JP2003129724A - Lockable container - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a locking mechanism for a container which ensures child resistance locking. SOLUTION: The lockable container for packages, has a flexible paperboard portion or a plastic portion, and is produced by molding. The lockable container comprises a locking member having a frame (11, 29), a slidable locking tongue (51), and a lock flap (13), and a lock releasing member (33).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a locking member for a lock type container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Lockable containers, which have to be opened in a large number of movements, in particular child resistan.
Lockable containers with ce) have many uses. One use for lockable containers is as a drug container. Locking caps for vials are well known. The cap usually requires axial pressing or inward radial squeezing, while the cap must be turned to remove the cap from the container and remove the drug therein.

[0003]

Many medications are packaged in flat boxes, but these boxes are difficult to secure with child safety locks. There is a need for a flat box with a lock that requires multiple movements to open. There is also a need for an inexpensive lock-type box.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a lockable container. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lockable container is flat and has one member providing shape and locking and a second member providing an enclosure. The enclosure preferably has a carrier for the contents of the container to be protected. In one embodiment of the invention, the container has a rigid tray and an outer cover surrounding the tray. The lock that secures the cover to the tray when the slide is locked is released by this slide connected to the tray. When the slide is moved to the unlocked position, the lock opens and the cover is released, allowing the cover to move relative to the tray. The lock preferably locks one end of the cover. The other end of the cover is hinged to the tray. The side portion of the cover is held under the inner protrusion provided on the side portion extending upward of the tray.

In one embodiment of the present invention,
The tray is rectangular and has a central main body, rectangular opposing side walls, and rectangular opposing end walls. The cover is preferably a paperboard or plastic material formed as three parts by providing two parallel folds. A base panel is provided under the tray and is glued or otherwise connected to the bottom of the tray. A back panel is overlaid on the end of the tray, and a cover panel is overlaid on the top of the tray. The cover panels are folded at their free ends and are laminated to provide a relatively stiff cover. Alternatively, the second layer may be laminated to the inside of the cover panel to provide rigidity and provide a holder for the protected contents of the package.

In the preferred embodiment, the tray is molded in one mold cavity to produce three parts: a main body, a sliding lock strap, and a hinged locking flap. To be done. The main body has a shelf portion at one end. The shelf portion is provided with a central opening in which the latch extension from the locking flap is located. A similar opening provided near the free end of the cover panel also receives the latch extension. The cover panel is held above the shelf by a latch extension that extends through the opening in the cover panel and an opening in the shelf at one end of the main body.

The locking flap is a living hinge provided on the upper outer edge of one end of the main body.
It is connected to the main body by a hinge). The lock strap is formed inside the central opening of the body and is connected to the main body by a flexible strap. The lock strap is molded in one position and moved to the operating position. The extension from the lock strap and the extension from the main body respectively engage adjacent portions of the main body and the strap to allow sliding. A flexible strap allows the locking flap to be moved to the operating position and over-the- biases the locking strap into the fully locked position.
-center) Functions as a spring mechanism. In its fully locked position, a locking rib on one end of the locking strap engages the latch extension and prevents the locking flap from opening.

To release the latch extension, the pull ring at the opposite end of the locking strap is moved away from the locked position. Stops prevent overshooting in the unlocking direction. The locking flap is released and opened by moving the locking strap to the unlocked position. Releasing the pull ring causes the flexible strap to return the locking strap to the locked position.

After the locking flap is opened, the free end of the cover panel is lifted. The cover panel is hinged around the far end of the tray. Lifting the free end causes the side edge of the cover panel to peel away from the underside of the inner protrusion on the side of the tray. Opening the cover panel gives access to the contents inside the container.

