JP2005518310A - Container with locking device - Google Patents

Abstract

The container (1) has a holding body (13), a holding body (13), a container body comprising first and second parts (3, 5), which can be joined together to close the container and separated to open the container. A device (11) and a release member (15) are provided. The holding member keeps the container closed by holding the first and second parts (3, 5) of the container body together. The holding member (13) can be manually released from its own holding position by movement of the release member (15) relative to the holding member (13). The container is particularly suitable for containing one or more pharmaceutical tablets.

Description

  The present invention relates to a container, and more particularly to an apparatus for holding the container closed. The present invention relates to containers for pharmaceutical tablets and the like in particular, but is generally applicable to containers having other uses.

  A first aspect of the present invention includes a container body having first and second portions that can be joined together to close the container and separated to open the container, and a holding comprising a holding member and a release member. Equipment. The holding member holds the container in a closed state by holding the first and second portions of the container body in a state of being coupled to each other. The holding member can be manually released from its own holding position by movement of the release member relative to the holding member.

  Preferably, this movement of the release member relative to the holding member either disengages the holding member from its holding position or allows the holding member to be disengaged from its holding position. Advantageously, the subsequent movement of the holding member relative to at least one of the parts of the container body preferably either opens the container or allows the container to open.

  A second aspect of the present invention provides a container body with first and second portions that can be coupled together to separate the container to close the container and open to open the container, and a holding with the holding member and the release member. Equipment. The holding member holds the container in a closed state by holding the first and second portions of the container body in a state of being coupled to each other. The holding member fixes the holding member at a holding position where the first and second parts of the container body are held in a state of being coupled to each other when engaged, and the first and second parts of the container body are released when the engagement is released. The container body or its components can be engaged by manually releasably connected to each other so as to be movable from its first position to release the two parts.

  (At least in the second aspect of the invention, the release member may be considered as a fixation member or as a fixation and release member.)

  In the present invention, the function of holding the container in a closed state (this is performed by the holding member) holds the holding member in the state in which the container is closed (this is performed by the holding member). It is independent of the function of releasing from its fixing in its holding position. This is advantageous for several reasons.

  First, separation of function can provide an opening mechanism for a container that cannot be opened by a child or tampered with by a child, which can be important, for example, when the container is used in a pharmaceutical tablet or the like. This means that a small child cannot usually do both (or all) of the actions needed to open the container, or they need two (or more) actions. It is because it is not obtained.

  Second, at least two separate actions (ie, opening the holding member and opening the container, or otherwise opening the holding member, moving the holding member, and opening the container) The fact that it is necessary to open generally provides a degree of security against accidental opening of the container.

  Third, the separation of the holding and securing functions can make the container configurable for ease of use by the elderly or persons with physical injury. This opens the container (which is initially safely closed by physically separating the actions necessary to first allow the container to open and secondly to actually allow the container to open). ) Can be made easier for people with manual agility disorders (eg arthritis). For example, the physical spacing and / or dimensions of container components arranged to perform two operations can be large enough to facilitate their use by these people.

  It has been described above that the container body comprises first and second portions that can be coupled together to close the container and can be separated to open the container. The first and second parts can be completely separated and can simply be joined together and can be joined and held together when the container is closed. Alternatively, the first and second portions of the container body can be connected to each other even when the container is open. For example, the first and second parts may be connected by one or more hinges or the like by allowing them to rotate relative to each other to open and close the container.

  The first portion of the container may comprise a container lid or outer sleeve. The second portion of the container may also include a container tray arranged to be received in the base or sleeve of the container. The base can be larger than the lid, or the lid can be larger than the base, but in a preferred embodiment of the invention that is particularly suitable for holding a pharmaceutical tablet or the like, the base and lid are substantially the same size and It has a shape.

