AU2019202436A1 - Tamper Evident Container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a container incorporating a tamper evident feature. Embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that a snug fit between the edge of a container lid and container wall provides a mechanical barrier to tampering, while incorporation of a frangible tab disables the barrier while still providing a visual indicator that the container has been opened. ____ 5 FIGl1B

Description

2019202436 08 Apr 2019

TAMPER EVIDENT CONTAINER

FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the field of tamper evident containers.

[0002] In one form, the invention relates to a container incorporating a tamper evident feature [0003] In one particular aspect the present invention is suitable for use as a container for food.

[0004] It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention in relation to food containers, however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use only and is suitable for a containers used for other purposes. Furthermore, while it will also be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention as applicable to a container of rectangular or square cross section it should be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited and is suitable for containers of any size and or cross sectional shape.

BACKGROUND ART [0005] It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor’s knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

[0006] Containers for packaging food, particularly dairy based products, often include tamper evident features. Tamper evident features are important because they provide a

2019202436 08 Apr 2019 visual or physical indicator to consumers that the integrity of the container and its contents have not been compromised by tampering or unintentional opening prior to purchase by the consumer.

[0007] Tamper evident features present several design challenges. For example, the tamper evident feature must have a configuration that is readily incorporated into the container manufacturing process without adding to production cost. It is also important that the tamper evident feature does not interfere with the filling of the container, a process that is typically automated and operated within narrow tolerance ranges.

[0008] Many food containers have a replaceable lid. It is important that the tamper evident feature clearly indicates the initial removal of the lid, but does not interfere with subsequent replacement or removal of the lid, irrespective of how many times the container is opened and closed.

[0009] WO 2015/128071 (Ferrari & Ferrari) relates to a reclosable stopper that can be attached to a container, the stopper comprising a base body that is hingedly connected to a cap and includes a pouring element. A tamper proof feature is provided having a flap connected to the cap by a pair of frangible bridges. Pushing on the flap breaks the bridges and allows the user to manually rotate the cap about the hinge to uncover the pouring element.

[0010] WO 2011/127597 (Lesquir et al) relates to a container having a lid and a body. The body comprises a base, walls and a rim having at least one knob. When the container is closed, the knob is received in (and emerges from) an aperture in the lid. When the lid is lifted for the first time, the knob pulls through the aperture, visibly deforming it. The aperture in the lid may for example, be caused to tear or rupture at a surrounding weakened line, or an adjacent break tab.

[0011] WO 2012/118502 (Aptar Group, Inc) relates to a tamper evident closure ofthe type that would typically be located at the opening of a bottle or squeezable container. The closure has a body comprising a pressing member and a hinged lid comprising a tamper indicating tab connected to the lid by a frangible junction. On initial opening, the pressing member is pushed inward, breaking the frangible junction and allowing the lid to be lifted.

2019202436 08 Apr 2019

The closure also includes a post that is initially in a non-releasable arrangement with a slot. The tamper indicating tab is engaged around the post to provide sufficient restraint force to prevent disengagement of the tab form the post if anyone initially tries to lift the lid.

[0012] WO 2013/178234 (Aptar Freyung GmbH) relates to a closure which can be attached to a container, the closure comprising a base with a hinged cover. The closure includes a tamper evident element comprising a button which can be pushed radially inward to disengage a latch on the cover from a fixed latch on the base. The initial pushing force on the button destroys or deforms a visible tamper indicator element.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0013] An object of the present invention is to create an improved tamper evident closure.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one disadvantage associated with the related art.

[0015] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or at least provide to a useful alternative to related art systems.

[0016] In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a container comprising:

• a container body comprising a base integral with a wall, the wall having a rim defining an opening, • a detachable lid having a peripheral edge adapted to align with the rim, • a tamper evident tab comprising a selectively frangible region, which when fractured exposes a portion of the peripheral edge that allows leverage of at least a portion of the lid out of alignment with the rim.

