US20160304235A1

US20160304235A1 - Tamper-evident food delivery container

Info

Publication number: US20160304235A1
Application number: US15/189,856
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Herkenrath
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-04-20
Filing date: 2016-06-22
Publication date: 2016-10-20

Abstract

A tamper-evident food delivery container comprising a basin portion and a cover portion. The basin portion is enclosed by a first plurality of sidewalls and the cover portion is enclosed by a second plurality of sidewalls. The tamper-evident food delivery container also includes a flap extending from either the first or second plurality of sidewalls, and operable to be affixed to the other of the first or second plurality of sidewalls to seal the tamper-evident food delivery container. A pull tab disposed in the flap is operable to be pulled to detach a portion of the flap, and to allow access to the food delivery container when the pull tab is detached. A closing mechanism is also provided to prevent the food delivery container from opening automatically once the pull tab is detached.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Se. No. 14/690,545, filed Apr. 20, 2015, entitled “TAMPERPROOF FOOD BOX” to inventor Michael Herkenrath, which is incorporated herein by reference and in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a food delivery container and more particularly to a food delivery container that is tamper proof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years it has become increasingly popular to deliver prepared foods such as vegetable plates, sandwiches, french fries, pizzas, meats, ethnic foods, deserts and the like. Companies and restaurants which provide to go and home food delivery services are constantly seeking ways to improve the service, food quality and taste due to the competitive nature of the business. For example, food is typically delivered in an insulated container. The purpose is to keep food hot and tasty and retain attributes such as crispiness, texture, etc.
Tamper-proof packaging arrangements are often provided on various consumer products such as medicines, and also on packaging for various food products. These arrangements typically include locking structures which, when tampered with, enable the consumer to easily visually recognize such tampering so that the product can then be rejected. An example of such a tamper-evident structure is a plastic locking ring connected to a cap such as those utilized on beverages. When the cap is loosened to open the container, the ring disconnects from the cap and thus provides a visual clue to the consumer in the event that the container was opened by an unauthorized person. Another type of tamper-evident feature is a plastic strip or seal which is provided externally around an opening of a container which must be removed or torn off prior to opening the container. If this strip is missing or damaged, the consumer can reject the product. In both of the above arrangements, the tamper-evident structure essentially locks the container in the closed position, and opening of the container can only be achieved by damaging or removing the locking structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a re-closeable tamper-evident food delivery container configured to be sealed to prevent unauthorized or undesired tampering or access to the contents within. The food delivery container includes basin and cover portions connected by a hinge, the basin portion having a first plurality of sidewalls that form the bottom of the food delivery container, and the cover portion having a second plurality of sidewalls, which together form the top of the food delivery container. One or more flap portions extend (e.g., downwards when positioned over the basin portion) from the second plurality of sidewalls, and are configured to be affixed (via an adhesive agent) over the first plurality of sidewalls when the cover portion is positioned over the basin portion. In one or more embodiments, the adhesive agent is disposed on an interior facing surface of the flap and, once activated, may be pressed against the exterior facing surface of the first plurality of sidewalls. A series of perforations is disposed along flap—preferably closer to the center plane than the adhesive agent—forms a tear strip. In one or more embodiments, the tear strip is implemented as a continuous series of interrupted cuts in parallel along the length of the flap. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the second plurality of sidewalls vertically overlaps (externally) a portion of the first plurality of sidewalls.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the food delivery container may be implemented as a box or case (e.g., a pizza box, take out container) with one or more chambers. Other embodiments include single-chambered containers, which can be both structured (e.g., oyster pail) or unstructured (e.g., bag or sack). Additional features of the food delivery container can include one or more transparent surfaces or portions of surfaces that allows some portion of the contents or volume in the container to be viewed externally. Other embodiments may include features such as vents or slits in the cover portion or sidewall portions to allow excess heat to escape (e.g., to prevent condensation from forming along the interior surfaces of the container). Still further embodiments may include features such as trenches (to allow liquids or moisture to pool away from other contents), ridges (to allow vertically oriented foods to rest vertically, and to form sub-compartments for separating contents).
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a re-closeable tamperproof food delivery container having a tamper-evident closure. The food delivery container includes basin and cover portions connected by a hinge, the basin portion having a first plurality of sidewalls that form the bottom of the food delivery container, and the cover portion having a second plurality of sidewalls, which together form the top of the food delivery container. One or more flap portions extend (e.g., upwardly) from the first plurality of sidewalls, and are configured to be affixed (via an adhesive agent) over the second plurality of sidewalls when the cover portion is positioned over the basin portion. In one or more embodiments, the adhesive agent is disposed on an interior facing surface of the flap and, once activated, may be pressed against the exterior facing surface of the second plurality of sidewalls. A series of perforations is disposed along flap—preferably closer to the center plane than the adhesive agent—forms a tear strip. In one or more embodiments, the tear strip is implemented as a continuous series of interrupted cuts in parallel along the length of the flap.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a process for sealing a tamper-evident food delivery container. The process may be performed, for example, once food or other consumables are placed in the food delivery container. An adhesive agent on a flap portion is activated and/or exposed, and a cover portion is positioned over the basin portion. Once in proper position, the adhesive agent is placed into physical contact (e.g., pressed) against opposing sidewall portions to seal the food delivery container, thereby preventing tampering or access to the contents within the food delivery container without significant visual indicia. Once delivered or otherwise received by the intended recipient, the food delivery container may be unsealed by tearing a perforated strip positioned proximate to the adhesive agent, which severs the adhered-to portion of the flap from the remaining portion, and allowing the delivery container to be opened, access to the contents within.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The structure, operation, and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures (Figs.). The figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Certain elements in some of the figures may be omitted, or illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity. The cross-sectional views may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a “true” cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.

In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.

