阅读说明：本技术 针对包装的库存及运输效率的模块化系统 (Modular system for inventory and shipping efficiency of packages ) 是由 S·克诺贝尔 A·马科维茨 A·冈萨雷斯 R·埃尔韦尔 C·格兰杰 C·平托 于 2018-04-30 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文涉及针对包装的库存及运输效率的模块化系统,具体来说披露了具有防儿童容器、托盘插入件以及托盘框架的模块化容器系统。本文中还披露使用该模块化系统的方法以及在容器中储存物质的方法。该容器具有容器基座及容器盖,并提供防儿童容器。使用者可通过挤压然后提升的顺序而自容器基座可释放地移除该容器盖。例如,该使用者挤压该容器基座的相对侧,以释放锁固机制并允许通过自该容器基座提升或拉出该容器盖来移除该盖。该模块化容器系统的该些组件是模块化的且可堆叠的。该模块化系统允许有组织地、高效地、可访问地储存该防儿童容器。该模块化容器系统还允许方便地计数、分类及处理该容器。(Modular container systems with child-resistant containers, tray inserts, and tray frames are disclosed herein that are directed to modular systems for inventory and shipping efficiency of packages. Methods of using the modular system and methods of storing a substance in a container are also disclosed herein. The container has a container base and a container lid and provides a child-resistant container. The user can releasably remove the container lid from the container base by a squeeze-then-lift sequence. For example, the user squeezes the opposite sides of the container base to release the locking mechanism and allow the lid to be removed by lifting or pulling the container lid from the container base. The components of the modular container system are modular and stackable. The modular system allows for organized, efficient, accessible storage of the child-resistant container. The modular container system also allows for convenient counting, sorting and handling of the containers.)

1. A container, comprising:

a base comprising a closed bottom end, a neck having an open top end, and a cap engagement element disposed on an outer surface of the neck; and

a lid comprising an open bottom end, a closed top end, and one or more protuberances disposed on an inner surface of the lid, the lid configured to engage the lid-engaging element.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the cap engagement element comprises a raised surface and a groove extending from a bottom end of the raised surface.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the base further comprises two, three or four lid-engaging elements.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the one or more ridges form a ridge row.

5. The container of claim 4, the lid further comprising two or more raised rows.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the base further comprises a radially extending flange located below each of the cap engagement elements.

7. The container of claim 5, wherein each of the two or more rows of raised rows is configured to couple to each raised surface of the lid engaging element.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein each groove is sized to match a ridge on the lid.

9. The container of claim 2, wherein the base, the lid, or both comprise plastic.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the plastic is a thermoplastic.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the cap further comprises an annular sealing ring on an inner surface of the top end of the cap.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the base further comprises at least one anti-rotation lock on the outer surface of the neck, each anti-rotation lock sized to match a protuberance in the lid.

13. The container of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of alignment ramps disposed on an outer surface of the container base between each of the lid-engaging elements.

14. The container of claim 9, further comprising an additive.

15. The container of claim 13, wherein the additive is an oxidative degradable additive, a biodegradable material additive, an ultraviolet resistant additive, an antistatic additive, or a combination thereof.

16. A method of disengaging a child-resistant container having a base and a lid, comprising:

compressing opposite sides of the base from a first width to a second width along a compression axis;

wherein the base comprises a closed bottom end, a neck having an open top end, and a cap engagement element disposed on an outer surface of the neck; and

the lid is lifted off the base,

wherein the lid comprises an open bottom end, a closed top end, and ridges disposed on an inner surface of the lid;

wherein the squeezing and lifting causes the row of bumps to slide over the cap engagement element.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cap engagement element includes a raised surface and a groove extending from a bottom end of the raised surface.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein squeezing applies a compressive force of about 1 pound to about 9 pounds to the opposite side of the base.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein compression is applied to opposite sides of the base, directly below the flange.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

removing medicinal, nutritional, herbal material, food, animal-based products, or plant-based products from the base.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to modular container systems for storage and inventory systems, including child-resistant containers and methods of using the same.

Background

Containers for storing substances or materials that may be harmful to children are designed to prevent children from opening, but may be manipulated by adults (including the elderly) to access the substance. These "child-resistant" containers are commonly used for over-the-counter and prescription medications. Other child resistant containers are used for other household items that are toxic if swallowed or ingested, such as laundry detergents, cleaners. These systems are intended to prevent children from inadvertently accessing the contents of these containers.

Generally, child-resistant containers include a multi-step opening process or require multiple steps to be performed simultaneously. A certain degree of physical and mental dexterity is required to open such containers, making it difficult for children to access the contents therein. For example, it may be desirable to use a certain amount of pressure or force while performing a second action to open such a container, thereby preventing a child from being able to open and access the contents of the container.

The challenge in creating child-resistant containers is to make the containers sufficiently easy for the elderly and other individuals to use. For example, some child-resistant containers provide screw-on or pop-top closures, which, while effective for child-resistance, cause some degree of difficulty for individuals suffering from inflammation or arthritis of the wrist and finger joints.

Currently available child-resistant containers also often do not adequately protect the contents from degradation when exposed to environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, bacteria, or air.

In addition, most screw-top drug containers lack external features that facilitate counting, sorting, stacking, and efficient inventory management.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improved containers and systems for use by elderly or disabled persons while providing child-resistant features. Furthermore, there remains a need for containers in which the contents are protected to enhance shelf life, e.g., liquid-tight, gas-tight, or both. Finally, there remains a need for containers that can be adapted for efficient stacking and can be part of a larger storage and inventory system. Such features allow the containers to be used for automation of packaging and distribution centers. The container is part of a storage system to allow convenient storage, inventory conditioning, and bulk distribution.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a modular container system. The modular container system generally has a tray frame, a tray insert, and a container. The components of the modular container system, as well as the system itself, are modular, including stackable assemblies that can be stacked upon one another, or a combination of stackable assemblies. The modular container system may be used as an inventory system.

