ES2299734T3 - BLOCKING PROVISION FOR A COVER OF A CORRESPONDING CONTAINER AND CONTAINER. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container that can hold tablets or liquids, for example, for use in the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries and in particular to a child resistant locking arrangement for a container. The object of the invention is to ensure that the container is easy to open, in particular, for elderly and disabled persons and that the container is child resistant and can be sealed to prevent excessive ingress of water vapour. The container comprises a hollow body holding solid or liquid contents and a closure, which closes the container. A locking ring is provided between the body and closure, which can rotate between body and closure. An indicator arrow is located on body and an indicator arrow is located on closure. The locking ring also carries an indicator arrow and it is only when the indicator arrow is aligned, by turning the locking ring, with the indicator arrows and that the closure can be opened by lifting or flipping the projecting edge of the closure.

Description

Locking arrangement for a lid of a container and corresponding container.

The present invention relates to a container which may contain tablets or liquids, for example, for use in pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries and, in particular, to a blocking arrangement for a container and / or a region of secondary containment for a container.

There are currently, generally available, containers with features that make them "proof of children, "but these containers are typically very difficult to open for the elderly and disabled. Reference should be made, Now, to US Patent No. 5,908,125 and other patents belonging to the same field of technology. In general, the Childproof containers require the user to tighten and, simultaneously, rotate the lid, or push and rotate the lid, in order to release the lid of the container body. Without However, the elderly or people affected by problems that hinder their dexterity, find that the necessary force to to tighten or push the lid and simultaneously turn it, it is too large or suffer pain when trying to open. The affected by rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, they will stumble upon that must avoid any movement that involves grasping, twisting or bend the wrist.

In US 6,082,572, a safety vessel The container includes a hollow body and a lid attached to the hollow body, which opens in a given direction. The container also includes a cylindrical member, which can be operated by hand, requested by a load element to a first position, in which the member comes into application with the closed lid. The cylindrical member can be displaced, against of the load element, to a second position where it can release the lid. In the first position, the lid is applied positively with the member and can be unapplied from it moving it, first, in a direction other than the given direction in which the lid opens. The lid can be closed when the member is in the first position. Cylindrical member it can be rotated relative to a pin 51 and includes a inclined throat 52, see Figs. 11A to 11D. When he gets up the cover, the pin forces the cylindrical member to rotate and this it means that, when the pin is fully retracted, the throat 52 is no longer in the open position. Yes, then, I know close the lid, the pin would simply follow the path that took when opening and the cylindrical member would turn back into position original. To stop the cylindrical member, preventing it from coming back to its original position, a ratchet mechanism can be incorporated in the upper rotation support of the cylindrical member. A mechanism of this class can also be incorporated in any or all The turning supports. This means that the cylindrical member You can only turn completely in one direction. With the ratchet device, the pin cannot force the member cylindrical back in the direction you have followed and that in combination with the inclined throat 42, means that the lid is self-locking

Known childproof containers they comprise a lid locking arrangement whereby the user has to rotate the lid and align two strokes provided on the respective outer surfaces of the container and the lid In this position, the lid can be opened by pushing it. Without However, we have found that once the lid has been put on new on the container, the user has to remember to do turn the lid again so that the two strokes stop be aligned, if not, the container opens more Easily and stop being childproof. In addition, we have found that when this type of container is opened, the lid hinders partially the vision of the contents of the container. Also for some pharmaceuticals in the form of tablets, the patient You only have to take half a dose. Another disadvantage of the current containers is that once the container tablet, should be stored in a separate place or Put it back in the container, along with the other tablets. In this arrangement, it may be difficult to find the remaining part of the tablet at a later time.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a locking arrangement is provided for a cover of a container, comprising a hollow body, a lid that can move between a closed condition and an open condition, a locking part to secure the lid in the closed condition, the locking part can be moved between a position of lock and unlocked position, and drive means for move the locking part from the unlocked position to the lock position when the lid is transferred between respective conditions. The invention is defined in the claim. one.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that when the lid is moved to the open condition and the part of lock is in the unlocked position, the means of drive move the locking part to position blocked up.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that when the lid is moved to the closed condition and the locking part is in the unlocked position, the drive means move to the locking part to the locked position.

The drive means help ensure that the locking part is in the locked position after The lid has been opened and / or closed.

Preferably, the drive means automatically move the locking part when the lid is being open and / or closed, therefore, the characteristic of Childproof resistance is automatically activated, when it is necessary, during the opening operation and the operation of closing.

The present invention aims to overcome disadvantages we have found in the vessels of the technique above, providing a blocking provision for a vessel that is automatically placed in condition blocked up.

