US20210347537A1

US20210347537A1 - Three-piece crc lid

Info

Publication number: US20210347537A1
Application number: US17/249,366
Authority: US
Inventors: Mike Sanchez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-02-28
Filing date: 2021-02-28
Publication date: 2021-11-11

Abstract

The present invention may comprise a container, with a container body, a closed base, an open top, an exterior, and a cap assembly designed to couple to the container body for closing the container. A cap assembly may include an inner cap configured to couple to a container body and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap. A first coupler may be coupled to the inner cap and a second coupler may be coupled to the outer cap and designed to optionally engage the first coupler. An outer cap may be designed to rotate relative to an inner cap if the outer cap is in one or more positions and to engage the inner cap when the outer cap is in one or more other positions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/983,532, filed on Feb. 28, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to child-resistant containers. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing child access to a container, such as a medication container.
A container may be configured for a user to apply pressure, which may include unidirectional or bidirectional (e.g., opposing) pressure, to the top and/or bottom of the device to engage features of the container.
Substances have been stored, distributed, and sold in various types of containers. One type of container is known as a pillbox, often with a flip-top opening for manual breaking of a seal or otherwise clear an opening for pouring and consuming the contents.
In some cases, people do not want containers to be easily opened by children or unauthorized individuals when the containers carry a substance that is harmful, controlled, dangerous, or costly.
Some substances are subject to legal restrictions, such as most notably, mind-altering substances, like marijuana and derivatives. Another type of consumable that is restricted is pharmaceuticals and marijuana-based or hemp-based products. Casual consumption can be dangerous if consumed to excess or without proper administration. A chief concern is limiting access to minors (individuals under the local legal age of majority) to avoid harmful consequences. Also, governments institute laws and regulations mandating child-protective barriers to use to prevent minors from accessing controlled substances, such as cannabis and cannabis products.
The European Union and the United States maintain regulations as to child-resistant packaging for drugs and other substances. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulated child-resistant packaging based on the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The special packaging requirements under the PPPA are directed towards designing packaging to make it significantly difficult for children under five years old to open the packaging or obtain a toxic or harmful amount of the substance therein within a reasonable amount of time. The requirements also maintain that it should not be difficult for ordinary adults to use the packaging properly. The PPPA requirements do not dictate that the packaging should be designed such that 100 percent of children cannot open the packaging or obtain a toxic or hazardous amount within a reasonable time. The U.S. child-resistant packaging performance specifications are found in the regulation cited as 16 C.F.R. § 1700.15. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration guidance on child-resistant packaging is available at https://www.fda.gov/media/70788/download. In the United States, individual states usually have their own child-resistant packaging regulations and guidance.
To prevent minors from accessing and consuming controlled substances and to avoid mistaken consumption by people unfamiliar with consumption of cannabis-based beverages, an apparatus to limit and control opening such containers would be useful.
Several have tried to create child-resistant container lids. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0315535 A1 to Nicholas Patrick Karll discloses a locking container and lid assembly incorporating a metal plate inside the outer cap or under the outer cap for interacting between the outer cap and a lower cap that are closed by a lock engagement of the lid. However, this document does not disclose a lid fitted for a top of a container without the costly metal plate for preventing child access to container. This metal plate is costly, heavy, and requires excess labor in manufacture, such that a design like the one described below, which can avoid requiring a metal plate insert and thus, be advantageous.
Thus, it would be advantageous to have a device and a method that prevents minor access for safety and waste control.
As will be seen more fully below, the present invention is substantially different in structure, function, and approach from that of the child-resistant containers previously disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a child resistant container, may comprise; a container body having a central longitudinal axis, a closed base, an open top and an exterior wall; and a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container; wherein the cap assembly comprises; a metal inner cap configured to couple to the container body and a metal outer cap coupled to the inner cap, each of the inner and outer caps having a top with a top surface and a bottom surface; a metal plate disposed between the inner cap and the outer cap, wherein the plate is rotationally and axially fixed relative to the outer cap; a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, wherein the first coupler comprises a groove having sides that extend downwardly from the top of the inner cap; and a second coupler coupled to the plate and configured to optionally engage the first coupler, wherein the second coupler comprises a tongue having sides that extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the metal plate; wherein the inner cap is disposed at least partially within the outer cap; wherein at least a portion of the top of the outer cap is configured to optionally move among first and second positions relative to the inner cap along the central longitudinal axis, the first position being farther away from the top of the inner cap than the second position; wherein the outer cap is configured to rotate relative to the inner cap when the top of the outer cap is in the first position; and wherein the second coupler is configured to engage the first coupler when the top of the outer cap is in the second position for rotationally fixing the inner and outer caps relative to one another.
In another aspect of the present invention, a child resistant container, may comprise a container body having a central longitudinal axis, a closed base, an open top and an exterior wall; and a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container; wherein the cap assembly may comprise, a metal inner cap configured to couple to the container body and a metal outer cap coupled to the inner cap, each of the inner and outer caps having a top with a top surface and a bottom surface, a metal plate disposed between the inner cap and the outer cap, wherein the metal plate is rotationally and axially fixed relative to the outer cap, a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, wherein the first coupler comprises a plurality of grooves that extend radially outwardly from the central longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of grooves having sides that extend downwardly from the top of the inner cap, and a second coupler coupled to the plate and configured to optionally engage the first coupler, wherein the second coupler comprises a plurality of tongues, each of the plurality of tongues having sides that extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the metal plate; wherein the inner cap is disposed at least partially within the outer cap and comprises a radially outwardly rolled lip that is retained within the outer cap by a radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap, wherein at least a portion of the top of the outer cap is configured to optionally move among first and second positions relative to the inner cap along the central longitudinal axis, the first position being farther away from the top of the inner cap than the second position, wherein the outer cap is configured to rotate relative to the inner cap when the top of the outer cap is in the first position and the radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap is in contact with the radially outwardly rolled lip of the inner cap, and wherein the second coupler is configured to engage the first coupler when the top of the outer cap is in the second position for rotationally fixing the inner and outer caps relative to one another.
A child resistant container may include a container body having a central longitudinal axis, a closed base, an open top, and an exterior wall, and a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container. A cap assembly may include an inner cap configured to couple to a container body, and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap, optionally each of the inner and outer caps having a top, a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, and a second coupler coupled to the outer cap and configured to optionally engage the first coupler. An inner cap may be disposed at least partially within an outer cap. At least a portion of the top of an outer cap may be configured to optionally move among first and second positions or other positions relative to the inner cap, such as along the central longitudinal axis or otherwise. A first position or other position may be farther away from a top of the inner cap than a second position or other position. An outer cap may be configured to rotate relative to an inner cap, such as when the top of the outer cap is in one or more positions, and a second coupler or other coupler may be configured to engage a first coupler or other coupler, such as when a top of an outer cap is in a second position or other position.
A container may include a cap disposed at least partially between the top of the inner cap and the top of the outer cap, and a second coupler or other coupler may be coupled to the cap. One or more caps may be rotationally fixed relative to an outer cap or other component or portion of a container. A top of an outer cap may be in a second position or other position and an outer cap may be adapted to rotate relative to an inner cap, such as before a second coupler or other coupler engages a first coupler or other coupler, which may include rotating a partial rotation such as less than 45 degrees or less than 90 degrees or less than 180 degrees or otherwise. At least a portion of a top or other portion of an outer cap may be configured to elastically deform and a first or other position relative to a top of an inner cap may be a rest position of the top portion or other portion of an outer cap. At least a portion of an inner cap may be retained within an outer cap, such as by a wholly or partially radially inwardly rolled or otherwise disposed lip of the outer cap. An inner cap may include a radially outwardly rolled or otherwise disposed lip and may have a height or other dimension less than, greater than, or equal to a height or other dimension of an outer cap. A radially outwardly rolled lip of an inner cap may be configured to contact at least optionally a radially inwardly rolled lip of an outer cap.
A first or other coupler may include a groove and a second coupler or other coupler may include a tongue configured to engage the groove. A first coupler or other coupler may include a plurality of grooves and a second coupler or other coupler may include a plurality of tongues configured to engage corresponding ones of the plurality of grooves. A number of grooves, tongues, or other couplers may be the same or different. A first or other coupler may include a plurality of grooves and a second coupler or other coupler may include a tongue adapted to engage two or more of the plurality of grooves. A first coupler or other coupler may include a plurality of grooves that extend radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis or other point of reference. Two or more of a plurality of grooves may intersect or not intersect. Two or more of a plurality of grooves may be at least partially perpendicular to one another. A first coupler or other coupler may include a groove having a rotationally leading side and a rotationally trailing side in a clockwise direction or other direction and a second coupler may include a tongue having a rotationally leading side and a rotationally trailing side in a clockwise direction or other direction. A leading side or other side of a tongue may be configured to engage a leading side or other side of a groove, such as for coupling a cap assembly to a container body. A trailing side or other side of a tongue may be configured to engage a trailing side or other side of a groove, such as for uncoupling a cap assembly from a container body.