Next, the cover is returned to the closed state. Pushing the center of the cover down flexes the cover elastically about its longitudinal axis, causing the edges of the cover panel to snap under the inner ridges on the upwardly extending sides of the tray. The locking flap is then closed over the cover. The latch ribs extend through the aligned openings in the cover openings and the tray shelves. The latch rib has a beveled outer surface. The outer surface engages the sloped cam surface on the top of the locking rib to push the locking rib and locking strap away from the locked position, causing the latch rib to snap to the underside of the locking rib. A flexible strap returns the locking strap and locking ribs to the locked position and the package is secured against inadvertent opening.

To open the package, the lock flap is lifted and at the same time the pull ring is slid inside the elliptical openings provided in the tray and in the base panel of the cover to align the lock. You need to move the strap.

In one preferred embodiment, the locking flap is formed with parallel slits extending at a right angle from a location remote from the integral hinge to the opposite free end of the locking flap. These slits divide the locking flap into three sections. The central section has an opening with a latch extension formed therethrough. The outer two sections have dome portions, which form the raised free ends of the outer sections. This raised end opens towards the opposite end of the package.
Inserting a finger longitudinally under the raised end and dome portion, while moving the pull ring on the opposite side of the container away from the locked position, lifts the outer section of the locking flap. Movement of the locking strap releases the latch ribs, allowing the central section of the locking flap to be lifted. By lifting both outer sections of the locking flap, the central section of the locking flap is lifted and the latch extension is lifted from its engagement position with the locking rib. In one embodiment of the invention, both outer sections need to be lifted in order to provide sufficient torque in the end regions of the slit to lift the central section.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the specification including the above description and the following description with reference to the drawings.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIG. 1, a locking container for holding tablets and other objects is generally designated by the reference numeral 1. This container has a rectangular molded plastic tray 3 with opposite sides 5, 7. An elongated ledge 9 extends inward from the upper ends of the side portions 5 and 7. These ledges hold the side edges of the cover panel 11 by pressing them. The cover is formed as a rigid piece of folds and an enclosure 25 of folded plastic or paperboard sheet material.

The locking flap 13 is a cover panel 11
Holding down one end of. The locking flap is connected to the upper end of the longitudinal end 14 of the tray 3 by an integral hinge 15. The locking flap has an actuatable central section 17 and two side sections 19. The central section has a latch extension. The side section has a raised curved portion 21. The entire flap 13 is lifted by inserting the tips of two fingers below the curved portion 21. The central section 17 and the two side sections 19 are separated by a groove 23. Because of this groove, lifting only one of the side sections 19 does not lift the central section 17. These grooves are separated from the edge 24 of the flap 13 by the area 22. By lifting both side sections 19 at the same time, sufficient force is transmitted to the central section 17 via the connecting region 22 and the central section 17 rotates upwards. Once the central section 17 has been lifted
The cover panel 11 rotates upward to expose the contents of the box. By controlling the lengths of the slits 23 and the regions 22, the locking flap allows the central section 17 to be lifted by lifting only one side section 19.
Can be designed to transmit sufficient torque to lift. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover panel 11 is part of a wrapping sheet material 25 or board surrounding the top, bottom and one end wall of the tray. The sheet material 25 has a fold line 26 at one end of the cover panel 11. This fold line 26 provides an end spine portion 27.

As shown in the bottom perspective view of FIG.
The sheet material 25 has a back panel 29. The back panel 29 is connected to the spine portion 27 at the end along the fold line 28. The back panel is glued, bonded, or otherwise physically attached to the bottom of the tray 3. The side edges of the back panel 29 are protected by extensions extending below the side portions 5, 7 of the tray. The board of sheet material completely covers the top and bottom of the tray and one longitudinal end 16 when the cover is closed.

Alternatively, the back panel 29 and cover panel 11 may be manufactured separately. In that embodiment, the back panel 29 is mechanically attached, glued or bonded to the back of the tray 3. The cover spine portion 27 is similarly connected to the tray spine end 16, and the cover panel 11 is hinged to the spine portion 27.

