JP2006505461A - Safety container with locking lid and method for locking the lid - 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

  The present invention relates to a container capable of holding a tablet or liquid for use in, for example, the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries, in particular a locking arrangement for a container and / or a secondary storage area of the container ( arrangement).

  Although containers with pediatric safety features are now generally available, these containers are usually very difficult for the elderly or disabled to open. Reference is now made to US Pat. No. 5,908,125 and other patents in the same technical field. In general, in a child safety container, the user must rotate the lid as soon as the user grasps the lid, or rotate while pressing the lid to remove the lid from the container body. However, elderly people or people with dexterity may feel that the force required to rotate the lid while grasping or pushing the lid is too great, or they feel pain when trying to open the lid. It can be seen. For people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, it is desirable to avoid any movement that involves gripping or twisting or bending the wrist.

  Known child safety containers include a cap locking arrangement, and the user must rotate the cap to align the two pots on the outer surface of the container and each cap. In this position, the cap can be pushed open. However, the inventors must remember that after the user returns the cap onto the container, the cap is rotated again so that the two spots do not match, otherwise, They found that the container was easily opened and was no longer safe for children. Furthermore, the inventors have found that when opening this type of container, the cap partially obstructs viewing the contents of the container. Furthermore, for certain tablet medications, the patient may have to remove only half of the tablet dose. Current containers have the further disadvantage that once a tablet is removed from the container, it must be stored elsewhere or returned to the container along with other tablets. With this arrangement, the split tablet can be difficult to find later.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the device includes a hollow main body, a lid that can move between a closed state and an open state, and a locking portion that fixes the lid in the closed state. Provided is a container including actuator means that is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and that moves a locking part from the unlocking position to the locking position when the lid is moved between the unlocking position and the locking position. To do.

  Preferably, the lid is moved to an open state, and when the locking part is in the unlocking position, the actuator means moves the locking part to the locking position.

  The actuator means serves to ensure that the locking part is in the locked position after the lid is opened and / or closed.

  Preferably, the actuator means automatically moves the locking portion when the lid is being opened and / or closed. Therefore, the child safety function is automatically set as necessary during the opening operation and the closing operation.

  The present invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages we have found with prior art containers by providing a locking device that automatically locks the container.

  Preferably, the lid and the locking part each include a cooperating locking element, and when the lid is removed from the container body and the container is opened, the actuator means moves one of the locking elements relative to the other locking element. Arrange to move.

  Preferably, the arrangement of the cooperating locking elements provided on the lid and the locking part is such that when the lid is returned to the body and pushed to close the container, the actuator means moves one of the locking elements relative to the other locking element. It is designed to move.

  Preferably, the locking part comprises indicators that must be matched with the indicators on the hollow body and / or the lid, such that in use these indicators are moved from the aligned position to the unaligned position by the actuator means. Arrange.

  In another embodiment, cooperating locking elements are provided on the body and the locking part, and when the lid is removed from the body and the container is opened, the actuating means locks one of the locking elements to the other. It is arranged to move with respect to the stop element.

  Preferably, in this alternative embodiment, the arrangement of cooperating locking elements provided on the main body and the locking part is such that when the lid is pushed back onto the main body to close the container, the actuating means is one of the locking elements. Is moved relative to the other locking element.

  The locking part is preferably an annular locking ring.

  Preferably, the actuator means includes an elongate member disposed inside the lid, and the locking ring includes a ramp, the ramp contacting the ramp and gradually sliding along the ramp. In doing so, the locking ring is rotated and the indicator on the main body and / or lid and the indicator on the locking part are tilted to be misaligned.

  Preferably, the arrangement of the elongated member and the ramp is such that when the lid is removed from the body and the container is opened, the elongated member contacts the first surface of the ramp and rotation of the locking ring occurs, and the body and / or lid Ensure that the upper indicator and the indicator on the locking part are inconsistent.

  Preferably, the elongate member and ramp arrangement is such that when the lid is returned onto the body and the container is closed and the indicator is aligned, the elongate member contacts the second surface of the ramp and rotation of the locking ring is prevented. Resulting in misalignment of the indicator on the body and / or lid and the indicator on the locking portion.

