Selectably Lockable Case

A lockable package can include a case and an insert. The case and insert can collectively include engagement and receiving mechanisms to provide the lockable package with a locking feature. When the engagement and receiving mechanisms are engaged, the insert can be substantially immobilized, and access to the items stored in or on the insert can thereby be limited. The case can include a lock deactivation feature for disabling the locking feature of the lockable package. The receiving or engagement mechanisms can be included on a slideable insert for moving the mechanisms in and out of a functioning position. If the mechanisms are out of position, then the receiving and engagement mechanisms can not engage, thereby preventing the insert from being locked into the case.

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Description
RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Number 60/938,623, filed May 17, 2007, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lockable packaging. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to adjustable mechanisms for use with a selectably lockable case.

BACKGROUND

Child-resistant or lockable containers, wherein multiple movements are required to open the container, have many uses. One use for a lockable container is to control the dispensing of medicine and medicaments in the form of pills and tablets. For example, locking caps on medicine bottles are well known. The typical locking cap mechanism requires a coordinated alignment and tipping, or axial pressure, or inward radial squeezing while turning the cap to remove it from its container in order to access the medicaments.

By way of another example, medicines are packaged in convenient flat boxes, which are difficult to secure with child-resistant features. Many medicaments in the form of tablets are sold in blister packs—blisters formed on a sheet sealed by a barrier that is punctured when extracting a tablet from a blister. When a typical cardboard flat box holding one or more blister packs is opened the entire contents of the package is exposed, making all of the tablets immediately available. The dangers posed by children with access to a large quantity of tablets not intended for their consumption is self evident.

SUMMARY

The illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a child-resistant lockable container for storage and dispensing of medications packaged with a slideable member that holds items, for example, a tray, a drawer with compartments, a blister card, a blister pack, or the like (“slideable card”). The slideable card is illustrated as a conventional blister package, but the slideable member can be a tray, a slideable package, or any other packaging, as is known to those skilled in the art. The lockable container is illustrated as a two-piece molded plastic container closed on three sides to form a void that receives the slideable card. The slideable card slideably translates through the open fourth side of the lockable container. Posts molded on one piece of the lockable container are connected, and in some embodiments sealed or welded, with the corresponding hollow cylinders molded on the other piece of the lockable container. Other attachment mechanisms can be used, and use of such other mechanisms is contemplated.

The lockable container can include one or more locking features. The locking features can include engagement mechanisms formed on one or both of the two pieces of the lockable container. The engagement mechanisms can include, for example, one or more posts, apertures, catches, lips, hooks, adhesives, metallic and/or magnetic surfaces, VELCRO® fasteners, or other mechanisms (“post”). When the slideable card is inserted into the container, the engagement mechanisms can engage receiving mechanisms formed on or in the slideable card. The receiving mechanisms can include, for example, one or more apertures, posts, catches, lips, hooks, adhesives, metallic and/or magnetic surfaces, VELCRO® fasteners, or other mechanisms (“aperture”). A release button is located on the lockable container, and is positioned proximate to the post. A means for biasing, such as ribs and/or springs, can be located proximate the engaging or receiving mechanisms to exert a compressive force upon, and thereby urge, the engaging mechanism to engage the receiving mechanism. Pressing the release button manipulates the slideable card to disengage the engaging and receiving mechanisms so that the slideable card can be slideably removed.

At times, it may be desirable to deactivate the locking features of the lockable container. Therefore, the lockable container is equipped with a lock deactivation feature, several embodiments of which are herein disclosed and described. The lock deactivation feature can be integrated or can be attached to the lockable container. In one embodiment, a slideable spacer can be included in the lockable container. The slideable spacer can include a lock release that is slideable into a position adjacent the locking post. When the lock release is in this position, the locking aperture of the slideable element is prevented from completely engaging the locking post.

In another embodiment, a slideable locking post is included in the lockable container. When the slideable locking post is placed into a first position, the locking aperture of the slideable element can engage the slideable locking post. When the slideable locking post is placed into a second position, the locking aperture of the slideable element cannot engage the slideable locking post. As such, when the slideable locking post is in the second position, the locking feature of the lockable container is effectively disabled.