The containers described herein may be part of such a modular container system. Embodiments of the container are configured to be child-resistant. The disclosed containers provide improved packaging and storage of substances or materials in a controlled environment, providing an environment such as airtight, liquid-tight, water-tight, moisture-controlled, light-controlled, or any combination thereof.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a modular container system. The modular container system includes a tray frame, a tray insert, and one or more child-resistant containers. The tray frame is sized and configured to receive the tray insert. The one or more child-resistant containers include a container base and a container lid. In some embodiments, the container lid further comprises an annular sealing ring on an inner surface of the container lid.

In some embodiments, the tray insert is sized and configured to receive the one or more child-resistant containers. The tray insert also includes a plurality of recessed portions, wherein each recessed portion is configured to receive a single child-resistant container. Each recessed portion includes an identification mark. For example, the identification mark is a number. The plurality of recessed portions are sequentially numbered, labeled or marked.

In some embodiments, the tray insert has 1, 2, 4, 9, 16, 20, 25, 36, 42, 64, 81, or 100 recessed portions in, for example, a 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5, 6 × 6, 7 × 7, 8 × 8, 9 × 9, or 10 × 10 configuration.

In some embodiments, the tray insert includes a first locking mechanism disposed on a first side of the tray insert and a second locking mechanism disposed on a second side of the tray insert. The first and second locking mechanisms include a male connector and a female connector such that the tray insert is configured to reversibly connect with a second tray insert.

In some embodiments, the tray insert is configured to nest on top of another tray insert. The tray insert is also configured to be stacked on top of another tray insert having containers in substantially all of the recessed portions.

In some embodiments, the tray insert is plastic, recycled material, or other suitable material. For example, the plastic is polypropylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, or polyvinyl chloride.

Other materials or additives may be added to the tray insert. For example, the tray insert further includes an antimicrobial additive.

In some embodiments, the tray frame is made of cardboard, plastic, glass, recycled material, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the modular container system may include a tamper evident (tamper event) element. For example, the tamper evident element is a seal, tape, or a combination thereof. Further, the modular container system may include an RFID tag.

In some embodiments, each of the tray frame, the tray insert, the one or more child-resistant receptacles, or a combination thereof may include a writing surface compatible with a pen, pencil, or marker.

In some embodiments, the child-resistant container includes a container base and a container lid.

In some embodiments, the container base comprises a closed bottom end, an open top end, a radially extending flange disposed on an outer surface of the container base, a first lid engagement element, and a second lid engagement element; wherein the first and second lid engagement elements are disposed on the outer surface of the container base, opposite each other, and between the open top end and the flange.

In some embodiments, the first and second lid engagement elements of the container base each comprise: a convex surface for receiving and engaging the base engaging element; a plurality of protuberances disposed between the raised surface and the flange; and at least one groove located between the plurality of ridges.

In some embodiments, the raised surface is substantially parallel to the flange. In some embodiments, the at least one groove is configured to receive the ridges of the underlying ridge row.

In some embodiments, the container base further comprises one or more anti-rotation locks disposed radially symmetrically on the outer surface between the first lid engagement element and the second lid engagement element.

In some embodiments, the container base further comprises an insert to define two or more compartments within the container base.

In some embodiments, the container lid comprises one or more base engagement elements on an inner surface of the container lid, wherein each of the one or more base engagement elements is configured to engage and reversibly couple to the first and second lid engagement elements of the container base.

Each of the one or more base engagement elements of the container lid includes an upper ridge row and a lower ridge row, and wherein the upper and lower ridge rows are configured to engage with the radially extending flange, the first lid engagement element, the second lid engagement element, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the container lid comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 base engagement elements.

In some embodiments, engagement of the container base with the container lid enables the one or more base engagement elements to be lockably secured with the first and second lid engagement elements, thereby substantially providing a child-resistant container when in the closed configuration.

In some embodiments, the child-resistant container further comprises gripping indicia on the outer surface directly below the radial flange on the same side of the lid-engaging element of the container base.

In some embodiments, the container lid further comprises a lift located at a top end of the lid; and wherein the container base further comprises a receptacle defined by the recessed bottom surface of the base; wherein the raised portion of the lid is adapted to engage the receiving portion of the container base such that the child-resistant container can be stacked on another child-resistant container.

In some embodiments, the receptacle of the container base includes a plurality of stacking elements disposed along an outer edge of the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the container base, the container lid, or both comprise a polymer. For example, the polymer includes polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, ultraclarified polypropylene, colored polypropylene, PET, PETE, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the container lid further comprises an annular sealing ring on an inner surface of the top end of the lid. In some embodiments, the child-resistant container is substantially air-tight, liquid-tight, light-resistant, temperature-resistant, moisture-resistant, antibacterial, tamper-resistant, or a combination thereof.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method of effecting child-resistant closure of a container. The method includes providing a child-resistant container including a container base and a container lid, and sliding the container lid over the open end of the container base, wherein the first and second lid engagement elements engage and couple to the one or more base engagement elements.

In some embodiments, the container base includes a closed bottom end, an open top end, a radially extending flange disposed on an outer surface of the container base, a first lid engagement element, and a second lid engagement element.

In some embodiments, the first and second lid engagement elements are disposed on the outer surface of the container base, opposite each other, and between the open top end and the flange.

In some embodiments, the container lid includes one or more base engagement elements on an inner surface of the lid, each of the one or more base engagement elements configured to engage and reversibly couple to the at least one lid engagement element of the base.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more base engagement elements of the container lid comprises an upper ridge row and a lower ridge row, and wherein the upper and lower ridge rows are configured to engage with the radially extending flange, the first lid engagement element, the second lid engagement element, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the first and second lid engagement elements of the container base each comprise: a convex surface for receiving and engaging the base engaging element; a plurality of protuberances disposed between the raised surface and the flange; and at least one groove located between the plurality of ridges, wherein the at least one groove is configured to receive the ridges of the underlying ridge row.

