WO2024076560A1 - Airtight and child-resistant container and related methods of use and manufacture - Google Patents
Airtight and child-resistant container and related methods of use and manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2024076560A1 WO2024076560A1 PCT/US2023/034350 US2023034350W WO2024076560A1 WO 2024076560 A1 WO2024076560 A1 WO 2024076560A1 US 2023034350 W US2023034350 W US 2023034350W WO 2024076560 A1 WO2024076560 A1 WO 2024076560A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- sidewall
- container
- lid
- base
- bosses
- Prior art date
Links
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title description 3
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- 235000012766 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000012765 Cannabis sativa ssp. sativa var. spontanea Nutrition 0.000 description 4
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- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 244000198134 Agave sisalana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000017166 Bambusa arundinacea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000017491 Bambusa tulda Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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- 240000000491 Corchorus aestuans Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000011777 Corchorus aestuans Nutrition 0.000 description 1
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- 235000004431 Linum usitatissimum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006240 Linum usitatissimum Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000000907 Musa textilis Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000082204 Phyllostachys viridis Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000015334 Phyllostachys viridis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 208000005374 Poisoning Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011425 bamboo Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037406 food intake Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000003845 household chemical Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002483 medication Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0225—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation
- B65D43/0229—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by rotation only on the inside, or a part turned to the inside, of the mouth of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D50/00—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures
- B65D50/02—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions
- B65D50/04—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one
- B65D50/045—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring
- B65D50/046—Closures with means for discouraging unauthorised opening or removal thereof, with or without indicating means, e.g. child-proof closures openable or removable by the combination of plural actions requiring the combination of simultaneous actions, e.g. depressing and turning, lifting and turning, maintaining a part and turning another one where one action elastically deforms or deflects at least part of the closure, the container or an intermediate element, e.g. a ring and such deformation causes the disengagement of locking means, e.g. the release of a pawl-like element from a tooth or abutment, to allow removal of the closure by simultaneous rotation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2215/00—Child-proof means
- B65D2215/02—Child-proof means requiring the combination of simultaneous actions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00518—Skirt
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/00546—NO contact
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to containers, and more particularly, to child-resistant and airtight containers.
- Containers are utilized across a variety of industries and applications for storage purposes. At times, these containers may store certain contents which require a child-resistant seal. To create the necessary tension to provide a child-resistant seal, three components are commonly utilized: a lid, a base, and a collapsible gasket.
- a container having a lid and a base having a lid and a base.
- the lid has a top surface and a first sidewall extending circumferentially downward from the top wall and terminating in a bottom rim.
- the lid also includes at least two channels formed in the first sidewall and extending to the bottom rim. The at least two channels may be formed on an outer surface of the sidewall near the distal end, in some embodiments.
- the base includes a bottom surface and a second sidewall extending circumferentially upward from the bottom surface and terminating in a top rim.
- the base also includes at least two bosses extending out from the second sidewall. The at least two bosses may be formed on an inner surface of the sidewall near the distal end, in some embodiments.
- the at least two bosses are configured to be matingly received by the at least two channels to form an airtight seal when the lid is coupled to the base.
- the airtight seal is formed by a surface of constant contact between the lid and the base when the at least two bosses are matingly received by the at least two channels.
- the airtight seal may be watertight. If desired, the container may meet all child-resistant standards set forth in 16 CFR 1700.15 using the procedures outlined in 16 CFR 1700.20.
- the at least two bosses may be configured to be slidably received by the bottom rim and/or the at least two channels.
- the at least two channels may be grooved.
- the lid includes two channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes two bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall.
- the lid includes three channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes three bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall.
- the lid includes four channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes four bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall.
- the first sidewall may include one or more first shouldered angles.
- the second sidewall may also include one or more second shouldered angles, and the one or more first shouldered angles may directly contact the one or more second shouldered angles along an entire circumference of the container when the lid is coupled to the base.
- the lid may be coupled to the base by positioning the bottom rim of the lid to face the top rim of the base and rotating the lid in a clockwise direction and pushing the lid downwards onto the base.
- the lid is configured to be uncoupled from the base by pushing the lid downwards onto the base and rotating the lid in a counterclockwise direction as the lid lifts upwardly away from the base.
- the at least two bosses are positioned on an interior surface of the second sidewall and the at least two channels are formed in an exterior surface of the first sidewall.