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

  Alternatively, the ramp is a groove formed in the wall surface of the locking ring, and the central axis of this groove is at an angle from the axis of the ring.

  Preferably, the elongate member is a flexible cantilever.

  Preferably, the elongated member is a hook-shaped cantilever projecting from the inner surface of the lid.

  The locking portion is preferably located between the body and the lid.

  The cooperating locking element provided on the lid is preferably a protrusion.

  In a first embodiment of the invention, the cooperating locking element provided on the locking portion is a peripheral flange disposed on the inner surface of the locking portion, and the protrusion is formed on the elongated member; The flange is formed with a recessed portion through which a protrusion can pass when the lid is opened and closed.

  Preferably, the ramp is arranged axially below the peripheral flange and in line with the recessed portion of the flange, approximately in series, such that there is a gap between the uppermost portion of the ramp and the peripheral flange. And

  In a second embodiment of the invention, the cooperating locking element provided on the locking part is a peripheral track attached to the inner surface of the locking part and the end head part is formed on the protrusion. The projection protrudes from the inner surface of the lid, and the track is provided with an access hole through which the head portion of the projection can pass while the lid is opened and closed.

  The ramp is preferably arranged axially above the circumferential track.

  Preferably, the arrangement of the ramp and the flange is such that when the locking portion is rotated in one direction, the projection first passes through the gap and is approximately aligned with the recess before the elongate member contacts the ramp. .

  Preferably, the body has an outlet, which can be sealed by a sealing element provided on the lid.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the protrusion includes a member having a barbed end.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of locking a lid on a container according to the first aspect of the present invention. The method includes moving the locking portion from the unlocked position to the locked position when the lid is moved between the unlocked state and the locked state.

  Preferably, the actuator means moves the lock portion to the lock position when the lid is moved to the open state.

  Preferably, the actuator means moves the lock portion to the lock position when the lid is moved to the closed state.

  Preferably, the method includes automatically moving the locking portion during the lid opening and closing operations.

  This method ensures that the lid is locked to the container following the opening and / or closing operation of the lid.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a lid for a container according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a locking part for a container according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a hollow body for a container according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided actuator means for a container according to the first aspect of the present invention.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a container according to the previous aspect of the present invention, comprising a second storage area.

  Preferably, the second storage area is arranged in the upper area of the main body and is sealed by the lid of the container.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the first embodiment of the container in a closed state and in a locked position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the container of FIG. 1 in a closed unlocked position before the lid is opened.
3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the lid open.
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the container of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the container of FIG. 2 in the X direction.
6, 7, 8, and 9 are a left side view, a right side view, a top view, and a bottom view, respectively, of the container of FIG.
FIG. 10 is a slightly enlarged detail view of the ring of FIG.
11 is another perspective view showing details of the locking mechanism in the ring of FIG.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the second embodiment of the container in a closed locking position.
13 and 14 are perspective views of the container of FIG. 12 with the lid open.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the container according to the present invention in a closed unlocked position.
16 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 15 with the lid open.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a locking portion of the container of FIG.
18 is a partial detail view X of the locking portion of the container of FIG.
19 is a partial detail view Y of the container lid and actuator of FIG.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment of the container according to the present invention in a closed unlocked position.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 20 with the lid open.
FIG. 22 is a partial detail view of the container lid and actuator of FIG.
FIG. 23 is a partial detail view of the locking portion of the container of FIG.

  A first embodiment of a container according to the invention is shown in FIGS. The container includes a hollow body 1 that holds solid or liquid contents and a lid 2 that closes the container. A locking part in the form of a locking ring 3 is provided between the main body 1 and the lid 2. The locking ring 3 is rotatable on the main body 1. An indicator arrow A is provided on the main body 1 and an indicator arrow B is provided on the lid 2. The locking ring 3 is also provided with an indicator arrow C, and only when the indicator arrow C coincides with the indicator arrows A and B by rotating the locking ring 3 (see FIG. 2), the protruding edge 4 of the lid 2 The lid 2 can be opened by lifting or flipping. Obviously, the indicator arrow may be provided only on either the main body 1 or the lid 2, but the indicator arrow C on the locking ring 3 only needs to coincide with either the indicator arrow A or the indicator arrow B. Convenient for the user.