In some embodiments, the raised surface is substantially parallel to the flange.

In some embodiments, sliding the container lid over the open end of the container base enables the lower ridge row to slide over and couple with the raised surface of the lid engagement element. In some embodiments, the ridges of the lower ridge row are received in the at least one groove on the container base.

In some embodiments, the method of affecting child-resistant closure of a container further comprises removing the container lid by simultaneously applying an external compressive force of about 2 pounds to about 6 pounds on opposing sides of the container base and pulling the container lid away from the container base.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description of embodiments consistent with the claimed subject matter, which description should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray insert for a tubular container.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray insert for a 15D container.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray insert for a 45D container.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray insert for a 145D container.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray insert for a 25D container.

Fig. 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of the 25D tray insert of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the 25D tray insert of fig. 5.

Fig. 8 shows a front view of an embodiment of the 25D tray insert of fig. 5.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of an embodiment of the 25D tray insert of fig. 5.

Fig. 10 shows a top view of the embodiment of the 25D tray insert of fig. 5 positioned in an embodiment of a tray frame.

Fig. 11A to 11E show side views of embodiments of the child-resistant container: child-resistant tubes (11A), 15D containers (11B), 25D containers (11C), 45D containers (11D), and 145D child-resistant tubes (11E).

Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a child-resistant tubular container having a container base and a container lid in an open configuration.

Fig. 13A to 13F show different views of an embodiment of the child-resistant container. FIG. 13A shows an exploded view of the container base and container lid; FIG. 13B shows a child-resistant container with a container base and a container lid in a closed configuration; 13C and 13D show side views of a child-resistant container having a container base and a container lid in a closed configuration; FIG. 13E shows a bottom view of the container base;

fig. 13F shows a top view of the container base.

Fig. 14A-14B show side views of embodiments of container bases.

Fig. 15A to 15C show different views of an embodiment of a container lid. FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a container lid. Fig. 15B shows a bottom view of an embodiment of a container lid. Fig. 15C shows a top view of an embodiment of a container lid.

Fig. 16A-16B show different views of an embodiment of a child-resistant container stacked on top of another child-resistant container. FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of two child-resistant containers stacked on top of one another; fig. 16B shows a side view of the two child-resistant containers stacked on top of each other.

Fig. 17 shows an embodiment in which the container base is located on top of the container lid.

Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a tray insert filled with an embodiment of a child-resistant tubular container in a 10 x 10 configuration.

Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a tray insert filled with an embodiment of a child-resistant container in a 6 x 6 configuration.

Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a tray insert partially filled with another embodiment of a child-resistant container in a 4 x 4 configuration.

Fig. 21 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a tray insert filled with another embodiment of a child-resistant container in a 3 x 3 configuration.

Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a tray insert filled with another embodiment of a child-resistant container in a 5 x 5 configuration.

Fig. 23 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 22 stacked on another tray insert filled with a child-resistant container, each in a 5 x 5 configuration.

Fig. 24 shows a top view of an embodiment of a tray insert partially filled with an embodiment of a child-resistant container in a 5 x 5 configuration.

Fig. 25A-25C show different side views (25A-25B) and cross-sectional views (25C) of an embodiment of a tray insert with an embodiment of a child-resistant container in a 5 x 5 configuration.

Fig. 26 shows an exploded view of an embodiment where the tray frame is on top of another tray frame.

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of an embodiment in which tray frames are stacked on top of one another.

Fig. 28 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a modular container system with a tray frame, tray insert, and child-resistant container.

Fig. 29 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular container system with a tray frame, a tray insert, and a child-resistant container.

Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular container system with a tray frame, a tray insert, and a child-resistant container.

Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular container system with a tray frame, a tray insert, and a child-resistant container.

Fig. 32 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular container system with a tray frame, a tray insert, and a child-resistant container.

Fig. 33 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a modular container system with a tray frame, a tray insert, and a child-resistant container.

Fig. 34A-34D show different views of an embodiment of a stacked modular container system having 5 tray frames, each tray frame having a tray insert filled with an embodiment of a child-resistant container. Fig. 34A shows a perspective view of the stacked modular container system; fig. 34B shows a side view of the stacked modular container system; fig. 34C shows another side view of the stacked modular container system; fig. 34D shows a cross-sectional view of the stacked modular container system.

Detailed Description

The present invention relates to a modular container system including a tray frame, a tray insert, and/or a child-resistant container. Aspects of the disclosure also include a storage system and an inventory system. Other aspects include methods of using the child-resistant container (e.g., for creating child-resistance and for storing or preserving materials). The modular container system may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an element" includes two or more elements.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from one particular value, and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It will also be understood that several values are disclosed herein, and that each value is disclosed herein as "about" that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood that each unit between two particular units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13 and 14 are also disclosed.

The terms "about" and "at or about" as used herein mean that the amount or value in question may be some other value specified that is approximately or approximately the same. It is generally understood that, as used herein, unless otherwise indicated or inferred, it is a nominal value representing a ± 10% change. The term is intended to mean that similar values promote equivalent results or effects as recited in the claims. That is, it is to be understood that the quantities, dimensions, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, to reflect tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In general, an amount, dimension, formulation, parameter or other quantity or characteristic is "approximate" or "approximate," whether or not explicitly stated as such. It should be understood that when "about" is used before a quantized value, the parameter also includes the particular quantized value itself, unless specifically stated otherwise.

As used herein, unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms "first," "second," "first portion," "second portion," and the like do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

The term "optional" or "optionally" as used herein means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For example, the phrase "optionally attached to a surface" means that it may or may not be attached to a surface.