- the at least two bosses are positioned on an exterior surface of the second sidewall and the at least two channels are formed in an interior surface of the first sidewall.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container having a base and a lid, configured in accordance with the present disclosure
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 2B is a side view of the lid of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 2C is a top view of the lid of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3C is a top view of the base of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 1.
- Child-resistant packaging and containers are used to reduce the risk of poisoning in children by preventing the unintended ingestion of potentially hazardous items, such as certain prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications, pesticides, and household chemicals.
- Child-resistant containers are designed to be significantly difficult for children under the age of five to open and not difficult or time-consuming for normal adults to open and use properly.
- the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates child-resistant packaging. If a container meets the requirements of 16 CFR 1700.15 using the procedures outlined in 16 CFR 1700.20, the container can be certified as child-resistant by the CPSC.
- Most child-resistant containers include three or more components to provide an airtight seal.
- typical child-resistant pill containers contain a gasket piece in the cap that is compressed when the cap is coupled to the base to create a seal.
- these multi-component containers are more costly to manufacture than a two-piece container and the gaskets can easily fail with repeated use.
- these containers are generally not recyclable, and ultimately end their lifecycle in a landfill.
- the subject disclosure is directed to a container that is child-resistant and capable of forming an airtight seal.
- the presently disclosed containers do not rely on a gasket or other type of additional component to form an airtight seal. Instead, the presently disclosed containers are formed of two mating pieces that easily couple to form an airtight seal while also meeting child-resistance standards set by the CPSC. Additionally, and as described below in detail, the disclosed containers may be manufactured from recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable materials (e.g., fiber-fdled resins or hemp-plastic blends) to provide improved environmental impact.
- biodegradable materials e.g., fiber-fdled resins or hemp-plastic blends
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a container 100 configured in accordance with the subject disclosure.
- container 100 includes a lid 10 and a base 50.
- the lid 10 and the base 50 are couplable to and removable from one another.
- the interior of the container 100 is airtight and/or watertight, meaning that the contents of the container 100 are completely insulated from the container’s external environment.
- container 100 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a lid 10 and a base 50 as described in detail herein.
- FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate various features of the lid 10
- FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate various features of the base 50.
- the lid 10 includes a top surface 12 and a first sidewall 14 extending circumferentially downward from the top surface 12 and terminating in a bottom rim 16.
- first sidewall 14 extends around the entire circumference of top surface 12.
- Lid 10 also includes at least two channels 18a, 18b formed in the first sidewall 14 and extending to the bottom rim 16.
- the at least two channels 18a, 18b may be formed on an outer surface of the sidewall 14 near the distal end.
- lid 10 includes two, three, four, or more channels.
- lid 10 includes four channels 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d; however, other variations are possible and contemplated herein.
- the least two channels 18a, 18b may be grooved.
- the first sidewall 14 may include one or more first shouldered angles 22, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B.
- the second sidewall 54 may include one or more second shouldered angles shaped to directly contact the one or more first shouldered angles 22 when the lid 10 is coupled to the base 50. If present, the one or more first shouldered angles 22 and one or more second shouldered angles can enable container 100 to have an airtight, childresistant seal without the need for a gasket or additional components.
- lid 12 may include reinforcements 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. If present, reinforcements 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may be internally disposed in lid 12 to provide support to lid 12 during coupling and uncoupling of lid 12 to base 50. In some embodiments, reinforcements 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall 14; however, other variations are possible and contemplated herein.
- base 50 includes a bottom surface 52 and a second sidewall 54 extending circumferentially upward from the bottom surface 52 and terminating in a top rim 56.
- second sidewall 54 extends around the entire circumference of bottom surface 52.
- Base 50 includes at least two bosses 58a, 58b extending out from the second sidewall 54.
- the at least two bosses 58a, 58b may be formed on an inner surface of the sidewall 54 near the distal end.
- base 10 includes two, three, four, or more bosses. For example, as shown in FIGS.
- base 50 includes four channels 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d; however, other variations are possible and contemplated herein.
- the at least two bosses 58a, 58b may be shaped to be slidably received by the at least two channels 18a, 18b of the lid 10 when the base 50 is coupled to the lid 10.
- the at least two bosses 58a, 58b may have a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D.
- the at least two bosses 58a, 58b may be substantially square, trapezoidal, circular, oval, or in the form of another geometric shape.
- Container 100 may be configured to have an equal number of bosses 58 and channels 18.
