US20220104543A1

US20220104543A1 - Child-resistant container for tobacco-containing products

Info

Publication number: US20220104543A1
Application number: US17/464,979
Authority: US
Inventors: Pankaj C. Patel; Nicholas H. Watson; Ryan Bailey; Michael Laut; Luke Giduz
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-04
Filing date: 2021-09-02
Publication date: 2022-04-07
Also published as: CA3191633A1; WO2022049545A1; JP2023540744A; MX2023002643A; EP4208393A1; AU2021336117A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to child-resistant containers and methods of making same for oral products made or derived from tobacco, incorporate tobacco, or may be tobacco-free and are intended for human consumption.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/012,908, titled, CHILD RESISTANT CONTAINER FOR TOBACCO-CONTAINING PRODUCTS, filed on Sep. 4, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

BACKGROUND

Tobacco may be enjoyed in a so-called “smokeless” form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user. See, for example, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; U.S. Pat. No. 3,696,917 to Levi; U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,756 to Pittman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,269 to Story et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,599 to Tibbetts; U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,907 to Townsend; U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,416 to White et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,839 to Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,654 to Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,040 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,601 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,694,686 to Atchley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,507 to Dube et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,819,126 to Strickland et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,512 to Quinter et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,168,855 to Neilsen et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,557 to Kumar et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,036 to Strickland et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,627,828 to Strickland et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,940,344 to Crawford et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 9,155,772 to Gao et al.; and U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2004/0020503 to Williams; 2007/0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2008/0029116 to Robinson et al.; 2008/0029117 to Mua et al.; 2008/0173317 to Robinson et al.; 2008/0196730 to Engstrom et al.; 2009/0065013 to Essen et al.; and 2013/0206153 to Beeson et al.; PCT Pub. Nos. WO 04/095959 to Arnarp et al.; and WO 100/134,444 to Atchley; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Representative smokeless tobacco products that have been marketed include those referred to as CAMEL Orbs, CAMEL Strips and CAMEL Sticks by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company; GRIZZLY moist tobacco, KODIAK moist tobacco, LEVI GARRETT loose tobacco and TAYLOR'S PRIDE loose tobacco by American Snuff Company, LLC; KAYAK moist snuff and CHATTANOOGA CHEW chewing tobacco by Swisher International, Inc.; REDMAN chewing tobacco by Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP; COPENHAGEN moist tobacco and RED SEAL long cut by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company; and Taboka by Philip Morris USA.
Representative types of snuff products, commonly referred to as “snus,” which may comprise pasteurized or heat treated tobacco products, are manufactured in Europe, particularly in Sweden, by or through companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Tobakskompagni A/S and Rocker Production AB. Snus products available in the U.S.A. have been marketed under the trade names such as CAMEL Snus Frost, CAMEL Snus Original and CAMEL Snus Spice by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Snus products, such as CAMEL Snus Original, are commonly supplied in small teabag-like pouches. The pouches are typically a nonwoven fleece material, and contain about 0.4 to 1.5 grams of pasteurized tobacco. These products typically remain in a user's mouth for about 10-30 minutes. Unlike certain other smokeless tobacco products, snus products typically do not require expectoration by the user. Other pouch types of smokeless tobacco products include those marketed as COPENHAGEN Pouches, SKOAL Bandits, SKOAL Pouches, REVEL Mint Tobacco Packs by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company; and MARLBORO Snus by Philip Morris USA.
Various types of containers for dispensing moistened solid components, particularly components intended for human consumption, are known in the art. Such containers are often characterized by a hand-held size that can be easily stored and transported. For example, snus products have been packaged in tins, “pucks” or “pots” that are manufactured from metal or plastic. See, for example, those types of containers generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,098,421 to Foster; U.S. Pat. No. 4,190,170 to Boyd and U.S. Pat. No. 8,440,023 to Carroll et al.; and U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2010/0065076 to Bergstrom et al.; 2010/0065077 to Lofgreen-Ohrn et al.; 2012/0024301 to Carroll et al. and 2012/0193265 to Patel et al.; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Yet other types of containers for smokeless types of tobacco products are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,996 to Bried et al.; D574,709 to Crotts et al. and D649,284 to Patel et al.; U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2008/0202956 to Welk et al., 2010/0012534 to Hoffman, 2010/0018883 to Patel et al., and 2014/0197054 to Pipes et al.; as well as the various types of containers referenced in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2013/0206153 to Beeson et al.; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 8,567,597 to Gibson et al. discloses a compartment container for snus, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
A desirable feature for certain containers is the incorporation of child-resistant features that make it difficult for children to open or otherwise access the contents of the container, thereby reducing the risk of poisoning in children via the ingestion of potentially hazardous items. However, such features may increase the cost and complexity of the container and the manufacturing thereof.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In various implementations, the present disclosure relates to child-resistant containers having a base or body portion and a cover or lid, where the cover, the body portion, or both include structure to make it difficult for a child to separate the cover and the body portion, thereby reducing the risk of children accessing the contents of the container. However, typical adults will have sufficient strength to separate the cover and body portion. In addition, the container may include a visual and/or tactical cue to assist an adult with opening.
The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.
Example Implementation 1: A child-resistant container including a body portion defining a first internal space accessible via a first opening and a second internal space accessible via a second opening, the body portion comprising a bottom wall separating the first and second internal spaces; a primary sidewall disposed about a peripheral edge of the bottom wall and extending upwardly and downwardly from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall; a secondary wall comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, the secondary wall coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall and spaced outwardly therefrom and defining a channel between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto; a first cover configured to securely and removably engage the first opening of the body portion, wherein the first cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the first cover; and a second cover configured to securely and removably engage the second opening of the body portion, wherein the second cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the second cover.
Example Implementation 2: A child-resistant container including a body portion defining a first internal space accessible via a first opening and a second internal space accessible via a second opening, the body portion comprising a bottom wall separating the first and second internal spaces; a primary sidewall disposed about a peripheral edge of the bottom wall and extending upwardly from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall to define the first internal space and downwardly from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall to define the second internal space; a secondary wall comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, the secondary wall coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall and spaced outwardly therefrom and defining a channel between the primary and secondary walls such that two portions of the secondary wall flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto; a first cover configured to securely and removably engage the first opening of the body portion, wherein the first cover is removable by flexing one of the two portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the first cover; and a second cover configured to securely and removably engage the second opening of the body portion, wherein the second cover is removable by flexing the other one of the two more portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the second cover.
Example Implementation 3: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein a first portion of the secondary wall comprises a first tab configured to flex inwardly relative to the upper edge of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge of the first cover and a second portion of the secondary wall comprises a second tab configured to flex inwardly relative to the lower edge of the secondary wall so as to expose an edge of the second cover.
Example Implementation 4: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall via a lateral extension extending outwardly from the primary wall and about a perimeter of the body portion.
Example Implementation 5: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the lateral extension does not extend about the perimeter of the body portion in an area corresponding to the one or more portions of the secondary wall so that the one or more portions float relative to the primary wall.
Example Implementation 6: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the lateral extension couples to the secondary wall proximate a vertical midline of an inner surface of the secondary wall.
Example Implementation 7: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein an inner surface of the secondary wall comprises a retention mechanism configured to engage a mating structure on the first or second cover to secure the cover to the body portion.
Example Implementation 8: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein an inner surface of the secondary wall comprises two retention mechanisms, a first retention mechanism configured to engage a mating structure on the first cover and a second retention mechanism configured to engage a mating structure on the second cover to secure the first and second covers to the body portion.
Example Implementation 9: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall via a lateral extension extending outwardly from the primary wall and about a perimeter of the body portion.
Example Implementation 10: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the lateral extension comprises a first reverse compound bend disposed at the first portion of the secondary wall corresponding to the first tab and coupled to an upper edge of the first tab and a second reverse compound bend disposed at the second portion of the secondary wall corresponding to the second tab and coupled to a lower edge of the second tab.
Example Implementation 11: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the secondary wall further comprises a third portion of the secondary wall comprising a third tab configured to flex inwardly relative to the upper edge of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge of the first cover and a fourth portion of the secondary wall comprises a fourth tab configured to flex inwardly relative to the lower edge of the secondary wall so as to expose an edge of the second cover.
Example Implementation 12: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the lateral extension further comprises a third reverse compound bend disposed at the third portion of the secondary wall oriented opposite of the first portion of the secondary wall and corresponding to the third tab and coupled to an upper edge of the third tab and a fourth reverse compound bend disposed at the fourth portion of the secondary wall corresponding to the fourth tab and coupled to a lower edge of the fourth tab.
Example Implementation 13: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the lateral extension comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments.
Example Implementation 14: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the primary wall comprises a top edge and a bottom edge and the bottom wall is disposed proximate the bottom edge of the primary wall.
Example Implementation 15: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the first internal space comprises a first volume and the second internal space comprises a second volume that is less than the first volume.
Example Implementation 16: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein each of the first and second covers comprises a top wall; a primary sidewall extending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall; and an inner sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the primary sidewall, wherein the primary and inner sidewalls define a receptacle configured to engage at least a portion of the primary wall of the body portion.
Example Implementation 17: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein each of the first and second covers engages the body portion via an interference fit or a snap fit.
Example Implementation 18: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein each of the first and second covers further comprises an outer sidewall extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the top wall and configured to sit substantially flush with an outer surface of the secondary wall of the body portion when engaged.
Example Implementation 19: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the outer sidewalls and the primary sidewalls define a plurality of gaps spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the first and second covers.
Example Implementation 20: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein a portion of the plurality of gaps are located so as to correspond to the locations of the one or more portions of the secondary wall that flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force.
Example Implementation 21: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the container comprises a polygonal shape and the gaps are located to align with corners of the polygonal shape.
Example Implementation 22: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the primary wall of the body portion defines a generally cylindrical shape and the secondary wall defines a generally prismatic shape, such as a hexagon.
Example Implementation 23: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein a lower edge of each of the first and second covers abuts the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the secondary wall of the body portion when the covers are engaged with the body portion.
Example Implementation 24: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the secondary wall returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.
Example Implementation 25: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations further comprising an alignment mechanism.
Example Implementation 26: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface of the primary sidewall and disposed about a perimeter thereof and a plurality of mating ribs disposed on an inner surface of the first and second covers.
Example Implementation 27: A child-resistant container including a body portion defining an internal space accessible via an opening, the body portion comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, wherein the sidewall comprises: a primary wall extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall and having an inner surface and an outer surface and an upper rim defining the opening; and a secondary wall spaced outwardly from and at least partially surrounding the outer surface of the primary wall thereby defining an open channel between the primary and secondary walls, the open channel extending along a perimeter of the body portion, wherein the secondary wall comprises an upper edge and a lower edge and the secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall along a portion of the lower edge and a remaining portion of the lower edge is spaced apart from the primary wall so as to define a gap between the lower edge of the secondary wall and the primary wall proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall, such that a portion of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto; and a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion.
Example Implementation 28: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover is removable by flexing a portion of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the cover.
Example Implementation 29: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the portion of the lower edge coupled to the primary wall is coupled thereto via non-contiguous segments so as that the remaining portion of the lower edge of the secondary wall define a plurality of gaps between the lower edge and the primary wall.
Example Implementation 30: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover comprises a top wall, a primary sidewall extending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall, and an inner sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the primary sidewall, wherein the primary and inner sidewalls define a receptacle configured to engage at least a portion of the primary wall of the body portion.
Example Implementation 31: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover engages the body portion via an interference fit or a snap fit.
Example Implementation 32: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover further comprises an outer sidewall extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the top wall and configured to sit substantially flush with an outer surface of the secondary wall of the body portion when engaged.
Example Implementation 33: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein an inner surface of the secondary wall comprises a retention mechanism configured to engage a mating structure on the cover to secure the cover to the body portion.
Example Implementation 34: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the secondary wall returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.
Example Implementation 35: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations further comprising an alignment mechanism.
Example Implementation 36: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface of the primary sidewall and disposed about a perimeter thereof and a plurality of mating ribs disposed on an inner surface of the cover.
Example Implementation 37: A child-resistant container including a body portion defining an internal space accessible via an opening and a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion. The body portion has a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, where the sidewall includes a primary wall extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall and having an inner surface and an outer surface and an upper rim defining the opening, and a secondary wall spaced inwardly from and at least partially surrounding a portion of the inner surface of the primary wall thereby defining a channel between the primary and secondary walls, where the secondary wall has a first vertical edge, a second vertical edge, a top horizontal edge, and a bottom horizontal edge and the secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall along the first and second vertical edges, thereby defining a top gap between the top horizontal edge of the secondary wall and the primary wall proximate the upper rim and a bottom gap between the bottom horizontal edge of the secondary wall and the primary wall proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall, such that a portion of the primary wall flexes relative to the secondary wall upon application of a force thereto (i.e., when pressed).
Example Implementation 38: A child-resistant container including a body portion defining an internal space accessible via an opening and a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion. The body portion comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, the sidewall extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall and having an inner surface and an outer surface and an upper rim defining the opening, wherein a portion of the sidewall comprises a gap extending along a length of the sidewall and between the inner and outer surfaces, such that the gap defines a channel running from an area proximate the upper rim to an area proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall, such that the outer surface of the sidewall flexes relative to the inner surface of the sidewall upon application of a force thereto.
Example Implementation 39: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the primary wall returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.
Example Implementation 40: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the sidewall returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.
Example Implementation 41: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover comprises a top wall and a sidewall extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the top wall.
Example Implementation 42: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the sidewall of the cover engages with at least a portion of the sidewall of the body portion.
Example Implementation 43: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover is removable by flexing a portion of the primary wall aligning with the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the sidewall of the cover.
Example Implementation 44: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover engages the body portion via an interference fit or a snap fit.
Example Implementation 45: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein an outer surface of the cover sidewall is configured to sit substantially flush with the outer surface of the sidewall of the body portion when engaged.
Example Implementation 46: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein at least a portion of the cover sidewall and a portion of the body portion sidewall abut when engaged.
Example Implementation 47: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the sidewall of the body portion comprises a plurality of secondary walls, each spaced inwardly from and at least partially surrounding a portion of the inner surface of the primary wall, the secondary walls and the primary wall defining a plurality of channels therebetween, wherein each secondary wall comprises a first vertical edge, a second vertical edge, a top horizontal edge, and a bottom horizontal edge and each secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall along their respective first and second vertical edges, thereby defining top gaps between the top horizontal edges of the secondary walls and the primary wall proximate the upper rim and bottom gaps between the bottom horizontal edges of the secondary walls and the primary wall proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall, such that the portions of the primary wall flex relative to the plurality of secondary walls upon application of the force thereto.
Example Implementation 48: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the secondary walls are spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the body portion.
Example Implementation 49: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein a plurality of portions of the sidewall each comprise a gap extending along a length of the sidewall and between the inner and outer surfaces, such that each gap defines a channel running from an area proximate the upper rim to an area proximate the bottom wall and the outer surfaces of the plurality of portions of the sidewall flex relative to the inner surface of the sidewall upon application of the force thereto.
Example Implementation 50: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the portions of the sidewall comprising a gap are spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the body portion.
Example Implementation 51: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover further comprises an inner ring extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the sidewall, wherein the cover is configured to provide an interference fit between the cover and the sidewall of the body portion.
Example Implementation 52: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the inner ring comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments.
Example Implementation 53: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover comprises a top wall, an outer sidewall extending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall, and an inner sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the outer sidewall, wherein the outer and inner sidewalls define a receptacle configured to engage at least a portion the sidewall of the body portion via an interference fit.
Example Implementation 54: A child-resistant container comprising a body portion defining an internal space accessible via an opening and a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion. The body portion comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the bottom wall. The cover comprises a top wall, an outer sidewall extending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall, and an inner sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the outer sidewall, wherein the outer and inner sidewalls define a receptacle configured to engage at least a portion of the sidewall of the body portion via an interference fit.
Example Implementation 55: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the inner sidewall comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments.
Example Implementation 56: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover further comprises a plurality of buttresses spaced about an inner perimeter of the inner sidewall and coupled to the top wall.
Example Implementation 57: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the buttresses are spaced equidistant about the inner perimeter of the inner sidewall.
Example Implementation 58: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the sidewall of the body portion comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and an upper rim defining the opening, a portion of the sidewall of the body portion comprises a gap extending along a length of the sidewall and between the inner and outer surfaces, such that the gap defines a channel running from an area proximate the upper rim to an area proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall, such that the outer surface of the sidewall flexes relative to the inner surface of the sidewall upon the application of a force thereto.
Example Implementation 59: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the sidewall of the body portion comprises a primary wall extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall and having an inner surface and an outer surface and an upper rim defining the opening and a secondary wall spaced inwardly from and at least partially surrounding a portion of the inner surface of the primary wall thereby defining a channel between the primary and secondary walls, wherein the secondary wall comprises a first vertical edge, a second vertical edge, a top horizontal edge, and a bottom horizontal edge and the secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall along the first and second vertical edges, thereby defining a top gap between the top horizontal edge of the secondary wall and the primary wall proximate the upper rim and a bottom gap between the bottom horizontal edge of the secondary wall and the primary wall proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall, such that a portion of the primary wall flexes relative to the secondary wall upon the application of a force thereto.
Example Implementation 60: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein one or both of the body portion or the cover(s) comprises a transparent or translucent material.
Example Implementation 61: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations further comprising a hatch disposed within the cover. The hatch may span over approximately one half of the top wall or surface of the cover or, in some implementations, substantially the entire surface or top wall of the cover.
Example Implementation 62: A method for manufacturing a child-resistant container comprising providing a body portion of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the body portion defines an internal space accessible via an opening; and providing a cover of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover is configured to engage the body portion so as to cover the opening and enclose the internal space.
Example Implementation 63: A method for manufacturing a child-resistant container comprising providing a body portion defining an internal space accessible via an opening, the body portion comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the bottom wall; and providing a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion so as to cover the opening and enclose the internal space, wherein the cover comprises a top wall, an outer sidewall extending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall, and an inner sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the outer sidewall, wherein the outer and inner sidewalls define a receptacle configured to engage at least a portion the sidewall of the body portion via an interference fit.
Example Implementation 64: The method of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover comprises a top wall, an outer sidewall extending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall, and an inner sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the outer sidewall, wherein the outer and inner sidewalls define a receptacle configured to engage at least a portion the sidewall of the body portion via an interference fit.
Example Implementation 65: The method of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the body portion or the cover are manufactured via injection molding.
Example Implementation 66: The method of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein at least one of the body portion or the cover comprises a polypropylene.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific example implementation described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.
It will therefore be appreciated that this Brief Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example implementations are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described example implementations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of a child-resistant container for holding a tobacco-containing material according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a schematic exploded perspective view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1A according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1A taken at line A-A in FIG. 1A according to some example implementations;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view of the body portion of the container of FIG. 1A taken at line B-B in FIG. 2 according to some example implementations;

FIGS. 4A-4D are schematic top, side, front, and bottom views of the body portion of FIG. 3 according to some example implementations;