Moreover, it should be understood that any methods set forth herein are not intended to be construed as requiring that their steps be performed in a particular order, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, no attempt is made to infer any particular order, unless the method claims actually recite an order to be followed by their steps or otherwise specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are limited to a particular order. This applies to any possible non-explicit basis for interpretation, including: logical issues regarding the arrangement of steps or operational flows; obvious meanings derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

It should be understood that the modular container systems, materials, and devices disclosed herein have particular functionality. Specific structural requirements are disclosed herein for performing the disclosed functions, and it is to be understood that there are various structures which can perform the same functions associated with the disclosed structures, and which will generally achieve the same results.

Modular container system

The modular container system described herein generally has a tray frame, a tray insert, and a container. The components or assemblies of the modular container system, as well as the system itself, are modular. The components are stackable-they can be stacked on top of each other or combined with other components of the system. The modular container system may be used as an inventory system.

The containers described herein may be part of a modular container system. Embodiments of the container are configured to be child-resistant. The disclosed containers provide improved packaging and storage of substances or materials in a controlled environment, providing an environment such as airtight, liquid-tight, water-tight, moisture-controlled, light-controlled, or any combination thereof.

Tray insert

In some aspects of the present disclosure, a modular container system includes a tray insert. Referring to fig. 1-10, the tray insert is sized and configured to fit within a tray frame (described in detail below). Further, the tray insert is configured to specifically accommodate embodiments of child-resistant containers (described in detail below). It is also contemplated that the tray insert may accommodate more than one type (e.g., size) of child-resistant container. As described herein, the tray insert may have any number of recessed portions (i.e., the number of child-resistant containers it can accommodate). For example, the tray insert has 1, 2, 4, 9, 16, 20, 25, 36, 42, 64, 81, or 100 recessed portions in, for example, a 1 × 1, 2 × 2, 3 × 3, 4 × 4, 5 × 5, 6 × 6, 7 × 7, 8 × 8, 9 × 9, or 10 × 10 configuration.

Referring to fig. 1, the tray insert 100 has a plurality of concave portions 110. Each recessed portion 110 may include an identifying indicia 111 to facilitate the inventory method described herein. For example, the identifying indicia 111 may be letters, numbers, or other symbols. The tray insert 100 also has a first locking mechanism 120 and a second locking mechanism 130. Each locking mechanism 120, 130 has a male 121, 131 and female 122, 132 connector. The locking mechanism 120, 130 is provided on one side of the tray insert 100 and allows mating with another tray insert 100 (or, for example, tray insert 200, 300, 400, or 500). The locking mechanisms 120, 130 are arranged such that the tray insert must be oriented in a position to mate with another tray insert. The tray insert 100 is in a 10 x 10 configuration with 100 recesses 110 sized to receive embodiments of tubular containers (described in detail below).

Similarly, the tray insert 200 of fig. 2 has a plurality of recessed portions 210, each having an identifying indicia 211. The identification mark 211 is a number displayed on the bottom of each concave portion 210. The locking mechanisms 220, 230 are provided on opposite sides of the tray insert 200 and allow mating with another tray insert 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 (fig. 1-5). Although male-female 221, 222 are shown; 231. 232 type connector, but other locking and connecting means may be used. The tray insert 200 is in a 6 x 6 configuration with 36 recessed portions 210. Each recess 210 is sized and configured to receive an embodiment of a child-resistant container (e.g., a 15D container).

The tray insert 300 of fig. 3 has a 4 x 4 configuration sized to receive another embodiment of a child-resistant container (e.g., a 45D container). The tray insert 400 of fig. 4 has a 3 x 3 configuration sized to receive yet another embodiment of a child-resistant container (e.g., a 145D container). The tray insert 500 of fig. 5 has a 5 x 5 configuration sized to receive another embodiment of a child-resistant container (e.g., a 25D container). Fig. 1-5 show different embodiments of tray inserts configured for different embodiments of child-resistant containers and tubular containers. However, it is also contemplated that other configurations are possible, including more than one type of child-resistant container for a single tray insert.

The tray inserts of fig. 1-5 all have a universal locking mechanism to allow for mating between any tray insert regardless of the size of the recessed portion. Accordingly, the tray inserts are substantially similar or equal in length and/or width to allow for such mating.

Fig. 6 to 9 show further views of the tray insert 500 as shown in fig. 5. An identification mark 511 is displayed in each concave portion 510. The identification mark 511 is numbered sequentially, starting from No. 0, moving from the upper left to the right, and from top to bottom, and ending at No. 24. Thus, the tray insert 500 has 25 recessed portions. When the tray insert 500 is completely filled with child-resistant containers, each identification mark is covered by each container. Once the container is removed from the tray insert, the identifying indicia 511 becomes visible. Removing the containers in the reverse order (i.e., starting from bottom right and moving from right to left, bottom to top) facilitates quantifying the number of remaining containers. For example, if a single container is removed from tray insert 500 from the lower right position, identification indicia 511 "24" is revealed and tells a person that 24 containers remain in tray insert 500.

The tray insert 500 has a top 544 and a bottom 542 with a depth. The depth of each recess 510 is no greater than the depth of the tray insert 500.

Fig. 10 shows the tray insert 500 positioned within the tray frame 600, forming part of the modular container system 1000. The portions of the male 521, 531 and the female 522, 532 of the first and second locking mechanisms 520 and 530 protrude from the tray frame 600.

Child-resistant container

Another aspect of the modular container system is a child-resistant container and a tubular container. Child-resistant containers and tubular containers are configured to store, preserve, and/or hold substances or materials as well as provide a child-resistant mechanism.

Generally, the child-resistant container described herein includes a container base and a container lid. The container base engages the container lid when the container is in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the container is substantially child-resistant, that is, the child cannot or will have difficulty removing the container lid from the container base.

