CHILD RESISTANT CONTAINER

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to containers and more specifically relates to child resistant containers.

Description of the Related Art

Some jurisdictions have enacted laws requiring products that are susceptible to dangerous misuse by children to be sold by retailers in child resistant packaging. Examples of such products include medicines, pills and gels, among others. Some child resistant packaging, such as one-time opening (or single use) clamshell designs and blister packaging, cannot be resealed after the substance or contents is initially accessed. Other child resistant packaging products may be resealable, such as plastic pill bottles, but cannot necessarily utilize modern preservation techniques to extend the shelf life of the contained substance. Many consumers are also concerned about the state of the environment and prefer product packaging that can be recycled easily or more readily. Plastic pill bottles and other packaging may be made of materials that are not accepted at many recycling processing plants or that have a limited lifecycle. Another concern of consumers is that plastics are known to leach chemicals into the products they come into contact with. For things such as medication this may be a big concern, including for people with compromised immune systems.

Some products require or are more suited to containers made from materials other than plastic, such as metal. For instance, metal containers may be used for products that include combustibles or flammable solvents like alcohols, toluene, or hexane. Chlorinated solvents are another type of product that may be best suited for metal containers. Metal containers may also be used for products that need more protection from ultraviolet (UV) light degradation than may be provided by plastic or translucent containers.

While known containers may be suitable for some uses, a need exists in the art for improved containers that can be made from recyclable metal, are cost effective and user friendly, and that can meet the requirements of child resistant packaging and related certification requirements. A metal child resistant container can also have other advantages over some existing containers, such as being better suited than a plastic pill bottle for laser etched or engraved tracking information. In the case of etching or engraving, a substance like plastic can make it easy for tracking or other information to be scratched off or distorted in other ways that make tracking information or other information indecipherable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to improved containers that can at least partially minimize or eliminate one or more shortcomings of known containers. Embodiments of the disclosure can be meet the requirements for child resistant packaging and can be made of recyclable metal alloy widely accepted by recycling processors. Embodiments of the disclosure can differ from current products on the market in that they can be opened and closed multiple times without loss of function, are easily recyclable, and can preserve the contents of the container better than similar products.

Embodiments of the disclosure differ from other childproof packages on the market in that they can be used to store a substance alone (i.e., absent other packaging) or any of various pre-packaged products whose original packaging may not come equipped with a childproofing device, while also being all metal and 100% recyclable. Embodiments of the disclosure can be or include a child resistant metal container that can be resealed, recycled, and is capable of utilizing one or more preservation techniques to suitably store a contained substance longer than other containers.

In at least one embodiment, a container can include a tray having a base and one or more sidewalls, a sleeve having a top, one or more sides extending downwardly from the top, a closed end, an open end, and a compartment configured to house at least a portion of the tray, a first coupler coupled to at least one of the one or more sidewalls of the tray, and a second coupler coupled to at least one of the one or more sides of the sleeve, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are configured to removably couple with one another for resisting removal of the tray from the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, a container can include a tray having a base and a sidewall, a sleeve having a sidewall, a closed end and an open end, wherein the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of the tray through the open end, a first coupler coupled to the sidewall of the tray, and a second coupler coupled to the sidewall of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler and the second coupler can be configured to removably couple with one another for resisting removal of the tray from the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler can be configured to move the second coupler laterally outwardly when the first coupler is slid past the second coupler.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container can include a tray defining a cavity to contain a substance and a sleeve defining a compartment sized and shaped to accept the tray therein and prevent access to the substance in the tray. In at least one embodiment, a first coupler, coupled to the tray, and a second coupler, coupled to the sleeve, can be configured to optionally or selectively and removably couple with one another for securing the tray within the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can include a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a plurality of sides extending between the bottom and the top. In at least one embodiment, the bottom, the top, and the sides can define the compartment of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can be made of metal.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can include at least one opening configured to allow gripping of the tray, and/or applying a force to the tray, when the tray is secured within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the tray can include at least one ridge, aligned with the opening and configured to facilitate gripping of the tray, when the tray is secured within the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler can be a protrusion extending inwardly of the cavity of the tray. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler can be a projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler can be a protrusion extending from the base and/or one or more of the sidewalls of the tray. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler can be a projection extending from the bottom and/or one or more of the sides of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, one of the first coupler and the second coupler can be or include a male coupler and the other of the first coupler and the second coupler can be or include a female coupler.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container can include a tray having a base, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tray, and a plurality of end-walls extending from the base perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tray. In at least one embodiment, the base, the sidewalls, and the end-walls can define a cavity of the tray.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container can include a first coupler coupled to the tray. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler can comprise at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the cavity of the tray.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container can include a second coupler coupled to the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler can comprise at least one projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can include at least one opening configured to allow the application of a latitudinal force to the tray, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tray, when the tray is secured within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the couplers can be configured to decouple in response to the latitudinal force, thereby allowing the longitudinal force to remove the tray from the sleeve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional plan view of one of many embodiments of a child resistant container according to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a child resistant container according to the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3, with a tray separated from a sleeve.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3, with a lid removed from the tray.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 3, with the tray separated from the sleeve, and the lid removed from the tray.