  The container also includes actuator means in the form of an elongated member 6 extending away from the inner surface of the lid 2. The member 6 includes a hook-shaped end portion 6a. A wedge-shaped protrusion 10 is disposed between the end portion 6 a and the lid 2.

The locking ring 3 is formed by snap-fitting a circular rib formed on an annular shoulder (not shown) on the main body 1 and a corresponding circular recess 12 formed adjacent to the lower inner edge of the ring 3. Install in. The arrangement of the ring 3 and the body 1 is such that the ring 3 is attached to the body 1 but can freely rotate on the body 1.

  In order to lock the lid 2 onto the body 1, the locking ring 3 has a peripheral flange 8 on its inner surface. The flange 8 is formed with a recessed portion 9, and the hook 6 and the protrusion 10 pass through the recessed portion 9 when the lid 2 is opened and closed when the arrows A, B, and C are aligned. When the arrows are not aligned, the protrusion 10 enters under the flange 8 and locks the lid 2 against the body 1.

  The locking ring 3 includes an inclined path 7 that is inclined from the axial direction of the ring 3 and protrudes from the inner surface of the ring 3. There is a gap 13 between the uppermost portion of the ramp 7 and the flange 8, and the projection 10 can pass through this gap 13 when the arrows A, B and C are aligned. The ramp 7 includes an upper slope 14 and a lower slope 16 (hidden in the figure). When the arrows A, B, and C are aligned and the lid 2 is opened, the projection 10 passes through the opening 9 and the end 6a of the hook 6 contacts the lower slope 16 of the ramp 7 and the locking ring 3 is rotated, that is, arranged to return to the locked position. When the arrows A, B and C are aligned and the lid 2 is closed, the end 6a of the hook 6 comes into contact with the upper slope 14 of the ramp 7 and rotates the locking ring 3, that is, in the locking position. Arrange it to return. In this respect, it should be noted that the locking ring 3 can freely rotate on the main body 1 once the hook 6 has moved below the ramp 7.

  In the embodiment shown, the locking part is preferably in the form of a locking ring 3, but is a non-annular shape, for example a slidable element that can be moved by the actuator means in an arc or linear direction. May be.

  Alternatively, the ramp 7 may include a groove that catches the tip of the hook 6 at its bottom. Then, the hook 6 is released only when it moves to the top of the ramp 7. In this arrangement, the indicator arrow C does not align when the lid 2 is opened, so that the user can simply close the lid 2 by pushing the hook 6 onto the flange 8.

  The end 6a acts as an actuator that ensures that the respective indicator arrows are not aligned after opening and / or closing of the container. The distal end 6a automatically moves the indicator arrow out of alignment during the opening operation and, if necessary, during the closing operation. Therefore, the child safety function is automatically set during the opening operation and, if necessary, during the closing operation.

  It should be noted here that since the hook 6 is flexible, the lid 2 can be pushed closed without aligning the hook 6 with the recessed portion 9. The protrusion 10 is inclined corresponding to the inclination on the flange 8, so that the protrusion is simply on the flange 8 until the protrusion 10 slides under the flange 8 and locks the lid 2 against the body 1. Just press it.

  The width of the recessed portion 9 is such that when the arrows A, B, and C are aligned and the hook 6 is seated on the bottom of the ramp 7, the protrusion 10 is free from the locking ring 3 and moves freely. Yes.

  The body 1 in this embodiment has an annular opening 11 that can be sealed by an annular rim 12 on the lid 2. This seal arrangement helps to prevent the ingress of water vapor that can affect the stability of the contents and also acts to prevent leakage when the contents are liquid. The flange 8 and the annular opening 11 form a secondary storage volume 17. The volume 17 and the internal volume of the main body 1 are separated from each other by an annular wall (not shown). This volume 17 can be used to store a substance, for example a part or all of a pharmaceutical tablet taken from the container body 1. The storage volume 17 also provides an area that can be used to inspect the material removed from the body.

