EP4257505A1 - Verriegelungsmechanismus für kindersicheren aufbewahrungsbehälter - Google Patents

Verriegelungsmechanismus für kindersicheren aufbewahrungsbehälter Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4257505A1
EP4257505A1 EP23166115.8A EP23166115A EP4257505A1 EP 4257505 A1 EP4257505 A1 EP 4257505A1 EP 23166115 A EP23166115 A EP 23166115A EP 4257505 A1 EP4257505 A1 EP 4257505A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lid
storage case
seal
latch
latch tab
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23166115.8A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
William Edward Ludlow
Robert Pierce Donley
Jonathan Bradley Duke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Crativ Solutions Inc
Original Assignee
Crativ Solutions Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Crativ Solutions Inc filed Critical Crativ Solutions Inc
Publication of EP4257505A1 publication Critical patent/EP4257505A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B65D43/162—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14—Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16—Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
    • B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
    • B65D50/04—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one
    • B65D50/045—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring
    • B65D50/046—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring and such deformation causes the disengagement of locking means, e.g. the release of a pawl-like element from a tooth or abutment, to allow removal of the closure by simultaneous rotation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2215/00—Child-proof means
    • B65D2215/02—Child-proof means requiring the combination of simultaneous actions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/10—Details of hinged closures
    • B65D2251/1016—Means for locking the closure in closed position
    • B65D2251/1025—Integral locking elements penetrating in an opening, e.g. a flap through a slit, a hook in an opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00611—Profiles
    • B65D2543/00629—Massive bead