The container base has a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an outer surface. Embodiments of the container (including the container base) are substantially symmetrical in shape.

The container base may have indicia on one or more sides of the container. The indicia may be used to grip the container base and/or to distinguish one side of the container from another. The indicia may be slightly raised, for example, from the outer surface of the container base. The user squeezes or presses inward at the marked location while pulling the container lid upward to remove the container lid from the container base.

The radially extending flange is part of the base of the container. The flange structurally divides the container base into a lower body portion and an upper neck portion. The flange is adjacent and parallel to the top end of the container base. The flange increases child resistance of the container (e.g., to prevent a child from touching under the lid and prying open with fingernails/teeth). The flange structure and force ratio (force ratio) around a specific area of the container lid maintains an even distribution of the squeezing force, separates the lid from the base, and also prevents the lid from over-compressing the seal. The combination of the force of the flange and the retention feature creates the appropriate amount of compression.

The container lid has an outer surface and an inner surface. The container lid also has an open bottom end (container base receiving end) and a closed top end. On the top end of the container lid, there is a shoulder, a ramp and a lift. The shoulders, ramps, and lifts allow stacking of container bases on top of the container lid (e.g., the containers are self-stacking) and allow stacking of tray inserts or tray frames on top of the container lid. The container lid may have indicia on the inner and/or outer surfaces.

The container lid may have an annular seal (e.g., an o-ring) in the inner surface at or near the top end of the lid. The annular seal may help provide a barrier between the container environment and the external environment. The material stored in the container may be sensitive to air, water, oxygen, light, ultraviolet light, temperature, bacteria, or combinations thereof.

The container lid has one or more base engagement elements. Each base engagement element is located on the interior surface of the container lid, e.g., on some or all four sides of the container lid. Each base-engaging element includes one or more rows of bumps, where each row has a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more) of bumps.

The ridges may be arranged in an upper ridge row and a lower ridge row. With a space between the two raised rows. The ridges are shaped so that they are slightly inclined. The protuberance is sized and configured to slide and fit into the groove of the cover engagement element.

The child-resistant feature of the container relates to the engagement of the container base with the container lid. The one or more lid-engaging elements are part of the base of the container. The lid-engaging elements consist of raised surfaces or lugs (ridges). The raised surface is adjacent and parallel to the top end of the container base. Directly above the radially extending flange and below the raised surface is a longitudinally extending ridge or ramp. The protuberance extends from at or near the raised surface to the flange. A groove is formed between two ridges (i.e., the space between the ridges is a groove). In addition to providing a tight fit with the container base, the ridges and grooves also provide guidance and alignment of the container lid. The lid engagement element prevents the container lid from being easily removed or improperly removed from the container base. Generally, the lid-engaging elements are located on two opposite sides of the container base. However, a single cap engagement element may be located on the container base (e.g., for a tubular container), or 3 or more cap engagement elements may be located on the container base.

Fig. 11A-11E show different embodiments of the child-resistant container and tube container described herein. The child-resistant tubular containers 1100 and containers 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 vary in shape and size. Each container 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140 is sized to fit within a mating tray insert (see fig. 1-9). The containers described herein may be stackable on their own (e.g., fig. 16A) and have features that make them child-resistant. Other features will be apparent in view of the above.

The child-resistant tubular container 1500 of fig. 12 has a container base 1520 and a container lid 1510. The container cover 1510 is attached to the container base 1520 by a hinge 1560. The container lid 1510 has a base engagement element 1505 located on the inner surface 1504 of the container lid 1510. The base engagement member 1505 may mate or engage with a lid engagement member 1530 located on the container base 1520.

The container base has an outer surface 1524, an open top end 1522, and a closed bottom end 1521, the bottom end 1521 serving as a receiving portion for receiving the container lid. The lid engagement member 1530 is disposed on the outer surface 1524 of the container base 1520 between the top end 1522 and the flange 1523. The radially extending flange 1523 acts as a physical stop when the container lid is seated on the container base. Texture or gripping markings 1540 and text 1541 on the outer surface 1524 assist a user in opening and closing the tubular container 1500.

The child-resistant container 1600 of fig. 13A through 13D is another embodiment of the container described herein. The container cover 1610 has a raised surface or elevation 1601 and a ramp 1602 that slopes to a shoulder 1603. Each of the lifts 1601, ramps 1602, and shoulders 1603 define a closed top end of the container cover 1610.

The container base 1620 has an open top end 1622, a closed bottom end 1621, and a radially extending flange 1623 disposed on an outer surface 1624. Container base 1620 also has first cover engagement element 1630A and second cover engagement element 1630B (fig. 13F). Cover engagement elements 1630A, 1630B are provided on the outer surface 1624 of the container base 1620, on opposite sides thereof, between the open top end 1622 and the flange 1623. The cover engagement elements 1630A, 1630B each have a raised surface substantially parallel to the flange 1623, with a plurality of ridges disposed between the raised surface and the flange 1623, the ridges forming at least one groove therebetween. The at least one groove is sized to receive the underlying ridge row of ridges on the inner surface of the container cap 1610. The container base also has one or more anti-rotation locks 1650A and 1650B symmetrically and radially disposed on the outer surface 1624 of the side of the container base adjacent the lid engagement elements 1630A, 1630B and extending around the flange 1623. The container base 1620 also has a ramp 1660 symmetrically and radially disposed on the outer surface 1624 between the cover engagement element 1630 and the anti-rotation lock 1650. The ramps 1660 help align the container cover 1610 with the container base 1620. The container base 1620 may also have gripping indicia 1640 and/or text 1641 to guide the user how and where to open the container.

The container base 1620 also has one or more protrusions 1670 that help secure the container base 1620 when placed on top of a container lid, e.g., 1610 (fig. 13E). The container base 1620 has a recessed bottom surface on the closed bottom end 1621 to allow another container to be secured and mated.