Leading sides or other sides of a tongue and/or a groove may be disposed at a first angle or other angle(s) and trailing sides of a tongue and/or a groove may be disposed at a second angle or other angle(s). In at least one embodiment, first and second angles, or other angles, may be the same. In at least one embodiment, first and second angles, or other angles, may be different. In at least one embodiment, a first angle may be 60 degrees relative to horizontal and a second angle may be 65 degrees relative to horizontal. A first coupler or other coupler may include two or more grooves and a second coupler or other coupler may be configured to skip out of one or more grooves and into one or more grooves, such as when the cap assembly reaches a fully closed position. One or more couplers may be adapted for at least partially minimizing a chance of overtightening. One or more couplers may be adapted for signaling or indicating to a user that a container is fully or otherwise closed, such as audibly, or mechanically, or both, which may include generating one or more sounds, vibrations, or other mechanical attributes or indicators, such as by way of skipping or another noticeable cooperation or result of cooperation among one or more container components.
In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container may include a container body having a central longitudinal axis, a closed base, an open top, and an exterior wall, and a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container. A cap assembly may include an inner cap configured to couple to the container body and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap, each of the inner and outer caps having a top, a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, wherein the first coupler may include a plurality of grooves that extend radially outwardly from the central longitudinal axis, and a second coupler coupled to the outer cap and configured to optionally engage the first coupler, wherein the second coupler may include a plurality of tongues, wherein the inner cap may be disposed at least partially within the outer cap and may include a radially outwardly rolled lip that may be retained within the outer cap by a radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap, wherein at least a portion of the top of the outer cap may be configured to optionally move among first and second positions relative to the inner cap along the central longitudinal axis, the first position being further away from the top of the inner cap than the second position, wherein the outer cap may be arranged to rotate relative to the inner cap when the top of the outer cap is in the first position and the radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap is in contact with the radially outwardly rolled lip of the inner cap, and wherein the second coupler may be configured to engage the first coupler when the top of the outer cap is in the second position.
These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are specifically set forth in or will become apparent from, the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a child resistant container, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 with the lid removed, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the lid removed, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of one embodiment of an inner cap, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a cap assembly in an uncoupled position, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side view of the cap assembly of FIG. 3B in a coupled position;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a cap assembly coupled to a container body according to the disclosure, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3E is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 3D;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail side view of one embodiment of an indentation, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views of two embodiments of a center cap, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of a cap assembly in an uncoupled position, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a child resistant container having a seal, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are bottom views of three embodiment of a seal having desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a child resistant container having a port, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a bottom view of the seal of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a child resistant container, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a cap assembly according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a closed container, according to another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the container in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded view of the container in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side plan view of a crown cap, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 16A is a side plan view of a bottom cover, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 16B is a side plan view of another bottom cover, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a side plan view of a container bottom, according to one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a side plan view of a container, according to one aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of a container, according to one aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Although the invention is often referred to herein as an apparatus and method for restricting child access to containers, it is understood that such description is not limiting, such that the technology in this invention may be applied in numerous other products and methods, including but not limited to, beverage containers, non-metallic containers, and similar structures.
The container of the invention cannot be easily opened in a conventional manner by a child, yet is easily opened by an adult, especially senior adults, or disabled adults. Another advantage is protecting the container contents from exposure or leakage.
In at least one embodiment, a container may be made largely or completely out of metal. Exemplary metals may include steel, tin, copper, aluminum, and alloys thereof, separately or in combination, in whole, or in part.
Herein is disclosed a three-piece container lid for containers that children will find difficult to open but adults, especially senior adults, and disabled adults, will be able to open the lid readily and easily.
A container may be configured for a user to apply pressure, which may include unidirectional or bidirectional (e.g., opposing) pressure, to the top and/or bottom of the device to engage features on one or more caps or other components, such as on outer and inner caps or inserts, to lock or otherwise couple for opening and/or closing the container. Once engaged, a user may rotate or twist one or more container components and thereby rotate or twist one or more other container components, and in at least one embodiment, place complimentary angled screw threads on an interior wall of a cap and an exterior wall of a container body into threading communication with each other for opening and/or closing a container or one or more caps relative to a container body. When opposing force or pressure is applied to a container cap and body and features, bumps, or indentations of a cap or insert may be aligned with those of another cap or other component, one or more components may depress, deflect, bend, or move and a user may rotate or twist a container cap and/or body for causing one or more threads to engage and separate the lid from the body or attach it thereto. Without such a force by a user or pressure, an outer container lid may be configured to spin around an inner cap without moving or rotating the inner cap or insert. In at least one embodiment, a container may be at least partially air-tight when closed, which may allow the container to safely, or otherwise satisfactorily, store contents for an extended period of time. In at least one embodiment, gas or other fluid inside a container may be altered or treated to have a less reactive gas inside, which may help prevent decay or otherwise preserve a state of a substance stored within the container.
One or more seals, such as a high barrier sealing or lidding film, may be affixed on the top or on another portion of a container body, such as for maintaining a specific or desired atmosphere even after the lid is removed. This may allow, for example, for the contents of a container to be visually inspected without disturbing the atmosphere within the container. Once the seal is initially removed, the atmosphere of the container may no longer be contained or maintained in the same state, but in at least one embodiment a container according to the disclosure may be structured for at least partially preserving or maintaining such an atmosphere.
In at least one embodiment, a container may be made largely or completely out of metal. Exemplary metals may include steel, tin, copper, aluminum, and alloys thereof, separately or in combination, in whole, or in part.
In at least one embodiment, a container according to the disclosure may be configured for a user to apply pressure, which may include unidirectional or bidirectional (e.g., opposing) pressure, to the top and/or bottom of the device to engage couplers on one or more caps or other components, such as on outer and inner caps, to lock or otherwise couple for opening and/or closing the container. Once engaged, a user may twist one or more container components and thereby twist one or more other container components, and in at least one embodiment, place complimentary angled screw threads on an interior wall of a cap and an exterior wall of a container body into threading communication with each other for opening and/or closing a container or one or more caps relative to a container body. When opposing force or pressure is applied to a container cap and body and couplers or indentations of a plate or cap are aligned with those of another cap, one or more components may depress, bend, or move and a user may twist a container cap and/or body for causing one or more threads to catch and separate the lid from the body or attach it thereto. In the absence of such user force or pressure, an exterior container lid may be configured to spin about an inner cap without moving or rotating it. In at least one embodiment, a container may be at least partially airtight when closed, which may allow the container to safely or otherwise satisfactorily store its contents for an extended period of time.
In at least one embodiment, gas or other fluid inside a container may be altered or treated to have a less reactive gas inside, which may help prevent decay or otherwise preserve a state of a substance stored within the container. One or more seals, such as a high barrier sealing or lidding film, may be affixed on the top or another portion of a container body, such as for maintaining a specific or desired atmosphere even after the lid is removed. This may allow, for example, for the contents of a container to be visually inspected without disturbing the atmosphere within the container. Once the seal is initially removed, the atmosphere of the container may no longer be contained or maintained in the same state, but in at least one embodiment a container according to the disclosure may be adapted for at least partially preserving or maintaining such an atmosphere. In at least one embodiment, a container according to the disclosure may be made largely or completely out of metal. Exemplary metals may include steel, tin, copper, aluminum, and alloys thereof, separately or in combination, in whole, or in part. A container according to the disclosure may, in at least one embodiment, prevent or minimize Bisphenol A (BPA) leaching or chemical leaching into a stored product. A container according to the disclosure may be configured for having track and trace information laser etched or otherwise applied onto or into the container in a manner not easily removed or altered. In at least one embodiment, a container according to the disclosure may be at least substantially completely recyclable.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a child resistant container according to the disclosure. FIG. 2A is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 with the lid removed. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the lid removed. FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of one embodiment of an inner cap according to the disclosure. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a cap assembly in an uncoupled position according to the disclosure. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side view of the cap assembly of FIG. 3B in a coupled position. FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of a cap assembly coupled to a container body according to the disclosure. FIG. 3E is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 3D. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail side view of one embodiment of an indentation according to the disclosure. FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views of two embodiments of a center cap according to the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another embodiment of a cap assembly in an uncoupled position according to the disclosure. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a child resistant container having a seal according to the disclosure. FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are bottom views of three embodiments of a seal having desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material according to the disclosure. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a child resistant container having a port according to the disclosure. FIG. 9B is a bottom view of the seal of FIG. 9A. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a child resistant container according to the disclosure. FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a cap assembly according to the disclosure. FIGS. 1-11 will be described in conjunction with one another. In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 may include a container body 101, such as a housing or casing, for holding one or more products or substances and an outer cap 102, such as a cover or lid, for removably coupling to body 101 to enclose or cover at least a portion thereof, such as an interior 118 volume or space and/or one or more other components or portions of body 101 (e.g., neck 103 further described below). Outer cap 102 and the container body 101 may meet at a junction 120, such as a joint or intersection, which in at least one embodiment may be, or include, an at least partially seamless edge or other transition. For example, in at least one embodiment, body 101 and outer cap 102 may have the same outside diameter or other dimension, in whole or in part. Outer cap 102 may have a top 122 that is at least partially smooth or otherwise configured according to an implementation of the invention and may be configured to couple with body 101 in one or more of the manners further described below.
