CZ2004342A3 - Container with locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (1) comprises a body comprising a first and a second portion (3, 5) that can be joined together to close the container (1) and detachably to open the container (1) and further a restraining device (11) including a catch element (13) and a trigger an element (15), wherein the retaining element (13) is lockable in a catching position in which it holds together the first and second portions (3, 5) of the container body (1) and thereby holds the container (1) closed. The retaining member (13) is manually releasable from its engagement position by moving the release member (15) relative to the engagement member (13). The container (1) is particularly suitable for storing one or more packages of pharmaceutical tablets.

Description

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The container (1) comprises a body comprising first and second portions (3, 5) which are connectable together for closing the container (1) and detachably for opening the container (1), and further a retaining device (11) comprising a catch element (13) and element (15), wherein the retaining element (13) is lockable in a retaining position in which it holds the first and second parts (3, 5) of the container body (1) together and thereby keeps the container (1) closed. The retaining member (13) is manually releasable from its retaining position by moving the release member (15) relative to the retaining member (13). The container (1) is particularly suitable for storing one or more packages of pharmaceutical tablets.

CZ 2004- 342 A3

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Technical field

The present invention relates to containers and more particularly to a device for keeping containers in a closed state. The invention is particularly suitable for containers intended for pharmaceutical tablets and the like, but is a container generally also suitable for other uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first embodiment, the invention is a container which comprises a container body consisting of first and second portions which can be joined together to close the container and separated from each other to open the container, and further comprising a retaining device comprising a catch element and a release element, wherein the retaining member is lockable in a retaining position in which it holds the first and second portions of the container body together and thereby keeps the container closed, wherein the retaining member is manually releasable from its retaining position due to displacement of the release member relative to the retaining member.

Preferably, this displacement of the release element relative to the engagement element either releases the engagement element from its engagement position or allows the engagement element to be disengaged from its engagement position. Preferably, the subsequent movement of the catch element relative to at least one of the parts of the container body preferably either opens the container or allows the container to be opened.

According to a second embodiment, the invention provides a container comprising a container body comprising first and second portions which may be joined together to close the container and separated from each other to open the container, and further a retaining device comprising a retaining member and a release member, pushed into the container body by means of a manually releasable blocking · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Or parts thereof such that when so inserted, it secures the gripping element in a gripping position in which the first and second parts of the container body are held together and when when the element is released, then it is possible for the retaining element to be moved from its retaining position to release the first and second portions of the container body.

(At least in the second embodiment of the invention, the tripping element may be considered a locking element or a locking and tripping element.)

The invention has the advantage that the function of keeping the container in a closed state (which is accomplished by the gripping member) is separate from the function of releasing the gripping element from securing it in its gripping position in which it keeps the container in its closed state element). This is advantageous for several reasons.

First, the separation of functions can provide a child-safe or child-resistant mechanism for opening the container, which may be important, for example, when the container is used for pharmaceutical tablets and the like. This is because young children are generally unable to perform both (or all) the actions required to open the container, or are unable to estimate that two (or more) actions are necessary.

Second, the fact that at least two separate operations (namely releasing the gripping element and opening the container or alternatively releasing the gripping element, moving the gripping element and opening the container) is necessary to open the container generally provides a considerable degree of safety against accidental opening of the container.

Third, the separation of the locking and locking functions can allow the container to be used easily by the elderly or disabled. This is because, as a result of the physical separation of the required operations, it is first possible for the container to be opened and only then actually opened, with the opening of the container (which is

··· initially locked (closed), can be adjusted to make it easier for people with limited manual dexterity (such as arthritis). For example, for ease of use by such persons, the physical spacing and / or size of the individual components of the container adapted to accomplish two operations may be sufficiently large.

It has been mentioned above that the container body comprises first and second portions which can be assembled together to close the container and separated from each other to open the container. The first and second portions may be completely separated from each other and only assembled together into one assembly and held together when the container is closed. Alternatively, the first and second portions of the container body may be permanently connected to each other even when the container is open. For example, the first and second portions may be joined by one or more hinges or similar elements that allow the two portions to rotate relative to each other to open or close the container.

The first portion of the container may be a lid or an outer container of the container and the second portion of the container may be a base of the container or a container of the container adapted to be accommodated in the housing. The base may be larger than the lid or the lid may be larger than the base, but in a preferred embodiment of the invention which is particularly suitable for storing pharmaceutical tablets and the like, the base and lid are of substantially the same size and shape.

