U.S. patent application number 14/155137 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-10 for child resistant bulk dose dispensing unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wyeth LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Wyeth LLC. Invention is credited to Ari Tao Adler, Robert John McCaffrey.
Application Number | 20140190129 14/155137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44168385 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140190129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adler; Ari Tao ; et
al. |
July 10, 2014 |
Child Resistant Bulk Dose Dispensing Unit
Abstract
Child-resistant bulk dose dispensing packaging unit, and a
method for opening the packaging unit, including a container and a
lid engaged with the container. The container includes a reservoir,
an aperture at a top end of the reservoir, and a protrusion
extending from a surface of the container. The lid engages with the
container and slides between a closed position and an open
position. The lid includes a top wall, a side wall extending down
from an outer edge of the top wall, and a post configured to engage
the protrusion at a first position when the lid is closed so as to
keep the lid closed. At least a portion of the post extends
substantially parallel to the side wall at a distance from the side
wall. Pressing the side wall inward places the post at a second
position, wherein at the second position the post is disengaged
from the protrusion.
Inventors: |
Adler; Ari Tao; (Cambridge,
MA) ; McCaffrey; Robert John; (Hillsborough,
NH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wyeth LLC |
Madison |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Wyeth LLC
Madison
NJ
|
Family ID: |
44168385 |
Appl. No.: |
14/155137 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12728482 |
Mar 22, 2010 |
8657136 |
|
|
14155137 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/492 ;
220/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 69/00 20130101;
B65D 50/046 20130101; B65D 43/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/492 ;
220/351 |
International
Class: |
B65D 50/04 20060101
B65D050/04; B65D 43/20 20060101 B65D043/20; B65B 69/00 20060101
B65B069/00 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A packaging unit comprising: a container adapted to hold
contents to be dispensed and having an aperture at an end thereof,
the aperture being sized to dispense the contents therethrough; a
lid configured to slideably engage the container about the end
thereof, the lid being slideable in a first direction between a
closed position in which the lid covers the aperture and an open
position in which the aperture is at least partially uncovered,
wherein the lid comprises: a top wall; a side wall extending from
the top wall and including at least one resilient portion capable
of being deflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the first direction so as to disengage the lid from the container
when in the closed position such that the lid is capable of sliding
in the first direction to the open position.
21. The packaging unit of claim 20 wherein the container comprises
a lip having a protrusion extending therefrom.
22. The packaging unit of claim 20 wherein the lid further
comprises a post extending from the top wall and being spaced apart
from the side wall in a substantially parallel arrangement, the
post being configured to engage the protrusion at a first position
when the lid is in the closed position so as to limit opening of
the lid along the first direction, and the post being further
configured such that deflection of the at least one resilient
portion displaces the post to a second position wherein the post is
disengaged from the protrusion of the lip.
23. The packaging unit of claim 21 wherein the protrusion comprises
a protrusion blunt surface and a protrusion tapered surface on
opposite ends thereof.
24. The packaging unit of claim 22 wherein the post comprises a
post blunt surface and a post tapered surface on opposite ends
thereof, wherein the protrusion blunt surface is configured to
engage the post blunt surface at the first position.
25. The packaging unit of claim 22 wherein the lid comprises a
linkage connecting the at least one post to the at least one
resilient portion of the side wall, the linkage being configured to
transmit deflection of the at least one resilient portion to the at
least one post so as to be capable of displacing the post to the
second position.
26. The packaging unit of claim 20, wherein the container comprises
at least one rail disposed proximate to the end at which the lid is
engaged, the at least one rail extending parallel to the first
direction, the lid comprising at least one slide extending from the
top wall and being configured to cooperate with the at least one
rail during movement of the lid in the first direction.
27. The packaging unit of claim 22, wherein the container comprises
a stopper extending from the lip thereof and arranged in an
orientation substantially perpendicular to the slide, the stopper
being configured to engage the at least one slide during movement
of the lid in the first direction so as to limit movement of the
lid in the first direction.
28. The packaging unit of claim 20, wherein the top wall of the lid
comprises a catch and the container defines a recessed area, the
catch and the recessed area being configured to cooperate to limit
sliding of the lid beyond a predetermined limit.
29. The packaging unit of claim 20, wherein the lid comprises a top
wall, a side wall extending from the top wall, a lip extending from
the side wall, and a seal configured to overlie the aperture when
the lid is in the closed position.
30. The packaging unit of claim 21, wherein the container defines a
groove configured to receive the lip when the lid is in the closed
position.
31. The packaging unit of claim 20, wherein the lid comprises a top
wall, a side wall extending from the top wall, and, a tabbed
portion including a post and the at least one resilient portion,
and the container further comprising a lip having a protrusion
extending therefrom, the post being configured to cooperatively
engage the protrusion to maintain the lid in the closed
position.