FIG. 1 is a front three dimensional view of the tear strip of the tamperproof food box being opened, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front three dimensional view of the tamperproof food box in an open state, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front three dimensional view of the tamperproof food box after it has been opened along the tear strip, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of the tear strip of the tamperproof food box being opened, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of the tamperproof food box in an open state, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of the tamperproof food box after it has been opened along the tear strip, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of the tamperproof food box having a separate bottom and lid, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front three dimensional view of the tamperproof food box of FIG. 7 in an assembled condition, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front three dimensional view of the tamperproof food box of FIG. 8 with only the lid panel opened, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of the tamperproof food box where the front, side and rear panels the lid panel are disposed against the lid panel prior to the lid being assembled, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of a tamperproof large handle bag, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a front three dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of a partially opened tamperproof large handle bag, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a frontal view of a re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a three dimensional view of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in an open position, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a three dimensional view of an alternate embodiment of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in an open position, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a three dimensional view of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in a closed position, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a three dimensional view of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container with vents and ridges in an open position, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a three dimensional view of a second alternate embodiment of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in an open position, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a three dimensional view of a third alternate embodiment of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in an open position, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for a method of sealing foodstuffs in a tamper-evident food delivery container, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details are possible while still achieving the results of the present invention. Well-known processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obfuscating the description of the present invention.
In the description that follows, exemplary dimensions may be presented for an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The dimensions should not be interpreted as limiting. They are included to provide a sense of proportion. Generally speaking, it is the relationship between various elements, where they are located, their contrasting compositions, and sometimes their relative sizes that is of significance.
In the drawings accompanying the description that follows, often both reference numerals and legends (labels, text descriptions) will be used to identify elements. If legends are provided, they are intended merely as an aid to the reader, and should not in any way be interpreted as limiting.
It has become common practice for consumers to “order out” for food to go, such as pizza, have it delivered to their homes, and then “dine in.” Food containers for delivery are well known, such as traditional pizza boxes. However, a limitation or concern with food delivery containers is potentially malicious ingress into such containers that can lead to inadvertent or intentional contamination of the contents of the food container. Thus, there is a need and demand for tamper-resistant and tamper-evident food packaging systems to ensure to the customer that there has been no tampering with the delivered food. The tamper proof food container 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is a tamper proof food box 12 which may be readily opened for use and reclosed, if necessary, after partial consumption of the contents. The purpose of the tamperproof food box 12 is to provide an improved food container 10 which could be reseal able, could have a clear top, could be constructed of bio-green materials and which allows a person to easily and quickly establish if the box has been previously opened. Throughout the present specification, any of the containers described can have a clear top or a part of the top clear.
FIG. 1 illustrates a front, three-dimensional view of the tamperproof food box 12. The object of the tamperproof food box 12 is to provide an improved re-closeable folding box with a tamper-evident closure. FIG. 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a food container, wherein the tamperproof food box 12 is a pizza box 13, although any food delivery container may be utilized. Typically, the pizza box 13 is constructed of a single sheet of material, such as a corrugated paper material, cardboard, paperboard, plastic or any other material that may creased, folded and bonded, that is suitably rigid for storing food items. Further, the pizza box 13 may be of any suitable dimensions, such as for example 15 inches by 15 inches by 2 inches. However, it should be noted that the food container 10, shown as a tamperproof food box 12, may include any desired type of food container with any appropriate dimensions.
As seen in FIG. 2, the tamperproof food box 12 consists of first and second main panels 14 and 16, respectively, which are connected with a narrow rear panel 18. The tamperproof food box 12 can include a clear top and vents in the top or side panels. The first main panel 14 acts as the bottom or tray panel of the food box 12, and the food (not shown) rests thereupon, while the second main panel 16 acts as the lid and top of the food container. Each of the first and second main panels 14 and 16 have a plurality of panels attached thereto. The first main panel 14 has two opposing side panels 20 and 22 attached to first and second edges 14 a and 14 b, respectively, and a front panel 24 attached to third edge 14 c. The second main panel 16 has two opposing side panels 26 and 28 attached to the first and second edges 16 a and 16 b, respectively, and a front panel 30 attached to third edge 16 c. The second main panel 16 is connected along fourth edge 16 d to the rear panel 18 connected along a fourth edge 14 d of the first main panel 14.
Typically, the pizza box 13 is shipped to a food establishment flattened and unassembled. To fold and assemble the box 13, the two side panels 20 and 22 and front panel 24 are first folded upwardly from edges 14 a, 14 b, and 14 c, respectively, of the first main panel 14, and the two side panels 26 and 28, and front panel 30 are folded downwardly from edges 16 a, 16 b and 16 c, respectively, of the second main panel 16. The side panels 20 and 22 may each include folding corner tabs, such as corner tabs 20 a and 20 b attached to side panel 20 and corner tabs 22 a and 22 b attached to side panel 22, which are formed on ends of the side panels to hinge, fold inside, and support the sides and corners of the pizza box 13. Then, the two side panels 26 and 28, and front panel 30 are simply tucked over the side panels 20 and 22 and front panel 24, respectively, to form the pizza box 13. The pizza box 13 has a unique drip containment. The second main panel 14 can include a series of spaced, custom ridges 17 onto which the food is placed to help reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the food by allowing water, sauce, etc to collect between the ridges as the food is elevated above.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the food container 12 incorporates a sealing method of securing the two side panels 26 and 28, and front panel 30 to the side panels 20 and 22 and front panel 24, respectively. This sealing method is preferably done with strips of an adhesive, such as an adhesive glue that is preferably bio-green i.e., environmentally friendly. Typically, a strip of adhesive 32 a, 32 b, and 32 c is disposed on the outer facing side of side panels 20 and 22 and front panel 24, respectively. Each of the strips of adhesive 32 a, 32 b, and 32 c are covered with a removable strip of non adhesive liner 34 a, 34 b, and 34 c, respectively. When the food container 12 is constructed, the strips of non adhesive liner 34 a, 34 b, and 34 c are removed from the strips of adhesive 32 a, 32 b, and 32 c. Then, when the two side panels 26 and 28, and front panel 30 are pressed against the side panels 20 and 22 and front panel 24, respectively, they are secured together with the strips of adhesive 32 a, 32 b, and 32 c. The purpose of the securely fastening side and front panels of the lid panel to those of the tray panel with the adhesive 32 a, 32 b, and 32 c is that once the pizza box 13 has been sealed closed with the adhesive, no one may tamper with the food therein until the box reaches the final consumer.
