Patent Description:
Known child resistant containers comprise a body portion for receiving the product, and a top for opening and closing the body portion. They generally require two simultaneous physical actions to be performed to unlock and open, and thereby preclude young children's access. The top is often screwed to the body portion, and this generally requires a person to simultaneously press and turn, or squeeze and turn, to open using two hands. Often these known child resistant containers not only preclude young children but also adults who may find it difficult to lock and close and/or to unlock and open. Persons with arthritis in their hands may experience difficulty and pain in screwing and unscrewing the top to and from the body portion. It may also not be convenient or possible for adults to use two hands to open and close a container. It is known that some adults will lack the strength required or will intentionally or unintentionally not tighten the child resistant containers up enough to engage the child resistant element in order to avoid these problems. All this leaves the child resistant means compromised.

The known child resistant containers are often less hygienic than is desirable. More specifically, the top in a known child resistant container will normally screw to the body portion. The screw threads comprise crevices which are difficult to clean properly, and which can harbour germs. In addition to being unhygienic during use, the difficulty in cleaning and the ability to harbour germs cause problems if it is desired to re-use the container, rather than dispose of it after a single use.

In addition, known child resistant containers are often not user-friendly for senior persons. They invariably require a two-handed operation, for example as occurs in the screwing of the top onto the body portion lip to a certain torque to close and lock, and simultaneously pressing or squeezing the top whilst unscrewing to unlock and open. If the top is sometimes not sufficiently tightened on the body portion, it can compromise the child resistance.

<CIT> discloses a container comprising a body portion for receiving a product, a top for opening and closing the body portion, locking means for locking the top to the body portion, and opening means for unlocking the locking means and enabling the top to be moved to open the body portion.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above-mentioned problems.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a container with child resistant means, which container comprises:.

The container of the present invention is advantageous in that the combination of the locking means and the opening means is able to dispense with the need for screw threads for screwing the top onto and off the body portion in order to close the body portion and open the body portion. The above-mentioned disadvantages of having screw threads are thus able to be avoided. In addition, the push-operated locking means and the squeeze-operated opening means enable the body portion to be closable and openable using only one hand on the top at an indicated location, and without having to rotate the top relative to the body portion and simultaneously pressing or turning. The container of the present invention may have a plurality of child resistant features, and which may be employed singly or in any desired combination.

Firstly, the container size may be such as to be too large for a young child to hold in their hand and be able to squeeze simultaneously at the two opposed locations, whereby access by the child to the inside of the container is prevented. The large size of the container restricts young children as their hands are too small to squeeze the top in a pincer hand motion which requires reaching to both sides of the container.

Secondly, the container may be one in which the container has regulating means for regulating the squeeze strength needed by an average man's or woman's squeeze strength. The regulating means may be a recess or other regulating formation such for example as a slot in the top. The top may be one in which the recess has two inclined sides, and in which the inclination of the two sides facilitates a smooth upwards sliding opening action due to the two sides co-operating with a bead on the body portion.

Thirdly, the container may be provided with identification means which identifies the two opposed locations where the container needs to be squeezed to be unlocked and opened. The identification means may be a moulded sign. Other types of identification means may be employed. An adult will thus be able to identify where to squeeze the lid, whereas a child will not. Furthermore, a child will typically press on just one of the two opposed locations, or anywhere around the circumference, and will thus be unsuccessful in opening the container. Fourthly, the container may be one in which the container has no outer gaps, where the top meets the body portion. So, a young child using their small fingers or teeth cannot pry open the container, whereby access by the child to the inside of the container is prevented.

The container may be one in which the locking means is a clip locking means. The clip locking means may be advantageous in that it is able to make audible sounds. One audible sound may indicate that the top has successfully been locked onto the body portion. Another audible sound may indicate that the top has been unlocked and opened from the body portion. The audible sound indicating the successful locking may be a click. The audible sound indicating the successful unlocking and opening may be a different sound, such for example as a pop. If desired, the audible sounds may be the same but they are preferably different because they then give a user a clear audible indication that the required action has been achieved. Known child-resistant containers do not have such user-informing audible sounds.

The clip locking means may comprise at least one clip formation on the top, and a bead or recess on the body portion. The clip formation may be on the inner surface of a sidewall on the top. There may be one of the clip formations on each of two opposite sides of the top.

