BACKGROUND
Cartons, vials, bottles, boxes, or other paperboard or plastic containers may be used for holding and storing items. In some implementations, the items held or stored in the containers may be harmful to certain users, such as children (e.g., a pharmaceutical drug). A user may desire to hold or store items in a lockable, child-resistant or childproof container.
SUMMARY
The disclosed technology includes methods and apparatus of a childproof storage container. The childproof storage container includes a lid and a base portion with seesaw-style latches. The seesaw-style latches are configured to unlock the childproof storage container in a locked position upon simultaneously release. Each seesaw-style latch may include a flared end, where upon depression of the flared end, the seesaw-style latch rotates and dislodges from a locked position on the lid. In some implementations, each seesaw-style latch includes a standing rib (or stop) to prevent over-rotation of each seesaw-style latch. In some implementations, the base portion includes a base portion exterior flange, which includes female recesses to receive corresponding male teeth of a lid exterior flange.
In some implementations, the lid includes a lid exterior flange and a lid interior flange, and the base portion includes a base portion exterior flange and a base portion interior flange, where the lid exterior flange nests in a channel located between the base portion exterior flange and the base portion interior flange, and the lid exterior flange locates inside the base portion. In some implementations, the childproof storage container may include at least one gasket. For example, a gasket may be located in a channel in between the base portion exterior flange and the base portion interior flange. In another example, the gasket may be located in a channel in between the lid exterior flange and the lid interior flange. In some implementations, each seesaw-style latch of the childproof storage container may include a chamfer to facilitate closure of the childproof storage container.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other features, details, utilities, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following more particular written Detailed Description of various implementations as further illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.
These and various other features and advantages will be apparent from a reading of the following Detailed Description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of an example storage container in a closed and locked position.
FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of an example storage container in a closed and unlocked position.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of an example storage container, in an open and unlocked position.
FIG. 3A illustrates a partial front perspective view of an example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
FIG. 3B illustrates a partial front perspective view of an example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an example storage container, in an open and unlocked position.
FIG. 4B illustrates a partial side perspective view of an example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
FIG. 4C illustrates a partial side perspective view of an example storage container, in an open and unlocked position.
FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of an example storage container in a partially open and unlocked position.
FIG. 5B illustrates a back perspective view of an example storage container in an open and unlocked position.
FIG. 6A illustrates a partial side perspective view of an example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
FIG. 6B illustrates a partial side isometric view of an example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
FIG. 7 illustrates a partial front perspective view of an example storage container in a partially open and unlocked position.
FIG. 8 illustrates a partial side perspective view of an example storage container in a partially open and unlocked position.
FIG. 9A illustrates a front perspective view of an example storage container, in an open and unlocked position.
FIG. 9B illustrates a partial side isometric view of an example storage container, in a closed and locked position.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of example operations to use a locked example storage container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. For example, while various features are ascribed to particular implementations, it should be appreciated that the features described with respect to one implementation may be incorporated with other implementations as well. Similarly, however, no single feature or features of any described implementation should be considered essential to the invention, as other implementations of the invention may omit such features.
The disclosed methods and apparatus include a storage container (e.g., a childproof storage container, a locking storage apparatus, a childproof container, lockable container, etc.) that reduces the risk of children, or other individuals, accessing the contents inside the apparatus. The apparatus may have varying dimensions and volume capacities depending on the intended goods used by end users. In some implementations, the apparatus can be configured for single- or multiple-dose solids or liquids, or other contents. The apparatus can be made of a variety of semi-rigid, deflectable, and/or flexible materials, including thermoplastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, etc.).
FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of an example storage container 100 in a closed and locked position. The storage container 100 includes a lid 102 and a base portion 104. In some implementations, the lid 102 may be attached to the base portion 104 by at least one hinge (see hinge 106 in FIG. 1B).
The base portion 104 further includes a plurality of seesaw-style latches (e.g., seesaw-style latch 108). For purposes of this disclosure, a “seesaw-style latch” is a latch that lodges and locks onto a latch landing (not shown, shown and described in FIG. 3B, latch landing 342) of a storage container 100, securing two components (e.g., the lid 102 and the base portion 104) of the storage container 100 to each other. The seesaw-style latch 108 may be located on the base portion 104 of the storage container 100 and lock onto a latch landing located on the lid 102 via a lip 138 (not shown) on the interior of the seesaw-style latch 108. In some implementations, the latch may be located on the lid 102 and the latch landing may be located on the base portion 104.