FIG. 8 is an inverted first side elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is top plan view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a second side elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 is sectional side elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a first end elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is a second end elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a tray according to the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a sleeve according to the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of three embodiments of a child resistant container according to the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a tray according to the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a tray according to the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an inverted perspective view of the tray of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20A is a first side perspective view of one of many embodiments of a container according to the disclosure showing the tray in a first position relative to the sleeve.

FIG. 20B is a second side perspective view of one of many embodiments of a container according to the disclosure showing the tray in a second position relative to the sleeve.

FIG. 20C is a third side perspective view of one of many embodiments of a container according to the disclosure showing the tray in a third position relative to the sleeve.

FIG. 20D is a fourth side perspective view of one of many embodiments of a container according to the disclosure showing the tray in a fourth position relative to the sleeve.

FIG. 21 is a schematic showing some of many coupler configurations according to the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a child resistant container according to the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures described above and the written description of specific structures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope of what Applicant has invented or the scope of the appended claims. Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention(s) for which patent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all features of a commercial embodiment of the disclosure are described or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons of skill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present disclosure can require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve the developer's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment(s). Such implementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are not limited to, compliance with system-related, business-related, government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specific implementation, location and from time to time. While a developer's efforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, such efforts nevertheless would be a routine undertaking for those of skill in the art having the benefits of this disclosure. The embodiment(s) disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. The use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. The use of relational terms, such as, but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” “first,” “second,” (“third” et seq.), “inlet,” “outlet” and the like are used in the written description for clarity in specific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the appended claims unless otherwise indicated. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “coupling,” “coupler,” and like terms are used broadly herein and can include any method or device for securing, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwise associating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically, chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements, one or more pieces of members together and can further include without limitation integrally forming one member with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, including rotationally. The terms “include” and “such as” are illustrative and not limitative, and the word “can” means “can, but need not” unless otherwise indicated. Notwithstanding any other language in the present disclosure, the embodiment(s) shown in the drawings are examples presented for purposes of illustration and explanation and are not the only embodiments of the subject(s) hereof.

Applicant has created systems and methods for improved child resistant containers. In at least one embodiment, a container according to the disclosure can be configured for a user to apply pressure, which can include unidirectional, bidirectional (e.g., opposing), or multidirectional pressure, to the portions of the container to engage couplers on one or more components to lock or otherwise couple for opening and/or closing the container. For example, in at least one embodiment, unidirectional or bidirectional force or pressure may be applied to portions of the container for closing the container. In at least one embodiment, multidirectional pressure, such as latitudinal and longitudinal pressure or force can be applied for opening the container.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container can include a tray having one or more cavities or compartments for containing or holding one or more substances or other items and a sleeve having a compartment sized and shaped to accept at least a portion of the tray therein and/or to prevent or resist access to the contents of the tray. In at least one embodiment, a coupler coupled to the tray and a coupler coupled to the sleeve can be configured to optionally and removably couple with one another for securing the tray within the sleeve, which can include securing the tray within the sleeve in a child-resistant and/or senior-friendly manner.

In at least one embodiment, the tray can include a base and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base. In at least one embodiment, the base and the sidewalls can define the cavity of the tray. In at least one embodiment, the tray can be made of metal. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can include a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a plurality of sides extending between the bottom and the top. In at least one embodiment, the bottom, the top, and the sides can define the compartment of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can be made of metal. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can include at least one opening configured to allow gripping of the tray, and/or applying a force to the tray, when the tray is secured within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the tray can include at least one ridge, aligned with the opening and configured to facilitate gripping of the tray, when the tray is secured within the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, one of the first coupler and the second coupler can be configured to elastically deform to allow the tray to be removed from the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, when the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled with one another, the couplers can resist a longitudinal force, thereby securing the tray within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, when the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled with one another, a latitudinal force, perpendicular to the longitudinal force, can be applied to the tray to decouple the couplers, thereby allowing the longitudinal force to remove the tray from the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, a latitudinal force can bias the sidewalls of the tray towards one another, such as a force translated to one coupler by another coupler as a result of longitudinal force applied to the tray and/or the sleeve by a user. In at least one embodiment, a latitudinal force can bias the sidewalls of the sleeve away from one another, such as a force translated to one coupler by another coupler as a result of longitudinal force applied to the tray and/or the sleeve by a user. In at least one embodiment, such coupler forces can be applied to one or more couplers by one or more other couplers, such as simultaneously, successively, or any combination thereof.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler can be a protrusion extending outwardly of the cavity of the tray. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler can be a projection extending outwardly of the compartment of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler can be a projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler can be a protrusion extending inwardly of the cavity of the tray. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler can be a projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container can include a sleeve having a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, a plurality of sides extending between the bottom and the top, a closed end, and an open end. In at least one embodiment, the bottom, the top, the sides and the closed end can define a compartment sized and shaped to accept the tray. In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container can include a first coupler coupled to the tray. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler can comprise at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the cavity of the tray. In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container can include a second coupler coupled to the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler can comprise at least one projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler and the second coupler can be configured to optionally and removably couple with one another to resist a longitudinal force, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tray, thereby securing the tray within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve can include at least one opening configured to allow the application of a latitudinal force to the tray, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tray, when the tray is secured within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the couplers can be configured to decouple in response to the latitudinal force, thereby allowing the longitudinal force to remove the tray from the sleeve.

