Child resistant container lids

Abstract

The present technology is generally directed to child resistant container lids. In some embodiments, a child resistant container lid affixable to a double seam container can include a lid panel and a surrounding sidewall extending from the lid panel. In some embodiments, the lid can include a seal ring disposed on the lid panel. A pair of opposed locking ribs are positioned on the lid sidewall and extend radially inward to engage a double seam container. A pair of opposed grip portions are positioned on the lid sidewall and angularly offset from the locking ribs. When the lid is affixed to the double seam container, manually squeezing the grip portions towards each other causes the lid sidewall to deflect outwardly, thereby disengaging at least one of the pair of opposed locking ribs from the double seam container.

Description

CHILD RESISTANT CONTAINER LIDSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 442,702, filed February 1, 2023, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology generally relates to child resistant container lids configured to be securely engaged with and sealed to the seam top rim of conventional double seamed cans and, more specifically, to lids configured to be readily openable by adults, but difficult for children to release / open from the can.BACKGROUND

[0003] Resealable containers and packages are a convenient and cost-effective way to store and transport various items. For example, food items and medicines are often packaged in airtight metal containers. Once opened, a container can be resealed with a suitable lid that engages e.g., the roll seam of the original lid. It is desirable in many instances, and particularly with medicines, to protect the contents of a container from tampering and to prevent unauthorized access to the contents. Thus, there is a need for lids that can conveniently reseal an opened can and provide tamper resistance while still being readily openable by adults.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present technology. Furthermore, components can be shown as transparent in certain views for clarity of illustrationonly and not to indicate that the component is necessarily transparent. Components may also be shown schematically.

[0005] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a child resistant container lid configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology assembled onto a double seamed container.

[0006] FIG. IB is an isometric view of the child resistant container lid of FIG. 1 A.

[0007] FIG. 1C is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 1C-1C in FIG. IB.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view illustrating the child resistant container lid of FIGS. 1 A-1C assembled onto a double seamed container.

[0009] FIG. 3A is a bottom plan view of the child resistant container lid shown in FIGS. 1A-2.

[0010] FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the child resistant container lid shown in FIGS. 1A-3A.

[0011] FIG. 4 A is a bottom plan view of a child resistant container lid configured in accordance with additional embodiments of the disclosed technology.

[0012] FIG. 4B is an isometric view of the container lid introduced in FIG. 4A.

[0013] FIG. 4C is an enlarged partial isometric view of a locking rib of the container lid of FIGS. 4 A and 4B.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONOverview

[0014] The present technology is generally directed to child resistant container lids. In some embodiments, a child resistant container lid affixable to a double seam container can include a lid panel and a surrounding sidewall extending from the lid panel. In some embodiments, the lid can include a seal ring disposed on the lid panel. A pair of opposed locking ribs are positioned on the lid sidewall and positioned to extend radially inward to engage a double seamed metal can or another suitable container. A pair of opposed grip portions are positioned on the lid sidewall and angularly offset from the locking ribs. In order to remove the lid, the grip portions are squeezed together and the lid is lifted from the can. More specifically, manually squeezing the grip portions towards each other causes the lid sidewall to deflect outwardly,thereby disengaging at least one of the pair of opposed locking ribs from the double seam container. Further, the disclosed container lids can be easily positioned back on the container and resealed. Accordingly, the disclosed lids provide a multi-step mechanism that provides tamper resistance while still being readily openable by adults.

[0015] The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the present technology. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. Additionally, the present technology can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the examples and claims but are not described in detail with respect to FIGS. 1A-4C.

[0016] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0017] As used herein, the use of relative terminology, such as “about”, “approximately”, “substantially” and the like refer to the stated value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the use of the term “about 100” refers to a range of from 90 to 110, inclusive. In instances in which the context requires otherwise and / or relative terminology is used in reference to something that does not include a numerical value, the terms are given their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art.Select Embodiments of Child Resistant Container Lids

[0018] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a child resistant container assembly 100 (“assembly 100”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed technology. The assembly 100 can include a can 102, such as a conventional double seamed metal can or anothersuitable can / container, and a child resistant container lid 104 (“lid 104”) configured to fit on top of the can 102, thereby forming an enclosed volume in which various items can be stored.