FIGS. 5A-5D are schematic representations of alternative body portions for a container according to some example implementations;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic bottom perspective and corresponding cross-sectional views illustrating the operation of a child-resistant container according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of another child-resistant container for holding a tobacco-containing material according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 7 taken at line C-C in FIG. 7 according to some example implementations;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic bottom perspective views of two different cover configurations for the container of FIG. 7 according to some example implementations;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement the cover and a body portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 7 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded perspective view of another child-resistant container for holding a tobacco-containing material according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the body portion of the container of FIG. 11 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the engagement the cover and a body portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 11 taken at line D-D in FIG. 11 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of another child-resistant container for holding a tobacco-containing material according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic exploded front view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 14 taken at line D-D in FIG. 15 according to some example implementations;

FIG. 18B is an enlarged portion of the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 18A according to some example implementations;

FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective top view of a base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a schematic front view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a schematic top view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are schematic cross sectional views of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 taken at lines E-E and F-F, respectively, in FIG. 23 according to some example implementations;

FIGS. 25A and 25B are schematic cross sectional views of the cover portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 taken at lines G-G and H-H, respectively, in FIG. 15 according to some example implementations;

FIG. 26 is a schematic bottom view of the cover portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 14 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of yet another child-resistant container for holding a tobacco-containing material according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a schematic top view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a schematic front view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a schematic side view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a schematic exploded front view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 27 taken at line I-I in FIG. 28 according to some example implementations;

FIG. 32B is an enlarged portion of the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 32A according to some example implementations;

FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective top view of a base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a schematic front view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a schematic side view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a schematic top view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 27 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 is a schematic perspective view of still another child-resistant container for holding a tobacco-containing material according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 is a schematic top view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 38 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 40 is a schematic front view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 38 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is a schematic exploded front view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 38 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 42A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 38 taken at line J-J in FIG. 39 according to some example implementations;

FIG. 42B is an enlarged portion of the schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 42A according to some example implementations;