Further, although unnecessary, a cover flap (not shown) may be attached to the second main panel 16, which corresponds to a retainer slot (not shown) within the front panel 24. When the food container 12 is closed, the cover flap may be placed through the retainer slot within the front panel 24 to ensure that the food container remains closed.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, preferably there is a perforation 40 disposed along the second main panel 16, preferably adjacent to the two side panels 26 and 28, and front panel 30. The perforation 40 forms a tear strip 42 to provide easy tearing in a direction generally transverse to the tear strip. The tear strip 42 is designed to tear open consistently, with a relatively uniform tearing force, without excessive distortion of the perforation 40. The tear strip can include a pull tab 46 that snaps off. When the box 13 is assembled, the tear strip 42 can be disposed on the second main panel 16 directly above the two side panels 26 and 28, and front panel 30.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, on the interior surface 16 e of the lid panel 16 adjacent to the two side panels 26 and 28, and front panel 30, respectively, is a continuous length of material, such as plastic or string 44. The material 44 extends about at least three sides of the food container 12 and is secured to the interior surface 16 e directly below the tear strip 42. A pull tab 46 is attached to an end of the material 44. The pull tab 46 is preferably located below a first end 26 a of side panel 26, or below a first end 28 a of side panel 28. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 2, there may an additional pull tab such as second pull tab 47 below a first end 28 a of side panel 28. To tear through the tear strip 42, the pull tab 46 is raised by a user 48, as shown in FIG. 1, thereby lifting the material 44 such that it separates the tear strip 42. Although a pull tab 46 is shown, any desired means of lifting the material 44 to tear the tear strip 42 may be utilized, such as a loop attached to the material.
As shown in FIG. 3, when the tear strip 42 is torn, the second main panel 16 is separated from the side panels 26 and 28, and the front panel 30, which remain adhered to the side panels 20 and 22 and front panel 24 of the first main panel 14 by adhesive strips 32 a, 32 b and 32 c, respectively. Then, the lid 16 of pizza box 13 may be opened about the hinged connection 16 d to remove the food therein, and the user may be assured that the food has not been tampered with. After the lid is opened, it can re-close in a way that secures the lid, such as with tape or an adhesive.
In use, the pizza or other food is placed within the bottom or tray panel of the food box 12. Then the side and front panels of the lid panel are adhesively secured to those of the tray panel so that once the pizza box 13 has been sealed closed with the green i.e., environmentally friendly, adhesive, no one may tamper with the food therein until the box reaches the final consumer.
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tamperproof food box 48 which is a take-out food container 50. Food containers 50 can take on many forms from small sandwich containers to large containers to compartmentalized containers. Further, the food containers 50 are not necessarily limited to any one shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the food container 50 may be formed of a material which can not only provide additional strength and ductility to the container, but is also environmentally friendly. For example, the food containers 50 can be formed of a material which is completely recyclable and contains no environmentally hazardous chemicals, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's or HCFC's).
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the food container 50 has an upper or lid portion 52 and a lower or bottom portion 54 that are hinged together. The upper portion 52 forms a top half of the container 50, while the lower portion 54 forms the bottom half, or the base, of the container 50. The upper portion 52 has an upper panel 56 from which an upper wall 58 extends. The upper wall 58 includes rear upper wall 58 a, front upper wall 58 b, and first and second upper side walls 58 c and 58 d which are interconnected. The lower portion 54 has a bottom panel 60 from which the lower wall 62 extends. The lower wall 62 includes rear lower wall 62 a, front lower wall 62 b, and first and second lower side walls 62 c and 62 d which are interconnected. The food container 50 has a unique drip containment. The lower portion 54 can include a series of spaced, custom ridges 55 onto which the food is placed to help reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the food by allowing water, sauce, etc. to collect between the ridges as the food is elevated above.
The upper portion 52 and the lower portion 54 of the container 50 are connected by a hinge 64 located between the rear lower wall 62 a attached to the bottom panel 60 and the rear upper wall 58 a attached to the top panel 56. The hinge 64 allows the upper portion 52 of the container 50 to fold onto the lower portion 54, thereby permitting the container to close and open. The upper walls 58 of the upper portion 52 define an upper lip 66 around its edges distal from the top panel 56. The upper lip 66 extends outward from the upper wall 58. Similarly, lower wall 62 define a lower lip 68 around its edges distal from the bottom panel 60 of the lower portion 54. When the upper portion 52 is rotated about the hinge 64 and is thus closed on the lower portion 54 of the container 50, the upper lip 66 abuts against the lower lip 68, as shown in FIG. 4.
A cover flap 70 is attached to the front upper wall 58 b that is attached to the top panel 56. The cover flap 70 corresponds and fits within a retainer slot 72 within the lip 68 of front lower wall 62 b that is attached to the bottom surface 60. There will be a plurality of adhesive strips 74 a, 74 b and 74 c disposed on the lower lip 68 and if desired, an adhesive strip 74 d on the underside of the cover flap 70. Each of the strips of adhesive 74 a, 74 b, 74 c and 74 d can be covered with a removable strip of non adhesive liner 75 a, 75 b, 75 c, and 75 d, respectively. Just before the food container is closed, the strips of non adhesive liner 75 a, 75 b, and 75 c are removed from the strips of adhesive 74 a, 74 b, and 74 c. Then, when the upper lip 66 abuts against the lower lip 68 and they are pressed together, the upper portion 52 and the lower portion 54 of the container 50 are sealed closed with the adhesive so that no one may tamper with the food therein until the box reaches the final consumer.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the food container 50 is closed, cover flap 70 may be inserted through the retainer slot 72 within the front panel 62 b to ensure that the food container remains closed. After the non adhesive liner 75 d (not shown) is removed from the adhesive strip 74 d, the cover flap can be pressed against the front lower wall 62 b to seal the upper portion 52 and the lower portion 54 of the container 50 closed so that no one may tamper with the food therein until the food container reaches the final consumer. It is within the terms of the present embodiment to close the food container solely with the cover flap 70 inserted through the retainer slot 72, pressed against the front lower wall 62 b and sealed thereto with the adhesive. This closes the upper portion 52 and the lower portion 54 of the container 50 so that no one may tamper with the food therein until the food container reaches the final consumer. It is also within the terms of the present embodiment to provide a bonding agent on the interior surface of the cover flap and the front lower wall 62 b to seal the cover flap to the front lower wall when they are pressed against each other.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, preferably there is a perforation 76 disposed along the upper wall 58 including the front upper wall 58 b, and first and second upper side walls 58 c and 58 d, preferably adjacent to the upper lip 66 extending outward from the upper wall. The perforation 76 forms a tear strip 78 to provide easy tearing in a direction generally transverse to the tear strip. The tear strip 78 is designed to tear open consistently, with a relatively uniform tearing force, without excessive distortion of the perforation 76. The tear strip can include a pull tab 82 that snaps off.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, on the interior surface of the upper wall including the first upper side wall 58 c, front upper wall 58 b and second upper side wall 58 d is a continuous length of material, such as plastic or string, 80. The material 80 extends about three sides of the food container 50 and is directly behind the tear strip 78. A pull tab 82 is attached to one end of the material 80. The pull tab 82 is preferably at a location adjacent the upper side wall 58 a. Alternatively, as seen in FIG. 5, there may be a another pull tab 83 attached to a second end of the material 80 at a location adjacent to the intersection of the upper side wall 58 a and the second upper side wall 58 c. To tear through the tear strip 78, the pull tab 82 is raised by a user, thereby lifting the material 80 such that it separates the tear strip.