Preferably, the cover and the locking part they comprise respective cooperating blocking elements, being such the arrangement that, when the body lid is removed to open the container, the drive means move one of the blocking elements in relation to the other blocking element.

Preferably, the arrangement of the elements of blocking cooperators, located in the lid and in the part of blockage, is such that when you push the lid back on the body to close the container, the drive means move to one of the blocking elements in relation to the other element of blocking.

Preferably, the blocking part carries a indicator that must be aligned with an indicator in the hollow body and / or on the lid, the arrangement being such that, in use, the indicators are displaced by the drive means from a position aligned to a misaligned position.

In an alternative embodiment, the elements of Cooperating lock are located in the body and in the part of blocking, the arrangement being such that, when the cover of the body to open the container, the drive means move to one of the blocking elements in relation to the other element of blocking.

Preferably, in this embodiment alternative, the arrangement of cooperating blocking elements located in the body and in the blocking part, it is such that when push the lid back over the body to close the container, the drive means move to one of the blocking elements in relation to the other blocking element.

The blocking part is preferably a lock ring

Preferably, the drive means they comprise an elongated member disposed inside the lid and the locking ring comprises a ramp, the ramp being inclined such that, when the elongated member comes into contact with the ramp and is progressively slid along the surface thereof, the rotation of the locking ring has as consequence that the indicators of the body and / or the lid and the lock part, stop being aligned.

Preferably, the arrangement of the elongated member and the ramp is such that, when the lid of the body is removed to open the container, the elongate member comes into contact with a first surface of the ramp and the rotation of the locking ring has the consequence that the indicators of the body and / or of the cover and the blocking part are no longer
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Preferably, the disposition of the member elongated and the ramp is such that when the cover is replaced on the body to close the container and the indicators are aligned, the elongated member comes into contact with a second surface of the ramp and the rotation of the locking ring has as a consequence that the indicators of the body and / or the lid and the Lock part, stop being aligned.

Preferably, the ramp protrudes from a radially inner surface of the locking ring.

Alternatively, the ramp is a channel formed on the wall of the locking ring, forming the geometric axis central channel angle with the geometric axis of the ring.

Preferably, the elongate member is a flexible overhang

Preferably, the elongate member is a hook-shaped overhang, extending from the surface inside of the lid.

The blocking part is located, of preference, between the body and the lid.

The cooperating blocking element located in the Cap is preferably a pin.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, the cooperating blocking element located in the blocking part, is a circumferential flange disposed on the inner surface of the locking part and the pin is formed in the member elongated, the tab being formed with a recessed part through from which the pin can pass during the opening and closing of the lid

The ramp is arranged, preferably, axially below the circumferential flange and, in general, in line with the lowered part of the flange, such being the provision that there is a free space between the upper part of the ramp and circumferential flange.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the cooperating blocking element located in the blocking part is a circumferential track attached to the inner surface of the part lock and pin is formed with a distal head part, extending the pin from an inner surface of the lid, the track being formed with an access hole through which you can pass the head of the pin during opening and closing of the lid.

The ramp is arranged, preferably, axially above the circumferential track.

Preferably, the ramp arrangement and the tab is such that, by rotating the locking part in a direction, the pin passes, first, through the free space and, Generally, it aligns with the recess before the member elongated come into contact with the ramp.

Preferably, the body has an outlet that it can be closed by a shutter element located in the top.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the pin comprises a member formed with one end distal harpoon.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a container comprising the arrangement is provided lock according to claim 1.

Preferably, the second containment region it is arranged in the upper region of the body and is closed by the container lid

A first one will now be described in detail, a third and fourth preferred embodiments of the present invention, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings Attachments, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a container in closed condition and in locked position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 when in closed position and unlocked, before opening the lid;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1, with the lid open;

Figure 4 is a perspective view, from above, of the container of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a side view, in the X direction, of the container of Figure 2;

Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9 are seen from the left, from the right, in plan from above and from below, respectively, of the container of Figure 5;

Figure 10 shows details slightly enlarged ring of Figure 4;

Figure 11 shows another perspective of the details of the locking mechanism inside the ring of the Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the container in the closed position and blocked, which is not part of the present invention;

Figures 13 and 14 are perspective view of the container of Figure 12 with the lid open;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a container in the closed position and unlocked, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 15 with the lid in open condition;

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the blocking part of the container of Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a detailed partial view of X of the blocking part of the container of Figure 16;

Figure 19 is a detailed partial view of Y of the lid and of the actuator of the container of the Figure 16;

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a container in closed position and unlocked according to the present invention;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 20 with the lid in open condition;

Figure 22 is a detailed partial view of the lid and the actuator of the container of the Figure twenty-one; Y

Figure 23 is a detailed partial view of the blocking part of the container of Figure 21.

