CHILD-RESISTANT CONTAINER WITH NON-CYLINDRICAL SHAPE

Abstract

Child-resistant containers are described herein having a body portion and a lid portion that can be coupled to one another. A set of fasteners can be disposed on the body or lid portion to secure the lid portion to the body portion. The fasteners can be flexed or bent which permits the lid portion to be released from the body portion.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 62/638,606, filed on Mar. 5, 2018. This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is child-resistant containers.

BACKGROUND

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Various types of containers exist in the prior art. While certain of the containers have been designed to be child-resistant, such containers typically comprise a pill bottle for storing medications. These containers can be problematic for storing non-pill products, and the child proof functionality often do not lend themselves to other shapes of containers.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Thus, there is still a need for child-resistant containers having a non-cylindrical shape.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a container comprises a body portion and a lid portion that collectively form a child-resistant container when coupled to one another.

Contemplated body portions comprise a closed bottom surface having at least one sidewall extending from the bottom surface, which collectively define an interior space of the body portion. The lid portion preferably comprises an upper closed surface having at least one sidewall extending from the surface, and that collectively defines an interior space of the lid portion.

Preferably, to close the container, the at least one wall of the lid portion is disposed about the at least one wall of the body portion such that the lid portion covers the open area of the body portion.

One or both of the lid and body portions can comprise at least one fastener configured to secure the body portion to the lid portion and thereby keep the container closed. To open the container and thereby remove the lid portion from the body portion, it is contemplated that the one or more fasteners can be depressed inwardly (i.e., toward an interior of the container), which releases a hook or tab on the fastener and permits the fastener to be removed from the lid or body portion.

The arrangement of the fasteners on the sides of the body portion that are separated by the greater distance from each other creates a distance between the fasteners that makes it more difficult for a child to depress each fastener while keeping the distance sufficiently close that an adult can use a thumb and finger on a user's hand to depress both fasteners at the same time. Because of the distance between the fasteners, a child would not be able to depress both fasteners using a single hand.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a container in an open configuration.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front, side view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of the fastener shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a left, side view of the container of FIG. 1, where the right side view is a mirror version of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top, back, perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate perspective views of another embodiment of a container shown in open and closed configurations, respectively.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate perspective views of another embodiment of a container shown in open and closed configurations, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of a child-resistant container 100 having a generally rectangular shape. Although shown with rounded corners, it is contemplated that the container could alternatively have non-rounded corners. Container 100 is preferably composed of plastic or other polycarbonates but could be formed from other commercially-suitable material(s) or combinations thereof. It is especially preferred that the container is formed of a single piece, and one that is injection-molded to reduce cost of manufacture.

Container 100 comprises a body portion 102 and a lid portion 110, which are attached to one another via a living hinge 120. As shown in the Figures, the body portion 102, lid portion 110 and living hinge 120 can be integral with one another and form a single, injection-molded piece, for example. The living hinge 120 advantageously permits the lid portion 110 to be rotated from an open configuration shown in FIG. 1 to a closed configuration where the lid portion 110 is secured on top of the body portion 102 as shown in FIG. 8.

The body portion 102 preferably comprises a closed, bottom surface 104 and at least one sidewall 106 extending upwardly from the bottom surface 104. Collectively the bottom surface 104 and at least one sidewall 106 can at least partially define a hollow interior 108 of the body portion 102.

The body portion 102 further comprises first and second fasteners 122, 124, which collectively can define a first set of fasteners. The first and second fasteners 122, 124 are configured to secure the lid portion 110 to the body portion 102 when the container 100 is in a closed position. Each of the first and second fasteners 122, 124 is preferably configured to move or flex inwardly toward an interior of the container 100 when a force is applied to the first and second fasteners 122, 124. To permit the flexing of the first and second fasteners 122, 124, the body portion 102 preferably comprises a gap or space 150 between the sidewall 106 and each fastener 122, 124. In such manner, the lid portion 110 can be released from the body portion 102 when a force is applied to the first and second fasteners 122, 124 such that they each move or flex inwardly. Each of the first and second fasteners 122, 124 is configured to return to an initial position shown in the Figures when the force is no longer applied.

In preferred embodiments, each of the first and second fasteners 122, 124 comprises a tab extending from the bottom surface 104, and an upper portion of each fastener 122, 124 hooks through the top surface 112 of the lid portion 110.