[0019] FIG. IB is an isometric view of the lid 104 before installation with / after removal from the can 102 (FIG. 1A), and FIG. 1C is a side cross-sectional view taken along line 1C-1C in FIG. IB. With reference to FIGS. IB and 1C together, the lid 104 includes a lid panel 106 with a surrounding lid sidewall 108 extending therefrom. As described in greater detail below, the sidewall 108 can include locking features 1 10 that are configured to engage a double seam (not shown) of the can 102. The sidewall 108 can also include a pair of grip portions 120 (only one is shown in FIGS. 1 A-1C) that, when squeezed together by a user, cause the locking features 110 to disengage the double seam so that the lid 104 can be removed from the can 102.

[0020] As best seen in FIG. 1C, the lid 104 can include a gasket or seal ring 112 to provide a radial seal against a portion of the double seamed metal can, thereby forming an airtight seal between the lid 104 and the can body. In some embodiments, the seal ring 112 includes sidewalls that are angled with respect to each other. Further details regarding the seal ring 112 are provided below with respect to FIG. 2.

[0021] After removal from the can 102, the lid 104 can easily be reengaged with the can 102 (to return to the arrangement shown in FIG. 1A) via a press-fit arrangement. As a user presses down the lid 104 onto the can 102, the locking features 1 10 can reengage with the double seam portion of the can 102, and again form the airtight seal between the lid 104 and can 102.

[0022] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view illustrating the child resistant lid 104 of FIGS. 1A-1C assembled onto the can 102. As mentioned previously and as shown in FIG. 2, the can 102 includes a double seam 118. The double seam 118 is a seal formed by a canning process that joins a can body 114 and a can lid 116. This is typically done, for example, by mechanically interlocking multiple layers of material together as shown (e.g., one or more layers of the can lid 116 and one or more layers of the can body 114). This process creates a hermetic seal to keep the contents of the can 102 protected and out of contact with the environment external to the can 102, and provides a lip against which the locking features of the lid 104, e.g., locking ribs 110, can engage to sealably retain the child resistant container lid 104 on the can 102.

[0023] As discussed previously, in some embodiments the lid 104 can include a seal ring 112 to provide a radial seal against a countersink portion of the can lid 116 and / or a face sealagainst the lid 116. In some embodiments, the seal ring 112 includes sidewalls that are angled with respect to each other by angle A. The angled sidewall is expected to provide support to the radial sealing surface while minimizing material usage. In some embodiments, angle A can be approximately 30 degrees. In other embodiments, however, the angle A can vary. In still other embodiments, the sidewalls may not be tapered / angled.

[0024] FIG. 3 A is bottom plan view of the child resistant container lid 104. As best seen in FIG. 3 A, the locking features 110 can include a pair of opposed locking ribs. The term “opposed” as used herein refers to features being disposed on opposite halves of the lid, not necessarily diametrically opposed, which means they are directly across from each other. In some embodiments, for example, the locking ribs 110 are centered at 90 and 270 degrees on the lid 104 and each locking rib 110 can extend along an arc defined by angle B (e.g., approximately 60 degrees).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 A., the lid 104 also includes the two opposed grip portions 120 positioned on the lid sidewall 108 and angularly offset from the locking ribs 110. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the individual grip portions 120 are angularly offset from a major axis X of the lid by an angle C (e.g., approximately 5 degrees). Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the grip portions are centered at 185 and 355 degrees. In other embodiments, however, the angle B and / or the angle C may have different values and the locking ribs 110 and / or grip portions 120 may have a different arrangement relative to each other.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lid 104 has a slightly oval or elliptical shape. For example, the sidewall 108 can include side portions 122 having a first radius joined to end portions 124 each having a second radius smaller than the first radius. Thus, the lid 104 can have major and minor axes, axes X and Y, respectively. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the locking ribs 110 are positioned with respect to the minor axis Y of the lid 104 and the grip portions 120 are positioned with respect to the major axis X of the lid 104. In some embodiments, the oval shaped configuration provides additional clearance between the lid sidewall 108 and can 102 that allows the grip portions 120 to be squeezed sufficiently to cause the sidewall and locking ribs 1 10 to bend and deflect away from the double seam lip.