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

  It has also been described above that the holding device includes a holding member and an opening member. In the holding position, the holding member holds the first and second parts of the container body so that the container cannot be opened. In this position, therefore, the retaining member is preferably engaged with both the first and second portions of the container body to prevent their separation. Advantageously, the retaining member may comprise either the first or the second part of the container body (eg when the second part is in the form of a base or tray, for example). Alternatively, the retaining member may comprise two (or more) spaced arms. Each of these arms is arranged to engage a respective part of the container body to prevent their separation. Such engagement of the retaining member and the container body portion may comprise inserting the arm into a corresponding slot or other opening in the respective body portion. Alternatively, for example, it may comprise placing arms on the corresponding shelves of each body part.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, the release member of the holding device not only releases the holding member from its holding position, but also fixes the holding member in its holding position before it is released in this way when moved. To do. In such embodiments, the release member can be releasably interconnected by the container body or its components, for example, by being manually depressed. For example, the release member may be a corresponding recess or other opening in or on the container body, or a protrusion, preferably a resiliently flexible protrusion, arranged to interlock with the corresponding protrusion. May comprise a part. Additionally or alternatively, the release member may comprise a recess or other opening releasably disposed to receive a protrusion (eg, a resiliently bendable protrusion) in the container body therein. For example, the release member may comprise a resiliently bendable detent arranged to form a snap-fit recess or other opening in or on the container body.

  In such embodiments, the release member is preferably engageable with the first and / or second portion of the container body. In a preferred embodiment, the release member is engageable with only one of the first part or the second part of the container body. For example, the release member may engage the container lid.

  In other embodiments of the invention, the release member of the holding device does not itself lock the holding member in its holding position (ie, the release member is not a fixing member), but instead pulls the holding member from its holding position. It simply works to release. In such embodiments, actuation of the release member by moving the release member relative to the retention member causes the retention member to be released from its retained position. This can be achieved, for example, by a release member that disengages the retaining member from interlocking engagement with one or more of the portions of the container body. For example, the holding member may be elastically biased to interlock with one or more portions of the container body (thus holding the container closed). Actuating the release member by moving the release member relative to the holding member causes the release member to act on such a resilient bias to release the holding member. This can be achieved, for example, by one or more wedges or chamfered surfaces of the release member.

  The release member can itself be accessed from the outside of the container. Alternatively, the release member may not be directly accessible from the outside of the container, but instead may be directly accessed, for example, by a button or the like, or a depressible membrane. However, even though the release member may be only indirectly accessible, the expression “manually disengageable” means that the holding member releases it from engagement with the container body (or its components). Configured to mean that it does not require the use of tools.

  The release member and the holding member of the holding device are preferably spaced apart from each other, but are preferably physically locked together. This may be achieved, for example, by another member that forms part of the holding device, to which both the release member and the holding member are coupled.

  The container body and / or holding device is preferably formed from a polymer material such as, for example, polyolefin (for example, polypropylene), polyacrylate, nylon (registered trademark) or the like. The container body and preferably the holding device are preferably molded, more preferably injection molded. Advantageously, the container body may be injection molded as a single integral piece. Additionally or alternatively, other materials such as, for example, metal and / or cards may be used.

  As already mentioned, the preferred use of the container according to the invention is for containing pharmaceutical tablets, pills, capsules and the like. The expression “pharmaceutical tablet” refers to any type of pharmaceutical, drug (conventional or otherwise), homeopathic, nutritionally (including vitamins or other) or similar tablets, pills, capsules, etc. As used herein to include other separate dosages that are solid, liquid, or semi-liquid. Preferably, the tablets are themselves held in one or more generally flat packs made up of, for example, metal foil and / or bendable polymeric material and / or cards and / or cards. Such packs include so-called “blister packs” with vacuum-formed trays provided with recesses for tablets. The tray is sealed (usually heat sealed) by a cover layer, usually made of metal foil or polymeric material or paper or card. With respect to these embodiments of the invention, the interior of the container is, for example, one or more retaining clips arranged to engage one or more respective openings provided in the tablet, or each tablet, pack. And means for holding the tablet or each pack of tablets.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a container 1 suitable for a pharmaceutical tablet comprising a container body comprising a first part 3 in the form of a lid and a second part 5 in the form of a base. For example, a container formed from a polymeric material such as polypropylene is generally rectangular when viewed in plan view, such as suitable for containing one or more generally flat foil pack tablets. It is thin and has a flat shape.