In another embodiment, a slideable composite locking mechanism includes a biasing element and a locking post. When the slideable composite locking mechanism is placed into a first position, the locking aperture of the slideable element can engage the composite locking mechanism. When the slideable composite locking mechanism is placed into a second position, the locking aperture of the slideable element cannot engage the slideable locking post of the slideable composite locking mechanism. As such, when the slideable composite locking mechanism is in the second position, the locking feature of the lockable container is effectively disabled.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a storing and dispensing system can include a case and a sliding element. The sliding element can include a first locking element. The case can include a first side and a second side matingly connected to form a void for receiving the sliding element. The case can include an open end to permit the sliding element to translate between a first position and a second position. The case can also include a channel to receive a slideable spacer associated with an internal locking mechanism and an access port proximate to the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer. The case can also include a release proximate to the internal locking mechanism.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, the first locking element includes at least one locking aperture.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a slideable spacer can be positioned within the channel and can extend therefrom.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the sliding element can further include a hinge.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the sides includes a second locking element configured to releasably engage the first locking element.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the sliding element further includes a spacer aperture.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the slideable spacer further includes at least one locking post.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the slideable spacer further includes a locking post and a biasing element configured to urge the sliding element against the locking post.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, the second locking element includes at least one locking post.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the sides includes a biasing element proximate the at least one slideable locking post and configured to urge the sliding element against the at least one slideable locking post.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, at least one of the sides includes a biasing element proximate to the at least one locking post, and configured to urge the sliding element against the at least one locking post.

These and further features will be described with reference to the drawings and the description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary selectably lockable container, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the partially assembled elements of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the selectably lockable container of FIG. 2 with the exemplary internal locking mechanism in an activated configuration, and showing, in phantom, the internal locking mechanism in a deactivated configuration.

FIG. 4 is a transparent view of the lockable container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an exemplary selectably lockable container, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows the selectably lockable container of FIG. 5 with an exemplary internal locking mechanism in an activated configuration, and showing, in phantom, the internal locking mechanism in a deactivated configuration.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an exemplary selectably lockable container, according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of the lockable container of FIG. 7, partially assembled.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of the partially assembled elements of FIG. 7.

 DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

It is also contemplated that the present disclosure is not limited to the pharmaceutical-related goods referenced with the illustrated embodiments, but is applicable to any small, delicate, sensitive, or portable item. Examples of such items include all manner of consumable products such as candy, food, vitamins, and the like; all manner of personal care products such as contact lens, birth control devices, smoking cessation patches, hearing aid batteries, and the like; and any item that can fit within a portable container. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the trays and blister packs referenced with the illustrated embodiments, but is applicable to any slideable tray, card, rack, pack, pouch, and the like to or within which an item of any sort may be held, stored, attached, secured or otherwise associated.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like features throughout, there are illustrated embodiments of the present disclosure. Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of an exemplary lockable package 10 (also referred to as a “lockable container”). As illustrated, the lockable package 10 holds a sliding element 12 within a selectively lockable case 14 (“case”). As explained above, the sliding element 12 can be a tray, a blister pack, a pouch, a drawer, a card, a rack, or the like (“slideable element,” “card,” or “tray”) The case 14 comprises a base 16 and a top 18. A release button 20 is defined by an aperture 22. The aperture 22 surrounds the release button 20, except for a hinge 24 that connects the release button 20 to the base 16. The portion of the release button 20 that is moveable, i.e., the portion of the release button 20 that is opposite the hinge 24 and bound by the aperture 22, is referred to as the free end 26. The inside edge of the free end 26 includes an extended rim 28. Pushing inwardly on the free end 26 of the release button 20 pushes the extended rim 28 inwardly to free an engaged tray 12, as explained in detail below. As best shown in FIG. 4, the case 14 can have at least one open end 29 through which the sliding element 12 can move.

The base 16 includes internal elements that form an internal locking mechanism. A locking post 30 with an engaging edge 32 is located proximate the release button 20. Positioned along a base end wall 34 is a spacer channel 36, configured to slideably receive a slideable spacer 38. Integral to both the base 16 and top 18 are means for attaching 40, explained in detail below. Also integral to the base 16 and/or the top 18 is an optional end cap 42.

The base 16, the top 18, or both, can include means for attaching 40. As illustrated, the base 16 and top 18 can be permanently or temporarily attached by cylinders 44 that matingly engage pins 46 (not shown), base side walls 48 that engage top side walls 50, combinations thereof, or the like. More specifically, the side walls 48 can include engaging tabs 52 that connect to tab apertures 54 located on the top side walls 50. In this manner, the base 16 and top 18 can be snapped together to form a case 14. After or during assembly, the base 16 and the top 18 that form the case 14 can be permanently welded together.

