Child-resistant container for tobacco-containing products

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to child-resistant containers and methods of making same for oral products made or derived from tobacco, incorporate tobacco, or may be tobacco-free and are intended for human consumption. The child-resistant container may require both a horizontal force vector and a rotational force applied to the container to facilitate opening. The child-resistant container may also include two separate internal spaces configured for holding a product, with each internal space configured as child-resistant to opening.

Description

[0001] Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0002] CHILD-RESISTANT CONTAINER FOR TOBACCO-CONTAINING PRODUCTS

[0003] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to child-resistant containers and methods of making same for oral products made or derived from tobacco, incorporate tobacco, or may be tobacco-free and are intended for human consumption.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Tobacco may be enjoyed in a so-called "smokeless" form. Particularly popular smokeless tobacco products are employed by inserting some form of processed tobacco or tobacco-containing formulation into the mouth of the user. See, for example, the types of smokeless tobacco formulations, ingredients, and processing methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,376,586 to Schwartz; 3,696,917 to Levi; 4,513,756 to Pittman et al.; 4,528,993 to Sensabaugh, Jr. et al.; 4,624,269 to Story et al.; 4,991,599 to Tibbetts; 4,987,907 to Townsend; 5,092,352 to Sprinkle, III et al.; 5,387,416 to White et al.; 6,668,839 to Williams; 6,834,654 to Williams; 6,953,040 to Atchley et al.; 7,032,601 to Atchley et al.; 7,694,686 to Atchley et al.; 7,810,507 to Dube et al.; 7,819,126 to Strickland et al.; 7,861,728 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 7,901,512 to Quinter et al.; 8,168,855 to Neilsen et al.; 8,336,557 to Kumar et al.; 8,469,036 to Strickland et al.; 8,627,828 to Strickland et al.; 8,940,344 to Crawford et al.; and 9,155,772 to Gao et al.; and U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2004 / 0020503 to Williams; 2007 / 0062549 to Holton, Jr. et al.; 2008 / 0029116 to Robinson et al.; 2008 / 0029117 to Mua et al.; 2008 / 0173317 to Robinson et al.; 2008 / 0196730 to Engstrom et al.; 2009 / 0065013 to Essen et al.; and 2013 / 0206153 to Beeson et al.; PCT Pub. Nos. WO04 / 095959 to Amarp et al.; and WO10 / 132444 to Atchley; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] Representative smokeless tobacco products that have been marketed include those referred to as GRIZZLY® moist tobacco, KODIAK® moist tobacco, LEVI GARRETT™ loose tobacco and TAYLOR'S PRIDE® loose tobacco by American Snuff Company, LLC; KAYAK® moist snuff and CHATTANOOGA CHEW® chewing tobacco by Swisher International, Inc.; REDMAN® chewing tobacco by Pinkerton Tobacco Co. LP; COPENHAGEN® moist tobacco and RED SEAL® long cut by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company.

[0008] Representative types of snuff products, commonly referred to as "snus," which may comprise pasteurized or heat treated tobacco products, are manufactured in Europe, particularly in Sweden, by or through companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0009] Tobakskompagni A / S and Rocker Production AB. Snus products available in the U.S.A, have been marketed under the trade names such as CAMEL® Snus Frost, CAMEL® Snus Original and CAMEL® Snus Spice by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Snus products, such as CAMEL® Snus Original, are commonly supplied in small teabag-like pouches. The pouches are typically a nonwoven fleece material and contain about 0.4 to 1.5 grams of pasteurized tobacco. These products typically remain in a user's mouth for about 10-30 minutes. Unlike certain other smokeless tobacco products, snus products typically do not require expectoration by the user. Other pouch types of smokeless tobacco products include those marketed as COPENHAGEN® Pouches, SKOAL® Bandits, SKOAL® Pouches, REVEL™ Mint Tobacco Packs by U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company; and MARLBORO® Snus by Philip Morris USA.

[0010] Various types of containers for dispensing moistened solid components, particularly components intended for human consumption, are known in the art. Such containers are often characterized by a hand-held size that can be easily stored and transported. For example, snus products have been packaged in tins, "pucks" or "pots" that are manufactured from metal or plastic. See, for example, those types of containers generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,098,421 to Foster; 4,190,170 to Boyd and 8,440,023 to Carroll et al.; and U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2010 / 0065076 to Bergstrom et al.; 2010 / 0065077 to Lofgreen-Ohm et al.; 2012 / 0024301 to Carroll et al. and 2012 / 0193265 to Patel et al.; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Yet other types of containers for smokeless types of tobacco products are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 8,458,996 to Bried et al.; D574,709 to Crotts et al. and D649,284 to Patel et al.; U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2008 / 0202956 to Welk et al., 2010 / 0012534 to Hoffman, 2010 / 0018883 to Patel et al., and 2014 / 0197054 to Pipes et al.; as well as the various types of containers referenced in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2013 / 0206153 to Beeson et al.; each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Further, U.S. Patent No. 8,567,597 to Gibson et al. discloses a compartment container for snus and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0011] A desirable feature for certain containers is the incorporation of child-resistant features that make it difficult for children to open or otherwise access the contents of the container, thereby reducing the risk of poisoning in children via the ingestion of potentially hazardous items. However, such features may increase the cost and complexity of the container and the manufacturing thereof. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] In various implementations, the present disclosure relates to child-resistant containers having a base or body portion and a cover or lid, where the cover, the body portion, or both include structure to make it difficult for a child to separate the cover and the body portion, thereby reducing the risk of children accessing the contents of the container. However, typical adults will have sufficient strength to separate the cover and body portion. In addition, the container may include a visual and / or tactical cue to assist an adult with opening.

[0014] The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0015] Example Implementation 1: A child resistant container comprising a body portion that defines an internal space accessible via an opening. The body portion comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, the sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a top edge defining the opening, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall defines an inclined ramp extending at least partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall. The container further comprises a retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the inner surface of the sidewall proximate the top edge defining the opening, a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion, the cover comprising a top wall and a cover outer sidewall extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the top wall, the cover outer sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a mating retention mechanism disposed in the cover outer sidewall or the cover top wall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and configured to removably engage the retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion, and a button assembly disposed in the cover outer sidewall and comprising a flexible / resilient wall portion and a wedge disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, wherein the wedge defines a gap between a distal (or inner) surface thereof and the outer surface of the body portion sidewall in an unflexed orientation and the wedge engages a top surface of the inclined ramp when the button is flexed / pressed, such that the wedge rides along a top surface of the inclined ramp when the cover is squeezed and rotated relative to the body portion so that the ramp provides an upward force to the cover via the interaction with the wedge to move the cover vertically with respect to the body portion and disengage the retention mechanism from the mating retention mechanism.

[0016] Example Implementation 2: The child resistant container of the preceding example implementation, wherein the inclined ramp extends about the entire perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0017] Example Implementation 3: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the inclined ramp comprises a sawtooth wave pattern.

[0018] Example Implementation 4: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the inclined ramp comprises a starting point and an end point and the starting point has a lower vertical orientation on the outer surface of the sidewall than the end point.

[0019] Example Implementation 5: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the wedge engages the top surface of the inclined ramp only proximate the starting point of the inclined ramp.

[0020] Example Implementation 6: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the button assembly comprises two buttons disposed in direct opposition, each button comprising a flexible / resilient wall portion and a wedge disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall.

[0021] Example Implementation 7: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the inclined ramp comprises a plurality of inclined ramps and each opposing wedge engages a top surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of inclined ramps at a vertical low point of the corresponding inclined ramp.

[0022] Example Implementation 8: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover is disengaged from the body portion by the application of a first / horizontal force applied to the cover via the button assembly and a second / vertical force applied to the cover via rotation of the cover relative to the body portion (i.e., a force vector is transferred from the engagement of the protuberance and inclined ledge).

[0023] Example Implementation 9: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the body portion sidewall comprises a lower (horizontal) region and an upper (horizontal) region separated by a ledge.

[0024] Example Implementation 10: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the outer surface of Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) the upper region is recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower region and the inclined ramp is disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the upper region.

[0025] Example Implementation 11: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the gap between the wedge(s) and the outer surface of the body portion sidewall is oriented between the distal / inner surface of the wedge(s) and the upper portion of the body portion sidewall in the unflexed orientation.

[0026] Example Implementation 12: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the outer surface of the cover outer sidewall is configured to sit substantially flush with the outer surface of the lower region of sidewall of the body portion when engaged.

