Patent Description:
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.

<CIT>) discloses a safety closure having a snap-on cap which is held in place on a container by a rotary safety ring and which cannot be removed without first removing the ring from the cap.

In an embodiment, there is provided a container system according to claim <NUM>.

In another embodiment, there is provided a container system according to claim <NUM>.

In another embodiment, there is provided a lidded locking mechanism according to claim <NUM>.

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.

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 <NUM>"). 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 <NUM> enclosed at its top end <NUM> by a disc-shaped lid <NUM>. In an embodiment, the container <NUM> may comprise a body portion comprising at least one sidewall <NUM> which extends upwardly from a generally flat bottom wall <NUM>. The bottom wall <NUM> may enclose the bottom end <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The bottom wall <NUM> may be permanently affixed to the bottom end <NUM> of the container <NUM> in an embodiment. In other embodiments, the bottom wall <NUM> may be removable. In one embodiment, the bottom wall <NUM> may have a larger diameter than the sidewall <NUM> of the container <NUM> (i.e. such as in the case of a double-crimped end), but in other embodiments the bottom wall <NUM> may have the same or substantially the same diameter as the sidewall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. That is, in some embodiments, the perimeter of the bottom wall <NUM> is flush with or substantially flush with the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM>. In embodiments wherein the bottom wall <NUM> has the same or substantially the same diameter as the sidewall <NUM>, the slide ring <NUM> (discussed below) may be fully removed from the container by sliding it downwardly against the sidewall <NUM> and over the bottom wall <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the container <NUM> comprises an open top end <NUM> and an upper rim <NUM>. The rim <NUM> 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 <FIG>). The rim <NUM>, in an embodiment, has a larger diameter than the sidewall <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

While the container is described as having a generally cylindrical sidewall <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, bottom wall <NUM>, and lid <NUM>. For example, the container sidewall <NUM> may be paper-based, the bottom wall <NUM> may be paper-based or metal, the lid <NUM> 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 <NUM>, bottom wall <NUM>, and lid <NUM>. 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 <NUM> and bottom end <NUM> may be paper-based and the lid <NUM> and the slide ring <NUM> may be plastic.

In an embodiment, the lid <NUM> may be shaped and configured to fit onto the top end <NUM> of the container <NUM>, over the rim <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may have a shape and diameter which is configured to snap-fit onto the rim <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the lid <NUM> 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 <NUM> may have an upper or outer surface <NUM> and a lower or inner surface <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> may be the product-facing surface and the outer surface <NUM> may be the consumer-facing surface of the lid.

The lid <NUM> may be reclosable in some embodiments. That is, after initial removal of the lid <NUM> from the container <NUM>, the lid may be replaced onto the rim <NUM> of the container <NUM> through a snap-fit or other connection.

In an embodiment a peelable membrane (not shown) may be adhered to the rim <NUM> of the container <NUM>, between the lid <NUM> and the container <NUM>. The peelable membrane may be removable and the lid <NUM> may be replaced upon the rim <NUM> after removal of the membrane, in some embodiments.

In an embodiment, the lid <NUM> may comprise a downwardly-extending (vertically toward the container) flange. The flange may be shaped and configured to snap-fit over the rim <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In other embodiments, the lid <NUM> may be configured to rest atop the rim <NUM> of the container, as shown in <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the lid <NUM> comprises a peripheral portion <NUM> which extends about its circumference. The peripheral portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM> may comprise a height H (which may be the same height as the lid <NUM>) and a width W. The lid <NUM> may have a diameter (i.e. width) which is larger than the diameter of the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM>, in an embodiment. The width W of the peripheral portion <NUM> may comprise the distance from approximately the exterior surface of the container sidewall <NUM> to the outermost edge <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. The peripheral portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM> may extend radially outwardly beyond the circumference of the sidewall <NUM>, in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the peripheral portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM> (which may comprise a flange) may comprise an internal track <NUM>. The track <NUM> may be disposed within the peripheral portion <NUM>. Access to the track <NUM> may be disposed on the underside <NUM> of the peripheral portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM>.

