Container having dual-mode closure assembly

US8292110B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Gunn and Richards, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Bryce G. Rutter · Chesterfield, US
• Marc Hunter · Webster Groves, US
• Feng Feng · South Windsor, US
• David D. Kusch · Greenwood, US
• Melvin Joshua Leedle · Chesterfield, US
• Jonathan Sundy · Chesterfield, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 10, 2008
• Grant date: Oct 23, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 5, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D2251/1066
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Dual-mode container assemblies (30, 110) are provided which include an open-top container (32, 112) with a closure assembly (34, 114) having a skirt (36, 116) and a reversible lid (38, 118) presenting first and second opposed faces (82, 84, 160, 162) hingedly coupled to the skirt (36, 116). In the child-resistant configuration of the assemblies (30, 110), the lid (38, 118) is latched to the skirt (36, 116) by a latching arrangement (60, 100, 136, 177). In order to convert the container assemblies (30, 110) to an adult configuration, the lid (38, 118) is opened and rotated 180° while the lid (38, 118) remains connected to the skirt (36, 116). This reverses the lid face adjacent the open top of the container (32, 112). Closure of the reversed lid (38, 118) occurs without any latching function between the skirt (36, 116) and the lid (38, 118), so that the lid (38, 118) can be readily opened. The connection between the lid (38, 118) and skirt (36, 116) can be effected by hinged connection of rear segment (64) and rotational coupling of a forward reversible body (75), or by a ball joint connection between a ball (170) and ball mount (150). In either case, the lid (38, 118) is moveable a…