[0027] Example Implementation 13: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, further comprising a lid disposed in the top wall of the cover, wherein the lid is removable. In some embodiments, the lid is hingedly coupled to the cover.

[0028] Example Implementation 14: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover further comprises a receptacle formed therein and accessible via removal of the lid.

[0029] Example Implementation 15: A child resistant container comprising a body portion that defines a first internal space accessible via an opening. The body portion comprises a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, the sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a top edge defining the opening, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall defines an inclined ramp extending at least partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall. The body also includes a first retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall proximate the top edge defining the opening. The container includes a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion, the cover comprising a top wall and a cover outer sidewall extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the top wall, the cover outer sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The cover includes a first mating retention mechanism disposed in the cover outer sidewall or the cover top wall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and configured to removably Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) engage the retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion. The cover further comprises a projection disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, wherein the projection defines a gap between a distal surface thereof and the outer surface of the body portion sidewall in a neutral or unflexed orientation and the projection engages a top surface of the inclined ramp when a portion of the cover outer sidewall corresponding to a location of the projection is flexed inwardly (i.e., squeezed), such that the projection rides along a top surface of the inclined ramp when the cover is squeezed and rotated relative to the body portion so that the ramp provides an upward force to the cover via the interaction with the projection to move the cover vertically with respect to the body portion and disengage the retention mechanism from the mating retention mechanism.

[0030] Example Implementation 16: The child resistant container of the preceding example implementation, further comprising any preceding example implementation 2-14, or any combination of any of the example implementations 2-14.

[0031] Example Implementation 17: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover further comprises a cover inner sidewall extending upwardly from and about the peripheral edge of the top wall, wherein a top surface of the cover top wall and an inner surface of the cover inner sidewall defines a second internal space.

[0032] Example Implementation 18: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover further comprises a second retention mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover inner sidewall; a first portion of a hinge mechanism disposed on or within the top surface of the top wall; and an opening mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and oriented opposite of the first portion of the hinge mechanism.

[0033] Example Implementation 19: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, further comprising a removable lid removably secured to the cover to enclose the second internal space.

[0034] Example Implementation 20: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the removable lid Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) comprises a top wall and a lid sidewall extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the lid top wall, the removable lid sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface and at least one second mating retention mechanism disposed on the outer surface of the lid sidewall configured to removably engage the second retention mechanism when the lid is engaged with the cover, a living hinge disposed within the removable lid top wall, and a second portion of the hinge mechanism disposed on and extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the removable lid top wall, the second portion of the hinge mechanism configured to engage with the first portion of the hinge mechanism, wherein the opening mechanism is configured open the removable lid relative to the cover.

[0035] Example Implementation 21: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the opening mechanism defines a second receptacle disposed within the top surface of the cover top wall and comprises a second projection extending inwardly from the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and within the second receptacle, wherein the second projection is configured to engage an outer edge of the removable lid top wall when the cover outer sidewall is flexed inwardly to release the removable lid from the cover.

[0036] Example Implementation 22: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the removable lid comprises a top wall and a lid sidewall extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the lid top wall, the lid sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the lid includes a locking mechanism disposed at a distal end of the inner surface of the lid sidewall, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to engage a mating locking mechanism disposed about at least a portion of a perimeter of the cover, wherein the mating locking mechanism defines at least one opening for releasing the locking mechanism.

[0037] Example Implementation 23: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the first internal space comprises a first volume and the second internal space comprises a second volume that is less than the first volume.

[0038] Example Implementation 24: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover engages the body portion via an interference fit or a snap fit. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0039] Example Implementation 25: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the sidewall of the body portion returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.

[0040] Example Implementation 26: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein an outer surface of the cover outer sidewall is configured to sit substantially flush with the outer surface of the sidewall of the body portion when engaged therewith.

[0041] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying figures, which are briefly described below. The present disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined or otherwise recited in a specific example implementation described herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosure, in any of its aspects and example implementations, should be viewed as combinable, unless the context of the disclosure clearly dictates otherwise.

[0042] It will therefore be appreciated that this Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example implementations to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above described example implementations are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way. Other example implementations, aspects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of some described example implementations.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0044] Having thus described aspects of the disclosure in the foregoing general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a child-resistant container for holding a tobacco-containing material according to some example implementations of the present disclosure; Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0046] FIGS. 2A - 2D are a series of schematic, partially exploded perspective views of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 taken at line A- A in FIG. 1 and partially exploded according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIGS. 4A and 4B are enlarged schematic cross-sectional exploded views of portions of the childresistant container of FIG. 3 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 5A is a schematic bottom perspective view of a body portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 5B is a schematic bottom perspective view of a cover for the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional side views of a portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 taken at line A-A in FIG. 1 illustrating the operation of the child resistant container according to some example implementations;

[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 illustrating the operation of the child resistant container according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic side views of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 illustrating the operation of the child resistant container according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative child-resistant container for holding a tobaccocontaining material according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIG. 12 is a schematic front view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 taken at line B-

[0059] B in FIG. 10 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure; Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0060] FIG. 14 is an alternative schematic cross-sectional view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 13 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 taken at line C- C in FIG. 10 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 16 is a schematic top perspective view of a body portion for use with the container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG. 17 is a schematic top view of the body portion of FIG. 16 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG. 18 is a schematic top perspective view of a cover for use with the body portion of FIG. 16 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of the cover of FIG. 18 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIG. 20 is a schematic bottom view of the cover of FIG. 18 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIG. 21 is a schematic top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cover of FIG. 18 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 taken at line B-B in FIG. 10 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 taken at line C-C in FIG. 10 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative cover and lid arrangement for use with the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 taken at line B-B in FIG. 10 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIG. 25 is a schematic top perspective view of a lid for use with the container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 26 is a schematic bottom view of the lid of FIG. 25 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure; Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0073] FIG. 27 is a schematic side view of the lid of FIG. 25 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 28 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 25 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIG. 29 is a schematic rearview of the lid of FIG. 25 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIGS. 30A and 30B are enlarged, perspective cross-sectional views of a locking mechanism for a secondary compartment of the container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIG. 31 is a schematic top perspective view of an alternative cover for use with the body portion of FIG. 16 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG. 32 is a schematic top view of the cover of FIG. 31 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG. 33 is a schematic top perspective view of the container of FIG. 31 with the lid removed according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIG. 34 is a schematic bottom perspective view of a lid for use with the container of FIG. 31 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure; and

[0081] FIGS. 35A and 35B are enlarged, perspective cross-sectional views of a locking mechanism for a secondary compartment of the container of FIG. 31 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure.

[0082] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] Some implementations of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all implementations of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various implementations of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein; rather, these example implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0084] Unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature else may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships, or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like.

[0085] As used herein, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, the “of’ of a set of operands is the “inclusive or” and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the “exclusive or” which is false when all the operands are true. Thus, for example, “[A] or [B]” is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more,” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Additionally, where multiples of the same components are described, the multiples may be referred to individually (e.g., ##a, ##b, ##c, etc.) or collectively (##).

[0086] Example implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to containers used to store various solid products, but are particularly well -suited for products designed for oral consumption. Exemplary consumable products that are often packaged in such containers include a wide variety of consumer products, including tobacco products of the type that have a smokeless form. Various forms of suitable smokeless tobacco products are those types of products set forth and described generally in U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2012 / 0193265 to Patel et al. and 2013 / 0206153 to Beeson et al.; which are incorporated by reference herein. Of particular interest, are exemplary tobacco products that include tobacco formulations in a loose form, such as moist snuff products. Other exemplary types of smokeless tobacco products include the types of products set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 2012 / 0024301 to Carroll et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. Exemplary loose form tobacco used with the containers of the present disclosure may include tobacco formulations associated with, for example, commercially available GRIZZLY® moist tobacco products and KODIAK® moist tobacco products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC. Exemplary snus forms of tobacco products are commercially available as CAMEL® Snus by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0087] The shape of the outer surface of the containers of the disclosure can vary. Although the container embodiments illustrated in the drawings have certain contours and shapes, containers with other exterior and interior surface designs also can be suitably adapted and used. For example, the sides or edges of the containers of the disclosure can be flattened, rounded, or beveled, and the various surfaces or edges of the container exterior can be concave or convex. Further, the opposing sides, ends, or edges of the container can be parallel or non-parallel such that the container becomes narrower in one or more dimensions. See, for example, the types of containers, components, component arrangements and configurations, and constructions thereof set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,458,996 to Bried et al., 8,910,781 to Pipes et al., and D649,284 to Patel et al.; U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2010 / 0018883 to Patel et al; as well as the various types of containers referenced in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2013 / 0206153 to Beeson et al.; each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0088] The shapes and sizes of the containers described herein can vary without departing from the disclosure. In some embodiments, the containers can be described as having a cylindrical shape suitable for handheld manipulation and operation; however, other multi-sided shapes (e.g., hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) are contemplated and considered within the scope of the disclosure. Exemplary dimensions for such handheld generally cylindrical embodiments include diameters in the range of about 50 mm to about 100 mm, and more typically about 60 mm to about 80 mm. Exemplary wall thicknesses include the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, and more typically about 0.8 mm to about 1.4 mm. Exemplary depths for handheld container embodiments of the present disclosure range from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, more typically about 8 mm to about 30 mm, and most often about 15 mm to about 25 mm. An exemplary general outward appearance of the container is comparable in many regards to that which has been used for commercially available GRIZZLY® and KODIAK® products that are marketed by American Snuff Company, LLC.