An oval notch 31 is formed in the back panel 29. A pull ring 33 is mounted in the tray and is located inside the cutout. The pull ring 33 is moved from one end of the notch 31 to the other end. As shown in FIG. 2, the pull ring is in the locked position 32, whereby the flap 1
3 and the cover panel 11 are prevented from opening. In use, the pull ring remains in the locked position unless it is intentionally moved to the unlocked position.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locking flap 13 is lifted so that the cover panel 11 can be opened. A large number of blisters 35 for holding tablets are provided inside the cover panel 11. As shown in FIG. 3, when the locking flap 13 is lifted, the cover panel 11 is lifted and the pill holder 3
You will be able to access 5. The blister 35 and adjacent walls or joints are fragile and the tablets are removed by breaking one of the blister, its edge or the abutment area of the cover panel 11.

A detailed cross-sectional view of the locking flap end of the container is shown in FIG. The locking flap 13 is connected by a living hinge 15 to the outer edge 37 of the outer extension 39 along the top of the end 14 of the tray 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tray 3 has a raised ledge 41 along the edge 14 of the tray.
This shelf has an elongated rectangular funnel-shaped opening 43. The opening 43 has an inclined guide portion 45 and a thin throat 47.

The locking flap 13 has a U-shaped latch extension 51 with side legs 53. The legs 53 extend at a right angle from the central section 17 of the locking flap 13. The U-shaped latch extension 51 has a right-angled leg 5
It has lateral latch ribs 55 extending between the three ends. The latch rib 55 has an inclined surface 56. An opening 57 with a latch extension 51 formed therein is provided in the center of the locking flap 13 so as to penetrate therethrough.

The cover panel 11 has a rectangular cutout 5
Have nine. This notch 59 is aligned with and overlies the opening 43 of the shelf 41 and receives the latch extension 51 when the locking flap 13 is closed over the free end 60 of the cover panel. To do.

To keep the locking flap closed over the free end 60 of the cover panel, the tray 3 has a sliding locking strap 61. The vertical portion 63 provided at one end of the lock strap is the lock rib 6
5 is supported. The lock strap 61 and its raised portion 63 and lock rib 65 can be moved from left to right as shown in FIG. 4 by moving the pull ring 33 as shown in FIG.

The locking ribs 65 lock the latch ribs 55 when the locking straps and locking ribs are in the left position, and when the locking straps 61 and locking ribs 65 are moved to the right side as shown in FIG. release. In the locked position, the locking ribs 65 engage the two legs 5 of the latch extension 51.
Overlying lateral latch ribs 55 extending between the three.

As shown in FIG. 5, the locking strap 61 is moved to the right as indicated by arrow 66. The lock ribs 65 can release the latch ribs 55 and lift the locking flaps 13.

The shelf 41 has a horizontal projection.
The protrusion has a downward extension 67 that stops the surface 69 of the raised portion 63 of the lock strap 61. This prevents the locking strap 61 from being pulled out excessively beyond the unlocked position as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 also shows the blister 35 formed from the inner layer 71 of the cover panel 11. The inner layer 71 of the cover panel 11 is folded at the free end 60 and joined to the outer layer 73 of the cover. FIG. 5 also shows one of the ledges 9 extending inward. The ledge 9 overlies the edge of the cover and holds the edge of the cover panel until the cover panel is intentionally lifted at the free end 60. By lifting the free end 60, the edge of the cover panel is stripped from the underside of the ledge 9 when the cover panel is lifted. When raising or lowering the cover panel 11, the cover bends or bends slightly. As a result, the edges are stripped from the underside of the ledge when lifted and the edges of the cover are snapped past the inner ledge extension 9 when the cover panel is closed.