[0027] FIG. 3B is a side elevational view of the child resistant container lid 104 of FIG. 3 A (with the lid 104 in an upside-down arrangement such that a top surface of the lid panel 106 is facing downward). As best seen in FIG. 3B, the grip portions 120 (only one is shown in FIG. 3B) can each comprise a tab extending axially from the lid sidewall 108 opposite the lid panel106. In some embodiments, the grip portions 120 extend a distance D (e.g., approximately 0. 10 inch) from a lower edge of the lid sidewall 108. In other embodiments, however, the distance D can vary.

[0028] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a child resistant container lid 204 (“lid 204”) configured in accordance with additional embodiments of the disclosed technology. More specifically, FIG. 4A is a bottom plan view of the lid 204, and FIG. 4B is a bottom isometric view of the lid 204. The lid 204 is similar to the lid 104 shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 1 A- 3B. For example, the lid 204 includes a lid panel 206 with a surrounding lid sidewall 208 extending therefrom. The sidewall 208 can include locking ribs 210 that engage a double seam portion of a can / container (e.g., can 102 of FIG. 1 A). As best seen in FIG. 4A, however, the lid 204 differs from the lid 104 in that the lid 204 comprises diametrically opposed grip portions 220. In particular, the grip portions 220 are located at 0 degrees and 180 degrees, while the locking ribs 210 are angularly offset 90 degrees from the grip portions 220 (i.e., the locking ribs 210 are centered at 90 degrees and 270 degrees about the lid 204). With reference to FIG. 4B, the seal 212 can include one or more support bars 226. The support bars 226 provide structural support for the seal ring 212. The support bars 226 can be diametrically opposed and positioned adjacent the grip portions 220. However, in some embodiments, the positions of the support bars 226 can vary.

[0029] FIG. 4C is an enlarged partial isometric view of a portion of the lid 204 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. As best seen in FIG. 4C, each of the locking ribs 210 can include at least one notch 230. The notches 230 are expected to help the locking ribs 210 to bend, thereby facilitating bending and deflection of the corresponding locking ribs 210 so that the lid 204 can be quickly and easily removed from a container (not shown). The notches 230 are optional components that may not be included in some embodiments.

[0030] In some embodiments, the container lids disclosed herein (e.g., lids 104 / 204) can be composed of a suitable plastic material (e.g., polystyrene). In some embodiments, for example, the disclosed lids can be injection molded from polystyrene. The seals 112 / 212 can be formed from a suitable material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the seal can be bonded to the lid with a suitable adhesive. In additional embodiments, the seal can be insert molded or over-molded with the lid. In some embodiments, the seal and lid can comprise an integrally molded unit with both the lid and seal composed of the same material (e.g., plastic). In other embodiments, the lids and seals can be composed ofbiodegradable and / or compostable materials. In still other embodiments, the lid can be composed of metal.Examples