The at least one sidewall 106 is preferably disposed on the bottom surface 104 such that a lip 109 extends about at least some of the at least one sidewall 106. It is contemplated that when the lid portion 110 is disposed on top of the body portion 102, the at least one sidewall 114 of the lid portion 110 can be disposed on top of the lip 109.

The lid portion 110 preferably comprises a top surface 112 and at least one sidewall 114 extending downwardly from the top surface 112. Collectively the top surface 112 and at least one sidewall 114 can at least partially define a hollow interior 116 of the lid portion 110. In some embodiments, the at least one sidewall 114 extends about three of the sides of the lid portion 110, but does not fully extend at the fourth side closest to the living hinge 120.

The at least one sidewall 114 of the lid portion 110 can further comprise first and second cutouts 130, 132 disposed on opposing portions of the at least one sidewall 114. Preferably, each of the cutouts 130, 132 are disposed on the at least one sidewall 114 such that each cutout 130, 132 permits access to one of the first and second fasteners 122,124 when the lid portion 110 is secured with the body portion 102 in the closed configuration, such as shown in FIG. 8.

When the container 100 is in the closed configuration, the at least one sidewall 114 of the lid portion 110 is disposed outside of the hollow interior 108 and about the at least one sidewall 106 of the body portion 102.

The lid portion 110 comprises first and second apertures 134, 136, which are sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of the first and second fasteners 122, 124. Specifically, an upper portion of each of the fasteners 122, 124 is configured to be inserted into one of the apertures 134, 136, and hook on to the top surface 112 of the lid portion 110. In this manner, the body portion 102 cannot be removed from the lid portion 110 due to the upper portion of the fasteners 122, 124 being hooked to the top surface 112. To remove the lid portion 110 from the body portion 102, each of the fasteners 122, 124 is pressed or flexed inwardly (toward the hollow interior 108) which unhooks each fastener 122, 124 from the top surface 112, and allows the fasteners 122, 124 to pass through the respective aperture in the top surface 112.

Each of the first and second fasteners 122, 124 preferably comprises an elongated portion 160 that extends from the bottom surface 104 of the body portion 102. A top portion 162 can be integral with the elongated portion 160 such that they form a single piece. Preferably, each of the fasteners 122, 124 are integral with the body portion 102, and formed via injection molding with the body portion 102.

Each fastener 122, 124 preferably comprises a recessed area 164 that at least partially defines a hook 163 of the top portion 162. The recessed area 164 is preferably sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of the at least one sidewall 114 of the lid portion 110. Preferably, one of the recessed areas 164 is configured to receive the portion of the at least one sidewall 114 that is between the first cutout 130 and the first aperture 134, and the other recessed area 164 is configured to receive the portion of the at least one sidewall 114 that is between the second cutout 132 and the second aperture 136. When the portion of the sidewall 114 is disposed within the recessed area 164, the hook 163 will be inserted through one of the apertures 134, 136, and the lid portion 110 is held in place due to each fastener 122, 124 holding a portion of the sidewall 114 in the recessed area 164.

Although the embodiment of the container 100 described above contemplates the fasteners being disposed on the body portion 102, it is alternatively contemplated that the fasteners could be disposed on the lid portion 110 instead. In such embodiments, the apertures could be disposed on the body portion.

In some contemplated embodiments, the body portion 102 can comprise a set of ribs 140 disposed on the sidewall 106, which can facilitate a friction fit between the body portion 102 and lid portion 110 when the container 100 is in a closed configuration.

It is further contemplated that the body portion 102 can comprise a layer of silicone to make the container airtight when sealed.

It is also contemplated that the body portion 102 can comprise one or more cutouts 170, with a cutout disposed adjacent to a fastener 122, 124. This can facilitate a user to depress the fasteners 122, 124.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate another embodiment of a child-resistant container 200 having a body portion 202 and a lid portion 210. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, the lid portion 210 can be secured to the body portion 202 by one or more fasteners 220, 222. However, as can be seen in FIGS. 9A-9B, fastener 220 can be affixed to the body portion 202, while fastener 222 can be affixed to the lid portion 210. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the container 200 can have two sets of fasteners: (i) a first set comprising fastener 220 and one other fastener, both of which are affixed to the body portion 202, and (ii) a second set comprising fastener 222 and one other fastener, both of which are affixed to the lid portion 210.