32. The packaging unit of claim 31, wherein the container further
comprises at least one slidable attachment mechanism configured to
facilitate the sliding of the lid in the first direction along the
container.
33. A method for dispensing a product, the method comprising:
providing a product in a packaging unit of claim 20: imparting a
force on the lid so as to deflect the at least one resilient
portion of the side wall in a direction substantially perpendicular
to the first direction to disengage the lid from the container; and
simultaneously sliding the lid in the first direction during
deflection of the at least one resilient portion such that the lid
is moved to the open position and the aperture is at least
partially uncovered.
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. Ser.
No. 12/728,482, filed on Mar. 22, 2010, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,657,136.
FIELD
[0002] This invention pertains to an innovative child-resistant
bulk dose dispensing packaging unit, and in particular to a
child-resistant packaging unit that includes an opening mechanism
activated by simultaneously pressing in a first direction and
sliding in a second direction.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A child-resistant packaging unit is used to store a
dispensable product in a protected manner such that the product can
be dispensed by an intended user, yet be safeguarded against
dispensing of the product by a child. The dispensable product
(e.g., a medicine, supplement, herbal remedy, etc.) in tablet,
caplet, capsule or powder form could be hazardous if ingested in
uncontrolled quantities. The child-resistant packaging unit
incorporates features that discourage or prevent children from
opening the unit. The child-resistant packaging unit often takes
the form of a container device moveably coupled to a closure
member. The closure member may be moved and/or removed from the
container device in order to dispense the dispensable product.
[0004] Certain designs of a child-resistant packaging unit are
known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,773 describes a child
resistant, moveable closure member and container device and an
overcap and container device. The overcap has opposed end walls and
opposed sidewalls, with at least one leading locking pin and at
least one trailing locking pin in at least one of said sidewalls.
The inner closure may have at least one guiding bar, which extends
downwardly from its lower surface, that is compatible in shape with
an opening slot that may be in at least one of the sidewalls along
the upper body of the container. The container further has a fixed
cover portion facing the inner closure with a dispensing opening
therethrough. At least one of the container sidewalls may have a
closing notch, a stopping notch distal to the closing notch, and an
opening notch therebetween. When the moveable closure is in the
operative closure position, at least one of the leading locking
pins is removably engaged in one of the closing notches and at
least one of the trailing locking pins is removably engaged in at
least one of the open notches, and the at least one guiding bar
lies in the opening slot of the container. As the moveable closure
is moved to its operative open position, the guiding bar engages
and slidably travels along the opening slot. When the moveable
closure is in its operative open position, at least one of the
leading locking pins is removably engaged in one of the open
notches and at least one of the trailing locking pins is removably
engaged in one of the stopping notches.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,619 claims a package containing and
dispensing medicine. The package includes a plug fixed to the
package adjacent an open end. The plug has an access opening for
enabling removal of material from the container through the open
end of the package. A slide is supported on the plug for sliding
movement in a first direction relative to the plug between a closed
position in which the slide covers the access opening and an open
position in which the access opening is uncovered. A
child-resistant feature is interposed between the plug and the
slide. The written description describes breaking apart an original
seal formed from interconnected rigid members of the closure
itself.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,639 describes a safety container that
incorporates a slidable locking pin with an integral but separately
lockable locking tab. The locking pin is internally biased by an
integral S-spring which, in cooperation with the lid on the
container, urges the pin to slide into a slideway formed in the lid
of the container. The locking pin may be locked into a closed
position by rotation of the locking tab into a flexed position. In
this position, the locking tab cannot slide within a mating slot in
the hinge lid and, thus, the locking pin cannot slide into the
slideway formed in the lid. Alternatively, the locking tab may be
rotated into a non-flexed position in which the locking tab can be
urged to penetrate the mating slot in the lid and allow the locking
pin to slide into the slideway in the lid. By use of the locking
pin, the safety container can be set to require the user to perform
distinct hand motions in order to open the container.
SUMMARY
[0007] One or more embodiments of the present invention may provide
a packaging unit, and a method for opening the packaging unit, such
that the packaging unit includes a container and a lid engaged with
the container. The container includes a reservoir configured to
hold contents to be dispensed, an aperture disposed at a top end of
the reservoir, in which the aperture is operable to dispense the
contents, and a protrusion extending from a surface of the
container. The lid is engaged with the container and slideable
along a first direction between a closed position in which the lid
covers the aperture of the container and an open position in which
the aperture is substantially uncovered. The lid includes a top
wall, a side wall extending down from an outer edge of the top
wall, and a post configured to engage the protrusion at a first
position when the lid is in the closed position so as to limit
opening of the lid along the first direction, at least a portion of
the post extending substantially parallel to the side wall at a
distance from the side wall. The post is further configured such
that a deflection of the side wall by an inward force places the
post at a second position, wherein at the second position the post
is disengaged from the protrusion.
