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 vertical force vector 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 1240 WO (01566)

[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. WO 04 / 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 Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) through companies such as Swedish Match AB, Fiedler & Lundgren AB, Gustavus AB, Skandinavisk 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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 1240 WO (01566)

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] 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.

[0013] The present disclosure includes, without limitation, the following example implementations.

[0014] Example Implementation 1: 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. The container further comprising a button assembly disposed in the sidewall, wherein the button assembly is defined by a vertical gap in the sidewall at a first end and a pivot point at a second end thereof configured to allow a portion of the sidewall to flex relative to the pivot point in the sidewall; a first retention mechanism disposed on a top surface of the button assembly and extending upwardly therefrom, the first retention mechanism comprising a tang defining an abutment surface at a distal end thereof, wherein the button assembly is configured to move the first retention mechanism inwardly upon application of a force to an outer surface thereof; 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; and a first mating retention mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and recessed into the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, the first mating retention mechanism defining a radial catch configured to removably engage the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion, wherein the button assembly is flexed inwardly to disengage the first retention mechanism from the first mating retention mechanism upon application of a first force to the button assembly, thereby allowing the cover to rotate relative to the body portion. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0015] Example Implementation 2: The child resistant container of the preceding example implementation, wherein the cover is configured to engage the body portion via a rotational force.

[0016] Example Implementation 3: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism is configured rotate past the first mating retention mechanism when the cover is rotated in the clockwise direction.

[0017] Example Implementation 4: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism is configured engage the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism when the cover is first rotated in the counter-clockwise direction preventing further counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion.

[0018] Example Implementation 5: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, further comprising a second retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall and oriented vertically above the button assembly and a second mating retention mechanism disposed on and extending at least partially about the perimeter of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, the second mating retention mechanism configured to removably engage the second retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion.

[0019] Example Implementation 6: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the second retention mechanism comprises a discontinuous thread extending about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall.

[0020] Example Implementation 7: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the second mating retention mechanism comprises a continuous thread having a mating thread pitch with the second retention mechanism. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0021] Example Implementation 8: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the corresponding thread extends about the entire perimeter of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall.

[0022] Example Implementation 9: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the second retention mechanism and the second mating retention mechanism are engaged via a clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion and disengaged via a counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion while depressing the button assembly.

[0023] Example Implementation 10: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, further comprising a third retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the top edge of the body portion sidewall defining the opening and a third mating retention mechanism defined by a receptacle in the bottom surface of the cover top wall and extending about a perimeter thereof, the receptacle coextensive with the top edge of the body portion sidewall and configured to frictionally engage the third retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion.

[0024] Example Implementation 11: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the third retention mechanism and the third mating retention mechanism are engaged via the clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion and disengaged via a counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion.

[0025] Example Implementation 12: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the body portion sidewall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least a portion of the outer sidewall is coupled to the outer surface of the inner sidewall.

[0026] Example Implementation 13: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the top edge Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) defining the opening is the top edge of the inner sidewall and the first retention mechanism is disposed proximate to and partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the outer sidewall.

[0027] Example Implementation 14: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the pivot point of the button assembly comprises a vertical groove in the outer surface of the outer sidewall.

[0028] Example Implementation 15: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the pivot point is configured to return the button assembly to an unflexed orientation after the first force is removed.

[0029] Example Implementation 16: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the outer sidewall is coupled to the inner sidewall via a lateral extension.

[0030] Example Implementation 17: 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 defined by a vertical gap in the sidewall at a first end and a pivot point at a second end thereof configured to allow a portion of the sidewall to flex relative to the pivot point in the sidewall.

[0031] Example Implementation 18: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall define a channel therebetween, and the first end of each button comprises an inward radial projection that extends towards the inner sidewall and has a length less than a width of the channel.

[0032] Example Implementation 19: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein each button comprises a plurality of radial buttresses.

[0033] Example Implementation 20: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the first mating retention mechanism comprises four radial catches spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0034] Example Implementation 21: 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 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.

[0035] Example Implementation 22: The container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the body portion sidewall comprises a lower (horizontally oriented) region and an upper (horizontally oriented) region separated by a ledge.

[0036] Example Implementation 23: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the outer surface of the upper region is recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower region and the first retention mechanism is disposed on top of the ledge.

[0037] Example Implementation 24: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the outer surface of the upper region is recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower region and the second retention mechanism is disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the upper region.

[0038] 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 cover engages with at least a portion of the sidewall of the body portion such that the 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.

[0039] Example Implementation 26: 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 may be hingedly coupled to the cover.

[0040] Example Implementation 27: 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. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0041] Example Implementation 28: 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. The container further comprising a first retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall; a second retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall and oriented vertically above the first retention mechanism; a third retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the top edge of the body portion sidewall defining the opening; a button assembly disposed in the sidewall and configured to move the first retention mechanism inwardly upon application of a force to an outer surface thereof; 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 on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and configured to removably engage the first retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion; a second mating retention mechanism disposed on and extending at least partially about the perimeter of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and oriented vertically above the first mating retention mechanism, the second mating retention mechanism configured to removably engage the second retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion; and a third mating retention mechanism defined by a receptacle in the bottom surface of the covertop wall and configured to fictionally engage the third retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion, wherein the button assembly is flexed inwardly to disengage the first retention mechanism from the first mating retention mechanism upon application of a first force to the button assembly allowing the cover to rotate relative to the body portion.