In at least one embodiment, container body 101 may have a neck 103, such as an extension or collar, for cooperating with one or more other components of container 100. Neck 103 may, but need not, have a diameter or other dimension less than that of another portion, such as a lower portion, of body 101. Neck 103 may be formed integrally with one or more other portions of body 101 or may be formed separately and otherwise coupled thereto. In at least one embodiment, container 100 may include a lip 124, such as a rim, stop, or collar, that extends radially inwardly from an exterior surface 126 of body 101. In such an embodiment outer cap 102 or one or more components coupled thereto may contact or rest on or against lip 124 (e.g., when outer cap 102 is in one or more closed positions), separately or in combination, in whole or in part. As other examples, outer cap 102 or one or more components coupled thereto may be disposed adjacent to, above, or otherwise relative to lip 124 when outer cap 102 is in one or more closed positions. In at least one embodiment, container body 101 or a portion thereof, such as a top portion or neck 103 (if present), may include an inwardly rolled edge 107 for cooperating with one or more other components of container 100 as described in further detail below. Edge 107 may be rolled or otherwise disposed radially inwardly (e.g., about central longitudinal axis X) from an exterior surface of body 101 or neck 103, in whole or in part, and may extend or otherwise exist about all or a portion of the mouth 128 or opening of body 101. Edge 107 may include a partial roll or a full roll and may be continuous or comprise one or more segments about mouth 128, separately or in combination, in whole or in part.
Container 100 may include an inner cap 105, such as a cover or lid, for removably coupling to body 101 to enclose or cover at least a portion thereof, such as an interior 118 volume or space and/or one or more other components or portions of body 101 (e.g., neck 103 or edge 107). Inner cap 105 may be coupled to outer cap 102, which may include being disposed at least partially therein, and configured to couple outer cap 102 and/or one or more other components of container 100 to container body 101. In at least one embodiment, inner cap 105 may have one or more dimensions (e.g., height and diameter or other radial dimension) smaller than one or more corresponding dimensions of outer cap 102 and inner cap 105 may be retained or otherwise disposed within outer cap 102 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3B-3C). For example, outer cap 102 may include an inwardly rolled or otherwise protruding edge 130 extending radially inwardly to form an inside dimension greater than an outside dimension of inner cap 105 and which may at least partially resist or prevent removal of inner cap 105 therefrom. In at least one embodiment, inner cap 105 may have an outwardly rolled or otherwise protruding edge 132 for cooperating with inwardly rolled edge 130 of outer cap 102 in one or more ways. For example, outwardly rolled edge 132 and inwardly rolled edge 130 may cooperate to retain at least a portion of inner cap 105 within at least a portion of outer cap 102. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of inner cap 105 may “float” within at least a portion of outer cap 102 such that caps 102, 105 may move somewhat relative to one another in one or more directions. In at least one embodiment, one or more holes 146, such as an opening or other space (which may include a space created by, e.g., a contour or indentation), may be disposed in one or more locations on an interior surface or other portion of any of caps 102, 105 (and/or plates 110, further described below) for allowing lateral or other movement of one or more components relative to one or more other components of container 100. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3D-3E, a center or locking cap (or middle lid) 110 may include one or more holes 146 therein or therethrough for allowing outer cap 102 and/or cap 110 and inner cap 105 to move in one or more lateral directions relative at least partially to one another, which may, for example, at least partially minimize a possibility of cross-threading or other binding of threads during installation or removal of cap assembly 114 to or from container body 101. As another example, outwardly rolled edge 132 and inwardly rolled edge 130 may be adapted for sliding engagement with one another when caps 102, 105 are in one or more positions relative to one another (further described below), such as for supporting rotation of one of caps 102, 105 relative to the other. One or both of edges 130, 132 may be rolled or otherwise disposed radially inwardly or outwardly (e.g., about central longitudinal axis X) from a surface of their respective caps, in whole or in part, and may extend or otherwise exist about all or a portion of such caps. One or both of edges 130, 132 may include a partial roll or a full roll and may be continuous or comprise one or more segments about their respective caps, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. As another example, at least a portion of one or more of edges 130, 132 may be formed by crimping, pressing, bending, or folding a portion of cap material to form such edge(s) or rim(s) (see, e.g., FIGS. 3B-3C), separately or in combination with one another and/or with rolling of the material, in whole or in part.
Inner cap 105 and outer cap 102, together with one or more other cap components, such as cap 110, if present, may be configured for optionally coupling with one another in one or more positions to optionally translate opening and/or closing force from one to the other. Inner cap 105 and outer cap 102 may collectively form or be part of a cap assembly 114. More specifically, inner cap 105 and outer cap 102 may have one or more positions relative to one another (e.g., in an axial direction along axis X) and may cooperate with one another and/or one or more other components of container 100 to form a child resistant opening/closing mechanism or otherwise accomplish child resistant functionality. In this regard, each of outer cap 102 and inner cap 105 may include one or more couplers 134, 136 for optionally coupling with one another to engage outer cap 102 and inner cap 105 for at least partially simultaneous rotation (e.g., about axis X) relative to one or more other components of container 100, such as container body 101. In at least one embodiment, couplers 134, 136 may be, or include, one or more mating indentations, depressions, or other formations as further described below. In at least one embodiment, one or more of caps 102, 105 may include gripping material (not shown), such as silicone, rubber, or another elastomeric or sticky material, coupled thereto for increasing friction between or otherwise supporting rotational engagement of caps 102, 105 in one or more positions. For example, gripping material may be included on one or more of the undersides of outer cap 102 (or, e.g., cap 110 further described below) and the top side of cap 105, separately or in combination with the presence of one or more other couplers 134, 136 and, in at least one embodiment, may be included on one or more couplers 134, 136.
For example, as seen in FIGS. 3B-3C, in at least one embodiment, outer cap 102 may have one or more couplers 134 and inner cap 105 may have one or more couplers 136 and outer and inner caps 102, 105 may have one or more optional positions relative to one another for engagement and/or disengagement of one or more couplers 134, 136. As shown in FIG. 3B, for instance, outer and inner caps 102, 105 may have one or more uncoupled positions wherein couplers 134, 136 are uncoupled and axially separated from one another by a distance d along axis X, which may be any distance according to an implementation of the disclosure. In such a position (or another uncoupled position), outer and inner caps 102, 105 may relatively freely rotate relative to one another (i.e., subject to outside forces such as friction or gravity) and, for example, outer cap 102 may be rotated about inner cap 105 without causing rotation of inner cap 105. As shown in FIG. 3C, for instance, outer and inner caps 102, 105 may have one or more coupled positions wherein couplers 134, 136 are coupled and in which the axial separation is less than that of an uncoupled position (in whole or in part, and which may include zero). In such a position (or another coupled position), outer and inner caps 102, 105 may be at least partially rotationally fixed relative to one another so as to rotate together about, e.g., container body 101. One or more couplers 134 may engage one or more couplers 136 and, for example, may translate rotational force or motion from outer cap 102 to inner cap 105 or vice versa such that rotation of one causes at least some rotation of the other. In at least one embodiment, one or more axial forces or pressures and/or one or more rotational forces (as schematically illustrated by the various arrows in FIG. 3C) may be applied to one or more of outer cap 102 and inner cap 105, or one or more components coupled thereto (e.g., container body 101), to moves caps 102, 105 from an uncoupled position to a coupled position, which may, but need not, include elastic (or plastic) deformation of at least a portion of one or more of caps 102, 105. During a transition from an uncoupled position to a coupled position, outer cap 102 may, but need not, at least partially rotate relative to inner cap 105, e.g., depending on the relative positions or alignment of caps 102, 105 and/or couplers 134, 136 upon the transition. In at least one embodiment, one or more of caps 102, 105 may be adapted for biasing caps 102, 105 and/or couplers 134, 136 toward an uncoupled position, such as by way of being shaped or otherwise configured for functioning similarly to a spring such that one or more of caps 102, 105 and/or couplers 134, 136 is forced or otherwise biased away from the other in a default position. The respective rolled edges 130, 132 of caps 102, 105 may, but need not, be in contact with one another in one or more coupled positions or uncoupled positions. For example, while rolled edges 130, 132 are shown to be axially separated in the embodiment of FIG. 3C for illustrative purposes, this need not be the case and alternatively, or collectively, rolled edges 130, 132 may be in contact with one another in one or more coupled positions of caps 102, 105 and/or couplers 134, 136 and, e.g., the top of outer cap 102 may be configured to elastically deform or otherwise move sufficiently during actuation to couple one or more couplers 134, 136 rolled edges 130, 132 are in contact with one another, whether in whole or in part.
As shown in an exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-3A, container 100 may include one or more threads 104 for coupling engagement with one or more mating threads 138 of inner cap 105 for coupling and uncoupling outer cap 102, inner cap 105 (and/or one or more other container components), and container body 101. In at least one embodiment, container 100 may include one or more threads 104, 138 adapted for opening or closing container 100, or coupling or uncoupling one or more caps (e.g., 102, 105) with, or from, body 101, in one-quarter turn (see, e.g., FIGS. 10-11), one-half turn, three-quarters turn, one full turn, two full turns, or less or more. In at least one embodiment, container 100 and thread(s) 104, 138 may be adapted for coupling and/or uncoupling outer cap 102 and container body 101 in no greater than two full turns, which may at least partially minimize or prevent slipping or cross-threading when a user applies pressure to the outer cap 102 and container body 101. Threads 104, 138 may be configured accordingly and, in at least one embodiment, may include stops or lands 148 formed therein or otherwise on container 100 to stop closing rotation of cap assembly 114 or a component thereof, such as upon reaching a fully closed position, and/or for at least partially resisting opening rotation, such as to guard against accidental or unintended opening of container 100. To this end, in at least one embodiment, threads 104, 138 may be limited to a single thread or, for instance, a set of threads configured to accomplish full closure of container 100 in less than or equal to one turn or two turns or so (e.g., of inner cap 105 and/or outer cap 102 relative to container body 101 or neck 103).