[0008] One or more embodiments of the present invention may provide
a packaging unit, and a method for opening the packaging unit, such
that the packaging unit includes a container and a lid engaged with
the container. The container includes a reservoir configured to
hold contents to be dispensed, an aperture disposed at a top end of
the reservoir, wherein the aperture is operable to dispense the
contents, and a flexible arm disposed on a top surface of the
reservoir, the flexible arm having a pivot end, a moveable end
opposite from the pivot end, the moveable end having a blunt
vertical end face, and an inclined upper surface joining the pivot
end and the moveable end, wherein the moveable end is vertically
moveable between a resting position and a depressed position. The
lid is engaged with the container and slideable along a first
direction between a closed position in which the lid covers the
aperture of the container and an open position in which the
aperture is substantially uncovered. The lid includes a top wall
configured to block the aperture when the lid is in the closed
position, the top wall including a flexible portion and a
substantially rigid portion, a stopping post extending down from
the substantially rigid portion of the lid, to a position below the
resting position of the moveable end of the flexible arm, the
stopping post located so as to engage with the moveable end of the
flexible arm when the moveable end is in the resting position, and
a protrusion extending down from the flexible portion of the top
wall, the protrusion configured to engage the flexible arm.
[0009] One or more embodiments of the present invention may provide
a packaging unit, and a method for opening the packaging unit, such
that the packaging unit includes a container and a lid engaged with
the container. The container includes a reservoir configured to
hold contents to be dispensed, an aperture disposed at a top end of
the reservoir, wherein the aperture is operable to dispense the
contents, and a flexible arm disposed on a top surface of the
reservoir, the flexible arm having: a pivot end; a moveable end
opposite from the pivot end, the moveable end having an enlarged
portion, wherein the moveable end is horizontally moveable between
a resting position and a depressed position. The lid is engaged
with the container and slideable along a first direction between a
closed position in which the lid covers the aperture of the
container and an open position in which the aperture is
substantially uncovered. The lid includes a top wall, a side wall
extending down from an outer edge of the top wall, and an aperture
formed in the side wall, the aperture sized and positioned to
engage the enlarged portion of the moveable end of the flexible arm
when the lid is in the closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] Features illustrated in the figures are not drawn to scale
unless explicitly stated otherwise, and the relative sizes of
certain features may be exaggerated to better illustrate the
features. Embodiments will be described with reference to the
following figures, in which like numerals represent like items
throughout the figures, and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a top front left perspective view of an
embodiment of a child-resistant packaging unit in an open
position;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a top front left perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 1 in a partially closed position;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a top front left perspective view of a
container in accord with the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a top front left perspective view of a lid in
accord with the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of a lid in accord
with the embodiment of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 6A shows a top view of a lid in accord with the
embodiment of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6B shows a left side view of the lid of FIG. 6A;
[0018] FIG. 6C shows a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 6A;
[0019] FIG. 6D shows a sectional view of the lid of FIG. 6B;
[0020] FIG. 6E shows a front view of the lid of FIG. 6B;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a partial front top left perspective view of
the container of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a partial bottom perspective view of the lid of
FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 9A shows a top view of the container of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 9B shows a sectional view along H-H of the container of
FIG. 9C;
[0025] FIG. 9C shows a left side view of the container of FIG.
9A;
[0026] FIG. 9D shows a front view of the container of FIG. 9C;
[0027] FIG. 9E shows a right side view of the container of FIG.