In addition to the first and second portions of the container body, the container body may comprise one or more other parts. For example, some embodiments of the invention may include a third container portion, a body forming a hinge region of the container between the first and second portions.

It has also been mentioned above that the retaining device comprises a catch element and a release element. In its retaining position, the retaining element holds the first and second portions of the container body together so that the container cannot be opened. Thus, in this position, the retaining element preferably fits both the first and second portions of the container body in order to prevent their separation. Advantageously, the retaining element may be a prvek φ φ φ φ · φ · · φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ φ · · · · forming an integral part of either the first or second portion of the container body (e.g., the second portion, especially if it is in the form of a base or cup). Alternatively, the retaining member may comprise two (or more) spaced apart arms, each of which is adapted to engage a respective portion of the container body to prevent separation thereof. Such engagement of the arms of the retaining member with the container body portion may be accomplished by inserting the arms into corresponding grooves or other openings in the respective parts of the container body, or may be formed, for example, by placing the arms on corresponding projections provided on the respective parts of the container body.

In some embodiments of the invention, the release element of the retaining device comprises a locking element that not only releases the retaining element from its retaining position, but also secures the retaining element in its retaining position before releasing it by its movement. In such embodiments, the release member is preferably manually releasable retractable into the container body or component thereof, for example, it may be manually pushable. For example, the release member may comprise a projection, preferably a resiliently flexible projection, adapted to engage a corresponding slot or other opening or cooperate with the corresponding projection in or on the container body. Additionally or alternatively, the release member may comprise a recess or other aperture adapted to releasably receive a protrusion (e.g., a resiliently flexible protrusion) of the container body. For example, the release member may comprise a resiliently flexible latch adapted to engage slots or other openings or cooperate with corresponding projections provided in or on the container body.

In such embodiments, the release member is preferably adapted to engage the first and / or second portion of the container body. In a preferred embodiment, the release element is adapted to engage only one of the two portions of the container body, either the first or the second portion. For example, the release member may be adapted to engage the lid of the container.

In other embodiments of the invention, the release element of the retention device does not itself secure the catch element in its retaining position (i.e., the retaining element also does not perform the function of the retaining element), but instead only releases the retaining element from its retaining position. In such embodiments, the operation of the release element caused by the movement of the release element relative to the engagement element causes the engagement element to be released from its engagement position. This may be achieved, for example, by sliding the gripping member out of the latched engagement with one or more portions of the container body. For example, the retaining member may be resiliently biased to engage one or more portions of the container body (and thereby adapted to keep the container closed); the action of the release element by displacing it relative to the catch element causes the release element to act against resilient biasing in order to release the catch element. This can be achieved, for example, by means of one or more wedges or tapered surfaces of the release element.

The release element itself may be accessible from outside the container. Alternatively, the release element may not be directly accessible from the outside of the container, but may instead be reachable indirectly, for example, via a button or the like or a compressible membrane. However, although the release element can only be reached indirectly, the term releasable by hand is meant to mean that the catch element does not require the use of a tool to disengage from the container body (or parts thereof).

The release element and the retaining element of the retention device are preferably located separately from each other, but are physically interconnected. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a further component forming part of the retention device to which both the release element and the catch element are attached.

The container body and / or the retention device is / are preferably formed of a polymeric material, for example a polyolefin (especially polypropylene), polyacrylate, Nylon (trade mark) or the like.

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The container body and preferably also the retention device is / are preferably molded, preferably by injection molding. Advantageously, the container body may be injection molded as a unitary integral article.

Additionally or alternatively, other materials such as metals and / or cardboard may be used.

As mentioned above, the preferred use of the container of the invention is for storing pharmaceutical tablets, pills, capsules or the like. The term pharmaceutical tablets as used in these conditions includes any kind of pharmaceutical, medical (traditional or alternative), homeopathic, nutritional (including vitamin and mineral, etc.) or similar tablets, pills, capsules, etc., or any other separate doses, whether solid, liquid or semi-liquid. Preferably, such tablets are themselves retained in one or more generally flat packs, for example formed from a metal foil and / or a flexible polymeric material and / or cardboard and / or paper. Such packs include so-called bubble packs comprising a vacuum-formed tray provided with tablet wells, the tray being hermetically sealed (typically heat sealed) by means of a cover layer, usually of metal foil or polymeric material or paper or cardboard. For such embodiments of the invention, the interior of the container preferably comprises means for holding one or all of the tablet packs, for example one or more tabs, for example adapted to receive one or more respective apertures formed on the tablet pack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a container according to the invention, comprising a retaining device shown separately from the container body;