[0042] Example Implementation 29: 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. The body portion further comprising a button assembly disposed in the sidewall, wherein the button assembly is defined by a vertical gap behind the sidewall and Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) configured to allow a portion of the sidewall to flex relative to a surrounding portion of the sidewall; and a first retention mechanism disposed on a top surface of the button assembly and extending upwardly therefrom, the first retention mechanism comprising a tang defining an abutment surface at a distal end thereof, wherein the button assembly is configured to move the first retention mechanism inwardly upon application of a force to an outer surface thereof. The container includes a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion in a closed configuration, 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 further comprises a first mating retention mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and recessed into the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, the first mating retention mechanism defining a radial catch configured to removably engage the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion. The button assembly is flexed inwardly to disengage the first retention mechanism from the first mating retention mechanism upon application of a first force to the button assembly, thereby allowing the cover to rotate relative to the body portion.

[0043] Example Implementation 30: The child resistant container of the preceding example implementation, further comprising any preceding example implementation 2-27, or any combination of any of the example implementations 2-27.

[0044] Example Implementation 31: 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.

[0045] Example Implementation 32: 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.

[0046] Example Implementation 33: 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 1240 WO (01566) 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.

[0047] Example Implementation 34: The child resistant container of the preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the cover is configured to engage the body portion via a rotational force.

[0048] Example Implementation 35: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism is configured rotate past the first mating retention mechanism when the cover is rotated in the clockwise direction.

[0049] Example Implementation 36: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism is configured to engage the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism when the cover is first rotated in the counter-clockwise direction preventing further counterclockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion.

[0050] Example Implementation 37: 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.

[0051] Example Implementation 38: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the button assembly in the sidewall of the body portion returns to an unflexed position after removal of the force.

[0052] Example Implementation 39: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein a lower edge of the cover abuts an upper edge of the sidewall of the body portion. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0053] Example Implementation 40: 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.

[0054] Example Implementation 41: The child resistant container of any preceding example implementation, or any combination of any preceding example implementations, wherein the button assembly comprises two button assemblies configured to be flexed inwardly, the two button assemblies are oriented 180 degrees apart.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0058] 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: Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0059] 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;

[0060] FIGS. 2A - 2C 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;

[0061] FIG. 3 A 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;

[0062] FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 3A rotated approximately 90 degrees and unexploded according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 with a portion of the cover removed according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIG. 4A is an enlarged top view of a portion of the child-resistant container of FIG. 4 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIG. 5 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;

[0066] FIG. 6 is a schematic top perspective view of a body portion for the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIGS. 7A-7D are schematic bottom perspective views of a portion 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;

[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic side perspective view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 1 in an actuated configuration according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0069] 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;

[0070] FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure; Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0071] FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of the child-resistant container of FIG. 9 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view 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;

[0075] 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;

[0076] 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;

[0077] FIG. 17 is a schematic top view of the body portion of FIG. 16 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of the body portion of FIG. 16 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the body portion of FIG. 16 taken at line C-C in FIG. 10 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIGS. 20A and 20B are enlarged perspective views of portions of the body portion of FIG. 16 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0081] FIG. 21 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;

[0082] FIG. 22 is a schematic top view of the cover of FIG. 21 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0083] FIG. 23 is a schematic bottom view of the cover of FIG. 18 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure; Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0084] FIG. 24 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the cover of FIG. 18 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0085] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 18 taken at line B-B in FIG. 10 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0086] FIG. 26 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;

[0087] FIG. 27 is a schematic bottom view of the lid of FIG. 26 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0088] FIG. 28 is a schematic bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 26 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0089] FIG. 29 is a schematic side view of the lid of FIG. 26 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure;

[0090] FIG. 30 is a schematic front view of the lid of FIG. 26 according to some example implementations of the present disclosure; and

[0091] FIGS. 31A and 3 IB 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.

[0092] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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 Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) 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.

[0095] 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 (##).

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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 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). Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0100] Accordingly, the dimensions and capacities disclosed herein are provided for example purposes only and may be modified to suit particular applications.

[0101] FIGS. 1-6 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. 3 A, 3B, and 7A-7D below.

[0102] As shown, the body portion 102 includes a bottom 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.

[0103] 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 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. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0104] As depicted in the figures, the body portion sidewall 110 comprises an inner (sometimes also referred to as upper) sidewall 110a and an outer (sometimes also referred to as lower) sidewall 110b, each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and defining a channel 128 therebetween. 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 horizontal 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 horizontal extension 170 defines the ledge 138 upon which the retention mechanism is disposed. Alternatively, or additionally, the inner sidewall 110a and the outer sidewall may be coupled to one another by a series of vertical extensions 160 (see, e.g., FIG. 7A).

[0105] The body portion 102 further comprises a button assembly 124, sometimes also referred to as a flex feature, which is a resilient portion of the outer sidewall 110b 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. In some embodiments, the button assembly 124 is configured to flex upon application of a force to the outer surface thereof, thereby unlocking the cover 104 from the body portion 102 as described in greater detail below. The button assembly 124 will return to its unflexed configuration when the force thereon is removed. 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). 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). See, e.g., FIG. 6.

[0106] As shown, the button or button assembly 124 is defined by a vertical gap 162 in the sidewall 110b at a first end and a pivot point 148 at a second end thereof configured to allow that portion of the sidewall 110b to flex at the pivot point 148 and relative to the rest of the sidewall. In some embodiments, the pivot point 148 may comprise a vertical groove in the outer surface of the outer sidewall 110b (e.g., a scored line or other Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) weakening in the sidewall) that allows the button portion of the sidewall 110b to flex inwardly upon application of a horizontal force (Ft) thereto and return the button assembly to its unflexed orientation after the force is removed (e.g., the pivot point acts as a living hinge). In some embodiments, the first end of the button portion of the button assembly includes an inward radial projection 164 that extends towards the inner sidewall 110a and has a length Xi less than a width (or depth) X2of the channel 128 (see FIG. 7A). Generally, the projection 164 limits the range of motion of the button as described in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the buttons 124a, 124b includes one or more radial buttresses 166 disposed thereon to, e.g., provide stiffening to the button 124a, 124b and / or prevent over-compression of the button / button assembly 124.

