HAVING A ROTATABLE INNER PIECE

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application having serial number 62/800,992 filed on February 4, 2019. This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling

Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the invention is containers, and in particular, containers that are child- resistant.

Background

[0003] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] Child-resistant containers must meet certain regulatory guidelines. Traditional child resistance containers have a push down and turn style cap, where the container and cap are all made of plastic. However, such containers are often utilitarian in design and have commonly- used functionality to create a child-resistant closure.

[0005] All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0006] Thus, there is still a need for improved child-resistance containers having unique configurations for creating a child-resistant closure. Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods for containers comprising a body having a base with at least one sidewall extending from the base. The base and at least one sidewall collectively define an interior portion of the body that has a first opening opposite of the base. In the case of a cylindrical body, a single sidewall having a circular cross-section is contemplated, whereas a square-shaped body could have four sides.

[0008] Preferred containers comprise elongated tubes whose height is greater than a diameter of the container’s width.

[0009] In one contemplated embodiment, container comprises a body having a base with a sidewall extending from opposing sides of the base, such that the base and the sidewall define an interior portion of the body with a first opening disposed opposite a first side of the base and a second opening disposed opposite a second side of the base. In this manner, the sidewall extends from both sides of base. The sidewall preferably has a cylindrical cross-section.

[0010] The first and second sides are disposed on opposite surfaces of the base.

[0011] Container further comprises a cap configured to be disposed about the body to thereby cover the first opening. The cap preferably comprises a second base with a second sidewall that extends from opposing sides of the second base, such that the second base and the second sidewall define a third opening disposed opposite one side of the second base and a fourth opening disposed opposite the opposite side of the second base. The second sidewall preferably has a cylindrical cross-section.

[0012] The second base further comprises a set of apertures extending through the second base. The body further comprises first and second projections, each of the projections extend from an upper surface of the sidewall and are configured such that the first and second projections each extends through one of the apertures of the set of apertures when the cap is coupled with the body. Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT

[0013] Each of the first and second projections preferably comprises a stem that extends upwardly from the upper surface and a hook portion attached to the stem, where the hook portion extends generally horizontal from the stem.

[0014] In this embodiment, the body is disposed concentrically within the cap when the cap is coupled to the body. Rotation of the body with respect to the cap causes the first and second projections to be placed above an upper surface of the cap and away from the apertures.

[0015] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a container with a cap positioned on the container.

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the container of Figure 1 with the cap removed from the container.

[0018] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a container with a cap positioned on the container.

[0019] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the container of Figure 3 with the cap removed from the container.

[0020] Fig. 5 illustrates a top, perspective view of the container of Figure 3.

[0021] Fig. 6 illustrates a bottom, perspective view of the container of Figure 3.

Detailed Description

[0022] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0023] Figures 1-2 illustrate one embodiment of a container 100 comprising a body 102 having a base 103 with at least one sidewall 106 extending from the base, such that the base 103 and the at least one sidewall 106 define an interior portion 105 of the body 102. It is contemplated that the body 102 could comprise any commercially suitable material(s) including paper and other fibrous materials, plastic and other polycarbonates, glass, metal, and any combinations thereof.

[0024] Container 100 further includes a cap 120 which can be coupled to the body 102 to thereby cover opening 107 and the interior portion 105 of the body 102. As best shown in

Figure 2, cap 120 can include a first aperture 122A and a second aperture 122B disposed on a second base 121 of the cap 120 through which a first projection 112A and a second projection 112B of the body 102 can be respectively inserted as shown in Figure 1. It is contemplated that the cap could comprise any commercially suitable material(s) including paper and other fibrous materials, plastic and other polycarbonates, glass, metal, and any combinations thereof.

[0025] In some contemplated embodiments, both the body 102 and cap 120 can comprise a fully biodegradable material, such as a paper or fibrous composition.

[0026] Preferably, each of the projections 112A, 112B comprises a generally“L”-shape, with a stem 116 extending vertically from an upper surface of the sidewall 106, and then a hook portion 118 extending perpendicularly (generally horizontally) from the stem 116.

[0027] To secure the cap 120 to the body 102, each of the projections 112A, 112B is inserted through the respective apertures 122A, 122B. Once inserted, the cap 120 or body 102 is rotated relative to the other, such that the projections 112A, 112B are rotated relative to the cap 120. In this manner, the horizontal hook portion 118 of each projection 112A, 112B is placed over the second base 121 of the cap 120 and away from the apertures 122A, 122B. Once in this position, the cap 120 cannot be removed from the body 102 without first rotating the cap 120 with respect to the body 102.