FIG. 1 is a sectional plan view of one of many embodiments of a child resistant container according to the disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a child resistant container according to the disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3, with a tray separated from a sleeve. FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3, with a lid removed from the tray. FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 3, with the tray separated from the sleeve, and the lid removed from the tray. FIG. 8 is an inverted first side elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is top plan view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a second side elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3. FIG. 11 is sectional side elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3. FIG. 12 is a first end elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3. FIG. 13 is a second end elevation view of one of many embodiments of the container of FIG. 3. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a tray according to the disclosure. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a sleeve according to the disclosure. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of three embodiments of a child resistant container according to the disclosure. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a tray according to the disclosure. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a tray according to the disclosure. FIG. 19 is an inverted perspective view of the tray of FIG. 18. FIG. 20A is a first side perspective view of one of many embodiments of a container according to the disclosure showing the tray in a first position relative to the sleeve. FIG. 20B is a second side perspective view of one of many embodiments of a container according to the disclosure showing the tray in a second position relative to the sleeve. FIG. 20C is a third side perspective view of one of many embodiments of a container according to the disclosure showing the tray in a third position relative to the sleeve. FIG. 20D is a fourth side perspective view of one of many embodiments of a container according to the disclosure showing the tray in a fourth position relative to the sleeve. FIG. 21 is a schematic showing some of many coupler configurations according to the disclosure. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a child resistant container according to the disclosure. FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22. FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22. FIGS. 1-24 will be described in conjunction with one another.

In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can include a base 144 and one or more sidewalls 142 extending from the base. In at least one embodiment, the base 144 and the sidewalls 142 can define a cavity or space 140 of the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be rectangular. In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be square. In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be rounded. In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be rectangular with one or more rounded corners. In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be rectangular with a longitudinal axis along its length and a latitudinal axis along its width, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be made of a recyclable metal, such as aluminum, brass, or steel.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve 104 can include a bottom 156, a top 158 opposite the bottom, and one or more sides or sidewalls 166, which can extend from the bottom to the top. In at least one embodiment, the bottom, the top, and the sides can define the compartment of the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, one or more of the bottom, top and/or sidewalls of sleeve 104 can be absent. In at least one embodiment, for example, the top and one or more sides can at least partially enclose a compartment of the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, a compartment 164 of the sleeve 104 can be shaped similarly to the tray 102 and can be configured to accept at least a portion of the tray 102 therein. In at least one embodiment, the sleeve 104 can be made of a recyclable metal, such as aluminum, brass, or steel.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve 104 can include at least one opening 124, such as a cutout or other hole, configured to allow gripping of the tray 102, and/or applying a force to the tray 102, when the tray 102 is secured within the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the at least one opening 124 can be configured to allow application of a longitudinal force to the tray 102, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tray 102, when the tray 102 is secured within the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the at least one opening 124 can be configured to allow application of a latitudinal force to the tray 102, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tray 102, when the tray 102 is secured within the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the latitudinal force can deform portions of the tray 102, such as the sidewalls of the tray 102, when the tray 102 is secured within the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, deforming the tray 102 causes the couplers 112, 114 to disengage. In at least one embodiment, latitudinal force causes the couplers 112, 114 to disengage. In at least one embodiment, the latitudinal force can shift the tray 102 within the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the at least one opening 124 can be configured to allow application of a rotational force to the tray 102, when the tray 102 is secured within the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can include at least one grip 122, such as a male or female indentation (or both), ridge, or a plurality thereof, aligned with the opening 124 and configured to facilitate gripping of the tray 102, and/or applying the force to the tray 102, when the tray 102 is secured within the sleeve 104.

