AU2019100588A4 - A tamper-resistant produce container - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) Embodiments of the present invention provide a tamper-resistant closure for a produce container, a tamper-resistant produce container including the closure and methods of use thereof. In one form, the closure for a produce container having a container body and a lid includes a container body rim portion extending at least partway along an upper edge of at least one sidewall of the container body, said container body rim portion including an outwardly-turned rim, a lip and a skirt extending from the rim to the lip. The closure further includes a lid rim portion extending at least partway along an edge of the lid and having an outwardly-turned rim, a skirt extending from the rim and at least one handle portion extending from the skirt, said lid rim portion configured to be at least partially received within the container body rim portion when the produce container is closed such that the container body rim portion frictionally fits around the outwardly-turned rim and the skirt of the lid rim portion. Lastly, the closure includes a frangible hinge connecting the rim portions together and configured to be at least partially broken when the rim portions in a closed said container are at least partially separated from one another via the at least one handle portion. 210 212 214 216 11220 -220 110 114 116 120 128 Figure 1

Description

A TAMPER-RESISTANT PRODUCE CONTAINER

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to containers, and more particularly to containers having a tamper-resistant closure.

BACKGROUND [0002] Fresh produce, such as, e.g., fruit including strawberries and blueberries, is often packed into individual containers for sale in a retail marketplace. For example, strawberries may be packed into 250g, 500g or even 1 kg punnets for sale.

[0003] Typically, such containers are formed of transparent plastic so that the fresh produce contained therein is presented for sale at a retail marketplace. When purchasing such fresh produce, a consumer will generally visually inspect the contents through a transparent lid and/or sidewall of the container to see if the contents has spoilt or been otherwise compromised.

[0004] However, a problem with the above practice is that visual inspection is not always sufficient to detect if the fresh produce contained therein has been accessed by another consumer and been contaminated or tampered with, whether accidently or maliciously.

[0005] Indeed, this problem was highlighted in September 2018 when numerous punnets of strawberries grown in Queensland and Western Australia were found to be contaminated with needles. The contamination incidences resulted in the hospitalisation of some consumers, the withdrawal of produce, the destruction of unpacked produce and the loss of hundreds of jobs as strawberry plants deemed unsellable were burned off rather than being harvested.

[0006] Many approaches have been utilised in the past for protecting produce containers from incidental or malicious tampering.

[0007] For example, one approach is to wrap the container with a protective film or wrap which prevents removal of the lid from the container body without first removing the film or wrap. However, such an approach detracts from the overall appearance of the produce container and at least partially prevents a consumer from being able to visually inspect the fresh produce contained therein prior to purchase. Moreover, the process of wrapping each container involves additional packaging operations and associated costs.

[0008] Another approach is to provide a frangible seal, such as, e.g., an adhesive strip or label, joining the lid and container body together, which must be broken to remove the lid.

2019100588 31 May 2019

However, such an approach again involves additional packaging operations and associated costs and may render opening of the container unnecessarily more difficult than it ought to be, requiring a cutting tool, such as a knife or scissors, for example.

[0009] Australian Innovation Patent No. 2018100877 (“AU2018100877”) discloses yet another approach in which the container includes a lid and a container body connected together by a frangible hinge. The lid and the container body each have rims that interlock together when pressed together to close the container. The container is then opened by breaking the frangible hinge.

[0010] However, a problem with the approach disclosed in AU2018100877 is that the interlocking rims are overly complicated and bulky and thus detract from the overall aesthetic appearance of the container. Further, the present inventor has found that the thickness of the interlocking rims, particularly when interlocked with one another, reduces the transparency of the container and thus the ability for a consumer to readily view the contents contained therein. In turn, this may have a negative impact on the sale of fresh produce presented in such containers, particularly when consumers are increasingly wary following the 2018 strawberry contamination scandal.

[0011] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide a tamper-resistant closure for a produce container, a tamper-resistant produce container having the closure and methods of use thereof, which may minimise or overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above, or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tamperresistant closure for a produce container including a container body and a lid, said closure including:

a container body rim portion extending at least partway along an edge of at least one sidewall of the container body, said container body rim portion including an outwardly-turned rim, a lip and a skirt extending from the rim to the lip;

a lid rim portion extending at least partway along an edge of the lid and having an outwardly-turned rim, a skirt extending from the rim and at least one handle portion extending from the skirt, said lid rim portion configured to be at least partially received within the container

2019100588 31 May 2019 body rim portion when the produce container is closed such that the container body rim portion frictionally fits around the outwardly-turned rim and the skirt of the lid rim portion; and a frangible hinge connecting the rim portions together and configured to be at least partially broken when the rim portions in a closed said container are at least partially separated from one another via the at least one handle portion.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tamperresistant produce container, said container including:

a container body having a base, a container body rim portion and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the container body rim portion, said container body rim portion extending at least partway along an edge of the at least one sidewall and including an outwardly-turned rim, a lip and a skirt extending from the rim to the lip;

a lid having a base and a lid rim portion extending at least partway along an edge of the base, said lid rim portion including an outwardly-turned rim, a skirt extending from the rim and at least one handle portion extending from the rim, said lid being connectable to the container body via the rim portions with the lid rim configured to be at least partially received within the container body rim portion when the produce container is closed such that the container body rim portion frictionally fits around the outwardly-turned rim and the skirt of the lid rim portion; and a frangible hinge connecting the container body and the lid together via the rim portions, said hinge configured to be at least partially broken when the rim portions in a closed said container are at least partially separated from one another via the at least one handle portion.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tamperresistant produce container including a container body, a lid connectable to the container body and the closure of the first aspect.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nested container arrangement including two or more of the produce container of the second or third aspects nested within one another.

