KR20050072786A - Security container with locking closure and method for locking a closure - 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

Safety container with locking cover and how to lock the cover {SECURITY CONTAINER WITH LOCKING CLOSURE AND METHOD FOR LOCKING A CLOSURE}

The present invention relates to a container for holding tablets or liquids, for example used in the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries and in particular for the locking of the container and / or the auxiliary interior of the container.

Containers with structures that young children cannot play with are generally available, but it is generally very difficult for the elderly or disabled to open such containers. See U.S. Patent 5,908,125 and other patents with the same technical area. In general, a container that is not playable by a young child needs to be rotated while the user grips and turns or pushes the cover at the same time to release the cover from the container body. However, older people or people with problems with agility feel too much power to turn the cover while holding or pushing the cover, or experience pain when trying to open the cover. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis will know that any activity, including catching, turning or bending the wrist, should be avoided.

Known young children's playable containers include lid locks, which require the user to turn the lid and match the two dots on the outer surface of each of the container and the lid. In this position, the lid can be pushed open. However, after placing the lid back on the container, the user should remember to turn the lid again so that the two dots no longer coincide. Otherwise the courage will open more easily, and the little child will no longer be able to play. Moreover, we know that when this type of container is open, the lid does not partially recognize the contents of the container. Moreover, in some tablet formulations the patient should only eat half of the tablet dose. A further disadvantage of this container is that once the tablets are removed from the container, they must be stored in a separate location or put in the container with other tablets. In the device, few tablets are left later.

1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment in a closed state and in a locked position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 when the lid is closed and in the unlocked position before opening. FIG.

3 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the lid open;

4 is a top perspective view of the container of FIG.

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

6 to 9 are left side, right side, top and bottom views of the container of Fig. 5, respectively.

10 is a detailed enlarged view of the ring of FIG.

Figure 11 is another detailed perspective view of the locking device inside the ring of Figure 10;

12 is a perspective view of the container of the second embodiment in the closed and locked position.

13 and 14 are perspective views of the container of FIG. 12 with the lid open;

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

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 15 with the lid open.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the locking portion of the container of Figure 15;

18 is a partial detail view X of the locking portion of the container of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a partial detail Y of the lid and actuator of the container of FIG. 16; FIG.

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

Figure 21 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 20 with the lid open.

FIG. 22 is a partial detail view of the lid and actuator of the container of FIG. 21;

Figure 23 is a partial detail view of the locking portion of the container of Figure 21;

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a hollow body, a cover that can be moved in a closed state and an open state, a locking portion that fixes the cover in the closed state, and the locking portion can move between a locked position and an unlocked position. And an actuator for moving the locking portion from the unlocked position to the locked position as the lid moves in each state.

Preferably, when the lid is moved to the open state and the lock is in the unlocked position, the actuator is in the same arrangement as moving the lock to the locked position.

Preferably, when the cover moves to the closed state and the lock is in the unlocked position, the actuator is in the same arrangement as moving the lock to the locked position.

The actuator helps to hold the lock in the locked position after the cover is opened or closed.

Preferably, the actuator automatically moves the lock when the cover is opened or closed. Thus, during the opening and closing operations, the child is automatically activated, if necessary, so that no play is possible.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a locking device for the container which automatically returns to the locked state to overcome the disadvantages found in the prior art containers.

Preferably, the lid and the locking portion each comprise interacting locking elements, the arrangement being such that the actuator moves one of the locking elements relative to the other locking element while removing the lid from the body to open the container. same.

Preferably, the arrangement of the interactive locking elements located in the cover and the lock is like the actuator moving one of the locking elements relative to the other locking element while pushing the cover close to the body to close the container. .

Preferably, the locking portion has an indicator that must coincide with an indicator on the hollow body and / or cover, the arrangement being such that during use the actuator moves the indicator from the coincident position to the mismatched position.

In an alternative embodiment, the interacting locking elements are located in the body and the lock, the arrangement being such that the actuator moves one of the locking elements relative to the other locking element while the cover is removed from the body to open the container. It's like letting go.

Preferably, in the optional embodiment, the arrangement of the interactive locking elements located in the body and the locking portion allows the actuator to push one of the locking elements to the other locking element while pushing the lid against the body to close the container. Equivalent to moving relative to.

The locking portion is preferably an annular locking ring.

Preferably, the actuator comprises an elongate member disposed inside the cover, and the locking ring comprises a ramp, the lamp being inclined so that the elongated member slides gradually along the surface of the lamp as it contacts the lamp, Rotation of the locking ring causes the body and / or cover and the indicators on the lock to no longer coincide.