Lid portion 210 can include one or more apertures 230 through which one of the fasteners of the body portion can be inserted, such as described above with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8. Similar to that above, a portion of the fastener 220 can be inserted through the aperture 230 and then hooked to the lid portion 210 to thereby secure the lid portion 210 to the body portion 202.

In a similar fashion, it is contemplated that the body portion 202 can also comprise one or more apertures 232, such that a portion of fastener 222 can be inserted through the aperture 232 and then hooked to the body portion 202 to thereby secure the lid portion 210 to the body portion 202.

The lid portion 210 may also include one or more cutouts to permit access to the fastener 220 when the lid portion 210 is secured to the body portion 202.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate another embodiment of a child-resistant container 300 having a body portion 302 and a lid portion 310. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, the lid portion 310 can be secured to the body portion 302 by one or more fasteners 320, 322. However, as can be seen in FIGS. 10A-10B, fastener 322 can be affixed to the body portion 302, while fastener 320 can be affixed to the lid portion 310. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the container 300 can have two sets of fasteners: (i) a first set comprising fastener 322 and one other fastener, both of which are affixed to the body portion 302, and (ii) a second set comprising fastener 320 and one other fastener, both of which are affixed to the lid portion 310.

The lid portion 310 may also include one or more cutouts to permit access to the fastener 322 when the lid portion 310 is secured to the body portion 302.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value with a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

Claims

1. A child-resistant container, comprising:

a body portion having a hollow interior and a non-cylindrical shape, wherein the body portion comprises a closed, bottom surface and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the closed, bottom surface to at least partially define the hollow interior;

a lid portion having a second hollow interior and a non-cylindrical shape, wherein the lid portion comprises a top surface and at least one sidewall extending downwardly from the closed, top surface to at least partially define the second hollow interior;

a first set of fasteners disposed on either the lid or body portion, and configured to removably secure the body portion to the lid portion in a closed configuration where the lid portion is disposed on top of the body portion such that the at least one sidewall of the lid portion surrounds the at least one sidewall of the body portion;

wherein each of the first set of fasteners is configured to move or flex inwardly toward an interior of the container when a force is applied, and wherein the lid portion can be released from the body portion when each of the first set of fasteners moves or flexes inwardly; and

wherein each of the first set of fasteners is configured to return to an initial position when the force is no longer applied.

2. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the body portion and lid portion are connected to one another via a living hinge.

3. The child-resistant container of claim 2, wherein the body portion, lid portion, and living hinge are composed of a single injection-molded piece.

4. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the body portion further comprises a set of ribs disposed on an outside surface of the at least one sidewall.

5. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the body portion further comprises a layer of silicone that facilitates sealing of the container when the body portion is secured to the lid portion.

6. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the lid portion further comprises a layer of silicone that facilitates sealing of the container when the body portion is secured to the lid portion.

7. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the first set of fasteners are disposed on the body portion outside of the hollow interior, and wherein the lid portion comprises a first set of apertures each of which is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of a fastener of the first set of fasteners.

8. The child-resistant container of claim 7, further comprising a gap or space between each of the first set of fasteners and the at least one sidewall of the body portion.

9. The child-resistant container of claim 7, wherein the at least one sidewall of the lid portion comprises first and second cutouts disposed on opposite sides of the at least one sidewall, and wherein each of the cutouts permits access to a fastener of the first set when the lid portion is secured to the body portion.

10. The child-resistant container of claim 9, wherein the first set of fasteners comprises:

first and second fasteners that each extends upwardly from the bottom surface of the body portion;

wherein the first fastener comprises: an elongated portion extending from the bottom surface of the body portion; a top portion that is integral with the elongated portion and comprises a recessed area; and wherein a first portion of the at least one sidewall of the lid portion that is between the first cutout and a first aperture of the first set of apertures that is near the first cutout is configured to be disposed within the recessed area when the lid portion is secured to the body portion; and

wherein the second fastener comprises: a second elongated portion extending from the bottom surface of the body portion; a second top portion that is integral with the second elongated portion and comprises a second recessed area; and wherein a second portion of the at least one sidewall of the lid portion that is between the second cutout and a second aperture of the first set of apertures that is near the second cutout is configured to be disposed within the second recessed area when the lid portion is secured to the body portion.

11. The child-resistant container of claim 10, further comprising a first gap or space between the first fastener and the at least one sidewall of the body portion, and a second gap or space between the second fastener and the at least one sidewall of the body portion.