In at least one embodiment, one of the first coupler 112 and the second coupler 114 can be configured to elastically deform to allow the tray 102 to be removed from the sleeve 104, such as in response to the force. In at least one embodiment, when the first coupler 112 and the second coupler 114 are coupled with one another, the couplers 112, 114 can resist a longitudinal force, thereby securing the tray 102 within the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, when the first coupler 112 and the second coupler 114 are coupled with one another, a latitudinal force, perpendicular to the longitudinal force, can be applied to the tray 102 to decouple the couplers 112, 114, thereby allowing the longitudinal force to remove the tray 102 from the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the latitudinal force can bias the sidewalls of the tray 102 towards one another.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler 112 can be a protrusion extending outwardly of the cavity of the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler 114 can be a projection extending outwardly of the compartment of the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler 114 can be a projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve 104.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler 112 can be a protrusion extending inwardly of the cavity of the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler 114 can be a projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve 104.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 can include one or more first couplers 112, in any of the various forms, on both sides of the tray 102 and/or on both ends of the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 can include one or more second couplers 114, in any of the various forms, on one or both sides of the sleeve 104 and/or on one or both ends of the sleeve 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the sleeve 104 can include two or more second couplers 114 on both sides of the sleeve 104, such as with a second coupler 114 near each end of the sleeve 104. In this and/or any other embodiment, the tray 102 can include two or more first couplers 112 on both sides of the tray 102, each near opposite ends of the tray 102. With multiple couplers 112, 114 on each side of the tray 102 and/or sleeve 104, the tray 102 can be secured within the sleeve 104 in either relative orientation. For example, the tray 102 can be removed from the sleeve 104, rotated one hundred and eighty degrees and then reinserted in the sleeve 104. One or more couplers 112, 114 can be disposed anywhere along the length or side(s) of tray 102 and/or sleeve 104 for cooperating with one another to retain tray 102 within sleeve 104 in a child resistant manner, e.g., until the resistance to removal of tray 102 from sleeve 104 provided by couplers 112, 114 is overcome by an adult by way of gripping tray 102 (e.g., at grip 122) and sliding sleeve 104 relative to tray 102 with force sufficient to overcome the coupling force of couplers 112, 114.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler 112 can be a protrusion extending from the base and/or one or more of the sidewalls of the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler 114 can be a projection extending from the bottom and/or one or more of the sides of the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, one of the first coupler 112 and the second coupler 114 can be or include a male coupler and the other of the first coupler 112 and the second coupler 114 can be or include a female coupler. In at least one embodiment, container 100 can include two first couplers 112 on a side of tray 102 and two second couplers 114 on a corresponding side of sleeve 104. The couplers 112, 114 can be shaped and positioned for resisting removal of tray 102 from sleeve 104 as described elsewhere herein. For example, in at least one embodiment, two first couplers 112 can be separated by a distance along the length of tray 102 and two second couplers 114 can be separated by a greater distance along the length of tray 104, such that first couplers 112 reside longitudinally between second couplers 114 when tray 102 is fully closed within sleeve 104. As another example, in at least one embodiment, two first couplers 112 can be separated by a distance along the length of tray 102 and two second couplers 114 can be separated by a lesser distance along the length of tray 104, such that second couplers 114 reside longitudinally between first couplers 112 when tray 102 is fully closed within sleeve 104. As yet another example, in at least one embodiment, which is yet another of many, two first couplers 112 can be separated by a distance along the length of tray 102 and two second couplers 114 can be separated by the same (or about the same) distance along the length of tray 104, such that first couplers 112 align with second couplers 114 when tray 102 is fully closed within sleeve 104.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 can include a tray 102 having a base, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tray 102, and a plurality of end-walls extending from the base perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, the base, the sidewalls, and the end-walls can define a cavity of the tray 102.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 can include a sleeve 104 having a bottom 156, a top 158 opposite the bottom, a plurality of sides or sidewalls 166 extending between the bottom and the top, a closed end 152, and an open end 154. In at least one embodiment, the bottom, the top, the sides and the closed end can define a compartment 164 sized and shaped to accept the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, one end of sleeve 104 can be completely open or otherwise configured for allowing tray 102 to pass there through. In at least one embodiment, one end of sleeve 104 can be completely closed, or partially closed. In at least one embodiment, one end of sleeve 104 can be closed enough for preventing, e.g., a child, from using a finger or other device to push tray 102 out of the other end of sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, sleeve 104 can be longer than tray 102 such that a lip, rim, overhang, extension or other portion of sleeve 104 extends past the end of tray 102 when tray 102 is in a closed position, such as a fully closed position (see, e.g., FIG. 16). In such an embodiment, which is but one of many, the portion of sleeve 104 that extends past the end of tray 102 advantageously can be configured for preventing, e.g., a child, from using a finger or other device to pry tray 102 out of the open end of sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, one end of sleeve 104 can be at least partially closed and the other end can be configured for allowing tray 102 to pass in and out of sleeve 104, in whole or in part. In at least one embodiment, an end of sleeve 104 configured to accept tray 102 can include a cover (not shown), such as a hinged lid, removable cap or other cover for at least partially and/or selectively covering an open end of sleeve 104, such as when tray 102 is either inside sleeve 104 or removed from sleeve 104.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 can include a first coupler 112 coupled to the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler 112 can comprise at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the cavity of the tray 102.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 can include a second coupler 114 coupled to the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the second coupler 114 can comprise at least one projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve 104.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler 112 and the second coupler 114 can be configured to optionally and removably couple with one another to resist a longitudinal force, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tray 102, thereby securing the tray 102 within the sleeve 104.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve 104 can include at least one opening 124 configured to allow the application of a latitudinal force to the tray 102, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tray 102, when the tray 102 is secured within the sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, the couplers 112, 114 can be configured to decouple in response to the latitudinal force, thereby allowing the longitudinal force to remove the tray 102 from the sleeve 104.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 can include a lid 132 to secure and/or seal a substance within the cavity of the tray 102. In at least one embodiment, the lid 132 can be made of a recyclable metal, such as aluminum, brass, or steel.