FIG. 6 shows the lock strap fully moved to the left in the direction of arrow 68, and lock rib 65 is shown.
Is located directly below the opening 43 of the shelf 41. First, the cover panel 11 is closed by pushing down at the center of the cover panel to install the side edges of the cover panel below the inwardly extending ledges 9 provided on the side walls on both sides. Next, insert the central section 17 of the locking flap into the arrow 70
The locking flap 13 is closed by pushing in the direction of. The sloping surface 56 of the latch rib 55 engages with the sloping surface 45 of the rectangular opening 43 provided on the shelf 41 to center the latch extension 51. Subsequent application of downward force causes ramp surface 56 to engage ramp surface 71 on locking rib 65. This causes the lock rib 65, the raised portion 63, and the lock strap 61 to slide to the right in the direction of arrow 66. This allows the lateral latch ribs 55 to snap to the underside of the lock ribs 65 and allow the latch extension 51 to be fully inserted under the shelf 41. As soon as the lateral latch rib 55 slides under the horizontal surface 73 of the locking rib 65, the vertical portion 63 of the locking rib and the locking strap 61 move to the left in the direction of the arrow 68 to move the latch extension rib 55 and the locking Lock the position of the flap 13 and fix the cover. The lock strap 61 moves until the latch rib 55 comes under the lock rib 65.

As shown in FIG. 7, lock strap 61 and lock rib 65 are in the locked position. The return of the locking strap 61 to the locked position is preferably done by a spring. It is preferable to use a flexible strap leaf spring.

8 to 10 show the tray 3 in a molded state.
Is shown. Tray 3, locking flap 13,
The lock strap 61 is molded from plastic in a single mold cavity with limited lateral movement.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above. Tray 3
Has a main body 81 with cutouts 83 for saving material and illuminating the product. The central body part 85 has a central inward edge 87
Surrounds an elongated central opening 86 and an elliptical opening 88. A cross bar 91 formed integrally with the lock strap 61 by a groove 89 provided in the edge 87.
Can be formed. The lateral groove 93 provided in the side wall 95 of the lock strap slightly bends the portion of the crossbar to allow sliding in the direction of arrow 97 to the locked position 99 of the crossbar 91 shown in phantom. Become.
Groove 101 provided on side wall 95 of lock strap 61
Thus, the guide 103 can be formed. Guide 103
Is integrally formed with the central body portion 85. The guide 103 extends inward from the inner wall 87 of the body portion. These guides have a thick rim 105 and a thin portion 107.
have. The thin portion 107 forms a surface on which the side region 109 of the lock strap 61 slides.

The front end of the lock strap 61 has a right-angled end member 63 integrally formed thereon, and is provided with a lock rib 65. By using the inclined surface 71 of the lock rib, the lock strap 61 can be easily assembled in the use position and the lock function is assisted. The right angle end member 63 is laterally connected to the flexible strap 111. Strap 11
1 has an end 113 connected to a side 115 of the end structure shown in FIG.

The shelf 41 has a raised side 117 and a central portion 1.
Have 19. The lower end 121 of the tray 3 is attached to the front end wall 14. At the opposite end 16 two vertical walls 123, 125 extend between the sides 5, 7.

After molding the tray 3, the pull ring 33
To move the lock strap 61 to the right as shown in the bottom view of FIG. The inclined surface 71 above the lock rib 65 is the protrusion 1 of the central portion 119 forming the shelf 41.
The lock rib 6 is pressed against the inclined wall 131 above 33.
5 and the vertical portion 63 come down below the protrusion 133 on the shelf 41. Cooperating surfaces 6 as shown in FIG.
7 and 69 prevent the lock strap from returning beyond the protrusion 133.

When the pull ring 33 slides the lock strap to the right side to the operating position, the lower surface 1 of the crossbar 91
41 slides onto the upper surface of the inner portion 85 of the tray body. The upper surface 109 of the lock strap 61 has the extension 10
3 slides on the lower side of the lower surface 143 of the thin portion 107. The thick rib 105 prevents the locking strap 61 from going too far in the locking direction.

Near the end 14 the shelf 41 has a vertical wall 147 which supports the shelf near the opening 43. Edge 14
9 is in contact with the flexible strap 111, and the lock rib 6
Prevent 5 from going too far into the locked position. The slanted wall 151 allows the flexible strap 111 to stretch, bend, or bow.