[0017] Advantageously, the closure and produce container of the present invention provides clear visual and/or tactile cues as to whether a container has been at least partially accessed, while still maintain a pleasing aesthetic appearance and allowing the contents contained therein to be readily visually inspected. Unlike the prior art, the interlocking rim portions of the closure are not overly complicated and bulky and thus do not detract from the overall appearance of the container. Further, by way of their construction, the rim portions are prone to deforming if a

2019100588 31 May 2019 person should attempt to open the container by means other than the at least one handle portion thereby providing a further visual and/or tactile cue in addition to the frangible hinge that the container has been compromised or at least partially opened.

[0018] As used herein, the term “compromised” may refer to a produce container that has been at least partially opened by another person and possibly contaminated or tampered with, whether accidently or maliciously.

[0019] As indicated above, the container of the present invention is for containing produce, particularly fresh produce, such as, e.g., fruits and vegetables. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the container may ultimately be used to contain any article or articles, such as, e.g., fairy lights, baked goods or takeaway food.

[0020] The container and closure may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials, such as, e.g., paper, cardboard or plastic material or materials.

[0021] Typically, the container and closure may be integrally formed, preferably from a mould by a thermoforming process, such as, e.g., vacuum forming.

[0022] Preferably, the container, including the closure, may be formed from a thermoplastic material such as polystyrene or high impact polystyrene.

[0023] In some embodiments, the container, including the closure, may be formed from bioplastics. Such bioplastics may include starch-based plastics, cellulose-based plastics, protein-based plastics or an aliphatic biopolyester plastic, such as, e.g., polylactic acid (PLA), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).

[0024] As indicated, the container body and the lid are hingedly connected together by the frangible hinge.

[0025] The container body includes the base, the rim portion and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim portion. The rim portion extends from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall and extends at least partway along an edge of the at least one sidewall.

[0026] The rim portion includes an outwardly-turned rim, a lip and a skirt extending from the rim to the lip. The outwardly-turned rim may be an outwardly-rolled rim or an outwardly-folded rim, preferably the latter. The lip may generally extend outwardly from the skirt, preferably laterally outwardly in a direction substantially parallel with the base.

2019100588 31 May 2019 [0027] In preferred embodiments, the container body rim portion may have an outwardlyfolded rim portion including an inner wall extending from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall and a top wall extending orthogonally outwardly from the inner wall. In such embodiments, the skirt may extend orthogonally downwards from an outer edge of the top wall, and the lip may extend orthogonally outwards from an outer edge of the skirt.

[0028] In such embodiments, the inner wall may extend any suitable height from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall. For example, the inner wall may extend a height of about 3mm, about 4mm, about 5mm, about 6mm, about 7mm, about 8mm, about 9mm, or even about 10mm. Generally, the inner wall of the container body rim portion may have a height between about 7mm and about 9mm. Preferably, the inner wall may have a height of about 8.9mm.

[0029] In such embodiments, the skirt of the container body rim portion may generally have a height that is substantially the same as the inner wall. For example, the skirt may extend a height of about 3mm, about 4mm, about 5mm, about 6mm, about 7mm, about 8mm, about 9mm, or even about 10mm. Generally, the skirt of the container body rim portion may have a height between about 7mm and about 9mm. Preferably, the skirt may have a height of about 8.9mm.

[0030] The top wall may extend any suitable distance between the adjacent edges of the inner wall and the skirt. For example, the top wall may extend about 1.0mm, about 1.5mm, about 2.0mm, about 2.5mm, about 3.0mm, about 3.5mm, about 4.0mm, about 4.5mm, about 5.0mm, about 5.5mm, about 6.0mm, about 6.5mm, about 7.0mm, about 7.5mm, about 8.0mm, about 8.5mm, about 9.0mm, about 9.5mm, or even about 10mm. Typically, the top may extend outwards between about 3.0mm and about 4.5mm from the inner wall to the skirt, preferably about 3.5mm.

[0031] Likewise, the lip may extend any suitable distance outwards from an outer edge of the skirt. For example, the lip may extend about 0.5mm, about 0.75mm, about 1.0mm, about 1.25mm, about 1.5mm, about 1.75mm, about 2.0mm, about 2.25mm, about 2.5mm, about 2.75mm, about 3.0mm, about 3.25mm, about 3.5mm, about 3.75mm, about 4.0mm, about 4.25mm, about 4.5mm, about 4.75mm, or even about 5.0mm. Typically, the lip may extend outwardly a distance of between about 1.5mm and about 2.5mm, preferably 2.17mm.

[0032] The base of the container body may be of any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, the base may be circular or oval-shaped. In other embodiments, the base may be in the shape of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon or an octagon, for example.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, the container body may include a square or rectangular6

2019100588 31 May 2019 shaped base with four sidewalls extending from the base to the rim portion.

[0034] In some embodiments, the at least one sidewall may extend orthogonally away from the base to the rim.

[0035] In other embodiments, the at least one sidewall may flare outwards relative to the base. For example, the at least one sidewall may extend at an obtuse angle relative to the base. Typically, the at least one sidewall may extend at an angle of about 91°, about 92°, about 93°, about 94°, about 95°, about 96°, about 97°, about 98°, about 99°, about 100°, about 101°, about 102°, about 103°, about 104°, about 105°, about 106°, about 107°, about 108°, about 109°, or even about 110° or more relative to the base of the container body.

[0036] Like the container body, the lid also includes a base and the lid rim portion extends at least partway along an edge of the base, preferably entirely around the base. The base may be any suitable shape but typically will be of matching shape as the base of the container body. In preferred embodiments, the lid may include a square or rectangular-shaped base with four side edges along which the lid rim portion is provided.

[0037] In some embodiments, the lid may include at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim portion.

[0038] The lid rim portion may also include an outwardly-turned rim, a skirt extending from the rim and at least one handle portion extending from the rim. The outwardly-turned rim may be an outwardly-rolled rim or an outwardly-folded rim, typically the latter.

[0039] In some embodiments, the lid rim portion may further include a lip and the skirt may extend between the outwardly-turned rim and the lip. In such embodiments, the at least one handle portion may preferably extend from the lip. The lip (and the at least one handle portion) may generally extend outwardly from the skirt, preferably laterally outwardly in a direction substantially parallel with the base.

