CN210556287U

CN210556287U - Tamper-evident case

Info

Publication number: CN210556287U
Application number: CN201920683314.4U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 郑家恒; 道格拉斯·拉姆瑟姆; 提摩太·雷森; 维克多·雨果·奥西格达·盖拉戈; 张义峰; 杰米·拉莫斯
Original assignee: Sitadercas Ltd
Current assignee: Sitadercas Ltd
Priority date: 2019-05-14
Filing date: 2019-05-14
Publication date: 2020-05-19
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-14

Abstract

The utility model relates to a tamper evident case for safely storing and transporting products. In one example, a tamper evident case includes a unitary frame constructed from a single piece of material. The unitary frame may include six sides and include one or more living hinges that enable the unitary frame to be folded into a complete case. Each side may be configured to receive a plate to provide additional structure, rigidity, and safety to the crate. In addition, the tamper evident case may include an internal frame that houses a plurality of bottles, thus further enhancing security.

Description

Tamper-evident case

Technical Field

Aspects of the present invention relate to an improved case or portion thereof for transporting and storing various products, including bottled liquids, and more particularly to an improved case or portion thereof for improving the storage, transport and protection of products such as beverage bottles, including wine bottles and other wine bottles.

Background

Wine and other beverage producers typically use rectangular wooden boxes to store and transport wine bottles. For example, a standard 12 bottle box, typically 48cmx 41cm x 17cm in size, weighs approximately 2 kg when empty. Typically, such wooden boxes are connected together by pins, nails, and/or screws. Typically, these wooden boxes use engraved wooden strips to subdivide the interior of the box and to accommodate the neck and bottom of each bottle to hold the bottle in place within the box. In addition, styrofoam or other insulating material may be added to the interior of the wooden box to protect the bottles.

There are a number of problems with these conventional wooden boxes. The thick wooden box sides, which provide strength to the box, significantly increase shipping weight. Furthermore, wooden boxes are time consuming to open because they require tools to open the lid, and the lid can be easily damaged when it is pried from the box body. In addition, once any outer wall of the wooden box is damaged, the structural stability of the box body is lowered. Likewise, adding any insulation material to a conventional wooden box would only add weight to an already heavy structure. Finally, the traditional wooden box structure presents the risk of removing individual bottles without leaving any evidence of theft. In addition, there is no secure and tamper evident case for shipping and storing other valuable merchandise, such as jewelry or cigars.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

The utility model aims to overcome the defects of the prior art and provide an improved tamper-evident box.

The technical scheme of the utility model is that:

a tamper-evident container comprising:

a housing, comprising:

four side plates;

a base plate;

a top plate; and

a unitary frame having a plurality of living hinges configured such that the unitary frame is foldable from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration being a horizontal structure and the second configuration being a rectangular prismatic structure; the rectangular prism includes:

four substantially vertical sides, each said vertical side having a top edge and a bottom edge, and each said vertical side adapted to receive a respective one of said four side panels to form a respective crate side wall;

a substantially horizontal bottom surface mechanically connected to each bottom edge of the vertical side surfaces, the bottom surface having a plurality of bottle bottom receiving cups disposed toward the interior volume of the crate, and the bottom surface being adapted to receive the bottom plate; and

a substantially horizontal top surface having a first edge mechanically connected to a top edge of a first vertical side, and a second edge mechanically connected to a top edge of a second vertical side, the first vertical side being disposed opposite and parallel to the second vertical side, the top surface having a plurality of bottle top receiving cups disposed toward the interior volume of the crate, and the top surface being adapted to receive the top plate; and

an inner bottle frame, comprising:

a plurality of guide rails;

a top portion connected to the plurality of guide rails at a lower position thereof; a bottom portion connected to the plurality of guide rails at an upper position thereof;

a top cup holder inserted in the top; and

three bottom cups disposed on a top surface of the bottom.