In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be oriented with sidewalls 142 extending upwardly from a base 144, such as shown in FIG. 7, for example. In at least one embodiment, contents of the container 100 can reside in a space 140 defined by the sidewalls 142, the base 144, and/or the lid 132 (if present). In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be sized and shaped to hold a desired object or objects, which can be or include any good(s) or other object(s) according to an implementation of the disclosure. For example, the tray 102 can be sized to contain a desired quantity (which can be any quantity) of consumer goods within space 140 and sleeve 104 can be accordingly sized for cooperating with sleeve 102 as disclosed herein.

In at least one embodiment, the tray 102 can be oriented with one or more sidewalls 142 extending downwardly from the base 144, such as shown in FIGS. 17-19, for example. In at least one embodiment, contents of the container 100 can reside in one or more cavities, openings or indentions 146 formed in the base 144. One or more indentions 146 can be individually sized and/or shaped to hold one or more specific objects or goods securely and to resist or prevent those items from shifting relative to the tray 102, e.g., during shipping or otherwise. For example, one or more objects can be securely held in one or more indentions 146 having shapes, sizes and depths configured for accepting at least a portion of the object(s) so as to at least partially resist movement of the object(s) relative to tray 102 when tray 102 is within or coupled to sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, multiple indentions 146 (see, e.g., FIG. 17) can be used to segregate two or more objects disposed within container 100. In at least one embodiment, a single indention 146 (see, e.g., FIGS. 18-19) can be used to hold one or more objects disposed within container 100. Container 100 can have or include any type or number of indentations 146 according to an implementation of the disclosure, and each indentation 146 can be configured to hold one or more objects partially, fully, securely, loosely, or otherwise, as needed or desired according to the implementation.

In at least one embodiment, two or more corresponding sets of couplers 122, 114 can be configured to interfere or otherwise couple with one another in any of a plurality of tray 102 positions relative to sleeve 104. This is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 20. At position A, for example, tray 102 can reside outside of or apart from sleeve 104. At position B, for example, tray 102 can be partially inserted through the open end of sleeve 104, such as with one set of couplers 112, 114 in contact with one another. As illustrated by position B, in at least one embodiment, couplers 112, 114 can be configured to resist insertion of tray 102 into sleeve 104 under the force of gravity alone, whether tray 102 is empty, full, or otherwise, as desired or required according to an implementation of the disclosure. An outside force can be applied to container 100, e.g., by a user, to overcome the resistance force of one or more sets of couplers 112, 114, and tray 102 can be inserted further into sleeve 104, such as illustrated by position C. At position C, for example, in at least one embodiment, one or more sets of couplers 112, 114 can be configured to resist further insertion of tray 102 into sleeve 104 under the force of gravity alone, whether tray 102 is empty, full, or otherwise, as desired or required according to an implementation of the disclosure. For instance, a second coupler 112 (if present) can contact the first coupler 114 and/or the first coupler 112 can contact a second coupler 114 (if present). An outside force can be applied to container 100, e.g., by a user, to overcome the resistance force of one or more sets of couplers 112, 114, and tray 102 can be inserted further into sleeve 104, such as illustrated by position D. At position D, for example, in at least one embodiment, tray 102 can be fully inserted into sleeve 104 (in which case tray 102 may or may not be in contact with the closed end of sleeve 114, depending on the embodiment) and one or more sets of couplers 112, 114 (depending on how may or present in a given embodiment) can be configured to resist removal of tray 102 from sleeve 104 in a manner similar to the insertion steps described above yet with tray 102 being moved in the opposite direction relative to sleeve 104. In at least one embodiment, in a fully closed or inserted position, one or more couplers 112 can be disposed on the closed end (of sleeve 104) side of one or more couplers 114, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. However, this need not be the case and, in at least one embodiment, in a fully closed or inserted position, one or more couplers 112 can be disposed on the open end (of sleeve 104) side of one or more couplers 114, separately or in combination, in whole or in part.