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of latches for storage cases. More specifically, the present invention discloses a latch mechanism for a child-resistant storage case that requires the user to simultaneously press inward and upward on the latch tab to pivot the latch tab and thereby open the lid of the storage container.
  • Child-resistant storage cases have been invented in the past. These typically include features requiring a larger hand size or greater dexterity than is usually found in small children in order to open the storage case. For example, some child-resistant storage cases require the user to simultaneously press multiple latches to open the case. Some storage cases are specifically designed so that the spacing between the latches exceeds the span of a small child's hand.
  • Child-resistant storage cases rely on requiring a combination of user actions that are counter-intuitive or require adult dexterity. In particular, a combination of multiple actions or forces are often required. For example, some child-resistant storage cases use a latch mechanism that requires the user to simultaneously exert inward and downward forces on a latch member while lifting upward on the lid.
  • Keung U.S. Patent No. 7,721,907
  • the lid and base have complementary beads for releasable snap retention of the lid.
  • the present invention addresses these concerns by providing a latch mechanism for a child-resistant storage case that requires the user to simultaneously press upward on the latch tab and pivot the latch tab inward to open the lid of the storage container.
  • the particular structure employed in the present storage case is unique in that it includes both a latch tab with a protruding catch, and a peripheral seal bead that is disengaged by pivoting the latch tab inward and then lifting the lid of the storage case.
  • This invention provides a latch mechanism for a child-resistant storage case having a seal bead between the lid and body of the storage case.
  • the latch mechanism includes a latch tab extending downward from the lid that must be simultaneously pivoted inward and pressed upward to release the lid.
  • the latch tab acts as a lever arm to locally deform the adjacent portions of the lid and seal, and thereby more easily release the seal when the latch tab is pressed upward.
  • FIG. 1 a top axonometric view is provided showing an embodiment of the present storage case with the lid 20 partially open.
  • FIG. 2 is a top axonometric view of the storage case with the lid 20 fully open.
  • FIG. 3 is a top axonometric view of the storage case with the lid 20 closed.
  • FIG. 4 is a corresponding top view of the storage case.
  • FIG. 5 is a right side view of the storage case corresponding to FIG. 2 .
  • This storage case has a body 10 with a bottom surface and peripheral side walls to form an interior chamber for storing objects or material.
  • the upper edges of the peripheral side walls define an opening at the top of the body 10 for providing access to the interior chamber.
  • a lid 20 with a top surface and peripheral side walls can be used to cover and seal the opening of the body 10, and thereby close the storage case as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • the lid 20 can be connected to the body 10 of the storage case by a living hinge 16 (e.g., a thin strip of flexible plastic) along the rear of the storage case.
  • Both the body 10 and lid 20 can be molded as a single plastic piece, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 - 6 .
  • the body 10 and lid 20 can be molded with relatively thin plastic walls to create a storage case with thin peripheral side walls, and top and bottom surfaces enclosing the interior chamber when the lid 20 is closed.
  • stacking ribs can also be included for enhanced structural rigidity in key areas of the storage case; to ensure proper nesting of parts when stacked; or to secure internal accessories within the storage case, such as trays or dividers.
  • a lower flange 12 projects outward from the front or side wall of the body 10 of the storage case as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the lower flange 12 is oriented horizontally and is spaced a predetermined distance below the top rim of the body 10 of the storage case.
  • a latch opening 14 passes vertically through this lower flange 12.
  • a flexible seal 15, 25 is provided between at least a portion of the top rim of the body 10 and the lid 20 to provide a close fit between the body 10 and lid 20 when the lid 20 is in the closed position.
  • a flexible seal 15 runs along at least a front portion of the outside perimeter of the top rim of the body 10.
  • the seal 15 extends circumferentially about the top rim, as shown in the drawings.
  • the upper portion 17 of the walls of the body 10 of the storage case e.g., above the flange 12 and adjacent to the seal 15
  • this flexible upper wall 17 extends about the top rim of the body 10 and reduces the force required to release the seal 15, as will be discussed below.
  • a complementary flexible seal 25 runs along at least the front portion of the interior of the lid 20.
  • the lid seal 25 preferably extends circumferentially about the interior of the lid 20 as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the seals 15, 25 abut when the lid 20 is closed to provide an interference seal between the body 10 and lid 20 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 .
  • the seal 25 on the lid 20 can be a protruding bead and/or a circumferential recess that engages the protruding bead seal 15 on the outside of the upper wall 17 of body 10 of the storage container.
  • the storage case employs a single-piece integral seal featuring a back-to-back compression design due to compression interference between a mating female seal bead 25 on the interior of the lid 20 and a male seal bead 15 on the outside of the body 10.
  • the relative positions of the seals 15, 25 could be reversed so that the bead is on the lid 20 and the recess is on the body 10 of the storage case.
  • the lid 20 also has an upper flange 22 projecting outward from its front or side wall in vertical alignment with the lower flange 12 when the lid 20 is closed as depicted in FIG. 3 .
  • a latch tab 30 extends downward from the upper flange 22 and is aligned to be received by and pass through the latch opening 14 in the lower flange 12 as the lid 20 is closed, as shown in FIGS. 3 , 6 and 7 .
  • the latch tab 30 has at least one catch 34 on its front face.
  • the catch 34 protrudes forward sufficiently to come into contact with the lower surface of the lower flange 12 and thereby prevent the lid 20 from opening.
  • a second protrusion 32 protrudes from the front of the latch tab 30 below the catch 34.
  • This second protrusion 32 in combination with the catch 34 produce an audible or haptic double click when the case is closed, thereby enabling the owner to positively sense when the storage case has been fully latched.
  • the second protrusion 32 also provides a prominent surface for the user to push upward while pushing inward on the latch tab 30.
  • the leading and trailing edges of the second protrusion 32 are chamfered to generate a haptic response, but allow the second protrusion 32 to pass through the latch opening 14 with minimal resistance and enable the catch 34 to secure the lid 20 closed.
  • the present storage case requires simultaneous inward and upward forces on the latch tab 30 as indicated by the force arrows in FIG. 7 - 9 , which makes it difficult for a child to open the storage case.
  • the latch tab 30 must be simultaneously pivoted inward and pushed upward to release the lid 20 from the body 10 of the storage case.
  • the lid 20 In its resting state, the lid 20 is held closed by both the seal 15 on the body 10 engaging the seal 25 on the inside of the lid 20, and the catch 34 on the latch tab 30 that comes into contact with the bottom of the lower flange 12 on the body 10 of the storage case. Simply pushing up on the latch tab 30 does not defeat the latch because the catch 34 contacts the bottom surface of the lower flange 12 extending from the body 10 of the storage case. Simply pushing in on the latch tab 30 does not defeat the latch because the seal beads 15, 25 remain engaged and resist the upward force.
  • the latch tab 30 When the latch tab 30 is simultaneously pivoted inward and pushed upward, the adjacent front edge of the lid 20 is deformed outward as the latch tab 30 rotates inward. This also tends to deform and dislodge the seal 15 on the upper front edge of the body 10 from the seal 25 on the inside of the front of the lid 20, as shown in FIG. 9 . After being pivoted inward, the latch tab 30 (and its catch 34 and protrusion 32) can pass upward through the latch opening 14 in the lower flange 12 in response to an upward force exerted by the user to release the lid 20 as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the front inside edge 23 of the lid 20 adjacent to the base of the latch tab 30 can act as a fulcrum for the latch tab 30 and the front edge of the lid 20.
  • This locally deforms the adjacent front upper edge (i.e., adjacent to the seal bead 25) of the lid 20 outward as the latch tab 30 rotates inward and may also locally deform the adjacent upper portion of the front wall of the container 10 inward (i.e., adjacent to the seal bead 15). Both of these local deformations tend to partially separate the seal beads 15, 25 in the region adjacent to the latch tab 30. In turn, this reduces the upward force that must be exerted on the latch tab 30 to open the lid 20.
  • the lower surface 26 of the upper flange 22 could maintain contact with the upper surface of the lower flange 12 and effectively function as a fulcrum for pivoting the latch tab 30 inward.
  • the resulting local deformations in the front edge of the lid 20 and the adjacent upper portion of the front wall of the container 10 tend to partially separate the seal beads 15, 25 and thereby reduce the upward force required to open the lid 20.
  • the region of contact between the seal beads 15, 25 functions as a fulcrum. In this configuration, pivoting the latch tab 30 inward induces a moment about the seal beads 15, 25 that tends to partially separate the seal beads 15, 25 and reduces the upward force required to open the lid 20.
  • the entire storage container can be molded from polymers as a single piece using conventional injection molding techniques.
  • the interior shapes of the lid 20 and body 10 of the storage case and drafting of their side walls allow a plurality of storage cases to be nested together to facilitate compact storage and automated handling.
  • Selected regions of the front wall of the lid 20 or the upper front wall of the container 10 can be formed with a reduced thickness to enhance flexibility and thereby reduce the force required to operate the latch mechanism.
  • the present storage case may include clearance within the lid 20 for a tamper-evident film or foil to be applied to the base 10 of the container.
  • the top of the seal 15 should have a sufficient width to successfully adhere this tamper-evident film or foil to the body of the storage case.
  • FIGS. 11 - 13 show alternative embodiments of the storage case having bodies 10 of various depths and storage capacities. These embodiments have bodies 10 with side walls of various drafts and dimensions but have lids 20 and openings of the same size. This enables much of the same hardware to be used in handling all of these storage cases.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 show alternative embodiments of the storage case having a generally rectangular shape and bodies 10 of different depths. It should be understood that the storage case could have other shapes and proportions.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 show an alternative embodiments of a generally rectangular storage case with a side tab 18 extending laterally outward from the side of the body 10 of the storage case adjacent to the latch tab 30.
  • the user can support the storage case with the left hand holding the left side of the storage case.
  • the right thumb is used to press inward and upward on the latch tab 30, while the right index finger presses downward on the side tab 18.
  • This configuration provides a more ergonomic grip and simplifies the motion required to release the latch mechanism.
  • FIGS. 16 - 17 also replace the front flange 22 (shown in the earlier embodiments) with a horizontal tab 36 projecting forward from and extending across the upper portion of the latch tab 30.
  • the latch tab 30 extends downward directly from the front of the lid 20.
  • the bottom of the horizontal tab 36 abuts the top surface of the flange 12 on the body 10 of the storage case.
  • Testing has indicated that small children may attempt to defeat similar latch mechanisms by biting the latch tab 30 and flange 12.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
EP23166115.8A 2022-04-06 2023-03-31 Verriegelungsmechanismus für kindersicheren aufbewahrungsbehälter Pending EP4257505A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263327932P 2022-04-06 2022-04-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4257505A1 true EP4257505A1 (de) 2023-10-11