Figure 2 shows a detail of the outer surface of the container of Figure 1, with a retaining device. A device partially inserted into the container; · zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením zařízením

Figure 3 shows a detail of the interior of the container of Figures 1 and 2, with the retaining device fully inserted into the container;

Figure 4 (views (a) and (b)) show two details of clips for holding tablet packs within a container according to the invention;

Figure 5 (views (a) to (c)) show two details of an alternative form of clip for holding tablet packs within a container according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows various major components of a second embodiment of a container according to the invention;

Figure 7 shows separately the cup (or second container body part) in the embodiment of the container of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows the tray of Figure 7 immediately after being removed from the housing (or the first portion of the container body);

Figure 9 shows the container of Figures 6 to 8 completely closed; and

Figure 10 (views (a) and (b)) shows a third embodiment of a container according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a container 1 suitable for pharmaceutical tablets comprising a container body comprising a first lid-forming part 3 and a second base-forming part 5. The container, which is formed of a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, is generally rectangular in plan view and has a thin, flat shape, suitable, for example, for storing one or more film-packed tablet packs.

The first and second container body portions 3 and 5 are connected to each other by a hinge region comprising a third container part 7 that forms one thin side of the container and which itself is attached to both the first and second container body parts by a polymeric fabric 9 material. The polymeric fabric acts as a hinge to allow the first and second container body portions 3 and 5 to be joined together (at their opposite sides) to close the container and

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9 9 9 9 9 9 · 99 9 • 9 9 separated (on their opposite sides) to open the container. Figure 1 shows the situation when the container is closed.

Figure 1 also shows a retaining device 11 which also forms part of the container and which is made of nylon (trade mark).

The retaining device 11 comprises a retaining element 13 and a release element 15 which are connected to each other by an elongate member 17. The retaining element comprises a pair of gap-forming separate arms 19 having a size and shape adapted to be positioned on corresponding projections 21 disposed in opposite first and second portions. the container body 3 and 5 on the thin side 23 of the container opposite the hinge side 7. When the arms 19 of the gripping element are located on the projections 21, i.e. the gripping element is in its gripping position, the container is secured against opening.

The elongate member 17 of the restraint device H is connected to one of the separately arranged arms 19 of the restraint element of the restraint device and points away from the arm in substantially the same direction as the arms protrude from their connection. The elongate member 17, which has a substantially rigid strip shape, is sized and shaped to be inserted into a slot 25 formed in a recess adapted to receive the protrusion 21 in the lid 3 when the retaining member 13 is in its retention position (i.e. when placed on the projections 21).

When the retaining member 13 is in its retention position, and the elongate member 17 is inserted within the slot 25 to extend into the interior of the container, the release member 15, which is in the form of a resiliently flexible protrusion or latch supported by the elongate member, is releasable from engagement with the opening. 27 provided in the container lid 3. In this way, the release member 15 secures the engagement member 13 in its retaining position, in which the first and second container body parts 3 and 5 are held in a connected state. The release member 15 is releasable from the opening by pushing down on the release member from the outside of the container 1. When the release member 15 is released, it allows the retaining member 13 to be disengaged from its release position.

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99999 99 9 99 9 of the first and second portions of the container body, thereby opening the container.

This will ensure that the functions of keeping the container closed and securing the container in this state are separate and two separate actions are required to open the container (before actually opening the container).

Figure 2 shows a detail of the retaining element 13 of the retention device 11, with the elongated member partially inserted into the slot 25 in the container lid 3 (which is shown below the base 5 of the container in this view).

Figure 3 shows a detail of the interior of the container and in particular a detail of the inner underside 29 of the lid 3 (base 5 not shown). The retaining element 13 is in its retaining position (although it is located only on the protrusion of the cap 3 because the base is not shown for clarity. The elongated member 17 of the retaining device 11 is shown as passing through the slit 25 in the cap and passing along the bottom 29 of the cap. The elongate member 17 is guided by a pair of guide elements disposed on the underside 29 of the lid 3, the guide members being shaped and sized to be able to guide the tapered end region 31 of the elongate member. it comprises a resiliently flexible protrusion or latch, located within the opening 27 in the lid 3.