In some implementations, the seesaw-style latches 108 may be three seesaw-style latches 108 on one storage container 100. The seesaw-style latches 108 are configured to lock the base portion 104 to the lid 102 and unlock the base portion 104 from the lid 102 upon release of the seesaw-style latches 108.
Specifically, to lock the base portion 104 to the lid 102, the lid 102 can be rotated toward a base portion 104 of the storage container 100. The lid 102 is pushed down or slid into the seesaw-style latches 108 located on the base portion 104.
In some implementations, as the lid 102 is pushed down, chamfers (not shown in FIG. 1, shown and described in FIG. 8) located on the seesaw-style latches 108 aid in automatic locking of the seesaw-style latches 108, and the seesaw-style latches 108 rotate, securing the seesaw-style latches 108 onto the lid 102, and locking the storage container 100 (not shown in FIG. 1, shown and described in detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B).
In some implementations, as the storage container 100 is locked, female recesses in a flange located on the lid 102 or base portion 104 receive male teeth located in a flange on the base portion 104 or lid 102, respectively (not shown in FIG. 1, shown and described in detail in FIGS. 5A and 5B). The female recesses in a flange of one component receive male teeth located in a flange of a different component prevent accidental or limp opening.
In some implementations, as the storage container 100 is locked, at least two opposing walls or flanges in the lid 102 and the base portion 104 interlock to prevent odor leakage and to keep the contents of the storage container 100 fresh (not shown in FIG. 1, shown and described in detail in FIGS. 9A and 9B). In one example, a flange located on the lid 102 or base portion 104 next to a flange or in a channel in between two flanges on the base portion 104 or lid 102, respectively.
Referring to FIG. 1A, to unlock the storage container 100, a flared end 110 of each seesaw-style latch 108 can be pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base portion 104 when the storage container 100 is in a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 108 rotates and the seesaw-style latch 108 dislodges from a latch landing on the lid 102 from the base portion 104. When the seesaw-style latch 108 dislodges from the latch landing, the seesaw-style latch releases.
The seesaw-style latch 108 may be a torsion snap joint or a similar snap joint feature. In implementations where the seesaw-style latch 108 is a torsion snap joint, deflection is due to a torsional deformation of the fulcrum.
The storage container 100 is not unlocked and available for opening until each seesaw-style latch 108 is released. In some implementations, each seesaw-style latch 108 may be released simultaneously. In some implementations, each seesaw-style latch 108 may be released at a different time period. However, the entire storage container 100 will not be unlocked and available for opening until every seesaw-style latch 108 is released.
FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of an example storage container in a closed and unlocked position. As shown, the storage container 100 includes a lid 102 and a base portion 104. In some implementations, the lid 102 may be attached to the base portion 104 by a hinge 106. In some implementations, the hinge 106 is a living hinge. A living hinge allows for multiple storage containers 100 to be easily stacked for shipping purposes, for example. In another example, a living hinge keeps the lid 102 and the base portion 104 permanently attached. In some implementations, the hinge 106 may be any other available type of hinge, such as a spring hinge or non-living hinge. The hinge 106 constrains rotation on the lid 102 to facilitate opening of the storage container 100, as well as keeps the lid 102 attached to the base portion 104 as a convenience factor.
FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of an example storage container 200, in an open and unlocked position. The storage container 200 includes a lid 202 and a base portion 204, attached via a living hinge 206. In FIG. 2, the base portion 104 further includes three seesaw-style latches 208. In a closed position (not shown), the three seesaw-style latches 208 lock onto a latch landing 242 of a storage container 200, securing the lid 202 and the base portion 204. The seesaw-style latches 208 are configured to lock the base portion 204 to the lid 202 and unlock the base portion 204 from the lid 202 upon release of the seesaw-style latches 208. Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 208 includes a flared end 210. When the flared end 210 is pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base portion 204, when the storage container 200 is in a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 208 rotates and the lip (not shown) of the seesaw-style latch 208 dislodges from the latch landing 242 on the lid 202. When the seesaw-style latch 208 dislodges from the latch landing 242, the seesaw-style latch releases 208. The arrow shown in FIG. 2 depicts the direction that the lid 202 can move when opening the storage container 200.
FIG. 3A illustrates a partial front perspective view of an example storage container 300, in a closed and locked position. In FIG. 3A, a seesaw-style latch 308 located on a base portion 304 of the front of the storage container 300 is locked onto a latch landing 342 (shown in FIG. 3B) via a lip 338 on the interior of the seesaw-style latch 308. The seesaw-style latch 308, in combination with other seesaw-style latches 308 located on the base portion 304 (not shown) are configured to lock the base portion 304 to the lid 302 and unlock the base portion 304 from the lid 302 upon release of the seesaw-style latches 308. Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 308 includes a flared end 310. When the flared end 310 is pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base portion 304 (see arrow) when the storage container 300 is in a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 308 releases.