Preferably, the arrangement of the elongate member and the lamp is such that the elongated member contacts the first side of the lamp while the lid is removed from the body to open the container, and the indicators on the body and / or the lid and the lock are rotated by the rotation of the locking ring. It no longer matches.

Preferably, the arrangement of the elongate member and the lamp is such that the elongated member is in contact with the second side of the lamp and the body and / or the cover and the lock with the rotation of the locking ring while the cover is in close contact with the body and the indicators coincide to close the container. The indicators of the injury no longer match.

Preferably, the lamp protrudes from the cylindrical inner surface of the locking ring.

Optionally, the lamp is a channel formed in the wall of the locking ring, the central axis of the channel being inclined at the axis of the ring.

Preferably, the elongate member is a flexible cantilever.

Preferably, the elongate member is a hook-shaped cantilever and extends from the inner surface of the lid.

The lock is preferably located between the body and the cover.

The interactive locking element located in the cover is preferably a protrusion.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the interactive locking element located in the locking portion is a cylindrical flange disposed on the inner surface of the locking portion and the protrusion is formed on the elongate member, the lid being opened and A depression is formed through which the protrusion can pass while closing.

The lamp is preferably arranged axially below the columnar flange and is generally in line with the depression of the flange, which arrangement has a gap between the top of the lamp and the columnar flange.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the interactive locking element located in the locking portion is a cylindrical track attached to the inner surface of the locking portion and the protrusion is formed with a distal head, which extends from the inner surface of the cover. The track is provided with an entry hole through which the head of the protrusion can pass while the lid is opened and closed.

The lamp is preferably arranged axially on top of the columnar track.

Preferably, the arrangement of the ramp and the flange is such that the protrusion rotates in one direction while the protrusion first passes through the gap and typically coincides with the depression before the elongate member contacts the lamp.

Preferably, the body has an outlet and can seal the outlet with a sealing element located in the cover.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the protrusions comprise members having barbed distal ends.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of locking a container with a lid in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising moving the lock from an unlocked state to a locked state while the lid is moved between the respective states. It includes.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that the actuator moves the lock to the locked position while the cover moves to the open position.

Preferably, the arrangement is such that the actuator moves the lock to the locked position while the lid is moved in the closed state.

Preferably, the method includes automatically moving the locking device while the lid is opened and closed.

The method ensures that the lid is secured to the container after the container is opened and / or closed.

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

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

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

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, an actuator of a container according to the first aspect of the invention is provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a container according to the preceding aspects of the invention, the container comprising a second reservoir.

Preferably, the second interior portion is disposed in the upper region of the body and sealed with a lid of the container.

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

1 to 11 show a first embodiment of a container according to the invention. The container includes a hollow body 1 capable of storing solid or liquid contents and a lid 2 closing the container. A lock in the form of a lock ring 3 is provided between the body 1 and the cover 2. The locking ring 3 is rotatable in the body 1. The indicator arrow A is located on the body 1 and the indicator arrow B is located on the cover 2. The locking ring 3 also has an indicator arrow C and the cover 2 can only be turned if the locking ring 3 is turned so that the indicator arrow C coincides with the indicator arrows A and B (see Fig. 2). The cover 2 can be opened by lifting or tapping the protruding edge 4. Obviously, the indicator arrow need only be provided on one of the body 1 or the cover 2, but the indicator arrow C on the locking ring 3 may be replaced with one of the indicator arrow A or the indicator arrow B. It is a benefit to the user in that it can match.

The container comprises an actuator in the form of an elongate member 6, which extends in a direction away from the inner surface of the lid 2. The member 6 comprises a hooked distal end 6a. The wedge shaped protrusion 10 is disposed between the distal end 6a and the lid 2.

Snap between a circular rib formed on an annular shoulder (not shown) on the body 1 and a circular recess 12 correspondingly corresponding to the lower inner edge of the ring 3. In a fit manner the locking ring 3 is located in the body 1. The arrangement of the ring 3 and the body 1 is that the ring 3 is fixed to the body 1 but rotates freely in the body 1.

In order to fasten the lid 2 to the body 1, the locking ring 3 has a cylindrical flange 8 on its inner surface. The flange 8 is provided with a depression 9 through which the hook 6 and the projection 10 can pass during the opening and closing of the lid 2 if the arrows A, B, C coincide. . If the arrows do not coincide, the protrusion 10 remains under the flange 8, fixing the lid 2 to the body 1.