FIG. 43 is a schematic perspective top view of a base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 38 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 44 is a schematic perspective bottom view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 38 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 45 is a schematic bottom view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 38 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 46 is a schematic top view of the base portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 38 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 47A and 47B are schematic perspective views of alternative covers for the child-resistant container of FIG. 38 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
Unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature else may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like.
As used herein, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, the “or” of a set of operands is the “inclusive or” and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the “exclusive or” which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, “[A] or [B]” is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more,” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, the terms “data,” “content,” “digital content,” “information,” and similar terms may be at times used interchangeably. Additionally, where multiples of the same components are described, the multiples may be referred to individually (e.g., ##a, ##b, ##c, etc.) or collectively (##).
Example implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to containers used to store various solid products, but are particularly well-suited for products designed for oral consumption. Exemplary consumable products that are often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of consumer products, including tobacco products of the type that have a smokeless form. Various forms of suitable smokeless tobacco products are those types products set forth and described generally in U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2012/0193265 to Patel et al. and 2013/0206153 to Beeson et al.; which are incorporated by reference herein. Of particular interest, are exemplary tobacco products that include tobacco formulations in a loose form, such as moist snuff products. Other exemplary types of smokeless tobacco products include the types of products set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 2012/0024301 to Carroll et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Exemplary loose form tobacco used with the containers of the present disclosure may include tobacco formulations associated with, for example, commercially available GRIZZLY moist tobacco products and KODIAK moist tobacco products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC. Exemplary snus forms of tobacco products are commercially available as CAMEL Snus by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.
The shape of the outer surface of the containers of the disclosure can vary. Although the container embodiments illustrated in the drawings have certain contours and shapes, containers with other exterior and interior surface designs also can be suitably adapted and used. For example, the sides or edges of the containers of the disclosure can be flattened, rounded, or beveled, and the various surfaces or edges of the container exterior can be concave or convex. Further, the opposing sides, ends, or edges of the container can be parallel or non-parallel such that the container becomes narrower in one or more dimensions. See, for example, the types of containers, components, component arrangements and configurations, and constructions thereof set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,996 to Bried et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,781 to Pipes et al., and D649,284 to Patel et al.; U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2010/0018883 to Patel et al; as well as the various types of containers referenced in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2013/0206153 to Beeson et al.; each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
The shapes and sizes of the containers described herein can vary without departing from the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the containers can be described as having a cylindrical shape suitable for handheld manipulation and operation; however, other multi-sided shapes (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) are contemplated and considered within the scope of the disclosure. Exemplary dimensions for such handheld generally cylindrical embodiments include diameters in the range of about 50 mm to about 100 mm, and more typically about 60 mm to about 80 mm. Exemplary wall thicknesses include the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, and more typically about 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm. Exemplary depths for handheld container embodiments of the present disclosure range from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, more typically about 8 mm to about 30 mm, and most often about 15 mm to about 25 mm. An exemplary general outward appearance of the container is comparable in many regards to that which has been used for commercially available GRIZZLY and KODIAK products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC.
Further, the size of the containers described herein may be changed. For example, the containers may be sized for promotional purposes by providing either increased or decreased dimensions. For example, the dimensions of the containers may be scaled upwardly or downwardly by certain multipliers. By way of further example, the dimensions of the container may be scaled upwardly or downwardly by a multiple of about 1 to about 10 times. In this regard, whereas a conventional container according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to store about 1.2 ounces of a tobacco-containing material, an oversized container may be configured to store, for example, 2.4 ounces or 7.2 ounces of the tobacco containing material. In specialty markets the containers may define a larger cylindrical configuration having a diameter from about 100 mm to about 125 mm (e.g., about 114 mm) and a depth from about 30 mm to about 50 mm (e.g., about 38 mm). Accordingly, the dimensions and capacities disclosed herein are provided for example purposes only and may be modified to suit particular purposes.
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, depict a first example implementation of a container 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, with FIGS. 4A-4D depicting the base portion 102 in greater detail. The container 100 includes a base or body portion 102 that is typically configured to hold the consumer product and a lid or cover 104 configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion 102. As shown in FIG. 1A, the cover 104 and body portion 102 abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the two parts. In some implementations, the cover 104 is secured to the body portion 102 via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the two parts. The engagement of the cover 104 and body portion 102 are shown in greater detail and described with respect to FIG. 2 below.
The body portion 102 includes a bottom wall 108 and a sidewall 110 extending upwardly from, and about, a peripheral edge 106 of the bottom wall 108. The sidewall 110 has a top edge or upper rim 112 that in turn defines an opening 114 through which the contents of the container 100 may be accessed. The material of construction of the body portion 102 may vary to suit a particular application. Exemplary materials include metal, synthetic plastic materials, and cellulosic materials (e.g., cardboard). Polymeric materials that can be extruded and/or molded into desired shapes are typically utilized, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and the like. In some implementations, the body portion may comprise a translucent or transparent material to allow a user to view the contents. The body portion 102 may be manufactured via injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, extrusion, bonding, machining, or combinations thereof, as known to a person of skill in the art.
The cover 104 includes a top wall 116 (or 116 a depending on configuration) and a sidewall 118 that extends downwardly, and about, a peripheral edge 120 of the top wall 116. In some implementations, the top wall 116 spans the entire area bounded by its peripheral edge 120, while in other configurations, the top wall 116 does not span the entire area and forms a frame for accepting an outer lid 116 a secured thereto, as shown in FIG. 1B. In some implementations, the cover 104 includes a recess 122 or similar structure that may, for example, assist a user in handling the container 100 and/or manipulating the cover 104. For example, the recess 122 may allow a user to pry open the outer lid 116 a (e.g., by using a tool or finger nail) to access an internal space 150 between the top wall 116 and outer lid 116 a. The internal space 150 may be used to hold or store waste or spent materials. In some implementations, the cover 104 may be made of the same materials and by the same processes as the body portion 102. In certain implementations, the cover 104 may be formed from a metallic material, such as, for example, aluminum or tinplate. In implementations incorporating the outer lid 116 a, it may be manufactured separately from and of a different material than the remainder of the cover 104 to, for example, provide labeling or other indicia or to serve an aesthetic purpose.
FIGS. 3 and 4A-4D depict the body portion 102 in greater detail. The bottom wall 108 and sidewall 110 define an internal space 140, which may be accessible via the opening 114 when the cover 104 is removed therefrom. The internal space 140 of the body portion 102 may be configured to receive a tobacco-containing material, which may comprise any of the various tobacco-containing materials described herein. While the sidewall 110 depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall, the wall 110 may comprise multiple wall portions or linear segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container 100 had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). The sidewall 110 includes at least one flex feature 124 that assists in separating the cover 104 and body portion 102, but provides sufficient resistance to the cover 104 and body portion 102 being separated by a child.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the sidewall 110 extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion 102 and has an inner surface 110 a and an outer surface 110 b. The flex feature 124 may be formed in the side wall 110 in different manners. In one implementation, the sidewall 110 is the primary wall and the body portion 102 includes at least one secondary wall 126. The secondary wall 126 includes first and second vertical edges 128 a, 128 b and top and bottom horizontal edges 130 a, 130 b. The vertical edges 128 a, 128 b join with the inner surface 110 a of the sidewall 110, such that the secondary wall 126 extends inwardly from the inner surface 110 a, partially surrounds a portion of the primary sidewall 110, and defines a channel 132 between the primary and secondary walls. The bottom horizontal edge 130 b of the secondary wall 126 joins with the bottom wall 108 at its peripheral edge 106. The channel 132 extends essentially the entire height of the body portion 102 with an upper opening of the channel 132 disposed proximate the top rim 112 of the body portion and a lower opening of the channel 132 disposed proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 108.
The channel configuration allows the primary sidewall 110 to be flexed inwardly (i.e., pressed towards the secondary wall 126) upon application of a force to the outer surface 110 b, thereby providing access to an edge 138 of the cover 104 to assist in removing the cover 104. See FIGS. 2 and 6 for additional details regarding the removal of the cover 104. The amount of force required may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and/or the size of the channel 132 or channel openings. The container 100 may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child proof, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features. Additionally, although only one flex feature 124 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, essentially any number of flex features 124 may be included and disposed about the perimeter of the body portion 102, for example, they may be spaced equidistant about the body portion. See FIG. 5A, which depicts three flex features 424 disposed about 120° apart about the perimeter of a body portion 402. Furthermore, the size, shape, and visibility of the channel openings may vary to suit a particular application. For example, the height of the sidewall 110 at the flex feature 124 may be reduced so that the channel opening is larger and more readily visible to a user to, for example, provide a visible clue to the location of the flex feature 124 when the cover 104 is engaged with the body portion 102. See, for example, FIGS. 5B-5D, which depict three different sidewall heights at the flex feature 124, 224, 324. Specifically, as the height (or overall vertical length of the sidewall) is reduced, the openings of the channel 132, 232, 332 are increased, thereby rendering the flex feature 124, 224, 324 more visible to a user. In addition, a tactile feature may be included on the flex feature, such as, for example, a protuberance or other minimally raised structure that a user can feel when gripping the container. Additionally, or alternatively, the side wall of the body portion may include a structure that provides an audible cue when engaged, for example, a force is applied.