  12, 13 and 14 show a second embodiment of a container according to the invention. The container includes a tubular hollow body 20 that holds solid or liquid contents and a lid 21 that closes the container. A locking ring 23 is provided between the main body 20 and the lid 21, which can rotate between the main body 20 and the lid 21.

  An indicator arrow D is provided on the main body 20, and an indicator arrow E is provided on the locking ring 23. Similar to the first embodiment, the lid 21 can be opened by lifting or reversing the protruding edge 24 of the lid 21 only when these indicator arrows are aligned by rotating the locking ring. .

  13 and 14, the lid 21 is opened, and the user can take out the contents. Since the lid 21 is hinged to the body 20 at the site 25, the lid 21 can be deflected completely back as long as the hinge site 25 permits, and there is no obstacle to emptying the contents.

  The lid 21 is formed with an annular collar 25 extending around its periphery. Extending from the inner surface of the lid 21 is an elongated member 26 having a frustoconical end 28 formed at the distal end. A wedge-shaped locking projection 38 is formed on the outer surface of the annular collar 25.

  The locking ring 23 includes an outer annular collar 31, a radially inner annular track 32 that defines an inner annular groove, and an upper annular slot 34. The inner annular groove is directly below the slot 34. The width of the slot 34 is smaller than the width of the annular groove. At one point on the slot 34, the width is increased to form a circular access hole 36. The outer annular collar 31 is formed with a groove 37 that is inclined from the axial direction of the ring 23.

  The locking ring 23 is formed on the main body 20 by snap-fitting a circular rib (not shown) formed on the main body 20 and a corresponding circular recess (not shown) formed adjacent to the lower inner edge of the ring 23. Installed. As a result, the ring 23 is attached to the main body 20, but can freely rotate on the main body.

  When the arrows D and E are aligned, the end 28 is adjacent to the hole 36 and the protrusion 38 is at the lowest end of the groove 37, so that the lid 21 can be opened. When the lid 21 is opened, the end 28 passes through the hole 36 and the projection 38 contacts the upper slope of the groove 37, causing the locking ring 23 to rotate, i.e. return to the locking position. When the arrows D and E are aligned, the lid 21 is closed and the end 28 passes through the hole 36, so that the projection 38 contacts the lower slope of the groove 37 and rotates the locking ring 23, that is, locking. The arrangement is to return to the position. In this regard, it should be noted that once the projection 38 has moved below the groove 37, the locking ring 23 can freely rotate on the body 20.

  The main body 20 in this embodiment has an annular opening 40 formed in the upper wall 41. The opening 40 can be sealed by an annular rim 42 provided on the lid 2. This seal arrangement helps to prevent the ingress of water vapor that can affect the stability of the contents and also acts to prevent leakage when the contents are liquid. The upper wall 41 and the annular track 32 form a secondary storage volume 43. This volume 43 can be used to store a substance, for example a part or all of a pharmaceutical tablet taken out of the container body 20. The storage volume 43 also serves as an area that can be used to inspect the material removed from the body.

  The protrusions 38 act as actuators that ensure that the respective arrow indicators are out of alignment following opening and / or closing of the container. The protrusion 38 automatically moves the indicator arrow out of alignment during the opening operation and, if necessary, during the closing operation. Therefore, the child safety function is automatically set during the opening operation and, if necessary, during the closing operation.

  15 to 19 show a third embodiment of a container according to the present invention. The third embodiment includes many features in common with the first embodiment described above, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate these common features.

  A container 50 according to the third embodiment includes a hollow body 51 that holds solid or liquid contents and a lid 52 that closes the container. A locking portion in the form of a locking ring 53 is provided between the main body 51 and the lid 52. The locking ring 53 is rotatable on the main body 51. An indicator arrow B is provided on the lid 52. The locking ring 53 is also provided with an indicator arrow C. The protruding edge 54 of the lid 52 is only when the locking arrow 53 is rotated to align the indicator arrow C with the indicator arrow B (see FIG. 15). The lid 52 can be opened by lifting or flipping.

  The container 51 also includes actuator means in the form of an elongated member 6 extending away from the inner surface of the lid 2. The member 6 includes a hook-shaped end portion 6a. A wedge-shaped protrusion 10 is disposed between the end portion 6 a and the lid 52.