FIG. 3B illustrates a partial front perspective view of an example storage container 300, in a closed and locked position. In FIG. 3B, when the flared end 310 is depressed, the seesaw-style latch 308 rotates (see arrow) outward away from the lid and dislodges the lip 338 on the interior of the seesaw-style latch 108 from the latch landing 342 on the lid 302. When the seesaw-style latch 308 dislodges from the latch landing 342, the seesaw-style latch 308 releases. When all the seesaw-style latches 308 release, the storage container 300 is unlocked and opens.
A standing rib (not shown, shown and described in FIGS. 4A-C) is located on the interior side of the seesaw-style latch 308. In a locked position, the standing rib secures into a notch 344 in the latch landing 342. When the seesaw-style latch 308 releases from the lid 302, the standing rib prevents over-rotation of the seesaw-style latch 308, as the standing rib will contact the side of the base portion 304 and stop rotation of the seesaw-style latch 308.
FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an example storage container 400, in an open and unlocked position. In FIG. 4A, three seesaw-style latches 408 are located on a base portion 404 of the storage container 400. The seesaw-style latches 408 are configured to lock the base portion 404 to the lid 402 (shown in FIGS. 4B and C) and unlock the base portion 404 from the lid 402 upon release of the seesaw-style latches 408. Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 408 includes a flared end 410. When the flared end 410 is depressed, the seesaw-style latch 408 rotates outward away from the lid and dislodges from the latch landing 442 on the lid 402. When the seesaw-style latch 408 dislodges from the latch landing 442, the seesaw-style latch 408 releases. When all the seesaw-style latches 408 release, the storage container 400 is unlocked and opens.
A standing rib (e.g., standing rib 412) may be located on the interior side of each seesaw-style latch 408. When the storage container 400 is in a locked position, the standing rib secures into a notch (not shown in FIG. 4, shown in FIG. 3, notch 344) in a latch landing (not shown in FIG. 4, shown in FIG. 3B, latch landing 342).
When the seesaw-style latch 408 releases from the lid 402, the standing rib prevents over-rotation of the seesaw-style latch 408, as the standing rib will contact the side of the base portion 404 and stop rotation of the seesaw-style latch 408.
FIG. 4B illustrates a partial side perspective view of an example storage container 400, in a closed and locked position. The standing rib 412 is shown located on the interior side of the seesaw-style latch 408. In a closed and locked position, the standing rib secures into a notch in the latch landing (not shown) and does not contact the base portion 404.
FIG. 4C illustrates a partial side perspective view of an example storage container 400, in an open and unlocked position. The standing rib 412 is shown located on the interior side of the seesaw-style latch 408. In an open and unlocked position, the standing rib is no longer secured into a notch in the latch landing and contacts the base portion 404. Specifically, when the seesaw-style latch 408 releases from the lid 402 during unlocking and opening the storage container 400, the standing rib will contact the side of the base portion 404 and stop rotation of the seesaw-style latch 408, preventing over-rotation of the seesaw-style latch 408.
FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of an example storage container 500 in a partially open and unlocked position. The storage container 500 includes a lid 502 and a base portion 504, attached via a living hinge 506 (shown in FIG. 5B). In FIG. 5A, the base portion 504 further includes three seesaw-style latches 508 (two seesaw-style latches 508 are shown). In a closed position (not shown), the three seesaw-style latches 508 lock onto a latch landing 542 of a storage container 500, securing the lid 502 and the base portion 504.
The seesaw-style latches 508 are configured to lock the base portion 504 to the lid 502 and unlock the base portion 504 from the lid 502 upon simultaneous release of the seesaw-style latches 508. Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 508 includes a flared end 510. When the flared end 510 is pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base portion 504 when the storage container 500 is in a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 508 rotates and the seesaw-style latch 508 dislodges from the latch landing 542 on the lid 502 from the base portion 504. When the seesaw-style latch 508 dislodges from the latch landing 542, the seesaw-style latch releases 542 from the lid 502.
Referring to FIG. 5A, the lid 502 is shown with a lid exterior flange 514. The lid exterior flange 514 includes a plurality of male teeth (e.g., two male teeth 526). In FIG. 5A, the male teeth 526 are located on the front of the storage container 500. In some implementations, the male teeth 526 may be located in other areas (e.g., a side of a base portion 500, on a lid 502, etc.).