In another implementation of a flex feature 124, the sidewall 110 is a continuous wall having the aforementioned inner and outer surfaces 110 a, 110 b and including one or more gaps therebetween and extending along a length of the sidewall 110, thereby forming the channel(s) 132. Similar to the flex feature 124 described above the channel 132 extends essentially the entire height of the body portion 102 with an upper gap or opening of the channel 132 disposed proximate the upper rim 112 of the body portion and a lower gap or opening of the channel 132 disposed proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall 108.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the engagement between the body portion 102 and cover 104 are clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion 102 includes a bottom wall 108 and a sidewall 110 extending upwardly therefrom and defining a flex feature 124, and the cover 104 includes a top wall 116 and a sidewall 118 extending downwardly therefrom. An upper region of the body portion sidewall 110 is configured to engage with at least a portion of the cover sidewall 118. As shown, an inner surface 118 a of the cover sidewall 118 engages with the outer surface 110 b of the body portion sidewall 110 via an interference or snap fit. In some implementations, the sidewalls 110, 118 include mating structure 134 to enable the snap fit. The bottom edge 138 of the cover sidewall 118 abuts against a top edge of or recess 136 in the body portion sidewall 110 and, in some embodiments, the outer surface 118 b of the cover 104 sits flush with or slightly inward of the outer surface 110 b of the sidewall 110 to make it difficult to engage with and remove the cover 104 from the body portion 102. See FIG. 6A.
To remove the cover 104, a user applies a force (F) to the outer surface 110 b of the sidewall (i.e., depresses the sidewall 110) at the flex feature 124, thereby exposing the bottom edge 138 of the cover sidewall 118, as shown in FIG. 6B. This allows the user to apply a force to the bottom edge 138 (e.g., via the use of a tool or finger nail) sufficient to overcome the holding force of the interference or snap fit, thereby separating the cover 104 from the body portion 102. For example, a fingernail can be used to apply the force (F) and, in some cases, inserted into the gap of the flex feature 124 and/or into a space behind the sidewall 118 of the cover 104 to remove the cover/lid while the force is applied. The user can release (i.e., remove the applied force) the flex feature 124 and the body portion 102 returns to its neutral/normal or unflexed configuration. The cover 104 can be reattached to the body portion 102 by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the interference or snap fit, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above.
FIGS. 7 and 8 depict another example implementation of a container 500 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, with FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10 depicting the cover 504 in greater detail. As shown, the container 500 includes the same or a substantially similar body portion 502 to that described above. Accordingly, the body portion 502 will not be discussed in any detail with respect to this implementation of the container 500.
Generally, the cover 504 of FIG. 7 is similar to the cover 104 of FIG. 1B; however, cover 504 includes additional structure to provide further resistance to opening the container 500 by a child. Specifically, the modified cover 504 is configured to increase the rigidity of the cover and the amount of opening force required to remove the cover 504 from the body portion 502 even after the flex feature 524 is engaged.
As shown in FIGS. 7-10, the cover 504 includes a top wall 516 (or 516 a depending on configuration) and a sidewall 518 that extends downwardly, and about, a peripheral edge 520 of the top wall 516. In some implementations, the top wall 516 spans the entire area bounded by its peripheral edge 520, while in other configurations, the top wall 516 does not span the entire area and forms a frame for having an inner lid 516 a secured thereto. In some implementations, the cover 504 may be made of the same materials and by the same processes as those described above.
FIGS. 9A and 9B depict two different implementations of the additional child-resistant feature in greater detail. Both covers 504, 504′ include an additional inner ring or sidewall 542, 542′ extending downwardly from the top wall 516, 516′ (shown upwardly extending in the figures because they are bottom perspective views). The inner ring 542, 542′ is spaced inwardly of the sidewall 518, 518′ and configured to define a receptacle 544, 544′ therebetween that provides for an interference fit with the sidewall 110 of the body portion 502. The inner ring 542, 542′ also provides additional rigidity to the overall cover 504, which may further provide resistance to its removal from the body portion. In some implementations, the cover 504, 504′ and body portion 502, 502′ engage via a snap fit and the additional rigidity of the inner ring 542, 542′ further strengthens that engagement.
In various implementations, the inner ring or sidewall 542, 542′ has a height greater than the height of the sidewall 518 (i.e., the inner ring extends further from the top cover than the sidewall), however the height of the inner ring 542, 542′ may be about the same or even less than the height of the sidewall 518 to suit a particular application. In some implementations, the height of the inner ring may vary along its length. Additionally, the cover may include one or more buttresses 548 (or similar structure) spaced about an inner perimeter of the inner ring 542, 542′ and coupled to the top wall 516. The buttresses 548 may be spaced equidistant about the inner perimeter of the inner ring.
As shown in FIG. 9B, the inner ring 542′ is a single continuous wall; however, the inner ring may comprise a plurality of contiguous walls to accommodate other (e.g., non-circular) shapes. As shown in FIG. 9A, however, the inner ring 542 may include a plurality of segments 542 a, 542 b spaced relative to and about the sidewall 518. The length and the number of the segments 542 a, 542 b, and the spaces 546 therebetween, may vary to suit a particular application, for example, the size and shape of the container and the desired opening force. In some implementations, the segments 542 a, 542 b are non-contiguous, but in others, the segments may be defined by recesses or cut-outs in the inner ring 542′ depicted in FIG. 9B. In some implementations, these recesses or spaces 546 between segments may be disposed on opposite sides of the cover to provide assistance in gripping the cover 504 and aiding in its removal from the body portion by an adult hand.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container that provides a better view of the cover 504 and body portion 502 engagement. As shown, the cover 504 engages with the body portion 502 via insertion of the body portion sidewall 510 into the receptacle 544 defined by the sidewall 518 and inner ring 542 of the cover 504. In some implementations, the cover engages the sidewall 510 with an interference or frictional fit. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the container 500 includes a snap fit mechanism 534 and the inner ring 542 provides resistance to the inward flexing of the top portion of the body portion sidewall 510, thereby requiring additional force to remove the cover, even where the flex feature 524 (not shown in FIG. 10) is used to expose the edge 538 of the cover 504.
FIG. 11 depicts another example implementation of a container 600 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, with FIG. 12 depicting the body portion 602 in greater detail. As shown, the container 600 includes the same or a substantially similar cover 604 to that described above. Accordingly, the cover 604 will not be discussed in any detail with respect to this implementation of the container 600.
FIG. 12 depicts the body portion 602 in greater detail. The bottom wall 608 and sidewall 610 define an internal space 640, which may be accessible via the opening 614 when the cover 604 is removed therefrom. The internal space 640 of the body portion 602 may be configured to receive a tobacco-containing material, which may comprise any of the various tobacco-containing materials described herein. While the sidewall 610 depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall, the wall 610 may comprise multiple contiguous wall portions as would be necessary, for example, if the container 600 had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, octagonal, etc.). In some implementations, the body 602 may be made of the same materials and by the same processes as those described above.
FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the container that provides a better view of the cover 604 and body portion 602 engagement. As shown, the cover 604 engages with the body portion 602 via insertion of the body portion sidewall 610 into the receptacle 644 defined by the sidewall 618 and inner ring 642 of the cover 604. In some implementations, the cover engages the sidewall 610 with an interference or frictional fit. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the container 600 includes a snap fit mechanism 634 and the inner ring 642 provides resistance to the inward flexing of the top portion of the body portion sidewall 610, thereby requiring additional force to remove the cover.
FIGS. 14-26 depict another example implementation of a container 700 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure, with FIGS. 19-24 depicting the base or body portion 702 in greater detail and FIGS. 25-26 depicting the covers 704 a, 704 b (collectively 704) in greater detail. Generally, the container 700 is similar to the other containers described above and includes a base or body portion 702 defining a first internal space 740 a accessible via a first opening 714 a and a second internal space 740 b accessible via a second opening 714 b. The first internal space 740 a may be configured to hold a fresh product, such as chewing tobacco, snus, or oral products, and the second internal space 740 b is configured to hold another product, such as a used or waste product. In some implementations, the body portion may comprise a transparent or translucent material that allows a user to detect a level of freshness, or other condition, of the product contained therein without the need for opening the container, which may negatively impact the freshness of the product depending on the frequency of opening.
The container 700 includes first and second covers 704 a, 704 b configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion 702 so as to enclose their respective internal spaces 740. As shown in FIG. 16, the covers 704 and body portion 702 generally abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the parts. In some implementations, the covers 704 are secured to the body portion 702 via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the parts. The engagement of the covers 704 and body portion 702 are shown in greater detail below.
As shown in the figures, the body portion 702 of the container 700 includes a bottom wall 708 separating the first and second internal spaces 740, a primary sidewall 710 disposed about a peripheral edge 706 of the bottom wall 708 and extending upwardly (defining the first internal space 740 a) and downwardly (defining the second internal space 740 b) therefrom, and a secondary wall 726 comprising an upper edge 721 a and a lower edge 721 b. The secondary wall 726 is coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall 710 and spaced outwardly therefrom to define a channel between the primary and secondary walls 710, 726 such that one or more portions 724 of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto.
As further shown in the figures, the container 700 includes the first cover 704 a configured to securely and removably engage the first opening 714 a of the body portion 702, where the first cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall 726 inwardly to expose an edge 738 a of the first cover 704 a. Similarly, the second cover 704 b is configured to securely and removably engage the second opening 714 b of the body portion 702 so that the second cover 704 b is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions 724 of the secondary wall 726 inwardly to expose an edge 738 b of the second cover 704 b.