The track <NUM> may be circumferential within the peripheral portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM>, in an embodiment. In other embodiments, the track <NUM> may be partially or substantially circumferential within the peripheral portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM>. The track <NUM> may comprise a plurality of partially circumferential tracks <NUM> in an embodiment. For example, two or three separated tracks <NUM> may be disposed about the circumference of the peripheral portion <NUM> in an embodiment.

The track <NUM> may comprise a hollow recess into or within the peripheral portion <NUM> of the lid. In an embodiment, the track <NUM> is disposed radially outward of the sidewall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the track <NUM> is disposed vertically above the sidewall <NUM> and/or the rim <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

The track <NUM> comprises a neck-receiving portion <NUM> and a head-receiving portion <NUM>. The neck-receiving portion <NUM> may be narrower than the head-receiving portion <NUM> of the track <NUM>. The neck receiving portion <NUM> and head-receiving portion <NUM> of the track <NUM> may each have a substantially uniform width, height and depth, progressing circumferentially about the peripheral portion <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the head-receiving portion <NUM> of the track <NUM> may be generally cylindrical and circular in cross section (see <FIG>). In an embodiment, the head-receiving portion <NUM> of the track <NUM> may be sized and configured to receive a generally spherical head of a post.

In an embodiment, the neck-receiving portion <NUM> may be a three-dimensional rectangle or square and may have generally parallel sidewalls in cross section (see <FIG>). In an embodiment, the neck-receiving portion <NUM> may be sized and configured to receive an elongated neck of a post.

In an embodiment, the track <NUM> may comprise one or more cavities or insertion points <NUM> (see <FIG>). The insertion point <NUM> of the track <NUM> may have the same or a similar size, shape and configuration as the head-receiving portion <NUM> of the track <NUM>. That is, the insertion point <NUM> may not have a neck-receiving portion <NUM> and may instead extend vertically downwardly from the head-receiving portion <NUM> of the track <NUM> in a manner which is parallel to the diameter of the head-receiving portion <NUM>. Said alternatively, the neck-receiving portion of the insertion point <NUM> may be sized and shaped equivalently to the head-receiving portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the insertion point <NUM> may be substantially cylindrical and hollow. The insertion point <NUM> of the track <NUM> may be sized and configured to allow the head <NUM> of the post <NUM> to be inserted or removed from the track <NUM>. In an embodiment, the system may comprise a plurality of insertion points <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the system may comprise at least two insertion points <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the portions of the track <NUM> which are not insertion points <NUM> may be referred to as retention points <NUM> or retention regions <NUM> (see <FIG>). Retention points or regions <NUM> within the track <NUM> may retain the post <NUM> (described below) in position within the track <NUM>. Retention points or regions <NUM> may not allow insertion of the post <NUM> into the track <NUM> or removal therefrom.

In an embodiment, the container assembly additionally comprises a peripheral slide ring <NUM>. The slide ring <NUM> may be disposed on the exterior surface of the container sidewall <NUM>, in an embodiment. The slide ring <NUM> may be shaped and configured to slide upwardly and downwardly, vertically, along the exterior surface of the container sidewall <NUM>, in an embodiment. The slide ring <NUM> may also be shaped and configured to slide or rotate circumferentially along the exterior surface of the container sidewall <NUM> (i.e. clockwise or counterclockwise) in some configurations. In an embodiment, the slide ring <NUM> is cylindrical and/or mirrors the shape of the container sidewall <NUM>. In some embodiments, the diameter of the slide ring <NUM> is larger than the diameter of the container sidewall <NUM> such that the slide ring <NUM> slides or rotates smoothly about the container sidewall <NUM>. In some configurations, the slide ring <NUM> may be removable over the bottom end <NUM> of the container. Once disconnected from the lid <NUM> (see <FIG> and will be further explained), the slide ring <NUM> may slide downwardly along the sidewall <NUM> and over the bottom end <NUM> to be recycled or otherwise discarded. In an embodiment, the slide ring <NUM> may comprise a polymeric material, a paper-based material, or a combination thereof.