9D;
[0028] FIG. 9F shows a rear view of the container of FIG. 9E;
[0029] FIG. 10A shows a top view of the child-resistant packaging
unit of FIG. 2;
[0030] FIG. 10B shows a sectional view along J-J of the
child-resistant packaging unit of FIG. 10C;
[0031] FIG. 10C shows a left side view of the child-resistant
packaging unit of FIG. 10B;
[0032] FIG. 10D shows a front view of the child-resistant packaging
unit of FIG. 10C;
[0033] FIG. 10E shows a right side view of the child-resistant
packaging unit of FIG. 10D;
[0034] FIG. 10F shows a sectional view along K-K of the
child-resistant packaging unit of FIG. 10E;
[0035] FIG. 11A shows a top front right perspective view in an open
position of an embodiment of a child-resistant packaging unit in
accord with the invention;
[0036] FIG. 11B shows a sectional view in a closed position of an
embodiment of a child-resistant packaging unit;
[0037] FIG. 12A shows a top rear left perspective view of an
embodiment of a lid in accord with the invention;
[0038] FIG. 12B shows a top rear left perspective view of an
embodiment of a container in accord with the invention, configured
to cooperate with the lid of FIG. 12A;
[0039] FIG. 12C shows a sectional view along A-A in accord with the
embodiment of FIG. 12A;
[0040] FIG. 12D shows a sectional view along B-B in accord with the
embodiment of FIG. 12A and 12B;
[0041] FIG. 12E shows a sectional view along C-C in accord with the
embodiment of FIG. 12A;
[0042] FIG. 13 show a top front right exploded perspective view of
another embodiment of a child-resistant packaging unit in accord
with the invention;
[0043] FIG. 14 show a top front right perspective view of another
embodiment of a child-resistant packaging unit in accord with the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 15 show a top front right perspective view of the
container in accord with the embodiment of FIG. 14;
[0045] FIG. 16 show a top front right perspective view of the
container and lid, with lid in open position, in accordance with
the embodiment of FIG. 14;
[0046] FIG. 17 shows a bottom perspective view of a lid in accord
with the embodiment of FIG. 14; and
[0047] FIG. 18 shows a cutaway perspective view of the embodiment
of FIG. 14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] A child-resistant bulk dose dispensing packaging unit
embodying the present invention includes a container section and a
slideable lid that covers the container. When the lid is in a
closed position, the bulk dose dispensing packaging unit has an
elongated cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plane. As an
example, the shape may be that of a continuous rectangular box
without any projections around the interface between the lid and
the container. The height and the length of the box are of
comparable dimension, while the width is substantially smaller. The
edges at the top and bottom surfaces of the box may be relatively
sharp, while the edges along the sides (i.e., running from the top
to the bottom), may be curved. The lid is generally disposed above
the container and opens by sliding along its length, as explained
in more detail below. However, the invention is not so limited and
includes other configurations, proportions, and implementations,
such as round, oval, racetrack or other sections as some
embodiments.
[0049] As used throughout herein, a major axis is an axis along the
length of the cross-sectional shape. A minor axis is a relatively
shorter axis across the width of the cross-sectional shape,
substantially perpendicular to the major axis. Lateral refers to a
direction parallel to the minor axis, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. Forward or front refers to the end of the
child resistant bulk dose dispensing package that is closer to the
closable opening. Backwards or rear refers to the end of the child
resistant bulk dose dispensing package that is farther from the
closable opening. Left and right are as viewed in the orientation
facing from the front toward the rear, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. A travel axis is parallel to the major axis,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a top front left perspective view of an
embodiment of a child-resistant bulk dose dispensing packaging unit
100 in an open position. Child-resistant bulk dose dispensing
packaging unit 100 may also be referred herein as packaging unit
100. Packaging unit 100 includes a container 101 and lid 102. Lid
102 slidably engages with container 101 in order to selectively
cover or uncover aperture 103, in whole or in part. Lid 102 is
constructed of a resilient material or includes a flexible portion
where a surface is capable of being bowed when opposing forces are
applied along the minor axis of lid 102, e.g., as provided by
finger pressure. The engagement and operation of lid 102 with
container 101 is described below in greater detail.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a top front left
perspective view of an embodiment of a child-resistant bulk dose
dispensing packaging unit 100 after lid 102 has been slid to a
partially closed position.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a top front left
perspective view of an embodiment of the container 101. The
container 101 includes a reservoir 301 that extends from the bottom
upwards along the majority of the height of the packaging unit 100.
The reservoir 301 ends at a horizontal interface 302 where the
outer surface of the lid 102 meets the outer surface of the
container 101.
[0053] Above the reservoir 301, the container 101 includes a spout
303 having an aperture 103 therethrough for delivering the contents
of the packaging unit. The spout 303 is disposed at a front side
304 of the container 101 and is optionally defined by an annular
wall 305 that depends from surface 309. In one embodiment the
surface 309 and the annular wall 305 are flat. In another
embodiment, the surface 309 and the annular wall 305 are
angled.
[0054] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a top front left
perspective view of an embodiment of lid 102. FIG. 5 shows a bottom
perspective view of an embodiment of lid 102 that is turned upside
down. FIG. 6A shows the top of lid 102. FIG. 6B shows the left side
of lid 102. FIG. 6C shows the bottom of lid 102. FIG. 6D is a
sectional view of lid 102 along axis A-A defined in FIG. 6B. FIG.
6E shows the front of lid 102. The lid 102 includes a top surface
401 that forms the top of the packaging unit 100. Lid 102 covers
the spout 303 when lid 102 is in a closed position. Side walls 402a
extend down from the left and right sides of the top wall 401. Side
wall 402b extends down from the rear side of the top wall 401.