Fig. 14A and 14B show additional features of one embodiment of a container base 2200. The container base 2200 has a closed bottom end 2221, an open top end 2222, a radially extending flange 2223, and an outer surface 2224. The container base 2200 also has a cover engagement element 2230 provided on the opposite side of the container base, on the outer surface, between the flange 2223 and the open end 2222. The grip indicia 2240 and text 2241 are located directly below the flange 2223 on the same side of the cover engagement element 2230.

Fig. 15A and 15B show internal views of the container lid 2400. The container cap 2400 has an outer surface 2406 and an inner (interior) surface 2407. One or more base engagement elements 2401 are disposed on the inner surface 2407. The one or more base engagement elements 2401 include upper rows of ridges 2403 and lower rows of ridges 2402 (each row being relative to the cover when the cover is oriented on the container base), each row of ridges having 1 or more ridges. The base engagement elements 2401A, 2401B, 2401C and 2401D are circumferentially disposed about an inner surface 2407 of the container cover 2400. One or more base engagement members and first and second lid engagement members may be lockably secured (e.g., 2230 of fig. 14B) to provide a child-resistant container when in the closed configuration.

Fig. 15C shows a top view of the container lid 2400 with a lift 2401, a ramp 2402, and a shoulder 2403.

The child-resistant containers described herein are stackable, as shown in fig. 16A. That is, one container 2700 having the container cover 2710 and the container base 2720 can be stacked on top of another container having the container cover 2710 and the container base 2720. The lifters 2701 of the container covers 2710 of one container 2700 are configured to be positioned inside of a receiving portion defined by the recessed bottom surface of the closed bottom end 2721 of the container base 2720. The child-resistant container and the tubular container each have a similar configuration to allow self-stacking. See fig. 11A to 11E.

Similarly, fig. 17 shows the container lid 2910 nested with the bottom end of the container base 2920. The raised portion (not shown) and ramp (not shown) nest within the concave bottom surface of the base 2920. The bottom end of the container base 2920 rests on a shoulder 2930 of the container cap 2910.

As described herein, the container lid is configured to be associated with a container base. The container base forms a closure to contain the material and the container lid closes the open top end of the base. The container base and container lid may be comprised of plastic, plastic composites, reinforced plastic, metal composites, copolymer polypropylene, ultraclarified polypropylene, colored PP, PET, PETE, PS, PC, glass, or combinations thereof. The container base, the container lid, can be prepared, for example, from a combination of any of the following materials: polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polychlorotrifluoroethylene, phenolic resin, para-aramid, polyethylene terephthalate, polychloroprene, polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, copolyamide, aromatic polyester, poly-p-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole; glass, plexiglass, resin, wood, rubber, elastomeric rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone, fluorinated ethylene propylene, vulcanized rubber, metal.

Tray insert and container

As described above, the modular container system includes a tray insert and a child-resistant container, each described in detail above. Fig. 18-22 show different embodiments of tray inserts (3120, 3220, 3320, 3420, and 3520) and child-resistant containers (3110, 3210, 3310, 3410, and 3510). For example, referring to fig. 20, in instances where the tray insert 3220 is not completely filled with receptacles 3210, the markings located in the recessed portion 3223 identify the number of receptacles 3210 remaining in the tray insert 3220. Since "12" is visible to the user, 12 receptacles remain on the tray insert 3220. Other numbering or marking schemes may also be used to achieve the same result, i.e., to quickly and easily determine the number of containers remaining, or missing.

Another aspect of the modular container system allows for stacking of tray inserts with containers on other tray inserts with containers. Referring to fig. 23, a stack of two tray insert/container "units" is shown. Although fig. 23 shows stacking of similar containers and tray inserts, any of the tray insert and child-resistant container embodiments disclosed herein can be stacked on another embodiment.

Fig. 24 shows a top view of tray insert 3620 with child resistant container 3630 partially filled. The containers 3620 fit securely into the recessed portion 3610 to prevent the containers from moving or sliding within the tray insert 3620. The identifying indicia 3611 helps determine how many containers 3620 remain in the tray insert 3620. The tray insert 3620 has two pairs of locking mechanisms 3621, 3622. Male 3621 and female 3622 locking mechanisms are provided on opposite sides of the tray insert 3620. The arrangement of the locking mechanism allows multiple insert trays to be locked together in a side-by-side arrangement such that the male portion 3621 on one tray insert mates with the female portion 3622 on another tray insert.

Fig. 25A-25C show side views of a tray insert/child-resistant container combination 3700 with child-resistant containers 3710A-E. Locking mechanisms 3721, 3721 are shown in FIG. 25B. A cross-sectional view of combination 3700 is shown in fig. 25C. The raised row 3701 of container lids includes an upper row 3702 and a lower row 3703. The lower row 3703 engages with the lid engagement element 3730 to provide a substantially child-resistant closed container. The container lid has a rise 3711, a ramp 3712, and a shoulder 3713.

Tray frame

Another part of the modular container system is the tray frame shown in fig. 26 and 27. The tray frame 5010 is sized and configured to nest within another tray frame 5020, forming a tray frame stack 5000. Each tray frame 5010, 5020 has one or more slots 5011, 5012, 5021, 5022 provided on the side of the tray. The slots are sized to allow the locking mechanism of the tray insert to protrude out of the tray frame. The slots 5011 of the frame 5010 are sized so that the male connectors of the locking mechanism on the tray insert can protrude from the tray frame. The slots 5012 of the frame 5010 are sized so that the female connectors of the locking mechanism on the tray insert can protrude from the tray frame. Slots 5011 and 5012 are provided on the left and right sides of the tray frame corresponding to the first and second locking mechanisms of the tray insert.