When the tear strip 78 is torn, the top surface 56 and the upper wall 58 are separated from the upper and lower lips 66 and 68, respectively, which are adhesively connected to each other as shown in FIG. 6. It is also within the terms of the preferred embodiment to invention to provide a tear strip that encircles the upper wall 58 so that when the tear strip is torn, the food container 50 is separated into two pieces, i.e., the upper portion 52 and the lower portion 54. In use, the food is placed within the food container 50, then the food container is closed and sealed together so that no one may tamper with the food therein until the food container reaches the final consumer and it is opened using the material 80 to separate the tear strip 78. After the lid is opened, the upper portion can re-close with the bottom portion in a way that secures the top portion, such as with tape or an adhesive.
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a tamperproof food box 90 constructed with a bottom 92 and a separate lid or top 94. The object of the tamperproof food box 90 is to provide an improved re-closeable folding box with a tamper-evident closure. While FIG. 7 illustrates a three-dimensional view of an alternative embodiment of a food container, wherein the tamperproof food box 90 can be a pizza box 96, any food delivery container may be utilized. Typically, the pizza box 96 is constructed of two sheets of material, such as a corrugated paper material, cardboard, paperboard, plastic or any other material that may creased, folded and bonded, that is suitably rigid for storing food items. Further, the assembled pizza box 96 may be of any suitable dimensions, such as for example 15 inches by 15 inches by 2 inches. However, it should be noted that the food container 90 shown as a tamperproof food box, may include any desired type of food container with any appropriate dimensions. The food container 96, as with all of the other food container boxes disclosed herein has a unique drip containment.
As seen in FIG. 7, the top 94 and bottom 92 of the tamperproof food box 90 consists of first and second main panels 98 and 100, respectively, which are can be assembled together when the top and bottom 94 and 92 are formed into the tops and bottoms of the boxes. Typically, the tops and bottoms of the tamper proof box 90 are shipped to a food establishment flattened and unassembled.
To fold and assemble the bottom 92, the two side panels 102 and 104 and the front and rear panels 106 and 108 are first folded upwardly from the bottom panel 109. The side panels 102 and 104 may each include folding corner tabs, such as corner tabs 102 a and 102 b attached to side panel 102 and corner tabs 104 a and 104 b attached to side panel 104, which are formed on ends of the side panels are hinged, fold inside, and support the sides and corners of the bottom 92. Then, the two side panels 102 and 104, and the front and rear panels 106 and 108 are simply secured to the corner tabs 102 a, 102 b, 104 a and 104 b such as by an adhesive to form the bottom 92 of box 90.
To fold and assemble the top 94, the two side panels 110 and 112 and the front and rear panels 114 and 116 are first folded upwardly from the top panel 118. The side panels 110 and 112 may each include folding corner tabs, such as corner tabs 110 a and 110 b attached to side panel 110 and corner tabs 112 a and 112 b attached to side panel 112, which are formed on ends of the side panels to hinge, fold inside, and support the sides and corners of the top 94 of box 90. Then, the two side panels 110 and 112, and the front and rear panels 114 and 118 are simply secured to the corner tabs 110 a and 110 b, 112 a, and 112 b such as by an adhesive to form the top 94 of box 90.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, the food container 90 incorporates a sealing method of securing the top 94 to the bottom 92 after the top and bottom have been constructed. This sealing method is preferably done with strips of an adhesive, such as an adhesive glue that is preferably bio-green i.e., environmentally friendly. Typically, a strip of adhesive 140 a, 140 b, 140 c and 140 d is disposed on the outer facing side of side panels 102 and 104, respectively, and front and rear panels 106 and 108, respectively. Each of the strips of adhesive 140 a, 140 b, 140 c and 140 d are covered with a removable strip of non adhesive liner 142 a, 142 b, 142 c, and 142 d, respectively. When the food container 90 is constructed, the strips of non adhesive liner 142 a, 142 b, 142 c, and 142 d are removed from the strips of adhesive 140 a, 140 b, 140 c and 140 d, respectively. Then, when the two side panels 110 and 112, and front and back panels 114 and 116 of the top 94 are pressed against the side panels 102 and 104 and front and rear panels 106 and 108, respectively, of the bottom 92 they are secured together with the strips of adhesive 140 a, 140 b, 140 c and 140 d. The purpose of the securely fastening the top 94 to the bottom 92 is that once the box 90 has been sealed closed with the adhesive, no one may tamper with the food therein until the box reaches the final consumer.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, preferably there is a perforation 120 that surrounds the food container 90, specifically around a portion of the second main or lid panel 100, preferably adjacent to the two side panels 110 and 112, and front panel 114. The perforation 120 forms a tear strip 122 to provide easy tearing in a direction generally transverse to the tear strip. The tear strip 122 is designed to tear open consistently, with a relatively uniform tearing force, without excessive distortion of the perforation 120. The tear strip 122 can include a pull tab 124 that snaps off.
When the box 90 is assembled, as shown in FIG. 8, the tear strip 122 can be disposed on the second main panel 118 directly above the two side panels 110 and 112, and front panel 114. It's also within the scope of the embodiment of FIG. 7 for perforation 120 to extend completely around the second main or lid panel 100, preferably adjacent to the two side panels 110 and 112, the front panel 114 and the rear panel 118.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, on the interior surface 118 a of the lid panel 118 adjacent to the two side panels 110 and 112, and front panel 114, respectively, is a continuous length of material, such as plastic or string 130. The material 130 extends about at least three sides of the food container 90 and is secured to the interior surface 118 a directly below the tear strip 122. A pull tab 124 is attached to an end of the material 130. The pull tab 124 is preferably located below a first end of side panel 110, or below a first end of side panel 112. To tear through the tear strip 122, the pull tab 124 is raised by a user 48, as shown in FIG. 8 (compare FIG. 1), thereby lifting the material 130 such that it separates the tear strip 122. Although a pull tab 124 is shown, any desired means of lifting the material 130 to tear the tear strip 122 may be utilized, such as a loop attached to the material.
As shown in FIG. 9, after the box 90 is assembled, the tear strip 122 can be torn by pulling tab 124 and lifting the material 130 such that it separates the tear strip. FIG. 9 shows only the lid panel 118 opened to remove the food therein whereby the user may be assured that the food has not been tampered with.
Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown an alternative embodiment of FIG. 7 where the two side panels 210 and 212, the front panel 214 and the rear panel 218 of the lid panel 200 are disposed against the lid panel 218 prior to the lid being assembled. In this case, the strips of adhesive 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d are placed on the inner surface 210 a and 212 a of the two side panels 210 and 212, and on the inner surface 214 a and 218 a of the front panel 214 and the rear panel 218. The adhesive is prevented from sticking onto the inner surface 200 a of the lid panel 200 by providing a non-stick surface on the inner surface. Alternatively, the strips of adhesive 220 a, 220 b, 220 c, and 220 d could be covered with a removable strip of non adhesive liner. In this embodiment, the strips of adhesive would not be needed on the bottom 204 as shown in FIG. 7. The provision of folding the side and front panels of a lid panel could also be used with the embodiment of FIG. 7.
Referring to FIG. 11, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment comprising a tamperproof large handle bag 250 into which other food delivery containers may be placed. Typically, the bag 250 is constructed of a single sheet of material, such as for example, paper, kraft paper, paperboard, a corrugated paper material, plastic or any other material that may folded and bonded and that is suitably strong for transporting storing food items. The bag 250 can have handles 252,254 secured to opposite sides 256 and 258 of the bag and extending out from the open end 260 of the bag. The opposite sides 256 and 258 of the bag 250 can be interconnected with side panels 262 and 264. Further, the bag 250 may be of any suitable dimensions.
As seen in FIG. 11, the tamperproof bag 250 consists of first and second main panels 256 and 258, respectively, which are connected by side panels 262 and 264 and a bottom panel 266. The tamperproof bag 250 can include a clear side window and/or vents in one or both of the main panels (not shown) and vents in the top or side panels.
Returning to FIGS. 11 and 12, the tamperproof bag 250 incorporates a sealing method of securing the upper ends 256 a and 258 a of main panels 256 and 258. This sealing method is preferably done with strips of an adhesive, such as an adhesive glue that is preferably bio-green i.e., environmentally friendly. Typically, a strip of adhesive 268 a, 268 b, and 268 c is disposed on the inner surface 256 a of the panel 256 and adapted to seal against the inner surface 258 a of the panel 258. Each of the adhesive strips 268 a, 268 b, and 268 c are covered with a removable strip of non adhesive liner 270 a, 270 b, and 270 c, respectively.
There is a perforation 272 that extends across the panel 256, closer to the end 256 a and across both side panels 262 and 264. The perforation 272 forms a tear strip 274 to provide easy tearing in a direction generally transverse to the tear strip. The tear strip 274 is designed to tear open consistently, with a relatively uniform tearing force, without excessive distortion of the perforation 272. On the interior surface of the panel 256 and both side panels 262 and 264 is a continuous length of material, such as plastic or string 276. The material 276 extends about the panel 256 and both side panels 262 and 264 and is secured to their interior surfaces directly below the tear strip 274. A pull tab 278 is attached to an end of the material 276.
After food delivery containers or other items are placed within the tamperproof bag 250, the strips of non adhesive liner 270 a, 270 b, and 270 c are removed from the strips of adhesive 268 a, 268 b, and 268 c. Then, the upper ends 256 a and 258 a of main panels 256 and 258 are pressed into contact with each other and are secured together with the strips of adhesive 268 a, 268 b, and 268 c. The purpose of the securely sealing closed the tops of the main panels 256 and 258 together is so no one may tamper with the food containers or other contents therein until the bag reaches the final consumer.
As shown in FIG. 12, after the bag 250 is assembled, the tear strip 274 can be torn by pulling tab 276 and lifting the material 276 such that it separates the tear strip. FIG. 12 shows the bag 250 partially opened to remove the food delivery containers and/or other items therein whereby the user may be assured that the containers and/or other items have not been tampered with. After the bag is opened, it can re-close in a way that secures the upper end 256 a with the remainder of the main panel 256, such as with tape or an adhesive. The bag can also include a fold over flip top.
Referring to FIG. 13, a frontal view 1300 of a re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container is depicted, in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13, the food delivery container consists of a basin portion 301 and a cover portion 305 that is attached to the basin portion 301 by a hinge and configured to be positioned over the basin portion 301 so as to cover the basin portion 301 when the food delivery container is closed. As depicted in FIG. 13, the basin portion includes a bottom panel and is enclosed by a first plurality of sidewalls 303, whereas the cover portion 305 includes the cover itself and is likewise enclosed by a second plurality of sidewalls 307. In one or more embodiments, the food delivery container may be assembled from one or more flattened sheet of materials, such as a corrugated paper material, cardboard, paperboard, plastic or any other material that may creased, folded and bonded, that is suitably rigid for storing food items.
Assembly may be performed, for example, by folding in each of the first and second plurality of sidewalls (e.g., sidewalls 303 and 307) and securing the position of a plurality of sidewalls via corner tabs 315, through which portions of a sidewall may be affixed to adjacent portions through a suitably adhesive material. As shown, the food delivery container also includes flaps 309. In one or more embodiments, flaps 309 may extend further along the same direction from either the first plurality of sidewalls (303) or the second plurality of sidewalls (307). As depicted in FIG. 13, for example, flaps 309 extend further from the second plurality of sidewalls (307). Sealing the food delivery container may be performed by positioning the cover portion 305 over the basin portion 301, and pressing flaps 309 to the exterior surfaces of the first plurality of sidewalls 303.
In one or more embodiments, an affixing agent is applied on an adhesive portion (311). The affixing agent may comprise, for example, a pre-applied strip or region of adhesive material disposed over the adhesive portion, with a disposable cover strip provided over the adhesive material. According to such embodiments, sealing the food delivery container may be performed by removing the disposable cover strip, thereby exposing the adhesive material, and physically pressing flaps 309 to the correspond plurality of sidewalls (303 as depicted), such that a portion of the flaps 309 physically contacts the adhesive portion 311. The disposable cover may, according to various embodiments, be implemented such that at least one side of the disposable cover is brightly colored, so as to visually distinct from common foods or other consumables, with at least one surface (e.g., the surface in contact with the affixing agent) consisting of a non-stick surface, such as wax paper or other such material.
In alternate embodiments, the affixing agent may be applied after the food delivery container 1300 is manufactured, e.g., by spraying an adhesive liquid onto one or more sidewall portions of the food delivery container. In yet another embodiment, the affixing agent may consist of two separate materials that are separately inactive (e.g., non-adhesive while separated) or in contact with other materials, but are activated and become adhesive once physically in contact with each other. According to such embodiments, one of the materials may be applied to an external surface of a sidewall (e.g., first plurality of sidewalls 303), with the other material being applied to a corresponding internal surface along the flap 309. In yet another alternate embodiment, the affixing agent may be activated (e.g., become adhesive) when exposed to air, according to such embodiments, the affixing agent may be applied to an internal facing surface of the flap 309, wherein a separate portion of the flap 309 is folded over the affixing agent and prevent the affixing agent from being exposed. Activating the affixing agent under these embodiments may be performed by unfolding the portion of the flap 309 positioned over the affixing agent, whereupon the flap 309 with the activated affixing agent may be pressed to a corresponding sidewall (e.g., sidewall 303) to seal the food delivery container, and preventing subsequent access to or tampering of the contents within without clear, noticeable visual evidence.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, flap 309 may include a perforated strip 313 running across the horizontal length of the flap 309. In one or more embodiments, the perforated strip 313 may extend beyond the length of the flap 309, forming a protruding pull tab designed to be pulled by a user to consistently tear the perforated strip 313 away from the flap 309, e.g., by applying a relatively uniform tearing force. Once the perforated strip 313 is removed from the flap 309, the seal formed by pressing the flap 309 to the affixing agent is released, thereby allowing the food delivery container to be opened, and allow access to the contents within. The perforated strip 313 may be implemented by performing a series of interrupted cuts along the length (or other dimension) of the flap 309. As depicted in FIG. 13, the perforated strip 313 is implemented as two rows of short, parallel interrupted cuts.