Optionally, ridges 403 are an outer surface feature that provide an
indication to a user of where to squeeze lid 102 when opening
packaging unit 100, as described in further detail below. Ridges
403 may protrude outward from surface 402a, or may protrude inward
into surface 402a. Ridges 403 may be implemented as other kinds of
surface features such as knurling, slits, rubberized spot,
coloration, being slightly elevated or depressed, some material
change or the like, such that a user has a tactile and/or visual
indication of where to squeeze lid 102.
[0055] Optionally, ribbing 501 may be patterned on either the inner
or outer side of top surface 401 in order to provide additional
rigidity to top surface 401 at a location corresponding to aperture
103 when the lid 102 is in a closed position. In one embodiment,
the ribbing can be created out of a second material or as part of
the same material of the base part of lid 102.
[0056] In a closed position, side walls 402a and 402b of lid 102
hide the three sides of the spout 303 and the mechanisms, described
below, that interface with container 101. Thus, the side walls 402a
extend down to meet the top of the reservoir 301. The front side
304 of the spout 303 forms a portion of the outer surface of the
packaging unit 100 including rounded front corners 306. There is a
smooth transition 307 between the front side 304 of the spout 303
and the front 308 of the reservoir 301. Front 308 and front side
304 may have a substantially flat shape as illustrated in FIG. 3,
or may be provided with alternate shapes such as a rounded shape
which may be more ergonomically pleasing. Similarly, a
corresponding rear portion of container 101 may be provided with an
ergonomically pleasing shape.
[0057] The spout 303 extends across substantially the entire minor
axis of the packaging unit 100, but extends along a portion of the
major axis. When in a closed position, the top of the spout 303 is
adjacent to an underside of the top wall 401 of the lid 102 and the
left and right sides of the spout 303 are adjacent to the left and
right sides of the skirt. A center bar 309 that is the same height
as the spout 303 but thinner than the width of the spout 303
extends back from the spout 303 to the rear end of the packaging
unit 100. Accordingly, the left side 310 and right side (not shown
in FIG. 3) of the center bar 309 are spaced apart from the left and
right side walls 402a of lid 102.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a portion of FIG. 3
which has been expanded in order to refer more easily to select
details of container 101. FIG. 8 shows a portion of FIG. 5 which
has been expanded in order to refer more easily to select details
of lid 102. The left and right sides of the spout 303 each include
a rail 701, the left side being illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 8
illustrates that a front portion of the left side wall 402a
includes corresponding slide 801 that cooperates with rail 701 on
the spout 303 when lid 102 is upright and attached to container
101. The right side wall 402a contains a similar slide 801
(unillustrated in FIG. 8). Although rail 701 is shown as a female
shape and slide 801 as a male shape, rail 701 could also be a male
shape cooperating with a female-shaped slide 801. Other shapes for
the rails are realizable, so long as the rails/slides are
horizontally slidable relative to each other, while limiting
vertical movement.
[0059] Similarly, FIG. 7 illustrates that rear rail 702 is included
on a side wall the center bar 309 that communicates with hanging
slide 802 (FIG. 8). Hanging slides 802 extend down from a rearward
portion of the top wall 401 of the lid 102. Thus, the front of the
lid 102 is slidably engaged with the spout 303 via rails 701 and
801, while the back of the lid 102 is slidably engaged with the
center bar 309 via the hanging rails 702 and 802.
[0060] The top wall 401 of the lid 102 also includes a downward
catch 803 that meets a recessed area such as flange 703 disposed on
the top of the center bar 309. The flange 703 and catch 803
cooperate so as to limit the distance the lid 102 can slide
backward. This distance is set such that the spout 303 opening is
uncovered when the lid 102 reaches is rearward sliding limit. A
stopper 706 may be provided to engage with hanging slide 804A in
order to prevent movement beyond the rearward sliding limit. Catch
803 can be a small feature as shown, or a more substantial feature
with a different shape. In one embodiment, catch 803 is a flexible
feature.
[0061] Alternatively, the flange 703 and catch 803 can be
implemented as a locking pin, ratchet, etc., cooperatively matched
to one or more notches or indentations. Separate notches or
indentations can be used to provide separate positions for the lid
102. For instance, one notch or indentation may correspond to a
position at which aperture 103 is at least partially open, and a
second position may correspond to a fully open position, or a
position beyond which the lid 102 is not designed to slide.
[0062] The lid 102 is prevented from sliding rearward by two posts
804 extending down on opposing sides of the center bar 309 from the
top wall 401 of the lid 102. One of posts 804 is illustrated in
FIG. 8. With the lid 102 in its closed position, an operative
portion 804a on blunt edge 805 of post 804 is disposed directly in
front of a protrusion 704 extending up from a lip on reservoir 301.
The lid 102 is prevented from sliding rearward by operative part
804a engaging blunt edge 705.