  The first and second parts 3 and 5 of the container body constitute one thin edge of the container and are themselves joined to both the first and second container body parts by a web 9 made of a polymeric material. Are connected to each other by a hinge region having a third portion 7. The polymer web allows the first and second parts 3 and 5 of the container body to be connected to each other (at their opposite edges) and closes the containers (at their opposite edges) to close the container. It acts as a hinge while making it separable. As shown in FIG. 1, the container is closed.

  FIG. 1 also shows a holding device 11 that also forms part of the container and is made of nylon. The holding device 11 includes a holding member 13 and a release member 15 that are locked together by an elongated member 17. The holding members are dimensioned to correspond to corresponding shelves 21 formed in the opposing first and second container body portions 3 and 5 of the thin edge 23 of the container opposite the hinged edge 7. A pair of spaced apart arms 19 are provided and shaped. When the holding member arm 19 is so placed on the shelf 21, i.e. when the holding member is in its holding position, the container is prevented from being opened.

  The elongate member 17 of the holding device 11 is coupled to one of the spaced apart arms 19 of the holding member of the device and extends away from the arm in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the arm extends. . The elongated member 17 with a substantially rigid grip is a recess formed to receive the shelf 21 within the lid 3 when the retaining member 13 is in its retained position (ie, disposed on the shelf 21). Sized and shaped to be received in a slot 25 provided there.

  In the form of detents carried by a resilient bendable protrusion or elongate member when the retaining member 13 is in its holding position and the elongate member 17 is received in the slot 25 and extends into the container. The released release member 15 is releasably engaged with an opening 27 provided in the lid 3 of the container. In this way, the release member 15 fixes the holding member 13 in its holding position where the first and second parts 3 and 5 of the container body are held together. The release member 15 can be disengaged from the opening by pushing down the release member from the outside of the container 1. Upon disengagement, the release member 15 allows the holding member 13 to move from its holding position for releasing the first and second portions of the container body, thereby allowing the container to be released. The functions of holding the container closed and fixing the container closed are separate. Also, two separate actions (before actually opening the container) are required to open the container.

  FIG. 2 shows details of the holding member 13 of the holding device 11 together with an elongated member partially inserted in a slot 25 of the container lid 3 (this is shown directly below the base 5 of the container in this view). Indicates.

  FIG. 3 shows details of the interior of the container and in particular details of the interior lower side 29 of the lid 3 (base 5 not shown). The holding member 13 is in its holding position (the holding member is disposed only on the shelf of the lid 3 because the base is not shown for clarity). The elongate member 17 of the retention device 11 is shown extending through the slot 25 in the lid and extending along the lower side 29 of the lid. The elongated member 17 is guided by a pair of guide members formed on the lower side 29 of the lid 3. The guide member is shaped and dimensioned to guide the beveled end region 31 of the elongated member. As already mentioned, the release member 15 with a resiliently bendable protrusion or detent is received in the opening 27 of the lid 3.

  FIG. 4a shows the internal details of the modified version of the container shown in FIGS. In particular, this detail shows one end of the hinge region of the container, including the edge portion 7 of the container. The interior of the edge portion includes a plurality (three as shown) retaining clips 33 for retaining a pack 35 of tablets (as defined herein) to be received in the container. There is a corresponding set of three retaining clips at the opposite end of the hinge portion (not shown). The retaining clip 33 is arranged to be received in an opening 37 provided in the edge region of the tablet pack. As shown, the staggered clips are arranged in opposite orientations, and as shown in FIG. 4b, the opposing clips are arranged so that the profiles overlap slightly, so that each tablet pack is captured and thus Retained. However, the clip is curved so that the tablet pack can be rotated while held by the clip for ease of access and removal of the tablet from each pack.