[0107] The body portion 102 further includes a first retention mechanism 134a disposed on the body portion sidewall 110. In the embodiment shown, the first retention mechanism 134a is disposed on a top surface (ledge 138) ofthe button assembly 124 (outer sidewall) and extends upwardly therefrom. Generally, the first retention mechanism 134a includes a tang 135 that extends proximate to and partially along a perimeter of the outer sidewall / button assembly. One end of the tang 135 is also coupled to the outer surface of the inner sidewall 110a, while the opposite end defines an abutment surface 139 at a distal end thereof that is configured to engage a mating retention mechanism on the cover, as described below. The button assembly 124 is configured to move the first retention mechanism 134a inwardly upon application of a force to an outer surface thereof.

[0108] In some embodiments, the sidewall 110 includes a second retention mechanism 136a disposed about a perimeter (or circumference depending on the shape of the body portion) of the sidewall. The second retention mechanism 136a may be disposed on the exterior of the upper region ofthe sidewall, vertically above the ledge 138 (and the button assembly 124). Generally, the second retention mechanism 136a comprises a discontinuous or intermittent thread (e.g., a series of vertically inclined ramps) extending at least partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the inner sidewall 110a. For example, the second retention mechanism 136a may comprise three evenly spaced thread portions or ramps. However, in some embodiments, the second retention mechanism 136a is a continuous thread that extends about the entire perimeter of the body portion 102. The thread pitch and / or angle may vary to suit a particular application, for example, size of the container, necessary travel distance for the cover to disengage any retention mechanism. The second retention Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) mechanism 136a is configured to engage a mating second retention mechanism in the cover 104 as described below.

[0109] In some embodiments, the body portion 102 includes a third retention mechanism 144a disposed about a perimeter (or circumference depending on the shape of the body portion) of the sidewall. In the embodiment depicted, the top edge 112 defining the opening is the top edge of the inner sidewall 110a. In some embodiments, the third retention mechanism 144a is formed in the top edge 112 and may include a tapered edge configured to be received in a mating receptacle or groove (e.g., frictionally engaged) in the cover 104. A plurality of horizontal ribs or nubs, and / or a high friction coating on the top edge 112 may assist in maintaining the third retention mechanism 144a in an engaged configuration. The specific configuration and number of mechanisms 144a may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., the size, shape, and structure of the container).

[0110] 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 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.

[0111] 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-2C and 3 A. 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 Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) cover at a force less than that required to remove the cover 104 from the body portion 102. 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.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, and 5, the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall 118 includes a first mating retention mechanism 134b disposed thereon and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover. Generally, portions of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall project outwardly (i.e., inward towards internal space), thereby defining a series of recesses in the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, each defining a radial catch 134b configured to removably engage the abutment surface 139 of the first retention mechanism 134a when the cover 104 is engaged with the body portion 102. In some embodiments, the first mating retention mechanism 134b comprises four radial catches spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall 118. In some embodiments, the container includes two first retention mechanisms 134a oriented 180 degrees apart and four first mating retention mechanisms 134b oriented 90 degrees apart so that the cover may be secured to the body portion at any of four orientations (1 / 4 turns).

[0113] In some embodiments, the cover 102 includes a second mating retention mechanism 136b disposed on and extending at least partially about the perimeter of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall 118. In some embodiments, the second mating retention mechanism 136b comprises a continuous thread having a mating thread pitch with the second retention mechanism 136a and extending about the entire perimeter of the cover. Generally, the threads of the retention mechanisms 136a, 136b correspond insofar as they have the same thread pitch, major diameter, minor diameter, thread density, thread angle, etc. as necessary to be securely engaged. The cover 104 is configured to engage the body portion 102 via a rotational force (F2) (i.e., threaded engagement). Specifically, the second retention mechanism 136a and the second mating retention mechanism 136b are engaged via a clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion and disengaged via a counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion while depressing the button assembly.

[0114] When the cover is rotated in the clockwise direction, the abutment surface 139 of the first retention mechanism Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0115] 134a is configured rotate past (over) the first mating retention mechanism 134b. In some embodiments, the first retention mechanism 134a flexes out of the way at the pivot point 148. However, the abutment surface 139 of the first retention mechanism 134a is configured engage the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism 134b when the cover is first rotated in the counter-clockwise direction preventing further counterclockwise rotation (and thereby removal) of the cover relative to the body portion.

[0116] In some embodiments, the cover 102 also includes a third mating retention mechanism 144b disposed in the cover 104. Specifically, the third mating retention mechanism 144b is defined by a receptacle in the bottom surface of the cover top wall 116 and extends about a perimeter thereof. The receptacle is coextensive with the top edge 112 of the body portion sidewall and configured to frictionally engage the third retention mechanism 144a when the cover is engaged with the body portion.

[0117] As shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B, 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 the receptacle of the third mating retention mechanism 144b. In some embodiments, the receptacle is tapered and configured to frictional engage the third retention mechanism 144a on the body portion 102. Additionally, the third retention and third mating retention mechanisms 144a, 144b may include protuberances / ribs and / or a high friction coating to enhance the coupling therebetween. The third mating retention mechanism 144b may be disposed along the entire perimeter of the top wall 116 so as to engage the third retention mechanism 144a at any rotational orientation of the cover 104. Alternatively, the mating retention mechanism 144b 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. In some embodiments, the cover includes indicia 125 about the outer surface of the cover outer sidewall 118 to assist with the proper positioning and / or operation of the cover 104 relative to the body portion 102.