- the lid 10 includes two channels 18a, 18b equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall 14 and the base 50 includes two bosses 58a, 58b equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall 54.
- the lid 10 includes three channels 18a, 18b, 18c equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall 14 and the base 50 includes three bosses 58a, 58b, 58c equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall 54.
- the lid 10 includes four channels 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall 14 and the base 50 includes four bosses 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall 54.
- lid 10 is illustrated in the accompanying figures with channels 18a, 18b on an external surface of the first sidewall 14, it should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, channels 18a, 18b may be positioned on an internal surface of the first sidewall 14. In some such embodiments, bosses 58a, 58b on the base 50 may be positioned on an internal surface of second sidewall 54 (rather than an internal surface of second sidewall 54, as shown in the accompanying figures).
- the lid 10 is configured to be coupled to the base 50.
- Coupling can be carried out by positioning the bottom rim 16 of the lid 10 to face the top rim 56 of the base 50.
- the lid 10 and/or base 50 may be rotated relative to one another to position the at least two bosses 58a, 58b within the at least two channels 18a, 18b.
- Lid 10 can then be rotated in a clockwise direction with respect to the base 50.
- the bosses 58a, 58b travel farther into channels 18a, 18b and eventually lock the lid 10 into place on the base 50.
- the interior of container 100 is airtight and/or watertight.
- the container 100 when the lid 10 is locked onto the base 50, the container 100 is child-resistant, meaning that the container 100 meets all standards set forth in 16 CFR 1700.15 using the procedures outlined in 16 CFR 1700.20. [00030]
- To remove lid 10 from base 50 more than a simple counterclockwise rotation of the lid 10 relative to the base 50 is required. In some embodiments, removing the lid 10 from the base 50 requires the lid 10 to be pushed downward onto the base 50 as the lid 10 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. In these and other embodiments, to remove the lid 10 from the base 50 requires the first sidewall 14 to be slightly squeezed during counterclockwise rotation of the lid 10 on the base.
- Container 100 may be formed of any desired material.
- container 100 may be formed of a fiber-filled resin.
- a blend of polymeric and/or hemp-based materials may be used to construct container 100.
- container 100 may be formed of a plastic-hemp blend containing between 5-50% hemp by weight, such as between 25-50%, between 10-30% hemp by weight, or between 15-25% hemp by weight.
- Any suitable type of polymer may be used for the plastic-hemp blend, such as polypropylene homopolymer, polyethylene, polystyrene, or combinations thereof.
- container 100 may be biodegradable and/or recyclable.
- container 100 may include agave fibers, ocean plastics, jute, flax, bamboo, ramie, abaca, coir, and/or sisal.
- Container 100 may be formed by any suitable process. For example, various printing and/or injection-molding processes may be used to construct container 100, as desired.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A container having a lid and a base is disclosed. The lid includes a top surface and a first sidewall extending circumferentially downward from the top wall and terminating in a bottom rim and at least two channels formed near a distal end of the first sidewall and extending to the bottom rim. The base includes a bottom surface and a second sidewall extending circumferentially upward from the bottom surface and terminating in a top rim and at least two bosses extending out from the second sidewall near its distal end. The at least two bosses are configured to be matingly received by the at least two channels to form an airtight seal when the lid is coupled to the base.
Description
AIRTIGHT AND CHILD-RESISTANT CONTAINER AND RELATED METHODS OF
USE AND MANUFACTURE
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to containers, and more particularly, to child-resistant and airtight containers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Containers are utilized across a variety of industries and applications for storage purposes. At times, these containers may store certain contents which require a child-resistant seal. To create the necessary tension to provide a child-resistant seal, three components are commonly utilized: a lid, a base, and a collapsible gasket.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to one aspect, a container having a lid and a base is provided. The lid has a top surface and a first sidewall extending circumferentially downward from the top wall and terminating in a bottom rim. The lid also includes at least two channels formed in the first sidewall and extending to the bottom rim. The at least two channels may be formed on an outer surface of the sidewall near the distal end, in some embodiments. The base includes a bottom surface and a second sidewall extending circumferentially upward from the bottom surface and terminating in a top rim. The base also includes at least two bosses extending out from the second sidewall. The at least two bosses may be formed on an inner surface of the sidewall near the distal end, in some embodiments. The at least two bosses are configured to be matingly received by the at least two channels to form an airtight seal when the lid is coupled to the base.