The locking ring 3 comprises a lamp, which is inclined in the axial direction of the ring 3 and extends from the inner surface of the ring 3. There is a gap 13 between the top of the lamp 7 and the flange 8, and when the arrows A, B, C coincide, the protrusion 10 can pass through the gap. The lamp 7 comprises an upper inclined surface 14 and a lower inclined surface 16 (not shown in the figure). If the arrows A, B, C coincide and the cover 2 is open, the protrusion 10 passes through the opening 9 and the distal end 6a of the hook 6 is the lower inclined surface of the lamp 7 ( 16) and the same arrangement as turning the lock ring 3, ie the locked position. Also, if the arrows A, B, C coincide and the lid 2 is closed, the distal end 6a of the hook 6 is in contact with the upper inclined surface 14 of the lamp 7 and the locking ring ( Turning 3) is the same as turning the lock position. In this respect, it should be noted that the locking ring 3 is freely rotatable in the body 1 as the hook 6 moves under the lamp 7.

In the embodiments shown, the lock is preferably in the form of a lock ring 3. However, the lock may not be annular, for example a slidable element that can move in an arc or linear direction with an actuator.

Alternatively, the lamp 7 may have a channel, which catches the end of the hook 6 at the bottom of the lamp 7, when the hook 6 has moved to the top of the lamp 7. Only released. In this arrangement, the indicator arrow C does not coincide when the cover 2 is opened, and the user simply closes the cover 2 by pushing the hook 6 to the flange 8.

The distal end 6a acts as an actuator such that each indicator arrow does not coincide after opening and / or closing of the container. The distal end 6a automatically moves so that the indicator arrows do not coincide during the opening operation and if necessary during the closing operation. Thus, structures that are not playable by young children are automatically activated during the opening operation and, if necessary, during the closing operation.

It should be noted that the hook 6 is easy to bend so that the cover 2 can be closed by sliding the hook 6 without matching the recess 9. The protrusion 10 is inclined to correspond to the inclined surface of the flange 8, so that the protrusion is simply flanged until the protrusion 10 slides under the flange 8 to secure the lid 2 to the body 1. 8) can push.

The width of the depression 9 is such that when the arrows A, B, C coincide and the hook 6 remains at the bottom of the lamp 7, the projection 10 can move freely outside the locking ring 3. It is enough.

In this embodiment the body 1 has an annular opening 11, which can be sealed by an annular rim 12 on the lid 2. The sealing device blocks the introduction of water vapor, which can affect the stability of the contents. The sealing device also prevents leakage if the contents are liquid. The flange 8 and the annular opening 11 form an auxiliary storage space 17. The space 17 and the interior space of the body 1 are each separated by an annular wall (not shown in the figure). The space 17 may also be used to store materials such as some or all of the prepared tablets taken out of the container body 1.

The storage space 17 also provides an area for use in the inspection of material taken out of the body.

12-14 show a second embodiment of a container according to the invention. The container includes a hollow hollow body 20 for storing solid or liquid contents and a lid 21 for closing the container. The locking ring 23 provided between the body 20 and the cover 21 may rotate between the body 20 and the cover 21. The indicator arrow D is located on the body 20 and the indicator arrow E is located on the locking ring 23. As with the first embodiment, only when turning the locking ring to align the indicator arrow, the cover 21 can be opened by lifting or tapping the protruding edge 24 of the cover 21.

13 and 14, the lid 21 is open and the user can take out the contents. The cover 21 is hinged to the body 20 at point 25 so that the cover 21 is flipped back as long as the hinge point 25 allows, so there is no obstacle to emptying the contents.

The cover 21 is formed with an annular collar 25 extending around the cover 21. An elongate member 26 with a truncated end 28 formed at its distal end extends from the inner surface of the lid 21. A wedge shaped locking projection 38 is formed on the outer surface of the annular collar 25.

The locking ring 23 comprises a cylindrical inner annular track 32 in which an outer annular collar 31 and an inner annular channel and an upper annular slot 34 are formed. The inner annular channel is just below the slot 34. The width of the slots 34 is smaller than the width of the annular channel. At one point of the slot 34 the width increases, forming a circular access hole 36. A channel 37 is formed in the outer annular collar 31, which is inclined from the axial direction of the ring 23.

The locking ring 23 snaps between a circular rib (not shown) formed in the body 20 and a circular depression (not shown) correspondingly formed adjacent the lower inner edge of the ring 23. Located in the body 20, the ring 23 is fixed to the body 20 but freely rotates in the body.