In one or more embodiments, the adhesive portion 311 may be positioned such that when the food delivery container is in a closed or sealed position, the adhesive portion 311 is below the perforated strip 313. According to further embodiments, the perforated strip 313 is positioned in the flap 309 such that when the cover portion 305 is positioned over the basin portion 301, and the flap 309 is positioned over the first plurality of sidewalls 303, the perforated strip 313 is some distance below the horizontal plane at the top edge of the first plurality of sidewalls 303. The specific distance may vary, (e.g., half an inch or 1 centimeter, etc.), so long as the first plurality of sidewalls 303 provides a barrier from debris or shreds of material created during the removal of the perforated strip 313 from entering the food chamber of the food delivery container and potentially falling into the contents within. According to one or more embodiments, the cover portion 305 and the second plurality of sidewalls 307 is sized and configured such that when positioned over the basin portion 301 and the first plurality of sidewalls 303, at least a portion of the second plurality of sidewalls 307 overlaps an external surface of the first plurality of sidewalls 303, so that the first plurality of sidewalls 303 tucks under/in to the second plurality of sidewalls 307, creating an “overbite” effect.
According to further embodiments, food delivery container may also include mechanism for re-closing the food delivery container 1300 prior to sealing the food delivery container and/or after breaking the seal of a sealed food delivery container (e.g., by tearing the perforated strip 313 from the flap). The closing mechanism may be implemented as, for example, an anchor tab 317 a protruding from one of the first plurality of sidewalls (303) or the second plurality of sidewalls (307), with a corresponding retainer slot 317 b protruding from the other of the first and second plurality of sidewalls (303, 307). FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment wherein the anchor tab 317 a protrudes from the front portion of the second plurality of sidewalls (307), and wherein the retainer slot 317 b extends upwards from the front portion of the first plurality of sidewalls (303). The food delivery container may be closed simply by positioning the cover portion 305 over the basin portion 301, and may be prevented from re-opening by inserting the anchor tab 317 a through the retainer slot 317 b, which hooks (via side protrusions of the anchor tab 317 a) an underside adjacent to the retainer slot 317 b of first plurality of sidewalls (303). The food delivery container may be re-opened by sliding the anchor tab 317 a back through the retainer slot 317 b in the direction opposite of insertion.
Alternate embodiments of the food delivery container may implement various other closing mechanisms. Other mechanisms which may be well-suited to be used to close the food delivery container include, but are not limited to: a clasp; one or more buttons; a tie, or knot mechanism; and a zipper mechanism.
FIG. 14 is a three dimensional view 1400 of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in an open position, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 14 also includes the basin portion 301, first plurality of sidewalls 303, cover portion 305, second plurality of sidewalls 307, flaps (extending from the second plurality of sidewalls) 309, perforated strip 313 with pull tab, corner tabs 315, and closing mechanism (317 a, 317 b) described above with respect to FIG. 13. As depicted in FIG. 14, the adhesive portion 311 may be implemented as one or more strips with an affixing agent applied thereto. In one embodiment, the adhesive portion 311 includes a disposable cover strip which must be removed to expose the underlying affixing agent. The food delivery container is sealed by exposing the adhesive portion 311 (if necessary), positioning the cover portion 305 over the basin portion 301, and pressing the flaps 309 against the first plurality of sidewalls 303 such that some portion of the flaps 309 physically contacts the adhesive portion 311.
In one or more embodiments, the adhesive portion 311 may be positioned such that when the food delivery container is in a closed or sealed position, the adhesive portion 311 is below the perforated strip 313. The seal created by such a process may be broken—and the container re-opened—by pulling the pull tab of the perforated strip 313 and tearing the perforated strip 313 portion of the flap away, wherein the portion of the flap 309 affixed to the first plurality of sidewalls 303 is no longer in contact with the remaining portion of the flap 309. As depicted in FIG. 14, the adhesive portion 311 may be applied on two or more surfaces (e.g., proximal and distal sidewalls 303), with matching perforated strips 313 along corresponding surfaces of the flap 309.
FIG. 15 is a three dimensional view 1500 of an alternate embodiment of the re closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in an open position, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 15 also includes the basin portion 301, first plurality of sidewalls 303, cover portion 305, second plurality of sidewalls 307, flaps (extending from the second plurality of sidewalls) 309, perforated strip 313 with pull tab, corner tabs 315, and closing mechanism (317 a, 317 b) described above with respect to FIG. 13. As depicted in FIG. 15, and in contrast to FIG. 14 the adhesive portion 311 may be implemented as a single (contiguous) strip with an affixing agent applied throughout. In one embodiment, the adhesive portion 311 includes a disposable cover strip which must be removed to expose the underlying affixing agent. The disposable cover strip may likewise consist of a contiguous strip of non-adhesive material, or multiple (e.g., one per sidewall) strips. As depicted in FIG. 15, the adhesive portion 311 may be applied on three surfaces (e.g., anterior and lateral sidewalls 303), with one or more matching perforated strip(s) 313 along corresponding surfaces of the flap 309.
FIG. 16 is a three dimensional view 1600 of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in a closed position, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 16 also includes the basin portion 301, first plurality of sidewalls 303, cover portion 305, second plurality of sidewalls 307, flaps (extending from the second plurality of sidewalls) 309, perforated strips 313 with pull tabs, and closing mechanism (317 a, 317 b) described above with respect to FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 16, the closing mechanism has been engaged, by inserting the anchor tab 317 a through the retainer slot 317 b. Through lateral projections, the anchor tab 317 a prevents the food delivery container from re-opening automatically.
In one or more embodiments, printed material such as commercial advertisements (e.g., logos, slogans, informational materials, etc.) may be displayed on one or more surfaces of the food delivery container. As depicted in FIG. 16, an advertisement 313 a may be printed on the perforated strip 313.
FIG. 17 is a three dimensional view 1700 of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container with vents and ridges in an open position, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 17 also includes the basin portion 301, first plurality of sidewalls 303, cover portion 305, second plurality of sidewalls 307, flaps 309 (extending from the second plurality of sidewalls 307), adhesive portion 311, one or more perforated strips 313 with pull tabs, corner tabs 315, and closing mechanism (317 a, 317 b) described above with respect to FIG. 13. According to one or more embodiments, the food delivery container may include additional features, such as one or more vents 321 (e.g., slits) in the cover portion 305 and/or one or more of the sidewalls of the second plurality of sidewalls 307.