With reference to FIGS. 18-20, in particular, the primary wall 710 of the body portion 702 comprises a top edge 712 a and a bottom edge 712 b with the bottom wall 708 disposed proximate the bottom edge 712 b of the primary sidewall 710 so as to define two differently sized internal spaces. Specifically, the first internal space 740 a comprises a first volume and the second internal space 740 b comprises a second volume that is less than the first volume. The volume of the second internal space 740 b is generally shown as much smaller than the first internal space 740 a; however, the size of the second internal space relative to the first internal space may vary to suit a particular application. For example, the sizes (i.e., volume) of first and second internal spaces may be substantially equal or the volume of the second internal space may be about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10% of the volume of the first internal space 740 a.
Referring to FIGS. 19-24, the structure and operation of the body portion 702 is described in greater detail. The bottom wall 708 is shown having a circular shape; however, the shape of the bottom wall 708 may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., type of product held by the container, aesthetic purposes, etc.). Similarly, the sidewall 710 depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall; however, the wall 710 may comprise multiple wall portions or linear segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container 700 had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). The sidewall 710 extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion 702 and has an inner surface and an outer surface. In certain implementations, the outer surface of the sidewall 710 includes a plurality of raised structures 760 disposed thereon. The structures 760 may be provided to add strength to the sidewall 710, for aesthetic purposes, and/or other function. For example, in the depicted implementation, the structures are disposed equidistant about the outer surface and spaced apart to define a plurality of grooves 749 about the outer surface of the sidewall 710 that are configured to mate with rib-like structures 748 within the covers 704 to function as an alignment mechanism. As shown, the primary wall 710 of the body portion 702 defines a generally cylindrical shape and the secondary wall 726 defines a generally hexagonal prismatic shape (see FIG. 23); however, the shapes of the primary and secondary walls may vary to suit a particular application.
In the depicted implementation, the sidewall 710 is the primary wall and the secondary wall 726 surrounds the primary wall 710 and has an upper edge 721 a and a lower edge 721 b that are recessed relative to the top edge 712 a and the bottom edge 712 b of the primary sidewall 710. The secondary wall 726 is coupled to the outer surface of the primary wall 710 via the one or more lateral extensions 762 and spaced outwardly therefrom and so as to define a channel 732 between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions (or flex features) 724 of the secondary wall flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto. Generally, the channel 732 allows the secondary wall 726 to be flexed inwardly (i.e., pressed towards the primary wall 710) upon application of a force to certain portions thereof (i.e., the flex features 724 described below), thereby providing access to an edge 738 of either cover 704 to assist in removing the cover 704. See FIGS. 18A and 18B for additional details regarding the removal of the covers 704. The amount of force required may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and/or the size of the channel 732 or channel openings. The container 700 may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child proof, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features.
As disclosed above, the secondary wall 726 includes at least one flex feature 724 that assists in separating the covers 704 from the body portion 702, but provides sufficient resistance to the covers 704 and body portion 702 being separated by a child. The flex feature 724 may be formed in the primary wall 710 in different manners. In the depicted implementation, the container 700 includes four (4) flex features 724 disposed about the perimeter thereof, with two (2) configured for removal of the first cover 704 a and two (2) configured for the removal of the second cover 704 b. As shown, one of each of the flex features 724 are disposed proximate one another on generally opposing sides of the container 700 (see FIG. 23). However, in other implementations the flex features may be spaced equidistant about the body portion, specifically the secondary wall 726.
The first flex feature 724 a of the secondary wall 726 comprises a first tab 764 a configured to flex inwardly relative to the upper edge of the secondary wall 726 so as to expose the edge of the first cover. Generally, the first tab 764 a is defined by a pair of vertical slits 766 that extend from the upper edge 721 a of the secondary wall 726 to proximate the lower edge 721 b of the secondary wall so as to be hingedly coupled to the secondary wall 726 at the lower edge 721 b thereof. The third flex feature 724 c is disposed 180 degrees from and in opposition to the first flex feature 724 a so that it may be actuated (e.g., pressed) simultaneously with the first flex feature 724 a. The third flex feature 724 c is essentially identical to the first flex feature insofar as it comprises a third tab 764 c defined by a pair of vertical slits 766 that extend from the upper edge 721 a of the secondary wall 726 to proximate the lower edge 721 b of the secondary wall so as to be hingedly coupled to secondary wall 726 at the lower edge 721 b and configured to flex inwardly relative to the upper edge of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge 738 of the first cover 704 a.
The second flex feature 724 b of the secondary wall 726 comprises a second tab 764 b configured to flex inwardly relative to the lower edge 721 b of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge of the second cover. Generally, the second tab 764 b is defined by a pair of vertical slits 766 that extend from the lower edge 721 b of the secondary wall 726 to proximate the upper edge 721 a of the secondary wall so as to be hingedly coupled to the secondary wall 726 at the upper edge 721 a thereof. The fourth flex feature 724 d is disposed 180 degrees from and in opposition to the second flex feature 724 b so that it may be actuated (e.g., pressed) simultaneously with the second flex feature 724 b. The fourth flex feature 724 c is essentially identical to the second flex feature insofar as it comprises a fourth tab 764 d defined by a pair of vertical slits 766 that extend from the lower edge 721 b of the secondary wall 726 to proximate the upper edge 721 a of the secondary wall so as to be hingedly coupled to the secondary wall 726 at the upper edge 721 a and configured to flex inwardly relative to the lower edge of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge of the second cover.
FIGS. 24A and 24B depict the lateral extensions 762 in greater detail. As shown in FIG. 24A, the lateral extension 762 generally extends horizontally outward from the primary wall 710 and couples to the secondary wall 726 proximate a vertical midline of an inner surface thereof In the depicted implementation, the lateral extension 762 and secondary wall are generally disposed midway up the primary wall 710; however, the exact placement of the secondary wall 726 may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., depths of the internal spaces or covers). The lateral extension 762 is generally shown as extending about the entire perimeter of the body portion 702; however, in some implementations, the lateral extension comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments that define one or more gaps where the secondary wall 726 is not directly coupled to the primary wall 710 (i.e., a portion of the secondary wall “floats” relative to the primary wall). Also shown in FIG. 24A, an inner surface of the secondary wall 726 comprises one or more retention mechanisms 734 (e.g., one above and one below the lateral extension) configured to engage a mating structure on the first or second cover to secure the cover to the body portion as discussed with respect to FIGS. 18A and 18B.
FIG. 24B depicts the lateral extension 762 in the areas corresponding to the flex features 724. As shown, with respect to the first flex feature 724 a, the lateral extension 762 comprises a first reverse compound bend extending from proximate a midline of the primary wall 710 and extending downwardly to connect to the first tab 764 a at the lower edge of the secondary wall 726. Similarly, at the second flex feature 724 b, the lateral extension 762 comprises a second reverse compound bend extending from proximate a midline of the primary wall 710 and extending upwardly to connect to the second tab 764 b at the upper edge of the secondary wall 726. The lateral extensions 762 at the third and fourth flex features 724 c, 724 d are identical and located 180 degrees to the first and second flex features 724 a, 724 b. Although four flex features are described, it is possible for the container 700 to be limited to two flex features, one for each cover, or include any number of additional flex features 724 to suit a particular application (e.g., the size and/or shape of the container).
FIGS. 25A and 25B depict cross-sectional views of the covers 704 with the view of FIG. 25B rotated 90 degrees from the view of FIG. 25A. It should be noted that in the depicted implementation, the first and second covers 704 are identical so that only one of the covers is described in detail. As shown, the cover 704 includes a top wall 716, a primary sidewall 718 extending downwardly from a peripheral edge 720 of the top wall 716, and an inner sidewall 742 extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the primary sidewall 718 so as to define a receptacle 744 therebetween that is configured to engage at least a portion of the primary wall 710 of the body portion 702. The cover 704 is configured to engage the body portion 702 via an interference fit or a snap fit. For example, an outer surface of the primary sidewall 718 comprises one or more retention mechanisms 734 configured to engage the mating structure on the body portion when the cover 704 is secured to the body portion 702 (see FIG. 25B). In addition, one or more ribs 748 may be provided on an inner surface of the primary sidewall 718 that are configured to engage a plurality of grooves 749 disposed on the outer surface of the primary wall 710 so as to assist in aligning the covers 704 and body portion 702. In some cases, the ribs 748 provide additional stiffening to the covers.
In the depicted implementation, the cover further comprises an outer sidewall 768 extending outwardly from the peripheral edge 720 of the top wall 716 and configured to sit substantially flush with an outer surface of the secondary wall 726 of the body portion 702 when engaged. The outer sidewall 768 and the primary sidewall 718 define a plurality of gaps 770 spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the cover (see FIG. 26). Generally, at least a portion of the plurality of gaps 770 are located so as to correspond to the locations of the flex features 724 of the secondary wall 726 that flex relative to the primary wall 710 upon application of a force. In the depicted implementation, the container 700 has an overall hexagonal shape and the gaps 770 correspond to the corners of the hex shape.
Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the engagement between the body portion 702 and covers 704 are more clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion 702 includes a bottom wall 708 and a primary wall 710 spanning the bottom wall 708 and defining two internal spaces 740. The body portion 702 includes a secondary wall 726 that defines one or more flex features 724. The first (upper) and second (lower) covers 704 include top walls 716 and primary, inner, and outer sidewalls 718, 742, 768 extending downwardly therefrom and configured to engage their respective openings 714 of the internal spaces. In the depicted implementation, the primary wall 710 and primary sidewall 718 include mating structure 134 to enable a snap fit between the covers and the body portion. The bottom edges 738 of the covers 704 abut against the top/bottom edges 721 of or recess in the body portion primary wall 710 and, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the covers 704 sit flush with or slightly inward of the outer surface of the secondary wall 726 to make it difficult to engage with and remove the covers 704 from the body portion 702. See FIGS. 18A and 18B.
FIG. 18A illustrates one of each of the flex features 724 for removing the bottom cover 704 b (feature 724 b) and the top cover 704 a (feature 724 b), with the enlarged view (FIG. 18B) depicting the container rotated approximately 90 degrees to depict engagement between the walls at a location without a flex feature 724. Specifically, the enlarged view depicts the primary sidewalls 718 of the covers 704 disposed within the channel 732 defined by the primary wall 710 and the secondary wall 726 of the body portion 702 and retained therein via the retention mechanisms 734.