The vertical height of the slide ring <NUM> may vary based upon the container <NUM> height or any other factor known in the art. In an embodiment, the height of the ring <NUM> is small compared to the height of the sidewall <NUM>. In an embodiment, the height of the ring <NUM> is configured so that the ring <NUM> can be easily manipulated by a user using the methods set forth herein.

In an embodiment, the slide ring <NUM> comprises several regions along its vertical height. In an embodiment, the slide ring <NUM> may comprise a parallel region <NUM> near its lower end (nearest the base <NUM>). The parallel region <NUM> may have an internal surface <NUM> and an external surface <NUM> which are parallel to each other and to the sidewall <NUM> of the container. In this parallel region <NUM>, the internal surface <NUM> and external surface <NUM> of the ring <NUM> may be vertical. Above the parallel region <NUM>, the ring <NUM> may comprise a thickened region <NUM>. The thickened region <NUM> may comprise an internal surface <NUM> which is parallel to the container sidewall <NUM>, but an external surface <NUM> which extends angularly away from the container sidewall <NUM> such that the thickened region <NUM> is thicker in cross-section than the parallel region <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the slide ring <NUM> comprises at least one thumb tab <NUM> (see <FIG>). The thumb tab <NUM> may extend vertically downwardly from the circumferential ring portion of the slide ring <NUM>. The thumb tab <NUM> may be disposed on the lower side <NUM> of the slide ring <NUM>, closer to the bottom wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the thumb tab <NUM> may extend downwardly from the parallel region <NUM> of the slide ring <NUM>. The thumb tab <NUM> may be any shape or configuration known in the art. In an embodiment, the thumb tab <NUM> may be semi-ovular, semi-circular, square, or rectangular. In an embodiment, the thumb tab <NUM> may be sized to accommodate the size of an average adult's thumb or finger. In an embodiment, the exterior surface of the thumb tab <NUM> may have ridges or a texture which improves the gripability of the thumb tab <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the thumb tab <NUM> is designed to allow the user to maintain the position of the slide ring <NUM> against the container sidewall <NUM> while twisting the lid <NUM> circumferentially (clockwise or counterclockwise). In an embodiment, the user depresses the at least one thumb tab <NUM> against the sidewall <NUM>, which causes the ring <NUM> to resist circumferential movement. The lid <NUM> is then twisted with the opposite hand to align the locking/unlocking mechanism of the invention. The lid <NUM> can be removed from the container <NUM> once the lid and ring are unlocked.

Alternatively, the thumb tab(s) <NUM> could be utilized to grasp and circumferentially rotate the ring <NUM> while maintaining the circumferential position of the lid with the opposite hand, in an embodiment. In this embodiment, the thumb tab <NUM> may be grasped between a thumb and a finger, for example, and used to turn the ring <NUM> circumferentially to align the locking/unlocking mechanism. In an embodiment, a plurality of thumb tabs <NUM> may be provided. In an embodiment, at least two thumb tabs <NUM> are disposed on opposite sides of the ring <NUM>.

