GB2489490A

GB2489490A - Container locking device

Info

Publication number: GB2489490A
Application number: GB1105419.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Polly Mary Wallace; Steven Michael Wallace
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-31
Filing date: 2011-03-31
Publication date: 2012-10-03
Also published as: GB201105419D0

Abstract

A container locking device 100 is provided for insertion in a container opening in place of a container lid in order to lock the container. The container locking device 100 includes a first component having a cylindrical stopper 110-for insertion into a container opening, wherein a flange (118, Fig 2B) is provided on the cylindrical stopper, and a second component 120 having multiple outwardly extending teeth 122 for insertion into a container opening which teeth 122 in use are pushed outwards by the flange (118) of the first component under a shoulder of a container opening. The first and second components are locatable together by mutual rotation of the components. The first and second components each have lockable members 111, 121 which are lockable together by a removable padlock 160 to prevent separation of the first and second components. Clip 150, tether 151, sealing ring 140 and sealing gasket 130 are also included.

Description

CONTAINER LOCKING DEVICE

This invention relates to the field of container locking devices.

It is common for milk and other liquid products to be purchased for use by individuals often supplied in commonly used high density plastic containers. Customers may live and/or work in close proximry of others, an.d share refrigerators and facilities with many others. It is not uncommon for pilfering, borrowing' and tampering to take place. Cheap effective options to prevent this annoyIng and costly issue are very imtted for customers.

in a related field, dangerous substances are often stored in containers such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc. Lids or tops of containers of such substances may include built in locks that require pressing down on the lid at the same time as turning, or sideward pressure at certain points on the lid, etc. However, such locks are not chiidproof as a child may successfully open the lid after playing around with it, giving the child access to the dangerous substance.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to address the aforementioned problem.

According to a. first aspect of the preseni invention there is provided a container locking device, comprising: a first component having a cylindrical stopper for insertion into a container opening, wherein a flange is provided on the cylindrical stopper; a second component having multiple outwardly extending teeth for insertion into a container opening hich teeth in use are pushed outwards by the flange of the first component under a shoulder of a contatner opening; wherein the first and second components are locaiabl.e together by mutual rotation of the components and the first and second components each having lockable members which are lockable together io prevent separation of the first arid second components.

The first and second components may be locatable together by a channel and a groove curved between the. first and second components.

I'he second component may have multiple outwardly extending teeth and may he compressible for insertion into a container opening. The second component may be in the form of a broken ring from which the multiple outwardly extending teeth project, wherein the broken ring enables compression of the circumference of the ring. A sealing ring may be placeable in use between a container opening and the second component, wherein the sealing ring may include a projection which in use sits in the break in the broken ring of the second component.

The first and second components' lockable members may be horizontal projecting members and the container locking device may include a locking clip for holding the projecting members together. The first and second components' lockable members may have openings through which a padlock is placeable.

The container locking device may include pouring grooves in the inside circumference of the second component to aid pouring of a liquid from the container.

The container locking device may include a tether between the locking clip and the first and second components to secure the components together.

The multiple outwardly extending teeth of the first component may curve outwards away from the centre of the second component and may have a hooked end to fit under a neck of a container they are inserted into.

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 (1/7) is an exploded view of the parts of a container locking device in accordance with the present invention; Figures 2A to 2C (2/7) are top, side and underneath views of a stopper of the container locking device of Figure 1; Figures 3A to 3C (3/7) are top, cross-sectional, and side views of an insert of the container locking device of Figure 1; Figures 4A to 4C (4/7) are side, cross-sectional, and detail views of an assembled container locking device in accordance with the present invention; Figures SA to SC (5/7) are perspective views of a container locking device in accordance with the present invention in three different positions of operation; Figures 6A to 6C (6/7) are top and side views of a container locking device in accordance with the present invention in different positions of operation; and Figures 7A to 7C (7/7) are top, side and underneath views of a container locking device in accordance with the present invention in a locked position.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numbers may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous features.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the alt that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

A container locking device is described which can be securely located in a container opening and lockable by a padlock. In particular, the container locking device includes teeth which are forced under a shoulder of a container opening to secure the locking device in place whilst being removable for re-use in another container.

Referring to Figure 1, an exploded view shows an embodiment of a container locking device 100. The locking device 100 includes a first component in the form of a stopper component which forms the top of the locking device and carries a first lockable projection 111. The locking device 100 includes a second component in the form of an insert component 120 with outwardly protruding teeth 122 for locating under a shoulder of a container opening. The insert component 120 carries a second lockable projection 121.

A sealing gasket 130 is provided for sealing in use between the stopper component 110 and the insert component 120. A sealing ring 140 is provided for sealing in use between the insert component 120 and the container (not shown).