Couplers 134, 136 may take various forms, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment, one or more couplers 134, 136 may be, or include, one or more indentations stamped, molded, debossed, or otherwise formed in or on outer cap 102 or inner cap 105, such as, for example, into one or more sheets or other piece(s) of material from which all or a portion of outer cap 102 or inner cap 105 may be made. Accordingly, couplers 134, 136 may be referred to herein as indentations (and collectively as indentations 106) for purposes of convenience of illustration, but it will nonetheless be understood that such references may apply to couplers 134, 136 of numerous other types or forms, such as couplers machined into material or couplers formed separately and coupled to one or more other pieces of material mechanically or otherwise.
Each of outer cap 102 and inner cap 105 may have one or more indentations 106 on one or more of its surfaces, such as in a top surface and/or protruding or otherwise extending downwardly from a bottom or interior surface. One or more of the indentations 106 may match one or more indentations 106 present on the other cap and may be disposed at a point or points where force(s) or pressure from a user is converted into friction or other actuation force(s) for allowing container 100 to be opened or closed. The number, shape, size, location, and pattern of one or more indentations 106 may vary from embodiment to embodiment. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, shows a cross-like formation comprising four generally rectangularly shaped indentations 106 that extend radially outwardly from axis X, but which do not intersect. As another example, FIG. 5A shows a similar cross-like pattern comprising a single or continuous indentation 106 that includes four (or two) intersecting rectangular or prism sections forming a cross-type shape. However, these are but two of many examples presented for purposes of illustration and explanation and are by no means limiting as to the numerous potential embodiments of the present disclosure. Outer cap 102 and/or inner cap 105 may include any number and configuration of indentations 106 that accomplish the functions of embodiments of the disclosure, and may include one or more indentations 106 comprising at least one working surface in each of the clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) (also known as anticlockwise) directions for providing a coupler edge or side that may cooperate with one another during opening and closing coupling engagement of caps 102, 105 (which may occur in the CCW and CW directions, respectively, or vice versa). For instance, in at least one embodiment, one or more of outer cap 102 and inner cap 105 may include four rectangular or otherwise shaped indentations 106, a single cross or similarly shaped indentation 111, a single linear indentation, one or more curved indentations, or multiple indentations, of, e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more equally, or unequally spaced indentations. Outer cap 102 and inner cap 105 may have the same number of indentations 106 or a different number of indentations 106. Further, the size and/or shape of one or more indentations 106 of inner cap 105 may be the same as or different from the size and/or shape of one or more indentations 106 of outer cap 102, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. For example, in at least one embodiment, inner cap 105 may have a greater number of indentations 106 than outer cap 102, or vice versa. As another example, each of one or more indentations 106 on one of caps 102, 105 may be configured to couple with one, some, or all of one or more indentations 106 on the other of caps 102, 105. For instance, in at least one embodiment, outer cap 102 may have an indentation 106 configured to couple with any of two or more indentations 106 of inner cap 105 and such indentations may be of the same or different shapes and/or sizes. Alternatively, or collectively, outer cap 102 may have an indentation 106 configured to couple with only a particular one(s) of one or more indentations 106 of inner cap 105, which indentations may, once again, be of the same or different shapes and/or sizes. In at least some implementations of the disclosure, a relatively greater number of indentations 106 may be used for larger containers and fewer indentations 106 may be used for smaller containers. However, this need not be the case and the number of indentations used for a particular implementation of the disclosure may depend on one or more factors such as container size, shape, material, cost, aesthetics, contents, functionality, and quality requirements, among other things, such as indentation size and shape. In at least one embodiment, a container having a diameter less than or equal to 70 mm may have four or fewer indentations 106 and may be made from material having a thickness of between 4.5 mm and 6 mm or so, which may at least partially minimize or prevent ripping or tearing of the material during manufacturing.
With continuing reference to the figures and particular reference to FIG. 4, one or more exemplary working surfaces of an indentation 106 is shown and described in more detail. One or more indentations 106 on outer cap 102 and/or inner cap 105 may include one or more open edges 108 for opening container 100 and one or more working edges 109 for closing container 100. One or more open edges 108 on outer cap 102 may engage one or more open edges 108 on inner cap 105, such as when caps 102, 105 are in a coupled position, for opening container 100. One or more working edges 109 on outer cap 102 may engage one or more working edges 109 on inner cap 105, such as when caps 102, 105 are in a coupled position, for closing container 100. Open edge 108 may be disposed at an angle A relative to horizontal and working edge 109 may be disposed at an angle B relative to horizontal. Angles A and B may be the same or different, whether for a given indentation 106 or two or more different indentations 106. In at least one embodiment, two or more different angles may be used on one or more edges. In at least one embodiment, angle B may be adapted to at least partially minimize or prevent overtightening, which may potentially make container 100 difficult to open. For example, angle B may be steep enough for transmitting closing force from outer cap 102 to inner cap 105 but shallow enough for facilitating at least partial disengagement or skipping of caps 102, 105 or two or more indentations 106 relative to one another upon reaching a fully closed position of inner cap 105, which may be, or include, any position about container body 101 according to an implementation of the disclosure. In at least one embodiment, angle A of open edge 108 may be steeper than angle B of working wedge 109, but that need not be the case. In at least one embodiment, one or more indentations 106 may have a working edge angle B of 75 degrees or in the range of 70 to 80 degrees or about 70 to 80 degrees. The angle may allow the mechanism to disengage when sealed tight, but that need not be the case. In at least one embodiment, one or more indentations 106 may have an open edge angle A of 60 degrees or in the range of 40 to 60 degrees or about 40 to 60 degrees. In at least one embodiment, such an angle A may decrease or minimize the amount of twist force to be exerted compensating for the closing motion while still requiring a push-down-and-twist motion to open the container. The range of 40 to 60 degrees from the horizontal may be used for the open edge. In at least one embodiment, such an angle A may cause container 100 to operate with enough difficulty to achieve child resistant requirements but not so difficult that adults are unable to reliably open the device. In at least one embodiment, one or more indentations 106 may have a working edge angle B of 60 degrees or in the range of 50 to 70 degrees or about 50 to 70 degrees. The angle may allow the mechanism to disengage when closed, but that need not be the case. In at least one embodiment, one or more indentations 106 may have an open edge angle A of 65 degrees or in the range of 55 to 75 degrees or about 55 to 75 degrees. In at least one embodiment, such an angle A may decrease or minimize the amount of twist force to be exerted compensating for the closing motion while still requiring a push-down-and-twist motion to open the container. In at least one embodiment, such as one or more of those mentioned above, working angle B may be adapted to allow for skipping of outer cap 102 relative to inner lid 105 upon reaching a closed position, which may mechanically and/or audibly signal a user that container 100 is in a fully closed or other state.
With continuing reference to the figures and particular reference to FIGS. 5A-6 (see also FIGS. 3B-3C), one or more exemplary embodiments of a container 100 having a center cap 110 is shown and described in more detail. As discussed above with reference to, e.g., FIGS. 1-3A, container 100 may include inner and outer caps (or lids) 105, 102 each having one or more couplers or indentations 106 thereon for cooperating with one another in one or more manners according to the disclosure. However, in at least one embodiment, it may be desired to form one or more indentations 106 of outer cap 102 by stamping or pressing or another integral manner while nonetheless maintaining the top 122 or outer surface of outer cap 102 in a smooth or other condition that differs from or does not include such indentation(s) 106 (see, e.g., FIG. 1), whether for aesthetic purposes or otherwise. In such an embodiment, or in other embodiments, container 100 may include one or more caps 110, such as a disk, having such indentation(s) 106 and coupled to outer cap 102 and disposed at least partially between outer cap 102 and inner cap 105. Cap 110 may be flat, curved, cylindrical, annular, or otherwise shaped for functioning according to the disclosure, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. Cap 110 may be rotationally fixed relative to outer cap 102 so as to function in at least substantially the same way as described elsewhere herein with regard to an embodiment of outer cap 102 having one or more indentations 106 formed directly thereon or otherwise coupled directly thereto. In at least one embodiment, Cap 110 may be, or include, a third cap, disposed at least partially between outer cap 102 and inner cap 105 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3B-3C). Cap 110 may be coupled to inner cap 105 and/or outer cap 102 in any manner according to an implementation of the disclosure, which may, but need not, include having a rim or other portion rolled, crimped, or otherwise formed simultaneously with one or more of rolled edges 130, 132 on caps 102, 105 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3B-3C). In at least one embodiment, one or more center caps 110 may be attached to the inside of outer cap 102 and/or placed between caps 102, 105 and may be configured such that a user must press or otherwise bias container body 101 and/or outer cap 102/center cap 110 together or toward one another while or prior to applying horizontal rotational force for coupling and/or uncoupling the caps from body 101 to close or open container 100.
FIG. 5A depicts one embodiment of a center cap 110, which may be located at least partially between inner cap 105 and outer cap 102. Center cap 110 may be attached to inner cap 105 and/or outer cap 102 in any manner according to an implementation of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, mechanically, using one or more fasteners and/or by way of adhesive or other bonding measure(s). In at least one embodiment, center cap 110 may be disposed in between outer cap 102 and inner cap 105 without adhesive or another bonding agent and may be at least rotationally fixed relative to outer cap 102 mechanically, such as by way of rolling, stamping, bending, or otherwise manipulating at least a portion of each of cap 110 and outer cap 102 to connect the two components to one another and/or resist independent rotation. For example, in at least one embodiment, an outer cap 102 and cap 110 may include an at least partially collectively rolled or otherwise formed edge 144 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3B-3C), which may, but need not, include one or more crimps, dents, notches, or other couplers (e.g., in a radially inward or outward direction) for further supporting rotational fixation between outer cap 102 and cap 110. Center cap 110 may have one or more indentations 111 that at least partially match and fit into one or more indentations 106 on inner cap 105. When pressed together by a user, the indentations 111, 106 of center cap 110 and inner cap 105 may couple with one another and allow the locking center cap 110, inner cap 105, and outer cap 102 to be unscrewed and/or separated from container body 101 or, conversely, screwed onto container body 101. The indentations 111 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-6 are but some embodiments of many according to the disclosure. Indentations 111 may include one or more working edges 112 and open edges 113 on opposite sides of one or more indentations 111 or one or more portions thereof that may couple with indentations 106 on inner cap 105 for closing and opening the lid assembly accordingly. In at least one embodiment, one or more center locking caps 110 may be used, for example, where indentations 106, 111 are not manufactured into or directly coupled to outer cap 102. In at least one embodiment, an outer cap 102 with a smooth or otherwise configured top surface 122 may be desired and center cap 110 having one or more indentations 111 may be affixed to the inside of outer cap 102 in lieu of (or collectively with) one or more indentations on outer cap 102. Outer cap 102 may be used to press cap 100 downwardly or otherwise toward inner cap 105 to engage one or more indentations 106, 111 and allow inner cap 105 and outer cap 102 (and center cap 110) to turn as one. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A-6 for exemplary purposes, one or more indentations 111 may, but need not, extend to or otherwise be disposed at the center of cap 110 and/or all the way to the radial exterior or termination of cap 110.