[0040] In preferred embodiments, the lid may be a recessed lid. In such embodiments, the lid rim portion may include the outwardly-turned rim, the skirt extending orthogonally upward from the rim and the lip extending orthogonally outwardly from an outer edge of the skirt. Preferably in such embodiments, the outwardly-turned rim may also extend at least partially in an upward direction.

[0041] Like with the container body, the skirt of the lid rim portion may extend any suitable height upward from an outer edge of the base to the lip. For example, the skirt may extend a height of about 3mm, about 4mm, about 5mm, about 6mm, about 7mm, about 8mm, about 9mm,

2019100588 31 May 2019 or even about 10mm. Generally, the skirt of the lid rim portion may have a height of between about 7mm and about 9mm. Preferably, the skirt of the lid rim portion may have a height of about 8.9mm.

[0042] Likewise, the lip of the lid rim portion may extend any suitable distance outward from an outer edge of the skirt. For example, the lip may extend about 0.5mm, about 0.75mm, about 1.0mm, about 1.25mm, about 1.5mm, about 1.75mm, about 2.0mm, about 2.25mm, about 2.5mm, about 2.75mm, about 3.0mm, about 3.25mm, about 3.5mm, about 3.75mm, about 4.0mm, about 4.25mm, about 4.5mm, about 4.75mm, or even about 5.0mm. Typically, the lip may extend outwardly a distance of between about 1.5mm and about 2.5mm, preferably 2.17mm.

[0043] The container body may include rounded corners extending between adjacent sidewalls. Likewise, the container body may include rounded edges between the base and the adjacent sidewalls.

[0044] The lid may also include rounded corners extending between adjacent edges of the base.

[0045] As indicated above, the container body and the lid may be hingedly connected together by the frangible hinge.

[0046] The hinge may preferably extend along a common side of the rim portions or part thereof of the container body and the lid. The frangible hinge may be of any suitable size, shape and form to hingedly connect the lid and the container body together and enable them to pivot relative to one another between open and closed configurations and be at least partially breakable to assist in opening the container when fully closed.

[0047] The hinge may be integrally formed with the container body and the lid.

[0048] In some embodiments, the hinge may be a living hinge, preferably including a web extending between common lips of the lid and the container body. In some such embodiments, the hinge may include one or more corrugations or fold lines extending across the web to assist the hinge in bending to pivot the container body and the lid relative to one another when the container is closed.

[0049] In preferred embodiments, the hinge may further include at least one line of weakness extending across the web along which the hinge is breakable, preferably tearable. The line may be a linear or a curvilinear line, preferably the former.

2019100588 31 May 2019 [0050] The line may extend across the hinge at any suitable location, preferably entirely across the hinge so that the hinge is entirely severable. Generally, the line of weakness may extend across the web at a location extending immediately adjacent and parallel to the lip of the container body or the lid, typically the lid.

[0051] The line of weakness may generally be a perforated line including a plurality of perforations arranged in series and extending along the line of weakness with a plurality of linkages spaced therebetween. The linkages may be configured to be readily broken when a force is applied via the at least one handle portion to separate the lid and container body from one another when the container is closed.

[0052] Advantageously, the frangible hinge when at least partially broken may provide visual and/or tactile cues that the container has been at least partially opened. For example, when broken, a portion of the broken hinge may extend outwardly from one of the container body and the lid, preferably the container body. The end of the hinge severed from the other of the container body and the lid, preferably the lid, may provide clear tactile feedback to a consumer that the produce container has been compromised, even without visual cues.

[0053] In some embodiments, the hinge may include at least a coloured portion to visually emphasise the hinge relative to a remainder of the container. In such embodiments, the at least a coloured portion may further emphasis any visual cue provided by a partially severed or broken hinge. Any suitable colour may be used that is visually striking, such as, e.g., red, orange, green or even blue.

[0054] In some embodiments, the container body and/or the lid may include strengthening ribs or formations for imparting greater structural rigidity to the container.

[0055] For example, in some such embodiments, the container body and/or the lid may include one or more corrugations or fluting members/formations along each sidewall. The corrugations or fluting members may at least partially extend between the base and the rim of the container body and/or the lid to strengthen the container body and/or the lid.

[0056] The corrugations or fluting members may be shaped, located and sized in any suitable way. Generally, the corrugations or fluting members may be in the form of indentations extending substantially a height of a sidewall.

[0057] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many factors that can be customised to provide a desired balance of strength, weight and performance for a desired application. These include, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, the depth of

2019100588 31 May 2019 the indentations, the thickness of the sidewall at those locations, the sharpness of the angle of the indentations with respect to adjacent sidewall areas, the angularity of indentations or smoothness in cross-section, the frequency and regularity of the pattern of the indentations, the spacing between the indentations and other factors.

[0058] The base of the container body may and/or the lid may include at least a recessed or stepped central portion for providing the base of the container body and/or the lid with greater rigidity.

[0059] The container body and/or the lid may include one or more ventilation/drainage holes. The ventilation/drainage holes may be shaped, located and sized in any suitable way to facilitate in the passage of fresh air within the container and the drainage of any fluids trapped within the container. The passage of fresh air and drainage of any fluids is important in preventing deterioration of the produce contained within the container due to heat and stagnant environment, particularly fresh produce, such as, e.g., fruit or vegetables.

[0060] The ventilation/drainage holes may preferably be circular or substantially rectangular in shape. The holes may be located at or near each corner of the base or an outer perimeter of the base.

[0061] As indicated above, the lid rim portion includes at least one handle portion extending from the skirt, preferably the lip, to serve as a handle grip and assist in separating the lid from the container body when the container is closed.

[0062] Typically, the handle portion may extend outwardly from the lip at a discrete location at least partway around the rim portion of the lid, preferably at least partway around a corner of the lid adjacent the frangible hinge. The handle portion may be of any suitable shape for a user to be able to grip and separate the lid from the container body when the container is closed. Usually, the handle portion may have a rounded shape.