The arrangement is such that if the arrows D, E coincide, the end 28 is adjacent to the hole 36 and the projection 38 is at the lowest end of the channel 27 so that the cover 21 can be opened. . With the cover 21 open, the end 28 passes through the hole 36 and the projection 38 contacts the upper inclined surface of the channel 37 and when the locking ring 23 is turned, i.e., returns to the locked position. . Also, if the arrows D, E coincide and the lid 21 is closed, the end 28 passes through the hole 36 and the protrusion 38 then comes into contact with the lower slope of the channel 37. And turn the lock ring 23, that is, return to the locked position. In this regard, it should be noted that once the projection 38 has moved down the channel 37, the locking ring 23 is freely rotatable in the body 20.

The body 20 in this embodiment has an annular opening 40 formed in the upper wall 41. The opening 40 can be sealed with an annular rim 42 in the lid 2. The sealing device helps to block the ingress of water vapor which affects the stability of the contents, and also acts to block leakage if the contents are liquid. The top wall 41 and the annular track 32 form an auxiliary storage space 43. The volume 43 may be used to store material, which is the same material as some or all of the formulated tablet taken out of the body 20. The storage space 43 also provides an area that can be used to inspect material removed from the body.

The protrusion 38 acts as an actuator, which ensures that each arrow indicator does not coincide after opening and / or closing of the container. The protrusion 38 automatically moves so that the arrow indicators do not coincide during the opening operation and, if necessary, the closing operation. Thus, structures that are not playable by young children are automatically activated 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 common structures from the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are used to show the common structures.

The container 50 of the third embodiment includes a hollow body 51 for storing solid or liquid contents and a lid 52 for closing the container. A lock in the form of a lock ring 53 is provided between the body 51 and the cover 52. The locking ring 53 is rotatable in the body 51. The indicator arrow B is located on the cover 52. The locking ring 53 also has an indicator arrow C. The protruding edge of the cover 52 is only when the locking ring 53 is turned to coincide with the indicator arrow C with the indicator arrow B (see FIG. 15). 54) by lifting or tapping the cover 52 can be opened.

The container 51 also includes an actuator in the form of an elongate member 6 extending in a direction away from the inner surface of the lid 52. The member 6 comprises a hooked distal end 6a. Between the distal end 6a and the lid 52, a protrusion 10 in the form of a wedge is arranged.

Locking ring in a snap fit between a circular rib formed in an annular shoulder (not shown) on the body 51 and a circular depression (not shown) correspondingly formed adjacent the bottom inner edge of the ring 53. 53 is located in the body 51. Arrangement of the ring 53 and the body 51, the ring 53 is fixed to the body 51 but freely rotates in the body 51.

The operation and function of the locking ring 53 and the actuator 6 are substantially the same as described in the corresponding structures in Figs. 1 to 11 of the first embodiment of the present invention. However, it is noticeable in that the locking ring 53 is disposed substantially near the central axis of the container 51. In this embodiment, the container 51 is formed with an opening 55 on one side of the container. The opening 55 provides a passage to the interior space of the container 51.

The solid panel 63 seals the upper space portion of the container 51. The panel 63 and the annular collar 61 form a second storage space 64. The third storage space 65 is formed of a panel 63 portion, a circular outermost wall of the body 51 and an actuation wall 67. Second and third storage spaces 64 and 65 can be used to store solids or liquids. The second and third storage spaces 64, 65 can be used to store pharmaceutical products, such as pills or capsules, and are particularly useful for storing remaining pills or capsules. The lid 52 seals the storage spaces 64, 65. The storage spaces 64 and 65 also provide an area that can be used to inspect material removed from the body.

20-23 show a fourth embodiment of a container according to the invention. Before the description, the fourth embodiment includes many common structures like the first embodiment here, and the same reference numerals are used to show the common structures.

The container 70 of the third embodiment differs from the container of the first embodiment in that the lid 72 of the container 70 extends across the top end volume of the hollow body 1. The horizontal cross section of the cover 72 is substantially the same as the horizontal cross section of the body 1.

The solid panel 74 seals the upper volume portion of the container 1. The panel 74 and the collar 76 extending upwards define a second storage space 68. The second storage space 68 can be used to store pharmaceutical products, such as pills or capsules, and is particularly useful for storing remaining pills or capsules. The storage space 68 is sealed with a lid 72. Storage space 68 also provides an area that can be used to inspect material removed from the body.