[0004] In some exemplary embodiments, the airtight seal is formed by a surface of constant contact between the lid and the base when the at least two bosses are matingly received by the at least two channels. The airtight seal may be watertight. If desired, the container may meet all child-resistant standards set forth in 16 CFR 1700.15 using the procedures outlined in 16 CFR 1700.20.
[0005] The at least two bosses may be configured to be slidably received by the bottom rim and/or the at least two channels. The at least two channels may be grooved.
[0006] In some exemplary embodiments, the lid includes two channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes two bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall. In some alternative embodiments, the lid includes three channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes three bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall. In further alternative embodiments, the lid includes four channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes four bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall.
[0007] The first sidewall may include one or more first shouldered angles. The second sidewall may also include one or more second shouldered angles, and the one or more first shouldered angles may directly contact the one or more second shouldered angles along an entire circumference of the container when the lid is coupled to the base.
[0008] The lid may be coupled to the base by positioning the bottom rim of the lid to face the top rim of the base and rotating the lid in a clockwise direction and pushing the lid downwards onto the base. In some embodiments, the lid is configured to be uncoupled from the base by pushing
the lid downwards onto the base and rotating the lid in a counterclockwise direction as the lid lifts upwardly away from the base.
[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the at least two bosses are positioned on an interior surface of the second sidewall and the at least two channels are formed in an exterior surface of the first sidewall. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the at least two bosses are positioned on an exterior surface of the second sidewall and the at least two channels are formed in an interior surface of the first sidewall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container having a base and a lid, configured in accordance with the present disclosure;
[00011] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[00012] FIG. 2B is a side view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[00013] FIG. 2C is a top view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[00014] FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[00015] FIG. 3 A is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1;
[00016] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the base of FIG. 1;
[00017] FIG. 3C is a top view of the base of FIG. 1; and
[00018] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of the base of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00019] Child-resistant packaging and containers are used to reduce the risk of poisoning in children by preventing the unintended ingestion of potentially hazardous items, such as certain prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications, pesticides, and household chemicals. Child-resistant containers are designed to be significantly difficult for children under the age of
five to open and not difficult or time-consuming for normal adults to open and use properly. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates child-resistant packaging. If a container meets the requirements of 16 CFR 1700.15 using the procedures outlined in 16 CFR 1700.20, the container can be certified as child-resistant by the CPSC. Most child-resistant containers include three or more components to provide an airtight seal. For example, typical child-resistant pill containers contain a gasket piece in the cap that is compressed when the cap is coupled to the base to create a seal. However, these multi-component containers are more costly to manufacture than a two-piece container and the gaskets can easily fail with repeated use. Moreover, these containers are generally not recyclable, and ultimately end their lifecycle in a landfill.
[00020] The subject disclosure is directed to a container that is child-resistant and capable of forming an airtight seal. In contrast to other types of child-resistant containers, the presently disclosed containers do not rely on a gasket or other type of additional component to form an airtight seal. Instead, the presently disclosed containers are formed of two mating pieces that easily couple to form an airtight seal while also meeting child-resistance standards set by the CPSC. Additionally, and as described below in detail, the disclosed containers may be manufactured from recycled, recyclable, and/or biodegradable materials (e.g., fiber-fdled resins or hemp-plastic blends) to provide improved environmental impact.
[00021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a container 100 configured in accordance with the subject disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, container 100 includes a lid 10 and a base 50. The lid 10 and the base 50 are couplable to and removable from one another. When coupled, the interior of the container 100 is airtight and/or watertight, meaning that the contents of the container 100 are completely insulated from the container’s external environment. In some aspects, container
100 comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of a lid 10 and a base 50 as described in detail herein. FIGS. 2A-2D (discussed below) illustrate various features of the lid 10 and FIGS. 3A-3D (discussed below) illustrate various features of the base 50.
[00022] As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the lid 10 includes a top surface 12 and a first sidewall 14 extending circumferentially downward from the top surface 12 and terminating in a bottom rim 16. In some implementations, first sidewall 14 extends around the entire circumference of top surface 12. Lid 10 also includes at least two channels 18a, 18b formed in the first sidewall 14 and extending to the bottom rim 16. In some embodiments, the at least two channels 18a, 18b may be formed on an outer surface of the sidewall 14 near the distal end. In some embodiments, lid 10 includes two, three, four, or more channels. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, lid 10 includes four channels 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d; however, other variations are possible and contemplated herein.
