CHILD-RESISTANT CONTAINER

A child-resistant container includes an outer housing defining a cavity and an inner receptacle configured to be slidably received in the cavity of the outer housing and move between a closed position and an open position.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/737,781, filed on Sep. 27, 2018, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to child-resistant containers and methods of manufacturing the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Child resistant containers to house products to be kept out of the reach of children, such as medicines, are desired. Child resistant containers often have complex mechanisms to operate. A more robust child resistant container is desired.

SUMMARY

In an example embodiment, a child-resistant container is provided. The child resistant container includes an outer housing defining a cavity, and an inner receptacle configured to be slidably received in the cavity of the outer housing and move between a closed position and an open position. The outer housing includes at least one locking member, and the inner receptacle includes at least one locking member configured to engage the at least one locking member of the outer housing when the inner receptacle is in the closed position. The outer housing also includes at least one flexible release mechanism configured to disengage the at least one locking member of the inner receptacle from the at least one locking member of the outer housing. In another example embodiment, the at least one release mechanism includes at least one score. In yet another example embodiment, the child resistant container also includes at least one notch in the outer housing, the at least one notch exposing a portion of the inner receptacle when the inner receptacle is in the closed position. In another example embodiment, one of the outer housing and the inner receptacle further includes a catch, and the other of the outer housing and the inner receptacle includes a stop member configured to engage the catch when the inner receptacle is in the open position. In one example embodiment, the entire outer housing is formed by bending a single piece of material. In a further example embodiment, the outer housing at least one locking member is a flap. In another example embodiment the entire inner receptacle is formed by bending a single piece of material. In yet another example embodiment, inner receptacle at least one locking member is a tab, rib, or flange. In yet another example embodiment where each of the outer housing and inner receptacle are entirely formed by bending a single piece of material, the outer housing includes one of a catch or stop member and the inner receptacle includes the other of the catch or stop member, and the catch is configured to receive at least a portion of the stop member for preventing the inner receptacle from completely separating from the outer housing. In any of the aforementioned example embodiments, the outer housing and the inner receptacle are formed from paper material.

In another example embodiment a child-resistant container is provided including an outer housing defining a cavity, the outer housing being entirely made by bending a single piece of material, and an inner receptacle configured to be slidably received in the cavity of the outer housing and move between a closed position and an open position, the inner receptacle being entirely made by bending a single piece of material. The outer housing includes at least one locking member, and the inner receptacle includes at least one locking member configured to engage the at least one locking member of the outer housing when the inner receptacle is in the closed position. In yet another example embodiment, the outer housing further includes at least one release mechanism configured to disengage the at least one locking member of the inner receptacle from the at least one locking member of the outer housing. In a further example embodiment, the at least one release mechanism includes at least one score. In yet a further example embodiment, the child-resistant container further includes at least one notch in the outer housing, the at least one notch exposing a portion of the inner receptacle when the inner receptacle is in the closed position. In one example embodiment, the outer housing at least one locking member is a flap. In another example embodiment, the inner receptacle at least one locking member is a tab, rib, or flange. In a further example embodiment, the outer housing includes one of a catch or stop member and the inner receptacle comprises the other of the catch or stop member, and the catch is configured to engage at least a portion of the stop member for preventing the inner receptacle from completely separating from the outer housing. In yet another example embodiment, the catch is configured to receive at least a portion of the stop member of preventing the inner receptacle from completely separating from the outer housing. In any of the aforementioned example embodiments, the outer housing and the inner receptacle are formed from paper material.

