WO2001015998A1

WO2001015998A1 - Child resistant slide box

Info

Publication number: WO2001015998A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/023919
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael G. Maietta
Original assignee: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-09-01
Filing date: 2000-09-01
Publication date: 2001-03-08
Also published as: AU7095400A

Abstract

A child resistant box (10) having a base (14) and a cover (12) slidably engaged with a top side of the base. The cover has a closed position substantially overlapping the top side of the base so as to prevent access to an interior of the box via the top side. The base has at least one squeeze tab (16) bearing a projection (24). The projection is engagable with the cover to prevent the cover from being slid out of the closed position unless the at least one squeeze tab is depressed. The cover bears at least one gap (38, 42) which is engaged by the projection on the at least one squeeze tab once the cover has been slid open a predetermined amount. While the projection on the at least one squeeze tab is engaging the at least one gap the cover is secured in position, preventing the cover from being further opened, and preventing the cover from being moved toward the closed position.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Child Resistant Slide Box

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to containers and, more specifically, to a slide box that

can secure materials in a manner that is hard to access by small children.

Many of the pill and capsule containers presently available on the market can

be readily opened by children too young to understand the nature of the containers' contents.

This lack of understanding may result in children consuming the contents of the pill and

capsule containers. In order to avoid this hazard, containers have been designed which require

greater strength or skill to open, but many of these containers have proved inconvenient and

inaccessible for their intended users, such as adults with impaired or limited dexterity.

Another problem with several known child resistant containers is the inability

to hold two separate blister cards of medicine in a convenient side-by-side fashion. The

inability to hold multiple blister cards in a side-by-side manner has reduced the overall

usefulness of such child resistant containers. Yet another problem with contemporary child

resistant containers is that the associated covers can be completely removed from the

container, which increases the frequency of spillage of the contents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a child resistant box

including a base having a bottom surface, first and second sidewalls extending from the

bottom surface, and a partially open top side proximate to edges of the first and second sidewalls that are remote from the bottom surface. A cover is slidably engagable with the

base generally along the partially open top side of the base. At least one squeeze tab is

positioned on one of the first and second sidewall. Characterized in that a projection

positioned on the at least one squeeze tab extends generally away from the bottom surface.

Wherein the cover bears a first plurality of gaps for receiving the projection from the at least

one squeeze tab. A first gap of the first plurality of gaps receives the projection when the

cover at least essentially covers the partially open top side of the base and a second gap of

the first plurality of gaps receives the projection when the cover is slid open along the

partially open top side of the base by a predetermined amount at least partially exposing the

partially open top side of the base wherein the cover is prevented from being further

removed from the base and the cover is prevented from being slid toward a closed position.

The present invention is alternatively directed to a child resistant box having

a base and a cover slidably engaged with a top side of the base. The cover has a closed

position overlapping the top side of the base so as to prevent access to an interior of the box

via the top side. The base has at least one squeeze tab bearing a projection. The projection

is engagable with the cover to prevent the cover from being slid out of the closed position

unless the at least one squeeze tab is depressed. Characterized in that the cover bears at least

one gap which is engaged by the projection on the at least one squeeze tab once the cover

has been slid open a predetermined amount. While the projection on the at least one

squeeze tab is engaging the at least one gap the cover is secured in position, preventing the

cover from being further opened, and preventing the cover from being moved toward the

closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the

invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments

which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not

limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a slide box according to the first embodiment

of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a left side elevational view of the slide box of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top planar view of the slide box of Fig. 1 with the cover fully

extended;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a slide box in accordance with a second

embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a left side elevational view of the base of the slide box shown in Fig.