[00023] In some embodiments, the least two channels 18a, 18b may be grooved. In these and other embodiments, the first sidewall 14 may include one or more first shouldered angles 22, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B. In some such embodiments, the second sidewall 54 may include one or more second shouldered angles shaped to directly contact the one or more first shouldered angles 22 when the lid 10 is coupled to the base 50. If present, the one or more first shouldered angles 22 and one or more second shouldered angles can enable container 100 to have an airtight, childresistant seal without the need for a gasket or additional components. Specifically, when the lid 10 is coupled to the base 50, the one or more first shouldered angles 22 can directly contact the one or more second shouldered angles of the second sidewall 54 along an entire circumference of the container 100 to create an airtight seal.
[00024] As shown in FIG. 2D, lid 12 may include reinforcements 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d. If present, reinforcements 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d may be internally disposed in lid 12 to provide support to lid 12 during coupling and uncoupling of lid 12 to base 50. In some embodiments, reinforcements 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall 14; however, other variations are possible and contemplated herein.
[00025] As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, base 50 includes a bottom surface 52 and a second sidewall 54 extending circumferentially upward from the bottom surface 52 and terminating in a top rim 56. In some embodiments, second sidewall 54 extends around the entire circumference of bottom surface 52. Base 50 includes at least two bosses 58a, 58b extending out from the second sidewall 54. In some embodiments, the at least two bosses 58a, 58b may be formed on an inner surface of the sidewall 54 near the distal end. In some embodiments, base 10 includes two, three, four, or more bosses. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-2D, base 50 includes four channels 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d; however, other variations are possible and contemplated herein. [00026] As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon consideration of the subject disclosure, the at least two bosses 58a, 58b may be shaped to be slidably received by the at least two channels 18a, 18b of the lid 10 when the base 50 is coupled to the lid 10. The at least two bosses 58a, 58b may have a substantially rectangular shape, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D. However, in other embodiments, the at least two bosses 58a, 58b may be substantially square, trapezoidal, circular, oval, or in the form of another geometric shape. If the at least two bosses 58a, 58b have linear sides, the sides may be parallel to or offset from the plane of top rim 56. [00027] Container 100 may be configured to have an equal number of bosses 58 and channels 18. For example, in some embodiments, the lid 10 includes two channels 18a, 18b equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall 14 and the base 50 includes two bosses 58a,
58b equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall 54. In other embodiments, the lid 10 includes three channels 18a, 18b, 18c equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall 14 and the base 50 includes three bosses 58a, 58b, 58c equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall 54. As shown in FIGS. 1- 3D, the lid 10 includes four channels 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall 14 and the base 50 includes four bosses 58a, 58b, 58c, 58d equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall 54.
[00028] Although lid 10 is illustrated in the accompanying figures with channels 18a, 18b on an external surface of the first sidewall 14, it should be noted that in other alternative embodiments, channels 18a, 18b may be positioned on an internal surface of the first sidewall 14. In some such embodiments, bosses 58a, 58b on the base 50 may be positioned on an internal surface of second sidewall 54 (rather than an internal surface of second sidewall 54, as shown in the accompanying figures).
[00029] As previously mentioned, the lid 10 is configured to be coupled to the base 50.
Coupling can be carried out by positioning the bottom rim 16 of the lid 10 to face the top rim 56 of the base 50. The lid 10 and/or base 50 may be rotated relative to one another to position the at least two bosses 58a, 58b within the at least two channels 18a, 18b. Lid 10 can then be rotated in a clockwise direction with respect to the base 50. As lid 10 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the bosses 58a, 58b travel farther into channels 18a, 18b and eventually lock the lid 10 into place on the base 50. When the lid 10 is locked onto the base 50, the interior of container 100 is airtight and/or watertight. In these and other embodiments, when the lid 10 is locked onto the base 50, the container 100 is child-resistant, meaning that the container 100 meets all standards set forth in 16 CFR 1700.15 using the procedures outlined in 16 CFR 1700.20.
[00030] To remove lid 10 from base 50, more than a simple counterclockwise rotation of the lid 10 relative to the base 50 is required. In some embodiments, removing the lid 10 from the base 50 requires the lid 10 to be pushed downward onto the base 50 as the lid 10 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. In these and other embodiments, to remove the lid 10 from the base 50 requires the first sidewall 14 to be slightly squeezed during counterclockwise rotation of the lid 10 on the base.