[0089] Further, the size of the containers described herein may be changed. For example, the containers may be sized for promotional purposes by providing either increased or decreased dimensions. For example, the dimensions of the containers may be scaled upwardly or downwardly by certain multipliers. By way of further example, the dimensions of the container may be scaled upwardly or downwardly by a multiple of about 1 to about 10 times. In this regard, whereas a container according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to store about 1.2 ounces of a tobacco-containing material, an oversized container may be configured to store, for example, 2.4 ounces or 7.2 ounces of the tobacco containing material. In specialty Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) markets the containers may define a larger cylindrical configuration having a diameter from about 100 mm to about 125 mm (e.g., about 114 mm) and a depth from about 30 mm to about 50 mm (e.g., about 38 mm). Accordingly, the dimensions and capacities disclosed herein are provided for example purposes only and may be modified to suit particular applications.

[0090] FIGS. 1, 2A-2D, 3, 4A, and 4B depict a first example implementation of a child resistant container 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Generally, the container 100 includes a base or body portion 102 that may be configured to hold a consumer product and a lid and / or cover 104 configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion 102, each of which is described in greater detail below. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 104 and body portion 102 may abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces may be flush with one another, making it difficult to separate the two parts. In some implementations, the cover 104 is secured to the body portion 102 via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the two parts. The engagement of the cover 104 and body portion 102 are shown in greater detail and described with respect to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A, and 6B below.

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the body portion 102 includes abottom wall 108 and a sidewall 110 extending upwardly from, and about, a peripheral edge 106 of the bottom wall 108. The sidewall 110 has a top edge or upper rim 112 that in turn defines an opening through which the contents of the container 100 may be accessed. The bottom wall 108 and sidewall 110 define an internal space 140 that may be accessible via the opening when the cover 104 is removed therefrom. The internal space 140 of the body portion 102 may be configured to receive, for example, a fresh product, such as chewing tobacco, snus, or oral products or any of the other products / materials disclosed herein.

[0092] The sidewall 110 extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion 102 and has an inner surface and an outer surface. In some embodiments, the sidewall has an upper region and a lower region that may be separated horizontally by a ledge 138. In the embodiment shown, the outer surface of the upper region is recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower region of the sidewall. In some embodiments, this arrangement may be included to accommodate, for example, the various mechanisms described below for securing the cover 104 to the body portion 102. While the sidewall 110 introduced herein is initially described as having a single, contiguous circular wall, the sidewall 110 may comprise multiple wall portions or linear Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container 100 had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) and may include inner and outer sidewalls as described below.

[0093] Generally, the sidewall 110 of the body portion 102 includes a retention mechanism 134a disposed about a perimeter (or circumference depending on the shape of the body portion) of the inner surface of the upper region of the sidewall proximate a top edge thereof (e.g., top edge 112 defining the opening). The retention mechanism 134a may have a convex or V-shape that extends along the entire perimeter / circumference of the body portion 102 or may comprise a series of retention mechanisms spaced about the body portion sidewall. For example, the retention mechanism 134a may be a continuous V or U- shaped projection running 360 degrees about the body portion or may include a plurality of separate projections 134a spaced equidistant about the top edge 112 of the body portion 102 or located at only certain locations along the body portion. The retention mechanism 134a is configured to engage a mating retention mechanism in the cover 104 as described below. The specific configuration and number of retention mechanisms 134a may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., the size, shape, and structure of the container). In some embodiments, the retention mechanism(s) 134a are defined by an undercut in an outer surface of the sidewall that can be modified (e.g., change in depth or shape) to tune the amount of force required to remove the cover from the body portion. The specific vertical location of the mechanism 134a can be varied to tune the amount of travel required for the cover to disengage the body portion. In some embodiments, the foregoing may also or alternatively apply to a mating retention mechanism 134b in the cover 104. Additionally, the retention mechanisms may also be sized and shaped to accommodate a separate seal or gasket.

[0094] In some embodiments, the sidewall 110 includes a removal mechanism 136a disposed about a perimeter (or circumference depending on the shape of the body portion) of the sidewall. The removal mechanism 136a may be disposed on the exterior of the upper region of the sidewall, vertically above the ledge 138. Generally, the removal mechanism 136a defines a vertically inclined ramp extending at least partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall 110. The ramp is configured to engage a mating removal mechanism in the cover 104 as described below. In some embodiments, the ramp of the removal mechanism 136a extends about the entire perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall and comprises a sawtooth wave pattern. The removal mechanism 136a may include a plurality inclined ramps, for example, four equally spaced about the body portion 102. The inclined ramp(s) typically include a first or starting point Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) and a second or end point, with the starting point having a lower vertical orientation on the outer surface of the sidewall. The inclined ramp(s) 136a provide an upward force to the cover 104 to move the cover vertically with respect to the body portion 102 and disengage the retention mechanism as described below. Further, the inclined ramp(s) may be oriented at various angles over a portion of or the entire circumference of the container to suit a particular application. In some embodiments, the angle is about 6 degrees for a ! turn to unlock the cover (about a 3 mm vertical lift), or about 1.5 degrees for a full rotation to obtain substantially the same amount of vertical lift. In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees to require only a short rotation of the cover (about a 1 / 16 turn) for a vertical lift of about 3mm up to 5 mm and may vary depending on, for example, the size of the container or desired force for removal.

[0095] As depicted in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the body portion sidewall 110 comprises an inner sidewall 110a and an outer sidewall 110b, each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and defining a channel 128 therebetween (see also FIG. 5 A). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer sidewall 110b is coupled to the outer surface of the inner sidewall 110 via, for example, a lateral extension 170 that may extend continuously about the perimeter of the body portion or comprise a plurality of discrete extensions spaced about the perimeter of the body portion 102. In some embodiments, the lateral extension 170 defines the ledge 138 upon which the removal mechanism is disposed.

[0096] In the embodiment depicted, the top edge 112 defining the opening is the top edge of the inner sidewall 110a. As shown in the figures, the retention mechanism 134a is disposed about a perimeter of the inner surface of the inner sidewall 110a. In some embodiments, the outer sidewall 110b extends outwardly of the inner sidewall 110a via the ledge 138 / lateral extension 170 and is sized and shaped to sit flush with and abut a bottom edge of an outer surface of the cover outer sidewall when engaged with the body portion 102, thereby making the container harder to open (e.g., eliminating the use of a fingernail or tool to separate the cover 104 and body portion).

[0097] The material of construction of the body portion 102 may vary to suit a particular application. Exemplary materials include metal, synthetic plastic materials, and cellulosic materials (e.g., cardboard). Polymeric materials that can be extruded and / or molded into desired shapes are typically utilized, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyamide, and the like. In some implementations, the body portion may comprise a transparent or translucent material that allows a user to detect a level of freshness, or other Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) condition, of the product contained therein without the need for opening the container, which may negatively impact the freshness of the product depending on the frequency of opening. The body portion 102 may be manufactured via injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, extrusion, bonding, machining, or combinations thereof, as known to a person of skill in the art.