[0118] Generally, the third retention mechanism 144a and the third mating retention mechanism 144b are engaged via the clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion, which provides the downward Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) movement of the cover relative to the body portion (vertical displacement) causing the third mating retention mechanism 144b to frictionally engage with the third retention mechanism 144a. The third retention mechanisms 144a, 144b are disengaged via a counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion, which provides the upward movement of the cover relative to the body portion while depressing the button assemblies 124. The rotational force F2to unscrew the cover from the body portion (vertical displacement) includes the force required to overcome the frictional engagement of the third retention mechanisms 144a, 144b to separate the cover 104 from the body portion 102. As such, a user needs to apply the first force Fi to the button assemblies 124 to unlock the cover and the second force F2to remove the cover.

[0119] 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 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.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 7A-7D and 8, the engagement and disengagement between the body portion 102 and cover 104 are clearly depicted. As shown and previously described, the body portion 102 includes abottom wall 108 and a sidewall 110 extending upwardly therefrom and defining a button assembly 124, and the cover 104 includes a top wall 116 and a sidewall 118 extending downwardly therefrom. 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.

[0121] FIG. 7A depicts the cover 104 engaged with the body portion 102 and in a neutral configuration (i.e., the buttons 124 are not engaged) with the first retention mechanism 134a and the first mating retention mechanism 134b disposed proximate one another, but not engaged. FIG. 7B also depicts the cover 104 engaged with the body portion 102 in the neutral configuration, but with the cover slightly rotated counterclockwise as if to remove the cover. As shown, the first retention mechanism 134a and the first mating Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) retention mechanism 134b are engaged (the abutment surface 139 of the tang 135 is butted up against the radial catch of the mating retention mechanism 134b) preventing further rotation of the cover 104 in the counter-clockwise direction and the removal of the cover from the body portion 102.

[0122] FIG. 7C depicts the initial actuation of the button / button assembly (i.e., application of the first / horizontal force Fi). Typically, actuation is performed by the user squeezing the opposing button assemblies 124 with their thumb and middle finger, which causes the portions of the body portion sidewall 110 corresponding to the button assemblies to flex inwardly about the pivot point (aka hinge) 148. As can be seen, as the button moves inwardly, the first retention mechanism 134a also moves inwardly and begins to clear the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism 134b. At the same time, the radial projection 164 that extends towards the inner sidewall 110a moves towards the inner sidewall 110a. As noted above, the radial projection 164 extends Xi, which is less than a width or depth X2of the channel 128. The difference between Xi and X2is at least the distance required for the abutment surfaces 139 to clear the radial catches.

[0123] FIGS. 7D and 8 depict the button assemblies 124 fully actuated (i.e., the button portion of the outer sidewall 110b is flexed inwardly until the radial projection 164 contacts the inner sidewall 110a) to disengage the first retention mechanism 134a from the first mating retention mechanism 134b. In some embodiments, the force required to fully actuate the button assemblies 124 is about 10 to about 40 newtons (N), or about 12 to about 30 N, or about 15 to about 20 N. Specifically, the abutment surface 139 of the first retention mechanism 134a has moved inwardly the necessary distance to clear the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism 134b, thereby allowing the cover 104 to rotate relative to the body portion 102. Once the user begins rotating the cover (F2), the radial catches of the first mating retention mechanism 134b move past the abutment surfaces 139 of the first retention mechanism 134a and the cover is essentially free to continue rotating without continuing to depress the button assemblies 124 (i.e., the cover is unlocked).

[0124] However, after the cover 104 is unlocked by the application of the first / horizontal force F i applied to the cover via the button assemblies, it is still necessary to apply a second / vertical force F2to disengage the third retention mechanisms 144a, 144b. Specifically, the second / vertical force is applied to the cover 104 via the rotation force F2applied to the cover 104 relative to the body portion 102 (i.e., a force vector is transferred from the threaded engagement of the second retention mechanisms 136a, 136b). When the user rotates the Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) cover 104 counter-clockwise, the second mating retention mechanism 136b rides along the second retention mechanism 136a via the threaded engagement therebetween to provide the upward force to the cover as it is rotated counter-clockwise. Rotation of the cover requires sufficient force F2to not just rotate the cover, but to overcome the engagement of the third retention mechanism 144a with the third mating retention mechanism 144b, thereby releasing the cover 104 from the body portion 102 (i.e., the threads provide a force multiplier to overcome the hold of the retention mechanisms 144a, 144b). The force F2required to disengage the third retention mechanisms 144a, 144b may be tuned (e.g., via the strength of the snap and / or interference fit) to require sufficient force F2be applied to the cover 104, in addition to the force Fi applied to the button assemblies, to make it difficult for a child to separate the cover from the body portion.

[0125] 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.

[0126] Once the cover 104 has been unlocked from the body portion 102, the user can release (i.e., remove the applied forces) 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 / rotating the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the retention mechanisms 134a, 134b, 136a, 136b, 144a, 144b, 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.

[0127] FIGS. 9-13 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 Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) 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. 14-15 and 31A-3 IB.

[0128] As shown in FIGS. 9-13 and 16-19, 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.

[0129] The sidewall 210 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 and a lower region 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. 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 as described below.