As shown schematically, for example, in FIG. 21, for illustrative purposes, couplers 112, 114 can take any of numerous different forms, shapes and/or configurations for functioning in one or more manners described herein, separately or in combination, in whole or in part. For example, sleeve 104 can include one or more couplers 114 that extend inwardly, outwardly, or both, relative to one or more walls or other boundaries of sleeve 104. Similarly, tray 102 can include one or more couplers 112 that extend inwardly, outwardly, or both, relative to one or more walls or other boundaries of tray 102. One or more couplers 112 can be configured to couple or otherwise cooperate with one or more couplers 114 at the same or different times or positions, and vice versa. Also, in at least one embodiment, one or more of tray 102 and sleeve 104 need not include any couplers 112, 114. For example, as illustrated for exemplary purposes in the bottom two arrangements of FIG. 21, which are but two of many, in at least one embodiment, sleeve 104 can include one or more couplers 114 configured to removably retain tray 102 within sleeve 104 and couplers 112 can be absent, or vice versa. For instance, sleeve 104 can include one or more couplers configured to cooperate with an end or edge of tray 102. As yet another example, one or more of tray 102 and sleeve 104 can have one or more male couplers 112, 114, respectively, and the other of tray 102 and sleeve 104 can have one or more female couplers 112, 114, respectively, in the form of openings, such as slots or holes, configured to couple with or otherwise cooperate with such male coupler(s) for accomplishing one or more goals or functions described herein. In at least one embodiment, having one or more couplers on one of tray 102 and sleeve 104 and either no couplers or openings on the other of tray 102 and sleeve 104 can call for tighter tolerances, stiffer material, or the like, which can increase the costs of materials and/or manufacturing relative to one or more other embodiments of the disclosure. Nonetheless, such embodiments are feasible and can be produced as desired or required in accordance with an implementation of the disclosure.

In at least one embodiment, a child resistant container 100 can include a tray 102 having one or more cavities, openings or spaces 140 for containing one or more substances or other items, a sleeve 104 having a compartment 164 sized and shaped to accept the tray 102 therein, and one or more sides or walls can be at least partially open (see, e.g., FIGS. 22-24). For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 22-24, which is but one embodiment of many, sleeve 104 can be generally rectangular, can have one or more rounded corners, and can have a closed top 158 and sidewall(s) 166 with an at least partially open bottom. In such an embodiment (and/or other embodiments), sleeve 104 can include one or more supports 168 for supporting sliding of tray 102 into and out of sleeve 104 and/or for supporting retention of tray 102 within sleeve 104. For example, as shown in FIGS. 22-24 for illustrative purposes, in at least one embodiment, support 168 can be or include one or more inwardly rolled edges of sidewall 166 and tray 102 can be configured to slide along such inwardly rolled edges. As other examples, support 168 can be or include one or more inwardly bent edges, one or more rails or beams coupled to sidewall 166, and/or other structure(s) or contour(s) for supporting tray 102 as described above. Support 168 can be continuous or segmented and, in at least one embodiment, can be or include a combination of rolled or otherwise shaped or contoured edges and other structure coupled to sleeve 104 and/or tray 102. As another example, in at least one embodiment, the bottom side of tray 104 need not be as open as the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 22-24. For instance, in at least one embodiment, one or more straps, supports or partial walls can be coupled to the sides of sleeve 104 and can extend across at least a portion of the open bottom, whether for aesthetic purposes, for purposes of structurally supporting container 100, or otherwise.