In Figures 1 to 11, the first is illustrated embodiment of a container according to the present invention. He container comprises a hollow body 1 for containing solids or liquids and a lid 2, which closes the container. A part of lock in the form of lock ring 3, is provided between the body 1 and cover 2. The locking ring 3 can be rotated in body 1. An indicator arrow A is located in body 1 and an indicator arrow B is located on the cover 2. The ring of lock 3 also carries an indicator arrow C and only when align the indicator arrow C, rotating the locking ring 3, with the indicator arrows A and B (see Figure 2) you can open lid 2 by lifting or popping the edge protruding 4 from cover 2. Obviously, it is only necessary provide an indicator arrow on body 1 or on cover 2, but the user benefits from being able to align the indicator arrow C of the locking ring 3 with the indicating arrow A or the arrow B indicator.

The container also includes means of elongated member-shaped drive 6 extending in a direction away from the inside surface of the cover 2. The member 6 comprises a distal end 6a in the form of a hook. Arranged between the distal end 6a and the cover 2 there is a pin 10 wedge-shaped

The locking ring 3 is placed in the body 1 by elastic jump adjustment between the formed circular nerve on an annular shoulder (not shown) of body 1 and a circular recess 12 corresponding formed next to the lower inner edge of the ring 3. The arrangement of ring 3 and body 1 is such that the ring 3 will be secured to body 1, but will turn freely in he.

In order for the lid 2 to be locked on body 1, lock ring 3 has a flange circumferential 8 on its inner surface. This tab 8 is formed with a recessed part 9 through which the hook 6 and pin 10 during opening and closing of the lid 2 if arrows A, B, C are aligned. Pin 10 will seat under tab 8 when the arrows are not aligned, blocking therefore to the cover 2 on the body 1.

The locking ring 3 comprises a ramp 7 inclined with respect to the axial direction of the ring 3 and that extends from the inner surface of ring 3. There is a clearance 13 between the upper part of ramp 7 and the tab 8, through which pin 10 can pass when the arrows A, B, C are aligned. Ramp 7 comprises a inclined upper surface 14 and an inclined lower surface 16 (hidden in the Figures). The provision is such that if the arrows A, B, C are aligned and cover 2 is opened, pin 10 it passes through the opening 9 and the distal end 6a of the hook 6 will enter in contact with the lower inclined surface 16 of ramp 7 and will rotate ring 3, that is, back to the locked position.  Also, the arrangement is such that if arrows A, B, C are aligned and the lid 2 is closed, the distal end 6a of the hook 6 will come into contact with the upper inclined surface 14 of the ramp 7 and will turn lock ring 3, that is, back to The locked position. In this regard, it should be noted that the lock ring 3 can be rotated freely in body 1 once the hook 6 has gone down the ramp 7.

In the embodiments shown, the part of blocking preferably takes the form of a locking ring 3; however, the blocking part may have a non-annular shape, for example a sliding element that can be displaced by drive means in a linear direction or in an arc.

Alternatively, ramp 7 could include a channel, which captures the tip of the hook 6 at the bottom of the ramp 7, so the hook 6 is only released when it has moved to the top of ramp 7. With this arrangement, the indicator arrow C is not aligned when lid 2 has been opened and it is enough for the user to simply push the hook 6 over the tab 8 to close the lid 2.

The distal end 6a behaves like an organ drive that ensures that the respective indicators in arrow shape are misaligned after opening and / or the container closure The distal end 6a automatically moves to the arrow-shaped indicators misaligning them during the opening operation and, if necessary, the closing operation. Therefore, the childproof resistance feature is automatically activated during the opening operation and, if necessary, during the closing operation.

It should be noted that the hook 6 is flexible, of so that it is possible to push the lid 2 to close it without align the hook 6 with the recessed part 9. The pin 10 is inclined in correspondence with the inclination of the tab 8, of so that it can simply be pushed on tab 8 until that pin 10 slides under tab 8 to lock cover 2 on the body 1.

The width of the recessed part 9 is such that, when the arrows A, B, C are aligned and the hook 6 seats in the bottom of ramp 7, pin 10 will be free to move out of the locking ring 3.