A clip component 150 is provided for holding the first and second lockable projections ill, 121 together in a closed position. The clip component 150 may be secured to the stopper component 110 or the insert component 120 by a tether 151. In use, a padlock 160 may be used to lock the first and second lockable projections 111, 121 together. The padlock 160 may be provided by a user of the locking device and may not form part of the locking device 100.

Referring to Figures 2A to 2C, top, cut-away side, and underneath views are shown of the stopper component 110. The top view shown in Figure 2A shows a circular lid 112 of the stopper component 110 with a first lockable projection 111 extending from a side of the lid 112 with an opening 113 in the projection 111 through which a padlock or other locking device can be inserted.

The lid 112 may include arrows 1 i4A, 1 14B showing the direction of turning the lid 112 for locking and unlocking the stopper component 110 from the insert component 120. The lid 112 may also include arrows or other indications 115 showing the location of one or more pouring apertures (shown in Figure 2C).

The cut-away side view shown in Figure 2B shows an outer lip 116 which extends downwards in use from the lid 112 and sits outside a neck of a container opening. The outer lip 116 may be textured for grip by a user. An inner lip 117 extends from the lid 112 concentrically inside the outer lip 116. The inner lip 117 is located in use inside the container opening. The inner lip 117 includes a wider portion forming a flange 118 at the base of the inner lip 117 and at least one locating channel 119 is provided which extends at an angle from the top to the bottom of a portion of the inner lip 117. Two locating channels 1 19A, 1 l9B may be provided on opposing sides of the inner lip 117. The underneath view of Figure 2C shows the recesses of the locating channels 1 19A, 1 19B.

Referring to Figures 3A to 3C, top, cross-sectional and side views are shown of the insert component 120. The top view shown in Figure 3A shows a flat ring body i24 of the insert component 120 with a second lockable projection 121 extending from a side of the flat ring body 124 with an opening 123 in the projection 121 through which a padlock or other locking device can be inserted.

The flat ring body 124 has a gap 125 in its circumference to enable the insert component 120 to be squeezed to close the gap 125 and reduce the circumference of the flat ring body 124.

The flat ring body 124 includes one or more rounded nub l26A, 126B for insertion in use in the locating channel(s) 1 19A, 1 l9B of the stopper component 110. Arrows 127A, l27B show lips l28A, l28B where a liquid contents of a container may be poured.

Referring to Figure 3C, outwardly protruding teeth 122 extend downwards in use from the flat ring body 124 of the insert component 120. The outwardly protruding teeth 122 may be equally spaced around the insert component 120 and extend downwards a sufficient length to be inserted in use under the shoulder of a container opening. The opening 125 allows the teeth 122 to be squeezed to insert them into a container opening and to spring back under the shoulder of a container opening.

Figure 3B shows a cross-section through line A-A of Figure 3A showing the flat ring body 124 and protruding teeth 122.

Referring to Figures 4A to 4C, a side view of the assembled locking device 100 in place In a container 200 is shown in Figure 4A with a crosssection shown in Figure 4B and a detail of the cross-section shown in Figure 4(1 The container 200 has a neck 201 of an opening 202 and a shoulder 203 extending outwardly from the bottom of the neck 201. The neck 2(11 may have a thread 204 on which a reinoveahie. lid (not shown) may have been secured. The lid has been replaced with the.

assembled locking device 1 00 over the opening. 202 of the container 200.

As shown in the cross-sections of Figures 4B and 4C, in use, the stopper component 110 si.ts inside the container neck 201 and the flange 118 at the base of the inner lip 117 of the stopper component 110 acts against the inside surface of the outwardly protruding teeth 122 of the insert component 120 to push the teeth 122 under the shoulder 203 of the container 200 thereby securing the assembled locking device 100 in place in the container opening 202.

Referring to Figures 5A to SC, perspective views of the container locking device 100 are shown in three stages of assembly. Figures 6A to 6C also show the container locking device in the three stages of assembly showing a top view of the first stage and two side views of the second and third stages.

V/hen the customer buys a container which he wishes to lock, lie removes the e.xisiing top, usually a plastic screw top. The sealing ring 140 is placed on the top of the container opening and the insert component 120 is squeezed 10 compress the teeth 1 22 and placed inside the circular con tai ncr opening. The insert component 1 22 has multiple outward-facing shaped teeth 122 that curve outwards away from the centre of the insert component 120 and fit under the neck of the container. By gently compressing the sides of the insert component 120 it reduces in width slightly to assist fitting. enabling the teeth 122 to then fit snugly inside the container. The gap 125 in the insert circumference just between the lockable projection 1.21 of the insert component 120 facilitates the compression of the insert component 120.

I'he sealing ring 140 sits on the bottom of the insert component 1.20 and. ensures a good fit with the rim of the container opening. A protrudIng, section 141 (see also Figure 1) of the sealing ring 140 fits into the gap 1 25 i.n the insert component5s circumference. The sealing ring protruding section 141 is designed to allow compression for insertion and then the material springs hack into shape to further assi.st a good fit in. the container.