12. The child-resistant container of claim 10, wherein the bottom surface of the body portion further comprises first and second cutouts disposed adjacent the first and second fasteners, respectively.

13. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the first set of fasteners are disposed on the lid portion outside of the second hollow interior, and wherein the body portion comprises a first set of apertures each of which is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of a fastener of the first set of fasteners.

14. The child-resistant container of claim 13, further comprising a gap or space between each of the first set of fasteners and the at least one sidewall of the lid portion.

15. The child-resistant container of claim 13, wherein the at least one sidewall of the body portion comprises first and second cutouts disposed on opposite sides of the at least one sidewall, and wherein each of the cutouts permits access to a fastener of the first set when the lid portion is secured to the body portion.

16. The child-resistant container of claim 15, wherein the first set of fasteners comprises:

first and second fasteners that each extends downwardly from the top surface of the lid portion;

wherein the first fastener comprises: an elongated portion extending from the top surface of the lid portion; a top portion that is integral with the elongated portion and comprises a recessed area; and wherein a first portion of the at least one sidewall of the body portion that is between the first cutout and a first aperture of the first set of apertures that is near the first cutout is configured to be disposed within the recessed area when the lid portion is secured to the body portion; and

wherein the second fastener comprises: a second elongated portion extending from the top surface of the lid portion; a second top portion that is integral with the second elongated portion and comprises a second recessed area; and wherein a second portion of the at least one sidewall of the body portion that is between the second cutout and a second aperture of the first set of apertures that is near the second cutout is configured to be disposed within the second recessed area when the lid portion is secured to the body portion.

17. The child-resistant container of claim 16, further comprising a first gap or space between the first fastener and the at least one sidewall of the lid portion, and a second gap or space between the second fastener and the at least one sidewall of the lid portion.

18. The child-resistant container of claim 16, wherein the top surface of the lid portion further comprises first and second cutouts disposed adjacent the first and second fasteners, respectively.

19. A child-resistant container, consisting essentially of:

a body portion having a rectangular shape, wherein the body portion comprises a closed, bottom surface and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the closed, bottom surface to at least partially define a hollow interior;

a lid portion having a rectangular shape, wherein the lid portion comprises a top surface and at least one sidewall extending downwardly from the closed, top surface to at least partially define a second hollow interior;

a living hinge that connects the body portion with the lid portion, wherein the body portion, lid portion, and living hinge are composed of a single injection-molded piece;

first and second fasteners disposed on the body portion outside of the hollow interior, such that a gap or space is created between each of the first and second fasteners and the at least one sidewall of the body portion, and wherein the first and second fasteners are configured to secure the body portion to the lid portion in a closed configuration where the lid portion is disposed on top of the body portion such that the at least one sidewall of the lid portion surrounds the at least one sidewall of the body portion;

wherein the lid portion comprises a first set of apertures each of which is sized and dimensioned to receive a portion of the first or second fastener, and wherein the at least one sidewall of the lid portion comprises first and second cutouts disposed on opposite sides of the at least one sidewall, and wherein each of the cutouts permits access to the first and second fasteners, respectively, when the lid portion is secured to the body portion;

wherein the first fastener comprises: an elongated portion extending from the bottom surface of the body portion; a top portion that is integral with the elongated portion and comprises a recessed area; and wherein a first portion of the at least one sidewall of the lid portion that is between the first cutout and a first aperture of the first set of apertures that is near the first cutout is configured to be disposed within the recessed area when the lid portion is secured to the body portion; and

wherein the second fastener comprises: a second elongated portion extending from the bottom surface of the body portion; a second top portion that is integral with the second elongated portion and comprises a second recessed area; and wherein a second portion of the at least one sidewall of the lid portion that is between the second cutout and a second aperture of the first set of apertures that is near the second cutout is configured to be disposed within the second recessed area when the lid portion is secured to the body portion;

wherein each of the first and second fasteners is configured to move or flex inwardly toward an interior of the body portion when a force is applied, and wherein the lid portion can be released from the body portion when each of the first and second fasteners moves or flexes inwardly toward the hollow interior; and

wherein each of the first and second fasteners is configured to return to an initial position when the force is no longer applied.

20. The child-resistant container of claim 19, wherein the body or lid portion further comprises a layer of silicone that facilitates sealing of the container when the body portion is secured to the lid portion.