2019202436 08 Apr 2019 [0017] The tab may be located at least partially within the peripheral edge of the lid, or at least partially within the rim of the wall. Typically, in order to fracture the frangible region, the tab must be pushed radially inwards relative to the container wall, that is, towards the central axis of the container body. This causes the selectively tab to break away from the peripheral edge of the lid, or the rim of the wall.

[0018] Preferably, the frangible region comprises perforations, or weakened material defining the outline of the tab. Fracture of the frangible region causes it to appear crushed or distorted thus presenting visual evidence of tampering. This is particularly important for safe food containment and storage.

[0019] Typically, when the peripheral edge of the lid is aligned with the rim, they are in an abutting arrangement. This would typically occur when the container is in an initial, unopened position. Preferably the abutment leaves no void into which a person can insert a fingernail to lever the lid away from the container wall. Pushing on the tab and fracturing the frangible region exposes a portion of the peripheral edge of the lid providing a user has a point at which they can apply manual leverage to disengage the peripheral edge of the lid from the container wall.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lid has a generally planar body that curves at its perimeter to form a downward pointing skirt terminating at the peripheral edge. An internal face or other structure may forms a seal where it meets a corresponding structure associated with the container wall. The peripheral edge of the lid typically abuts the outward projecting shoulder of the container wall. The downward pointing skirt of the lid aligns with the downward pointing skirt of the container wall.

[0021 ] The junction of the lid and container wall may additionally be shaped to form an interference fit or snap fit to retain the lid to the container body and optionally an air-tight seal.

[0022] In another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of separating a lid from a container having a wall and a rim, the lid having a peripheral edge relatively closely aligned with a portion of the rim so as to limit the ability to separate

2019202436 08 Apr 2019 at least a portion of the lid and the rim without the use of a tamper evident tab having a selectively frangible region, the method comprising the steps of:

• applying frangible pressure to the tab in a direction radially inward of the container wall, • fracturing the frangible region to expose a portion of the peripheral edge of the lid, • applying leverage to the exposed portion of the peripheral edge, to move at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the lid out of alignment with the rim.

[0023] In yet another aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of aligning a tamper evident tab, a lid and a rim of a container wall, the method comprising the steps of:

• aligning the rim of the container wall with the peripheral edge of the lid, • locating the tamper evident tab adjacent a junction of a portion of the aligned lid and the rim, and • orienting the tamper evident tab to require the application of pressure in a direction radially inward of the container wall before the lid and rim are separated.

[0024] Other aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

[0025] In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the realization that a snug fit between the edge of a container lid and container wall provides a mechanical barrier to tampering, while incorporation of a frangible tab disables the barrier while still providing a visual indicator that the container has been opened.

[0026] Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following:

2019202436 08 Apr 2019 • provision of a visible indicator of container tampering;

• does not hinder intentional opening of the container, and can be configured for easy manual opening by finger pressure;

• adaptable for use on a wide range of container body and lid shapes to accommodate customer and/or product needs; and • relatively convenient and cost effective to manufacture.

[0027] Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0028] Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which:

FIG 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in an unopened condition wherein the tamper evident tab is incorporated at a junction between a container body and lid in perspective view (FIG 1A), side view (FIG 1B) and cross section (FIG 1C) along AA of FIG 1B;

FIG 2 illustrates the container of FIG 1 in a partially opened condition after the tamper evident tab has been fractured in perspective view (FIG 2A), side view (FIG 2B) and cross section (FIG 2C) along BB of FIG 2B;

2019202436 08 Apr 2019

FIG 3 illustrates the container of FIG 1 viewed from above (FIG 3A), in cross section along CC of FIG 3A and with a part of the junction of the lid and container wall (3) shown in an expanded view in FIG 3C;

FIG 4 illustrates the container of FIG 1 viewed along AA of FIG 1B (from the opposite direction to FIG 1C) to show the tamper evident tab intact (FIG 4A) and post-fracture (FIG4B); and

FIG 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention in an unopened condition.