[0098] The cover 104 includes a top wall 116 and a sidewall 118 that extends downwardly, and about, a peripheral edge 120 of the top wall 116, the cover outer sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. In some implementations, the top wall 116 spans the entire area bounded by its peripheral edge 120, while in other configurations, the top wall 116 does not span the entire area and forms a frame for accepting an outer lid 117 secured thereto, in which case the cover 116 defines an internal space 150 or receptacle accessible via removal of the lid 117. See FIGS. 2A-2D and 3. In some embodiments, the lid 117 is removably coupled to the cover 104 or is coupled to the cover via a weak linkage insofar as the lid 117 would separate from the cover at a force less than that required to remove the cover from the body portion. The internal space 150 may be used to hold or store waste or spent materials. In some implementations, the cover 104 includes a recess 122 or similar structure that may, for example, assist a user in handling the container 100 and / or manipulating the cover 104. For example, the recess 122 may allow a user to pry open the outer lid 117 (e.g., by using a tool or fingernail) to access the internal space 150 between the top wall 116 and outer lid 117.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the shape of the top wall 116 includes a generally planar central portion 116a and a non-planar border portion 116b surrounding the central portion 116a. In some embodiments, the border portion 116b includes a series of bends that define portions of the retention mechanisms. A first bend in the border portion 116b (relative to a center point of the cover top wall 116) defines a mating retention mechanism 134b comprising a load bearing recess / ramp configured to engage the retention mechanism 134a on the body portion 104 (see FIG. 6A). In some embodiments, the recess is concave and comprises a shape configured to mate with (i.e., securely receive) the retention mechanism 134a. A transitional zone next to the mating retention mechanism 134b may include a thinned wall section that provides for a sliding movement between the retention mechanisms 134a, 134b allowing the mechanisms 134a, 134b to engage and disengage upon application of a sufficient force. Additionally, the retention and mating retention mechanisms 134a, 134b may include protuberances / ribs and / or a high friction coating to enhance the coupling therebetween. The mating retention mechanism 134b may be disposed along the entire perimeter of the top Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) wall 116a so as to engage the retention mechanism 134a at any rotational orientation of the cover 104. Alternatively, the mating retention mechanism 134b may be disposed along only portions of the perimeter of the top wall 116a. The top wall border portion 116b may include a second bend at the peripheral edge 120 thereof where the top wall transitions to the sidewall 118, which ends at a bottom or lower edge 142 thereof. The bottom edge 142 is configured to abut the body portion ledge 138 in a closed configuration.

[0100] The cover 104 further comprises a button assembly 124 disposed in the sidewall 118 thereof. In some embodiments, the button assembly 124 is configured to flex upon application of a force to the outer surface thereof, thereby disengaging the cover 104 from the body portion as described in greater detail below. As depicted in FIGS. 2C, 2D, 3, and 4B, and in some embodiments, the button assembly 124 comprises two buttons 124a, 124b disposed in direct opposition (e.g., on opposite sides of, or spaced 180 degrees apart depending on shape of container) (see FIG. 7). As can be seen, the two buttons 124a, 124b are spaced about 180 degrees apart; however, the quantity and placement of the buttons may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., the size and shape of the container or the anatomy of a user’s hand). In some embodiments, the two buttons 124a, 124b are disposed about the body portion 102 so that a user may be able to open the container by squeezing the body portion with a single hand (e.g., between the thumb and a finger).

[0101] The button assembly 124, sometimes also referred to as a flex feature, is a resilient portion of the cover outer sidewall 118 that can be flexed inwardly to assist in separating the cover 104 and body portion 102, but provides sufficient resistance to the cover 104 and body portion 102 being separated by a child, along with the engagement of the retention mechanisms. The button assembly 124 will return to its unflexed configuration when the force thereon is removed. As depicted, each button 124a, 124b includes a mating portion of the removal mechanism in the form of a wedge 136b disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall 118 (see FIG. 5B). In some embodiments, the cover outer sidewall 118 may include grooves or similar structures to assist with flexing the button assembly 124. In a closed configuration with the buttons 124a, 124b unflexed, the distal or inner surfaces of the wedges 136b define a gap with the body portion sidewall 110a, specifically the removal mechanism 136a, while when the buttons 124a, 124b are flexed inwardly, the wedges 136b engage the removal mechanisms 136a as described below.

[0102] In some embodiments, the cover 104 may be made of the same materials and by the same processes as the body portion 102. In some embodiments, the cover 104 may be formed from a metallic material, such Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) as, for example, aluminum or tinplate. In implementations incorporating the outer lid 117, it may be manufactured separately from and of a different material than the remainder of the cover 104 to, for example, provide labeling or other indicia or to serve an aesthetic purpose.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7, 8A, and 8B, the engagement between the body portion 102 and cover 104 are clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion 102 includes a bottom wall 108 and a sidewall 110 extending upwardly therefrom, and the cover 104 includes a top wall 116 and a sidewall 118 extending downwardly therefrom and defining a button assembly 124. An upper region of the inner sidewall 110b is configured to engage with at least a portion of the cover top wall 116 (116b). As shown, the bottom edge 142 of the cover outer sidewall 118 may abut against a top edge of the ledge 138 in the body portion outer sidewall 110b and, in some embodiments, the outer surface of the cover 104 sits flush with or slightly inward or outward of the outer surface of the lower region of the outer sidewall 110b to make it difficult to engage with and remove the cover 104 from the body portion 102. See FIG. 6 A.

[0104] FIGS. 6A and 6B are enlaiged cross-sectional views that illustrate the engagement of the cover 104 with the body portion 102 and how the button assemblies 124 (or “flex feature”) assist with removing the cover 104, as described in greater detail below. Generally, the cross-sections are taken vertically through the center of one of the button assemblies 124. As shown, the cover 104 and body portion 102 abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the two parts (see also FIGS. 1 and 2B). When the buttons 124a, 124b are flexed inwardly (i.e., the application of a first force Fl to the buttons 124a, 124b in a horizontal or inward direction to squeeze the buttons together) as shown in FIG. 7, and rotated, a force F2 is transferred to the cover 104 to disengage the retention mechanism 134a from the mating retention mechanism 134b, thereby releasing the cover 104 from the body portion 102. Typically, F2 is sufficient to overcome the holding force of the retention mechanisms (e.g., strength of the snap and / or interference fit) to separate the cover 104 from the body portion 102.

[0105] Specifically, to remove the cover 104, a user applies a force to the buttons 124a, 124b (i.e., depresses the cover outer sidewall 118). Upon application of the force Fl to the buttons 124a, 124b, while the cover 104 is in the proper rotational orientation, the wedges 136b are moved inwardly towards the cover outer sidewall 110a so that a bottom surface of each wedge 136b will engage a top surface of one of the inclined ramps 136a. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0106] The cover 104 has a required rotational orientation relative to the body portion 102 to be able to remove the cover insofar as the wedges 136b can only engage the top surfaces of the inclined ramps 136a proximate the first or starting points of the inclined ramps. If not properly aligned, the wedges 136b will be pressed against the outer side walls of the ramps 136a and will fail to engage the top surfaces thereof. Additionally, FIG. 8 A depicts one of the wedges 136b relative to the starting point of one of the ramps 136a such that the wedge 136b will engage the top surface of the ramp 136a when the buttons 124a, 124b are depressed.

[0107] After the wedges 136b are properly engaged with the ramps 136a, and while continuing to depress the buttons, the user twists the cover 104 such that the wedges 136b ride along the ramps 136a as the cover 104 is rotated relative to the body portion 102, thereby moving the cover upward relative to the body portion (see FIG. 8B). The ramps 136a provide an upward force to the cover via the interaction with the wedges 136b that is sufficient to disengage the retention mechanisms 134a, 134b (see FIG. 6B). Specifically, the rotational force F2 is translated to a vertical force vector F2v applied to the cover via rotation of the cover, where the inclined ramps 136b provide a force multiplier to overcome the hold of the retention mechanisms 134a, 134b. In some embodiments, for example, where the container 100 has a 70 mm diameter and removal of the cover 104 requires 3 mm of vertical lift over a ! turn, the ramp may be about 1.44 mm deep. As can be seen in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cover can only be rotated in one direction (i.e., clockwise or counter-clockwise) to effectuate removal of the cover 104. If the cover is rotated in the opposite direction while depressing the buttons 124a, 124b, the cover will not move as the wedges 136b will butt up against the end points (e.g., vertical walls) of the ramps 136a. In some embodiments, partially raising the cover may also provide access to the bottom edge 142 of the cover outer sidewall 118, so that a user can apply an additional force to the cover 104 (e.g., via the use of a tool or fingernail) sufficient to overcome any remaining resistance to separating the cover 104 from the body portion 102.