As also illustrated in, e.g., FIGS. 22-24 for exemplary purposes, in at least one embodiment, tray 102 can have two or more couplers 112 extending laterally outwardly from the sidewall(s) thereof and sleeve 104 can have two or more couplers 114 extending laterally inwardly from the sidewall(s) thereof. Upon insertion of tray 102 into sleeve 104, a pair of couplers 112 can contact a pair of couplers 114, and the couplers 112, 114 can be sized and shaped for translating a longitudinal sliding force(s) (e.g., applied in opposite directions to the tray 102 and sleeve 104, respectively, by a user's fingers) into lateral forces for elastically deforming at least a portion of sidewall(s) 166 of sleeve 104 laterally outwardly until couplers 112 clear couplers 114. Similarly, upon further insertion of tray 102 into sleeve 104, the first pair of couplers 112 can contact a second pair of couplers 114, and a second pair of couplers 112 can contact the first set of couplers 114. Upon application of the requisite longitudinal force(s), which can be or include any amount of force(s) required or desired in accordance with an implementation of the disclosure, at least a portion of sidewall(s) 166 of sleeve 104 can be elastically deformed laterally outwardly until couplers 112 clear couplers 114 and tray 102 becomes fully inserted or seated in sleeve 104. Removal of tray 102 from sleeve 104 can take place in a similar manner, i.e., by sliding tray 102 in an opposite direction with a force sufficient to clear or overcome the coupler or retaining force of couplers 112, 114. While two pairs of couplers 112, 114 are shown in FIGS. 22-24 for illustrative purposes, that need not be the case and, in at least one embodiment, container 100 can include more or fewer pairs of couplers. As another example, in at least one embodiment, one or both of tray 102 and sleeve 104 can include a single coupler. Tray 102 and sleeve 104 can have the same number, size and/or shape of couplers, or different numbers, sizes and/or shapes of couplers. In at least one embodiment, container tray 104 can have a single, unitary sidewall 166 (which can, but need not, have rounded corners) and most or all of support 168 can be or include a continuous (or segmented) rolled edge. In at least one embodiment, such an arrangement can provide adequate structural support for supporting and retaining tray 102 while also supporting elastic deformation of wall 166 during cooperation of couplers 112, 114.

In at least one embodiment, a container can include a tray having a base, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tray, and a plurality of end-walls extending from the base perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tray, wherein the base, the sidewalls, and the end-walls define a cavity of the tray, a sleeve having a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, a plurality of sides extending between the bottom and the top, a closed end, and an open end, wherein the bottom, the top, the sides, and the closed end define a compartment sized and shaped to accept the tray, a first coupler coupled to the tray, wherein the first coupler comprises at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the cavity of the tray, a second coupler coupled to the sleeve, wherein the second coupler comprises at least one projection extending inwardly of the compartment of the sleeve, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are configured to selectively and removably couple with one another to resist a longitudinal force, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tray, thereby securing the tray within the sleeve, and wherein the sleeve includes at least one opening configured to allow the application of a latitudinal force to the tray, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tray, when the tray is secured within the sleeve, the couplers being configured to decouple in response to the latitudinal force, thereby allowing the longitudinal force to remove the tray from the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, a container can include a tray having a base and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base, wherein the base and the sidewalls define a cavity of the tray, a sleeve having a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a plurality of sides extending between the bottom and the top, wherein the bottom, the top, and the sides define a compartment sized and shaped to accept the tray, a first coupler coupled to the tray, a second coupler coupled to the sleeve, and wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are configured to selectively and removably couple with one another for securing the tray within the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, a container can include a tray having a base and a sidewall, a sleeve having a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, a plurality of sides extending between the bottom and the top, a closed end, an open end and a compartment configured to accept at least a portion of the tray, a first coupler coupled to the tray, and a second coupler coupled to the sleeve, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are configured to removably couple with one another for resisting removal of the tray from the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, a sleeve can include at least one opening through a portion of the bottom, top and/or one or more of the plurality of sides of the sleeve and configured to allow access to a portion of the tray disposed within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the at least one opening comprises two opposing openings that allow a portion of the tray to be pinched when the tray is disposed within the sleeve, and wherein the first and second couplers are configured to resist removal of the tray from the sleeve until a longitudinal force is applied to the sleeve and/or tray sufficiently to overcome a coupling force of the first and second couplers. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first coupler, the second coupler, a portion of the tray, a portion of the sleeve, and a combination thereof, is configured to elastically deform to allow the tray to be removed from the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler and the second coupler resist removal of the tray from the sleeve when at least a portion of the first coupler is disposed within the sleeve in a position closer to the closed end of the sleeve than at least a portion of the second coupler. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler comprises one or more indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the sidewall(s) of the tray and wherein the second coupler comprises one or more indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the sidewall(s) of the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler comprises an opposing pair of indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the sidewall of the tray and wherein the second coupler comprises an opposing pair of indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from one or more of the plurality of sides of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler comprises two opposing pairs of indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the sidewall of the tray and wherein the second coupler comprises two opposing pairs of indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from one or more of the plurality of sides of the sleeve.