  The locking ring 53 snap-fits a circular rib formed on an annular shoulder (not shown) on the main body 51 and a corresponding circular recess (not shown) formed adjacent to the lower inner edge of the ring 53. It installs on the main body 51. The arrangement of the ring 53 and the main body 51 is such that the ring 53 is attached to the main body 51 but can freely rotate on the main body 51.

  The operations and functions of the locking ring 53 and the actuator 6 are substantially the same as those described for the corresponding features in FIGS. 1 to 11 of the first aspect of the present invention. However, it should be noted here that the locking ring 53 is arranged approximately around the central axis of the container 51. In this embodiment, the container 51 has an opening 55 formed on one side surface thereof. This opening 55 allows access to the internal volume of the container 51.

  A solid panel 63 seals part of the upper volume of the container 51. The panel 63 and the annular collar 61 form a second storage volume 64. The third storage volume 65 is formed by a part of the panel 63, a part of the radially outermost wall of the main body 51, and the working wall 67. The second and third storage volumes 64 and 65 can be used to store solids or liquids. The second and third storage volumes 64, 65 can be used to store drug products such as pills or capsules and are particularly useful for storing pills or capsules to be dispensed. The storage volumes 64 and 65 are sealed with a lid 52. The storage volumes 64, 65 also provide an area that can be used to inspect the material removed from the body.

  20 to 23 show a fourth embodiment of a container according to the invention. The fourth embodiment includes many features in common with the first embodiment described above, and the same reference numerals are used to indicate these common features.

  The container 70 of the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the lid 72 extends across the uppermost volume of the hollow body 1. The horizontal cross section of the lid 72 is substantially the same as the horizontal cross section of the main body 1.

  A solid panel 74 seals a portion of the upper volume of the container 1. The panel 74 and the upwardly extending collar 76 form a second storage volume 68. The second storage volume 68 can be used to store drug products such as pills or capsules, and is particularly useful for storing pills or capsules to be dispensed. The storage volume 68 is sealed by a lid 72. The storage volume 68 also provides an area that can be used to inspect the material removed from the body.

It is a perspective view which shows the 1st Embodiment of a container in the closed state and the locking position. It is a perspective view which shows the container of FIG. 1 in the closed unlocking position before opening a lid | cover. It is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 which opened the lid | cover. FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 3. It is a side view in the X direction of the container of FIG. It is a left view of the container of FIG. It is a right view of the container of FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view of the container of FIG. 5. It is a bottom view of the container of FIG. FIG. 5 is a slightly enlarged detail view of the ring of FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is another perspective view showing details of the locking mechanism in the ring of FIG. 10. It is a perspective view which shows 2nd Embodiment of a container in the closed locking position. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 12 with the lid open. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 12 with the lid open. It is a perspective view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the container by this invention in the closed unlocking position. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 15 with the lid open. It is a perspective view which shows the locking part of the container of FIG. FIG. 17 is a partial detail view X of a locking part of the container of FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a partial detail view Y of the container lid and actuator of FIG. 16. It is a perspective view which shows the 4th Embodiment of the container by this invention in the closed unlocking position. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 20 with the lid open. FIG. 22 is a partial detail view of the container lid and actuator of FIG. 21. FIG. 22 is a partial detail view of a locking portion of the container of FIG. 21.

Claims (37)