4; Fig. 6 is a top planar view of the slide box of Fig. 4 with the cover fully

extended, similar to the position of the slide box of Fig. 3, and showing an alternate

arrangement of the blister cards;

Fig. 7 is a front elevational view of the base taken along lines 7-7 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 8-8 in Fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a left side elevational view of the cover in accordance with the

second embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 10-10 in Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a front perspective view of the slide box with the cover in the open

position showing features common to the slide boxes of Figs. 1 and 5; Fig. 12 is a plan view of the inside of the cover prior to assembly showing

features common to the slide boxes of Figs. 1 and 5; and

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the inside of the base portion of the slide box of Fig.

1 prior to assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience

only, and is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "lower" and "upper" designate directions

in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to

directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the slide box and

designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned,

derivatives thereof and words of similar import. Additionally, the word "a," as used in the

claims and the corresponding portions of the specification, means "at least one."

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like

elements throughout, there is shown in Figs. 1-13 preferred embodiments of a child resistant

slide box, generally designated 10 and 10'. The first embodiment of the slide box 10 is

shown in Figs. 1-3 and 11-13. The second embodiment of the slide box 10' is shown in

Figs. 4-9. However, the only difference in the slide boxes 10,10' is the overall dimensions.

The release mechanism and operation of the slide boxes 10,10' are the same. Preferably, the

slide boxes 10,10' are used to provide child resistant storage of medicines or other items that

are not appropriate for free access by young children.

Generally speaking, the slide boxes 10,10'of the present invention have a

base 14 and a cover 12 slidably engaged with a top side of the base 14. The cover 12 has a

closed position overlapping the top side of the base 14 so as to prevent access to an interior of the box via the top side. The base 14 has at least one squeeze tab 16 bearing a projection

24. The projection 24 is engagable with the cover 12 to prevent the cover 12 from being slid

out of the closed position unless the at least one squeeze tab 16 is depressed. Characterized

in that the cover 12 bears at least one gap 42 which is engaged by the projection 24 on the at

least one squeeze tab 16 once the cover 12 has been slid open a predetermined amount.

While the projection 24 on the at least one squeeze tab 16 is engaging the at least one gap 42

the cover 12 is secured in position, preventing the cover 12 from being further opened, and

preventing the cover 12 from being moved toward the closed position.

The slide box 10,10' includes a cover 12 slidably disposed on a base 14. The

base 14 has a bottom surface, first and second sidewalls 46 extending from the bottom

surface, and a partially open top side located proximate to edges of the first and second

sidewalls 46 that are remote from the bottom surface. A cover is slidably engagable with

the base generally along the partially open top side of the base. At least one squeeze tab 16

is preferably, but not necessarily, located one of the first and second sidewalls of the base 14

which engages the cover 12 (while the cover 12 is in the closed position) to lock the cover

12 to the base 14.

To open the slide box 10, 10' the at least one squeeze tab 16 is preferably

pressed inwardly while simultaneously sliding the cover 12 partially off of the base 14 (i.e.,

in the direction of the arrow 19 shown in Fig. 4). To facilitate the sliding of the cover 12, a

textured surface or gripping surface 18 is preferably provided along a portion of the cover

12. The gripping surface 18 is preferably arrow-shaped. The squeeze tab 16 engages the

cover 12 and prevents the cover 12 from being slid along the base 14 unless the squeeze tabs

16 are depressed to disengage from the cover 12, as explained in detail below. A projection 24 is positioned on the at least one squeeze tab 16 and extends

generally away from the bottom surface. The projection has a generally-frontward-facing-

projection-surface which is tapered and the projection 24 has a generally rearward-facing-

projection-surface which is generally perpendicular to either one of the first sidewall and the

second sidewall. The cover 12 bears a first plurality of gaps 38, 42 for receiving the

projection from the at least one squeeze tab 16. A first gap 38 of the first plurality of gaps

38, 42 receives the projection 24 when the cover at least essentially covers the partially open

top side of the base 14 and a second gap 42 of the first plurality of gaps 38,42 receives the

projection 24 when the cover 12 is slid open along the partially open top side of the base 14

by a predetermined amount at least partially exposing the partially open top side of the base

14 wherein the cover 12 is prevented from being further removed from the base 14 and the

cover 12 is prevented from being slid toward a closed position.