The clip locking means may alternatively comprise at least one abutment member on the top, and at least one recess in the body portion. In this case, the container may be one in which there is one of the abutment members on each of two opposite sides of the top, and in which there is one of the recesses in each of the two opposite sides of the body portion or a continuous recess around the body portion.

Typically, the squeeze-operated opening means operates by squeezing the top in the two opposed locations simultaneously using a pincer hand movement.

The top may be a press fit on the body portion. The body portion may have a circumferential sidewall and a groove in an outer surface of the body portion. The top may have an upper portion and a circumferential sidewall. The upper portion may be made of a plastics material such that the circumferential sidewall of the top is pressable into the groove in the outer surface, thereby to cause the top to separate from the body portion with a sliding action.

The container may have circumferential spaced portions for releasably securing the top onto a cooperating raised surface on the body portion. The releasable securing may be affected by releasable securing means in the form of a snap-in releasable arrangement.

The container may be one in which the container comprises sealing means which is such that the container seals automatically on closing. The container sealing means may be for sealing the top on the body portion. The container may be one in which pressure caused by two drafted surfaces meeting and sliding together on closing creates the sealing means. The sealing means may be such that it causes automatic sealing when the top is pressed onto the body portion and closed due to an inner surface on the top meeting under pressure an outer surface on the open end of the body portion. The container may be one in which two mating surfaces cause the body portion open end to be splayed outwards up against an inner circumference sidewall of the top to form the sealing means. Other sealing means may be employed for example, a foil seal, or a softer plastic insert ring, a double shot in an injection moulding manufacture process for the container, or other known sealing arrangements.

The container may be one in which the container is an elliptical, oblong or square shaped container, and in which the top automatically adjusts to a set position when placing the top on the body portion.

The child resistant container may be one in which the body portion has a neck, and in which the top fits over the neck.

The top may be circular or elliptical in plan. If desired the top may be of other shapes in plan.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

Referring to <FIG> and <NUM> - <NUM>, there is shown a container <NUM> with child resistant means. The container <NUM> is circular in plan view. The container <NUM> comprises a body portion <NUM> for receiving a product. The container <NUM> also comprises a top <NUM> which is for opening and closing the body portion <NUM>. The child resistant means for the container <NUM> will be appreciated from the following description.

The container <NUM> has locking means <NUM> for locking the top <NUM> to the body portion <NUM>.

The container <NUM> also has opening means <NUM> for unlocking the locking means <NUM>, and enabling the top <NUM> to be moved to open the body portion <NUM>.

The container <NUM> is such that the locking means <NUM> is a push-operated locking means <NUM>. The locking means <NUM> operates by pushing the top <NUM> onto the body portion <NUM>.

The opening means <NUM> is a squeeze-operated opening means <NUM>. The opening means <NUM> operates by squeezing the top <NUM> in a pincer hand movement at two opposed locations, i.e. at one circumferential location on each of two opposite sides of the lid.

The container <NUM> is such that the body portion <NUM> is openable and closable by a person using only one hand on the top <NUM>. The container <NUM> is thus advantageous in that it is able to be operated with one hand, thereby enabling the person to open it with one hand. Still further, the container <NUM> is advantageous in that the locking means <NUM> is a push-operated locking means <NUM> so that the top <NUM> is able to be secured on the body portion <NUM> without screw threads. Screw threads are traditionally employed on known child resistant containers. The elimination of the screw threads eliminates a plurality of crevices which are formed by the screw threads and which can be difficult to clean and are available for harbouring germs. The germs may be any type of germs dangerous for humans, and the term "germs" is used herein broadly to cover all germs, infections, bacteria and viruses etc. likely to be found on a known child resistant container. The elimination of the screw threads may also simplify the tooling required for the manufacture of the container <NUM>. Furthermore, moulding cycle speeds may be increased, and moulding tools may require less maintenance.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the size of the container <NUM> is such that an adult's hand <NUM> pan reach both locations forming the opening means <NUM> on the top <NUM>, simultaneously to squeeze the container <NUM> open. The size of the container <NUM> is such that a young child's hand <NUM> cannot reach both locations forming the opening means <NUM> on the top <NUM>, simultaneously to squeeze the container <NUM> open.

The locking means <NUM> is a clip locking means <NUM>. The clip locking means <NUM> comprises at least one clip formation <NUM> on the top <NUM>, and a bead <NUM> on the body portion <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>.