[0063] Protrusion 704 is shaped to have a relatively narrow lateral
width compared to its length, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Operative
portion 804a is separated from side 402a by a gap at least equal to
the lateral width of protrusion 704. Operative portion 804a may
include one substantially flat or blunt edge 805, and one
substantially tapered edge 806. Protrusion 704 may include tapered
edge 706. Blunt edges 705, 805 cooperate when lid 102 is in a
closed position such that sliding movement is prevented that would
otherwise open the packaging unit 100. A linkage 807 is provided
that physically interfaces post 804 to side wall 402a. Linkage 807
may be provided as a thicker section of post 804 as shown in FIG.
8. Ridges 403 are provided on an outer surface of wall 402a at a
location that corresponds to or is near the location where post 804
interfaces to the inner surface of wall 402a through linkage
807.
[0064] The lid 102 is opened by applying inward pressure to the
left and right sides 402a of lid 102 at the location of ridges 403.
Ridges 403 provide tactile indication to a user of where to press
sides 402a. Sides 402a bow inward as they are pressed. Bowing of
side 402a is transmitted through linkage 807 to post 804. When side
402a is sufficiently bowed, post 804 is deflected inward such that
operative portion 804a no longer engages with protrusion 704. While
maintaining this pressure, and the resultant bowing of side 402a,
lid 102 may be simultaneously slid backwards such that protrusion
704 passes through the gap between operative portion 804a and side
402a. The amount of bowing of sides 402a depends upon the pressure
applied by a user, therefore having a gap between operative portion
804a and side 402a that is wider than the width of protrusion 704
will facilitate a wider range of pressures applied by a user that
produces sufficient bowing to allow protrusion 704 to pass through
the gap. When pressure is released from ridges 403, the sides 402a
return from the bowed shape.
[0065] To close the packaging unit 100, a user can provide forward
force upon any location of lid 102, without the need to squeeze lid
102 at the location of ridges 403. As tapered edges 706, 806 of
protrusion 704 and post 804 begin to engage, the tapered shape
facilitates operative portion 804a to pass by protrusion 704 with
little or no need to bow sides 402a. Operative portion 804a,
protrusion 704, and/or side 402a may bend slightly as operative
portion 804a passes protrusion 704. Once operative portion 804a
fully passes protrusion 704, there may be provided an audible or
tactile feedback (e.g., a click) which alerts the user that the
packaging unit 100 is in a locked and substantially closed
position.
[0066] As lid 102 slides back and forth, hanging rails 701, 702,
and corresponding slides 801, 802 engage so as to keep lid 102 in a
substantially horizontal orientation.
[0067] FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate various views of a container 101 in
accord with one or more embodiments of the invention. FIG. 9A is a
top elevational view. FIG. 9C is a left elevational view. FIG. 9B
is a sectional view of container 101, cut along axis H-H marked in
FIG. 9C. FIG. 9D is a front elevational view. FIG. 9E is a right
elevational view. FIG. 9F is a rear elevational view.
[0068] FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate various views of a packaging unit
100, including container 101 and lid 102, in a partially open
position, in accord with one or more embodiments of the invention.
FIG. 10A is a top elevational view. FIG. 100 is a left elevational
view. FIG. 10B is a sectional view of packaging unit 100, cut along
axis J-J marked in FIG. 10C. FIG. 10D is a front elevational view.
FIG. 10E is a right elevational view. FIG. 10F is a sectional view
of packaging unit 100, cut along axis K-K marked in FIG. 10E.
[0069] FIG. 11A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a packaging
unit 1100. Packaging unit 1100 includes a container 1101 and a lid
1102. Lid 1102 slides over container 1101, along a major axis of
container 1101, in order to selectively cover or uncover aperture
1103. Lower surface of the lid 1102 meets the upper surface of the
container 1101 at horizontal surface 1110 Aperture 1103 is
substantially flush with horizontal surface 1110. Container 1101
includes a front portion 1106 which prevents excessive forward
motion of lid 1102 once the aperture 1103 is substantially covered.
Front portion 1106 includes a rearward-facing groove 1105 that
mates with a lip 1104 on a front surface of lid 1102. Packaging
unit 1100 is securely closed when lip 1104 mates with groove
1105.
[0070] FIG. 11B illustrates a right side sectional view of an
alternate embodiment of a packaging unit 1150. Packaging unit 1150
has seal 1107 which is attached to a bottom side of lid 1108. The
seal 1107 securely covers aperture 1103 when packaging unit 1150 is
closed. The lid 1108 may be provided with a recess 1109 that at
least partially encloses the seal 1107. The seal 1107 allows for a
small clearance to be provided between container 1101 and lid 1108,
providing reduced friction such that lid 1108 can be slid more
easily to open and close packaging unit 1150.