[00031] Container 100 may be formed of any desired material. For example, in some embodiments, container 100 may be formed of a fiber-filled resin. In select embodiments, a blend of polymeric and/or hemp-based materials may be used to construct container 100. In various embodiments, container 100 may be formed of a plastic-hemp blend containing between 5-50% hemp by weight, such as between 25-50%, between 10-30% hemp by weight, or between 15-25% hemp by weight. Any suitable type of polymer may be used for the plastic-hemp blend, such as polypropylene homopolymer, polyethylene, polystyrene, or combinations thereof. Depending on its composition, container 100 may be biodegradable and/or recyclable. If desired, one or more other types of natural or man-made fibers may be blended with one or more polymers and used to form container 100. For example, in some embodiments, container 100 may include agave fibers, ocean plastics, jute, flax, bamboo, ramie, abaca, coir, and/or sisal. [00032] Container 100 may be formed by any suitable process. For example, various printing and/or injection-molding processes may be used to construct container 100, as desired.
[00033] It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are only particular examples which serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. Modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention are contemplated which do not depart from the scope
of the invention as defined by the foregoing teachings and appended claims. It is intended that the claims cover all such modifications and alternative embodiments that fall within their scope. [00034] What is claimed is:
Claims
1. A container comprising: a lid having a top surface and a first sidewall extending circumferentially downward from the top wall and terminating in a bottom rim, and at least two channels formed near a distal end of the first sidewall and extending to the bottom rim; and a base having a bottom surface and a second sidewall extending circumferentially upward from the bottom surface and terminating in a top rim, and at least two bosses extending out from the second sidewall near a distal end of the second sidewall, wherein the at least two bosses are configured to be matingly received by the at least two channels to form an airtight seal when the lid is coupled to the base.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least two bosses are configured to be slidably received by the bottom rim.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein the at least two bosses are configured to be slidably received by the at least two channels.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the airtight seal is also watertight.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the airtight seal is formed by a surface of constant contact between the lid and the base when the at least two bosses are matingly received by the at least two channels.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein at least two channels are grooved.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes two channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes two bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes three channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes three bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid includes four channels equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the first sidewall and the base includes four bosses equidistantly spaced around a circumference of the second sidewall.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall includes one or more first shouldered angles.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the second sidewall includes one or more second shouldered angles.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the one or more first shouldered angles directly contact the one or more second shouldered angles along an entire circumference of the container when the lid is coupled to the base.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to be coupled to the base by positioning the bottom rim of the lid to face the top rim of the base and rotating the lid in a clockwise direction and pushing the lid downwards onto the base.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to be uncoupled from the base by pushing the lid downwards onto the base and rotating the lid in a counterclockwise direction.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least two bosses are positioned on an interior surface of the second sidewall and the at least two channels are formed in an exterior surface of the first sidewall.
16. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least two bosses are positioned on an exterior surface of the second sidewall and the at least two channels are formed in an interior surface of the first sidewall.
17. The container of claim 1, wherein the container meets all child-resistant standards set forth in 16 CFR 1700.15 using the procedures outlined in 16 CFR 1700.20.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US202263413414P | 2022-10-05 | 2022-10-05 | |
US63/413,414 | 2022-10-05 |
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WO2024076560A1 true WO2024076560A1 (en) | 2024-04-11 |
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ID=90608579
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2023/034350 WO2024076560A1 (en) | 2022-10-05 | 2023-10-03 | Airtight and child-resistant container and related methods of use and manufacture |
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WO (1) | WO2024076560A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4768682A (en) * | 1987-10-26 | 1988-09-06 | The West Company | Child-resistant dropper assembly |
US5529202A (en) * | 1991-04-24 | 1996-06-25 | Shamis; Neal B. | Closure for containers and the like |
US20150122767A1 (en) * | 2013-11-05 | 2015-05-07 | Sumanth Kumar Reddy Mettu | Child resistant closure with improved assembly |
-
2023
- 2023-10-03 WO PCT/US2023/034350 patent/WO2024076560A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4768682A (en) * | 1987-10-26 | 1988-09-06 | The West Company | Child-resistant dropper assembly |
US5529202A (en) * | 1991-04-24 | 1996-06-25 | Shamis; Neal B. | Closure for containers and the like |
US20150122767A1 (en) * | 2013-11-05 | 2015-05-07 | Sumanth Kumar Reddy Mettu | Child resistant closure with improved assembly |
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