One function of the male teeth 526 is an extra layer of safety. The hinge 506 on the lid 502 has a light amount of inherent spring tension wanting to keep the lid 502 partially open. If, for some reason, the seesaw-style latches 508 were to fail or come inadvertently disengaged, the male teeth 526 hold the lid 102 closed so it does not automatically lift open.
The male teeth 526 also help build up force to cause the lid 502 to pop open when all three seesaw-style latches 508 have been activated properly. Pressing on the side seesaw-style latches 508 forces the lid 502 upwards, however the male teeth 526 hold the lid 502 down. A user is required to keep pressing on the side seesaw-style latches 508 until there is enough upward force to cause the lid 502 to skip out of the male teeth 526. This typically results in a faster, more energetic or active opening of the lid 502, which causes the lid 502 to open up further.
FIG. 5B illustrates a back perspective view of an example storage container 500 in an open and unlocked position. Referring to FIG. 5B, the base portion 504 includes a base portion exterior flange 518. The base portion exterior flange 518 includes a plurality of female recesses (e.g., two female recesses 528) to receive the male teeth 526 of the lid exterior flange 514 when the storage container 500 is closed and locked. The configuration of the female recesses 528 receiving the male teeth 526 prevents accidental or limp opening of the storage container 500.
FIG. 6A illustrates a partial side perspective view of an example storage container 600, in a closed and locked position. In FIG. 6A, the underside of a seesaw-style latch 608 on a base portion 604 is shown. On a side opposite the flared end 610 of the seesaw-style latch 608, located proximal to the side of the base portion 604 is a circular tab 634. In some implementations, in locked and closed storage container 600, the circular tab 634 is configured to push against an angled surface of a standing wall (shown in FIG. 6B, standing wall 636, and FIG. 7, standing wall 736) on the lid 602. Specifically, when the side seesaw-style latches 608 of the storage container 600 are depressed, the circular tab 634 can push against the angled surface of the standing wall 636 and push the lid 602 to slide with upward pressure to reach a threshold that moves the male teeth (see male teeth 526 in FIG. 5) out of the female recesses. As a result, the storage container 600 provides a “pop” sound and the storage container 600 forcefully springs open in an active opening of the lid 602.
FIG. 6B illustrates a partial side isometric view of an example storage container 600, in a closed and locked position. Referring to FIG. 6B, the circular tab 634 is shown on the opposite side of the flared end 610 of the seesaw-style latch 608 and located adjacent the standing wall 636. The circular tab 634 is configured to push against the standing wall 636 on the lid 602 to provide an active opening of the lid 602. In some implementations, the circular tab 634 may be a different shaped tab (e.g., oval, rectangular, other geometric feature, etc.) and may be located in other areas of the seesaw-style latch 608.
FIG. 7 illustrates a partial front perspective view of an example storage container 700, in a partially open and unlocked position. In FIG. 7, a seesaw-style latch 708 is shown located on a base portion 704 of the front of the storage container 700.
The seesaw-style latch 708, in combination with other seesaw-style latches 708 located on the base portion 704 are configured to lock the base portion 704 to the lid 702. The seesaw-style latch 708 may be locked onto a latch landing 742. The seesaw-style latch 708 can unlock the base portion 704 from the lid 702 upon release of the seesaw-style latch 708. Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 708 includes a flared end 710. When the flared end 710 is pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base portion 704, when the storage container 300 is in a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 708 releases. In FIG. 7, standing walls 736 are located adjacent a lid wall 740 on the lid 702. Pressure applied to the standing walls 736 results in a forceful or active opening of the lid. In some implementations, the standing walls may be ramping surfaces or located adjacent ramping surfaces on the lid 702.
FIG. 8 illustrates a partial side perspective view of an example storage container 800, in a partially open and unlocked position. In FIG. 8, a seesaw-style latch 808 is shown located on a base portion 804 of the front of the storage container 800. The seesaw-style latch 808 may be locked onto a latch landing (not shown) of the lid 802. The seesaw-style latch 808, in combination with other seesaw-style latches 808 (not shown) located on the base portion 804 are configured to lock the base portion 804 to the lid 802 and unlock the base portion 804 from the lid 802 upon release of the seesaw-style latches 808. Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 808 includes a flared end (not shown). When the flared end is pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base portion 804, when the storage container 800 is in a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 808 releases. In FIG. 8, a chamfer 832 on a lip 838 of the seesaw-style latch 808 is shown. The chamfer 842 aids in automatic locking the seesaw-style latches 808 when the lid 802 to being closed.