FIG. 10 shows a plan view of the preferred tray 3 in the molded state. Reinforcing ribs 153 have been added to the flexible strap 111 to allow the portions 155, 15 to
7 is thin near the end of the strap. Rib 15
3 prevents the straps from warping axially and allows the ribs and thin sections 155, 157 to bend in a controlled manner when a reasonable force is applied.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the tray 3, the locking flap 13, and the locking strap 61, which are integrally formed, have rounded edges and are reinforced in strength to prevent breakage. Prevents and reassures the user when the user encounters an exposed surface.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged detailed bottom view showing the locking flap 13 and the latch extension 51 in the closed state.
When the locking strap 61 moves to the locked position, the locking ribs 65 engage the cross ribs 55 provided on the latch extension 51 to prevent the locking flap from opening.

FIG. 11, which is a bottom view, shows in detail the holding projection 133 having the inclined wall 131 for assembling and the holding wall 67. The lock strap 61 is a cross member 9
1 has a central groove 161 facing it, which reduces material and weight and increases flexibility.

FIG. 12 is a top detail view similar to the detail bottom view shown in FIG. 11 with the locking flap 13 closed. The locking flap 13 has a slit 23
It is divided into an outer section 19 and a central section 17. If either the right or left outer section 19 of the central section 17 is lifted without lifting the other end section 19, this lifting force will not be fully transmitted to the central section. This is especially the case when the lock strap is not retracted. The slit 23 may be shortened so that the central section is lifted when one side 15 is lifted.

FIG. 13 is a detailed sectional view similar to that of FIG. 11, showing the closed locking flap 13 and the opening 4 provided in the tray section 41 from the central section 17.
3 shows a latch extension 51 extending through 3. The lock strap 61 has not yet slid to the operating position.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13,
The cross member 91 of the lock strap 61 is provided with the groove 161 to reduce the weight and the material, while maintaining the rigidity of the cross member 91. For the same reason, the thickened portion 105 is confined to the rim extending around the thinned portion 107 of the guide 103, maintaining rigidity of the guide while reducing material and weight. The legs 53 of the latch extension 51 are relatively wide,
The extension 51 is provided with rigidity and strength. The side end 163 of the leg 53 is tapered to achieve strength, lightness, and alignment within the opening 43.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of the tray 3 with the locking flap 13 closed and the latch extension 51 extending through the opening 43 of the shelf 41. The lock strap 61 has moved to the locked position where the lock rib 65 overlies the latch rib 55 of the latch extension 51. The lower surface 141 of the cross member 91 slides over the inner portion 85 of the tray body 81 to position 99.
The upper surface of the edge portion 109 of the lock strap 61 slides under the thin portion 107 of the guide 103. The flexible strap 111 is centered (over-t) to the operating position.
he-center) Moving.

15 and 16 show the locking flap 1
Figure 3 shows a detailed bottom view of the tray 3 with 3 closed and a latch extension 51 extending through the opening 43. In the detailed view of FIG. 15, the lock strap 61 is shown in its molded state. In FIG. 16, the detailed view shows the lock strap 6 in the front lock position or in the use state.
1 is shown.

17 and 18 show the flap 1 for locking.
3 is a perspective view of an upper portion and a bottom portion of the tray 3 in which the lock strap 61 has been moved to the operation lock state when the tray 3 is closed. The flexible strap 111 is a lock strap 61.
Is held in a locked state and the locking strap 61 is returned to the locking position when the pull ring 33 is released after opening the container.

FIG. 19 shows a state in which the pull ring 33 moves toward the center of the elliptical opening 88 to disengage the locking rib 65 from the latch extension 51 and release the locking flap 13. 13 has been lifted to release the cover panel 11. When the pull ring 33 is released, the flexible strap 111 returns the locking strap 61 to the locked position.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the tray 3, where the pull ring 33 is released and the flexible strap 111 moves the lock strap 61 to the locked position. The locking flap 13 is closed and fixed.