The utility model also provides a case that shows to steal, it includes:

a housing, comprising:

four side plates;

a base plate;

a top plate; and

a unitary frame having a plurality of living hinges configured such that the unitary frame is foldable from a first configuration to a second configuration, the first configuration being a substantially horizontal structure, and the second configuration being a rectangular prismatic structure; the rectangular prism includes:

an inner bottle frame, comprising:

an outer frame;

a bottom connected to the outer frame at a lower portion;

a plurality of bottom cups disposed at a top surface of the bottom;

a top portion connected to the outer frame at an upper portion;

a top cup holder is inserted into the top;

a plurality of corner hanging bumpers, wherein each said corner hanging bumper is configured to be attached to said inner bottle frame; and

three bottom cups disposed on the top surface of the bottom, wherein a side surface of each bottom cup is provided with a connection jig.

Further, at least one crate side wall may be provided as a viewing panel such that a bottom edge of a side of the at least one crate side wall includes at least one viewing panel living hinge tab, and a side panel of the at least one crate side wall includes (i) a latch configured to engage the top surface, and (ii) a bottom edge in mechanical communication with the at least one viewing panel living hinge tab such that when the latch is disengaged, the viewing panel may transition from a first substantially vertical position to a second substantially horizontal position for viewing contents within the tamper evident wine box.

Additionally, the top surface may include a sealed hinge cover having a removable pull tab disposed about a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge of the sealed hinge cover. The sealing hinge lid may be transitioned from a closed position to an open position upon removal of the removable tab from the sealing hinge lid. And, once removed from the sealed hinge cover, the removable tab cannot be replaced.

Further, (i) the first edge can be mechanically connected to the top edge of the first vertical side by a first living hinge, the first edge including first and second first edge connecting arms at respective first and second ends of the first edge, and (ii) the second edge can be mechanically connected to the top edge of the second vertical side by a second living hinge, the second edge including first and second edge connecting arms at respective first and second ends of the second edge.

Further, the first and second edge connecting arms and the first and second edge connecting arms may be in a substantially vertical position when the first and second edges are in respective first positions, and in a substantially horizontal position when the first and second edges are in respective second positions.

Further, the first edge connecting arm is disposed generally opposite the first second edge connecting arm, and the second first edge connecting arm is disposed generally opposite the second edge connecting arm.

Further, the first edge connecting arm and the first second edge connecting arm each comprise a respective first interlocking part and second interlocking part of a first locking mechanism, and the second first edge connecting arm and the second edge connecting arm each comprise a respective first interlocking part and second interlocking part of a second locking mechanism, such that when the first edge and the second edge are in the respective second positions, the respective first interlocking part and second interlocking part of the first locking mechanism and the respective first interlocking part and second interlocking part of the second locking mechanism interlock to bring the top surface into a locked state.

Further, when the top surface is in the locked state, the top surface cannot be brought into the unlocked state without damaging the first and second locking mechanisms.

The internal frame may include a frame body frame, a frame body base, a top, a bottom cup, a top cup holder, a top cover, a corner hanging bumper, a connection clamp, and a safety cover. A plurality of corner suspension bumpers may be attached to the frame at various locations (e.g., at the top and/or bottom portions). The frame base may include a plurality of bottom cups, each bottom cup connected to each other at a respective side surface. Each bottom cup may provide a top surface for the bottom surface of a bottle to be placed. Further, each bottom cup may have an attachment clamp. The connecting clamp may be connected to a connecting clamp located on the other frame such that the two frames form one frame. The top cup holder may include a plurality of top cups, each top cup connected to each other at a respective side surface. Each of the plurality of cups may provide space for a neck of a bottle to be placed therein. Similar to the bottom cup, each top cup may have an attachment clip to provide attachment to another frame.