In at least one embodiment, an opening through a side of the sleeve can be disposed longitudinally between two indentations of one or more couplers. In at least one embodiment, an opposing pair of indentations of the first coupler can extend outwardly from a sidewall of the tray and have a first lateral distance there between, and an opposing pair of indentations of the second coupler can extend inwardly from opposite sides of the sleeve and have a second lateral distance there between. In at least one embodiment, the first lateral distance can be greater than the second lateral distance. In at least one embodiment, the first lateral distance can be less than the second lateral distance. In at least one embodiment, the first lateral distance can be equal to the second lateral distance.

In at least one embodiment, an opposing pair of indentations of the second coupler are configured to prevent the opposing pair of indentations of the first coupler from passing there between until longitudinal force is applied to at least one of the tray and the sleeve sufficiently to overcome an interference between the couplers. In at least one embodiment, a container can include one or more openings through at least one of the top, the bottom and one or more sides or sidewalls of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the length of the tray can be less than the length of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the open end of the sleeve can include an extension configured to resist prying of the tray out of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the closed end of the sleeve can be configured to resist pushing of the tray out of the sleeve. The closed end of the sleeve can be partially closed or fully closed.

In at least one embodiment, a container can include a tray having a base and a sidewall, a sleeve having a sidewall, a closed end and an open end, wherein the sleeve is configured to accept at least a portion of the tray through the open end, a first coupler coupled to the tray, and a second coupler coupled to the sleeve, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler are configured to removably couple with one another for resisting removal of the tray from the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, first and second couplers can be configured to prevent longitudinal movement of one past the other until longitudinal force is applied to at least one of the tray and the sleeve sufficiently to elastically deform at least one portion of the container other than the first and second couplers.

In at least one embodiment, the sleeve includes at least one opening through a portion of the top and/or one or more of the one or more sides of the sleeve, and wherein the at least one opening is configured to allow access to a portion of the tray disposed within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the at least one opening comprises two opposing openings that allow a portion of the tray to be pinched when the tray is disposed within the sleeve, and wherein the first and second couplers are configured to resist removal of the tray from the sleeve until a longitudinal force is applied to the sleeve and/or tray sufficiently to overcome a coupling force of the first and second couplers. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the sleeve and the tray is metal.

In at least one embodiment, at least one of the first coupler, the second coupler, a portion of the tray, a portion of the sleeve, and a combination thereof, is configured to elastically deform to allow the tray to be removed from the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, when the first coupler and the second coupler are coupled with one another, the couplers resist longitudinal movement of the tray relative to the sleeve, thereby securing the tray within the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler and the second coupler resist removal of the tray from the sleeve when at least a portion of the first coupler is disposed within the sleeve in a position closer to the closed end of the sleeve than at least a portion of the second coupler.

In at least one embodiment, the first coupler comprises one or more indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the one or more sidewalls of the tray and wherein the second coupler comprises one or more indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from one or more of the one or more sides of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler comprises an opposing pair of indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the one or more sidewalls of the tray and wherein the second coupler comprises an opposing pair of indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the one or more sides of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first coupler comprises two opposing pairs of indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the one or more sidewalls of the tray and wherein the second coupler comprises two opposing pairs of indentations that extend inwardly or outwardly from the one or more sides of the sleeve. In at least one embodiment, the first and second couplers are of the same size and shape.

Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of the systems and methods disclosed herein can be devised without departing from the spirit of Applicant's disclosure. For example, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be used alone or to form one or more parts of other containers, container components and/or container systems. The locking and/or child resistant mechanisms of the disclosure can be applied to various forms of containers. As another example, although the embodiments shown in the figures for illustrative purposes reflect one or more exemplary shapes of containers, sleeves, trays, indentations and other components, this is in no way intended to be limiting or exhaustive as, in use, various embodiments and modifications can be implemented using different configurations, whether for various types of products or otherwise. Further, the various methods and embodiments of the containers and components can be included in combination with each other to produce variations of the disclosed methods and embodiments.

Discussion of singular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa. References to at least one item followed by a reference to the item can include one or more items. Also, various aspects of the embodiments can be used in conjunction with each other to accomplish the understood goals of the disclosure. Unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise,” “include,” and “has” (including variations and conjugations thereof, such as “comprises,” “including,” “have” and so forth) should be understood to imply the inclusion of at least the stated element or step or group of elements or steps or equivalents thereof, and not the exclusion of a greater numerical quantity or any other element or step or group of elements or steps or equivalents thereof. The devices, apparatuses and systems can be used in a number of directions and orientations. The order of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split into multiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally and can be embodied as separate components and/or can be combined into components having multiple functions.

The embodiments have been described in the context of preferred and other embodiments and not every embodiment of Applicant's disclosure has been described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the described embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefits of the present disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of Applicant's disclosures, but rather, in conformity with the patent laws, Applicant intends to fully protect all such modifications and improvements that come within the scope or range of equivalents of the claims.

CHILD RESISTANT CONTAINER

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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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