[0028] To prevent children from removing the cap 120 from the body 102, the cap 120 can include bumps or other projections ( e.g ., bump 124B) that each interacts with one of the Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT projections 112A, 112B. Specifically, as shown in Figures 1-2, bump 124B can interact with the hook portion 118 of projection 112B. In this manner, as the cap 120 is rotated with respect to the body 102, or vice versa, the hook portion 118 of projection 112B must pass over the bump 124B, and the rotation continues until the bump 124B is resting within a recessed area 114B of the horizontal portion. The interaction between the recessed area 114B and the bump 124B inhibits rotation of the cap 120 in the opposition direction, thereby requiring additional force to remove the cap 120 from the body 102.

[0029] Although not shown, the hook portion 118 of projection 112A also interacts with a bump disposed opposite of bump 124B on the cap 120. Specifically, as the cap 120 is rotated with respect to the body 102, or vice versa, the horizontal portion 118 of projection 112A must pass over a bump, and the rotation continues until the bump is resting within a recessed area 114A of the horizontal hook portion 118 of projection 112A. The interaction between the recessed area 114A and the bump further inhibits rotation of the cap 120 in the opposition direction, thereby requiring additional force to remove the cap 120 from the body 102.

[0030] When the cap 120 is rotated with respect to the body 102, the second base 121 of the cap 120 is passed in between an upper surface of the sidewall 106 and a lower surface of the horizontal hook projection 118 of each of the projections 112A, 112B. This ensures the cap 120 cannot be removed from the body 102 until the cap 120 is first rotated such that each of the horizontal projections is disposed over one of the apertures 122A, 122B.

[0031] Preferred containers 100 are child-resistant, requiring a certain amount of force be applied to the cap 120 during rotation to release the cap 120 from the body 102.

[0032] Figures 3-6 illustrate another embodiment of a container 200 that has a child-resistant closure. Container 200 comprises a body 202 having a base 203 with at least one sidewall 206 extending from the base, such that the base and the at least one sidewall 206 define an interior portion of the body 202. Preferably, the at least one sidewall 206 extends from opposing sides of the base 203, such that the base 203 and the at least one sidewall 206 define an interior portion of the body 202 with a first opening 240 disposed opposite a first side of the base 203 and a second opening 242 disposed opposite a second side of the base 203. Preferably, the first and second Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT sides are disposed on opposite surfaces of the base 203. It is especially preferred that the at least one sidewall 206 comprises a sidewall with a cylindrical cross-section.

[0033] As shown best in Figure 6, the base 203 is therefore disposed between the ends of the at least one sidewall 206 to form the interior portion formed above the base and shown in Figure 4 and a second interior portion formed below the base and shown in Figure 6.

[0034] Body 202 further comprises first and second projections 212A, 212B, each of which extend from an upper surface of the at least one sidewall 206 as shown in Figure 4. Preferably, each of the first and second projections 212A, 212B comprises a generally“L”-shape, with a stem 216 extending vertically (upwardly) from an upper surface of the at least one sidewall 206, and then a hook portion 218 attached to the stem and extending perpendicularly (generally horizontally) from the stem 216.

[0035] Preferably, the interior portion 240 of the body 202 is sized and dimensioned to store one or more items.

[0036] Container 200 further includes a cap 220 which can be disposed about the body 202 to thereby cover the opening 240 and the interior portion of the body 202. Unlike the cap 120 shown in Figures 1-2, cap 220 is sized and dimensioned to cover the at least one sidewall 206 of the body 202 such that a bottom surface of the cap 200 is disposed near a bottom surface of the body 202. In some embodiments, such surfaces may be flush with one another. Preferably, the cap 220 is sized and dimensioned to cover the entire height of the at least one sidewall 206.

[0037] Preferably, cap 220 comprises a second base 221 with a second sidewall 223 extending from opposing sides of the second base 221. In this manner, the second base 221 and the second sidewall 223 define a third opening 250 disposed opposite one side of the second base 221 and a fourth opening 252 disposed opposite the other side of the second base 221. As shown in Figure 4, the second base 221 is therefore disposed between the ends of second sidewall 223 to form a hollow interior above the second base 221 and a hollow interior below the second base 221.

[0038] Preferably, the second sidewall 223 comprises a sidewall with a cylindrical cross-section to match the shape of the at least one sidewall 206. It is especially preferred that the body 202 is disposed concentrically within the cap 220 when the cap 220 is coupled to the body 202, such as Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT shown best in Figure 6. In preferred embodiments, when coupled together, the cap 220 covers the entirely of the at least one sidewall 206 such that the at least one sidewall 206 is accessible through the third opening 250.

[0039] It is contemplated that the body 202 and cap 220 could comprise any commercially suitable material(s) including paper and other fibrous materials, plastic and other polycarbonates, glass, metal, and any combinations thereof. In some contemplated embodiments, both the body and cap can comprise a fully biodegradable material, such as a paper or fibrous composition.