Figure 4 (a) shows a detail of the interior of the modified shape of the container shown in Figures 1 to 3. In particular, it shows a detailed view of one end of the hinge region of the container, including the side portion 7 of the container. The inner side portion includes a series (in the example shown 3) of the retainers 33 for holding the tablet pack 35 (as defined herein) to be stored in the container. A corresponding set of three clips is arranged at the opposite end of the hinge region of the container (not shown). The clips 33 are adapted to be accommodated in holes 37 formed in the edge area of the tablet package. As shown, the terminals are arranged alternately in the opposite orientation, and as shown in Figure 4 (b), the opposite-oriented terminals are arranged so that they overlap slightly when viewed from the side, so that each · # · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · The tablet pack is caught and, as a result, held by the clamps. Because the clamps are curved, they allow the tablet packs to rotate while held by the staples, allowing easy access and removal of the individual tablets from each stored pack.

Figure 5 (views (a) to (c)) illustrates an alternative shape of a tab 38 for a tablet package in which the protruding tab portion 39 extends substantially parallel to the interior of the container base 5 and is provided with a downwardly extending mandrel 41 extending into an aperture 43 formed in the base 5 below the protruding clip portion 39. The mandrel 41 has a slanted leading edge 45 for easier insertion of the edge of the tablet pack so that the mandrel can fit into the hole 37 in the tablet pack. Removing the tablet pack from the clip is more difficult than inserting it because the rear edge of the mandrel 41 is not oblique. Figure 5 (a) is a perspective view of the clip 38 and the tablet pack 35, Figure 5 (b) shows a side view, and Figure 5 (c) is a plan view of the underside of the base 5.

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a housing 51 (or first portion) and a cup 53 (or second portion) which together form a container. Also shown is a blister pack 55 of tablets that is sized and shaped to be placed and held in the cup 53 below the latches 57 formed on the side walls of the cup (as shown in Figure 8). In addition, an inserted label 59 (which may be printed, for example, with instructions and / or information relating to tablets) is also shown. The insert plate 59 is also sized and shaped to be retained in the tray 53 under the latches 57 and includes apertures 61 through which tablet bubbles and other protrusions on the blister pack (as also shown in Figure 8) can protrude.

The housing 51 is sized and shaped to fit onto a tray 53 (comprising a blister pack and an inserted label) as it is slidably supported thereon. The housing (which is preferably made of cardboard, but may be made of, for example, a plastic material) is generally a rectangular box which is 9 9 9 9

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999 99 99 9 99 9 completely closed up to the open end 63 by which the bowl can be inserted in and removed from the housing. The cup 53 is preferably formed of a plastic material (and most preferably made by injection molding).

Figure 7 shows the tray 53 of Figure 6 itself. The tray 53 comprises a storage portion 65 in which, for example, a tablet pack (as shown in Figure 6) can be stored. The tray 53 also includes a retaining device 67 which is an integral part of the tray (and preferably is molded with it). The retaining device 67 comprises a pair of retaining elements 69 and a release element 71. Each retaining element 69 comprises a pivotally mounted wing of a portion of the side wall of the cup, the wing being flexed outward (due to injection molding of the sharp hinge 73) as shown in Figure 7. the element 71 comprises a plate connected to the end wall 75 of the cup via an injection molded sharp hinge so that the plate is resiliently biased and is pushed outwardly from the remaining parts of the cup as shown in Figure 7.

Opposite ends of the tripping element 71 comprise protrusions 77, each having a bevelled edge 79 extending from the end of the projection inward to the surface of the front wall of the projection. These protrusions 77 and tapered edges 79 are adapted to engage in correspondingly tapered apertures 81 formed on the inner surfaces of each of the gripping elements 69, as will be further explained with reference to Figure 8.

Figure 8 shows a container according to Figures 6 and 7 with a blister pack 55 of tablets and with an inserted label 59 housed in a tray 53 and held under the latches 57. The tray 53 is shown immediately after it is removed from the housing 51 (or optionally immediately before insertion into the tray 51). bushings). The trigger element 71 has been folded over a low portion of the bowl front wall 75 with which it is connected by a sharp hinge such that the trigger plate lies generally parallel to the bowl plane and overlaps the end region of the bowl. With the release member 71 in this position, the tray may be inserted into the housing 51 such that the tray is completely contained within the housing.