Referring to Figure 5A and Figure GA, the stopper component 110 has two pitched locating channels I 19A, 1.198 which are lined up with the two nubs 126A, 1268 on the insert component 120. The stopper component 110 is then twisted clockwise down guided by the two locating channels 119A, I 198 to lock down directly against the insert component 120.

A sealing gasket 130 is provided between the stopper component 110 and the insert component 120 to ensure a fluid tight seal between the two main parts. The sealing gasket may be joined to the base of the stopper component 110. Together the sealing gasket 130 and the sealing ring 140 provide protection against spillage and leaks and an airproof mechanism, "Lock" and "Unlock" may be printed with directional arrows I 14A, I l4B on the stopper component 120 to assist the customer.

As the stopper component 110 twists down, flangel 18 at the base of the inner lip 117 of the stopper component 110, simultaneously pushes out against the rear of the outward facing insert teeth 122 on the insert component 120, pushing them further under the shoulder rim of the container. This provides the effective locking by preventing removal of the whole device upwards.

The insert and stopper are now lined up as in Figure 513 and Figure 6W The lock clip 150 which may be on a nylon tether 151 then slides over the first and second lockable projections 111, 121 of the stopper component 110 and insert component 120 and secures the two main parts together.

In Figure SC and Figure 6C, a combination padlock 160 or key padlock 160 may be applied through the openings 113, 123 of the first and second lockable projections lii, 121 locking the stopper component 110 and insert component 120 together and ensuring the lock clip 150 is secured and cannot be removed. The device is then secure and the stopper cannot be twisted up and down to assist removal, The insert teeth 122 are thereby locked under the tim of the container. The stopper component 110. insert component 120, and lock clip 150 are all joined by nylon tether 151 to keep all the three parts together.

When the product in the container is required, the customer simply removes the padlock 160, slips off lock clip 150, and removes the stopper component 110 by twisting to separate it from the insert component 110. The product may then be poured from the right or left sides assisted by two guiding arrows on the insert component 120. There may be a larger two way reminder 115 arrow printed on the top of the stopper component 120.

The insert component 110 is sized so that it sits hi the container top securely during pouring of the product, but can be easily removed by compressing it as it was when inserted.

The locking device 100 also doubles in function as the bottle top for the period the container is secured. The locking device 100 can be reused repeatedly and/or placed in a dishwasher for ease of cleaning and may be made of food grade plastic. The locking device tOO may be available in various colours.

Figures 7A to 7C show top, side and underneath views of the assembled locking device 100.

The described container locking device provides a way to secure containers such as plastic milk containers, and to deter tampering and theft. In one example, the design is for a specific type of plastic milk container (made of HDPE -High Density Polyethylene) in common use in most retail outlets. The plastic milk containers typically vary in size from one pint to six pints (roughly 0.53 to 3.4 litres). It is envisaged that this design could be used for other milk, food and drink containers, as well as other product containers such as household chemicals, medicines, alcohol and other containers with a similar lipped design. In particular the size, length, angle and number of insert teeth and the stopper design could be adapted to the particular container required.

Improvements and modifications can be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A container locking device, comprising: a first component having a cylindrical stopper for insertion into a container opening, wherein a flange is provided on the cylindrical stopper; a second component having multiple outwardly extending teeth for insertion into a container opening which teeth in use are pushed outwards by the flange of the first component under a shoulder of a container opening; wherein the first and second components are locatable together by mutual rotation of the components; and the first and second components each having lockable members which are lockable together to prevent separation of the first and second components.
2. A container locking device as claimed in claim I, wherein the first and second components are locatable together by a channel and a groove curved between the first and second components.
3. A container locking device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second component having multiple outwardly extending teeth is compressible for insertion into a container opening.
4. A container locking device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second component is in the form of a broken ring from which the multiple outwardly extending teeth project, wherein the broken ring enables compression of the circumference of the ring.
5. A container locking device as claimed in claim 4, including a sealing ring placeable in use between a container opening and the second component, wherein the sealing ring includes a projection which in use sits in the break in the broken ring of the second component
6. A container locking device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second components' lockable members arc horizontal projecting members and including a locking clip for holding the projecting members together.
7. A container locking device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second components' lockable members have openings through which a padlock is placeaNe.
8. A container locking device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including pouring grooves in the inside circumference of the second component to aid pouring of a liquid from the container.
9. A container locktng device as claimed in claim 6, nc]uding a tether between th.e locking clip and the first and second components.
10. A container locking device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nmitiple outwardly extending teeth of the first component curve outwards away from the centre of the second component and have a hooked end to fit under a neck of a container they are inserted into.