Another squeeze tab 16 is positioned on a remaining one of the first and

second sidewalls 46 and has a projection 24. A second plurality of gaps 38,42 are

positioned to engage the other squeeze tab when the one squeeze tab 16 is engaged with one

of the first plurality of gaps 38,42.

Referring to Figs. 1-13, the slide boxes 10,10' include the base 14 and the

cover 12. The cover 12 is slidably engaged with the base 14. Referring to Figs. 3, 6, and

13, the base 14 is preferably generally rectangularly shaped. The base 14 has first and

second sidewalls 46 which run generally parallel to the direction in which the cover 12

slides. A flange 26 is preferably attached to each of the first and second sidewalls 46. Each

flange 26 is preferably attached appropriately along the top edge and extending inwardly in

a manner substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the base 14, as best shown in Figs. 7

and 8. The flanges 26 form guide rails which are slidably engaged by the cover 12. The cover includes a set of channels 32 each positioned proximate to

opposing lateral sides of the cover and extending toward the bottom surface of the base

when the cover 12 is engaged with the base 14. The set of channels 32 on the cover 12 each

form an outwardly facing groove 36 that is slidably engagable with the flange 26 of one of

the first sidewall and the second sidewall. A preferred relative sizing of the base 14 of the

slide boxes 10,10' is shown, but could be varied depending upon the particular application

for which the slide boxes 10,10' are designed.

Referring to Figs. 1-3 and 5, at least one squeeze tab 16 is located on one of

first and second sidewalls 46 of the base 14 proximate to a front side 48 of the slide box 10.

The squeeze tabs 16 preferably, but not necessarily, have a generally rectangular shape and

are formed in the sidewalls 46 by three gaps 50 located in each of the sidewalls 46 around

three sides of each squeeze tab 16. Essentially, the three gaps 50 form three sides of each of

the generally rectangularly shaped squeeze tabs 16. A fourth side 52 of each of the squeeze

tabs 16 preferably faces a rear side of the base 14 and is preferably contiguous with the

sidewall 46. Thus, when the squeeze tabs 16 are pressed inwardly, each squeeze tab 16

elastically flexes around the fourth side 52 (shown in phantom line in Figs. 1-3 and 5) of the

squeeze tab 16. The degree of elasticity of the squeeze tabs 16 depends upon the material

used to form the base 14.

While the preferred embodiments of the slide box 10 use generally

rectangular squeeze tabs 16, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that

the particular shape of the squeeze tab is not critical to the present invention. The only

important aspect to the squeeze tabs 16 is that they are capable of engaging with and

disengaging from the cover 12 as further detailed below. Referring to Figs. 6-8, each squeeze tab 16 supports a projection 24 located

on an inner surface of the squeeze tab 16 which preferably extends generally upwardly

above the top edge of the squeeze tab 16. When the squeeze tabs 16 are not depressed, the

projections 24 are generally aligned with an inner surface 54 of the sidewalls 46, as shown

in Fig. 9.

While it is preferable that the squeeze tabs 16 are formed by part of the base

14, it will be understood by those of skill in the art from this disclose that the squeeze tabs

16 may be formed using separate materials that are joined to the base 14 in a manner that is

well known to those of skill in the art when considered in combination with this disclosure.