List of Parts

1	container body	3	container wall
5	container rim	7	lid
9	peripheral edge of lid	11	tamper evident tab
13	frangible region of tab	15	gap
17	shoulder (of container rim)	19	skirt (of container rim)
21	lid body	23	lid skirt
25	internal face (of lid)	27	internal shoulder (of container rim)
29	junction (of lid and container body)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0029] For purposes of description herein, the terms “inner,” “outward,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “interior,” “exterior,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawing, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, it is to be understood that discussion

2019202436 08 Apr 2019 of a particular feature of component extending in or along a given direction or the like does not mean that the feature or component follows a straight line or axis in such a direction or that it only extends in such direction or on such a plane without other directional components or deviations, unless otherwise specified.

[0030] FIG 1A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention wherein the tamper evident tab (11) is incorporated at the junction of the peripheral edge (9) of the lid (7) and the rim (5) of the container body (1). The container body (1) includes a base (not visible in this view) and a wall (3) having four sides which forms a continuous, substantially square enclosure. The wall (3) has a square rim (5) defining the opening of the container body (1). In this embodiment, the lid (3) has a generally square planar body, with a perimeter that is curved to form a continuous, downward projecting skirt with a peripheral edge (9). When the container is closed, the generally square rim (5) abuts the generally square peripheral edge (9) of the lid (7) with no intervening gap. The rim (5) and peripheral edge (9) are also in alignment so that the junction between the two is smooth, with no projections that can be used to lever the lid (7) from the container wall (3). In particular, the alignment and abutting relationship of the peripheral edge (9) and the rim (5) avoids recesses, voids or projections where a fingernail or finger can be deployed to lift the lid (7) and access the contents of the container.

[0031] A generally rectangular tamper evident tab (11) is located at the junction of the peripheral edge (9) and rim (5). The shape of the tab (11) is defined at least in part by a frangible region (13) comprising perforations in the container wall (3) or lid (7), or both. In this embodiment the tamper evident tab (11) is located at a corner of the generally square container as shown in FIG 1B. Manual pressure directed radially inwards, in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the container body (1) causes the material between each perforation to fracture, exposing a portion of the peripheral edge (9) of the lid (7). The user can then use the exposed portion of the peripheral edge (9) as a leverage point, to manually lever the lid (7) upwards, away from the container body (1) and disengage the lid (7) from the wall (3) of the container body (1).

[0032] FIG 1C is a cross sectional view along AA of FIG 1B that illustrates the location of the lid (7) relative to the wall (3) of the container body (1) prior to fracture of the tamper

2019202436 08 Apr 2019 evident tab (11). In this view it can be seen that the lid (7) curves at its perimeter to form a downward pointing skirt terminating at the peripheral edge (9).

[0033] FIG 2 illustrates the container of FIG 1 after the tamper evident tab (11) has fractured and with a portion of the lid (7) levered upwards and away from the container body (1). FIG 2C is a cross sectional view along BB of FIG 2B that illustrates the lid (7) when partly disengaged with the wall (3) of the container body (1) after fracture of the tamper evident tab (11).

[0034] With the lid (7) partially removed the curved, downward projecting skirt ofthe lid and its peripheral edge (9) can readily be seen. When manual pressure on the tamper evident tab (11) pushes the tab (11) inwards and fractures the perforated material between the tab (11) and the lid (7), part ofthe peripheral edge (9) is exposed and the intervening gap (15) that is formed that can be used to lever the lid (7) from the container wall (3). The gap (15) is clearly evident in FIG 2B.

[0035] The rim (5) of the container in this embodiment is configured such that even when the frangible region (13) is fractured, the contents of the container are not exposed until the lid (7) is partially or completely levered off. In this embodiment the container rim (5) includes an outward projecting shoulder (17) against which the peripheral edge (9) of the lid (7) abuts and a downward pointing skirt (19) with which the peripheral edge (19) is aligned when the container body (1) is closed by the lid (7).

