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Title:
CHILDPROOF TUBE CONTAINER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/102593
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
The present childproof squeeze cap tube container includes a cylindrical container with a screw-type mating mechanism on an insert within the cap that nests inside the cap sleeve and moves independently from the exterior shell of the cap. The insert can rotate independently from the cap sleeve when the cap sleeve is rotated in either direction. The exterior surface of the insert of the cap assembly has vertical grooves, channels, ribs or similar surface texture, wherein the interior surface of the cap sleeve has matching surface grooves, channels, ribs, or surface texture to the insert component of the cap assembly, allowing the sleeve and insert to grip each other and move together when inward pressure is applied to the outer sleeve.

Inventors:
BROWN ADAM CHARLES (US)
PETERS NATHAN LEE (US)
ZAIKOV BRAD STEVEN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2019/061555
Publication Date:
May 22, 2020
Filing Date:
November 14, 2019
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
PACKED DESIGN LLC (US)
International Classes:
B65D50/04
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
RICHARDS, Patrick D. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

We claim:

1. A container comprising:

a cap assembly including an inner portion and an outer sleeve, wherein the inner portion is positioned within the outer sleeve, wherein an outer surface of the inner portion includes a male threaded surface;

wherein the outer sleeve includes a first set of protrusions extending from an inner surface of a top wall of the outer sleeve;

wherein the inner portion includes a second set of protrusions positioned along an outer top surface of the inner portion;

wherein when the inner portion is positioned inside the outer sleeve, the first set of protrusions align with the second set of protrusions; and

a body including a base and a base cylindrical wall extending from the base defining an interior cavity, wherein a portion of an inner surface of an end of the cylindrical wall includes a female threaded surface to engage with the male threaded surface of the cap assembly;

wherein upon downward pressure on the top of the outer sleeve of the cap assembly, the cap assembly moves from a first position to a second position;

wherein in the first position, the first set of protrusions do not engage the second set of protrusions and the outer sleeve rotates independent of the inner portion of the cap; wherein in the second position, the first set of protrusions engage the second set of protrusions and the inner insert rotates with the outer sleeve.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions are the same shape.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the first set of protrusions and the second set of

protrusions are different shapes.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the first set of protrusions are each a rectangular shape and the second set of protrusions are each a trapezoidal shape.

Description:
CHILDPROOF TUBE CONTAINER

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application incorporates by reference and claims the benefit of priority to

U.S. Provisional Application 62/767,156 filed on November 14, 2018.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The present subject matter relates generally to a container with a child-proof opening mechanism. More specifically, the present subject matter provides a cylindrical container design that opens with a twisting mechanism that can be easily operated by an adult, while presenting an insurmountable obstacle to a child, or other person who lacks either the knowledge or manual dexterity to operate the mechanism.

[0003] Parents of young children typically desire to restrict their children from accessing dangerous or inappropriate items, both in their homes and out in the world. Additionally, parents often look for containers that are discreet in both size and function, because such containers tend to be less attractive to young children, who often reach for items that are unique or that appear toy-like. In the event that the child does get their hands on the container, it is important that the child is unable to open the container and gain access to its contents.

[0004] Another important concern, especially for parents of older children, is that many of the currently available containers lack novelty in the opening mechanism. As a result, it can be simple for the child to observe the adult opening the container and can easily imitate the action to open the container on his own. In many cases, the child can witness many of the currently available containers being operated through casual observation of television and movies. [0005] Moreover, containers that require compound or sequential movements to open are much more difficult for children to operate. Therefore, the best childproof containers feature lids which require people to perform more than one motion or action to open.

[0006] Accordingly, a need exists for a new container with a childproof opening mechanism, particularly one which is both novel and complex in its operation, while also being discreet.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0007] To meet the needs described above, the childproof squeeze cap tube container provided herein can include a cylindrical container, wherein the outside diameter of the cap can match the dimensions of the container itself, with a male screw-type mating mechanism on an insert (i.e., inner portion) that nests inside the cap sleeve and moves independently from the exterior shell of the cap. The insert rotates freely inside the cap sleeve when the cap sleeve is rotated in either direction. The exterior surface of the insert of the cap assembly has vertical grooves, channels, ribs or similar surface texture. The interior surface of the cap sleeve has matching surface grooves, channels, ribs, or surface texture to the insert component of the cap assembly, allowing the components to grip each other and move together when inward pressure is applied to the outer sleeve. The cylindrical container component can have a matching female screw-type mating surface, that engages a male threaded mating surface on the insert of the cap assembly.