[0031] Several aspects of the present technology are set forth in the following examples:1. A child resistant container lid affixable to a double seam container, the container lid comprising: a lid panel; a seal ring disposed about the lid panel; a surrounding lid sidewall extending from the lid panel; a pair of opposed locking ribs positioned on the lid sidewall and extending radially inward and configured to engage a double seam container; and a pair of opposed grip portions positioned on the lid sidewall and angularly offset from the locking ribs, wherein, when the lid is affixed to the double seam container, manually squeezing the grip portions toward each other causes at least a portion of the lid sidewall to deflect outwardly, thereby disengaging at least one of the pair of opposed locking ribs from the container.2. The container lid of example 1 wherein the grip portions each comprise a tab extending axially from the lid sidewall opposite the lid panel.3. The container lid of example 1 or example 2 wherein the grip portions each extend beyond a lower edge of the lid sidewall.4. The container lid of example 3 wherein the individual grip portions extend beyond the lower edge of the lid sidewall by approximately 0. 10 inch.5. The container lid of any one of examples 1-4 wherein the individual grip portions are spaced apart from and out of contact with the individual locking ribs.6 The container lid of any one of examples 1-5 wherein the lid comprises an elliptical shape.7. The container lid of any one of examples 1-6 wherein the seal ring comprises a generally circular shape.8. The container lid of any one of examples 1-7 wherein the seal ring comprises first and second sidewalls that are angled with respect to each other.9. The container lid of example 8 wherein the sidewalls are angled with respect to each other by an angle of 30 degrees.10. The container lid of any one of examples 1-9 wherein the locking ribs are positioned on a minor axis of the lid sidewall.11. The container lid of example 10 wherein each locking ribs extends along an arc of about 60 degrees about a circumference of the lid panel.12. The container lid of any one of examples 1-9 wherein the locking ribs are diametrically opposed from each other about the lid panel.13. The container lid of any one of examples 1-12 wherein the grip portions are angularly offset from a major axis of the lid sidewall.14. The container lid of example 13 wherein the grip portions are angularly offset from the major axis of the lid sidewall by an angle of approximately 5 degrees.15. The container lid of any one of examples 1-14 wherein each of the locking ribs includes at least one notch.16. The container lid of any one of examples 1-15 wherein, when the lid is affixed to the double seam container, an airtight seal is formed between the lid and the double seam container.17. The container lid of any one of examples 1-16 wherein the lid panel is composed of polystyrene.18. The container lid of any one of examples 1-16 wherein the lid panel is composed of metal.19. The container lid of any one of examples 1-18 wherein the seal ring is composed of thermoplastic polyurethane.20. The container lid of any one of examples 1-16 wherein the lid panel and seal ring comprise an integrally molded unit composed of the same material.ConclusionL0032] The above detailed description of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, any of the features of the container lids described herein may be combined with any of the features of the other container lids described herein and vice versa. By way of example, the notches 230 shown and described in FIG. 4C may be used with lid 104 of FIGS. 1A-3B. Moreover, although steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0033] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions associated with containers and lids have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively.

[0034] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the examples, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including,but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. As used herein, the phrase “and / or” as in “A and / or B” refers to A alone, B alone, and A and B. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and / or additional types of other features are not precluded. It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSI / We claim:

1. A child resistant container lid affixable to a double seam container, the container lid comprising: a lid panel; a seal ring disposed about the lid panel; a surrounding lid sidewall extending from the lid panel; a pair of opposed locking ribs positioned on the lid sidewall and extending radially inward and configured to engage a double seam container; and a pair of opposed grip portions positioned on the lid sidewall and angularly offset from the locking ribs, wherein, when the lid is affixed to the double seam container, manually squeezing the grip portions toward each other causes at least a portion of the lid sidewall to deflect outwardly, thereby disengaging at least one of the pair of opposed locking ribs from the container.

2. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the grip portions each comprise a tab extending axially from the lid sidewall opposite the lid panel.

3. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the grip portions each extend beyond a lower edge of the lid sidewall.

4. The container lid of claim 3 wherein the individual grip portions extend beyond the lower edge of the lid sidewall by approximately 0.10 inch.

5. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the individual grip portions are spaced apart from and out of contact with the individual locking ribs.6 The container lid of claim 1 wherein the lid comprises an elliptical shape.

7. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the seal ring comprises a generally circular shape.

8. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the seal ring comprises first and second sidewalls that are angled with respect to each other.

9. The container lid of claim 8 wherein the sidewalls are angled with respect to each other by an angle of 30 degrees.

10. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the locking ribs are positioned on a minor axis of the lid sidewall.

11. The container lid of claim 10 wherein each locking ribs extends along an arc of about 60 degrees about a circumference of the lid panel.

12. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the locking ribs are diametrically opposed from each other about the lid panel.

13. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the grip portions are angularly offset from a major axis of the lid sidewall.

14. The container lid of claim 13 wherein the grip portions are angularly offset from the major axis of the lid sidewall by an angle of approximately 5 degrees.

15. The container lid of claim 1 wherein each of the locking ribs includes at least one notch.

16. The container lid of claim 1 wherein, when the lid is affixed to the double seam container, an airtight seal is formed between the lid and the double seam container.

17. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the lid panel is composed of polystyrene.

18. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the lid panel is composed of metal.

19. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the seal ring is composed of thermoplastic polyurethane.

20. The container lid of claim 1 wherein the lid panel and seal ring comprise an integrally molded unit composed of the same material.

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