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When the cup 53 is fully inserted into the housing 51, the retaining elements 69 (which are pushed out against the side wall of the housing) engage together protrusions and / or slits (e.g., cut-through sides - not shown) formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls of the housing. In this way, the tray is secured from sliding out of the housing. The end region of the top surface of the casing (at the end of the casing opposite the end 63 for opening) is provided with an aperture having a compressible flap 83 on the top surface of the casing. This compressible flap 83 (which preferably includes a mark, e.g. the location (which should be compressed) is arranged to be at the same location as the release member 71 when the cup is loaded in the housing. If the flap 83 is depressed, this causes the release member 71 to also be depressed relative to the remainder of the cup. Compression of the release member causes the projections 79 to be inserted into the holes 81 of the gripping elements 69 and the bevelled surface edges of the projections 79 and the holes 81 cooperate to pull the gripping members inwardly thereby releasing them from their locked position within the housing. The tray 53 can then be pulled out of the housing 51 with the aid of a finger-shaped handle 85 arranged at the opposite end of the tray, which is accessible through the corresponding cut-out portion 87 of the housing.

The tray 53 can therefore be removed from the housing 51 only after carrying out a two-step process, the first of which releases the retaining elements on the tray (keeping the container closed) from their retaining position by the tray release element before the tray can be removed from the tray. bushings.

Figure 10 (views (a) and (b)) shows a third embodiment of a container according to the invention. This embodiment also includes a cup 93 which is slidably disposed within the housing 91. However, in this embodiment, the retention device 95 comprises a foil (for example, of cardboard or plastic material) having a groove 97 formed transversely across its width and causing the foil it is flexibly biased so that it tends to shorten. In addition, in this embodiment, the retaining device forms part of the housing 91 (rather than the trays 93) and is preferably adhered to the inner surface of the housing by means of an adhesive 99.

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When the cup 93 is fully inserted into the housing 91 and the retaining device 95 is in its relaxed (shortened) configuration, the groove 97 engages its corresponding grooves 101 (of which only one is shown) in the side walls of the cup 93 thereby preventing the cup from being pulled out of the housing . In order to withdraw the tray from the housing, it is necessary to pull the foil retainer 95 relative to the tray and housing in the direction shown by the arrow in Figure 10 (a). A portion 102 of the restraint device 95 is accessible from the outside of the container via the cut out housing part 103, the accessible portion 102 being a release element of the restraint device.

Pulling the foil of the retention device relative to the rest of the container in this way straightens the foil, thereby releasing the groove 97 (which represents the retaining element of the retaining device) from the corresponding grooves 101 (i.e., releasing the retaining element from its retaining position). from the housing 91.

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Claims (14)

PATENT CLAIMS A container comprising a container body comprising first and second portions which can be assembled together to close the container and detachable to open the container, characterized in that it comprises a retaining device having a retaining element and a release element, wherein the retaining element is lockable in the container. a retaining position in which it holds the first and second portions of the container body together and thereby keeps the container closed, wherein the retaining member is manually releasable from its retaining position by moving the release member relative to the retaining member. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that said movement of the release element releases the catch element from its catch position. The container of claim 1, wherein said movement of the release member allows the catch member to be released from its catch position. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container is arranged such that, after said movement of the release element, the movement of the catch element relative to at least one of the parts of the container body causes the container to open. Container according to claim 4, characterized in that said movement of the retaining element is formed by moving one part of the container body relative to the other part of the container body, with the result that the container can be opened. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the container is arranged such that after said movement of the release element, the gripping member relative to at least one of the parts of the container body allows the container to be opened. • 9 9 9 9 99999 9 9 9 99 9 999 9 9 99 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 • 9 99 99 A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining device and the first or second container body portion are formed as a single integral part. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining member of the retention device comprises a component of one of the container body portions that is resiliently biased to allow squeezing against the other of the container body portions when the container is closed. The container of claim 8, wherein the retaining member is resiliently biased to allow squeezing from the outside against the inner surface of another portion of the container body. The container of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the retaining member is part of a second portion of the container body. Container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the retaining element engages with a recess, hole or protrusion of another part of the container body when the retaining element is in its retaining position. Container according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the movement of the release element acts against a resiliently biased retaining element to release the retaining element from its retaining position. Container according to claim 12, when dependent on claim 9, characterized in that the movement of the release element results in the withdrawal of the catch element from the inner surfaces of another portion of the container. Container according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the release member and the catch member have bevelled surfaces which cooperate to release the catch member from its retaining position during said movement.