  FIG. 5 (views a to c) shows an overhanging clip portion 39 extending substantially parallel to the interior of the base 5 of the container in an opening 43 provided in the base 5 below the clip portion. The other form of the holding clip 38 for tablet packs which comprises the spur-like protrusion 41 which protrudes in the downward direction which protrudes is shown. The spur-like protrusion 41 includes a tip edge 45 that is inclined to facilitate insertion of the edge of the tablet pack so that the opening 37 of the tablet pack can engage the spur-like protrusion. Since the rear edge of the spur-like protrusion 41 is not inclined, it is more difficult to remove the tablet pack from the holding clip and insert it. FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of the retaining clip 38 and the tablet pack 35. FIG. 5b is a side view. FIG. 5 c is a plan view of the lower side of the base 5.

  FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the invention comprising a sleeve 51 (ie a first part) and a tray 53 (ie a second part) that together constitute a container. Also shown is a tablet blister pack 55 that is sized and shaped to be received and retained in the tray 53 under a detent 57 provided on the side wall of the tray (as shown in FIG. 8). Has been. In addition, a card inlay 59 is shown that can print, for example, design and information associated with the tablet. The card inlay 59 is dimensioned and shaped to be stored in the tray 53 under the detent 57 and the tablet “blister” on the blister pack (as also shown in FIG. 8). And an opening 61 through which other protrusions may protrude.

  The sleeve 51 is sized and shaped to receive a tray 53 (accommodating blister packs and card inlays) so that it fits snugly inside. Although preferably formed from a card, for example, a sleeve, which can be formed from a plastic material, comprises a generally rectangular box closed except for an open end 63 which penetrates the tray and can be removed from the sleeve. . The tray 53 is preferably formed from a plastic material (and is preferably injection molded).

  FIG. 7 shows the tray 53 of FIG. 6 alone. The tray 53 includes a storage portion 65 that can accommodate, for example, a pack of tablets (as shown in FIG. 6). The tray 53 is also an integral part of the tray (and is preferably molded in this way) and also includes a holding device 67. The holding device 67 includes a pair of holding members 69 and an opening member 71. Each holding member 69 is pivoted on a portion of the side wall of the tray and is resiliently biased outward (by an injection molded “rotating” hinge 73) as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the release member 71 has an end wall of the tray formed by a pivot hinge that is injection molded so that the plate is elastically biased so as to extend away from the rest of the tray. 75. A plate coupled to 75. Opposite ends of the release member 71 include protrusions 77. Each of the protrusions includes a chamfered surface 79 extending from the end of the protrusion on the inner facing surface of the protrusion. These protrusions 77 and the chamfered surface 79 are arranged so as to fit into corresponding chamfered openings 81 provided on the inner surface of each holding member 69, as described with reference to FIG. The

  FIG. 8 shows the container of FIGS. 6 and 7 with the tablet blister pack 55 and the card inlay 59 housed in the tray 53. The tray 53 is shown immediately after its removal from the sleeve 51 (or alternatively just before its insertion into the sleeve). The release member 71 has been folded over the lower portion of the end wall 75 of the tray to which it is joined by a pivot hinge. As a result, the release member plate lies generally parallel to the plane of the tray and overlies the end region of the tray. With this orientation of the release member 71, the tray can be inserted into the sleeve 51 so that it is fully contained within the sleeve.

  When the tray 53 is fully inserted into the sleeve 51, the holding members 69 (which are biased outwardly with respect to the side wall of the sleeve) have protrusions and / or provided on the inner surface of the sleeve side wall. Alternatively, they are locked together with a recess (for example, a not-shown cutout). In this way, the tray is prevented from being removed from the sleeve. The end region of the upper surface of the sleeve (at the opposite end of the sleeve relative to the open end 63) includes a slot that forms a flap 83 that is pushed down to the upper surface of the sleeve. This depressed flap 83 (which is preferably marked, including markings as shown, for example, to indicate that it should be depressed) aligns with the release member 71 when the tray is received within the sleeve. Are arranged as follows. When the flap 83 is depressed, this also depresses the release member 71 against the rest of the tray. Depressing the release member causes the protrusion 79 to extend into the opening 81 of the holding member 6. Also, the chamfered surfaces of the protrusion 79 and the opening 81 cooperate to pull the holding member inward, thereby releasing the engagement of these holding members that lock together with the interior of the sleeve.