Referring to Figs. 3, 6, 9, and 10, the cover 12 has a generally rectangular

shape which corresponds to the shape of the base 14 for the corresponding embodiment of

the invention. As shown in detail in Figs. 9 and 10, a channel 32 is preferably disposed

along each of the lateral sides 20 of the cover 12. The channels 32 preferably generally

extend along most of the length of the cover 12. The channels 32 extend generally

downwardly toward the bottom surface of the base 14 while the cover 12 is engaged with

the base 14. Referring to Fig. 7, an outwardly facing groove 36 is formed by each of the

channels 32 and the inner surface of the cover 12. The grooves 36 are each configured for

sliding engagement with a corresponding one of the flanges 26 of the base 14. Thus, it is

preferably the interaction between the flanges 26 and the grooves 36 in the channels 32 that

slidably engages the cover 12 with the base 14. While it is preferred that the cover 12 and

the base 14 are substantially rectangularly shaped, those of skill in the art will appreciate

from this disclosure that the shapes of either the base 14 or the cover 12 can be varied as

long as the cover 12 and the base 14 can be slidably engaged. As shown in Figs. 6 and 9, a front panel extends generally at least partially

along a front portion of the cover. The front panel being located to form gaps 38 with each

of the set of channels 32 thus, forming the first gap 38 of each of the first and second

plurality of gaps 38,42. First gaps 38 are preferably positioned proximate to a front panel 22

which preferably, but not necessarily, forms the front end of the cover 12. The gaps 38 are

preferably located between the forward ends 56 of the set of channels 32 and the front panel

22 of the cover 12 and are further discussed below.

A set of end channel portions 60 are each positioned proximate to a rear

portion of the cover 14 and are each generally aligned with one of the set of channels 32 to

form one of the first and second plurality of gaps 38, 42 therebetween. The end channel

portions each have a generally-frontward-facing-end-channel-surface which is generally

perpendicular to one of the first and second sidewalls 46 and each have a generally-

rearward-facing-end-channel-surface which is generally tapered.

Each of the ends of the first sets of flanges 26 is preferably, but not

necessarily, tapered to allow smooth mating and engagement between the flanges 26 and the

grooves 36 in the channels 32. The channels 32 are preferably tapered on the end adjacent

to the rear portion 28 of the cover and the end formed by the gap 42 which faces in the same

direction. The set of channels 32 each have a generally frontward-facing-channel-surface 56

which is generally perpendicular to one of the first and second sidewalls 46 and each of the

set of channels 32 have a rearward-facing-channel-surface which is generally tapered. The

tapers on the channels 32 cause the projections 24 to be slightly displaced when mounting

the cover 12 onto the base 14 to allow the cover 12 to slide onto the base 14 without

obstruction from the projections 24. The end channel portions 60 preferably include front ends 62 which are

untapered to cause the end channel portions 60 to abut projections 24 when the cover 12 is

positioned to engage the projections 24 with the second gaps 42. Thus, the second gaps 42

limit the extent to which the cover 12 can be extended from the base 14 without depressing

the squeeze tabs 16 a second time as further detailed below.

Once the cover 12 is fully engaged with the base 14, the ends 56 of the

channels 32 engage projections 24 of the squeeze tabs 16. The engagement between the

ends 56 of the channels 32 and the projections 24 prevents the cover 12 from being slidably

removed from the base 14 without simultaneously depressing the at least one squeeze tab 16

as well as applying a sliding force to the cover 12. This feature increases the difficulty of

removing the cover 12 from the base 14, and makes the slide box 10 child resistant.

Preferably, since the flanges 26 and the channels 32 extend almost the entire longitudinal

length of the base 14 and the cover 12, the amount of friction between the cover 12 and the

base 14 makes it more difficult to slide the cover 12 off of the base 14.

While it is preferable that the flanges 26 and the channels 32 run

substantially the entire length of the slide box 10, it is understood by those of skill in the art

through this disclosure that flanges 26 and channels 32 having a shorter length could be

used without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, while it is preferable

to form both the cover 12 and the base 14 out of a thermoplastic material, those of skill in

the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the cover 12 and the base 14 can be formed

of any suitably rigid material or combination of materials as long as the squeeze tabs 16 are

depressible.