[0008] In another example, the mating surface texture on the insert and sleeve may be protrusions on the outer top surface of the insert and the inner top surface of the sleeve. In this example, rotation of the screw-type mating surfaces occurs when the user presses down on the cap while turning it.

[0009] In one example, a container includes: a cap assembly including an inner portion and an outer sleeve, wherein the inner portion is positioned within the outer sleeve, wherein an outer surface of the inner portion includes a male threaded surface; wherein the outer sleeve includes a first set of protrusions extending from an inner surface of a top wall of the outer sleeve; wherein the inner portion includes a second set of protrusions positioned along an outer top surface of the inner portion; wherein when the inner portion is positioned inside the outer sleeve, the first set of protrusions align with the second set of protrusions; and a body including a base and a base cylindrical wall extending from the base defining an interior cavity, wherein a portion of an inner surface of an end of the cylindrical wall includes a female threaded surface to engage with the male threaded surface of the cap assembly; wherein upon downward pressure on the top of the outer sleeve of the cap assembly, the cap assembly moves from a first position to a second position; wherein in the first position, the first set of protrusions do not engage the second set of protrusions and the outer sleeve rotates independent of the inner portion of the cap; wherein in the second position, the first set of protrusions engage the second set of protrusions and the inner insert rotates with the outer sleeve.

[0010] In some examples, the first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions are the same shape. In other examples, the first set of protrusions and the second set of protrusions are different shapes. For example, the first set of protrusions are a generally rectangular shape and the second set of protrusions are a generally trapezoidal shape. [0011] An advantage of the present container is providing an unlockable container using two different motions at once, further preventing children from opening the container.

[0012] A further advantage of the present container is providing an unlocking mechanism that cannot be easily perceived or studied by older children to unlock the container.

[0013] Another advantage of the present system is providing a unique locking and unlocking mechanism that can be used on a variety of container types.

[0014] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] The drawing figures depict one implementation in accord with the present concept, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a childproof container in the closed position.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the childproof container shown in Fig. 1 in the open position, with the male and female mating surfaces visible. [0018] Fig. 3 is a side view of the childproof container shown in Fig. 1, showing the exterior of the cap assembly and the container.

[0019] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the childproof container shown in Fig. 3 showing the container and cap.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cap sleeve of the cap shown in Fig. 3.

[0021] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the childproof container shown in Fig. 3 showing the container and cap.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a top view of the outer surface of the inner portion of the cap shown in

Fig. 6.

[0023] Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the inner surface of the outer portion of the cap shown in Fig. 6.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figs. 1-2 illustrate an example of a childproof container 10. In an example shown in Figs. 4-5, the container 10 is a squeeze cap tube container 10. In an example shown in Figs. 6- 8, the container 10 is a press and turn cap tube container 10.

[0025] The container 10 can include a hollow cylinder body 11 and a cap assembly 12.

The body 11 can have a threaded female mating surface 13 on a receiving end 20. The cap assembly 12 can have a threaded male mating surface 14 on the inserting end 22. However, it is contemplated the opposite configuration of the threaded surfaces can be employed (e.g., the body 11 can have the male mating surface 14 and the cap assembly 12 can include the female mating surface 13). [0026] Fig. 3 is a side view of a tube container 10 illustrating the body 11 and the cap 12 in a closed position. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the tube container 10, illustrating the threaded female mating surface 13 of the body 11, the threaded male mating surface 14 on the inner portion of the cap 15 of the cap assembly 12, and the sleeve 16 of the cap assembly 12.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 4, the inner portion of the cap 15 includes a plurality of pockets

17 formed by alternating raised elements and depressed elements (e.g., ribs, channels, etc.) along an outer side surface of the inner portion of the cap 15. The outer dimension of the inner portion of the cap 15 can be slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the sleeve 16 (i.e., outer portion of the cap 16), which allows the inner portion of the cap 15 to fit into the sleeve 16, and allows the sleeve 16 and the inner portion of the cap 15 to move (rotate) independently of one another until inward pressure is applied to the sleeve 16.