In a further example embodiment, a child-resistant container is provided. The child resistant container includes an outer housing defining a cavity, and an inner receptacle configured to be slidably received in the cavity of the outer housing and move between a closed position and an open position. The outer housing includes at least one locking member, and the inner receptacle includes at least one locking member configured to engage the at least one locking member of the outer housing when the inner receptacle is in the closed position. The outer housing also includes at least one flexible release section configured to disengage the at least one locking member of the inner receptacle from the at least one locking member of the outer housing. In another example embodiment, the at least one flexible release section includes at least one score to enhance its flexibility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a child-resistant container including an outer housing and an inner receptacle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the embodiment of the inner receptacle of the child-resistant container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a top view of a flat pattern of the inner receptacle before being bent (folded) and assembled into the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the embodiment of the outer housing of the child-resistant container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a cutaway view of the embodiment of the outer housing illustrated in FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 3C is a top view of a flat pattern of the outer housing before being bent (folded) and assembled into the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of a child-resistant container including an outer housing and an inner receptacle slidably received in the outer housing. The inner receptacle is configured to slide relative to the outer housing between a closed position in which the inner receptacle is fully inserted into an inner cavity of the outer housing and an open position in which at least a portion of the inner receptacle extends out of the inner cavity of the outer housing. In the open position, a user may retrieve the contents contained in the inner receptacle. In one or more embodiments, the inner receptacle and the outer housing include corresponding releasable locking members for retaining the inner receptacle in the closed position. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the outer housing includes one or more release mechanisms which, when engaged by a user, disengage the releasable locking members from each other and allow the inner receptacle to be slid into the open position. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the child-resistant container includes a stop member and a catch. The stop member is configured to engage the catch when the inner receptacle is in the fully open position and thereby prevent the inner receptacle from completely withdrawing, i.e., separating from the outer housing.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a child-resistant container 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outer housing 200 and an inner receptacle 300 (e.g., a tray) slidably received in the outer housing 200. The inner receptacle 300 is configured to slide relative to the outer housing 200 between a closed position in which the inner receptacle 300 is fully inserted into the outer housing 200 and an open position in which at least a portion of the inner receptacle 300 is exposed outside of the outer housing 200.

With reference now to FIG. 2A, the inner receptacle 300 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a bottom wall 301, a pair of opposing sidewalls 302, 303 extending upward from opposing sides 304, 305, respectively, of the bottom wall 301, and a pair of opposing end walls 306, 307 (i.e., a back wall 306 and a front wall 307) extending upward from opposing edges 308, 309, respectively, of the bottom wall 301. Together, the bottom wall 301, the pair of opposing end walls 306, 307, and the pair of opposing sidewalls 302, 303 define a compartment 310 (e.g., a cavity or a chamber) configured to store one or more items. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner receptacle 300 defines an open upper end 311 in communication with the compartment 310 such that the one or more items may be inserted into the inner receptacle 300 or retrieved from the inner receptacle 300 when the inner receptacle 300 is in the open position relative to the outer housing 200. Although in the illustrated embodiment the inner receptacle 300 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, in one or more embodiments the inner receptacle 300 may have any other suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., a square cross-sectional shape).

With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the inner receptacle 300 includes locking members 312, 313 on outer surfaces 314, 315 of the opposing sidewalls 302, 303, respectively. As described in more detail below, the locking members 312, 313 are configured to detachably engage corresponding locking members of the outer housing 200 to retain the inner receptacle 300 in the closed position until a user disengages the locking members 312, 313. In this manner, the locking members 312, 313 are configured to militate against a child sliding the inner receptacle 300 into the open position and thereby accessing the contents stored in the compartment 310 of the inner receptacle 300. Additionally, as described in more detail below, in one or more embodiments, the locking members 312, 313 and/or the portions of the sidewalls 302, 302 on which the locking members 312, 313 are located are resilient (e.g., the locking members 312, 313 are configured to move inward toward the compartment 310 when an inward force is applied to the locking members 312, 313 and then rebound outward away from the compartment 310 when the inward force is no longer applied to the locking members 312, 313).

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking members 312, 313 extend outward from the outer surfaces 314, 315, respectively, away from the compartment 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking members 312, 313 are flaps formed by forming notches 316, 317 in the sidewalls 302, 303, respectively, and then bending or folding the flaps forwardly toward the front wall 307. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the locking members 312, 313 (e.g., the flaps) tapers between a relatively wider end 318 proximate to the back wall 306 and a relatively narrower end 319 distal to the back wall 306. In one or more embodiments, the locking members 312, 313 may have any other suitable configuration for securing the inner receptacle 300 in the closed position inside the outer housing 200. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the locking members 312, 313 may include tabs, ribs, flanges, or combinations thereof. Additionally, although in the illustrated embodiment the locking members 312, 313 are integrally formed with the sidewalls 302, 303, in one or more embodiments the locking members 312, 313 may be separately formed form the sidewalls 302, 303 and then attached to the outer surfaces 314, 315 of the sidewalls 302, 303, respectively, in any suitable manner (e.g., with adhesive).