Body 1, in this embodiment, has a annular opening 11 that can be closed by an annular flange 12 of the cover 2. This closing arrangement helps prevent the entry of water vapor, which could affect the stability of the content and, also, it acts to prevent leaks if the content is liquid. The tab 8 and annular opening 11 form a containment volume secondary 17. Volume 17 and internal volume of body 1 are separated by an annular wall (not shown in the Figures). He Volume 17 can be used to store material, such as part of a pharmaceutical tablet, or a whole tablet, that has been removal of body 1 from the container. The containment volume 17 also provides an area that can be used to inspect the material that has been removed from the body.

In Figures 12, 13 and 14, a second embodiment of a container. The container comprises a tubular body 20 containing solids or liquids and a lid 21, which close the container A locking ring 23 is provided between the body 20 and lid 21, which can be rotated between the body 20 and cover 21. An indicator arrow D is located in the body 20 and an indicator arrow E is located in the ring of lock 23. As in the first embodiment, only when align the indicator arrows, rotating the ring of lock, lid 21 can be opened by lifting or popping the protruding edge 24 of the cover 21.

In Figures 13 and 14, the lid 21 has been opened And the user can take the content. As cover 21 is hinged on body 20 at a point 25, there are no obstacles to empty the contents, since the lid 21 can be kept positioned so backward as allowed by hinge point 25.

The closure 21 is formed with an annular collar 25 that extends around the perimeter of the lid 21. From a inner surface of the cover 21 extends an elongate member 26 formed with a frustoconical end 28 at its distal end. A wedge-shaped locking pin 38, is formed in a outer surface of the annular collar 25.

The locking ring 23 comprises a collar outer ring 31 and an annular track 32, radially inner, formed with an inner annular channel and an upper annular groove 34. The inner annular channel is directly below the slot 34. The width of slot 34 is smaller than the width of the annular channel At one point in slot 34 the width increases to form a circular access hole 36. The ring collar exterior 31 is formed with a channel 37 which is inclined with respect to to the axial direction of the ring 23.

The locking ring 23 is located in the body 20 thanks to the elastic jump adjustment between a nerve circular (not shown) formed in body 20 and a circular recess corresponding (not shown) formed next to the inner edge, bottom, of ring 23, so that ring 23 is secured to body 20 but can be freely rotated in he.

The arrangement is such that if the lines are aligned arrows D and E, end 28 will be adjacent to hole 36 and the pin 38 will be at the lower end of channel 37 and can cover 21 is opened. As cover 21 is opened, end 28 it will pass through hole 36 and pin 38 will come into contact with the upper inclined surface of channel 37 and will rotate the ring of lock 23, that is, it will return it to the locked position. Also, the arrangement is such that if the arrows D and E are aligned and the lid 21 is closed, the end 28 will pass through the hole 36 and, then, pin 38 will come into contact with the inclined surface bottom of channel 37 and will turn lock ring 23, it is say, it will return it to the locked position. In this regard, you must it is noted that the locking ring 23 can be rotated freely in body 20 once pin 38 has been moved down channel 37.

The body 20, in this embodiment, has a annular opening 40 formed in an upper wall 41. The opening 40 it can be closed by a circular flange 42 of the cover 2. This closure arrangement helps prevent the entry of water vapor, which could affect the stability of the content and also acts to avoid leaks if the content is liquid. The upper wall 41 and the annular track 32 form a secondary containment volume 43. Volume 43 can be used to store material, such as a part of a pharmaceutical tablet or an entire tablet, which has been removed from the body 20 of the container. The volume of containment 43 also provides an area that can be used to inspect the material that has been removed from the body.

Pin 38 acts as an organ of drive that ensures that the respective indicators fit of arrow are misaligned after opening and / or closing of the container. Pin 38 automatically moves the arrow-shaped indicators misaligning them during operation opening and, if necessary, the closing operation. So, The childproof resistance feature is activated automatically during the opening operation and, if necessary, during the closing operation.

A third is illustrated in Figures 15 to 19 embodiment of a container according to the present invention. The third embodiment comprises many common features with the first embodiment described above in this document and the same reference numbers have been used to designate those common characteristics.

The container 50 of the third embodiment comprises a hollow body 51 for containing solids or liquids and a lid 52, which closes the container. A lock part in the form of Locking ring 53 is provided between body 51 and cover 52. The locking ring 53 can be rotated in the body 51. A indicator arrow B is located on cover 52. The locking ring 53 also carries an indicator arrow C and only when the indicator arrow C, rotating lock ring 53, with the indicator arrows B (see Figure 15), cover 52 can be opened lifting or popping the projecting edge 54 of the lid 52

The container 51 also comprises means of elongated member-shaped drive 6, which extends in a direction away from the inner surface of the closure 52. The member 6 comprises a distal end 6a in the form of a hook. Arranged between the distal end 6a and the lid 52, there is a pin 10 wedge shaped.