In an embodiment, on its upper end, the slide ring <NUM> comprises a post <NUM> comprising a neck <NUM> and a head <NUM> (see <FIG>). In an embodiment, the post <NUM> (more particularly, the neck <NUM> of the post <NUM>) extends upwardly from the thickened region <NUM> of the slide ring <NUM>. In an embodiment, the neck <NUM> comprises an elongated extension, extending from the upper side <NUM> of the slide ring <NUM>. In an embodiment, the neck <NUM> may be generally cylindrical. Any shape or configuration of the neck may be encompassed within the invention, however. In an embodiment, the neck <NUM> may comprise a rectangular prism, a three-dimensional oval, or a three-dimensional triangle, for example. The horizontal cross section of the neck <NUM> may comprise a circle, oval, ellipse, square, rectangle, triangle or any other shape known in the art. The sidewalls of the neck <NUM> may be parallel in a vertical cross section. The neck <NUM> may be narrower than the head <NUM> in an embodiment. The neck <NUM> may have a diameter which is smaller than the head <NUM> in an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the neck <NUM> is parallel with the sidewall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the neck <NUM> may have an internal surface <NUM> and an external surface <NUM>. In this embodiment the external surface <NUM> of the neck <NUM> may be continuous with the external surface <NUM> of the ring. The neck <NUM> may additionally have a cross-sectional thickness which is less than that of the lower portion of the ring <NUM>. In an embodiment, the cross-sectional thickness of the neck <NUM>, between its internal surface <NUM> and external surface <NUM>, is less than the thickness of the ring <NUM>, in either or both of the parallel region <NUM> and the thickened region <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the head <NUM> may be generally spherical, cylindrical, rectangular, square, ovular, elliptical, triangular, or any other shape known in the art. In an embodiment, the head <NUM> is wider than the neck <NUM>. In an embodiment, the head <NUM> has a diameter which is greater than that of the neck <NUM>. In an embodiment, the head <NUM> may be sized and configured such that it cannot pass through the neck receiving portion <NUM> of the track. In an alternate embodiment, the head <NUM> may be sized and configured such that it can pass through the neck-receiving portion <NUM> via insertion through the neck-receiving portion <NUM> (i.e. a snap-fit), but cannot be removed from the track <NUM> by pulling through the neck-receiving portion <NUM> in the reverse direction (i.e. a triangular head with one point of the triangle positioned vertically upward).

In an embodiment, the post <NUM> (and neck <NUM> and head <NUM>) is not circumferential about the entirety of the slide ring. In other embodiments, the post <NUM>, neck <NUM>, and head <NUM> are circumferential about the entirety of the slide ring. In an embodiment, the post <NUM>, neck <NUM>, and head <NUM> are positioned in a singular position along the circumference of the slide ring <NUM>. In an embodiment, a plurality of posts <NUM> are positioned along the circumference of the slide ring <NUM>. In an embodiment, at least two posts <NUM> are positioned along the circumference of the slide ring <NUM>. In an embodiment, at least three posts <NUM> are positioned along the circumference of the slide ring <NUM>. In an embodiment, the post(s) <NUM> (comprising the neck <NUM> and the head <NUM>) comprise a rail system <NUM>. In an embodiment, the vertical position of the thumb tab(s) <NUM> is aligned with the position of one or more posts <NUM>.

As noted, the slide ring <NUM> has an external surface <NUM> and an internal surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the internal surface <NUM> of the slide ring <NUM> is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM>. In an embodiment, the slide ring <NUM> additionally comprises a stop <NUM>. The stop <NUM> may comprise any structure known in the art that stops the slide ring <NUM> from being removed upwardly over the rim <NUM> of the container. In an embodiment, the stop <NUM> may be a ridge, bump, extension, or the like, which prevents the slide ring <NUM> from moving past the rim <NUM> of the container <NUM> when the slide ring <NUM> is urged upwardly. The stop <NUM> may be disposed on the internal surface <NUM> of the slide ring <NUM>, in an embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the stop <NUM> comprises a plateau or ridge extending horizontally from the inner surface <NUM> of the slide ring <NUM> toward the central portion of the slide ring <NUM>. In this embodiment, the stop <NUM> is horizontal or substantially horizontal and is adjacent the neck <NUM> of the post <NUM>. In an embodiment, the stop <NUM> and the neck <NUM> meet at an angle which is approximately ninety degrees (<NUM>°). In the embodiment shown, as the slide ring <NUM> is urged upwardly, the stop <NUM> contacts the rim <NUM> of the container. The stop <NUM> cannot move past the rim <NUM> and, accordingly, the slide ring <NUM> cannot be removed from the container in this manner. If the ring <NUM> and lid <NUM> are in a locked position (see <FIG>), pulling upwardly on the lid <NUM> would have the same result - the stop <NUM> of the ring <NUM> would prevent the user from removing either the locked lid <NUM> or the ring <NUM> from the container <NUM>.