[0063] In some embodiments, the lid rim portion may include more than one handle portion. For example, the lid rim portion may include two handle portions each extending from the lip at discrete locations extending at least partway around the respective corners of the lid adjacent the frangible hinge.

[0064] In some embodiments, the container body rim portion may also include at least one handle portion configured to serve as a handle grip together with the at least one handle portion extending from the lid rim portion and facilitate in the separation of the lid from the container when the container is closed.

2019100588 31 May 2019 [0065] In such embodiments, the at least one handle portion may extend from a lip of the container and be located at a discrete location extending at least partway around a corner of the container body adjacent the frangible hinge. The at least one handle portion may typically be of a similar shape and construction as the at least one handle portion of the lid rim portion.

[0066] In some such embodiments, the container body rim portion, like the lid rim portion, may also include more than one handle portion. For example, in preferred such embodiments, the container body rim portion may include a handle portion extending from the lip at discrete locations extending at least partway around the respective corners of the container body adjacent the frangible hinge.

[0067] Advantageously, by having the at least one handle portion extend at least partway around the corner of the lid and/or container body adjacent the frangible hinge, the frangible hinge is encouraged to at least partially break when the container is correctly opened via the at least one handle portion.

[0068] The lid and the container body may be attachable in a rim-to-rim manner to form a closed container, preferably in a tamper resistant manner such that it is difficult to open the container and separate the lid from the container body without deforming the rim portions and/or at least partially breaking the frangible hinge portion.

[0069] Typically, the lid rim portion may be configured to be received within the container body rim portion when the container is closed such that the container rim portion frictionally fits around the outwardly-turned rim and skirt of the lid rim portion, preferably such that the lip of the lid rim portion sits atop the outwardly-turned rim of the container body rim portion.

[0070] In preferred embodiments, the lip of the lid rim portion may sit flush against the outwardly-turned rim of the container body rim portion when the container is closed so as to make it difficult for a person to grip the lip and thereby open the container via the lip. Preferably, the lip of the lid rim portion may only partially extend across the top wall of the container body rim portion when the container is closed to thus further make it difficult for a person to grip the lip and thereby open the container via the lip.

[0071] Advantageously, by having the lip of the lid rim portion sit flush against, and only partially extend across, the top wall of the container body rim portion, a person trying to open the closed container is encouraged to use the provided handle portion to open the closed container.

[0072] Further, should a person persist with trying to open the container by gripping the lip

2019100588 31 May 2019 of the lid rim portion, the rim portions of the container advantageously are likely to deform thereby providing another visual and/or tactile cue to a consumer that the container has been compromised and at least partially opened.

[0073] In some embodiments, the rim portions of the container body and the lid may further include a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism for securing the lid when closed.

[0074] For example, a first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the container body rim portion may mate or engage with a second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the lid rim portion.

[0075] The connecting mechanism may include an interference (snap fit) connection, for example. The connecting mechanism may include a male formation engaging with a female formation.

[0076] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the inner wall of the container body rim portion may include one or more indentations extending at least partway around an interior of the rim portion and the outer surface of the skirt of the lid rim portion may include one or more corresponding resilient projections extending at least partway around an exterior of the lid rim portion, the resilient projections being configured to engage with or be at least partially received in the one or more indentations when the lid is attached and the container is closed.

[0077] Conversely, in other embodiments, the inner surface of the inner wall of the container body rim portion may include one or more resilient projections extending at least partway around an interior of the rim portion and the outer surface of the skirt of the lid rim portion may include one or more corresponding indentations extending at least partway around an interior of the lid rim portion, the indentations configured to at least partially receive and engage with the one or more resilient projections when the lid is attached and the container is closed.

[0078] In preferred embodiments, the outwardly-turned rim and skirt of the lid rim portion may define a profile shape having a lower portion, a mid-portion and an upper portion and the inner wall of the container body rim portion may define a complementary profile shape also having a lower portion, a mid-portion and an upper portion configured to respectively engage with the lower portion, the mid-portion and the upper portion of the lid rim portion when the lid is attached and the container is closed.

[0079] The lower portion of the lid rim portion may include an inwardly-shaped contour extending from the outwardly-turned rim to the mid portion. The mid-portion of the lid rim portion

2019100588 31 May 2019 may include a groove or channel extending inwards from the lower portion and outwards towards the upper portion. The upper portion of the lid rim portion may include a stepped collared portion including an outwardly extending contour extending from the mid portion to the collared portion.

[0080] The lower portion of the inner wall of the container body rim portion may include a ridge extending at least partway around an inner periphery of the inner wall at a junction between the at least one sidewall and the inner wall and an outwardly-shaped contour extending outwardly from the ridge and back inwards to define the mid-portion. The mid-portion of the inner wall of the container body rim portion may include an inwardly-extending ridge. The upper portion of the inner wall of the container body rim portion may include an outwardly-shaped contour extending outwardly from the ridge of the mid-portion and back inwards and upwards in a substantially vertical direction to a junction between the inner wall and the top wall.

[0081] When the lid is attached and the container is closed, the inwardly-shaped contour of the lower portion of the lid rim portion may be at least partially received in the outwardly-shaped contour of the lower portion of the container body rim portion such that inwardly-extending ridge of the mid-portion of the inner wall of the container body rim portion may be received in the corresponding groove or channel of the mid-portion of the lid rim portion and the outwardly extending contour of the upper portion of the lid rim portion sits atop an upper face of the inwardly-extending ridge of the mid portion of the container body rim portion.