[0130] As depicted in the figures, the body portion sidewall 210 comprises an inner or upper sidewall 210a and an outer or lower sidewall 210b, each having an inner surface and an outer surface. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer sidewall 210b is coupled to the outer surface of the inner sidewall 210 via, for example, a horizontal extension 270 that may extend continuously about the perimeter of the body portion. In some embodiments, the horizontal extension 270 defines the ledge 238 upon which a retention mechanism may be disposed.

[0131] The body portion 202 further comprises a button assembly 224, sometimes also referred to as a flex feature, which is a resilient portion of the outer sidewall 210b 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 Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) being separated by a child, along with the engagement of the retention mechanisms. In some embodiments, the button assembly 224 is configured to flex upon application of a force to the outer surface thereof, thereby unlocking the cover 204 from the body portion 202 as described in greater detail below. The button assembly 224 will return to its unflexed configuration when the force thereon is removed. In some embodiments, the button assembly 224 comprises two buttons 224a, 224b disposed in direct opposition (e.g., on opposite sides of, or spaced 280 degrees apart depending on shape of container). As can be seen, the two buttons 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).

[0132] In some embodiments, the two buttons 224a, 224b are disposed about the body portion 202 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). As shown in FIG. 20B, the button 224 comprises a series of vertical grooves / ribs 227. Additionally, in the region of the horizontal extension 270 corresponding to the button(s) 224, an opening or receptacle 268 is formed therein to allow a portion of a retention mechanism to extend therethrough to engage a mating retention mechanism in the cover 204 as described in greater detail below. See FIG. 20 A. In some embodiments, the underside of the opening 268 is enclosed (see pocket 268a in FIG. 19) to prevent leakage into the internal space 140 where the fresh product is contained.

[0133] As shown, the button or button assembly 224 is defined by a vertical gap 262 defined by the receptacle 268 and pocket 268a wall. The grooves / ribs 227 in the sidewall 210b at are configured to allow that portion of the sidewall 210b to flex inwardly upon application of a horizontal force (F i) thereto and return the button assembly to its unflexed orientation after the force is removed. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the buttons 224a, 224b includes one or more radial buttresses 266 disposed thereon to, e.g., provide stiffening to the button 224a, 224b and / or prevent over-compression of the button / button assembly 224.

[0134] The body portion 202 further includes a first retention mechanism 236a disposed on the body portion sidewall 210a. In the embodiment shown, the first retention mechanism 236a is disposed on / through a top surface (extension 270) of the button assembly 224 (outer sidewall) and extends upwardly therefrom. Generally, the first retention mechanism 236a includes a tang 235 that extends proximate to and partially along a perimeter of the outer sidewall / button assembly. The tang 235 shown as integrally formed with the inner Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) surface of the outer sidewall 210b and includes at one end thereof an abutment surface 239 that is configured to engage a mating retention mechanism on the cover, as described below. The button assembly 224 is configured to move the first retention mechanism 236a inwardly upon application of a force to an outer surface thereof.

[0135] In some embodiments, the sidewall 210 includes a second retention mechanism 234a disposed about a perimeter (or circumference depending on the shape of the body portion) of the sidewall. The second retention mechanism 234a may be disposed on the exterior of the upper region of the sidewall, vertically above the ledge 238 (and the button assembly 224). Generally, the second retention mechanism 234a comprises a discontinuous or intermittent thread (e.g., a series of vertically inclined ramps) extending at least partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the inner sidewall 210a. For example, the second retention mechanism 234a may comprise three evenly spaced thread portions or ramps. However, in some embodiments, the second retention mechanism 234a is a continuous thread that extends about the entire perimeter of the body portion 202. The thread pitch and / or angle may vary to suit a particular application, for example, size of the container, necessary travel distance for the cover to disengage any retention mechanism. The second retention mechanism 234a is configured to engage a mating second retention mechanism in the cover 204 as described below.

[0136] The specific configuration and number of retention mechanisms may vary to suit a particular application (e.g., the size, shape, and structure of the container). 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.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 9-13 and 21-25, the cover 204 includes a top wall 216, having a top surface and a bottom surface, and an outer sidewall 218 that extends downwardly, and about, a peripheral edge of the top wall 216, the cover outer sidewall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The top wall 216 includes a generally planar central portion 216a and a non-planar border portion 216b surrounding the central portion that corresponds to the peripheral edge of the cover 204. Generally, the border portion is similar to the border portion of the cover 116 described above insofar as it includes a series of bends that define portions of the Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) retention mechanisms and / or opening mechanisms (see also FIGS. 14, 15, and 25). An inner edge of the border portion 216b may be configured to accept an outer lid 217 secured thereto.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the cover 204 also includes an inner sidewall 264 that extends upwardly from the top surface of the cover top wall 216 and therewith defines a second internal space or receptacle 250, 250’ (i.e., a secondary compartment) accessible via removal of the lid 217. See FIGS. 14 and 15. The internal space 250 may be used to hold or store waste or spent materials. In some implementations, the cover 204 includes a recess 222 or similar structure that may, for example, assist a user in handling the container 200 and / or manipulating the cover 204. In some embodiments, the recess 222 provides a visual clue as to the location of a release mechanism for removing the lid 217 as described in greater detail below.

[0139] Also shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 is a locking mechanism 258 configured to retain the lid 217 and prevent inadvertent removal thereof. The locking mechanism 258 extends about the perimeter (or proximate thereto) and defines a groove 258a configured to receive a mating locking mechanism disposed on the lid 217 as discussed in greater detail below. The locking mechanism 258 further defines two alignment slots 260 spaced 180 degrees apart in the perimeter of the locking mechanism. The alignment slots 260 are sized, shaped, and oriented to correspond to the mating locking mechanism of the lid 217. As further shown in FIG. 21, the cover 204 includes a second mating retention mechanism 237a disposed on the inner surface of the inner sidewall 264 of the cover and may comprises a series of shallow projections equally spaced about the perimeter of the cover inner side wall 264.