[0071] FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate an alternate embodiment of a
packaging unit 1200. FIG. 12A is a top rear left perspective view
of a lid. FIG. 12B is a top rear left perspective view of a
container that cooperates with the lid of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12C is a
sectional view of the lid along axis A-A shown in FIG. 12A. FIG.
12D is a sectional view of a mated lid and container along axis B-B
shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12E is a sectional view of the lid along
axis C-C shown in FIG. 12A. Container 1201 interfaces with lid 1202
by use of a first slidable attachment mechanism 1203a, 1203b, and a
second slidable attachment mechanism 1204a, 1204b. The lid 1202
slides over the container 1201, along a major axis of container
1201, in order to selectively cover or uncover aperture 1208. The
design of first and/or second slidable attachment mechanism may
include a cooperating pair of rails, as shown for first slidable
attachment mechanism 1203a, 1203b, and similarly in FIGS. 7-8.
Alternatively, first and/or second slidable attachment mechanism
may include a dovetail design or a cooperating tongue-in-groove
design, as shown for second slidable attachment mechanism 1204a,
1204b. Embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard,
and other slidable attachment mechanism known in the art can be
used, such that vertical motion is limited.
[0072] The side walls of lid 1202 include a tabbed portion 1207
that is cut on at least one side from the remainder of lid 1202,
thereby forming a notch 1209 between tabbed portion 1207 and the
remainder of lid 1202. The tabbed portion 1207 may be attached to
lid 1202 along one edge of tabbed portion 1207 so as to create a
springboard effect. FIG. 12C, which is a cross-section of tabbed
portion 1207 along line A-A, illustrates that the inner side of
tabbed portion 1207 includes a post 1206. When packaging unit 1200
is in a closed position, post 1206 cooperates with protrusion 1205
on an upper portion of container 1201 to prevent unwanted opening
of packaging unit 1200. Protrusion 1205 includes cooperating blunt
edges and tapered edges. Tabbed portion 1207 uses a lateral force
to disengage post 1206 with protrusion 1205.
[0073] FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a packaging
unit 1300. Container 1301 slidably interfaces with lid 1302 by use
of cooperating slide and rail mechanisms (not shown in FIG. 13).
Lid 1302 slides over container 1301, along a major axis of
container 1301, in order to selectively cover or uncover aperture
1303. Container 1301 includes at least one arm 1307 disposed on the
top surface 1310 of container 1301, the arm 1307 being oriented
generally along the major axis. Arm 1307 is constructed from a
resilient material that allows for a moderate amount of bending
upon application of a moderate amount of pressure along the minor
axis. An enlarged portion 1304 is disposed toward a forward end of
arm 1307, the portion 1304 being enlarged in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the travel axis. Enlarged portion
1304 for instance may be an outward protrusion as illustrated in
FIG. 13.
[0074] The lid 1302 includes at least one aperture 1305
corresponding in position with the enlarged portion 1304. Enlarged
portion 1304 cooperatively fits into aperture 1305 such that, when
packaging unit 1300 is closed, lid 1302 is secured in a closed
position over aperture 1303. Packaging unit 1300 is opened by
squeezing enlarged portion 1304 inward until it is no longer within
aperture 1305, then sliding lid 1302 along the travel axis away
from aperture 1303. Advantageously, enlarged portion 1304 and
aperture 1305 have cooperating blunt edges such that enlarged
portion 1304 and aperture 1305 should not be disengaged and
packaging unit 1300 opened without first squeezing inward enlarged
portion 1304.
[0075] At an end opposite from enlarged portion 1304, arms 1307 are
provided with a blocking structure 1306. Blocking structure 1306
may be formed, for instance, as an end of a slot formed up to a
point where arm 1307 joins a center structure 1308, or where arm
1307 joins a complementary arm 1307 from the opposite lateral side
of container 1301.
[0076] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
a packaging unit 1400 in a closed position. Packaging unit 1400
includes container 1401 and lid 1402. FIG. 15 is a top, front,
right perspective view of container 1401 with lid 1402 removed.
FIG. 15 depicts aperture 1501, arm 1502, and slideable mechanism
1503. Arm 1502 includes a vertically-oriented end face 1505 that
may be blunt or substantially flat. Arm 1502 also includes an
inclined surface 1508 on an upper side of arm 1502. Arm 1502
resiliently joins to a top surface of container 1401 at a pivot end
1509, such that arm 1502 can be pushed downward from a resting
position to a depressed position by application of a moderate
amount of downward pressure. Upon removal of the downward pressure,
arm 1502 will rebound to substantially the resting position.
Typically, when arm 1502 is in the resting position, protruding end
face 1505 extends higher than a plane determined by the rim of
aperture 1501. Inclined surface 1508 provides a smooth transition
from pivot end 1509 to the upper tip of protruding end face
1505.