As can be appreciated from <FIG>, there are two of the clip formations <NUM>, with one of the clip formations <NUM> being on each of two opposite sides of the top <NUM>. Each clip formation <NUM> is on the inner surface of a sidewall <NUM> on the top <NUM>.

The body portion <NUM> has a neck <NUM>. The top <NUM> fits over the neck <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> <FIG>, it will be seen that the container <NUM> has ramps <NUM> which are smooth in construction in order to prevent a build-up of dirt and/or germs, and which can also easily be thoroughly cleaned. The ramps <NUM> are shown as circular ramps but they may be of other shapes if desired, for example square or oblong.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is shown a second container <NUM> with child resistant means. The container <NUM> is elliptical in plan. Similar parts as in the container <NUM> have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

In the container <NUM>, the locking means <NUM> is a clip locking means <NUM> and it comprises at least one abutment member <NUM> on the top <NUM>, and at least one recess <NUM> formed in the outer surface of the neck <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. There is one of the abutment members <NUM> on each of two opposite sides of the top <NUM>. There is one of the recesses <NUM> on each of the same two opposite sides of the body portion <NUM>. Each recess <NUM> has an upper wall portion <NUM> over which the abutment members <NUM> clip.

In use, the containers <NUM>, <NUM> are operated to provide two different facilities. One facility is that of locking and unlocking. The other facility is that of opening and closing.

With regard to the facility of locking and unlocking, the locking is due to the fact that each clip formation <NUM> on the inner surface of the sidewall <NUM> on the top <NUM> has a draft angle <NUM> which corresponds with a similar draft angle <NUM> on the bead <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. When the elliptical shaped container <NUM> top <NUM> is pressed down onto the body portion <NUM>, the top <NUM> automatically aligns to the base <NUM> elliptical shape which ensures abutment members <NUM> on the top <NUM> and upper wall portion <NUM> on the body portion <NUM> are opposite each other. The draft angle <NUM> on the top <NUM> meets the draft angle <NUM> on the bead <NUM> of the container <NUM> or the upper wall portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. This enables the two draft angles <NUM>, <NUM> to meet and clip over each other. The top <NUM> is locked on to the body portion <NUM> by the flat side <NUM> of inner sidewall <NUM> on the top <NUM>, and the flat side <NUM> of the bead <NUM> on the body portion <NUM> meeting and preventing the top <NUM> from moving upwards on the base <NUM> to open.

With regard to the facility of locking and unlocking, the top <NUM> is unlocked by simultaneously squeezing the sides of the top <NUM> at the two opposite locations <NUM>. The side walls <NUM> move inwardly into the recess <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. This distortion of the side walls <NUM> will flare the opposing side walls outwards at the position of the inner sidewall <NUM> of the top <NUM>, allowing the flat side <NUM> of inner side wall <NUM> on the top <NUM> and the flat side <NUM> of the bead <NUM> on the body portion <NUM> to part. The top <NUM> can then move upwards on the body portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, to open the container <NUM>, <NUM>.

With regard to the facility of opening and closing, the top <NUM> is a press fit on the body portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> has a circumferential sidewall <NUM> and a groove <NUM> in an outer surface <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM>. The top <NUM> has an upper portion <NUM> and a circumferential sidewall <NUM>. Each container <NUM>, <NUM> is such that the sidewall <NUM> of the top <NUM> overlaps the sidewall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> when the top is on the body portion <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. The body portion <NUM> and the top <NUM> are both made of a plastics material. The body portion <NUM> may be made of other materials such for example as glass, wood or a metal. The body portion <NUM> and the top <NUM> are of a thickness such that the sidewall <NUM> of the top <NUM> is pressable into the groove <NUM> in the outer surface <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. This is in order to cause the top <NUM> to separate from the body portion <NUM> with a sliding action. During the sliding action, the raised surface <NUM> slides over the part <NUM> on the body portion <NUM> to be released from the side <NUM> of the circumferential spaced portions <NUM> on the top <NUM>.

With regard to the facility of unlocking, the top <NUM> is unlocked by squeezing the sides of the top <NUM> at the two opposite locations <NUM> simultaneously. Squeezing sidewalls of the top <NUM> other than at the opposite locations <NUM> will not unlock the container, as the sidewall <NUM> of the top <NUM> overlaps the bead <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> and will not engage with the draft side <NUM> on the body portion <NUM> to force the top <NUM> away from the body portion <NUM>. As best appreciated from <FIG>, the sidewall <NUM>, other than the unlocking adjacent areas <NUM> of the top <NUM>, will when squeezed press against the bead <NUM> on body portion <NUM>, prevent the top <NUM> sidewall <NUM> from movement and therefore unlocking.