The container assembly has a locked position (see <FIG>) and an unlocked position (see <FIG>). In the locked position, the post(s) <NUM> is disposed within the track <NUM> such that the head <NUM> cannot move downwardly through the neck-receiving portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the post <NUM> is within a retention point or region <NUM> of the track <NUM>. There may be a plurality of retention points or regions <NUM> within the track. In this locked position, if the lid <NUM> is pulled upwardly, the head <NUM> remains within the head-receiving portion <NUM> and cannot move through the narrower neck-receiving portion <NUM>. In use, at least one of the lid <NUM> or the ring <NUM> must be rotated circumferentially to move the head <NUM> into alignment with the insertion point <NUM> of the track <NUM>. Once the proper alignment of the lid <NUM> and the ring <NUM> has been achieved (see <FIG>), such that the head <NUM> is in alignment with the insertion point <NUM> of the track <NUM>, the head can be removed from the track <NUM>, through the insertion point (see <FIG>). In this embodiment, the lid <NUM> may be lifted away from the head <NUM> and ring <NUM> and/or the ring <NUM> may be lowered to separate the ring from the lid <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when the lid <NUM> and ring <NUM> are in the locked position, the lid <NUM> and the ring <NUM> may freely rotate circumferentially together, in unison, in this locked manner. In an embodiment, when the lid <NUM> and ring <NUM> are in the locked position, the fit between the post <NUM> and the track <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the ring <NUM> do not circumferentially rotate separately without applied forces. In other embodiments, the lid <NUM> and the ring <NUM> 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 <NUM> and ring <NUM> 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 <NUM> and/or lid <NUM> in order to align the head <NUM> is with the insertion point <NUM> of the track <NUM> 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 <NUM> with <NUM>") is printed on the lid <NUM>, sidewall <NUM>, and/or ring <NUM>, 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 <NUM>, sidewall <NUM>, and/or ring <NUM> 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 <NUM>, sidewall <NUM>, and/or ring <NUM>.

To properly align the elements per the code, a user may grip the thumb tab(s) <NUM> of the ring <NUM>, which retain the ring <NUM> in position, and may twist the lid <NUM> until the correct alignment is achieved. Likewise, the lid <NUM> may be held in place and the ring <NUM> 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 <NUM> and the insertion point <NUM> of the track <NUM>.

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 <NUM> or separate application of a rim <NUM>. The ring <NUM> may be formed via any method known in the art, such as via thermoforming techniques. The ring <NUM> may be placed onto the container sidewall <NUM> prior to application of the bottom end <NUM> in an embodiment. If a rim <NUM> is separately applied, it may be applied before or after placement of the ring <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may be affixed to the container as a final step after the container has been filled, either through its bottom or top end.

Claim 1:
A lidded locking mechanism comprising:
a lid (<NUM>) configured to close the open end (<NUM>) of a container, wherein the lid comprises:
a track (<NUM>) disposed at least partially circumferentially within a peripheral portion of the lid;
at least one insertion point (<NUM>) within the track; and
at least one retention region (<NUM>) within the track;
a ring (<NUM>) configured to be disposed circumferentially about the container, wherein the ring (<NUM>) comprises at least one post (<NUM>) comprising a neck (<NUM>) and a head (<NUM>) and wherein the head is larger than the neck, wherein the track (<NUM>) comprises a neck-receiving portion (<NUM>) and a head-receiving portion (<NUM>) and wherein the head-receiving portion is larger than the neck-receiving portion, and wherein the post (<NUM>) is configured to be inserted into and removed from the at least one insertion point (<NUM>) and retained within the retention region (<NUM>);
wherein at least one of the ring (<NUM>) and the lid (<NUM>) are circumferentially rotatable between a locked position, wherein the at least one post (<NUM>) is within the at least one retention region (<NUM>) and an unlocked position, wherein the at least one post (<NUM>) is within the at least one insertion point (<NUM>).