With continued reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the bottom wall 301 of the inner receptacle 300 includes a stop member 320. As described in more detail below, the stop member 320 is configured to engage a portion of the outer housing 200 when the inner receptacle 300 is in the fully open position. In this manner, the stop member is configured to prevent or militate against the inner receptacle 300 being completely removed or separated from the outer housing 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the stop member 320 extends downward from a lower surface 321 of the bottom wall 301 away from the compartment 310. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the stop member 320 is located in a portion of the bottom wall 301 proximate to the back wall 306 (e.g., the stop member 320 is proximate to the rear edge 308 of the bottom wall 301). In the illustrated embodiment, the stop member 320 is a flap formed by forming a notch 322 in the bottom wall 301 and then bending or folding the flap forwardly toward the front wall 307 of the inner receptacle 300. In one or more embodiments, the stop member 320 may have any other suitable configuration. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the stop member 320 may include a tab, a ridge, a flange, or combinations thereof. Additionally, although in the illustrated embodiment the stop member 320 is integrally formed with the bottom wall 301, in one or more embodiments the stop member 320 may be separately formed form the bottom wall 301 and then attached to the lower surface 321 of the bottom wall 301 in any suitable manner (e.g., with adhesive).

FIG. 2B is a flat pattern that may be utilized to form the inner receptacle 300 illustrated in FIG. 2A. The flat pattern may be utilized, for instance, to form one or more cutouts in card stock, other paper material, or any other suitable material for the inner receptacle 300. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the tasks of folding various portions of the flat pattern to form the inner receptacle 300. In one or more embodiments, the inner receptacle 300 may be formed from a single piece of paper or other suitable material. In one or more embodiments, the inner receptacle 300 may be formed from any other suitable number of pieces of paper or other material, such as, for instance, two or more pieces of paper or other suitable material.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3C, the outer housing 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a bottom wall 201, a top wall 202 spaced apart from the bottom wall 201, a first sidewall 203 extending between corresponding sides 204, 205 of the bottom wall 201 and the top wall 202, respectively, a second sidewall 206 opposite to the first sidewall 203 and extending between corresponding sides 207, 208 of the bottom wall 201 and the top wall 202, respectively, and a back wall 209 extending between ends 210, 211, 212, 213 of the bottom wall 201, the top wall 202, the first sidewall 203, and the second sidewall 206 respectively. Together, the bottom wall 201, the top wall 202, the first and second sidewalls 203, 206, and the back wall 209 define a cavity or a chamber 214 configured to accommodate the inner receptacle 300. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 200 defines an open front end 215 in communication with the cavity 214 such that the inner receptacle 300 may be slid into the cavity 214 of the outer housing 200 through the open front end 215. Although in the illustrated embodiment the outer housing 200 has a box-shaped configuration, in one or more embodiments the outer housing 200 may have any other suitable shape depending, for instance, on the configuration of the inner receptacle 300.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A-3C, the outer housing 200 includes locking members 216, 217 on inner surfaces 218, 219, respectively, of the opposing sidewalls 203, 206. The locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200 are configured to engage the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 when the inner receptacle 300 is in the closed position with respect to the outer housing 200.

In the illustrated embodiment, the locking members 216, 217 extend inward from the inner surfaces 218, 219, respectively, of the sidewalls 203, 206 into the cavity 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking members 216, 217 are spaced apart from the back wall 209 and recesses 220, 221 are defined along the sidewalls 203, 206 between rear edges 222, 223 of the locking members 216, 217, respectively, and the back wall 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking members 216, 217 are flaps that are bent downward toward the bottom wall 201. The locking members 216, 217 may have any suitable configuration. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the locking members 216, 217 may include tabs, ribs, flanges, or combinations thereof. Additionally, although in the illustrated embodiment the locking members 216, 217 are integrally formed with a remainder of the outer housing 200 by folding the flaps, in one or more embodiments the locking members 216, 217 may be separately formed and then attached to the inner surfaces 218, 219 of the sidewalls 203, 206, respectively, in any suitable manner (e.g., with adhesive).