Fig. 27 shows the tray frames 5110 and 5120 nested within one another forming a stack 5100 of tray frames. Any number of tray frames may be stacked for storage or other purposes. The cutouts 5125 provide the correct orientation of the tray frame so that multiple tray frames are all aligned in the same direction and orientation.

The tray frame also has rounded feet or corners located on the bottom of the tray frame (see fig. 34B, 4091). Corners 4091 each have rounded edges such that it can lock or fit the outer diameter of a child-resistant container lid regardless of the container size (e.g., 15D, 25D, 45D, or 145D). The tray frame feet 4091 are configured so that the tray frame does not slide or otherwise move when placed on top of a container.

The present disclosure provides a single tray frame that universally fits a variety of tray inserts. Although of similar size, the tray inserts are unique to the type of container that it contains. Other embodiments include forming the tray frame and the tray insert as a single unit.

Other assemblies

The modular container system may include a tamper evident (tamper event) element. Tamper evident elements may be found on tray inserts, tray frames, and/or child resistant containers. For example, the tamper-evident element is a detachable component. The detachable component may include a seal, an adhesive tape, or a combination thereof.

The modular container storage system may also include product identification, manufacturer instructions, RFID tags, NFC tags, bar codes, or combinations thereof.

In some aspects, the portions of the modular container system further comprise a writing surface compatible with a pen, pencil, or marker. In some aspects, the modular container system further includes space available for special material or surface applications to facilitate removal of labels and markings without leaving a residue.

In some aspects, the modular container storage system further comprises one or more sensors. For example, any sensor may be used in the modular container storage system, such as environmental sensors (e.g., humidity sensors, oxygen sensors, temperature sensors, barometric pressure sensors, light sensors), gyroscopes, accelerometers, GPS sensors, magnetometers, proximity sensors, fingerprint sensors, and retinal sensors.

Method of use and storage

The present disclosure relates to methods for packaging and/or storing materials. The packaging method includes providing a modular container system having a child-resistant container and directing material into the container. The method includes adding a child-resistant container to one or more tray inserts and then adding the one or more tray inserts into a tray frame.

The material being packaged may be a material that is sensitive to one or more environmental factors. Sensitivity includes, but is not limited to, air, water, oxygen, light, ultraviolet light, temperature, bacteria, or combinations thereof. For example, the material is a medicinal, nutritional, herbal material, plant material, food, animal-based product, plant-based product, or the like. Thus, some or all of the modular container system creates a substantially airtight seal, a liquid-tight seal, or both.

The cover engagement member and the base engagement member are configured to cooperatively engage in a locked position to releasably secure the container cover to the container base in a closed position, wherein the open section of the base is covered by the cover to inhibit access to the open cavity. Securing the container lid to the container base includes the steps of: sliding along the long axis of the container and pressing the container lid over the open end of the container base. The container is locked by the following means: the lid is slid and pressed over the raised surface of the container base until the audible noise is heard as well as a tactile click. In other words, the sides of the container lid must be pressed with sufficient force to overcome the resistance of the raised surface and then secured in a secure base-lid engagement so that one end of the plurality of ridges on the inside of the container lid abut against the raised surface. At the same time, one or more ridges will reside or fit within the groove of the container base lid-engaging element, and one or more ridges of the container base may reside between the ridges on the container lid. This creates a secure coupling of the base engagement element of the container lid and the lid engagement element of the container base. Additional grooves and ridges may be included to increase the difficulty or complexity of accessing the contents or using the container.

In some embodiments, the full coupling of the base engagement element and the lid engagement element is designed to release an audible signal, a snap sound, to let the operator know that the lid is securely located on the base, and thus the contained elements are securely located in the child-resistant container.

A visual signal is provided on the surface of the container corresponding to the position and direction of the force to be applied. For example, gripping indicia is provided on the surface of the container base to identify the side of the container base having the lid engagement element. The second indicia is provided on the cover, typically on a side that is not opposite, but adjacent to the side containing the cover engaging element. Which corresponds to the application of a pulling force on the container lid to disengage the lid from the base while holding the container base with the other hand.

In order to access the contents from the closed container, a predetermined amount of compressive force needs to be applied radially inward on two opposing sides of the base. The individual will press with a finger on two opposing sides of the base having the cover engaging element and marked with the gripping indicia to resiliently reduce the first width of the base along the compression axis to a second width to release the cover engaging element from the base engaging element. This protects the cover from pressure from the raised surfaces on the sides of the cover. In one aspect, a predetermined amount of force may be applied at a location on the opposite lid side adjacent to the lid engagement element. The indicia constitute a visual indicator for applying a compressive force to open the sides of the container. The container lid and container base can be decoupled from the closed position by pulling the container base and container lid axially away from each other along the long axis of the container. The pulling may occur after the engagement member is in the unlocked position. The predetermined amount of force is between about 1 pound to about 9 pounds, alternatively between about 2 pounds to about 8 pounds, about 2 pounds to about 6 pounds, and alternatively between 3 pounds to 5 pounds. The predetermined amount of force is at least about 4 pounds.

The lid engagement element and the base engagement element may be configured to disengage from the self-locking position to an unlocked position, wherein the container lid and the container base may be decoupled from the closed position to an open position such that the open cavity of the container may be accessed. To effect a change from the locked position to the unlocked position, a predetermined amount of compressive force is applied radially inward on two opposing sides of the base to resiliently reduce a first width of the base along the compression axis to a second width, wherein the second width is slightly less than the first width. In some aspects, a predetermined amount of force may be applied at locations on opposing base sides, wherein at least one side of the base includes a cover engagement element. The lid is decoupled from the base in the closed position by simultaneously applying a predetermined compressive force on two opposing sides of the base, at least one of which includes a lid-engaging element, and pulling the lid away from the base along the long axis, pulling the lid along the long axis of the container. In other aspects, the cover may be pulled by using a cover side corresponding to a position parallel to the expansion axis. In some aspects, the reduction is from a first width to a second width, wherein the second width is less than the first width and the second width elastically expands to the first width upon release of the pressure.