Other features can include trenches (e.g., depressions along the interior surface of the basin portion 301) that allow excess liquid to pool away from food stuffs on the surface of the basin portion 301 and prevent soggy or saturated items. Additional features may include ridges 319 implemented as raised, peaked portions that allow foods (e.g., tacos) to be propped/positioned against the ridges 319 substantially vertically. As depicted in FIG. 17, the ridges 319 may comprise uniform, regular formations. In alternate embodiments, the ridges 319 may be constructed to define static sub-compartments of uniform (or varying) sizes within the basin portion 301, in order to keep different foods and consumables separated. In still further embodiments, the food delivery container may also include one or more shield walls 323 that extend from one of the plurality of sidewalls (303, 307), opposite from the flap 309. As depicted in FIG. 17, the shield wall 323 extends from the first plurality of sidewalls 303, and opposite from the flap 309 that extends from the second plurality of sidewalls 307. The shield wall 323 may provide additional protection to further prevent shreds of the perforated strip 313 from inadvertently falling into the contents of the food delivery container when the perforated strip 313 is removed. Still further embodiments include transparent portions (or entireties) of the cover portion 305 and/or one or more of the first and second plurality of sidewalls (303, 307).
FIG. 18 is a three dimensional view 1800 of a second alternate embodiment of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in an open position, in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the food delivery container in FIG. 18 also includes a basin portion 401 enclosed by a first plurality of sidewalls 403 and attached (via a hinge) to a cover portion 405, itself enclosed by a second plurality of sidewalls 407. In contrast to the food delivery containers described above with respect to FIGS. 13-17, the food delivery container in FIG. 18 includes flaps 409 that extend from the first plurality of sidewalls 403 (rather than from the second plurality of sidewalls 407). In addition, both the perforated strip 413 and adhesive portion 411 are comprised in the flap 409 in the food delivery container of FIG. 18.
The food delivery container of FIG. 18 may be sealed by positioning the cover portion 405 over the basin portion 401, removing a disposable cover portion (if necessary) to activate the adhesive portion 411, and folding the first plurality of sidewalls 403 on the exterior surface of the second plurality of sidewalls 407 such that the adhesive portion 411 of the flap 409 presses against exterior surfaces of the second plurality of sidewalls 407. Unsealing the food delivery container of FIG. 18 may be performed by tearing the perforated strips 413, thereby severing the adhesive portion 411 from the remaining portions of the flap 409. The food delivery container of FIG. 18 may be kept closed prior to through unsealing (and even subsequent usage) via closing mechanism (e.g., anchor tab 417 a paired with a retainer slot (not shown).
While FIGS. 13-18 are depicted as a horizontally oriented, hinged box or case, any food delivery container may be utilized, including horizontally oriented, structured objects such as lunch boxes, single compartment boxes (and pizza boxes), or multi-compartment boxes and cases; or vertically oriented structured or unstructured objects such as oyster pails, sacks, and bags. FIG. 19 depicts a three dimensional view of a third alternate embodiment 1900 (e.g., an oyster pail) of the re-closeable, tamper-evident food delivery container in an open position, in accordance with the present invention.
As depicted, the food delivery container in FIG. 19 also includes a basin portion 501 enclosed by a first plurality of sidewalls 503 and attached (via a plurality of hinges) to a cover portion. However, unlike the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 13-18, the cover portion in FIG. 19 is implemented as a plurality of paired cover portions (interior cover portions 505, exterior cover portions 507). In contrast to the food delivery containers described above with respect to FIGS. 13-18, the cover portions of FIG. 19 is implemented without a single contiguous cover panel. Instead, the paired cover portions (505, 507) are operable to be folded over to cover the contents in the food delivery container. FIG. 19 also includes a single flap 509 that extends from one side of the pair of exterior cover portions 505. In addition, both the perforated strip 513 and adhesive portion 511 are comprised in the solitary flap 509 in the food delivery container of FIG. 19.
The food delivery container of FIG. 19 may be sealed by folding the interior cover portions (one over the other) over the basin portion 501, removing a disposable cover portion (if necessary) to activate the adhesive portion 511 disposed in the proximal cover portion of the exterior cover portions 505, folding the distal exterior cover portion over the interior cover portions 507, and finally folding the proximal exterior cover portion over the distal exterior cover portion such that the adhesive portion 511 disposed in the flap 509 extending from the proximal exterior cover portion surface presses against the exterior facing surface of the distal exterior cover portion, while oriented substantially horizontally. Unsealing the food delivery container of FIG. 19 may be performed by tearing the perforated strips 513, thereby severing the adhesive portion 511 from the remaining portions of the flap 509 and the proximal exterior cover portion. The food delivery container of FIG. 19 may be kept closed prior to through unsealing (and even subsequent usage) via closing mechanism (e.g., anchor tab 517 a paired with a retainer slot (517 b).
FIG. 20 is a flowchart 2000 for a method of sealing foodstuffs in a tamper-evident food delivery container, in accordance with the present invention. The tamper-evident food delivery container may consist of, for example, any of the food delivery containers described above with respect to FIGS. 1-19. In one or more embodiments, the method begins after contents (e.g., foodstuffs, consumables, etc.) are placed in the tamper-evident food delivery container. At step 601, an adhesive agent is activated. Activating the adhesive agent may comprise, for example, removing a disposable cover slip from a strip or plurality of strips of adhesive material, applying (e.g., via a spray, or brush, etc.) adhesive material to an external flap of a food delivery container, and/or exposing (via unfolding of a folded portion of the food delivery container) the adhesive agent.
Once the adhesive agent is activated, a cover portion is positioned at step 703 relative to a food chamber or basin portion of the tamper-evident food delivery container. Positioning of the cover portion may consist of, for example, positioning the cover portion over the food chamber or basin portion (e.g., for embodiments that comprise boxes or box-like containers), folding over separate sub-portions of the cover portion (e.g., for oyster-pail embodiments), or pressing together separate side panels (e.g., for unstructured, sack/bag embodiments). Once positioned, the container is sealed at step 705 by physically pressing the adhesive agent to one or more designated surfaces of the tamper-evident food delivery container. In one or more embodiments, the adhesive agent may collectively consist of two corresponding materials that are inert when physically separated but become activated when in physical contact or physical proximity with each other. According to such embodiments, activating the adhesive agent and sealing the container may consist of a single, collective step.
Once sealed, the tamper-evident food delivery container may be shipped or delivered to the intended recipient. Since easy access to the contents of the tamper-evident food delivery container is prevented, any tampering or access after the container has been sealed is easily detected. Once the intended recipient receives the delivered container, the seal can be broken and the contents within the container may be accessed by pulling a pull tab of a perforated strip (e.g., optional step 707). In one or more further embodiments, the container may be closed (or re-closed after unsealing) via one or more closing mechanisms.
Note that each of the containers and bags disclosed herein can have different sealing locations depending on size and shape of the container and the bag. Also, the containers, boxes and bags disclosed hereinbefore can incorporate a sealing material or adhesive that doesn't require protective wax tape because the sealing material will be tucked under a specific flap then exposed when needed and applied to a specific section of the packaging designed to receive the sealing material.
Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, certain equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, etc.) the terms (including a reference to a “means”) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (i.e., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tamper-evident food delivery container, comprising:

a food chamber comprising a basin portion enclosed by a first plurality of sidewalls;

a cover comprising a cover portion enclosed by a second plurality of sidewalls, the cover being coupled to the food chamber along a shared edge and configured to be positioned over the food chamber;

a flap extending from one of the first and second plurality of sidewalls, the flap being operable to be affixed to the other of the first and second plurality of sidewalls to form a tamper-evident seal around the food chamber, and to prevent access to the food chamber;

a pull tab disposed in the flap, the pull tab being operable to be pulled to detach a portion of the flap and to allow the food delivery container to be re-opened when the pull tab is detached; and

a closing mechanism operable to keep the food chamber and cover together once the pull tab has been detached.

2. The food delivery container according to claim 1, wherein the cover is configured to be positioned over the food chamber wherein at least a portion of the second plurality of sidewalls overlaps a portion of the first plurality of sidewalls.

3. The food delivery container according to claim 1, wherein the pull tab is disposed in the flap in a position wherein when the flap extends from the second plurality of sidewalls and is affixed to the first plurality of sidewalls, the pull tab is oriented at a height that is below a horizontal plane corresponding to a top surface of the first plurality of sidewalls.

4. The food delivery container according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of shield walls extending from the first plurality of sidewalls and interposed between the food chamber and the flap.

5. The food delivery container according to claim 1, wherein the pull tab comprises printed material on at least one surface of the pull tab.

6. The food delivery container according to claim 1, further comprising an affixing agent applied to the plurality of sidewalls that adheres to the flap when the flap is pressed into contact with the affixing agent.

7. The food delivery container according to claim 6, wherein the affixing agent comprises:

a strip of adhesive material disposed on an exterior surface of at least one of the first and second plurality of sidewalls; and

a disposable cover provided over the adhesive material, wherein the flap is affixed to the at least one of the first and second plurality of sidewalls by pressing the flap to the strip of adhesive material when the disposable cover is removed.

8. The food delivery container according to claim 7, wherein the disposable cover comprises a strip of material with a non-stick surface.

9. The food delivery container according to claim 8, wherein the disposable cover comprises a strip of wax paper.

10. The food delivery container according to claim 7, wherein the disposable cover is brightly colored.

11. The food delivery container according to claim 6, wherein the affixing agent comprises a sprayed-on layer of adhesive material.

12. The food delivery container according to claim 6, wherein the affixing agent comprises a first material applied to an exterior surface of the at least one of the first and second plurality of sidewalls and a second material applied to an interior surface of the flap, wherein the first material adheres to the second material when physically pressed together.

13. The food delivery container according to claim 6, wherein the flap comprises a folded over portion, which when unfolded, exposes the affixing agent.

14. The food delivery container according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of vents disposed on at least one of the cover portion, the first plurality of sidewalls, and the second plurality of sidewalls.

15. The food delivery container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of:

a plurality of ridges disposed along an interior surface of the basin portion; and

a plurality of trenches disposed along an interior surface of the basin portion.

16. The food delivery container according to claim 1, wherein the basin portion of the food chamber is separated into a plurality of sub-compartments.

17. The food delivery container according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cover section is transparent.

18. The food delivery container according to claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a slot disposed in one of the first and second plurality of sidewalls, and a tab disposed in the other of the first and second plurality of sidewalls and operable to be inserted into the slot, wherein a closure of the food delivery container is secured when the tab is inserted through the slot.

19. The food delivery container according to claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism comprises at least one of:

a clasp;

a button;

a tie; and

a zipper mechanism.

20. The food delivery container according to claim 1, wherein the pull tab comprises a section of the flap perforated by a plurality of interrupted cuts.

21. A single-chambered food delivery container comprising:

a food storage chamber;

a sealing mechanism operable to be affixed in order to form a tamper-evident seal around the food storage chamber, and further operable to prevent access to the food storage chamber;

a pull tab; the pull tab operable to be pulled to detach a portion of the food storage chamber, and to allow the food storage chamber to be re-opened when the pull tab is detached; and

a closing mechanism operable to allow the food storage chamber to be re-closed once the pull tab has been pulled.

22. The single-chambered food delivery container of claim 21, wherein the single-chambered food delivery container comprises at least one of:

a bag;

a sack; and

an oyster pail.

23. The single-chambered food delivery container of claim 21, wherein the closing mechanism comprises at least one of:

a tab and slot configuration;

a clasp;

a button;

a tie; and

a zipper mechanism.

24. The single-chambered food delivery container according to claim 21, wherein the pull tab comprises a section of a portion of the food storage chamber perforated by a series of interrupted cuts.

25. A method for sealing food in a food delivery container, the method comprising:

in a food delivery container comprising a food chamber containing a consumable item, activating an adhesive agent disposed along an exterior of a first plurality of sidewalls comprised in the food delivery container;

positioning a cover portion of the food delivery container over the food chamber; and

pressing a second plurality of sidewalls comprised in the cover portion against the adhesive agent disposed along the first plurality of sidewalls to seal the food delivery container,

wherein access to an interior of the food delivery container is obtained by pulling a pull tab disposed in the second plurality of sidewalls to detach a portion of the second plurality of sidewalls oriented above a position of the adhesive agent.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein the exposing the adhesive agent comprises removing a non-stick strip of material disposed over the adhesive agent.

27. The method according to claim 25, wherein the exposing the adhesive agent comprises unfolding a portion of the sidewalls disposed over the adhesive agent.

28. The method according to claim 25, wherein the exposing the adhesive agent comprises applying the adhesive agent along an exterior of the first plurality of sidewalls.