[0082] Engagement of the inwardly-shaped contour of the lower portion of the lid rim portion with the outwardly-shaped contour of the lower portion of the container body rim portion and of the inwardly-extending ridge of the mid-portion of the inner wall of the container body rim portion with the corresponding groove or channel of the mid-portion of the lid rim portion, may assist in securing the lid to the container body when the container is closed. Specifically, the angled faces of the respective contours of the lower portions may act against one another to at least partially retain the lid against the container body until an external force is applied to separate them. Advantageously, engagement of the angled faces against one another may also at least partially assist in retaining the lip of the lid rim portion flush against the outwardly-turned rim or top wall of the container body rim portion when the container is closed.

[0083] Further, seating of a lower face of the inwardly-shaped contour of the lower portion of the lid rim portion atop the ridge of the lower portion of the inner wall of the container body rim portion may at least partially prevent over-closure of the container and bolster the structural integrity of the container when closed.

[0084] Likewise, seating of a lower face of the outwardly extending contour of the upper portion of the lid rim portion atop the upper face of the inwardly-extending ridge of the mid portion

2019100588 31 May 2019 of the container body rim portion may also at least partially prevent over-closure of the container and bolster the structural integrity of the container when closed.

[0085] Engagement of the respective lower portion and mid-portion with one another may also provide one or both of tactile and audio feedback to an operator closing the container. This advantageously enables the operator when packing produce to close containers quickly without necessarily relying on visual cues.

[0086] Generally, the container may be opened by separating the lid and the container body from one another via the handle portion while contemporaneously at least partially breaking the frangible hinge. Contemporaneous partial breaking of the frangible hinge is achieved by having the at least one handle portion at a discrete location extending at least partway around the corner of the lid adjacent the frangible hinge. Accordingly, as a separation force is applied to the at least one handle portion to separate the lid from the container body, part of the separation force acts upon the frangible hinge, particularly the line of weakness to cause the line of weakness to at least partially tear.

[0087] The container of the present invention is preferably nestable within at least one like container. Specifically, the lid and the container body of the container are nestable within at least one like lid and like container body of a further like container.

[0088] Accordingly, the container preferably includes at least one denesting member extending from at least one of the container body and the lid to enable the container body and the lid to be readily separable from a like container body and/or like lid, respectively, when in a nested arrangement.

[0089] The denesting member may be of any suitable size, shape and configuration and may be located at any suitable location on the container body and/or the lid, preferably both.

[0090] In some embodiments, the at least one denesting member may be configured to prevent complete insertion of the container body or lid within a further like container body or lid.

[0091] In other embodiments, the at least one denesting member may be configured to prevent complete insertion of a like container body or like lid within the container body or lid.

[0092] Preferably, the at least one denesting member is configured to abut with or against part of the like container body or like lid to enable the container body and/or the lid to be readily separable.

[0093] In some embodiments, the at least one denesting member may be an outwardly

2019100588 31 May 2019 extending portion of the container body or lid. The outwardly extending portion may be configured to abut with or against a part of a like container body or lid of a further like container and prevent the complete insertion of the container body or the lid within the like container body or lid or the complete insertion of the like container body or lid within the container body or lid.

[0094] For example, in some such embodiments, the at least one denesting member may be in the form of a protrusion extending upwards and outwards of a base of a container body and/or lid, preferably at a discrete location at or near a corner of the base, more preferably at a discrete location at or near each corner of the base. In use, the protrusion may function as a seat atop of which a base of a like container body and/or like lid may rest when in a nested arrangement to prevent over insertion.

[0095] In other embodiments, the at least one denesting member may be in the form of a ridge or protrusion configured to rest against a part of a like container body or lid of a further like container when in nested arrangement, preferably another ridge or protrusion. Again, the ridge or protrusion may prevent over insertion.

[0096] In preferred such embodiments, an upper surface of the ridge of the mid-portion of the container body rim portion of the container body may function as a denesting member and rest or abut against a lower surface of the ridge of the lower portion of the inner wall of the container body rim portion of a like container body to prevent over insertion when provided in a nested arrangement.

[0097] Typically, the container may include more than one denesting member, preferably in both the container body and the lid. For example, at least two denesting members may be provided in opposite corners of the container body and/or lid.

[0098] In some embodiments, each corner of the lid may include at least one denesting member in the form of a shoulder or tab and the container body may further include a denesting member in the form of a ridge.

[0099] Denesting members may or may not be located in the same location in like container bodies and/or like lids of further like containers. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one denesting member may be located in one of at least two discrete locations in like container bodies and/or lids of further like containers, preferably all at or near a rounded corner of the container body or lid.

[00100] Locating the denesting members in different locations in like container bodies and lids may be advantageous when the container bodies and lids are provided in a nested

2019100588 31 May 2019 arrangement. Specifically, adjacent lids in a nested arrangement with offset denesting members may at least partially prevent a denesting member from an upper lid in the nested arrangement being received in an indentation formed by a denesting member of a lower lid in the nested arrangement.

[00101] In addition to being nestable, the container of the present invention when closed may be stackable atop further like closed containers.

[00102] For example, in some embodiments, the base of the container body of the container when closed may, in some embodiments, at least partially complement the base of the lid of a like container enabling stacking of the container atop the like container.

[00103] In such embodiments, a recess may be provided on a region of the base of the container body to accommodate a projection provided on a complementary or corresponding region of the base of the lid of the like container.

[00104] For example, the base of the container may have a recessed central portion to enable stacking of the container atop a complementarily-shaped stepped central portion on the base of the lid of the like container. Preferably, the base of the lid of the container also includes the complementarily-shaped stepped central portion to enable the stacking of a further like container atop the container.

[00105] In other embodiments, the lid of the container may include a recessed central portion configured to at least partially receive and/or complement an outer surface of the base of a like container body of a like container stacked atop the container.

[00106] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of opening a closed tamper-resistant produce container of the second or third aspects, said method including:

pulling the at least one handle portion of the lid rim portion away from the container body rim portion to at least partially separate the rim portions and thereby open the container while contemporaneously at least partially breaking the frangible hinge.

[00107] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the closure and produce container as hereinbefore described.

[00108] The pulling may preferably be carried out by hand.