To open the slide box 10, the at least one squeeze tab 16 must be depressed,

which causes the projection 24 to move out of alignment with the front end 56 of one of the set of channels 32. Once the projections 24 are disengaged from the end 56 of one of the set of channels 32, the cover 12 can be slid in the direction shown by the arrow in Fig. 1. Once the cover 12 has been slid forward far enough to cause the ends 56 of the channels 32 to pass any projections 24, the squeeze tabs 16 may be released without interfering with the sliding of the cover 12. As the cover 12 continues to slide along the base 14, the projections

24 slide along an inner surface of the channels 32. Thus, when the cover 12 is at least opened to partially expose the partially open top side of the base 14 and also opened less

than the predetermined amount, the projection 24 presses against the inner surface of one of

the set of channels 32 to provide a motion damper. When the slide box 10 is fully opened (i.e., as the cover 12 is increasingly

slid forward off of the base 14), the projection 24 engages second gap 42. Once any

projections 24 engage the second set of gaps 42, the ends 62 of the end channel portions 60

abut projections 24 and prevent the cover 12 from being further removed from the base 14.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a second set of gaps 42 that

are positioned proximate to the rear side 28 of the cover 12, those of skill in the art will

appreciate from this disclosure that the second set of gaps 42 can be placed anywhere along

the longitudinal sides of the slide box 10. The positioning of the second gaps 42 depends

only on the degree to which the slide box 10 is to be opened before the cover 12 is prevented

from being opened further. Alternatively, additional gaps can be provided so that the cover

12 locks in multiple positions.

To completely remove the cover 12 from the base 14, the squeeze tabs 16

must be depressed a second time to disengage the projections 24 from the second gaps 42

while sliding the cover 12 in the direction shown by the arrow 19 in Fig. 1. The increased difficulty in completely removing the cover 12 from the base 14 reduces the chance of

spillage of the contents of the slide box 10.

Referring to Fig. 6, various tabs or projections 30 can be formed on the

interior of the base 14 to facilitate the positioning of various blister packs 44. An alignment

tab 67 is preferably positioned on the bottom surface of the base 14 for securing a blister

pack 44 in the base 12. The alignment tab 67 is preferably oriented with a longitudinal axis

generally perpendicular to one of the first and second sidewalls. It is also preferred, but not

necessary, that a plurality of alignment tabs are positioned along one of the first and second

sidewalls for securing a plurality of blister packs in the base 14.

Holes (not shown) are preferably formed through the base 14 in an aligned

position with the individual blisters on the blister packs. Referring to Fig. 2, an alignment

tab 67 may project upwardly from the bottom of the base 14 on the right side of the blister

packs 44. The positioning of the alignment tab can be varied, depending upon the size of

the individual blister packs 44. Fig. 2 illustrates a two-stack blister card 44 in a base 14

having sufficient depth to hold the two stack blister card 44.

Alternatively, blister packs 45 can be aligned in a side-by-side manner as

shown in Fig. 6. Alignment tabs 30 extend inwardly from one of the sides 46 of the base 14

to maintain the proper alignment of the blister packs 45 in the base 14. Thus, it is possible

to maintain the blister packs 45 in alignment within the base 14 in a side-by-side manner.

The alignment tabs 30 preferably have a triangular shape and engage similarly shaped

notches 64 in the blister packs 44.

While the alignment tabs 30 are disposed along the sides 46 of the slide box

10' are preferably triangularly shaped, those of skill in the art will appreciate from this

disclosure that the alignment tabs 30 can be of any shape which corresponds to the notches 64 in the blister packs 44. While Figs. 1-6 show exemplary relative sizes of various

components of the slide box 10, the sizes illustrated are for the purposes of example only,

and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, both

embodiments of the slide box 10,10' may be constructed using any desired dimensions as

would be well known to one of skill in the art when considered in combination with this

disclosure.