Drawings

The following description is made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled tamper evident case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates the assembly of various panels of a tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

3A-3B illustrate hinges that may or may not be connected to various panels of a tamper evident box, respectively, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a plurality of unconnected three-bottle frames of the tamper-evident container, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of connected frames of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

6A-6B illustrate a security cap for securing a bottle and two three-bottle frames of a tamper evident box, respectively, wherein the security cap is attachable to the tamper evident box, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

7A-7B illustrate another three bottle frame and a six bottle frame of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a three bottle frame with its guide rails connected with corner hanging bumpers to form the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a security cap and a plurality of security caps, respectively, for attachment to a three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident container, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

11A-B illustrate bottom and partial bottom views, respectively, of a security cap inserted into the top cup of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows two three-bottle frames of the tamper-evident container before being connected to form a six-bottle frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate a three bottle frame and a six bottle frame, respectively, of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 shows a plurality of corner hanging bumpers, respectively, both unattached and attached to the three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident box, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates another multiple corner hanging bumper attached to a three bottle frame of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a plurality of corner hanging bumpers for attachment to a six-bottle frame of a tamper-evident container, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows a side rail for attachment to the bottom bottle rack of a three bottle frame of a tamper evident box in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates another corner hanging bumper for connection to a three bottle frame of a tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates another three-bottle frame of a tamper evident box having a plurality of unconnected corner hanging bumpers, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows a detailed view of a corner hanging bumper attached to a three bottle frame of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates another three bottle frame of a tamper evident box having a plurality of corner hanging bumpers attached thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 23A-B illustrate the connection of a three-bottle frame of a tamper-evident box to another three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 shows another six-bottle frame of a tamper-evident box formed by the connection of two three-bottle frames, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded view of another three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows a partial side view of the top of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27A shows a top view of the top of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27B illustrates a front view of a top rail of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 shows a partial side view of the bottom of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29A shows a top view of the bottom of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29B illustrates a front view of a bottom rail of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 30A-B illustrate a brace bracket attached to the top and bottom, respectively, of a three bottle frame of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates another multiple corner hanging bumper for attachment to a three bottle frame of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32A illustrates an unconnected corner hanging bumper for attachment to a three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32B illustrates a plurality of corner hanging bumpers for attachment to the top of a three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 33A illustrates a three bottle frame of a tamper evident box having a top cap connectable with a plurality of corner hanging bumpers, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 33B illustrates a detailed view of a top cap connected to a corner suspension bumper, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 shows two three-bottle frames of a tamper-evident container disposed side-by-side for attachment to one another, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 35A-35B illustrate partial front and partial side views, respectively, of a bottom fixture for connecting a three-vial frame to another three-vial frame of a tamper-evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

figures 36A-36B illustrate a three bottle frame and a six bottle frame, respectively, of the tamper evident box, wherein the frames have a plurality of riser panels and a plurality of corner hanging bumpers, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 37A-B illustrate the bottom of a three bottle frame attached to the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 38 illustrates another three-bottle frame of a tamper-evident container having multiple corner hanging bumpers, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

39A-C illustrate corner hanging bumpers at different stages of connection to a three bottle frame of a tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 40 illustrates another three bottle frame with a top cap of a tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 41A-B illustrate a top cap in various positions coupled to a three bottle frame of a tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 42 shows a connection clamp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

43A-B illustrate another three bottle frame and another six bottle frame of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44A shows an exploded view of another three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 44B illustrates a detailed view of the guide rails of the three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident box attached to the bottom, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

45A-B illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a top cap for use with the three bottle frame of the tamper evident box, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 46 illustrates a partially assembled three bottle frame of the tamper evident tank with a top cap for attachment, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 47A-B illustrate an unconnected plurality of curved corner hanging bumpers and a plurality of curved corner hanging bumpers connected to a three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident container, respectively, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention;

fig. 48 illustrates a curved corner suspension bumper according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 49 illustrates another assembled three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident container, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50A shows two three-bottle frames of a tamper-evident box placed for connection to form one six-bottle frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 50B shows a detailed view of the connection formed between two three-vial frames of the tamper-evident case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 51A-B illustrate an assembled three-bottle frame of the tamper evident box and two three-bottle frames of the tamper evident box connected to one another to form a six-bottle frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 52 illustrates another partially assembled three-bottle frame of the tamper-evident container, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