[0036] This is more clearly seen in FIG 3. FIG 3A illustrates the container viewed from above and shows the generally square shape. FIG 3B is a cross section along CC, with a part of the junction of the lid (7) and container wall (3) shown in an expanded view in FIG 3C.

[0037] The expanded view shows how the lid (7) has a generally planar body (21) that curves at its perimeter to form a downward pointing skirt (23) terminating at the peripheral edge (9). An internal lid face (25) forms a seal where it meets a surface of a corresponding internal shoulder (27) ofthe container wall (3). The peripheral edge (9) ofthe lid abuts the outward projecting shoulder (17) of the container wall (3). The downward pointing skirt (23) ofthe lid (7) aligns with the downward pointing skirt (19) ofthe container wall (3).

2019202436 08 Apr 2019 [0038] The junction (29) of the lid (7) and container wall (3) may additionally be shaped to form an interference fit or snap fit to retain the lid (7) to the container body (1).

[0039] FIG 4 illustrates the container of FIG 1 viewed along AA as shown in FIG 4A (that is, viewed from the opposite direction shown in FIG 1C). In particular, FIG 4 illustrates the operation of the tamper evident tab.

[0040] FIG 4B illustrates the tamper evident tab (11) located at the corner of the general square container shown in FIG 1B, adjacent the junction of the peripheral edge (9) and rim (5). In this embodiment, the shape of the tab (11) is defined at least in part by a frangible region (13) comprising perforations in the container wall (3). In this view the container has not been opened.

[0041] FIG 4C shows the tamper evident tab (11) after it has been subjected to manual pressure directed radially inwards, in the direction of the longitudinal central axis of the container body (1). The manual pressure has caused the frangible region (13) to fracture exposing a portion of the peripheral edge (9) of the lid (7). The user can apply a fingertip or fingernail to the exposed portion of the peripheral edge (9) and to manually lever the lid (7) upwards, away from the container body (1), eventually disengaging the lid (7) from the wall (3) of the container body (1).

[0042] FIG 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the container is of circular horizontal cross section (rather than square as in FIGs 1 to 4) hence the tamper evident tab (11) is not located at a corner. In addition, while the frangible material of FIGs 1 to 4 is shown to fracture adjacent the lid (7), in this embodiment the frangible material fractures adjacent the container body (1). Furthermore, the downward pointing skirt of the lid (7) aligns with the downward pointing skirt of the container wall (3) to form a curved profile (rather than a straight profile) but which nonetheless leaves no purchase point for manual leverage of the lid from the container body.

[0043] While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention

2019202436 08 Apr 2019 following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

[0044] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0045] Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plusfunction clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

[0046] “Comprises/comprising” and “includes/including” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words ‘comprise’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’ and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

2019202436 08 Apr 2019

Claims (3)

1. A container comprising:

• a container body comprising a base integral with a wall, the wall having a rim defining an opening, • a detachable lid having a peripheral edge adapted to align with the rim, and • a tamper evident tab comprising a selectively frangible region, which when fractured exposes a portion of the peripheral edge that allows leverage of at least a portion of the lid out of alignment with the rim.

2. A method of separating a lid from a container having a wall and a rim, the lid having a peripheral edge relatively closely aligned with a portion of the rim so as to limit the ability to separate at least a portion of the lid and the rim without the use of a tamper evident tab having a selectively frangible region, the method comprising the steps of:

• applying frangible pressure to the tab in a direction radially inward of the container wall, • fracturing the frangible region to expose a portion of the peripheral edge of the lid, and • applying leverage to the exposed portion of the peripheral edge, to move at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the lid out of alignment with the rim.

2019202436 08 Apr 2019

3. A method of aligning a tamper evident tab, a lid and a rim of a container wall, the method comprising the steps of:

• aligning the rim of the container wall with the peripheral edge of the lid, • locating the tamper evident tab adjacent a junction of a portion of the aligned lid and the rim, and • orienting the tamper evident tab to require the application of pressure in a direction radially inward of the container wall before the lid and rim are separated.