[0040] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the second base 221 comprises a set of apertures extending through the second base 221 that comprises a first aperture 222A and a second aperture 222B. Preferably, each of the apertures 222A, 222B are sized and dimensioned such that one of the projections 212A, 212B of the body 202 can be respectively inserted through one of the apertures 222A, 222B. Thus, for example, the first projection 212A may extend through the first aperture 222A, and the second projection 212B may extend through the second aperture 222B, when the cap 220 is coupled with the body 202.

[0041] To secure the cap 220 to the body 202, the cap 220 is placed about the body 202, such that the body 202 is inserted into the cap 220. When the body 202 is fully inserted into the cap 220, the first projection 212A extends through the first aperture 222A and the second projection 212B extends through the second aperture 222B. In this configuration, the body 202 is concentrically disposed within the cap 220.

[0042] Once the body 202 is fully inserted into the cap 220, the body 202 is rotated within the cap 220 and relative to the cap 220 by applying a force to an inner surface of the at least one sidewall 206 that extends below the base 203. As shown in Figure 6, at least a portion of the inner surface, and preferably the portion below the base 203 and adjacent the second opening 242, comprises a grip 230. In some embodiments, the grip 230 comprises a series of raised surfaces configured to facilitate rotation of the body within the cap.

[0043] A user thereby can hold the cap 220 in one hand to prevent its rotation and use the other hand to cause rotation of the body 202 within the cap 220 by rotating the grip 230 of the at least one sidewall 206. Because the at least one sidewall 206 can practically only be rotated by Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT applying a force to an inner surface of the sidewall 206, it is not readily apparent how to open the container 200. That with certain features described below create a child-resistant closure (cap 220) for the container 200.

[0044] As the body 202 is rotated with respect to the cap 220, the projections 212A, 212B are likewise rotated relative to the cap 220. Once rotated, the generally horizontal hook portion 218 of each of the projection 212A, 112B is moved from one of the set of apertures and placed over a surface of the second base 221 and away from the apertures 222A, 222B. In this position, the cap 220 is prevented from being removed from the body 202 without first rotating the cap 220 with respect to the body 202 in an opposition direction.

[0045] To increase the child-resistant nature of the cap 220 and container 200, the second base 221 of the cap 220 can include bumps or other projections ( e.g ., bump 224B) disposed on an upper surface (facing away from the body 202 when the body 202 and cap 220 are coupled).

Each of the bumps or other projections preferably interacts with one of the projections 212A, 212B. Specifically, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, bump 224B can interact with the hook portion 218 of projection 212B. In this manner, as the body 202 is rotated with respect to the cap 220, the hook portion 218 of the projection 212B must pass over the bump 224B, and the rotation continues until the bump 224B is resting within a recessed area 214B of the hook portion 218. The interaction between the recessed area 214B and the bump 224B inhibits rotation of the body 202 in the opposition direction, thereby requiring additional force to be applied to permit rotation of the body 202 with respect to the cap 220.

[0046] Although not shown, the hook portion 218 of projection 212A also interacts with a bump disposed on the second base 221. Specifically, as the body 202 is rotated with respect to the cap 220, the hook portion 218 of projection 212A must pass over the bump, and the rotation continues until the bump is resting within a recessed area 214A of the hook portion 218 of projection 212A. The interaction between the recessed area 214A and the bump further inhibits rotation of the body 202 in the opposition direction, thereby requiring additional force be applied to remove the body 202 from the cap 220.

[0047] When the body 202 is rotated within the cap 220 to secure the cap 220 to the body 202, the second base 221 of the cap 220 is placed in between an upper surface of the sidewall 206 and Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT a lower surface of the hook projection 218 of each of the projections 212A, 212B. This ensures the cap 220 cannot be removed from the body 202 until the body 202 is first rotated such that each of the hook projections 218 is disposed over one of the apertures 222A, 222B of the second base 221.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3-6, it is preferred that the cap 220 is sized and dimensioned to extend about the at least one sidewall 206 to cover the first opening 240 and the at least one sidewall 206. It is also preferred that the lower surface of the at least one sidewall 206 of the body 202 is flush with a lower surface of the sidewall 223 of the cap 220. In other embodiments, the lower surface of the sidewall 223 of the cap 220 may extend below the lower surface of the at least one sidewall 206 of the body 202.

[0049] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[0050] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain

embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term“about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed considering the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are

approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT

[0051] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

[0052] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,”“an,” and“the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of“in” includes“in” and“on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0053] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value with a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly

contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0054] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the

specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0055] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be Attny Dkt No. 103118.0017PCT interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.