  A hollow body, a lid that can be moved between a closed state and an open state, and a locking part that fixes the lid in the closed state, and is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. A container comprising a portion and actuator means for moving the lock portion from the unlocked position to the locked position when the lid is moved between the unlocked state and the locked state.   The container according to claim 1, wherein the actuator means is arranged to move the locking portion to the locking position when the lid is moved to the open state.   3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the actuator means is arranged to move the locking portion to the locking position when the lid is moved to the closed state.   The lid and the locking portion each include a cooperating locking element, and in use, when the lid is removed from the body and the container is opened, the actuator means causes one of the locking elements to move relative to the other locking element. The container according to claim 2, wherein the container is arranged to be moved.   The arrangement of cooperating locking elements provided on the lid and the locking part is such that when the lid is returned and pressed against the body and the container is closed, the actuator means causes one of the locking elements to move against the other locking element. 4. A container according to claim 3, wherein the container is adapted to be moved.   A cooperating locking element is provided on the main body and the locking part so that when the lid is removed from the main body and the container is opened, the actuating means moves one of the locking elements relative to the other locking element. The arrangement of cooperating locking elements provided on the main body and the locking part is such that when the lid is returned and pressed against the main body and the container is closed, the actuating means pushes one of the locking elements 5. Container according to claim 4, adapted to be moved relative to the other locking element.   The container in any one of Claims 1-6 whose locking part is a locking ring.   The actuator means includes an elongated member disposed on the inside of the lid, and the locking ring includes a ramp, which when the elongated member contacts the ramp and gradually slides along the surface of the ramp 8. A container according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the locking ring is tilted so that the indicator on the body and / or lid and locking part is out of alignment. The arrangement of the elongate member and the ramp causes the elongate member to contact the first surface of the ramp when the lid is removed from the body and the container is opened, causing rotation of the locking ring, and the body and / or lid. 9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the indicator on the locking part and the locking part are not aligned.   When the elongate member and the ramp are disposed so that the lid is returned onto the body and the container is closed, and when the indicator is aligned, the elongate member contacts the second surface of the ramp and the locking ring rotates. 10. A container according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the indicator on the main body and / or the lid and the locking part is not aligned.   The container according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the ramp projects from the radially inner side surface of the locking ring.   12. A container according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the ramp has a groove formed in the wall of the locking ring, the central axis of the groove being at an angle from the axis of the ring.   13. A container according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the elongate member is a flexible cantilever.   The container according to claim 8, wherein the elongated member is a hook-shaped cantilever extending from the inner surface of the lid.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the locking part is located between the main body and the lid.   16. A container according to claim 15, wherein the cooperating locking element provided on the lid is a protrusion.   A cooperating locking element provided on the locking part is a peripheral flange provided on the inner surface of the locking part, and a protrusion is formed on the elongated member, and the protrusion can pass through the flange when the lid is opened and closed The container according to claim 4, wherein a recessed portion is formed.   The ramp is arranged in the axial direction below the surrounding flange, and is arranged in a line with the recessed portion of the flange so that there is a gap between the uppermost portion of the ramp and the surrounding flange. The container according to claim 17.   A cooperating locking element provided on the locking part is a circumferential track attached to the inner surface of the locking part, a protrusion is formed with a terminal head part, and the protrusion extends from the inner surface of the lid. The container according to claim 4, wherein an access hole is formed, and a head portion of the protrusion can pass through the access hole when the lid is opened and closed.   20. A container according to claim 19, wherein the ramp is preferably arranged axially above the circumferential track.   The arrangement of the ramp and the flange is such that, in response to rotation of the locking portion in one direction, the projection first passes through the gap and substantially aligns with the recess before the elongated member contacts the ramp. The container according to claim 19.   A container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has an outlet, which can be sealed by a sealing element provided on the lid.   23. A container according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the protrusion comprises a member forming a barbed end.   A method for locking a lid to a container according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein when the lid is moved between the unlocked state and the locked state, the locked portion is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position. A method comprising moving to a position.   25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the actuator means moves the locking portion to the locked position when the lid is moved to the open state.   26. A method according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the actuator means moves the locking portion to the locked position when the lid is moved to the closed state.   27. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: automatically moving the lock portion from the unlock position to the lock position when the lid is moved between the unlocked state and the locked state. The method according to item.   A lid for the container according to any one of claims 1 to 27.   24. Locking portion for the container according to any one of claims 1-23.   A hollow body for a container according to any one of the preceding claims.   24. A lid for a container according to any one of claims 1 to 23.   24. Actuator means for a container according to any one of the preceding claims.   The container according to any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising a second storage volume.   34. A container according to claim 33, comprising a third storage volume.   35. A container according to claim 32 or 34, wherein at least one of the additional storage volumes is located in the upper volume of the body.   36. A container according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the further storage volumes is sealed by a lid.   A lid substantially as described in the accompanying drawings and described herein.

Images