The illustrated sliding element 12 may be a tray or a blister card, including blisters, configured to hold items. The sliding element 12 includes a locking post receiver or locking aperture 56, a spacer aperture 58, and an optional hinge 60. Here, the locking aperture 56 is configured to cooperatively engage the sliding element 12 to the base 16 to prevent removal of the tray 12 from the case 14. As will be explained in further detail below, the locking aperture 56 is positioned to cooperatively engage the post 30 to prevent movement or translation of the card 12 until the card 12 is released by pressing or otherwise manipulating the release button 20. The hinge 60, if included, provides additional flexibility to the engaging end of the sliding element 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a configuration wherein the slideable spacer 38 is positioned within the spacer channel 36. The slideable spacer 38 can include a lock release 62. In FIG. 3, the lock release 62 is located in the spacer aperture 58. When the lock release 62 is located in this position, the locking aperture 56 is allowed to interface with and engage the locking post 30, thereby locking the slideable element 12.

Also illustrated in FIG. 3 (using phantom lines), is a configuration in which the lock release 62 is not located in the spacer aperture 58. In this configuration, the lock release 62 is offset from the spacer aperture 58 and interferes with the locking post 30 by preventing the locking post 30 from interfacing with and engaging the locking aperture 56. The lock release 62 thereby prevents the card 12 from being locked into position. Alternatively, the lock release 62 can release the card 12 from a locked position by lifting the end of the card 12 to disengage the locking aperture 56 from the locking post 30. When the lock release 62 is in this orientation, the sliding element 12 is not attached to the base 16 because the locking aperture 56 is prevented from engaging, or is disengaged from, the locking post 30.

A biasing element 64 is visible in FIG. 4. The biasing element 64 provides a means for urging the locking aperture 56 to mount the locking post 30. In FIG. 4, the illustrated biasing element 64 is a rib. Additional means for biasing 64 include leaf springs, dagger springs, and similar configurations that exert a compressive force on the card 12 to engage or remain engaged with the locking post 30. As will be understood, the means for biasing 64 does not have to be opposite the locking post 30. Instead, the means for biasing 64 and the locking post 30 are merely configured to cooperatively engage the locking aperture 56 of the sliding element 12.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, releasing a locked tray 12 from the locking post 30 will be described. To release the locked tray 12 from the locking post 30, the release button 20 is pressed into the case 14. When the release button 20 is pressed, the rim 28 lifts the end of the card 12 until the locking aperture 56 is lifted over the locking post 30. Simultaneously, the opposite or free end of the card 12 can be grasped and pulled to access at least the first item. The card 12 can continue to be fully extracted, or indexed, or otherwise metered as taught in other application filed by the present applicant.

The locking post 30 includes an engaging edge 32 that engages the locking aperture 56 when the card 12 is fully inserted within the case 14, and holds the tray 12 to prevent outward movement until the release button 20 is pressed and the rim 28 disengages the aperture 56 from the post 30. After an item is removed from the case 14, the card 12 can be slid inwardly and returned within the sleeve 14. Reinserting the card 12, the sloping upper face 66 of the post 30 lifts and urges the engaging end of the card 12, optionally along the hinge 60, if included, so the aperture 56 can receivingly mount the post 30 as the card 12 is fully reinserted in the case 14. When fully inserted, the aperture 56 substantially surrounds and engages the post 30.

The illustrated embodiments and description presented above include the advantages of a lockable container 10. However, under certain condition the locking feature isn't desired. For example, while a lockable container 10 holds medication in blister packs there may not be children in the vicinity to access the lockable container 10. Alternatively, children may be in the vicinity of the lockable container 10 only during limited times. In these circumstances it may be desirable to deactivate the locking or child resistance features so that the user, presumably an adult who owns the lockable container 10 and its contents or for whom the contents are intended, can access the contents without repeatedly manipulating the child-resistant features.

To prevent locking of the lockable container 10, the slideable spacer 38 can be manipulated from the access port 68 to activate or deactivate the internal locking mechanisms. With a small tool such as a paper clip, pen, or similar protruding element, the user can engage the slideable spacer 38 through the access port 68. By sliding the slideable spacer 38 away from the locking post 30 and aligning the slideable spacer 38 with the spacer aperture 58, the case 14 is lockable because the locking aperture 56 of the sliding element 12 is not prohibited from engaging the locking post 30. To disengage the locking feature of the container 10, the slideable spacer 38 can be moved into a position close to the locking post 30, and not aligned with the spacer aperture 58, as illustrated in FIG. 6 with phantom lines. In this position, the case 14 is not lockable because the locking aperture 56 of the sliding element 12 is prohibited from engaging the locking post 30.