[0140] As shown in FIGS. 23-25, the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall 218 includes a first mating retention mechanism 236b disposed thereon and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover. Generally, portions of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall project outwardly (i.e., inward towards internal space), thereby defining a series of recesses in the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, each defining a radial catch 236b configured to removably engage the abutment surface 239 of the first retention mechanism 236a when the cover 204 is engaged with the body portion 202. In some embodiments, the first mating retention mechanism 236b comprises four radial catches spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall 218. In some embodiments, the container includes two first retention Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) mechanisms 236a oriented 180 degrees apart and four first mating retention mechanisms 234b oriented 90 degrees apart so that the cover may be secured to the body portion at any of four orientations (1 / 4 turns).

[0141] In some embodiments, the cover 202 includes a second mating retention mechanism 234b disposed on and extending at least partially about the perimeter of the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall 218. In some embodiments, the second mating retention mechanism 234b comprises a continuous thread having a mating thread pitch with the second retention mechanism 234a and extending about the entire perimeter of the cover. Generally, the threads of the retention mechanisms 234a, 234b correspond insofar as they have the same thread pitch, major diameter, minor diameter, thread density, thread angle, etc. as necessary to be securely engaged. The cover 204 is configured to engage the body portion 202 via a rotational force (F2) (i.e. , threaded engagement). See FIG. 7C. Specifically, the second retention mechanism 234a and the second mating retention mechanism 23b are engaged via a clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion and disengaged via a counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion while depressing the button assembly. When the cover is rotated in the clockwise direction, the abutment surface 239 of the first retention mechanism 236a is configured rotate past (over) the first mating retention mechanism 236b. In some embodiments, the first retention mechanism 236a is disengaged until the body sidewall 210b is flexed inwardly; however, the abutment surface 239 of the first retention mechanism 238a is configured engage the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism 236b when the cover is first rotated in the counterclockwise direction preventing further counter-clockwise rotation (and thereby removal) of the cover relative to the body portion.

[0142] Removal of the cover 204 from the body portion 202 are generally as described above with respect to FIGS. 7A-7D and 8, with several differences as outlined below. 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. 11, and rotated, a force F2 is transferred to the cover 104, 204 to disengage the retention mechanism 134a, 236a from the mating retention mechanism 134b, 236b, thereby releasing the cover 104, 204 from the body portion 102, 202. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0143] With the cover 204 engaged with the body portion 202 and in a neutral configuration (i.e., the buttons 224 are not engaged) with the first retention mechanism 236a and the first mating retention mechanism 236b disposed proximate one another, but not engaged. Similar to as shown in FIG. 7B, with the cover 204 in the neutral configuration, but slightly rotated counter-clockwise as if to remove the cover, the first retention mechanism 236a and the first mating retention mechanism 236b are engaged (the abutment surface 239 of the tang 235 is butted up against the radial catch of the mating retention mechanism 236b) preventing further rotation of the cover 204 in the counter-clockwise direction and the removal of the cover from the body portion 202.

[0144] Upon actuation of the button / button assembly (i.e., application of the first / horizontal force Fi) by the user squeezing the opposing button assemblies 224 with their thumb and middle finger, which causes the portions of the body portion sidewall 210 corresponding to the button assemblies to flex inwardly. With respect to FIG. 7C, the alternative container 200 does not include an open pivot point, and is also not open at the bottom thereof, but in some embodiments, inward flexing of the button assembly 224 may be assisted via thinned portions 288 of the body sidewall 210b (see FIG. 20A). Referring to FIG. 7C, as the button moves inwardly, the first retention mechanism 236a also moves inwardly and begins to clear the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism 236b.

[0145] With the button assemblies 224 fully actuated (see FIGS. 7D and 8), the first retention mechanism 236a is disengaged from the first mating retention mechanism 236b. In some embodiments, the force required to fully actuate the button assemblies 224 is about 10 to about 40 newtons (N), or about 12 to about 30 N, or about 15 to about 20 N. Specifically, the abutment surface 239 of the first retention mechanism 236a has moved inwardly the necessary distance to clear the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism 236b, thereby allowing the cover 204 to rotate relative to the body portion 202. Once the user begins rotating the cover (F2), the radial catches of the first mating retention mechanism 236b move past the abutment surfaces 239 of the first retention mechanism 236a and the cover is essentially free to continue rotating without continuing to depress the button assemblies 224 (i.e., the cover is unlocked).

[0146] However, after the cover 204 is unlocked by the application of the first / horizontal force F i applied to the cover via the button assemblies, it is still necessary to apply a vertical force to completely disengage the Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) cover from the body portion. Specifically, the second / vertical force is applied to the cover 204 via the rotation force F2 applied to the cover 204 relative to the body portion 202 (i.e., a force vector is transferred from the threaded engagement of the second retention mechanisms 234a, 234b). When the user rotates the cover 204 counter-clockwise, the second mating retention mechanism 234b rides along the second retention mechanism 234a via the threaded engagement therebetween to provide the upward force to the cover as it is rotated counter-clockwise. In some embodiments, rotation of the cover requires sufficient force F2 to not just rotate the cover, but to overcome the engagement of any additional retention mechanisms (e.g., snap-fit or frictional engagement), thereby releasing the cover 204 from the body portion 202. In some embodiments, the threads provide a force multiplier to overcome any additional resistance to removal. 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.