To remove one of the covers 704, a user applies a force (F1) to an outer surface of the secondary wall 726 (i.e., presses the secondary wall 726) at one or more flex features 724, thereby exposing the edge 738 of the cover primary sidewall 718, as shown in FIG. 18A. This allows the user to apply a force (F2) to the bottom edge 738 (e.g., via the use of a tool or finger nail) sufficient to overcome the holding force of the interference or snap fit, thereby separating the cover 704 from the body portion 702. In some implementations, the user may press two opposing flex features 724 (e.g., the first and third tabs 764 a, 764 c) simultaneously (e.g., with the user's thumb and third finger) to be able to apply the removing force F2 to two locations on the cover edge 738. Once the user releases (i.e., removes the applied force) the flex feature(s) 724 and the body portion 702 returns to its neutral/normal or unflexed configuration. The cover 704 can be reattached to the body portion 702 by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the interference or snap fit, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above.
FIGS. 27-37 depict yet another example implementation of a container 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure and similar to container 700 described above, with FIGS. 32-37 depicting the base or body portion 802 in greater detail. As shown, the container 800 includes the same or substantially similar covers 804 to the covers 704 described above. Accordingly, the covers 804 will not be discussed in any detail with respect to this implementation of the container 800. Generally, the container 800 is similar to the other containers described above and includes a base or body portion 802 defining a first internal space 840 a accessible via a first opening 814 a and a second internal space 840 b accessible via a second opening 814 b. The first internal space 840 a may be configured to hold a fresh product, such as chewing tobacco, snus, or oral products, and the second internal space 840 b is configured to hold another product, such as a used or waste product. The container 800 includes first and second covers 804 a, 804 b configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion 802 so as to enclose their respective internal spaces 840. As shown in FIG. 29, the covers 804 and body portion 802 generally abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the parts. In some implementations, the covers 804 are secured to the body portion 802 via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the parts. The engagement of the covers 804 and body portion 802 are described in greater detail below.
As shown in the figures, the body portion 802 of the container 800 includes a bottom wall 808 separating the first and second internal spaces 840, a sidewall 810 disposed about a peripheral edge 806 of the bottom wall 808 and extending upwardly (defining the first internal space 840 a) and downwardly (defining the second internal space 840 b) therefrom, and a secondary wall 826 comprising an upper edge 821 a and a lower edge 821 b. The secondary wall 826 is coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall 810 and spaced outwardly therefrom to define a channel between the primary and secondary walls 810, 826 such that one or more portions 824 of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall 810 upon application of a force thereto.
As further shown in the figures, the container 800 includes the first cover 804 a configured to securely and removably engage the first opening 814 a of the body portion 802, where the first cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall 826 inwardly to expose an edge 838 a of the first cover 804 a. Similarly, the second cover 804 b is configured to securely and removably engage the second opening 814 b of the body portion 802 so that the second cover 804 b is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions 824 of the secondary wall 826 inwardly to expose an edge 838 b of the second cover 804 b.
With reference to FIGS. 32-34, in particular, the sidewall 810 of the body portion 802 comprises a top edge 812 a and a bottom edge 812 b with the bottom wall 808 disposed proximate the bottom edge 812 b of the sidewall 810 so as to define two differently sized internal spaces. Specifically, the first internal space 840 a comprises a first volume and the second internal space 840 b comprises a second volume that is less than the first volume. The volume of the second internal space 840 b is generally shown as much smaller than the first internal space 840 a; however, the size of the second internal space relative to the first internal space may vary to suit a particular application. For example, the sizes (i.e., volume) of first and second internal spaces may be substantially equal or the volume of the second internal space may be about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10% of the volume of the first internal space 840 a.
Referring to FIGS. 31-37, the structure and operation of the body portion 802 is described in greater detail. The bottom wall 808 is shown having a circular shape; however, the shape of the bottom wall 808 may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., type of product held by the container, aesthetic purposes, etc.). Similarly, the sidewall 810 depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall; however, the wall 810 may comprise multiple wall portions or linear segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container 800 had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). The sidewall 810 extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion 802 and has an inner surface and an outer surface. In certain implementations, the outer surface of the sidewall 810 includes a plurality of raised structures 860 disposed thereon. The structures 860 may be provided to add strength to the sidewall 810, for aesthetic purposes, and/or other function. For example, in the depicted implementation, the structures are disposed equidistant about the outer surface and spaced apart to define a plurality of grooves 849 about the outer surface of the sidewall 810 that are configured to mate with rib-like structures 848 within the covers 804 to function as an alignment mechanism. As shown, the primary wall 810 of the body portion 802 defines a generally cylindrical shape and the secondary wall 826 defines a generally hexagonal prismatic shape (see FIG. 37); however, the shapes of the primary and secondary walls may vary to suit a particular application.
In the depicted implementation, the sidewall 810 is the primary wall and the secondary wall 826 surrounds the primary wall 810 and has an upper edge 821 a and a lower edge 821 b that are recessed relative to the top edge 812 a and the bottom edge 812 b of the primary wall 810. The secondary wall 826 is coupled to the outer surface of the primary wall 810 via one or more lateral extensions 862 and spaced outwardly therefrom so as to define a channel 832 between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions (or flex features) 824 of the secondary wall flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto. Generally, the channel 832 allows the secondary wall 826 to be flexed inwardly (i.e., pressed towards the primary wall 810) upon application of a force to certain portions thereof (flex features 824 described below), thereby providing access to an edge 838 of either cover 804 to assist in removing the cover 804. See FIGS. 32A and 32B for additional details regarding the removal of the covers 804. The amount of force required may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and/or the size of the channel 832 or channel openings. The container 800 may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child proof, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features.
As disclosed above, the secondary wall 826 includes at least one flex feature 824 that assists in separating the covers 804 from the body portion 802, but provides sufficient resistance to prevent the covers 804 and body portion 802 from being separated by a child. The flex feature 824 may be formed in the secondary wall 826 in different manners. In the depicted implementation, the container 800 includes two (2) flex features 824 disposed proximate one another and on one side of the container 800 (see FIGS. 29 and 33), where both flex features 824 are configured for removal of the first cover 804 a or the second cover 804 b. Although two flex features are described, it is possible for the container 800 to include any number of additional flex features 824 to suit a particular application (e.g., the size and/or shape of the container) and the flex features may be spaced equidistant about the body portion, specifically the secondary wall 826.
FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 37 depict the lateral extensions 862 and flex features 824 in greater detail. As shown, the lateral extension 862 generally extends horizontally outward from the primary wall 810 and couples to the secondary wall 826 proximate a vertical midline of an inner surface thereof (left side of FIG. 32A). In the depicted implementation, the lateral extension 862 and secondary wall 826 are generally disposed midway up the primary wall 810; however, the exact placement of the secondary wall 826 may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., depths of the internal spaces or covers). The lateral extension 862 is generally shown as extending about a substantial portion of the perimeter of the body portion 802; however, in some implementations, the lateral extension comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments that define one or more gaps where the secondary wall 826 is not directly coupled to the primary wall 810. As shown in FIG. 37, there is a portion 872 of the container 800 where the secondary wall 826 is not attached to the primary wall 810 of the body portion 802 (i.e., that portion of the secondary wall 826 “floats” relative to the primary wall 810). This arrangement provides for two floating corners of the secondary wall that form first and second flex features 824 a, 824 b. The flex features 824 a of the secondary wall 826 include a tactile feature 874, such as, for example, a protuberance or other minimally raised structure that a user can feel when gripping the container 800. The feature 874 provides for a press point for actuating the flex feature 824 (application of a force thereto) which will deflect the flex feature section of the secondary wall 826 towards the primary wall 810, thereby exposing the edges 838 of the covers 804.
Referring to FIG. 32A, the engagement between the body portion 802 and covers 804 is more clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion 802 includes a bottom wall 808 and a primary wall 810 spanning the bottom wall 808 and defining two internal spaces 840. The body portion 802 includes a secondary wall 826 that defines one or more flex features 824. The first (upper) and second (lower) covers 804 include top walls 816 and primary, inner, and outer sidewalls 818, 842, 868 extending downwardly therefrom and configured to engage their respective openings 814 of the internal spaces. In the depicted implementation, the primary wall 810 and primary sidewall 818 include mating structure 834 to enable a snap fit between the covers 804 and the body portion 802. The bottom edges 838 of the covers 804 approximately abut against the top and bottom edges 821 of or recess in the body portion primary wall 810 and, in some embodiments, the outer surfaces of the covers 804 sit flush with or slightly inward of the outer surface of the secondary wall 826 to make it difficult to engage with and remove the covers 804 from the body portion 802.
FIG. 32A illustrates operation of one of the flex features 824 for removing the bottom cover 804 b and the top cover 804 a, with the enlarged view depicting the container rotated approximately 90 degrees to depict engagement between the walls 810, 818 at a location without a flex feature 824. Specifically, the enlarged view (FIG. 32B) depicts the primary sidewalls 818 of the covers 804 disposed within the channel 832 defined by the primary wall 810 and the secondary wall 826 of the body portion 802 and retained therein via the retention mechanisms 834.
To remove one of the covers 804, a user applies a force (F1) to an outer surface of the secondary wall 826 (i.e., presses the secondary wall 826) at one or more flex features 824, thereby exposing the edges 838 of the cover primary sidewalls 818, as shown in FIG. 32A. This allows the user to apply a force (F2) to the edge 838 (e.g., via the use of a tool or finger nail) sufficient to overcome the holding force of the interference or snap fit, thereby separating the cover 804 from the body portion 802. In some implementations, the user may press both flex features 824 simultaneously to be able to apply the removing force F2 to two locations on the cover edge 838. Once the user releases (i.e., removes the applied force) the flex feature(s) 824 and the body portion 802 returns to its neutral/normal or unflexed configuration. The cover 804 can be reattached to the body portion 802 by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the interference or snap fit, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above.