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ID=85800717

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23166115.8A Pending EP4257505A1 (de) 2022-04-06 2023-03-31 Verriegelungsmechanismus für kindersicheren aufbewahrungsbehälter

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20230322450A1 (de)
EP (1) EP4257505A1 (de)
CA (1) CA3195247A1 (de)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2587880A1 (fr) * 1985-09-27 1987-04-03 Cri Sa Etui de protection pour articles de peche
US4746008A (en) * 1987-07-01 1988-05-24 Heverly Karen H Child-resistant box for storage of hazardous materials
US7721907B2 (en) 2005-11-22 2010-05-25 Rexam Closure Systems Inc. Child-resistant flip-top dispensing closure and package
US20120211493A1 (en) * 2011-02-23 2012-08-23 Weatherchem Corporation Non-liner container
US8648264B2 (en) 2009-10-05 2014-02-11 Hosiden Corporation Terminal box
US20180057226A1 (en) * 2016-08-26 2018-03-01 Berry Plastics Corporation Container

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2587880A1 (fr) * 1985-09-27 1987-04-03 Cri Sa Etui de protection pour articles de peche
US4746008A (en) * 1987-07-01 1988-05-24 Heverly Karen H Child-resistant box for storage of hazardous materials
US7721907B2 (en) 2005-11-22 2010-05-25 Rexam Closure Systems Inc. Child-resistant flip-top dispensing closure and package
US8648264B2 (en) 2009-10-05 2014-02-11 Hosiden Corporation Terminal box
US20120211493A1 (en) * 2011-02-23 2012-08-23 Weatherchem Corporation Non-liner container
US20180057226A1 (en) * 2016-08-26 2018-03-01 Berry Plastics Corporation Container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA3195247A1 (en) 2023-10-06
US20230322450A1 (en) 2023-10-12

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