FIG. 4 best illustrates a sliding element 12 being withdrawn or reinserted into an assembled case 14. After removing an item from the tray or card 12, the sliding element 12 is fully reinserted, whether the internal locking mechanisms are activated or deactivated, and the end cap 42 can be closed.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a lockable package 10, according to the present disclosure. Elements present in this illustrated embodiment that are substantially similar to the elements present in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, have the same element numbers and so unnecessary repetition of the teaching is avoided.

The slideable locking post 70 provides the same result as described above, but functions differently by providing an engaging element that can be selectively positioned, depending on whether the user desires an activated or deactivated locking mechanism. When the locking post 70 is aligned with the locking aperture 56, the sliding element 12 is engaged and received within the selectively lockable case 14. When the locking post 70 is not aligned with the locking aperture 56, as illustrated in FIG. 6 with phantom lines, the sliding element 12 is neither engaged nor secured within the selectively lockable case 14.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. This embodiment will be described with collective reference to FIGS. 7-10, though it should be appreciated that FIG. 8A illustrates this embodiment with a first means for attaching 40, and FIG. 8B illustrates the embodiment with a second means for attaching 40. To avoid unnecessary repetition, where substantially similar elements have been described above, the same numerals are used in conjunction with the similar elements in the illustrated embodiments.

A slideable composite locking mechanism 72 includes a locking post 74 and a biasing element 76. The top 18 includes the additional elements of a lock signal 78, while the base 16 includes the additional elements of a support rib 80 and a receiving element 82. The sliding element 12 includes the additional element of a receiving aperture 84.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, operation of the locking mechanism 72 is illustrated. As explained above, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B are substantially similar, though the illustrated embodiments show two alternative means for attaching 40 that can be used to assemble the base 16 to the top 18. In FIG. 8A, the sliding element 12 is illustrated in a partially inserted configuration. In the illustrated configuration, the locking aperture 56 has not yet engaged the locking post 74. As the sliding element 12 is further inserted into the case 14, the locking aperture 56 will eventually engage the locking post 74. As the slideable element 12 is inserted, the slideable element 12 will contact the biasing element 76. The biasing element 76 will urge the slideable element 12, or a portion thereof, toward the locking post. Once the sliding element 12 is completely inserted, the biasing element 76 will hold the locking aperture 56 in a locked position whereat the locking aperture 56 engages the locking post 74, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. In FIG. 8B, the sliding element 12 has been locked into position. To release the sliding element 12 from a locked position, the release button 20 can be manipulated in a manner substantially similar to that explained above with respect to FIGS. 1-6.

As explained above, the locking feature of the package 10 can be selectively deactivated. To deactivate the locking feature of the package 10 illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, the locking mechanism 72 is moved into the position illustrated in FIG. 8A and illustrated in phantom lines in FIG. 8B. In this position, the locking aperture 56 can no longer be engaged by the locking post 74. Therefore, the slideable element 12 can be translated into and out of the case 14 as desired without any manipulation of the release button 20.

The slideable locking mechanism 72 is accessible through the access port 68, and can be slid between activated and deactivated positions. The mechanism 72 is positioned so that the locking aperture 56 is mounted to the locking post 74 and held in that position by a biasing element 76, here illustrated as a spring. As shown in FIG. 9, when a single indicator is viewable through the lock signal 78, the sliding element 12 is engaged and secured within the case 14. Should a user desire to operate the case 14 with the internal locking mechanism disengaged, the user releases the sliding element 12 as described above and, by accessing the composite mechanism 72 through the access port 68, slides the composite mechanism 72 so that the locking post 74 does not align with the locking aperture 56. When the composite mechanism 72 is placed into this position, a double indicator is viewable through the lock signal 78, as shown in FIG. 10. The double indicator informs the user that the sliding element 12 is disengaged and not secured within the case 14.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

1. A storing and dispensing system, comprising:

a case and a slideable element; the slideable element comprising a first engagement mechanism; the case comprising: a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving the slideable element; a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the slideable element is at least partially passed; a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with a second engagement mechanism; and, an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first engagement mechanism comprises an aperture.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a slideable spacer positioned within the channel and extending therefrom.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein one of the sides includes a second engagement mechanism configured to engage the first engagement mechanism.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein one of the side further comprises a release proximate the second engagement mechanism.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the slideable element further comprises a spacer aperture.

7. The system of claim 3, wherein the second engagement mechanism is operatively coupled to the slideable spacer.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the slideable spacer further comprises biasing element.