The recesses 220, 221 are configured to receive the locking members 312, 313 when the inner receptacle 300 is in the closed position relative to the outer housing 200. Additionally, when the inner receptacle 300 is in the closed position, forward edges 323, 324 (see FIG. 2A) of the locking members 312, 313 engage the rear edges 222, 223, respectively, of the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200. The engagement between the forward edges 323, 324 of the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 and the rear edges 222, 223 of the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200 is configured to prevent the inner receptacle 300 from sliding relative to the outer housing 200 into the open position.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 200 includes release mechanisms 224, 225 on the sidewalls 203, 206, respectively, which, when engaged, cause the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 to disengage the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200 and thereby permit the inner receptacle 300 to slide relative to the outer housing 200 into the open position. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the release mechanisms 224, 225 and/or the portions of the sidewalls 203, 206 on which the release mechanisms 224, 225 are located are resilient. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the release mechanisms 224, 225 are configured to move inward toward the sidewalls 302, 303, respectively, of the inner receptacle 300 when an inward force is applied to the release mechanisms 224, 225 to cause the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 to disengage the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200, and the release mechanisms 224, 225 are configured to rebound outward away from the sidewalls 302, 303, respectively, of the inner receptacle 300 when the inward force is no longer applied to the release mechanisms 224, 225. In one or more embodiments, the release mechanisms 224, 225 and/or the portions of the sidewalls 203, 206 on which the release mechanisms 224, 225 are located may be formed of one or more resilient materials. For example, in one or more embodiments, the sidewalls 203, 206, or at least the portions of the sidewalls 203, 206 on which the release mechanisms 224, 225 are located, may be formed of a flexible material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the release mechanisms 224, 225 include scores in the sidewalls 203, 206 of the outer housing 200 that increase the deformability of the sidewalls 203, 206 in the areas of the scores. In the illustrated embodiment, the scores in each of the sidewalls 203, 206 are T-shaped and include a first score segment 226 extending widthwise across the respective sidewall 203, 206 and a second score segment 227 extending rearward toward the back wall 209 from an intermediate (e.g., middle) portion of the first score segment 226. In one or more embodiments, the scores 226, 227 may have any other configuration suitable for increasing the inward deformability of the sidewalls 203, 206, such as, for instance, an X-shaped configuration. Additionally, although in the illustrated embodiments the scores of the release mechanisms 224, 225 each include two score segments, in one or more embodiments, each of the scores may include any other suitable number of score segments, such as a single score segment or more than two score segments. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the release mechanisms 224, 225 may include any other feature or features suitable for enabling a user to depress the sidewalls 203, 206, or at least portions thereof, inward, such as, for instance, perforations. In one or more embodiments, the material and/or the thickness of the sidewalls 203, 206 may be selected to provide the sidewalls 203, 206 sufficient inward deformability (e.g., when pressed inward by a user) to disengage the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 from the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200 and thereby allow the inner receptacle 300 to slide into the open position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outer housing 200 also includes a catch 228 on an inner surface 229 of the bottom wall 201. The catch 228 has an open end facing the back wall 209 of the outer housing 200. The catch 228 is configured to receive at least portion of the stop member 320 on the bottom wall 301 of the inner receptacle 300 when the inner receptacle 300 is in the fully open position. The engagement between the catch 228 and the stop member 320 is configured to prevent the inner receptacle 300 from completely withdrawing, i.e., separating from the outer housing 200. In one or more embodiments, the stop member 320 may be provided on the bottom wall 201 of the outer housing 200 and the catch 228 may be provided on the bottom wall 301 of the inner receptacle 300.

Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the opposing sidewalls 203, 206 of the outer housing 200 include notches 230, 231, respectively. The notches 230, 231 are configured to expose portions of the sidewalls 302, 303 of the inner receptacle 300 when the inner receptacle 300 is in the closed position, which allows a user to engage (e.g., grasp with the user's index finger and thumb) these exposed portions of the sidewalls 302, 303 of the inner receptacle 300 to slide the inner receptacle 300 relative to the outer housing 200 into the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the notches 230, 231 are hemispherical. In one or more embodiments, the notches 230, 231 may have any other suitable shape, such as, for instance, square or rectangular.

FIG. 3C is a flat pattern that may be utilized to form the outer housing 200 illustrated in FIG. 3A. The flat pattern may be utilized, for instance, to form one or more cutouts in card stock. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the tasks of folding various portions of the flat pattern to form the outer housing 200. In one or more embodiments, the outer housing 200 may be formed from a single piece of paper or other suitable material. In one or more embodiments, the outer housing 200 may be formed from any other suitable number of pieces of paper or other material, such as, for instance, two or more pieces of paper or other suitable material.

In use, when the inner receptacle 300 is slid into the cavity 214 of the outer housing 200, the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 engage the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200, which causes the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 to deflect inward toward the compartment 310 and allows the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 to slide along the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200. Once the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 have slid past the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200 and are aligned with the recesses 220, 221, respectively, of the outer housing 200, the locking members 312, 313 resiliently rebound outward away from the compartment 310 and extend into the recesses 220, 221, respectively (e.g., when the inner receptacle 300 is received in the cavity 214 of the outer housing 200 and in the fully closed position, the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 are received in the recesses 220, 221, respectively, in the outer housing 200). In this position, an attempt to pull the inner receptacle 300 out of the cavity 214 of the outer housing 200 would cause the forward edges 323, 324 of the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 to slide forward and engage the rear edges 222, 223, respectively, of the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200, which would prevent the inner receptacle 300 from sliding out of the outer housing 200 into the open position.

To slide the inner receptacle 300 into the open position, a user may engage the release mechanisms 224, 225 of the outer housing 200 (e.g., by depressing the release mechanisms 224, 225 inward with the index finger and the thumb of one hand), grasp the inner receptacle 300 (e.g., grasp the portions of the sidewalls 302, 303 exposed by the notches 230, 231 in the outer housing 200 with the index finger and the thumb of the other hand), and then pull on the inner receptacle 300 in a direction away from the back wall 209 of the outer housing 200. Engaging the release mechanisms 224, 225 moves the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 inward clear of the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200 so the locking members 312, 313 of the inner receptacle 300 can slide past the locking members 216, 217 of the outer housing 200 as the inner receptacle 300 moves into the open position.

In the fully open position, the stop member 320 of the inner receptacle 300 engages the catch 228 of the outer housing 200, and this engagement prevents the inner receptacle 300 from being completely removed from the cavity 214 of the outer housing 200 (e.g., the engagement between the stop member 320 and the catch 228 is configured to prevent the inner receptacle 300 from being separated from the outer housing 200).

While this invention has been described in detail with particular references to exemplary embodiments thereof, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the invention to the exact forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described structures and methods of assembly and operation can be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principles, spirit, and scope of this invention, as set forth in the following claims. Although relative terms such as “outer,” “inner,” “upper,” “lower,” “below,” “above,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and similar terms have been used herein to describe a spatial relationship of one element to another, it is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the various elements and components of the invention in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Additionally, as used herein, the term “substantially” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the tasks described above may be performed in the order described or in any other suitable sequence. Additionally, the methods described above are not limited to the tasks described. Instead, for each embodiment, one or more of the tasks described above may be absent and/or additional tasks may be performed. Furthermore, as used herein, when a component is referred to as being “on” another component, it can be directly on the other component or components may also be present there between. Moreover, when a component is referred to as being “coupled” to another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or intervening components may be present there between.

