from moving further by virtue of locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  being attached thereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b  may permit inner tray  104  to be withdrawn from outer sleeve  102  to a position in which the contents of child-resistant container  100  may be accessible to a user, i.e. a contents-accessible position. In the contents-accessible position, locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may engage with catches  214   a  and  214   b  to prevent further movement of the inner tray  104  relative to outer sleeve  102 . Further, in the contents-accessible position, sealing substrate  106  may be peeled from inner tray  104 , thereby exposing an entirety of cavity  118  and any contents that may be stored therein. In the contents-accessible position, outer sleeve  102  may continue to cover upper planar surface  110  and adhering strip  116 , thereby helping to maintain adhering strip  116  in place on upper planar surface  110 . As a result, when a user peels sealing substrate  106  from inner tray  104 , sealing substrate  106  may remain in a position to be easily resealed to inner tray  104  by a user. 
     Locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  as described herein may therefore serve in a multi-functional capacity on child-resistant container  100 . In conjunction with the locking ports (e.g.  202   a  and a similar locking port on an opposite side of outer sleeve  102 ), locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may serve as a means by which a user can selectively secure the contents of child-resistant container  100 . In this way, locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may effectively prevent children from accessing contents of child-resistant container  100  which may be hazardous. In conjunction with left catch  214   a  and right catch  214   b , locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  may prevent a user from inadvertently disassembling child-resistant container  100  and may further facilitate repeated opening and closing of child-resistant container  100 . Furthermore, by configuring locking mechanisms  112   a  and  112   b  in the manner described herein, the various aforementioned functionalities may be incorporated into child-resistant container  100  while minimizing the quantity and complexity of structural features included on child-resistant container  100 . Accordingly, child-resistant container  100  may be formed by simple and cost-effective manufacturing processes suitable for mass production and retail distribution. 
     Although the exemplary embodiments described above have been disclosed in connection with a child-resistant container, those skilled in the art will understand that the principles set out above can be applied to any container and can be implemented in different ways without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the claims. In particular, construction details, including manufacturing techniques and materials, are well within the understanding of those of skill in the art and have not been set out in detail here. These and other modifications and variations are well within the scope of the present disclosure and can be envisioned and implemented by those of skill in the art. 
     Other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, and departures in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.