FIG. 9A illustrates a front perspective view of an example storage container 900, in an open and unlocked position. In FIG. 9, seesaw-style latches 908 are shown located on a base portion 904 of the front of the storage container 900. The seesaw-style latches 908 may be locked onto a latch landing 942. The seesaw-style latches 908 are configured to lock the base portion 904 to the lid 902 and unlock the base portion 904 from the lid 902 upon release of the seesaw-style latches 908. Specifically, each seesaw-style latch 908 includes a flared end 910. When the flared end 910 is pushed downward (or depressed) in a direction toward the side of the base portion 904, when the storage container 900 is in a locked position, the seesaw-style latch 908 releases.
In some implementations, as the storage container 900 is locked, at least two opposing walls or flanges in the lid 902 and the base portion 904 interlock to prevent odor leakage and to keep the contents of the storage container 900 fresh. In one example, a flange located on the lid 102 or base portion 104 next to a flange or in a channel in between two flanges on the base portion 104 or lid 102, respectively.
As shown in FIG. 9A, a lid exterior flange 914 and a lid interior flange 116 are located on the lid 902. A base portion exterior flange 918 and a base portion interior flange 920 are located the base portion 904. The lid 902 may be is sized for the lid exterior flange 916 to nest in a base portion channel 924 between the base portion exterior flange 918 and the base portion interior flange 920, and the lid exterior flange 914 to locate inside the base portion 904, when the storage container 900 is in a locked and closed position. These opposing walls (the lid exterior flange 916 and base portion exterior flange 918, and the lid exterior flange 916 and the base portion interior flange 920) seal the storage container 900.
The lid 902 or the base portion 904 may have channels created by flanges, and the channels may have varying depths, depending on an implementation. As shown in FIG. 9A, the storage container 900 may include a gasket 930 for sealing. The gasket 930 may be located in a channel of the lid 902 and/or the base portion 904.
FIG. 9B illustrates a partial side isometric view of an example storage container 900, in a closed and locked position. As shown, the lid exterior flange 914 and a lid interior flange 116 are located on the lid 902. A base portion exterior flange 918 and a base portion interior flange 920 are located the base portion 904. The lid exterior flange 916 is shown nesting in the base portion channel 924 (not shown as it is occupied by the lid exterior flange 916, shown in FIG. 9A) between the base portion exterior flange 918 and the base portion interior flange 920, and the lid exterior flange 914 to locate inside the base portion 904, when the storage container 900.
FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of example operations 1000 to use an example locking storage container. Operations 1002-1008 are directed to unlocking the locking storage container. An operation 1002 simultaneously depresses a flared end of each of a plurality of seesaw-style latches of a base portion of the locking storage apparatus when the locking storage apparatus is in a locked position. An operation 1004 rotates each of the plurality of seesaw-style latches from a lid responsive to depressing the flared end of each of a plurality of seesaw-style latches. An operation 1006 releases the plurality of seesaw-style latches from the lid. An operation 1008 opens the locking storage apparatus after the plurality of seesaw-style latches are released.
An operation 1008 rotates a lid toward a base portion of the locking storage apparatus. An operation 1010 slides the lid into a plurality of seesaw-style latches located on the base portion. An operation 1012 pushes chamfers on the plurality of seesaw-style latches to rotate the plurality of seesaw-style latches. An operation 1014 secures the plurality of seesaw-style latches onto the lid. An operation 1016 locks the locking storage apparatus. An operation 1018 receives a plurality of male teeth of a lid exterior flange in the lid with a plurality of female recesses in a base portion exterior flange. An operation 1020 nests a lid exterior flange in a channel located between a base portion exterior flange and a base portion interior flange when the locking storage apparatus is in a locked position. An operation 1022 interlocks at least two opposing walls when the locking storage apparatus is in a locked position, the at least two opposing walls including at least one opposing wall in each of the base portion and the lid.
The logical operations making up the embodiments of the invention described herein are referred to variously as operations, steps, objects, or modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that logical operations may be performed in any order, adding or omitting operations as desired, unless explicitly claimed otherwise or a specific order is inherently necessitated by the claim language.
The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology. Since many embodiments of the disclosed technology can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed technology, the disclosed technology resides in the claims hereinafter appended. Furthermore, structural features of the different embodiments may be combined in yet another embodiment without departing from the recited claims.
Patent Application
20190344937