In various aspects, the present disclosure relates to containers and devices for storing restricted use substances. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC, www.cspc.gov) provides guidance for packaging pharmaceuticals and other controlled substances for specialized child-resistant and geriatric packaging (CRP). The CSPC also has been under the 1970 Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), 15U.S.C. § 1471-. Substances intended to be of limited use in this application include, but are not limited to, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, or federal regulated substances, nutraceuticals, or vitamins. Substances may be sensitive to environmental exposure and may decay, decompose, lose desirable properties after exposure, e.g. drugs, herbal products, plant products. The Substance for storage in the container of the present invention may include, but is not limited to, one or more components or drugs (https:// www.dea.gov/drug info/ds.shtml) classified by the U.S. agency of law of Controlled Substances (CSA) according to Table I, II, III or Table IV: (ii) a combination product containing less than 15 mg hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin), cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudi), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin; less than 90 mg codeine per unit of dose (codeine-containing Tylenol), ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone; or products including Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien, Tramadol.

The present disclosure provides a method of storing material in a child-resistant container. The method includes providing a child-resistant container comprising a container base having a lid-engaging element and a container lid having a base-engaging element, wherein the lid-engaging element is configured to cooperatively engage and reversibly couple to the base-engaging element; directing material into the base; and securing a lid over the base, wherein the lid engagement element engages and couples to the base engagement element to form the child-resistant container.

Fig. 28-34C show different embodiments of modular container systems having a tray frame, a tray insert, and one or more child-resistant containers. For example, fig. 28 is an exploded view of child-resistant container 4910, tray insert 4920, and tray frame 4930. As disclosed herein, the insert 4920 corresponds to a particular size of container 4910. The tray insert 4920 is in a 5 x 5 configuration and is therefore capable of holding 25 containers 4910.

Fig. 29 shows an embodiment of a modular container system 4400 having a tray frame 4430, a tray insert 4420, and a plurality of containers 4410. The tray insert 4420 is in a 6 x 6 configuration and is therefore capable of accommodating 36 containers 4410. The tray insert 4420 has a plurality of concave portions 4421 each having an identification number mark 4422. The male 4423 and female 4424 connectors of the first locking mechanism of the tray insert 4420 protrude through slots in the tray frame 4430.

Fig. 30 shows another embodiment of a modular container system 4500 having a tray frame 4530, a tray insert 4520, and a plurality of containers 4510. The tray insert 4520 is in a 5 x 5 configuration and is capable of accommodating 25 containers 4510. Fig. 31 shows another embodiment of a modular container system 4600 with a tray frame 4630, a tray insert 4620, and a plurality of containers 4610. The tray inserts 4620 are configured in a 4 × 4 configuration and can accommodate 16 containers 4610. Fig. 32 shows another embodiment of a modular container system 4700 having a tray frame 4730, a tray insert 4720, and a plurality of containers 4710. The pallet inserts 4720 are 3 × 3 configured to accommodate 9 containers 4710. Fig. 33 shows another embodiment of a modular container system 4800 having a tray frame 4830, a tray insert 4820, and a plurality of tubular containers 4810. The tray insert 4820 is in a 10 x 10 configuration and can accommodate 100 tubular containers 4810.

Fig. 34A-34D show different views of one embodiment of the modular container system. Fig. 34A shows a perspective view of a stack of tray frames 4060, each having tray inserts and receptacles 4010, 4020, 4030, 4040 and 4050. The stacking or arrangement of the tray frame, tray insert and container subunits does not affect the system in any way and can be in any order. Figures 34B-34C show that the tray frame 4060 has lips 4061 which can be used to hold or carry the tray frame. Portions of the tray frame locking mechanisms 4071, 4072 protrude from the tray frame. Fig. 34D shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a modular container system.

Method of manufacturing a modular container system

The components described herein include, but are not limited to, the tray insert, child-resistant container, child-resistant tubular container, and the tray frame may be formed of plastic or any other suitable material. For example, any of the components of the modular container system may be plastic, cardboard, recycled materials, glass, metal alloys, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials. For example, suitable plastics include, but are not limited to, polypropylene copolymers, ultraclarified polypropylene, colored polypropylene, PET, PETE fluorinated ethylene propylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, or combinations thereof.

Other materials or additives may be added to any of the components (e.g., tray insert, child-resistant container, tray frame). For example, antimicrobial additives may be added. Other additives may include oxidative degradable additives, as well as biodegradable material matrix additives, ultraviolet resistant additives, and antistatic additives.

Portions of the modular container system, such as the container base and/or the container lid, have uv protective or barrier materials. The container base and/or the container lid are composed of a material having complete opacity. A fully opaque or opaque material is described herein as being 100% opaque, wherein the material is opaque to light. In certain aspects, the base or the cover, or both, are composed of a material that is not completely opaque. Such materials may include properties having 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, or 0% opacity, or any range therebetween. In certain embodiments, the container lid and/or base is completely opaque and light-blocking. In some aspects, the container lid and/or base is transparent, wherein the opacity is less than 100%. In some aspects, the container lid and/or base is transparent, wherein the opacity is about 10% or about 0%.

In various aspects, portions of the modular container system, such as the container lid and/or the container base, are protected by a removable sleeve. The removable sleeve may be opaque. The removable sleeve may be uv-resistant. In some aspects, the removable sleeve is moisture resistant. In some aspects, the removable sleeve is opaque. In some aspects, the removable sleeve includes surface markings for product identification, security notification, or any combination thereof.

The plastic may be injection molded, thermoformed, vacuum formed, or manufactured in any manner suitable for manufacturing the components described herein to achieve the desired functionality.

The teachings of all patents, published applications and references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.