As shown in FIG. 6, outer cap 102 may be disposed at least partially over inner cap 105 and locking center cap 110 and may be configured to couple with container body 101, such as by coupling with neck 103 and/or lip 124, which may but need not include forming a seamless edge 120. Outer cap 102 may have an inwardly rolled or otherwise formed edge 130 on its open end and may include a channel 140 for holding at least a portion of inner cap 105 and/or center cap 110 (if present). Inner cap 105 may fit in the channel and at least a portion may be retained such that it cannot exit channel 140 but nonetheless may at least partially float and rotate inside channel 140. In at least one embodiment, the fit of outer cap 102 on inner cap 105 may be loose enough that turning outer cap 102 will not turn inner cap 105 against the resistance of container body 101 or threads 104. When outer cap 102 is pushed down by a user, it and/or locking center cap 110 (if present) may lock with inner cap 105 via indentations 106, 111 for separating the entire cap assembly or unit from container body 101 and/or coupling it thereto.
In at least one embodiment, outer cap 102 may be stamped or otherwise outfitted with one or more indentations 106, 111 instead of (or alongside) using one or more center caps 110. In such an embodiment, one or more indentations 106, 111 may be manufactured into outer cap 102 and may interact directly (or indirectly) with one or more indentations on inner cap 105 (and/or center cap 110, if present). The same open and working angles may, but need not, be used in the case where outer cap 102 does not have indentations therein or thereon. In at least one embodiment, such as an embodiment wherein outer cap 102 does not require a smooth superior exterior surface plane, center cap 110 may be absent and one or more indentations 106, 111 may be embossed or otherwise manufactured into the superior exterior surface plane of outer cap 102 for matching or coupling with one or more indentations 106, 111 of inner cap 105. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure may have lid or cap assemblies (or units) comprising a number of cap components coupled to one another, such as a two-piece lid or a three-piece lid (e.g., with a locking center cap included); however, embodiments having more or fewer components are also possible.
In at least one embodiment, container 100 may include one or more seals 115, such as a lidding film, sealing film, or other closure for creating an at least partially airtight seal, whether initially, repeatedly, or otherwise (see, e.g., FIG. 7). One or more seals 115 may be coupled to any of container body 101, outer cap (or lid) 102, inner cap (or lid) 105 and center cap 110, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment, seal 115 may be used over the opening of container body 101 and may, for example, be applied during packaging of a product. In at least one embodiment, seal 115 may at least partially prevent the escape of an inert gas or other fluid within container 100, such as, for example, a gas or other fluid for supporting prolonged, safe, fresh, or otherwise desirable storage of one or more products stored in container 100. In at least one embodiment, one or more seals 115 may be coupled to inwardly rolled edge 107 on neck 103 and/or another portion of neck 103, such as on its radial exterior surface. In at least one embodiment, edge 107 may form or include a coupling surface sufficient to support coupling of seal 115 to container body 101, temporarily, permanently, or otherwise. For example, in at least one embodiment, edge 107 may be, or include, one or more flat or curved surfaces at least 2 mm thick (e.g., in the radial direction about axis X) for a lidding film or induction film to bond; however, numerous other configurations are possible.
In at least one embodiment, seal 115 may be, or include, a multi-layered seal, such as a multi-layer aluminum foil seal or other type of seal having a plurality of layers (which may be of the same or different material(s)). Seal 115 may be disposed at least partially over the opening of container body 101 and may be attached to inwardly rolled edge 107. In at least one embodiment, seal 115 may be, or include, one or more annular silicone or otherwise elastomeric seals, such as a gasket, coupled to one or more of caps 102, 105 (or center cap 110, if present). Seal 115 may be sealed or otherwise coupled to container body 101 in any manner according to an implementation of the disclosure, such as by way of a heat-activated adhesive coating, induction sealing, conduction sealing, or otherwise. In at least one embodiment, seal 115 may be, or include, one or more desiccant materials and/or oxygen scavenging materials 116. For instance, one or more materials 116 may be applied or otherwise coupled to one or more sides of seal 115, such as a product facing side 142 of seal 115 disposed at least partially within or toward the bottom interior of container body 101 or a product disposed within container body 101 (e.g., when seal 115 is at least partially coupled to edge 107). In at least one embodiment, seal 115 may be, or include, a tamper-evident seal, which may be used alone or, for example, in addition to one or more tamper-evident seals or packaging on the outside of container 100. In at least one embodiment, seal 115 may be configured to provide an at least partial barrier to light, oxygen, air, water, odors, and/or one or more other environmental or other conditions in an atmosphere surrounding container 100. In at least one embodiment, seal 115 may be contact-conduction sealed to inward rolled edge 107 of container body 101 of a metal child-resistant container 100. One or more seals 115 may be either flat or recessed, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment, one or more seals 115 may have at least one of a protective lacquer layer, an aluminum foil layer, an extrusion coating layer (e.g., with a heat-activated adhesive), and a combination thereof.
In at least one embodiment, desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may be, or include, at least one of activated alumina, aerogel, benzophenone, bentonite clay, calcium chloride, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate (gypsum), cobalt(II) chloride, copper(II) sulfate, lithium chloride, lithium bromide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium perchlorate, molecular sieve, potassium carbonate, potassium hydroxide, silica gel, sodium, sodium chlorate, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfate, sucrose, or sulfuric acid, ferrous carbonate, metal halide catalyst, ascorbate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, citrus, ascorbic acid, and a combination thereof. The amount and material makeup of desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may vary from embodiment to embodiment. In at least one embodiment, material 116 may be configured to maintain a relative humidity (RH) inside container 100 of between 50-65% or so. In at least one embodiment, desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may be applied to a portion of seal 115 or otherwise configured for allowing a heat-activated adhesive layer of seal 115 to still function properly, which may, for example, at least partially reduce as need for nitrogen flushing or separate desiccant packets in one possible implementation of the disclosure. In at least one embodiment, desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may be coupled to one or more seals 115 by heat staking and/or adhesive, whether separately or in combination with one or more other couplers or coupling manners.
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C depict some embodiments of a seal 115 having desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 according to the disclosure for illustrative purposes. For example, in at least one embodiment, one or more seals 115 may be, or include, one or more desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging materials 116 in the form of one or more strips, stickers, patches, or other media, which may be of any size and/or shape according to an implementation of the disclosure, such as circular, annular, square, rectangular, or otherwise. Desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may be made as large or small as necessary (e.g., by weight, volume, area, or another measure) to create a desired RH or other atmosphere inside an embodiment of container 100, which may be, or include, any atmosphere according to an implementation of the disclosure. One or more strips, patches, or other holders of desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may be attached to the inside or product facing side 142 of seal 115 (and/or elsewhere, such as anywhere inside container 100). Strips, patches, or other holders of desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may be modular so as to allow for different amounts of desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 to be used among one or more embodiments for creating a desired atmosphere inside container 100 by adding and/or subtracting incremental units of desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116.
FIGS. 9A and 9B depict one embodiment of a container 100 according to the disclosure having a port 117. In at least one embodiment, container 100 may include one or more ports 117, such as a closed or optionally openable space or portal, for enabling a user to view the contents of container 100 while at least having the option of doing so without at least partially removing seal 115 from container 100. In at least one embodiment, port 117 may be, or include, one or more holes or other openings in or through seal 115 and covered by an at least partially clear or translucent film. A port may allow a product stored and sealed in container 100 to be viewed without a seal 115 being broken, which may include allowing a customer or other user to view a product and know the seal and/or product have not been tampered with. In at least one embodiment, viewing port 117 may include a hole in a foil or other seal 115 sealed with a film bonded to seal 115, such as to an interior or exterior surface thereof. Such a film(s) of the viewing port 117 may be attached to seal 115 through any of various bonding or other coupling techniques and may be attached to seal 115 on product facing side 142, on an opposite or other side facing inner cap 105 (if present), or both. In at least one embodiment, port 117 may be centered or otherwise disposed on or in seal 115 and one or more desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging materials 116 may be disposed in an annular or doughnut shape surrounding or otherwise disposed relative to port 117. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of port 117, such as a clear film or other material(s), may be sandwiched between desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 and seal 115, such as at the edges of port 117 or, as another example, between one or more layers of seal 115. In at least one embodiment, port 117 may be offset to one or more sides of seal 115 and desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may be located on a portion of seal 115 such that at least a portion of desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 is not viewable through port 117. In at least one embodiment, desiccant material and/or oxygen scavenging material 116 may be in one or more separate locations on product facing side 142 of seal 115 that do not overlap port 117.
In at least one embodiment, a container body may be cup-shaped with a recessed neck at the top portion where it will meet the outer cap and may have a threaded portion extending upwardly for contacting and removably coupling with one or more caps, such as inner cap, outer cap, and/or one or more other caps, or other components (if present). In at least one embodiment, a container body may be at least partially bowl-shaped (i.e., having a mouth larger than a base), which may make for more efficient packaging, shipping, and/or storage by way of nestability of containers 100 or one or more components thereof, such as container bodies 101 and/or caps or cap assemblies. In at least one embodiment, one or more caps according to the disclosure may be configured to couple with a container body comprising a base or bottom cap coupled to a spiral wound tube or spiral wound tubing, such as tubing comprised in whole or in part of metal, paper, cardboard, chipboard and/or one or more other materials (e.g., plastic). The base or bottom cap may be of the same or a different material(s). In at least one embodiment, a spiral wound container body 101 may include a top cap, such as an open top cap, having threading thereon for coupling with one or more caps according to the disclosure (e.g., in place of neck 103). In at least one embodiment, any one or more of outer cap 102, inner cap 105, center cap 110, body 101, or combination thereof may include one or more ports for allowing product stored inside container 100 to be viewed without opening the container. In at least one embodiment, container 100 may be hermetically sealed, which may include one or more multi-piece lid assemblies of the present disclosure coupled to a hermetically sealed container body 101. In at least one embodiment, container 100 may be at least partially resealable, such as by having one or more reusable seals or sealing mechanisms.