[0147] Once the cover 204 has been unlocked from the body portion 202, the user can release (i.e., remove the applied forces) the button assemblies 224 and the body portion 202 returns to its neutral / normal or unflexed configuration. The cover 204 can be reattached to the body portion 202 by pushing / rotating the cover back onto the body portion with sufficient force to reengage the retention mechanisms 234a, 234b, 236a, 236b, 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.

[0148] FIGS. 26-30 depict the removably lid 217 in greater detail. FIGS. 27 and 28 depict the underside of the removable lid 217. As shown, the lid 217 has a top wall 217a and a sidewall 254 extending downwardly from and about a peripheral edge of the lid top wall. The lid sidewall 254 has an inner surface and an outer surface and a mating locking mechanism 276 (e.g., a projection) disposed at a distal end of the inner surface of the lid sidewall and extending inwardly. As shown, the lid 217 includes two locking projections 276 disposed 180 degrees apart and each extending about or along a portion of the perimeter of the lid. The lid 217 further includes an inner wall 256 spaced inwardly from the sidewall 254 and defining a groove or receptacle 244 therebetween. In some embodiments, the groove 244 is configured to receive at least a portion of the cover Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0149] 204 sidewalls or top wall boundary region. See FIGS. 14 and 15. In some embodiments, a second retention mechanism 237b is disposed about an outer surface of the inner sidewall 256.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second retention mechanism 237b is a shallow projection extending about the entire perimeter of the inner lid sidewall 256, or at least, (see FIGS. 29 and 30), while the second mating retention mechanism 237a comprises a series of shallow projections equally spaced about the perimeter of the cover inner sidewall 264. The second retention mechanism (collectively 237) is configured to provide additional resistance to removing the lid 217 from the cover 204, in particular preventing inadvertent removal of the lid 217 when the locking mechanisms are in an unlocked orientation. In some embodiments, the lid includes indicia 225 about the top surface of the lid top wall to assist with the proper positioning and / or operation of the lid 217 relative to the cover 204.

[0151] FIGS. 21, 28, 31A, and 3 IB further illustrate the removal of the lid 217 from the cover 204 to access the second internal space 250. Removal of the lid 217 from the alternative cover 204’ operates in the same manner. As disclosed above, the lid 217 includes two mating locking projections 276. The projections 276 are sized, shaped, and oriented to engage with the alignment slots 260 in the locking mechanism 258 on the cover 204. Once the projections 276 are aligned with the slots 260, a downward force on the lid 217 engages the second retention mechanism 237 and the lid 217 can be rotated so that the locking projections 276 are disposed within the groove 258a of the locking mechanism 258, thereby preventing the lid 217 from being removed from the cover 204. As shown in FIG. 3 IB, the locking projection 276 is disposed within the groove 258a such that if a user attempted to lift of or otherwise remove the lid from the cover, the locking projection 276 butts up against a wall of the locking mechanism 258.

[0152] In some embodiments, it is not necessary to align the projections 276 and slots 260 to attach the lid to the cover, as the locking projections 276 may be configured to allow the lid to be forced or snapped onto the cover. In some embodiments, the projection 276 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 276 and a corresponding chamfered leading edge on the top of the locking mechanism 258 may facilitate pushing the lid onto the cover. Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0153] To remove the lid 217, a user rotates the lid (arrow R in FIG. 3 IB) until the locking projections 276 are aligned with the slots 260 in the locking mechanism 258, and when aligned, the user applies an upward forced Fu (i.e., a pull) to the lid as shown in FIG. 31 A. The upward force Fu needs to be sufficient to overcome the mating second retention mechanism 237. In some embodiments, the upward force is provided by a fingernail or tool prying the lid upwardly at a recess proximate the ledge 238. 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 276 with the slots 260.

[0154] 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 125 and / or a tactile feature may be included on the container or button assemblies, 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 grooves 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.

[0155] 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 Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)

[0156] 7Q° / o, about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10% of the volume of the body portion internal space 140.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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 1240 WO (01566)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; a button assembly disposed in the sidewall, wherein the button assembly is defined by a vertical gap behind the sidewall and configured to allow a portion of the sidewall to flex relative to a surrounding portion of the sidewall; a first retention mechanism disposed on a top surface of the button assembly and extending upwardly therefrom, the first retention mechanism comprising a tang defining an abutment surface at a distal end thereof, wherein the button assembly is configured to move the first retention mechanism inwardly upon application of a force to an outer surface thereof; a cover configured to securely and removably engage the body portion in a closed configuration, 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; and a first mating retention mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and recessed into the inner surface of the cover outer sidewall, the first mating retention mechanism defining a radial catch configured to removably engage the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion, wherein the button assembly is flexed inwardly to disengage the first retention mechanism from the first mating retention mechanism upon application of a first force to the button assembly, thereby allowing the cover to rotate relative to the body portion.

2. The child resistant container of claim 1, 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 further comprising a removable lid removably secured to the cover to enclose the second internal space.

4. The child resistant container of claim 3, 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 matingAtty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) 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.

5. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is configured to engage the body portion via a rotational force.

6. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism is configured rotate past the first mating retention mechanism when the cover is rotated in the clockwise direction.

7. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism is configured to engage the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism when the cover is first rotated in the counter-clockwise direction preventing further counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion.

8. The child resistant container of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the button assembly comprises two button assemblies configured to be flexed inwardly, the two button assemblies are oriented 180 degrees apart.