FIGS. 38-46 depict yet another example implementation of a container 900 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure and substantially similar to container 800 described above, except with only a single internal space and a single cover. The cover 904 is identical to covers 704, 804 described above and will not be described again; however, there are two alternative versions of the cover 1004, 1104 depicted in and described with respect to FIGS. 47A and 47B. Specifically, the container 900 is similar to the other containers described above and includes a base or body portion 902 defining an internal space 940 accessible via an opening 914. The internal space 940 may be configured to hold a fresh product, such as chewing tobacco, snus, or oral products.
The container 900 includes a cover 904 configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion 902 so as to enclose the internal space 940. As shown in FIGS. 38 and 40, the cover 904 and body portion 902 generally abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the parts. In some implementations, the cover 904 is secured to the body portion 902 via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the parts. The engagement of the cover 904 and body portion 902 are described in greater detail below.
As shown in the figures, the body portion 902 of the container 900 includes a bottom wall 908, a sidewall 910 disposed about a peripheral edge 906 of the bottom wall 908 and extending upwardly (defining the internal space 940), and a secondary wall 926 comprising an upper edge 921 a. The secondary wall 926 is coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall 910 and spaced outwardly therefrom to define a channel 932 between the primary and secondary walls 910, 926 such that one or more portions 924 of the secondary wall flexes relative to the sidewall 910 upon application of a force thereto. As further shown in the figures, the container 900 includes the cover 904 configured to securely and removably engage the opening 914 of the body portion 902, where the cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall 926 inwardly to expose an edge 938 of the cover 904.
Referring to FIGS. 40-46, the structure and operation of the body portion 902 is described in greater detail. The bottom wall 908 is shown having a circular shape; however, the shape of the bottom wall 908 may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., type of product held by the container, aesthetic purposes, etc.). Similarly, the sidewall 910 depicted in the figures is a single, contiguous circular wall; however, the sidewall 910 may comprise multiple wall portions or linear segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container 900 had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.). The sidewall 910 extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion 902 and has an inner surface and an outer surface. In certain implementations, the outer surface of the sidewall 910 includes a plurality of raised structures 960 disposed thereon. The structures 960 may be provided to add strength to the sidewall 910, for aesthetic purposes, and/or other function. For example, in the depicted implementation, the structures 960 are disposed equidistant about the outer surface and spaced apart to define a plurality of grooves 949 about the outer surface of the sidewall 910 that are configured to mate with rib-like structures 948 within the cover 904 to function as an alignment mechanism. As shown, the sidewall 910 of the body portion 902 defines a generally cylindrical shape and the secondary wall 926 defines a generally hexagonal prismatic shape (see FIGS. 43 and 46); however, the shapes of the primary and secondary walls may vary to suit a particular application.
In the depicted implementation, the sidewall 910 is the primary wall and the secondary wall 926 surrounds the primary wall 910 and has an upper edge 921 that is recessed relative to the top edge 912 of the primary wall 910. The secondary wall 926 is coupled to the outer surface of the primary wall 910 via one or more lateral extensions 962 and spaced outwardly therefrom and so as to define a channel 932 between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions (or flex features) 924 of the secondary wall flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto. In the depicted implementation, the lateral extension 962 extends from the peripheral edge 906 of the bottom wall 908; however, in some implementations, the secondary wall 926 extends directly from the bottom wall 908 and may be formed as a single piece therewith.
Generally, the channel 932 allows the secondary wall 926 to be flexed inwardly (i.e., pressed towards the primary wall 910) upon application of a force to certain portions thereof (i.e., flex features 924 described below), thereby providing access to an edge 938 of the cover 904 to assist in removing the cover 904. See FIGS. 42A and 42B for additional details regarding the removal of the cover 904. The amount of force required may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and/or the size of the channel 932 or channel openings. The container 900 may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child proof, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features.
As disclosed above, the secondary wall 926 includes at least one flex feature 924 that assists in separating the covers 904 from the body portion 902, but provides sufficient resistance to prevent the covers 904 and body portion 902 from being separated by a child. The flex feature 924 may be formed in the secondary wall 926 in different manners. In the depicted implementation, the container 900 includes two (2) flex features 924 disposed proximate one another and on one side of the container 900 (see FIGS. 38, 43, and 46). Although two flex features are described, it is possible for the container 900 to include any number of additional flex features 924 to suit a particular application (e.g., the size and/or shape of the container) and the flex features may be spaced equidistant about the body portion, specifically the secondary wall 926.
FIGS. 42 and 46 depict the lateral extensions 962 and flex features 924 in greater detail. As shown, the lateral extension 962 generally extends horizontally outward from the primary wall 810/peripheral edge 906 of the bottom wall 908 and couples to the secondary wall 826. The lateral extension 962 is generally shown as extending about a substantial portion of the perimeter of the body portion 902; however, in some implementations, the lateral extension comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments that define one or more gaps 976 where the secondary wall 826 is not directly coupled to the primary wall 810. As shown in FIG. 46, there is a portion 972 of the container 900 where the secondary wall 926 is not attached to the primary wall 910 of the body portion 902 (i.e., that portion of the secondary wall 926 “floats” relative to the primary wall 910). This arrangement provides for two floating corners of the secondary wall that form first and second flex features 924 a, 924 b. The flex features 924 a of the secondary wall 826 include a tactile feature 974, such as, for example, a protuberance or other minimally raised structure that a user can feel when gripping the container 900. The feature 974 provides a press point for actuating the flex feature 924 (application of a force thereto) which will deflect the flex feature section of the secondary wall 926 towards the primary wall 910, thereby exposing the edge 938 of the cover 904. FIGS. 44 and 45 depict bottom views of the body portion 902 so as to illustrate the gaps 976 formed by the absence of the lateral extension 962 and/or removal of a portion of the secondary wall 926 extending from the peripheral edge 906 of the bottom wall 908. In the implementations of the containers 700, 800 described above, the gaps are not visible when assembled, because the second cover is positioned over the gaps.
Referring to FIG. 42A, the engagement between the body portion 902 and cover 904 is more clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion 902 includes a bottom wall 908 and a primary wall 910 extending upwardly therefrom to define the internal space 940. The body portion 902 includes a secondary wall 926 that defines one or more flex features 924. The cover 904 includes a top wall 916 and primary, inner, and outer sidewalls 918, 942, 968 extending downwardly therefrom and configured to engage the opening 814 of the internal space. In the depicted implementation, the primary wall 910 and primary sidewall 918 include mating structure 934 to enable a snap fit between the cover 904 and the body portion 902. The bottom edge 938 of the cover 904 approximately abuts a top edge of or recess in the body portion primary wall 910 and, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the cover 904 sits flush with or slightly inward of the outer surface of the secondary wall 926 to make it difficult to engage with and remove the covers 904 from the body portion 902.
FIG. 42A illustrates operation of one of the flex features 924 for removing the cover 904 (feature 924 a), with the enlarged view depicting the container rotated approximately 90 degrees to depict engagement between the walls at a location without a flex feature 924. Specifically, the enlarged view (FIG. 42B) depicts the primary sidewall 918 of the cover 904 disposed within the channel 932 defined by the primary wall 910 and the secondary wall 926 of the body portion 902 and retained therein via the retention mechanisms 834.
To remove the cover 904, a user applies a force (F1) to an outer surface of the secondary wall 926 (i.e., presses the secondary wall 926) at one or more flex features 924, thereby exposing the edge 938 of the cover, as shown in FIG. 42A. This allows the user to apply a force (F2) to the edge 938 (e.g., via the use of a tool or finger nail) sufficient to overcome the holding force of the interference or snap fit, thereby separating the cover 904 from the body portion 902. In some implementations, the user may press both flex features 924 simultaneously to be able to apply the removing force F2 to two locations on the cover edge 938. Once the user releases (i.e., removes the applied force) the flex feature(s) 924 and the body portion 902 returns to its neutral/normal or unflexed configuration. The cover 904 can be reattached to the body portion 902 by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the interference or snap fit, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above.
FIGS. 47A and 47B depict two alternative covers 1004, 1104 that may be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion 902 so as to enclose the internal space 940. Generally, both covers include a top wall 1016, 1116, similar to those described above, along with similar side walls and retaining structures. However, these covers 1004, 1104 include hatches 1054, 1056 disposed in the top walls 1016, 1116 thereof. Specifically, and as shown in FIG. 47A, the hatch 1054 extends across approximately 50% of the top surface or wall 1016 of the cover 1004. As shown in FIG. 47B, the hatch 1154 extends across substantially the entire top surface or top wall 1116 of the cover 1104. In each cover 1004, 1104 an opening 1052, 1152 is formed in the top cover 1016, 1116 that generally corresponds to the shape and size of the hatch, but may include other shapes and sizes to suit a particular application. The hatches 1054, 1154 are hingedly coupled to their respective covers via a hinge mechanism 1058, 1158, which may include, for example, a hinge incorporated via insert molding or a thinned or weakened section of the cover between the hatch and top wall.
In some implementations, the top walls 1016, 1116 include recesses 1078, 1178 disposed about the openings 1052, 1152 and configured to receive the hatches 1054, 1154. Additionally, the hatches 1054, 1154 may include stiffening ribs 1056, 1156 or similar structures disposed on a bottom or interior surface of the hatches to add strength thereto and/or enhance the interface between the hatch 1054, 1154 and the recesses 1078, 1178. The hatches 1054, 1154 may be provided as alternative methods of accessing the contents of the body portion without removing the covers 1004, 1104 and may include their own child-resistant feature (e.g., flush mounting, interference fit, stiffness of the hinge mechanisms, etc.).
The additional implementations of the containers 700, 800, 900 described above may be manufactured from any of the materials or by any of the methods described herein.
In various implementations of the containers described herein, the containers may include additional features, such as a barrier film or membrane configured to cover the opening in the body portion, thereby enclosing the internal space. By way of example, the barrier film may comprise a foil or a film (e.g., a polymer film) and/or may contain a material selected and configured to be substantially fluid-impervious so as to prevent the flow of fluids from the internal space to an external environment or allow the transmission of gasses therethrough (e.g., diffusion of oxygen into the internal space) to maintain the freshness of the tobacco-containing material by supporting the health of aerobic microbes within the tobacco-containing material. Another feature that may be included is a vent mechanism disposed in the body portion, the cover, or both to help regulate an internal pressure or other environmental condition within the container.
Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed herein and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A child-resistant container comprising:

a body portion defining a first internal space accessible via a first opening and a second internal space accessible via a second opening, the body portion comprising:

a bottom wall separating the first and second internal spaces;

a primary sidewall disposed about a peripheral edge of the bottom wall and extending upwardly and downwardly from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall;

a secondary wall comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, the secondary wall coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall and spaced outwardly therefrom and defining a channel between the primary and secondary walls such that one or more portions of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto;

a first cover configured to securely and removably engage the first opening of the body portion, wherein the first cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the first cover; and

a second cover configured to securely and removably engage the second opening of the body portion, wherein the second cover is removable by flexing one of the one or more portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the second cover.

2. A child-resistant container comprising:

a bottom wall separating the first and second internal spaces;

a primary sidewall disposed about a peripheral edge of the bottom wall and extending upwardly from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall to define the first internal space and downwardly from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall to define the second internal space;

a secondary wall comprising an upper edge and a lower edge, the secondary wall coupled to an outer surface of the primary wall and spaced outwardly therefrom and defining a channel between the primary and secondary walls such that two portions of the secondary wall flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto;

a first cover configured to securely and removably engage the first opening of the body portion, wherein the first cover is removable by flexing one of the two portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the first cover; and

a second cover configured to securely and removably engage the second opening of the body portion, wherein the second cover is removable by flexing the other one of the two more portions of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the second cover.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein:

a first portion of the secondary wall comprises a first tab configured to flex inwardly relative to the upper edge of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge of the first cover; and

a second portion of the secondary wall comprises a second tab configured to flex inwardly relative to the lower edge of the secondary wall so as to expose an edge of the second cover.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall via a lateral extension extending outwardly from the primary wall and about a perimeter of the body portion.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the lateral extension does not extend about the perimeter of the body portion in an area corresponding to the one or more portions of the secondary wall so that the one or more portions float relative to the primary wall.

6. The container of claim 4, wherein the lateral extension couples to the secondary wall proximate a vertical midline of an inner surface of the secondary wall.

7. The container of claim 4, wherein an inner surface of the secondary wall comprises a retention mechanism configured to engage a mating structure on the first or second cover to secure the cover to the body portion.

8. The container of claim 4, wherein an inner surface of the secondary wall comprises two retention mechanisms, a first retention mechanism configured to engage a mating structure on the first cover and a second retention mechanism configured to engage a mating structure on the second cover to secure the first and second covers to the body portion.

9. The container of claim 3, wherein the secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall via a lateral extension extending outwardly from the primary wall and about a perimeter of the body portion.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the lateral extension comprises:

a first reverse compound bend disposed at the first portion of the secondary wall corresponding to the first tab and coupled to an upper edge of the first tab; and

a second reverse compound bend disposed at the second portion of the secondary wall corresponding to the second tab and coupled to a lower edge of the second tab.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the secondary wall further comprises:

a third portion of the secondary wall comprising a third tab configured to flex inwardly relative to the upper edge of the secondary wall so as to expose the edge of the first cover; and

a fourth portion of the secondary wall comprises a fourth tab configured to flex inwardly relative to the lower edge of the secondary wall so as to expose an edge of the second cover.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the lateral extension further comprises:

a third reverse compound bend disposed at the third portion of the secondary wall oriented opposite of the first portion of the secondary wall and corresponding to the third tab and coupled to an upper edge of the third tab; and

a fourth reverse compound bend disposed at the fourth portion of the secondary wall corresponding to the fourth tab and coupled to a lower edge of the fourth tab.

13. The container of claim 4, wherein the lateral extension comprises a plurality of non-contiguous segments.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the primary wall comprises a top edge and a bottom edge and the bottom wall is disposed proximate the bottom edge of the primary wall.

15. The container of claim 1, wherein the first internal space comprises a first volume and the second internal space comprises a second volume that is less than the first volume.

16. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second covers comprises

a top wall;

a primary sidewall extending downwardly from a peripheral edge of the top wall; and

an inner sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and spaced inwardly from the primary sidewall, wherein the primary and inner sidewalls define a receptacle configured to engage at least a portion of the primary wall of the body portion.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second covers engages the body portion via an interference fit or a snap fit.

18. The container of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second covers further comprises an outer sidewall extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the top wall and configured to sit substantially flush with an outer surface of the secondary wall of the body portion when engaged.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the outer sidewalls and the primary sidewalls define a plurality of gaps spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the first and second covers.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein a portion of the plurality of gaps are located so as to correspond to the locations of the one or more portions of the secondary wall that flex relative to the primary wall upon application of a force.

21. The container of claim 19, wherein the container comprises a polygonal shape and the gaps are located to align with corners of the polygonal shape.

22. The container of claim 1, wherein the primary wall of the body portion defines a generally cylindrical shape and the secondary wall defines a generally prismatic shape, such as a hex.

23. The container of claim 16, wherein a lower edge of each of the first and second covers abuts the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the secondary wall of the body portion when the covers are engaged with the body portion.

24. The container of claim 1, wherein the secondary wall returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.

25. The container of claim 1 further comprising an alignment mechanism.

26. The container of claim 25, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface of the primary sidewall and disposed about a perimeter thereof and a plurality of mating ribs disposed on an inner surface of the first and second covers.

27. A child-resistant container comprising:

a body portion defining an internal space accessible via an opening, the body portion comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, wherein the sidewall comprises:

a primary wall extending along a perimeter of the bottom wall and having an inner surface and an outer surface and an upper rim defining the opening; and

a secondary wall spaced outwardly from and at least partially surrounding the outer surface of the primary wall thereby defining an open channel between the primary and secondary walls, the open channel extending along a perimeter of the body portion, wherein the secondary wall comprises an upper edge and a lower edge and the secondary wall is coupled to the primary wall along a portion of the lower edge and a remaining portion of the lower edge is spaced apart from the primary wall so as to define a gap between the lower edge of the secondary wall and the primary wall proximate the peripheral edge of the bottom wall, such that a portion of the secondary wall flexes relative to the primary wall upon application of a force thereto; and

a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion.

28. The container of claim 27, wherein the cover is removable by flexing a portion of the secondary wall inwardly to expose an edge of the cover.

29. The container of claim 27, wherein the portion of the lower edge coupled to the primary wall is coupled thereto via non-contiguous segments so as that the remaining portion of the lower edge of the secondary wall define a plurality of gaps between the lower edge and the primary wall.

30. The container of claim 27, wherein the cover comprises:

a top wall;

31. The container of claim 30, wherein the cover engages the body portion via an interference fit or a snap fit.

32. The container of claim 30, wherein the cover further comprises an outer sidewall extending outwardly from the peripheral edge of the top wall and configured to sit substantially flush with an outer surface of the secondary wall of the body portion when engaged.

33. The container of claim 27, wherein an inner surface of the secondary wall comprises a retention mechanism configured to engage a mating structure on the cover to secure the cover to the body portion.

34. The container of claim 27, wherein the secondary wall returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.

35. The container of claim 27 further comprising an alignment mechanism.

36. The container of claim 35, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an outer surface of the primary sidewall and disposed about a perimeter thereof and a plurality of mating ribs disposed on an inner surface of the cover.