[00109] In preferred embodiments, both the lid and the container body of the produce container may each include at least one handle portion. In such embodiments, the pulling may

2019100588 31 May 2019 include gripping the handle portions in separate hands and pulling the handle portions away from one another to at least partially separate the rim portions and thereby open the container while contemporaneously at least partially breaking the frangible hinge.

[00110] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining whether a tamper-resistant produce container has been compromised, said method including:

providing the tamper-resistant produce container of the second or third aspects; and inspecting the frangible hinge, wherein the hinge provides a visible and/or tactile indication when at least partially broken.

[00111] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the closure and produce container as hereinbefore described.

[00112] The inspecting may further include inspecting the rim portions of the closure, wherein at least partially deformed rim portions may provide a visible and/or tactile indication when the container has been at least partially opened via the rim portions and/or compromised.

[00113] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[00114] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00115] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00116] Figure 1 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of a container including a container body, a lid and a frangible hinge in a closed formation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00117] Figure 2 is a schematic showing an upper perspective view of the container as shown in Figure 1 but in an open formation;

2019100588 31 May 2019 [00118] Figure 3 is a schematic showing a top plan view of the container as shown in Figure 2;

[00119] Figures 4A and 4B are schematics respectively showing a side view and a sectional side view of the container as shown in Figures 2 and 3;

[00120] Figure 5 is a schematic showing a sectional side view of the container as shown in Figures 2, 3, 4A and 4B in a nested arrangement with another like container;

[00121] Figure 6 is a schematic showing a magnified sectional view of engaged rim portions of the container body and the lid when the container as shown in Figures 1 to 5 is in a closed formation;

[00122] Figure 7 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of the container as shown in Figure 1 with the frangible hinge broken after the container has been opened from the closed formation; and [00123] Figure 8 is a photograph showing an upper perspective view of the container as shown in Figure 7 with the lid detached from the container body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00124] Figures 1 to 8 show a tamper-resistant produce container (100) or portions thereof, including a container body (110), a lid (210) connectable to the container body (110) and a frangible hinge (310) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[00125] Referring to Figure 1, the container body (110) has a rectangular base (112), a container body rim portion (120), and four sidewalls (114) and four corners (116) extending from the base (112) to the rim portion (120).

[00126] The rim portion (120) extends along an edge of the sidewalls (114) and corners (116) and includes an outwardly-folded rim (122; i.e., outwardly-turned rim), a lip (124) and a skirt (126) extending between the rim (122) and the lip (124). Handle portions (128) extend from the lip (124) at each corner (116) adjacent the hinge (310).

[00127] Like the container body (110), the lid (210) has a rectangular base (212) including four side edges (214) and four corners (216) defined between the side edges (214).

[00128] A lid rim portion (220) extends along the side edges (214) and corners (216). The lid rim portion (220) includes an outwardly-folded rim (222; i.e., outwardly-turned rim), a lip (224) and a skirt (226) extending between the rim (222) and the lip (224). Handle portions (228) extend

2019100588 31 May 2019 from the lip (224) at each corner (216) adjacent the hinge (310).

[00129] As shown, the lid (210) is connectable to the container body (110) via the rim portions (120, 220) with the lid rim portion (220) configured to be received within the container body rim portion (120) when the container (100) is closed such that the container body rim portion (120) frictionally fits around the outwardly-folded rim (222) and skirt (226) of the lid rim portion (220) and the lip (224) of the lid rim portion (220) sits atop the outwardly-folded rim (122) of the container body rim portion (120).

[00130] As shown, the lid (210) is hingedly connected to the container body (110) by the frangible hinge (310). The hinge (310) is configured to be at least partially broken when the container (100) is opened by separating the rim portions (120, 220) from one another via the respective handle portions (128, 228).

[00131] The container (100) is integrally formed by a thermoforming process, such as, e.g., vacuum forming, from a thermoplastic material such as polystyrene, high impact polystyrene or a suitable bioplastic material.

[00132] Referring briefly to Figure 4B, the outwardly-folded rim (122) of the container body rim portion (120) includes an inner wall (132) extending from an upper portion of the sidewalls (114) and corners (116; not shown) and a top wall (134) extending orthogonally outward from the inner wall (132). The skirt (126) extends orthogonally downwards from an outer edge of the top wall (134) and the lip (124) extends laterally outwards in a direction substantially parallel with the base (112). As shown, the inner wall (132) has a particular profile shape for engaging with the skirt (226) of the lid rim portion (220). This will be described in detail later.

[00133] Referring to both Figures 4A and 4B, the sidewalls (114) and corners (116; show only in Figure 4A) flare outwards relative to the base (112) at an obtuse angle relative to the base (112).

[00134] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the lid (210) is a recessed lid in which the skirt (226) of the lid rim portion (220) extends orthogonally upward from the outwardly-folded rim (222), when the container (100) is viewed in a closed formation, and the lip (224) extends laterally outward from an outer edge of the skirt (226) in a direction substantially parallel with the base (212).

[00135] The hinge (310) extends along a common side of the rim portions (120, 220) of the container body (110) and the lid (210). The hinge (310) is sized and shaped to enable the container body (110) and the lid (210) to pivot relative to one another between open and closed formations and be breakable to assist in opening the container (100) when fully closed.

2019100588 31 May 2019 [00136] The hinge (310) is a living hinge including a web (312) extending between common lips (124, 224) of the lid (210) and the container body (110).

[00137] Best shown in Figure 3, the hinge (310) includes two corrugations (314) extending across the web (312) to assist the hinge (310) in bending to pivot the container body (110) and the lid (210) to pivot relative to one another when the container (100) is closed.

[00138] The hinge (310) includes a line of weakness (320) extending across the web (312) along which the hinge (310) is tearable. The line (320) is linear and extends across the web (312) at a location immediately adjacent and parallel to the lip (224) of the lid (210).