  The tray 53 can then be pulled out of the sleeve 51 with the aid of a “fingerpull” recess 85 provided at the opposite end of the tray. This is accessible by a corresponding cutout 87 in the sleeve. Thus, the tray 53 can be removed from the sleeve 51 by two step procedures. This allows the holding members on the tray (which hold the container closed) to be released first from its holding position by the release member of the tray, which can subsequently be pulled out of the sleeve. .

  FIG. 10 (views (a) and (b)) shows a third embodiment of the container according to the invention. This embodiment includes a tray 93 that is slidably received within a sleeve 91. In this embodiment, however, the holding device 95 comprises a sheet, which is provided with a groove 97 formed across its width (for example made of card or plastic material) and directs the sheet into a contracted configuration. And deliberately bias it. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding device forms part of the sleeve 91 (rather than the tray 93) and is preferably secured to the inner surface of the sleeve by an adhesive 99.

  When the tray 93 is fully inserted into the sleeve 91 and the retainer 95 is in its relaxed (contracted) configuration, the groove 97 is a corresponding groove 101 (one of these grooves n) on the side wall of the tray 93. And only locked together. In order to pull the tray out of the sleeve, it is necessary to pull the sheet holding device 95 against the tray and sleeve in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 10a. The part 102 of the support device 95 is accessible from the outside of the container via the cutout part 103 of the sleeve. The accessible part 102 then contributes to the release member of the holding device. Pulling the sheet holding device in this way against the rest of the container straightens the sheet, thereby releasing the groove 97 from the corresponding groove 101 (ie, releasing the holding member from its holding position). And the tray 83 can be blown out of the sleeve 91 and pulled out.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a container according to the invention including a holding device shown separated from the body of the container. FIG. 2 shows details of the exterior of the container of FIG. 1 with the holding device partially inserted into the container. FIG. 3 shows details of the interior of the container of FIGS. 1 and 2 together with a holding device fully inserted into the container. FIG. 4 shows details of a holding clip for holding a pack of tablets in a container according to the invention. FIG. 4 shows details of a holding clip for holding a pack of tablets in a container according to the invention. FIG. 7 shows details of another form of retaining clip for retaining a pack of tablets in a container according to the present invention. FIG. 7 shows details of another form of retaining clip for retaining a pack of tablets in a container according to the present invention. FIG. 7 shows details of another form of retaining clip for retaining a pack of tablets in a container according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows the various main structural members of 2nd Embodiment of the container by this invention. FIG. 7 is a view showing the tray of the container of FIG. 6 (that is, the second portion of the container body). FIG. 8 shows the tray of FIG. 7 immediately following removal from the sleeve (ie, the first portion of the container body). It is a figure which shows the state which the container of FIGS. 6-8 completely closed. It is a figure which shows 3rd Embodiment of the container by this invention. It is a figure which shows 3rd Embodiment of the container by this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Container 3 1st part 5 2nd part 7 3rd part 9 Web 11 Holding device 13 Holding member 15 Release member 17 Elongated member 19 Arm 21 Shelf 23 Edge 25 Slot 27 Opening 29 Lower side 31 End part area 33 Holding clip 35 Tablet pack 38 Holding clip for tablet pack 39 Overhang clip portion 41 Spur-like projection 43 Opening 45 Tip edge 51 Sleeve 53 Tray 55 Blister pack 57 Detent 59 Card inlay 61 Opening 63 Open end 65 Storage portion 67 Holding device 69 Holding member 71 Release member 73 Rotating hinge 75 End wall 77 Projection portion 79 Chamfered surface 81 Opening 83 Flap 85 Recess 87 Cutout portion 91 Sleeve 93 Tray 95 Holding device 97 Groove 99 Adhesive 101 Groove 102 Portion 103 Cutout portion