Claims

1. A child-resistant container comprising:

an outer housing defining a cavity; and
an inner receptacle configured to be slidably received in the cavity of the outer housing and move between a closed position and an open position,
wherein the outer housing comprises at least one locking member, and
wherein the inner receptacle comprises at least one locking member configured to engage the at least one locking member of the outer housing when the inner receptacle is in the closed position, wherein the outer housing further comprises at least one release mechanism configured to disengage the at least one locking member of the inner receptacle from the at least one locking member of the outer housing, and wherein the at least one release mechanism is flexible.

2. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the at least one release mechanism comprises at least one score.

3. The child-resistant container of claim 1, further comprising at least one notch in the outer housing, the at least one notch exposing a portion of the inner receptacle when the inner receptacle is in the closed position.

4. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein one of the outer housing and the inner receptacle further comprises a catch, and the other of the outer housing and the inner receptacle comprises a stop member configured to engage the catch when the inner receptacle is in the open position.

5. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the entire outer housing is formed by bending a single piece of material.

6. The child-resistant container of claim 5, wherein the outer housing at least one locking member is a flap.

7. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the entire inner receptacle is formed by bending a single piece of material.

8. The child-resistant container of claim 1, wherein the inner receptacle at least one locking member is selected from the group consisting of tabs, ribs, or flanges.

9. The child-resistant container of claim 7, wherein the entire outer housing is formed by bending a single piece of material, wherein the outer housing comprises one of a catch or stop member and the inner receptacle comprises the other of said catch or stop member, wherein the catch is configured to receive at least a portion of the stop member for preventing the inner receptacle from completely separating from the outer housing.

10. The child-resistant container of claim 9, wherein the outer housing and the inner receptacle are formed from paper material.

11. A child-resistant container comprising:

an outer housing defining a cavity, said outer housing being entirely made by bending a single piece of material; and
an inner receptacle configured to be slidably received in the cavity of the outer housing and move between a closed position and an open position, said inner receptacle being entirely made by bending a single piece of material,
wherein the outer housing comprises at least one locking member, and
wherein the inner receptacle comprises at least one locking member configured to engage the at least one locking member of the outer housing when the inner receptacle is in the closed position.

12. The child-resistant container of claim 11, wherein the outer housing further comprises at least one release mechanism configured to disengage the at least one locking member of the inner receptacle from the at least one locking member of the outer housing.

13. The child-resistant container of claim 12, wherein the at least one release mechanism comprises at least one score.

14. The child-resistant container of claim 11, further comprising at least one notch in the outer housing, the at least one notch exposing a portion of the inner receptacle when the inner receptacle is in the closed position.

15. The child-resistant container of claim 11, wherein the outer housing at least one locking member is a flap.

16. The child-resistant container of claim 11, wherein the inner receptacle at least one locking member is selected from the group consisting of tabs, ribs, or flanges.

17. The child-resistant container of claim 11, wherein the outer housing comprises one of a catch or stop member and the inner receptacle comprises the other of said catch or stop member, wherein the catch is configured to engage at least a portion of the stop member for preventing the inner receptacle from completely separating from the outer housing.

18. The child-resistant container of claim 17, wherein the catch is configured to receive at least a portion of the stop member of preventing the inner receptacle from completely separating from the outer housing.

19. The child-resistant container of claim 11, wherein the outer housing and the inner receptacle are formed from paper material.

20. A child-resistant container comprising:

an outer housing defining a cavity; and
an inner receptacle configured to be slidably received in the cavity of the outer housing and move between a closed position and an open position,
wherein the outer housing comprises at least one locking member, and
wherein the inner receptacle comprises at least one locking member configured to engage the at least one locking member of the outer housing when the inner receptacle is in the closed position, wherein the outer housing further comprises at least one release section being flexible and configured to disengage the at least one locking member of the inner receptacle from the at least one locking member of the outer housing.

21. The child-resistant container of claim 20, wherein the release section comprises at least one score to enhance its flexibility.

Patent History
Publication number: 20200102113
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 26, 2019
Publication Date: Apr 2, 2020
Inventor: Thomas Laughlin (Huntington Beach, CA)
Application Number: 16/584,756
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 5/38 (20060101); B65D 5/32 (20060101); B65D 5/42 (20060101);