[0108] Once the cover 104 has been released from the body portion, the user can release (i.e., remove the applied force) the button assemblies 124 and the body portion 102 returns to its neutral / normal or unflexed configuration. The cover 104 can be reattached to the body portion 102 by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the retention mechanisms 134a, 134b, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above and / or due to an audible or haptic feedback. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0109] FIGS. 9-12 depict an alternative child-resistant container 200 for holding a tobacco-containing material. The container 200 is similar to the container 100 described above insofar as it includes a base or body portion 202 that may be configured to hold a consumer product and a cover 204 configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the body portion 202, and a lid 217 configured to be securely, but removably, coupled to the cover 204. In some embodiments, the body portion 202, cover 204, and lid 217 of the container 200 may be made of the same materials and by the same processes as the container 100 described above. In some implementations, the cover 204 may be secured to the body portion 202 via a snap or interference fit and the lid 217 may also be secured to the cover 204 via a snap or interference fit, which provides additional resistance to separating the parts. The engagement of the lid 217, the cover 204, and the body portion 202 are shown in greater detail and described with respect to FIGS. 13-15, 22-24, and 30-35.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 9-12 and 16-17, the body portion 202 includes a bottom wall 208 and a sidewall 210 extending upwardly from, and about, a peripheral edge 206 of the bottom wall 208. The sidewall 210 has a top edge or upper rim 212 that in turn defines an opening through which the contents of the container 200 may be accessed. The bottom wall 208 and sidewall 210 define an internal space 240 that may be accessible via the opening when the cover 204 is removed therefrom. The internal space 240 of the body portion 202 may be configured to receive, for example, a fresh product, such as chewing tobacco, snus, or oral products or any of the other products / materials disclosed herein.

[0111] Similar to the sidewall 110 described above, the sidewall 210 of body portion 202 extends around the entire perimeter of the body portion 202 and has an inner surface and an outer surface. In some embodiments, the sidewall has an upper region 210a and a lower region 210b that may be separated horizontally by a ledge 238. In the embodiment shown, the outer surface of the upper region is recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower region of the sidewall 210. In some embodiments, this arrangement may be included to accommodate, for example, the various mechanisms described below for securing the cover 204 to the body portion 202. While the sidewall 210 introduced herein is initially described as having a single, contiguous circular wall, the sidewall 210 may comprise multiple wall portions or linear segments as would be necessary, for example, if the container 200 had a non-cylindrical shape (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.) and may include inner and outer sidewalls. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0112] Generally, the sidewall 210 of the body portion 202 includes a retention mechanism 234a disposed about a perimeter (or circumference depending on the shape of the body portion) of the inner surface of the upper region of the sidewall at or proximate a top edge thereof (e.g., top edge 212 defining the opening). The retention mechanism 234a may have a convex or V-shape that extends along the entire perimeter / circumference of the body portion 202 or may comprise a series of retention mechanisms spaced about the body portion sidewall. For example, the retention mechanism 234a may be a continuous V or U- shaped projection running 360 degrees about the body portion or may include a plurality of separate projections 234a spaced equidistant about the top edge 212 of the body portion 202 or located at only certain locations along the body portion. The retention mechanism 234a is configured to engage a mating retention mechanism in the cover 204 as described below. The specific configuration and number of retention mechanisms 234a may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., the size, shape, and structure of the container). In some embodiments, the retention mechanism(s) 234a are defined by an undercut in an outer surface of the sidewall that can be modified (e.g., change in depth or shape) to tune the amount of force required to remove the cover from the body portion. The specific vertical location of the mechanism 234a can be varied to tune the amount of travel required for the cover to disengage the body portion. In some embodiments, the foregoing may also or alternatively apply to a mating retention mechanism 234b in the cover 204. Additionally, the retention mechanisms may also be sized and shaped to accommodate a separate seal or gasket. The containers 100, 200 described herein may be configured to improve shelf life, preserve freshness, and / or maintain or enhance flavor stability of the products contained therein; for example, via component materials and / or component interfaces.

[0113] In some embodiments, the sidewall 210 includes a removal mechanism 236a disposed about a perimeter (or circumference depending on the shape of the body portion) of the sidewall. The removal mechanism 236a may be disposed on the exterior of the upper region of the sidewall, vertically above the ledge 238. Generally, the removal mechanism 236a defines a vertically inclined ramp extending at least partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall 210. The ramp is configured to engage a mating removal mechanism in the cover 204 as described below. In some embodiments, the ramp of the removal mechanism 236a extends about the entire perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall and comprises a sawtooth wave pattern. The removal mechanism 236a may include a plurality inclined ramps, for example, Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) four equally spaced about the body portion 202. The inclined ramp(s) typically include a first or starting point and a second or end point, with the starting point having a lower vertical orientation on the outer surface of the sidewall. The inclined ramp(s) 236a provide an upward force to the cover 204 to move the cover vertically with respect to the body portion 202 and disengage the retention mechanism as described below. Further, the inclined ramp(s) may be oriented at various angles over a portion of or the entire circumference of the container to suit a particular application. In some embodiments, the angle is about 6 degrees for a ! turn to unlock the cover (about a 3 mm vertical lift), or about 1.5 degrees for a full rotation to obtain substantially the same amount of vertical lift. In some embodiments, the angle may be about 20 degrees to require only a short rotation of the cover (about a 1 / 16 turn) for a vertical lift of about 3 mm up to 5 mm and may vary depending on, for example, the size of the container or desired force for removal. Unlike container 100, the body portion sidewall 210 is a single wall shaped as necessary to provide the retention and removal mechanisms. See FIGS. 13-15.

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 18-24, the cover 204, 204’ includes a top wall 216, 216’ and a sidewall 218, 218’ that extends downwardly, and about, a peripheral edge of the top wall 216, 216 ’ the cover outer sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. In some embodiments, the top wall 216, 216’ spans the entire area bounded by its peripheral edge while in other configurations, the top wall 216, 216’ does not span the entire area and forms a frame for accepting an outer lid 217, 217’ secured thereto, in which case the cover 216, 216’ defines an internal space 250, 250’ or receptacle accessible via removal of the lid 217, 217’. See FIGS. 22-24. In some embodiments, the top wall 216, 216’ includes a generally planar central portion and a non-planar border portion 216b surrounding the central portion that corresponds to the peripheral edge of the cover 204, 204’ . Generally, the border portion is similar to the border portion of the cover 116b described above insofar as it includes a series of bends that define portions of the retention mechanisms and / or opening mechanisms (see also FIGS. 3 and 4B).

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4B, 13-15, and 20, the shape of the top wall 216 includes a generally planar central portion 216a and a non-planar border portion 216b surrounding the central portion 216a. In some embodiments, the border portion 216b includes a series of bends that define portions of the retention mechanisms. A first bend in the border portion 216b (relative to a center point of the cover top wall 216) defines a mating retention mechanism 234b comprising a load bearing recess / ramp configured to engage the Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) retention mechanism 234a on the body portion 204 (see FIGS. 13-15). In some embodiments, the recess is concave and comprises a shape configured to mate with (i.e., securely receive) the retention mechanism 234a. A transitional zone next to the mating retention mechanism 234b may include a thinned wall section that provides for a sliding movement between the retention mechanisms 234a, 234b allowing the mechanisms 234a, 234b to engage and disengage upon application of a sufficient force. Additionally, the retention and mating retention mechanisms 234a, 234b may include protuberances / ribs and / or a high friction coating to enhance the coupling therebetween. The mating retention mechanism 234b may be disposed along the entire perimeter of the top wall 216a so as to engage the retention mechanism 234a at any rotational orientation of the cover 204. Alternatively, the mating retention mechanism 234b may be disposed along only portions of the perimeter of the top wall 216a as shown in FIG. 20. The top wall border portion 216b may include a second bend at the peripheral edge 220 thereof where the top wall transitions to the sidewall 218, which ends at a bottom or lower edge 242 thereof. The bottom edge 242 is configured to abut the body portion ledge 238 in a closed configuration (see FIGS. 13-15).