9. The system of claim 5, wherein the second engagement mechanism comprises a post.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the case further comprises a biasing element.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the biasing element is proximate the second engagement mechanism.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the slideable element comprises a blister package.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the lockable case further comprises a package status indicator.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the package status indicator comprises a port formed in the case.

15. A lockable case, comprising:

a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism;
a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed;
a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with a second engagement mechanism;
an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer; and
a release proximate the second engagement mechanism for selectively disengaging the first engagement mechanism from the second engagement mechanism.

16. The case of claim 15, further comprising a slideable spacer positioned within the channel and extending therefrom.

17. The case of claim 15, wherein the second engagement mechanism is formed at one of the sides.

18. The case of claim 15, wherein the second engagement mechanism is operatively coupled to the slideable spacer.

19. The case of claim 15, wherein the slideable spacer further comprises biasing element.

20. The case of claim 15, wherein the second engagement mechanism comprises a post.

21. The case of claim 15, wherein the slideable element comprises a blister package.

22. A method of deactivating a lockable case, comprising:

providing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising: a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism; a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which a received slideable element is at least partially passed; a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with a second engagement mechanism; and an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer; and
moving the slideable spacer to a disengagement position, whereat at the first engagement mechanism is at least partially prevented from engaging the second engagement mechanism.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the second engagement mechanism is operatively coupled to the slideable spacer.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the slideable spacer further comprises a biasing element.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the lockable case further comprises a package status indicator.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the package status indicator comprises a port formed in the case.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the slideable element comprises a blister package.

28. A method of selectively activating a lockable case, comprising:

accessing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising: a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism;
a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed;
a second engagement mechanism positioned substantially within the void;
a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with the second engagement mechanism;
an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer;
accessing the slidable spacer through the access port; and,
moving the slidable space a distance away from the second engagement mechanism, such that the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism are not prevented from engaging when the slidable element is inserted into the case.

29. A method of selectively deactivating a lockable case, comprising:

accessing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising: a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism; a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed; a second engagement mechanism positioned substantially within the void; a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer associated with the second engagement mechanism; an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer; accessing the slidable spacer through the access port; and, moving the slidable spacer a distance sufficiently close to the second engagement mechanism that the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism are prevented from engaging when the slidable clement is inserted into the case.

30. A method of selectively activating a lockable case, comprising:

accessing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising: a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism;
a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed;
a channel configured to receive a slideable engagement mechanism;
an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable engagement mechanism;
accessing the slidable engagement mechanism through the access port; and,
positioning the slidable spacer such that the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism are substantially aligned and the engagement mechanisms engage when the slidable element is inserted into the case.

31. A method of selectively deactivating a lockable case, comprising:

accessing a lockable case, the lockable case comprising: a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving a slidable element with a first engagement mechanism; a slideable element insertion slot proximate the void through which the received slideable element is at least partially passed; a channel configured to receive a slideable engagement mechanism; an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable engagement mechanism; accessing the slidable spacer through the access port; and, positioning the slidable spacer such that the first engagement mechanism and the second engagement mechanism are substantially misaligned and the engagement mechanisms are prevented from engaging when the slidable element is inserted into the case.

32. A package for storing items, comprising:

a case and a slideable card configured to hold at least one item; the slideable card comprising a locking aperture;
the case comprising: a plurality of sides connected to form a void for receiving the slideable card; a case opening proximate the void through which the slideable card is at least partially passed; a channel configured to receive a slideable spacer; a slidable spacer positioned within said channel; and an access port proximate the channel configured to allow access to the slideable spacer.

33. The package of claim 32, wherein one of the sides includes a locking post configured to engage the locking aperture.

34. The package of claim 33, wherein one of the sides further comprises a release proximate the locking post.

35. The package of claim 32, wherein the locking post is operatively coupled to the slideable spacer.

36. The package of claim 35, wherein the slideable spacer further comprises biasing element.

37. The package of claim 33, wherein the case further comprises a biasing element proximate the locking post.

38. The package of claim 32, wherein the lockable case further comprises a package status indicator.

Patent History
Publication number: 20080283434
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 15, 2008
Publication Date: Nov 20, 2008
Inventor: John A. Gelardi (Wake Forest, NC)
Application Number: 12/014,485
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Sliding (206/468); With Indicator (i.e., Variable Information Exhibiting Means) (206/459.1); With Structural Locking Modification (206/1.5); Receptacle (70/63)
International Classification: B65D 73/00 (20060101); B65D 85/00 (20060101); B65D 55/02 (20060101); B65D 55/14 (20060101);