[0077] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of packaging unit 1400 in an
open position. Slide 1503 cooperates with a slideable mechanism
(not shown) on the interior surface of lid 1402, such that lid 1402
can be slid along a travel axis relative to container 1401, while
keeping lid 1402 substantially level and limiting vertical motion.
Slide 1503 may include any of the structure described in connection
with other embodiments, such as cooperating rails, dovetail,
tongue-in-groove design, etc., as known in the art. Lid 1402
includes top surface 1507, which includes a tabbed portion 1506.
Tabbed portion 1506 may include tactile and/or visual feedback such
as ribs, slits, roughness, indentation, raised bump, rubberized
spot, coloration, some material change or the like, to indicate to
a user the location of the tabbed portion 1506. Tabbed portion 1506
is cut on at least one side from the remainder of lid 1402.
Preferably, tabbed portion 1506 is attached to lid 1402 along one
edge of tabbed portion 1506 so as to create a springboard. In one
embodiment, the slideable mechanism is achieved using a pivot and
external spring.
[0078] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the underside of lid 1402.
Lid 1402 includes a circumferential wall 1701 configured to fit
over the rim of aperture 1501 when lid 1402 is in a closed
position, in order to keep the contents of container 1401 within
container 1401. The bottom of tabbed portion 1506 includes a
protrusion 1702 located near an end 1704 of tabbed portion 1506.
The location of end 1704 is opposite from where tabbed portion 1506
is attached to lid 1402. When lid 1402 is in a closed position,
protrusion 1702 is located opposing an end of arm 1502 distal from
pivot end 1509. Lid 1402 also includes a stopping post 1703,
located such that a gap approximately equal to the width of
protruding end face 1505, in the direction of the major axis, is
formed between stopping post 1703 and protrusion 1702. Front
portion 1504 of lid 1402 is located at the front of lid 1402.
[0079] FIG. 18 is a left perspective sectional view along the major
axis of packaging unit 1400, shown in a closed position. Protruding
end face 1505 of arm 1502 is nestled between protrusion 1702 and
stopping post 1703 such that lid 1402 is prevented from opening,
and the contents of packaging unit 1400 cannot be released.
[0080] To open packaging unit 1400, downward pressure on tabbed
portion 1506 causes protrusion 1702 to transmit the downward motion
to arm 1502, resiliently bending arm 1502 downward from a resting
position to a depressed position. Once arm 1502 is sufficiently
depressed, the upper tip of protruding end face 1505 will clear the
lower tip of stopping post 1703, thereby allowing the lid 1402 to
be slid rearward along the major axis of packaging unit 1400. Once
the upper tip of protruding end face 1505 has cleared wall 1701,
the upper tip of protruding end face 1505 will be inside the
perimeter of wall 1701. When lid 1402 is slid sufficiently
backward, protrusion 1702 will move past pivot end 1509 of arm
1502, and protrusion 1702 will no longer make contact with arm
1502, whereupon arm 1502 will resiliently rebound to its resting
position. The resting position of arm 1502 is such that the upper
tip of protruding end face 1505 will be higher than the lower edge
of wall 1701, and higher than the lower edge of front portion 1504.
As lid 1402 is slid further backward, protruding end face 1505 will
make contact with lid 1402 at front portion 1504, thereby stopping
any further backward movement. At this position, pivot end 1509
will be within the perimeter of wall 1701.
[0081] To close packaging unit 1400, the lid 1402 is slid forward
relative to the container 1401. As pivot end 1509 begins to move
past the perimeter of wall 1701, the inclined surface 1508
interacts with wall 1701 and/or stopping post 1703 in order to push
arm 1502 downward from a resting position, thereby allowing
protruding end face 1505 to pass under wall 1701 and stopping post
1703. When the lid 1402 is in a fully closed and locked position,
the user may experience audible and/or tactile feedback (e.g., a
click, snap, vibration, etc.) as protruding end face 1505 snaps
into the nestled location between protrusion 1702 and stopping post
1703.
[0082] The embodiment of FIGS. 14-18 is conducive to operation with
one hand by persons with sufficient manual dexterity. For instance,
one finger (e.g., thumb or forefinger) can operate tabbed portion
1506 and slide lid 1402 backward, while the remaining fingers grasp
container 1401.
[0083] Although the invention has been illustrated and described
with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations
and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the
reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed
drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention
may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several
implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more
other features of the other implementations as may be desired and
advantageous for any given or particular application. The invention
is defined solely with regard to the claims appended hereto, and
equivalents of the recitation therein.
[0084] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent
that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or
variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and/or
the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner
similar to the term "comprising."
[0085] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
* * * * *