[0116] The cover 204 further comprises a flex zone or button 224 disposed in the sidewall 218 thereof. In some embodiments, the flex zone 224 is configured to flex upon application of a force to the outer surface thereof, thereby disengaging the cover 204 from the body portion as described in greater detail below. As depicted in FIGS. 20 and 15, and in some embodiments, the flex zone 224 comprises two zones 224a, 224b disposed in direct opposition (e.g., on opposite sides of, or spaced 180 degrees apart depending on shape of container) (see FIG. 10). As can be seen, the two zones 224a, 224b are spaced about 180 degrees apart; however, the quantity and placement of the buttons may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., the size and shape of the container or the anatomy of a user’s hand). In some embodiments, the two zones 224a, 224b are disposed about the cover 204 so that a user may be able to open the container by squeezing the body portion with a single hand (e.g., between the thumb and a finger). In some embodiments, the flex zone(s) may comprise a resilient portion of the cover outer sidewall 218 that can be flexed inwardly to assist in separating the cover 204 and body portion 202, but provides sufficient resistance to the cover 204 and body portion 202 being separated by a child, along with the engagement of the retention mechanisms. The flex zone 224 will return to its unflexed configuration when the force thereon is removed. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 20, the flex zone(s) correspond to a mating portion of the removal mechanism 236b. As shown, the mating removal mechanism 236b may comprise a series of parallel ribs. The ribs are vertically offset from one another and are oriented so as to mate with the ramps of the removal mechanism 236a so as to ride along the ramp to when engaged and the cover 204 is rotated relative to the base in a counterclockwise direction, thereby applying an upward force to the cover sufficient to overcome the engagement of the first retention mechanism (collectively 234). When the zones are unflexed (i.e., the mating portion of the removal mechanism 236b is not engaged with the removal mechanism 236a), distal or inner surfaces of the ribs define a gap with the body portion sidewall 210a, specifically the removal mechanism 236a, so that the cover 204 is free to rotate about the body portion 202 in any direction without disengaging therefrom.

[0118] Removal of the cover 204 from the body portion 202 are described above with respect to FIGS 6A and 6B (see also FIG. 15), which are cross-sectional views depicting operation of the removal mechanism (collectively 236). Generally, the cross-sections are taken vertically through the center of one of the flex zones 224 (i.e., button assemblies 124). As shown, the cover 104, 204 and body portion 102, 202 abut one another when engaged and their respective outer surfaces are substantially flush with one another, which makes it difficult to separate the two parts. When the flex zones are flexed inwardly (i.e., the application of a first force Fl to the zones / buttons 124a, 224a, 124b, 224b in a horizontal or inward direction to squeeze the buttons together) as shown in FIG. 7, and rotated, a force F2 is transferred to the cover 104, 204 to disengage the retention mechanism 134a, 234a from the mating retention mechanism 134b, 234b, thereby releasing the cover 104, 204 from the body portion 102, 202. Typically, F2 is sufficient to overcome the holding force of the retention mechanisms (e.g., strength of the snap and / or interference fit) to separate the cover from the body portion.

[0119] Specifically, to remove the cover, a user applies a force to the zone(s) 224 corresponding to the location of the ribs (i.e., 236b) (i.e., depresses the cover outer sidewall 218). Upon application of the force to the zones 224, while the cover is in the proper rotational orientation, the ribs 236b are moved inwardly towards the body sidewall 210a so that a bottom edge of each rib engages a top surface of one of the inclined ramps as described in greater detail above. After the ribs are properly engaged with the ramps, and while continuing to depress the zones, the user twists the cover 204 such that the ribs ride along the ramps as the cover is rotated Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) relative to the body portion 202, thereby moving the cover upward relative to the body portion (see FIG. 8B). The ramps provide an upward force to the cover via the interaction with the ribs that is sulficient to disengage the retention mechanisms 234. Specifically, the rotational force F2 is translated to a vertical force vector F2Vapplied to the cover via rotation of the cover, where the inclined ramps provide a force multiplier to overcome the hold of the retention mechanisms 234. The specific number, size, and orientation of the ribs and ramps may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., size and shape of the container). If the cover 204 is rotated in the opposite direction while depressing the zones 224, the cover will not move as the ribs will butt up against the end points (e.g., vertical walls) of the ramps. In some embodiments, partially raising the cover may also provide access to the bottom edge 242 of the cover outer sidewall 218, so that a user can apply an additional force to the cover 204 (e.g., via the use of a tool or fingernail) sufficient to overcome any remaining resistance to separating the cover 204 from the body portion 202. The cover 204 can be reattached to the body portion 202 by pushing the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the retention mechanisms 234, which should be evident once the cover and body portion are back in an abutting configuration as described above and / or due to an audible or haptic feedback.

[0120] Referring back to FIGS. 18-19 and 21, the top side of the cover 204 is described. As shown, the cover 204, 204’ also includes an inner sidewall 264, 264’ that extends upwardly from the top surface of the cover top wall 216, 216’ and therewith defines an internal space or receptacle 250, 250’ accessible via removal of the lid 217, 217’. See FIGS. 22-24. The internal space 250, 250’ may be used to hold or store waste or spent materials. In some implementations, the cover 204, 204’ includes a recess 222, 222’ disposed about a top edge of the cover outer sidewall 218 that is configured to receive the lid 217, 217’ within the cover 204, 204 or internal space 250, 250’ so that the lid is flush with the top surface of the cover (see FIG. 24). As shown in FIGS. 18 and 21, the cover 204, 204’ includes a second mating retention mechanism 237a, 237a’ disposed on the inner surface of the inner sidewall 264, 264’ of the cover. In some embodiments, the second retention mechanism 237a, 237a’ comprises a series of shallow projections equally spaced about the perimeter of the cover inner sidewall 264, 264’. The second retention mechanism 237a is configured to provide additional resistance to removing the lid 217, 217’ from the cover 204, 204’ as described below.

[0121] The cover 204, 204’, specifically a portion of the top wall border portion 216b, 216b’, defines an opening or slot 268, 268’ therethrough that exposes a portion of the cover outer sidewall 218, 218’ where a Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) projection 266, 266’ extends inwardly and is visible in the opening 268, 268’. The slot or opening 268, 268’ may enable the inward flexing of the cover outer sidewall 218, 218’ at the corresponding flex zone 225, 225’. In some embodiments, the sidewall 218, 218’ thickness, along with the size and shape of the slot 268, 268’, may be varied to tune the amount of force required to flex the wall. The projection 266 is configured to engage with a portion of the lid 217, 217’ when the sidewall 218, 218’ is flexed inwardly at flex zone 225 and described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the underside of the opening 268 is enclosed (see pocket 268a in FIG. 20) to prevent leakage into the internal space 140 where the fresh product is contained.

[0122] The cover 204, 204’ further includes a first portion of a hinge mechanism 282, 282’ configured to engage with a mating second portion of the hinge mechanism disposed on the lid 217, 217’ and described in greater detail below. Generally, the hinge mechanism 282, 282’ comprises a framework disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the cover inner side wall 264, 264’ and coupled thereto for support. The framework defines an opening 288, 288’ sized and shaped to receive a projection 284, 284’ disposed on the bottom surface of the lid 217, 217’. The hinge mechanism 282 disposed in the cover 204 depicted in FIGS. 18 and 19 includes a locking pin 286 disposed proximate the opening 288 for engaging the projection 284. The hinge mechanism 282’ disposed in the alternative cover 204’ depicted in FIG. 21 does not include any locking pin and relies on the shape and size of the opening to receive / retain the projection 284’ therein, for example, via sliding engagement or a snap-fit. As shown, the hinge mechanisms 282, 282’ are disposed opposite the opening 268, 268 to allow the lid to pivot upwardly once the lid is release by the projection 266, 266’

[0123] FIGS. 25-29 depicts the removable lid 217 disclosed above. As shown, the lid 217 has a planar body with a circular shape, although the shape of the lid with vary to suit a particular application (e.g., shape of the container). The lid includes a top surface 217a and a bottom surface 217b. As shown in FIG. 25, the top surface 217a includes optional indicia 227 to indicate the location of a release mechanism and / or the direction to rotate the cover to remove the cover from the body portion. The alternative lid 217’ has a substantially identical configuration, except where noted.

