Safety container

Abstract

A safety container comprising a bottom member and a lid member where the lid member has a plurality of inward projections that fit into corresponding detents in the bottom member so that the lid member may be snapped into position on the bottom member in such a way where the forces required to disengage the projections from the detents are sufficiently large to protect against unauthorized access by young minors but sufficiently small to permit opening by adult users with diminished strength or dexterity.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A safety container for limiting access to the contents therein yet facilitating entry for those with diminished strength and/or dexterity, the container comprising:
 a container bottom member comprising an upper wall and a lower wall, the bottom member being configured to store contents within an interior accessible by an opening in the upper wall of the bottom member, the upper wall comprising a radial top surface defining the opening, the bottom member comprising a plurality of detents positioned radially about an outer periphery of the lower wall of the bottom member, and   a container lid member for enclosing contents within the bottom member when secured thereto, the lid member comprising a plurality of protrusions positioned radially about in inner surface of the lid member and configured to snap into corresponding position within the detents of the bottom member when the lid is positioned in an appropriate radial position relative to the bottom member.   
     
     
         2 . The safety container of  claim 1 , wherein the detent comprises a raised surface that has a first end that extends outwardly from the outer surface of the bottom member. 
     
     
         3 . The safety container of  claim 1 , further comprising guides for directing a lid protrusion into a corresponding bottom member detent. 
     
     
         4 . The safety container of  claim 1 , wherein the lid member further comprises a resilient washer positioned on the interior of the lid member. 
     
     
         5 . The safety container of  claim 1 , wherein the lid member further comprises means for permitting mechanical expansion of the lid member during engagement and/or disengagement of the lid member from the bottom member. 
     
     
         6 . The safety container of  claim 1 , wherein the upper wall of the bottom member is tapered.