[00139] The line of weakness (320) is perforated line including a plurality of perforations arranged in series and extending along the line of weakness (320) with a plurality of linkages spaced therebetween. The linkages are configured to be readily broken when a force is applied via the handle portions (128, 228) to separate the lid (210) and container body (110) from one another when opening the container (100).

[00140] Referring briefly to Figure 7, advantageously the frangible hinge (310) when broken provides both visual and tactile cues that the container (100) has been at least partially opened and/or possibly tampered with. As shown, a portion of the web (312) of the hinge (310) when broken extends outwardly from the container body (110) providing clear tactile feedback to a consumer that the container (100) has been opened. The protruding portion of the web (312) may further catch on objects, such as, e.g., other container (100) to further emphasise the visual and tactile cues.

[00141] Referring back to Figure 2, the container body (110) includes a plurality of corrugations or fluting members/formations along each sidewall (114). The corrugations or fluting members extend between the base (112) and the rim portion (120) and strengthen the container body (110).

[00142] Referring to both Figures 2 and 3, the base (112, 212) of the container body (110) and lid (210) each include a recessed or stepped central portion for providing the respective base (112, 212) and thus the container body (110) and lid (210) with greater structural rigidity.

[00143] Best shown in Figure 3, the container body (110) and the lid (210) each include four ventilation/drainage holes (150, 250). The ventilation/drainage holes (150, 250) are shaped, located and sized to facilitate in the passage of fresh air within the container (100) and the drainage of any fluids trapped within the container (100). The passage of fresh air and drainage of any fluids is important in preventing deterioration of produce contained within the container

2019100588 31 May 2019 (100) due to heat and stagnant environment, particularly fresh produce, such as, e.g., fruit or vegetables.

[00144] The ventilation/drainage holes (150, 250) are circular in shape and located at or near each corner (116, 216) of the base (112, 212) of the lid (210) and container body (110).

[00145] As indicated above, handle portions (128, 228) extend from the lips (124, 224) at each corner (116, 216) of the lid (210) and the container body (110) adjacent the hinge (310). The handle portions (128, 228) serves as a handle grip and assist a user in separating the lid (210) from the container body (110) when opening the container (100).

[00146] As shown, the handle portions (128, 228) extend outwardly from the respective lips (124, 224) at discrete locations at least partway around the corners (116, 216) adjacent the frangible hinge (310).

[00147] Advantageously, by having the handle portions (128, 228) adjacent the frangible hinge (310), the hinge (310) is encouraged to at least partially break when the container (100) is correctly opened via the handle portions (128, 228).

[00148] Referring to Figure 6, the lid (210) and the container body (110) are attachable in a rim-to-rim manner to form a closed tamper-resistant container (100) such that it is difficult to open the container (100) and separate the lid (210) from the container body (110) without deforming the rim portions (120, 220) and/or at least partially breaking the frangible hinge (310; not shown).

[00149] When closed, the lid rim portion (220) is configured to be received within the container body rim portion (120) such that the container rim portion (120) frictionally fits around the outwardly-folded rim (222) and skirt (226) of the lid rim portion (220) and the lip (224) of the lid rim portion (220) sits atop the outwardly-turned rim (122) of the container body rim portion (120).

[00150] The lip (224) of the lid rim portion (220) sits flush against the outwardly-folded rim (122) of the container body rim portion (120) when the container (100) is closed so as to make it difficult for a person to grip the lip (224) and thereby conventionally open the container (100) via the lip (224). Further, the lip (224) of the lid rim portion (220) as shown only partially extends across the top wall (134) of the container body rim portion (120) when the container (100) is closed to thus further make it difficult for a person to grip the lip (224) and thereby open the container (100) via the lip (224).

[00151] Advantageously, by having the lip (224) of the lid rim portion (220) sit flush against,

2019100588 31 May 2019 and only partially extend across, the top wall (134) of the container body rim portion (120), a person trying to open the closed container (200) is encouraged to use the provided handle portions (128, 228; not shown).

[00152] Further, should a person persist with trying to open the container (100) by gripping the lip (224) of the lid rim portion (220), the rim portions (120, 220) of the container (100) advantageously are likely to deform thereby providing another visual and/or tactile cue to a consumer that the container (100) has been compromised and/or at least partially opened.

[00153] The rim portions (120, 220) of the container body (110) and the lid (210) further include a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism for securing the lid (210) when closed. The connecting mechanism includes an interference (snap fit) connection in which a male formation associated with the container body rim portion (120) engages with a female formation associated with the lid rim portion (220).

[00154] Specifically, the outwardly-folded rim (222) and skirt (226) of the lid rim portion (220) defines a profile shape having a lower portion (622), a mid-portion (624) and an upper portion (626) and the inner wall (132) of the container body rim portion (120) defines a complementary profile shape also having a lower portion (612), a mid-portion (614) and an upper portion (616) configured to respectively engage with the lower portion (622), the mid-portion (624) and the upper portion (626) of the lid rim portion (220) when the lid (210) is attached and the container (100) is closed.

[00155] The lower portion (622) of the lid rim portion (220) may include an inwardly-shaped contour (622A) extending from the outwardly-folded rim (222) to the mid-portion (624). The midportion (624) of the lid rim portion (220) includes a groove or channel (624A) extending inwards from the lower portion (622) and outwards towards the upper portion (626). The upper portion (626) of the lid rim portion (220) includes a stepped collared portion including an outwardly extending contour (626A) extending from the mid-portion (624) to the collared portion (626B).

[00156] The lower portion (612) of the inner wall (132) of the container body rim portion (120) includes a ridge (612A) extending at least partway around an inner periphery of the inner wall (132) at a junction between the sidewalls (114) and corners (116; not shown) and the inner wall (132) and an outwardly-shaped contour (612B) extending outwardly from the ridge (612A) and back inwards to define the mid-portion (614). The mid-portion (614) includes an inwardlyextending ridge (614A). The upper portion (616) includes an outwardly-shaped contour (616A) extending outwardly from the ridge (614A) of the mid-portion (614) and back inwards and upwards in a substantially vertical direction to a junction between the inner wall (132) and the top wall (134).