The locking ring 53 is placed in the body 51 by elastic jump adjustment between a formed circular nerve in an annular shoulder (not shown) in body 51 and a recess corresponding circular (not shown) formed next to the edge lower inside of ring 53. The arrangement of ring 53 and the body 51 is such that ring 53 is secured to body 51, but may be freely rotated in body 51.

The operation and function of the ring lock 53 and of the actuator 6 are substantially same as in the description of the corresponding characteristics of Figures 1 to 11 of the first aspect of the invention. But nevertheless, it will be noted that the locking ring 53 is arranged substantially around the central geometric axis of the container 51. In this embodiment, the container 51 is formed with a opening 55 located on one side of the container 51. The opening 55 provides access to the internal volume of the container 51.

A solid panel 63 closes part of the volume top of container 51. Panel 63 and an annular collar 61 they form a second containment volume 64. A third volume of containment containment 65 is formed by a part of panel 63, a part of the radially outermost wall of the body 51 and the arched wall 67. The second and third containment volumes 64, 65, may be used to store solids and liquids. The second and the third containment volumes 64, 65, can be used to store pharmaceutical products such as tablets or capsules and they are particularly useful for storing parts of tablets or of capsules Containment volumes 64, 65 are closed by the cover 52. Containment volumes 64, 65 also provide areas that can be used to inspect the material that has been removed from the body

In Figures 20 to 23, a fourth is represented embodiment of a container according to the present invention. The fourth embodiment comprises many common features with the first embodiment described above in this document and the same reference numbers have been used to designate those common characteristics.

The container 70 of the third embodiment is differs from that of the first embodiment due to the fact that the lid 72 of the container 70 extends through the most extreme volume upper hollow body 1. The horizontal cross section of the cover 72 is substantially the same as the cross section horizontal of the body 1.

A solid panel 74 closes part of the upper volume of the container 1. The panel 74 and an upwardly extending collar 76 form a second containment volume 68. The second containment volume 68 can be used to store pharmaceutical products such as tablets or capsules. and it is particularly useful for storing parts of tablets or capsules. The containment volume 68 is closed by the cover 72. The containment volume 68 also provides an area that can be used to inspect the material that has been removed.
of the body.

Claims (12)

1. A locking arrangement for a cover (2) of a container (1), whose container comprises an egg body formed with an opening, and whose lid is attached to the body and can move between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa; a locking ring (3; 53) to block the cover in the closed condition, the locking ring being provided between the body of the container and the lid (2), and being movable in the body around a geometric axis; a drive member (6) attached to the cover (2) in the form of element (6) extending away from the inner surface of the lid (2); in which the mobile locking ring (3; 53) comprises a ramp (7; 37) that has upper and lower inclined surfaces (14, 16) that are inclined with respect to the axial direction of the lock ring (3; 53), and in which The actuator has means (6a) for coming into contact with said inclined surfaces, upper or lower (14, 16) in the movable locking ring (3; 53) during the opening or closing of the cover, in order of moving the locking ring to a position where it blocks the cover (2), characterized by a circumferential flange (8) on the surface inside of the locking ring; a pin (10) formed in the organ of drive; in which the tab is formed with a recessed part (9) through which the pin (10) can pass during the opening and closing the lid; and in which the ramp (7; 37) protrudes from a surface radially inside the locking ring, and is arranged axially below the circumferential flange and generally in line with the lowered part of the flange, such being the provision that there is a free space (13) between the most part upper ramp (7) and circumferential flange. 2. A blocking arrangement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drive means (6) they comprise an elongated member (10, 6, 6a) disposed inside of the cover (2). 3. A blocking arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or in claim 2, wherein the ring blocking (3; 53) and / or the container (1) comprise means (A; C) alignment indicators. 4. A blocking arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ramp comprises a channel (37) formed in the wall of the locking ring, forming the central geometric axis of the angle channel with the axis Geometric ring. 5. A blocking arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the organ Drive (6) is a flexible overhang. 6. A blocking arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the organ drive is a hook-shaped cantilever, which extends from the inside surface of the lid. 7. A blocking arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has an exit that can be closed by an element shutter located on the lid. 8. A container comprising an arrangement lock as claimed in any of the claims precedents 9. A container as claimed in the claim 8, whose container comprises a second volume of containment. 10. A container as claimed in the claim 9, whose container comprises a third volume of containment. 11. A container as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one of the other containment volumes are arranged in the volume upper body 12. A container as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein at least one of The other containment volumes are closed by the lid.