Claims (29)

  A container body comprising first and second parts, which can be coupled together to close the container and separated to open the container, and a holding device comprising a holding member and a release member, the holding member comprising: The container holds the container in a closed state by holding the first and second parts of the container body in a coupled state, and the holding member holds itself by the movement of the release member with respect to the holding member. Container that can be manually released from position.   The container of claim 1, wherein the movement of the release member disengages the holding member from its holding position.   The container of claim 1, wherein the movement of the holding member enables the holding member to be disengaged from its holding position.   4. The container according to claim 1, wherein after the movement of the release member, the container is arranged such that movement of the holding member relative to at least one of the parts of the container body opens the container. The container according to item 1.   5. A container according to claim 4, wherein the movement of the holding member is one movement of a part of the container body relative to the other part of the container body.   4. The container according to claim 1, wherein after the movement of the release member, the container is arranged such that movement of the holding member relative to at least one of the parts of the container body allows the container to be opened. The container according to any one of the above.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the holding device and the first and second parts of the container main body are formed as a single integral part.   The holding member of the holding device comprises one member of a portion of the container body that is resiliently biased to press another portion of the container body when the container is closed. Item 8. The container according to any one of Item 7 to Item 7.   The container according to claim 8, wherein the holding member is elastically biased so as to press the inner surface of the other part of the container body outward.   The container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the holding member is a member of the second portion of the container body.   11. The device according to claim 8, wherein when the holding member is in its holding position, the holding member locks with a recess, an opening or a protrusion of another part of the container body. Container as described in.   12. The movement according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the movement of the release member acts against a resilient bias of the holding member to disengage the holding member from its holding position. Container.   13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the movement of the release member retracts the holding member away from the internal surface of other parts.   14. The release member and the holding member comprise chamfered surfaces that cooperate to disengage the holding member from its holding position based on the movement of the release member. The container according to any one of the preceding items.   The container according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the release member is a member made of the same part of the container body as the part of the holding member.   16. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the release member is directly or indirectly accessible from the outside of the container.   17. A container according to claim 16, wherein the release member is directly or indirectly accessible from the outside of the container when the container is closed, e.g. by a button, membrane or flap.   18. The release member according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the release member is arranged to disengage the holding member from its holding position by being manually depressed from outside the container. container.   The release members can be engaged with the container body or its constituent members by manually releasably locking each other, and when engaged, the release members bring the holding member into its holding position. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which is fixed.   A container body having first and second portions that can be coupled to each other to close the container and separated to open the container; and a holding device having a holding member and a release member, the holding member comprising: The first and second parts of the container body when the first and second parts of the container body are fixed to a holding position where the first and second parts of the container body are held coupled to each other and the engagement is released. A container engageable with said container body or its components by manually releasably locking each other so as to be movable from its holding position to release the container. .   21. A container according to claim 20, wherein the release member comprises protrusions arranged to lock together with corresponding openings in or on the container body.   22. A container according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the release member comprises an opening releasably disposed to receive a protrusion of the container body therein.   The container according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the release member is engageable with only one of the first part and the second part of the container body.   The first portion of the container forms the lid or sleeve of the container, the second portion of the container forms the base or tray of the container, and the tray is receivable within the sleeve to close the container. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 23.   25. The first and second portions of the container body are connected by one or more hinges that can rotate relative to each other to open and close the container. Container.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the release member and the holding member are spaced apart from each other, but are physically locked to each other.   27. A container according to claim 26, wherein the holding device further comprises a member to which both the release member and the holding member are coupled.   28. Suitable for holding one or more generally flat drug tablets, wherein the interior of the container includes the tablet pack, or means for holding each tablet pack. The container according to any one of the above. 29. A container according to claim 28, wherein the retaining means comprises one or more retaining clips arranged to engage the tablet pack or each tablet pack.

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