[0028] When inward pressure is applied to the sleeve 16, protrusions 30 extending from the inner surface of the sleeve 16 engage with the pockets 17 on the outer surface of the inner portion of the cap 15 such that the sleeve 16 and the inner portion of the cap 15 rotate together thereby moving the threaded male mating surface 14 from the threaded female mating surface 13 to open or close the container 10. When inward pressure is not applied to the sleeve 16 and the sleeve 16 is rotated, the protrusions 30 extending from the inner surface of the sleeve 16 do not engage with the pockets 17 on the outer surface of the inner portion of the cap 15 such that the sleeve 16 and the inner portion of the cap 15 rotate independently.

Therefore, without pressure on the sleeve 16, the inner portion of the cap 15 does not rotate with the sleeve 16, thereby preventing the threaded male mating surface 14 to untwist from the threaded female mating surface IB to open the container 10.

[0029] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the cap sleeve 16, illustrating a plurality of protrusions 30. For example, the protrusions 30 can be vertical ribs that engage with the inner portion of the cap 15 that include vertical pockets 17 on the exterior surface of the inner portion of the cap 15, wherein the protrusions 30 can fit within the indentations 17 when inward pressure is applied to the sleeve 16.

[0030] While described as pockets 17 and protrusions 30 so as to provide more clarity in which element is which, it will be understood that each of the pockets 17 and protrusions 30 are really just alternating raised elements and depressed elements and either set of pockets 17 and protrusions 30 could be described using either term.

[0031] The protrusions 30 and pockets 17 can be complementary matching shapes or mismatching shapes. The shape of the protrusions 30 and pockets 17 can be rectangular, round, among other shapes. For example, the protrusions 30 can be rectangular ridges, whereas the pockets 17 are rectangular voids to receive the protrusions 30. In an example, the protrusions 30 and pockets 17 run along a portion of the length of the cap sleeve 16 and inner portion of the cap 15, respectively.

[0032] Turning now to Fig. 6, an exploded view of a second embodiment of the tube container 10 is shown, including the threaded female mating surface 13 of the body 11, the threaded male mating surface 14 on the inner portion of the cap 15 of the cap assembly 12, and the sleeve 16 of the cap assembly 12. [0033] As shown in Fig. 6, the inner portion of the cap 15 includes a plurality of pockets

17 formed by alternating raised elements and depressed elements (e.g., ribs, channels, etc.) along an outer top surface of the inner portion of the cap 15. The outer dimension of the inner portion of the cap 15 can be slightly smaller than the inner dimension of the sleeve 16 (i.e., outer portion of the cap 16), which allows the inner portion of the cap 15 to fit into the sleeve 16, and allows the sleeve 16 and the inner portion of the cap 15 to move (rotate) independently of one another until inward pressure is applied to the sleeve 16.

[0034] When downward pressure is applied to the sleeve 16, protrusions 30 extending from the inner surface of the sleeve 16 engage with the pockets 17 on the outer surface of the inner portion of the cap 15 such that the sleeve 16 and the inner portion of the cap 15 rotate together thereby moving the threaded male mating surface 14 from the threaded female mating surface 13 to open or close the container 10. When inward pressure is not applied to the sleeve 16 and the sleeve 16 is rotated, the protrusions 30 extending from the inner surface of the sleeve 16 do not engage with the pockets 17 on the outer surface of the inner portion of the cap 15 such that the sleeve 16 and the inner portion of the cap 15 rotate independently. Therefore, without pressure on the sleeve 16, the inner portion of the cap 15 does not rotate with the sleeve 16, thereby preventing the threaded male mating surface 14 to untwist from the threaded female mating surface 13 to open the container 10.

[0035] An alternate description of the embodiments shown in Figs. 6-8 could, for example, refer to both the pockets 17 and the protrusions 30 as first and second sets of protrusions. [0036] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various embodiments of the systems and methods may be provided based on various combinations of the features and functions from the subject matter provided herein.