As can be best seen from <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the recess <NUM> is defined by two sides <NUM> on the open end of the top <NUM>. The length of the recess <NUM> forms regulating means for regulating the squeeze strength needed by an average man's or woman's squeeze strength. The length of the recess helps to control the flexibility of the sidewall <NUM> at the opening means locations <NUM> on the top <NUM>. The squeezing pressure required to deform sidewall <NUM> at the opening means <NUM> location and engage with the draft side <NUM> on the body portion <NUM> to force the top <NUM> away from the body portion <NUM> and unlock the container <NUM>, <NUM>, is able to be regulated and synchronized to suit an average man's or woman's squeeze strength. As shown, the two sides <NUM> of the recess <NUM> are inclined. This inclination facilitates a smooth sliding opening action due to the two sides <NUM> co-operating with the bead <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>.

As can best be seen from <FIG> and <FIG>, the groove <NUM> is defined by a pair of sides <NUM>, <NUM>. The side <NUM> is the side of the groove <NUM> nearest the bottom of the body portion <NUM>. This side <NUM> is a concave side. However, if desired, the side <NUM> could also be a flat side, but angled in relation to the sidewall <NUM> on the top <NUM>. The side <NUM> engages the sidewall <NUM> of the top <NUM> and forces the top <NUM> away from the body portion <NUM> as the sidewall <NUM> of the top <NUM> is pressed at the locations <NUM> into the groove <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>.

With regard to the facility of opening and closing, the closing is affected when the top <NUM> is pressed onto the body portion <NUM>. More specifically, when placing the top <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>, the sidewall <NUM> on the spaced portions <NUM> of the top <NUM> rests against the sidewall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. When downward pressure is applied to the surface <NUM> of the top <NUM> to effect closing of the containers <NUM>, <NUM>, the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> slide over each other and are captured as a snap over fit by the side wall <NUM> on the spaced portions <NUM> of the top <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>.

The containers <NUM>, <NUM> comprise sealing means for sealing the top <NUM> on the body portion <NUM>. More specifically, the containers <NUM>, <NUM> are such that sealing occurs automatically when the top <NUM> is closed due to the drafted surface <NUM> on the open end of the top <NUM> meeting under pressure the drafted surface <NUM> on the open end of the body portion <NUM>, causing the outer sidewall <NUM> to splay outwards and push against the inner edge <NUM> of the top <NUM>. The surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> form the main sealing means. The two surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> meet under a constant pressure caused by the two drafted surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> meeting and sliding together under a constant pressure caused by the top-engaging part <NUM> of the circumferential spaced portions <NUM> of the top <NUM> and the defined side <NUM> in the groove <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>, sliding together and being retained.

Claim 1:
A container (<NUM>) with child resistant means, which container (<NUM>) comprises:
(i) a body portion (<NUM>) for receiving a product;
(ii) a top (<NUM>) for opening and closing the body portion (<NUM>);
(iii) locking means (<NUM>) for locking the top (<NUM>) to the body portion (<NUM>); and
(iv) opening means (<NUM>) for unlocking the locking means (<NUM>) and enabling the top (<NUM>) to be moved to open the body portion (<NUM>),
and the container (<NUM>) being such that:
(v) the locking means (<NUM>) is a push-operated locking means (<NUM>) which operates by pushing the top (<NUM>) onto the body portion (<NUM>);
(vi) the opening means (<NUM>) is a squeeze-operated opening means (<NUM>) which operates by simultaneously squeezing sidewalls of the top (<NUM>) at two opposed locations (<NUM>) only; wherein
(vii) the push operated locking means (<NUM>) and the squeeze operated opening means (<NUM>) enable the body portion (<NUM>) to be closable and openable using only one hand on the top (<NUM>) and without having to rotate the top (<NUM>) relative to the body portion (<NUM>);
characterised in that:
(viii) the container (<NUM>) has a recess (<NUM>) defined by two sides (<NUM>) on the open end of the top (<NUM>), the length of the recess forming regulating means to regulate the squeeze strength required to deform the body portion (<NUM>).