In at least one embodiment, container 100 may have a height between 25 mm and 200 mm (inclusive) and a diameter of between 60 mm and 120 mm (inclusive) in a closed configuration, such as but not limited to a fully closed position. In at least one embodiment, container 100 or a portion thereof (e.g., body 101 or cap 102) may have a diameter of 68 mm and a height of the body before the inward rolled edge may be 30.72 mm. The threaded neck 103 may be smaller (but need not) and may have, for example, a diameter of 61.67 mm. The shape and size of an inwardly rolled edge may vary based on, e.g., the diameter or other size of a container 100. In at least one embodiment, one or more ends, edges, lips, or other portions may be rolled at least 25%, or more or less. In at least one embodiment, one or more caps (or lids) 102, 105 and/or center caps 110 may be rolled or otherwise formed or deformed together or simultaneously. One or more holes or openings or other spaces may be disposed in one or more locations on an interior surface or other portion of any of caps (or lids) 102, 105 and/or center caps 110 for allowing lateral or other movement of one or more components relative to one or more other components of container 100, which may include one another. In at least one embodiment, one or more couplers 134, 136 or indentations 106, 111 may have a depth of 0.85 mm and a width of 5.27 mm, and a length of 16.62 mm. In at least one embodiment, a diameter or other major dimension of a center cap 110 may be 66 mm. In at least one embodiment, cap 110 and/or one or more caps 102, 105 may include one or more indentations extending from the center outward in a cross or other pattern and one or more of the indentations may be 4.79 mm in width and 15.82 mm in length. The indentations may vary in size, number, and shape from embodiment to embodiment, and the size, number, and/or shape of the indentations may vary depending on, e.g., the number of indentations or the size of the container. In at least one embodiment, container body 101 and/or one or more other components of container 100 may be comprised at least partially of aluminum; however, other metals may be used as well, including steel, tin, copper, and alloys of any of the foregoing materials, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. Other exemplary materials include plated metals, such as tin-plated steel and copper-plated steel. While the exemplary embodiments of some of the figures have round or circular exterior shapes, this need not be the case and other shapes of container 100 are possible. For instance, container 100 or a portion(s) thereof may be square (see, e.g., FIGS. 10-11), rectangular, triangular, or any other shape(s), separately or in combination, and one or more of neck 103, caps 102 (if present), cap 105, and center cap 110 (if present) may be coupled thereto or disposed at least partially therein, for example in a “shell” cap 150 or container body 101. In such an embodiment, cap 150 may be, or include, outer cap 102 or, as another example, a lid assembly 114 may include an outer cap 102, middle cap 110, and inner cap 105 coupled to cap 150. Such dimensions, quantities, shapes, sizes, materials, and other attributes or details may and likely will differ among embodiments and may include any dimensions, quantities, shapes, sizes, materials, and other attributes or details according to an implementation of the disclosure.
In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container may include a container body having a central longitudinal axis, a closed base, an open top, and an exterior wall, and a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container. A cap assembly may include an inner cap configured to couple to a container body and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap, each of the inner and outer caps having a top, a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, and a second coupler coupled to the outer cap and configured to optionally engage the first coupler. An inner cap may be disposed at least partially within an outer cap. At least a portion of the top of an outer cap may be configured to optionally move among first and second or other positions relative to the inner cap, such as along the central longitudinal axis or otherwise. A first or other position may be farther away from a top of the inner cap than a second or other position. An outer cap may be configured to rotate relative to an inner cap, such as when the top of the outer cap is in one or more positions, and a second or other coupler may be configured to engage a first or other coupler, such as when a top of an outer cap is in a second position or other position.
A child resistant container may include a container body having a closed base, an open top, and an exterior wall, wherein the exterior wall may include a lower portion and an upper portion and wherein the upper portion may include a threaded neck that extends upwardly from a lip that extends radially inwardly from a lower portion of a wall, an inner cap, wherein the inner cap may include threads configured to couple with a threaded neck and one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from a top of the inner cap, and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap and configured to selectively engage the inner cap for rotation of the inner cap about a threaded neck, wherein the outer cap has a top disposed at least partially over a top of the inner cap and may include one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from a top of the outer cap, and wherein one or more indentations of the outer cap may be configured to engage one or more indentations of the inner cap when pressure is applied to a top of the outer cap in a direction toward a top of the inner cap.
A child resistant container may include a container body having a closed base, an open top and an exterior wall, wherein the exterior wall may include a lower portion and an upper portion and wherein the upper portion may include a threaded neck that extends upwardly from a lip that extends radially inwardly from the lower portion of the wall, an inner cap, wherein the inner cap may include threads configured to couple with the threaded neck and one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from a top of the inner cap, an outer cap coupled to the inner cap and configured to selectively engage the inner cap for rotation of the inner cap about the threaded neck, wherein the outer cap has a top disposed at least partially over the top of the inner cap, and a locking center cap coupled to the outer cap and disposed at least partially between the top of the inner cap and the top of the outer cap, wherein the locking center cap may include one or more indentations that protrude downwardly, and wherein the one or more indentations of the locking center cap may be configured to engage the one or more indentations of the inner cap when pressure is applied to the top of the outer cap in a direction toward the top of the inner cap.
A child resistant container may include a container body having a closed base, an open top and an exterior wall, wherein the exterior wall may include a lower portion and an upper portion and wherein the upper portion may include a threaded neck that extends upwardly from a lip that extends radially inwardly from the lower portion of the wall, an inner cap, wherein the inner cap may include threads configured to couple with the threaded neck and one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from a top of the inner cap, an outer cap coupled to the inner cap and configured to selectively engage the inner cap for rotation of the inner cap about the threaded neck, wherein the outer cap has a top disposed at least partially over the top of the inner cap, and a locking center cap coupled to the outer cap and disposed at least partially between the top of the inner cap and the top of the outer cap, wherein the locking center plate may include one or more indentations that protrude downwardly, and wherein the one or more indentations of the locking center cap may be configured to engage the one or more indentations of the inner cap when pressure is applied to the top of the outer cap in a direction toward the top of the inner cap, wherein the inner cap may be retained within the outer cap by an inwardly rolled edge of the outer cap, and wherein the inner cap may be configured to selectively rest on the inwardly rolled edge of the outer cap.
A container may include a center cap disposed at least partially between the top of the inner cap and the top of the outer cap, and a second or other coupler may be coupled to the center cap. One or more caps may be rotationally fixed relative to an outer cap or other component or portion of a container. A top of an outer cap may be in a second position or other position and an outer cap may be adapted to rotate relative to an inner cap, such as before a second or other coupler engages a first or other coupler, which may include rotating a partial rotation such as less than 45 degrees or less than 90 degrees or less than 180 degrees or otherwise. At least a portion of a top or other portion of an outer cap may be configured to elastically deform and a first position or other position relative to a top of an inner cap may be a rest position of the top or other portion of an outer cap. At least a portion of an inner cap may be retained within an outer cap, such as by a wholly or partially radially inwardly rolled or otherwise disposed lip of the outer cap. An inner cap may include a radially outwardly rolled or otherwise disposed lip and may have a height or other dimension less than, greater than, or equal to a height or other dimension of an outer cap. A radially outwardly rolled lip of an inner cap may be configured to contact at least optionally a radially inwardly rolled lip of an outer cap.
A first or other coupler may include a groove and a second or other coupler may include a tongue configured to engage the groove. A first or other coupler may include a plurality of grooves and a second or other coupler may include a plurality of tongues configured to engage corresponding ones of the plurality of grooves. A number of grooves, tongues, or other couplers may be the same or different. A first or other coupler may include a plurality of grooves and a second or other coupler may include a tongue adapted to engage two or more of the plurality of grooves. A first or other coupler may include a plurality of grooves that extend radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis or other point of reference. Two or more of a plurality of grooves may intersect or not intersect. Two or more of a plurality of grooves may be at least partially perpendicular to one another. A first or other coupler may include a groove having a rotationally leading side and a rotationally trailing side in a clockwise or other direction and a second coupler may include a tongue having a rotationally leading side and a rotationally trailing side in a clockwise or other direction. A leading or other side of a tongue may be configured to engage a leading or other side of a groove, such as for coupling a cap assembly to a container body. A trailing or other side of a tongue may be configured to engage a trailing or other side of a groove, such as for uncoupling a cap assembly from a container body.
Leading or other sides of a tongue and/or a groove may be disposed at a first or other angle(s) and trailing sides of a tongue and/or a groove may be disposed at a second or other angle(s). In at least one embodiment, first and second angles, or other angles, may be the same. In at least one embodiment, first and second angles, or other angles, may be different. In at least one embodiment, a first angle may be 60 degrees relative to horizontal and a second angle may be 65 degrees relative to horizontal. A first or other coupler may include two or more grooves and a second or other coupler may be configured to skip out of one or more grooves and into one or more grooves, such as when the cap assembly reaches a fully closed position. One or more couplers may be adapted for at least partially minimizing a chance of overtightening. One or more couplers may be adapted for signaling or indicating to a user that a container is fully or otherwise closed, such as audibly or mechanically or both, which may include generating one or more sounds, vibrations, or other mechanical attributes or indicators, such as by way of skipping or another noticeable cooperation or result of cooperation among one or more container components.