Claims (37)

A hollow body, a cover that can be moved in the closed and open states, a lock that can move between the locked position and the unlocked position and that secures the cover in the closed state, and the lock portion is released as the cover moves in each state A container including an actuator for moving to a locked position in the. The container of claim 1, wherein the actuator is arranged to move the lock to the unlocked position while the cover is moved in the open state. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator is arranged to move the lock to the locked position while the cover is moved in the closed state. 3. The locking device according to claim 2, wherein the cover and the locking portion each comprise an interlocking locking element, wherein the arrangement is one lock element relative to the other locking element with the cover separate from the body to open the container during use. The container to move. 4. A container according to claim 3, wherein said arrangement of interactive locking elements located in the cover and the lock portion moves the one lock element relative to the other lock element while the cover is in close contact with the body to close the container. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the interactive locking elements are located in the body and the lock, the arrangement moves the one of the locking elements relative to the other locking element when the cover is removed from the body to open the container, The arrangement of the interactive locking elements located in the body and the locking portion allows the actuator to move one locking element relative to the other locking elements while the cover is in close contact with the body to close the container. 7. A container according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locking portion is a locking ring. 8. The actuator according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the actuator comprises an elongate member disposed inside the lid and the locking ring comprises a lamp, the lamp being inclined such that the elongated member contacts the lamp and A container whose body and / or cover and the indicator of the lock no longer coincide with the rotation of the lock ring as it slides gradually along the surface of the lock. 9. The arrangement of claim 8 wherein the arrangement of the elongate member and the lamp is such that when the cover is removed from the body to open the container, the elongate member contacts the first surface of the lamp and rotates the locking ring to rotate the body and / or the cover and the locking portion. Indicators no longer match containers. 10. An arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the arrangement of the elongate member and the lamp is brought back to the body to close the container and the elongated member is in contact with the second surface of the lamp and the rotation of the locking ring when the indicator is matched. The indicator of the body and / or cover and the locking part no longer matches the container. The container according to claim 8, wherein the lamp protrudes from the circular inner surface of the locking ring. The container of claim 8, wherein the lamp has a channel formed in the wall of the locking ring, the central axis of the channel being inclined with respect to the axis of the ring. 13. The container of any one of claims 8-12, wherein the elongate member is a flexible cantilever. 14. A container according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein said elongate member is a hook-shaped cantilever extending from the inner surface of the lid. The container of claim 1, wherein the lock is located between the body and the cover. The container of claim 15, wherein the interacting locking element located in the cover is a protrusion. 5. The locking element of claim 4 wherein the interacting locking element located in the locking portion is a cylindrical flange on the inner surface of the locking portion and the protrusion is formed in the elongate member, the flange being capable of passing through the protrusion during opening and closing of the lid. A container in which depressions are formed. 18. The lamp of claim 17 wherein the ramp is disposed axially below the columnar flange and generally coincides with the depression of the flange, the arrangement being a gap between the top of the lamp and the columnar flange. Vessel. 5. The system of claim 4 wherein the interactive locking element located in the locking portion is a cylindrical track attached to the inner surface of the locking portion and the protrusion is formed with a distal head, the protrusion extending from the inner surface of the cover, A container in which a passage hole is formed through which the head of the protrusion can pass during opening and closing of the lid. 20. The container of claim 19, wherein the lamp is preferably disposed axially on top of the columnar track. 20. The container of claim 19, wherein the arrangement of the ramp and flange is such that the protrusion first passes through the gap and generally coincides with the depression before the elongate member contacts the lamp while the lock rotates in one direction. 22. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body has an outlet, the outlet being sealable with a sealing element located in the lid. 23. The container of any of claims 19-22, wherein the protrusion comprises a member having a barbed distal end. In a method of locking a lid in a container according to the first aspect of the invention, Moving the lock from the unlocked position to the locked position as the cover moves between each state. 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the actuator moves the lock to the locked position while the cover is moved to the open position. 26. The method of any one of claims 24 or 25, wherein the actuator moves the lock to the locked position while the cover is moved in the closed state. 27. The method of any of claims 24 to 26, comprising automatically moving the lock from the unlocked position to the locked position as the lid moves in each state. The lid for a container according to any one of claims 1 to 28. The container lock according to any one of claims 1 to 23. 24. The hollow body according to any one of claims 1 to 23, for a container. The container cover according to any one of claims 1 to 23. 24. The actuator for a container according to any one of claims 1 to 23. 24. The container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container comprises a second storage space. The container of claim 33, wherein the container comprises a third storage space. 35. The container of claim 32 or 34, wherein at least one of the additional storage spaces is disposed in an upper space of the body. 36. The container of claim 35, wherein at least one of the additional storage spaces is sealed with a lid. Cover and structure of the cover as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.