2019100588 31 May 2019 [00157] In use and as shown, when the lid (210) is attached and the container (100) is closed, the inwardly-shaped contour (622A) of the lower portion (622) of the lid rim portion (220) is received in the outwardly-shaped contour (612B) of the lower portion (612) of the container body rim portion (120) such that inwardly-extending ridge (614A) of the mid-portion (614) of the inner wall (132) of the container body rim portion (120) is received in the corresponding groove or channel (624A) of the mid-portion (624) of the lid rim portion (220) and the outwardly extending contour (626A) of the upper portion (626) of the lid rim portion (220) sits atop an upper face of the inwardly-extending ridge (614A) of the mid portion (614) of the container body rim portion (120).

[00158] Engagement of the shaped contours (612B, 622A) of the lower portions (612, 622) of the lid rim portion (220) and the container body rim portion (120) and of the inwardly-extending ridge (614A) of the mid-portion (614) of the container body rim portion (120) with the corresponding groove or channel (624A) of the mid-portion (624) of the lid rim portion (220), assist in securing the lid (220) to the container body (110) when the container (100) is closed.

[00159] Specifically, the angled faces of the contours (612B, 622A) of the lower portions (612, 622) act against one another to retain the lid (210) against the container body (110) until an external force is applied to separate them.

[00160] Advantageously, engagement of the angled faces against one another also assists in retaining the lip (224) of the lid rim portion (220) flush against the outwardly-folded rim (122) or top wall (134) of the container body rim portion (120) when the container (100) is closed.

[00161] Further, seating of a lower face of the inwardly-shaped contour (622A) of the lower portion (622) of the lid rim portion (220) atop the ridge (612A) of the lower portion (612) of the inner wall (132) of the container body rim portion (120) at least partially prevents over-closure of the container (100) and bolsters the structural integrity of the container (100) when closed.

[00162] Likewise, seating of a lower face of the outwardly extending contour (626A) of the upper portion (626) of the lid rim portion (220) atop the upper face of the inwardly-extending ridge (614A) of the mid-portion (614) of the container body rim portion (120) also at least partially prevents over-closure of the container (100) and bolsters the structural integrity of the container (100) when closed.

[00163] Engagement of the respective lower portions (612, 622) and mid-portions (614, 624) with one another may also provide one or both of tactile and audio feedback to a person closing the container (100). This advantageously enables the person when, e.g., packing produce to close containers (100) quickly without necessarily relying on visual cues.

2019100588 31 May 2019 [00164] Referring again to Figure 7, the container (100) is opened by separating the lid (210) and the container body (110) from one another via the handle portions (128, 228) while contemporaneously breaking the frangible hinge (310). Accordingly, as a separation force is applied to the handle portions (128, 228) to separate the lid (210) from the container body (110), part of the separation force acts upon the frangible hinge (310), particularly the line of weakness (320) to cause the line of weakness (320) to tear as shown.

[00165] Referring briefly to Figure 8, once the frangible hinge (310) is broken, the container (100) is still able to be used. That is, despite the hinge (310) being broken, the lid (210) is still attachable to the container body (110) in a rim-to-rim manner as previously described.

[00166] Referring to Figure 5, the container (100) of the present invention is nestable within at least one like container (100A). Specifically, the lid (210) and the container body (110) of the container (100) are nestable within at least one like lid (210A) and like container body (110A) of a further like container (100A).

[00167] In this regard, the container (100) includes denesting members to enable the container body (110) and the lid (210) to be readily separable from a like container body (110A) and/or like lid (210A), respectively, when in a nested arrangement.

[00168] As shown in Figure 5, in some embodiments, the denesting member is in the form of ridges (612A, 614A, 624A) resting against one another to prevent complete insertion of the container body (110) and the lid (210) within a like container body (110A; not shown) or like lid (210A; not shown), respectively.

[00169] As shown in Figure 3, in other embodiments, the denesting member is in the form of protrusions (610) extending outwardly from a portion of the base (212) of the lid (210) and configured to abut with or against a part of a like lid (210A; not shown) of a further like container (100A) and prevent complete insertion of the lid (210) within the like lid (210A; not shown).

[00170] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00171] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

2019100588 31 May 2019

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00172] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A tamper-resistant produce container including:

a container body having a base, a container body rim portion and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the container body rim portion, said container body rim portion extending at least partway along an edge of the at least one sidewall and including an outwardlyturned rim, a lip and a skirt extending from the rim to the lip;

a lid having a base and a lid rim portion extending at least partway along an edge of the base, said lid rim portion including an outwardly-turned rim, a skirt extending from the rim and at least one handle portion extending from the rim, said lid being connectable to the container body via the rim portions with the lid rim configured to be at least partially received within the container body rim portion when the produce container is closed such that the container body rim portion frictionally fits around the outwardly-turned rim and the skirt of the lid rim portion; and a frangible hinge connecting the container body and the lid together via the rim portions, said hinge configured to be at least partially broken when the rim portions in a closed said container are at least partially separated from one another via the at least one handle portion.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid rim portion further includes a lip and the skirt extends between the outwardly-turned rim and the lip.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the lid is a recessed lid in which the lid rim portion includes the outwardly-turned rim, the skirt extending orthogonally upward from the rim and the lip extending orthogonally outward from an outer edge of the skirt.

4. The container of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the lid rim portion is configured to be received within the container body rim portion when the container is closed such that the container rim portion frictionally fits around the outwardly-turned rim and the skirt of the lid rim portion and the lip of the lid rim portion sits atop the outwardly-turned rim of the container body rim portion.

5. A method of opening a closed tamper-resistant produce container as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, said method including:

pulling the at least one handle portion of the lid rim portion away from the container body rim portion to at least partially separate the rim portions and thereby open the container while contemporaneously at least partially breaking the frangible hinge.