In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container may include a container body having a central longitudinal axis, a closed base, an open top, and an exterior wall, and a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container. A cap assembly may include an inner cap configured to couple to the container body and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap, each of the inner and outer caps having a top, a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, wherein the first coupler may include a plurality of grooves that extend radially outwardly from the central longitudinal axis, and a second coupler coupled to the outer cap and configured to optionally engage the first coupler, wherein the second coupler may include a plurality of tongues, wherein the inner cap may be disposed at least partially within the outer cap and may include a radially outwardly rolled lip that may be retained within the outer cap by a radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap, wherein at least a portion of the top of the outer cap may be configured to optionally move among first position and second positions relative to the inner cap along the central longitudinal axis, the first position being further away from the top of the inner cap than the second position, wherein the outer cap may be configured to rotate relative to the inner cap when the top of the outer cap is in the first position and the radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap is in contact with the radially outwardly rolled lip of the inner cap, and wherein the second coupler may be configured to engage the first coupler when the top of the outer cap is in the second position.
A child resistant container may include a container body having a closed base, an open top, and an exterior wall, wherein the exterior wall may include a lower portion and an upper portion and wherein the upper portion may include a threaded neck that extends upwardly from a lip that extends radially inwardly from the lower portion of the wall, an inner cap, wherein the inner cap may include threads configured to couple with the threaded neck and one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from a top of the inner cap, an outer cap coupled to the inner cap and configured to selectively engage the inner cap for rotation of the inner cap about the threaded neck, and a seal configured to enclose the open top of the container body. An outer cap may have a top disposed at least partially over a top of an inner cap and may include one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from the top of the outer cap. One or more indentations of an outer cap may be configured to engage one or more indentations of an inner cap, such as when a force or pressure is applied to a top or other portion of the outer cap in a direction toward the top of the inner cap or otherwise. A threaded or other neck may include a radially inwardly rolled edge and one or more seals may be configured to couple to the radially inwardly rolled edge of the threaded neck. A child resistant container may include a container body having a closed base, an open top, and an exterior wall, wherein the exterior wall may include a lower portion and an upper portion and wherein the upper portion may include a threaded neck that extends upwardly from a lip that extends radially inwardly from the lower portion of the wall, an inner cap, wherein the inner cap may include threads configured to couple with the threaded neck and one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from a top of the inner cap, an outer cap coupled to the inner cap and configured to selectively engage the inner cap for rotation of the inner cap about the threaded neck, and a seal configured to enclose the open top of the container body. An outer cap may have a top disposed at least partially over the top of the inner cap and may include one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from the top or another portion of the outer cap. One or more indentations of the outer cap may be configured to engage one or more indentations of the inner cap, such as when force or pressure is applied in one or more directions, such as to the top or other portion(s) of the outer cap in a direction toward the top or another portion of the inner cap. A container may include a container body having a closed base, an open top and an exterior wall, wherein the exterior wall may include a lower portion and an upper portion and wherein the upper portion may include a threaded neck that extends upwardly from a lip that extends radially inwardly from a lower portion of a wall, an inner cap, wherein the inner cap may include threads configured to couple with a threaded neck and one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from a top of the inner cap, and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap and configured to selectively engage the inner cap for rotation of the inner cap about a threaded neck, wherein the outer cap has a top disposed at least partially over a top of the inner cap and may include one or more indentations that protrude downwardly from a top of the outer cap, and wherein one or more indentations of the outer cap may be configured to engage one or more indentations of the inner cap when pressure is applied to a top of the outer cap in a direction toward a top of the inner cap.
Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 12-19. FIG. 12 is a view of closed container 200, with top 202 and bottom 204. In FIG. 13 is an exploded view of container 200 with top 202, crown cap 206, bottom cover 208, and bottom 204, the components in a nesting arrangement. Another view is shown in FIG. 14 shows a crown cap inserted into the interior of a top 202 to interact cooperatively with bottom cover 208 and bottom 204 as the various components rotate with each other under various conditions when closing and opening.
FIG. 15 depicts a side plan view of a crown cap 206, with indentations 212 and a gasket ring 220 for sealing and stabilizing the movement of components. D represents the outer diameter of the crown cap 206 and H1 represents the height of the crown cap 206. One useful ratio of H1 to D is 14.2 to 68, respectively.
A side view of one configuration of a bottom cover 208 is shown in FIG. 16A. The bottom cover 208 has at least one indentation 214, a thread 216 (such as a screw-type feature), and a gasket ring 220. A height H2 may be designed to be at a useful ratio of height to outer diameter of 10 to outer diameter, respectively. Another configuration of a bottom cover 208 is shown in FIG. 16B, with one useful ratio between height H3 and outer diameter to be 14.2, respectively.
FIG. 17 shows a side view of a bottom 204, with gasket 220 and thread 218. The ratio between height H4 to height H5 may be usefully set at 34.3 to 20, respectively. A closed container 200 is shown in a side view in FIG. 18 with height H6 and outer diameter D, with one useful ratio of 35 to 68, respectively. FIG. 19 shows the container 200 from a top view, with outer diameter D.
The crown cap 206 may be fitter to nest inside the top 202. The crown cap 206 may mate with the bottom cover 208 for accessing the bottom 204. The top 202 and the crown cap 206 may be configured in relation to the bottom cover 208 when the crown cap 206 is in one or more positions and to engage the bottom cover 208 when the crown cap 206 is in one or more positions.
The container 200 may be configured for a user to apply pressure, which may include unidirectional or bidirectional (e.g., opposing) pressure, to the top 202 and/or bottom 204 of the container 200 to engage features on one or more components (e.g., 206, 208) to lock or otherwise couple for opening and/or closing the container 200. Once engaged, a user may rotate or twist one or more container components and thereby rotate or twist one or more other container components, and in at least one embodiment, place complimentary angled screw threads on an interior wall of a cap and an exterior wall of a container body into threading communication with each other for opening and/or closing a container or one or more caps relative to a container body.
When opposing force or pressure is applied to a container cap and body and features, bumps, or indentations of a cap or insert may be aligned with those of another cap or other component, one or more components may depress, deflect, bend, or move and a user may rotate or twist a container cap and/or body for causing one or more threads to engage and separate the lid from the body or attach it thereto. Without such a force by a user or pressure, an outer container lid may be configured to spin around an inner cap without moving or rotating the inner cap or insert. In at least one embodiment, a container may be at least partially air-tight when closed, which may allow the container to safely, or otherwise satisfactorily, store contents for an extended period of time. In at least one embodiment, gas inside a container may be altered or treated to have a less reactive gas inside, which may help prevent decay or otherwise preserve a state of a substance stored within a container.
One or more seals, such as a high barrier sealing or lidding film, may be affixed on the top or on another portion of a container body, such as for maintaining a specific or desired atmosphere even after the lid is removed. This may allow, for example, for the contents of a container to be visually inspected without disturbing the atmosphere within the container. Once the seal is initially removed, the atmosphere of the container may no longer be contained or maintained in the same state, but in at least one embodiment a container according to the disclosure may be structured for at least partially preserving or maintaining such an atmosphere.
In at least one embodiment, a container may be made largely or completely out of metal. Exemplary metals may include steel, tin, copper, aluminum, and alloys thereof, separately or in combination, in whole, or in part.
A child resistant container, comprising; a container body having a central longitudinal axis, a closed base, an open top and an exterior wall; and a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container; wherein the cap assembly comprises, an inner cap configured to couple to the container body and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap, each of the inner and outer caps having a top, a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, and a second coupler coupled to the outer cap and configured to optionally engage the first coupler, wherein the inner cap is disposed at least partially within the outer cap; wherein at least a portion of the top of the outer cap is configured to optionally move among first and second positions relative to the inner cap along the central longitudinal axis, the first position being farther away from the top of the inner cap than the second position, wherein the outer cap is configured to rotate relative to the inner cap when the top of the outer cap is in the first position, and wherein the second coupler is configured to engage the first coupler when the top of the outer cap is in the second position.
The container may further comprise a plate disposed at least partially between the top of the inner cap and the top of the outer cap, wherein the second coupler is coupled to the plate. In another embodiment, the container may comprise a plate wherein the plate is rotationally fixed relative to the outer cap.
Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein may be devised without departing from the spirit of Applicant's disclosure. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein may be used alone or to form one or more parts of other containers, container components, and/or container systems. The locking and/or child resistant mechanisms of the disclosure may be applied to various forms of containers. As another example, although the embodiments shown in the figures for illustrative purposes reflect one or more exemplary shapes of containers, caps, plates, and indentations, this is in no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive as, in use, various embodiments and modifications may be implemented using different configurations, whether for various types of products or otherwise. Further, the various methods and embodiments of the containers and components may be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments.
Discussion of singular elements may include plural elements and vice-versa. References to at least one item followed by a reference to the item may include one or more items.
The apparatuses and methods described herein may be modified or altered to comprise more aspects, concurrently steps, simultaneous steps, or other variations.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Furthermore, a method herein described may be performed in one or more sequences other than the sequence presented expressly herein.
Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.
The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
In this document, relational terms such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. Numerical ordinals such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and such simply denote different singles of a plurality and do not imply any order or sequence unless specifically defined by the claim language. The sequence of the text in any of the claims does not imply that steps must be performed in a temporal or logical order according to such sequence unless it is specifically defined by the language of the claim. The steps may be interchanged in any order without departing from the scope of the invention as long as such an interchange does not contradict the claim language and is not logically nonsensical.
Furthermore, depending on the context, two elements may be connected to each other physically or in any other manner, through one or more additional elements.
While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiments. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A child resistant container, comprising:

a container body having a central longitudinal axis, a closed base, an open top, and an exterior wall; and

a cap assembly configured to couple to the container body for closing the container;

wherein the cap assembly comprises;

a metal inner cap configured to couple to the container body and a metal outer cap coupled to the inner cap, each of the inner and outer caps having a top with a top surface and a bottom surface;

a metal plate disposed between the inner cap and the outer cap, wherein the plate is rotationally and axially fixed relative to the outer cap;

a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, wherein the first coupler comprises a groove having sides that extend downwardly from the top of the inner cap; and

a second coupler coupled to the plate and configured to optionally engage the first coupler,

wherein the second coupler comprises a tongue having sides that extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the metal plate;

wherein the inner cap is disposed at least partially within the outer cap;

wherein at least a portion of the top of the outer cap is configured to optionally move among first and second positions relative to the inner cap along the central longitudinal axis, the first position being farther away from the top of the inner cap than the second position;

wherein the outer cap is configured to rotate relative to the inner cap when the top of the outer cap is in the first position; and

wherein the second coupler is configured to engage the first coupler when the top of the outer cap is in the second position for rotationally fixing the inner and outer caps relative to one another.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second coupler is disposed beneath the top surface of the top of the inner cap when the first and second couplers are fully engaged.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein, when the top of the outer cap is in the second position and the first and second couplers are not engaged, the outer cap is adapted to rotate relative to the inner cap before the second coupler engages the first coupler.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the top of the outer cap is configured to elastically deform and the first position relative to the top of the inner cap is its rest position.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the inner cap is retained within the outer cap by a radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the inner cap comprises a radially outwardly rolled lip and a height that is less than a height of the outer cap, and wherein the radially outwardly rolled lip of the inner cap is configured to contact at least optionally the radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the first coupler comprises a plurality of grooves and the second coupler comprises a plurality of tongues configured to engage corresponding ones of the plurality of grooves.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the first coupler comprises a plurality of grooves and the tongue is adapted to engage two or more of the plurality of grooves.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the first coupler comprises a plurality of grooves that extend radially outwardly from the central longitudinal axis.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein two or more of the plurality of grooves intersect.

11. The container of claim 9, wherein two or more of the plurality of grooves are at least partially perpendicular to one another.

12. The container of claim 1,

wherein the groove has a rotationally leading side and a rotationally trailing side in a clockwise direction and the tongue has a rotationally leading side and a rotationally trailing side in a clockwise direction;

wherein the leading side of the tongue is configured to engage the leading side of the groove for coupling the cap assembly to the container body; and

wherein the trailing side of the tongue is configured to engage the trailing side of the groove for uncoupling the cap assembly from the container body.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the leading sides of the tongue and groove are disposed at a first angle and the trailing sides of the tongue and groove are disposed at a second angle.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the first and second angles are the same.

15. The container of claim 13, wherein the first and second angles are different.

16. The container of claim 13, wherein the first angle is 60 degrees relative to horizontal and the second angle is 65 degrees relative to horizontal.

17. The container of claim 13, wherein the groove is a first groove, wherein the first coupler further comprises a second groove, and wherein the tongue is configured to skip out of the first groove and into the second groove when the cap assembly reaches a fully closed position.

18. A child resistant container, comprising:

wherein the cap assembly comprises;

a metal plate disposed between the inner cap and the outer cap, wherein the metal plate is rotationally and axially fixed relative to the outer cap;

a first coupler coupled to the inner cap, wherein the first coupler comprises a plurality of grooves that extend radially outwardly from the central longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of grooves having sides that extend downwardly from the top of the inner cap; and

wherein the second coupler comprises a plurality of tongues, each of the plurality of tongues having sides that extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the metal plate; wherein the inner cap is disposed at least partially within the outer cap and comprises a radially outwardly rolled lip that is retained within the outer cap by a radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap;

wherein the outer cap is configured to rotate relative to the inner cap when the top of the outer cap is in the first position and the radially inwardly rolled lip of the outer cap is in contact with the radially outwardly rolled lip of the inner cap; and

19. The container of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the sides of the plurality of tongues are disposed beneath the top surface of the top of the inner cap when the first and second couplers are fully engaged.

20. A child resistant container, comprising:

wherein the cap assembly comprises;

an inner cap configured to couple to the container body and an outer cap coupled to the inner cap, each of the inner and outer caps having a top;

a first coupler coupled to the inner cap; and

a second coupler coupled to the outer cap and configured to optionally engage the first coupler;

wherein the inner cap is disposed at least partially within the outer cap;

wherein the second coupler is configured to engage the first coupler when the top of the outer cap is in the second position.

21. The container of claim 20, further comprising a plate disposed at least partially between the top of the inner cap and the top of the outer cap, wherein the second coupler is coupled to the plate.

22. The container of claim 21, wherein the plate is rotationally fixed relative to the outer cap.