It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes may be made to the

above-described embodiments of the invention without departing from the broad inventive

concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular

embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover all modifications which are within the spirit

and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A child resistant box, comprising:

a base having a bottom surface, first and second sidewalls extending from the

bottom surface, and a partially open top side proximate to edges of the first and second

sidewalls that are remote from the bottom surface;

a cover slidably engagable with the base generally along the partially open

top side of the base;

at least one squeeze tab positioned on one of the first and second sidewalls;

and

characterized in that a projection positioned on the at least one squeeze tab

extends generally away from the bottom surface, wherein the cover bears a first plurality of

gaps for receiving the projection from the at least one squeeze tab, a first gap of the first

plurality of gaps receiving the projection when the cover at least essentially covers the

partially open top side of the base and a second gap of the first plurality of gaps receiving

the projection when the cover is slid open along the partially open top side of the base by a

predetermined amount at least partially exposing the partially open top side of the base

wherein the cover is prevented from being further removed from the base and the cover is

prevented from being slid toward a closed position.

2. The box of claim 1 further comprising another squeeze tab positioned

on a remaining one of the first and second sidewalls and having a projection, wherein a

second plurality of gaps on the cover are positioned to engage the other squeeze tab when

the one squeeze tab is engaged with one of the first plurality of gaps.

3. The box of claim 2 wherein the cover further comprises: a set of channels each positioned proximate to opposing lateral sides of the cover and extending toward the bottom surface of the base when the cover is engaged with

the base; and a set of end channel portions each positioned proximate to a rear portion of the cover and each generally linearly aligned with one of the set of channels to form one of

the first and second plurality gaps therebetween.

4. The box of claim 3 wherein the cover further comprises a front panel extending generally at least partially along a front portion of the cover, the front panel being

located to form gaps with each of the set of channels thus, forming the first gap of each of

the first and second plurality of gaps.

5. The box of claim 3 further comprising:

a flange attached to each of the first and second sidewalls proximate to the

partially open top side;

wherein the set of channels on the cover each form an outwardly facing

groove that is slidably engagable with the flange on one of the first sidewall and the second

sidewall.

6. The box of claim 1 further comprising an alignment tab positioned on

the bottom surface of the base for securing a blister pack in the base.

7. The box of claim 6 wherein the alignment tab is oriented with a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to one of the first and second sidewalls.

8. The box of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of alignment tabs

positioned along one of the first and second sidewalls for securing a plurality of blister

packs in the base.

9. The box of claim 8 further comprising an additional alignment tab

positioned on the bottom surface of the base for further securing at least one of the plurality

of blister packs therein, the additional alignment tab being oriented with a longitudinal axis

generally perpendicular to one of the first and second sidewalls.

10. The box of claim 3 wherein when the cover is at least opened to

partially expose the partially open top side of the base and also opened less than the

predetermined amount, the projection presses against an inner surface of one of the set of

channels to provide a motion damper.

11. The box of claim 10 wherein the projection has a generally-

frontward-facing-projection-surface which is tapered and the projection has a generally-

rearward-facing-projection-surface which is generally perpendicular to either one of the first

sidewall and the second sidewall.

12. The box of claim 3 wherein the set of channels each have a generally

frontward-facing-channel-surface which is generally perpendicular to one of the first and

second sidewalls and each of the set of channels have a rearward-facing-channel-surface which is generally tapered.

13. The box of claim 3 wherein the set of end channel portions each have

a generally-frontward-facing-end-channel-surface which is generally peφendicular to one of

the first and second sidewalls and each have a generally-rearward-facing-end-channel-

surface which is generally tapered.

14. A child resistant box having a base and a cover slidably engaged with

a top side of the base, the cover having a closed position overlapping the top side of the base

so as to prevent access to an interior of the box via the top side, the base having at least one

squeeze tab bearing a projection, the projection being engagable with the cover to prevent

the cover from being slid out of the closed position unless the at least one squeeze tab is

depressed;

characterized in that the cover bears at least one gap which is engaged by the

projection on the at least one squeeze tab once the cover has been slid open a predetermined

amount, while the projection on the at least one squeeze tab is engaging the at least one gap

the cover is secured in position, preventing the cover from being further opened, and

preventing the cover from being moved toward the closed position.