FIG. 21 is a vertical cross-sectional perspective view of the container. Here, the locking flap 13 is the cover panel 1
It is closed at one free end 60. Latch extension 51 extends through opening 59 in the cover panel and opening 43 in shelf 41. The lock rib 65 is arranged above the cross latch rib 55 of the latch extension 51, and prevents the locking flap 13 from opening until the pull ring 33 is slid to the right. The pull ring 33 is exposed through a large elliptical opening 31 provided on the base panel 29 of the cover and an elliptical opening 88 with which the tray 3 is aligned. Blister 35 contains the product held in a locked container.

FIG. 22 shows details of the locking flap 13 for holding the cover panel 11 in the closed state and the locking rib 65 for preventing the locking flap from opening.
Stops 67 and 69 prevent the lock strap 61 from going too far in the unlocking direction.

The locking ring 13 can be opened by moving the pull ring 33 by placing the thumb under both longitudinal ends of the container and placing the fingers on the top of the container. The pull ring 33 is moved with one thumb, for example, the right thumb.
Under the dome 21 provided in the outer section 19 of the locking flap 13, bend the tip of the other hand, for example the index and ring fingers of the left hand. When the locking flap 13 is lifted, the ring 33 is released and the right hand is used to lift the cover panel 11. Lifting the cover panel by raising the free end 60 causes the edges of the cover panel to peel away from under the inner extension 9. When pressing the center to close the cover panel, the edge of the cover panel snaps to the underside of the side extension 9.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the specific embodiments, the present invention can be variously modified and changed without departing from the scope of the invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the container.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container.

FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the container, showing the lock strap pulled to the unlocked state.

FIG. 6 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the locking flap about to be closed.

FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the locked and fixed package.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main body, a locking flap, and a pull ring.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the tray in a molded state.

FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view showing a molded state of the tray.

FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view showing the lock strap when molded and the latch extension of the lock flap when the lock flap is in the closed state.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the tray with the lock straps molded and the locking flap closed.

FIG. 13 is a detailed bottom perspective view of the lock strap and flexible strap spring in the molded condition and the closed locking flap.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the lock strap that is locked forward and holds the locking flap closed.

FIG. 15 is a detailed bottom view of the tray showing the locking flap in the closed state and the locking strap in the molded state.

FIG. 16 is a similar detail view showing the lock strap in a locked condition when used forward.

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view showing the tray with the lock strap and the lock flap locked.

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view showing the tray with the lock strap and the lock flap locked.

FIG. 19 shows pulling the pull ring to open the locking flap.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the tray with the flap and strap locked.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the container when the side extensions of the tray are located over the cover panel and the package is closed and locked.

FIG. 22 is a detail of the drawing shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 container 3 trays 5 sides 7 side 11 cover panel 13 Lock flap 29 back panel 33 pull ring 51 Latch extension

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (31) Priority claim number 10/118023 (32) Priority date April 9, 2002 (April 4, 2002) (33) Priority claiming countries United States (US) F-term (reference) 3E084 AA05 AA14 AA24 AB10 BA02                       CA03 DA03 DB14 FA03 GA06                       GB06 GB17 GB23 GB26

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A molded locking member for a package having a flexible paperboard or plastic part, the locking member comprising: a) a frame, a sliding locking tongue, and a locking flap. A lock member having a member, and b) a lock release member. 2. The frame comprises a panel forming a polygonal package frame and a base formed to accommodate a sliding locking tongue.
The locking member described. 3. The frame has two opposite sides and two opposite ends which are joined to form a rectangular frame, the ends being taller and longer than the sides. The locking member of claim 1, wherein the locking member is small and one of the ends provides an attachment point for the locking flap. 4. The locking member according to claim 1, wherein a pull ring is provided at one end of the locking tongue.