[0124] FIGS. 26-29 depict a lid sidewall 256 extending downwardly from the bottom surface 217b of the lid. The cover outer sidewall 256 has a generally circular cross-sectional shape with a linear portion configured to accommodate a living hinge 280 and a second portion of the hinge mechanism 284. Generally, the lid sidewall 256 is sized and shape to securely fit within the internal space 250, 250’ and include a series of second mating Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) retention mechanisms 237b disposed about an outer surface of the lid sidewall 256 and configured to interface with the second mating retention mechanisms 237a, 237a’ disposed on the inner surface of the inner sidewall 264, 264’ of the cover. In some embodiments, the second retention mechanism 237b is a shallow projection extending about the entire perimeter of the lid sidewall 256, while the second mating retention mechanism 237a, 237a’ comprises a series of shallow projections equally spaced about the perimeter of the cover inner sidewall 264, 264’. The second retention mechanism (collectively 237) is configured to provide additional resistance to removing the lid 217 from the cover 204, 204’. The lid 217 also includes a chamfered border 217c configured to interface with the projection 266, 266’ for lifting the lid as described below.

[0125] The living hinge 280 is configured to allow a major portion of the lid 217 to pivot upwardly relative to a minor portion of the lid 217. As shown, the hinge 280 is configured as a notch disposed in the bottom surface 217b of the lid. The notch is sized and shaped (e.g., a V-shape) to tune the flexibility (and possibly range of motion) between the major and minor portions of the lid and to withstand repeated opening and closing of the major portion of the lid while the minor portion remains coupled to the cover 204, 204’.

[0126] Disposed proximate the hinge 280 is a projection 284 that forms the second portion of the hinge mechanism. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the projection 284 has an essentially planar rectangular shape that extends downwardly to about the same depth as the lid sidewall. The width and thickness of the projection 284 may vary to suit a particular application and is sized and shaped to fit within the opening 288 disclosed above. In some embodiments, the projection 284 includes an opening 284a configured to receive the locking pin 286 disclosed above. In some embodiments, for example, with the alternative lid 217’, the projection 284 is configured to engage the opening 288 via, for example, a snap-fit or an interference fit to assist with securing the lid 217’ to the cover 204’.

[0127] FIGS. 30A, and 30B, along with FIGS. 13-15 and 22-24, further illustrate the installation and removal of the lid 217, 217’ from the cover 204, 204’ to access the second internal space 250. The lid 217, 217’ can be secured to the cover via a downward force (FD) to the lid to engage the retention mechanisms 237a, 237b and the first and second portions of the hinge mechanism 282, 282’ . As shown in FIG. 30B, a leading edge of the downward projection 284 engages a chamfered hook 286a disposed at the upper edge of the locking pin 286 so as to slightly deflect the projection 284, the pin 286, or both until the hook 286a fully engages the opening 284a in the projection 284 securing the lid 217 to the cover 204. As shown generally in FIG. 24, the projection Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0128] 284’ is disposed within the opening 288’ of the hinge mechanism 282’ adjacent to the pin 286’ and the cover inner sidewall 264’. In some embodiments, the projection 284’ is frictionally engaged with the hinge mechanism, for example, via the pin 286’, the cover inner sidewall 264, or both.

[0129] FIG. 30A depicts the opening of the lid 217 relative to the cover 204. As shown, a user applies a force (F2) to the flex zone 225 in the cover outer sidewall 218 causing the sidewall 218 to flex inwardly until the projection 266 disposed at a distal end of, and on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall 218 engages the chamfered edge 217c of the lid, thereby transferring the horizontal force vector (F2) to a vertical force vector (Fv) via the interaction of the angled chamfered edges / projections, thereby causing the lid to pivot upwardly. Sufficient force is required to lift the lid 217 to overcome the mating snap fit retention members 237a, 237b used to secure the lid to the cover. The lid 217 remains connected to the cover 204 via the hinge mechanism 802. The vertical force vector is typically sufficient to overcome the holding force of the retention mechanisms and any resistance provided by the hinge mechanism and may be tuned by varying the angles of the chamfered edge / proj ection. In some embodiments, the applied upward force may only lift the lid enough to expose the chamfered edge 217c of the lid, in which case a user can pry the lid up the remaining distance as needed via a tool or fingernail.

[0130] FIGS. 31, 32, 33, 34, 35A, and 35B depict an alternative cover 300 and lid 317 arrangement for use with any of the body portions described herein. As shown, the cover 304 also includes an inner sidewall 342 that extends upwardly from the top surface 316a of the cover top wall and therewith defines an internal space or receptacle 350 accessible via removal of the lid 317. Also shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 is a locking mechanism 358 configured to retain the lid 317 and prevent inadvertent removal thereof. The locking mechanism 358 extends about the perimeter (or proximate thereto) and defines a groove 358 configured to receive a mating locking mechanism disposed on the lid 317 as discussed in greater detail below. The locking mechanism 358 further defines two alignment slots 360 spaced 180 degrees apart in the perimeter of the locking mechanism. The alignment slots 360 are sized, shaped, and oriented to correspond to the mating locking mechanism of the lid 317.

[0131] FIG. 34 depicts the underside of the removable lid 317 disclosed above. As shown, the lid 317 has a top wall 317a and a sidewall 354 extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the lid top wall. The lid sidewall 354 has an inner surface and an outer surface and a mating locking mechanism 376 (e.g., a Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567) projection) disposed at a distal end of the inner surface of the lid sidewall and extending inwardly. As shown, the lid 317 includes two locking projections 376 disposed 180 degrees apart and each extending about or along a portion of the perimeter of the lid. The lid 317 further includes an inner wall 356 spaced inwardly from the sidewall 354 and defining a groove or receptacle 344 therebetween. In some embodiments, the groove 344 is configured to receive at least a portion of the cover 304 sidewalls or top wall boundary region. See FIG. 35 A. In some embodiments, a second retention mechanism 337b is disposed about an outer surface of the inner sidewall 356. As shown in FIG. 33, the cover 304 includes a second mating retention mechanism 337a disposed onthe inner surface of the inner sidewall 342 of the cover. In some embodiments, the second retention mechanism 337b is a shallow projection extending about the entire perimeter of the inner lid sidewall 356, while the second mating retention mechanism 337a comprises a series of shallow projections equally spaced about the perimeter of the cover inner sidewall 342. The second retention mechanism (collectively 337) is configured to provide additional resistance to removing the lid 317 from the cover 304, in particular preventing inadvertent removal of the lid 317 when the locking mechanisms are in an unlocked orientation.

[0132] FIGS. 33, 34, 35A, and 35B further illustrate the removal of the lid 317 from the cover 304 to access the second internal space 350. As disclosed above, the lid 317 includes two mating locking projections 376. The projections 376 are sized, shaped, and oriented to engage with the alignment slots 360 in the locking mechanism 358 on the cover 304. Once the projections 376 are aligned with the slots 360, a downward force on the lid 317 engages the second retention mechanism 337 and the lid 317 can be rotated so that the locking projections 376 are disposed within the groove 358a of the locking mechanism 358, thereby preventing the lid 317 from being removed from the cover 304. As shown in FIG. 35B, the locking projection 376 is disposed within the groove 358a such that if a user attempted to lift of or otherwise remove the lid from the cover, the locking projection 376 butts up against a wall of the locking mechanism 358.

[0133] In some embodiments, it is not necessary to align the projections 376 and slots 360 to attach the lid to the cover, as the locking projections 376 may be configured to allow the lid to be forced or snapped onto the cover. In some embodiments, the projection 376 may be shaped to provide more deflection thereof in response to an upward force such as that generated when pushing the lid onto the cover. Additionally, or alternatively, a chamfered leading edge on the underside of the projection 376 and a corresponding chamfered leading edge on the top of the locking mechanism 358 may facilitate pushing the lid onto the cover. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0134] To remove the lid 317, a user rotates the lid (arrow R in FIG. 35B) until the locking projections 376 are aligned with the slots 360 in the locking mechanism 358, and when aligned, the user applies an upward forced Fu (i.e., a pull) to the lid as shown in FIG. 35A. The upward force Fu needs to be sufficient to overcome the mating second retention mechanism 337. In some embodiments, the upward force is provided by a fingernail or tool prying the lid upwardly at a recess proximate the ledge 338. Once lifted, the lid can be completely separated from the cover. While two projections and slots are depicted spaced 180 degrees apart, the number and location / orientation of the projections and slots can be varied to suit a particular application (e.g., size and shape of the container and / or desired complexity). In some embodiments, the lid may include, for example, depressions disposed on the top surface of the lid to assist with rotating the lid. Additionally, or alternatively, the cover and / or lid may include indicia to assist a user with properly aligning the locking projections 376 with the slots 360.