9. The child resistant container of any one of 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.

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 button assembly in 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:Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) 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; a button assembly disposed in the sidewall, wherein the button assembly is defined by a vertical gap in the sidewall at a first end and a pivot point at a second end thereof configured to allow a portion of the sidewall to flex relative to the pivot point in the sidewall; a first retention mechanism disposed on a top surface of the button assembly and extending upwardly therefrom, the first retention mechanism comprising a tang defining an abutment surface at a distal end thereof, wherein the button assembly is configured to move the first retention mechanism inwardly upon application of a force to an outer surface thereof; 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 first mating retention mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover sidewall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and recessed into the inner surface of the cover sidewall, the first mating retention mechanism defining a radial catch configured to removably engage the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion; and wherein the button assembly is flexed inwardly to disengage the first retention mechanism from the first mating retention mechanism upon application of a first force to the button assembly, thereby allowing the cover to rotate relative to the body portion.

15. The child resistant container of claim 14, wherein the cover is configured to engage the body portion via a rotational force.

16. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism is configured rotate past the first mating retention mechanism when the cover is rotated in the clockwise direction.

17. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the abutment surface of the first retention mechanism is configured engage the radial catch of the first mating retention mechanism when the cover is first rotated in the counter-clockwise direction preventing further counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion.

18. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising: a second retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall and oriented vertically above the button assembly; andAtty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) a second mating retention mechanism disposed on and extending at least partially about the perimeter of the inner surface of the cover sidewall, the second mating retention mechanism configured to removably engage the second retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion.

19. The child resistant container of claim 18, wherein the second retention mechanism comprises a discontinuous thread extending about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall.

20. The child resistant container of claim 18 or 19, wherein the second mating retention mechanism comprises a continuous thread having a mating thread pitch with the second retention mechanism.

21. The child resistant container of claim 20, wherein the corresponding thread extends about the entire perimeter of the inner surface of the cover sidewall.

22. The child resistant container of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the second retention mechanism and the second mating retention mechanism are engaged via a clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion and disengaged via a counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion while depressing the button assembly.

23. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 22, further comprising: a third retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the top edge of the body portion sidewall defining the opening; and a third mating retention mechanism defined by a receptacle in the bottom surface of the cover top wall and extending about a perimeter thereof, the receptacle coextensive with the top edge of the body portion sidewall and configured to frictionally engage the third retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion.

24. The child resistant container of claim 23 , wherein the third retention mechanism and the third mating retention mechanism are engaged via the clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion and disengaged via a counter-clockwise rotation of the cover relative to the body portion.

25. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the body portion sidewall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, each having an inner surface and an outer surface, and at least a portion of the outer sidewall is coupled to the outer surface of the inner sidewall.Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)26. The child resistant container of claim 25, wherein the top edge defining the opening is the top edge of the inner sidewall and the first retention mechanism is disposed proximate to and partially about a perimeter of the outer surface of the outer sidewall.

27. The child resistant container of claim 25 or 26, wherein the pivot point of the button assembly comprises a vertical groove in the outer surface of the outer sidewall.

28. The child resistant container of claim 27, wherein the pivot point is configured to return the button assembly to an unflexed orientation after the first force is removed.

29. The child resistant container of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the outer sidewall is coupled to the inner sidewall via a lateral extension.

30. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 29, wherein the button assembly comprises two buttons disposed in direct opposition, each button defined by a vertical gap in the sidewall at a first end and a pivot point at a second end thereof configured to allow a portion of the sidewall to flex relative to the pivot point in the sidewall.

31. The child resistant container of claim 30, wherein the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall define a channel therebetween, and the first end of each button comprises an inward radial projection that extends towards the inner sidewall and has a length less than a width of the channel.

32. The child resistant container of claim 30 or 31, wherein each button comprises a plurality of radial buttresses.

33. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 32, wherein the first mating retention mechanism comprises four radial catches spaced equidistant about a perimeter of the inner surface of the cover sidewall.

34. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 33, 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.

35. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 34, wherein the body portion sidewall comprises a lower region and an upper region separated by a ledge.Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566)36. The child resistant container of claim 35, wherein the outer surface of the upper region is recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower region and the first retention mechanism is disposed on top of the ledge.

37. The child resistant container of claim 35, wherein the outer surface of the upper region is recessed relative to the outer surface of the lower region and the second retention mechanism is disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the upper region.

38. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 37, wherein the sidewall of the cover engages with at least a portion of the sidewall of the body portion such that the outer surface of the cover sidewall is configured to sit substantially flush with the outer surface of the sidewall of the body portion when engaged.

39. The child resistant container of any one of claims 14 to 38, further comprising a removable lid disposed in the top wall of the cover.

40. The child resistant container of claim 39, wherein the cover further comprises a receptacle formed therein and accessible via removal of the lid.

41. 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; a first retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall; a second retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the outer surface of the sidewall and oriented vertically above the first retention mechanism; a third retention mechanism disposed about a perimeter of the top edge of the body portion sidewall defining the opening; a button assembly disposed in the sidewall and configured to move the first retention mechanism inwardly upon application of a force to an outer surface thereof; 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 first mating retention mechanism disposed on the inner surface of the cover sidewall and extending at least partially about a perimeter of the cover and configured to removably engage the first retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion;Atty.Dkt.No. N106153 1240 WO (01566) a second mating retention mechanism disposed on and extending at least partially about the perimeter of the inner surface of the cover sidewall and oriented vertically above the first mating retention mechanism, the second mating retention mechanism configured to removably engage the second retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion; a third mating retention mechanism defined by a receptacle in the bottom surface of the cover top wall and configured to frictionally engage the third retention mechanism when the cover is engaged with the body portion; and wherein the button assembly is flexed inwardly to disengage the first retention mechanism from the first mating retention mechanism upon application of a first force to the button assembly allowing the cover to rotate relative to the body portion.

Images