[0135] The amount of force required to remove the cover may vary to suit a particular application and may depend on, for example, the wall thicknesses, materials of construction, and / or the size of retention mechanisms. The container 100 may be configured to meet any minimum force required to make the container child resistant, such as, for example, materials of construction and number of and location of certain structural features. Additionally, essentially any number of button assemblies 124 may be included and disposed about the perimeter of the body portion 102, for example, they may be spaced equidistant about the body portion to suit a particular application (e.g., size and shape of the container, a righthand vs. lefthand operation, etc.). Furthermore, the size, shape, and visibility of the buttons 124 may vary to suit a particular application. In addition, indicia and / or a tactile feature may be included on the button assembly, such as, for example, a series of shaped grooves or minimally raised structures that a user can see and / or feel when gripping the container. In some embodiments, arrow shaped groove may be formed in the cover to indicate the location of the button and the direction to twist to remove the cover 104. Additionally, or alternatively, the sidewall 110 of the body portion 102 may include a structure that provides an audible cue when engaged, for example, a force is applied.

[0136] In addition, in embodiments including both internal spaces 140, 150, the sizes (i.e., volumes) thereof may be substantially equal or the volume of the cover internal space 150 may be about 90%, about 80%, about 70%, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10% of the volume of the body portion internal space 140. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)

[0137] In various implementations of the containers described herein, the containers may include additional features, such as a barrier film or membrane configured to cover the opening in the body portion, thereby enclosing the internal space. By way of example, the barrier film may comprise a foil or a film (e.g., a polymer film) and / or may contain a material selected and configured to be substantially fluid-impervious so as to prevent the flow of fluids from the internal space to an external environment or allow the transmission of gasses therethrough (e.g., diffusion of oxygen into the internal space) to maintain the freshness of the tobaccocontaining material by supporting the health of aerobic microbes within the tobacco-containing material. Another feature that may be included is a vent mechanism disposed in the body portion, the cover, or both to help regulate an internal pressure or other environmental condition within the container. Many modifications and other implementations of the disclosure will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated figures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the specific implementations disclosed herein and that modifications and other implementations are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A child resistant container comprising: a body portion defining a first internal space accessible via an opening, the body portion comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, the sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a top edge defining the opening, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall defines an inclined ramp extending at least partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall; a first retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the inner surface of the sidewall proximate the top edge defining the opening; a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion, the cover comprising a top wall and a cover outer sidewall extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the top wall, the cover outer sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first mating retention mechanism disposed in the cover outer sidewall or the cover top wall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and configured to removably engage the retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion; wherein the cover further comprises a projection disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, wherein the projection defines a gap between a distal surface thereof and the outer surface of the body portion sidewall in a neutral or unflexed orientation and the projection engages a top surface of the inclined ramp when a portion of the cover outer sidewall corresponding to a location of the projection is flexed inwardly, such that the projection rides along a top surface of the inclined ramp when the cover is squeezed and rotated relative to the body portion so that the ramp provides an upward force to the cover via the interaction with the projection to move the cover vertically with respect to the body portion and disengage the retention mechanism from the mating retention mechanism.

2. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover further comprises a cover inner sidewall extending upwardly from and about the peripheral edge of the top wall, wherein a top surface of the cover top wall and an inner surface of the cover inner sidewall defines a second internal space.

3. The child resistant container of claim 2, wherein the cover further comprises: a second retention mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover inner sidewall; a first portion of a hinge mechanism disposed on or within the top surface of the top wall; and an opening mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and oriented opposite of the first portion of the hinge mechanism.Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)4. The child resistant container of claim 3, further comprising a removable lid removably secured to the cover to enclose the second internal space.

5. The child resistant container of claim 4, wherein the removable lid comprises a top wall and a lid sidewall extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the lid top wall, the removable lid sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface and at least one second mating retention mechanism disposed on the outer surface of the lid sidewall configured to removably engage the second retention mechanism when the lid is engaged with the cover, a living hinge disposed within the removable lid top wall, and a second portion of the hinge mechanism disposed on and extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the removable lid top wall, the second portion of the hinge mechanism configured to engage with the first portion of the hinge mechanism, wherein the opening mechanism is configured open the removable lid relative to the cover.

6. The child resistant container of claim 5, wherein the opening mechanism defines a second receptacle disposed within the top surface of the cover top wall and comprises a second projection extending inwardly from the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and within the second receptacle, wherein the second projection is configured to engage an outer edge of the removable lid top wall when the cover outer sidewall is flexed inwardly to release the removable lid from the cover.

7. The child resistant container of claim 2 further comprising a removable lid removably secured to the cover to enclose the second internal space.

8. The child resistant container of claim 7, wherein the removable lid comprises a top wall and a removable lid sidewall extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the removable lid top wall, the removable lid sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the removable lid includes a locking mechanism disposed at a distal end of the inner surface of the removable lid sidewall, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to engage a mating locking mechanism disposed about at least a portion of a perimeter of the cover, wherein the mating locking mechanism defines at least one opening for releasing the locking mechanism.

9. The child resistant container of any one of the claims 2 to 8, wherein the first internal space comprises a first volume and the second internal space comprises a second volume that is less than the first volume.

10. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover engages the body portion via an interference fit or a snap fit.Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)11. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a lower edge of the cover abuts an upper edge of the sidewall of the body portion.

12. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sidewall of the body portion returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.

13. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer surface of the cover outer sidewall is configured to sit substantially flush with the outer surface of the sidewall of the body portion when engaged therewith.

14. A child resistant container comprising: a body portion defining an internal space accessible via an opening, the body portion comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall extending upwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the bottom wall, the sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface and a top edge defining the opening, wherein the outer surface of the sidewall defines an inclined ramp extending at least partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall; a retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the inner surface of the sidewall proximate the top edge defining the opening; a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion, the cover comprising a top wall and a cover sidewall extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the top wall, the cover sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface; a mating retention mechanism disposed in the cover sidewall or the cover top wall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and configured to removably engage the retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion; and a button assembly disposed in the cover sidewall and comprising a flexible wall portion and a wedge disposed on the inner surface of the cover sidewall, wherein the wedge defines a gap between a distal surface thereof and the outer surface of the body portion sidewall in an unflexed orientation and the wedge engages a top surface of the inclined ramp when the button is flexed, such that the wedge rides along a top surface of the inclined ramp when the cover is squeezed and rotated relative to the body portion so that the ramp provides an upward force to the cover via the interaction with the wedge to move the cover vertically with respect to the body portion and disengage the retention mechanism from the mating retention mechanism.

15. The child resistant container of claim 14, wherein the inclined ramp extends about the entire perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall.Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)16. The child resistant container of claim 14, wherein the inclined ramp comprises a sawtooth wave pattern.

17. The child resistant container of anyone of claims 14 to 16, wherein the inclined ramp comprises a starting point and an end point and the starting point has a lower vertical orientation on the outer surface of the sidewall than the end point.

18. The child resistant container of claim 17, wherein the wedge engages the top surface of the inclined ramp only proximate the starting point of the inclined ramp.

19. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the button assembly comprises two buttons disposed in direct opposition, each button comprising a flexible wall portion and a wedge disposed on the inner surface of the cover sidewall.

20. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the inclined ramp comprises a plurality of inclined ramps and each opposing wedge engages a top surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of inclined ramps at a vertical low point of the corresponding inclined ramp.

21. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the cover is disengaged from the body portion by the application of a first force applied to the cover via the button assembly and a second force applied to the cover via rotation of the cover relative to the body portion.

22. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the body portion sidewall comprises a lower region and an upper region separated by a ledge.

23. The child resistant container of claim 22, wherein the outer surface of the upper region is recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower region and the inclined ramp is disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the upper region.

24. The child resistant container of claim 23 , wherein the gap between the wedge(s) and the outer surface of the body portion sidewall is oriented between the distal surface of the wedge(s) and the upper portion of the body portion sidewall in the unflexed orientation.

25. The child resistant container of claim 23 or 24, wherein the outer surface of the cover sidewall is configured to sit substantially flush with the outer surface of the lower region of sidewall of the body portion when engaged.Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1220 WO (01567)26. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 25, further comprising a removable lid disposed in the top wall of the cover.

27. The child resistant container of claim 26, wherein the cover further comprises a receptacle formed therein and accessible via removal of the lid.

28. The child resistant container of claim 26, wherein the lid is hingedly coupled to the cover.

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