53A-B illustrate corner hanging bumpers of a three bottle frame, not attached to, and attached to a tamper evident box, respectively, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 54 illustrates a plurality of attachment clamps for attaching two three-vial frames of the tamper evident tank to form a six-vial frame, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

55A-B illustrate a connection clamp that is not connected to and has been connected to two three-vial frames of the tamper-evident box, respectively, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

fig. 56A-B illustrate an assembled three-bottle frame and an assembled six-bottle frame, respectively, of the tamper evident box, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and examples. Before exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods of the present invention are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to those described in the present invention. Many modifications and variations apparent to those skilled in the art will still fall within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. Some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The technical solution of the invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to "one embodiment," "an example embodiment," "some embodiments," "certain embodiments," "various embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described herein may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, repeated use of the term "in an embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms used herein should be understood in accordance with conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition to the definitions of the terms provided below, it should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" in the specification and claims may mean one or more, depending on the context in which it is used. Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or". Furthermore, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean one or more, unless otherwise indicated or clearly indicated in the context.

Unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Furthermore, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology is used for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term shall be given the broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and include all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles and features of embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments are not limiting.

The materials described hereinafter as constituting the elements of the embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that can perform the same or similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Such other materials not described herein may include, but are not limited to, for example, materials developed after the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present invention include tamper-evident cases for storing and transporting liquid bottles. In various embodiments, a tamper-evident wine case may provide improvements in protecting the integrity of bottled wine, as well as the feature of enabling a user to more easily use the wine case, the present invention provides for a wineshop to package wine bottles, and also for a consumer to store wine bottles or transport wine bottles at home.

The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner with respect to certain embodiments relating to the storage and transportation of wine. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the disclosed technology can effectively store and transport bottles or containers of many other types of liquids. For example, a bottle receiving cup as described herein may be provided for use with spirits bottles as well as other bottles having different shapes and sizes.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled tamper-evident case 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tamper evident container 100 may be constructed of wood, a combination of wood and plastic, cardboard, nanocrystalline cellulose cardboard, PVC, rubber, metal, cork, or any other suitable material or combination of materials to provide the desired qualities described herein. The tamper evident container 100 may include a security tag 110 and/or a security indicator 120. Security tag 110 may be located on the top side of the assembled tamper evident case 100. To open the tamper evident case 100, the security tag 110 needs to be removed or broken. Thus, whether the security tag 110 is attached to the tamper evident container 100 may indicate whether the assembled tamper evident container 100 has been opened. The security indicator 120 may be located on the top side of the tamper evident box 100. Similar to the security tag 110, the security indicator 120 may also indicate whether the tamper evident case 100 has been opened. As described below, the tamper evident case 100 may accommodate some or all of the three bottle and six bottle frames described herein.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tamper evident case 100 may include a front panel 205, a bottom panel 210, a back panel 215, a top panel 220, and

side panels

225 and 230. The front panel 205 and the top panel 220 may include a female hinge 305 or a male hinge 310 (shown in detail in fig. 3A). The base plate 210 and the back plate 215 may include two hinges. Having two hinges may allow the bottom panel 210 to be connected to the front panel 205 at one end and the back panel 215 at the other end. Similarly, the back plate 215 may have two hinges to allow connection to the bottom plate 210 at one end and the top plate 220 at the other end. The female hinge 305 and/or the male hinge 310 may be constructed of plastic, PVC, or any other material or combination of materials to provide the desired qualities described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the tamper evident case 100 may be folded at each living hinge to form a cubic or box structure.

It is understood that the female hinge 305 may interlock with the male hinge 310 (shown in fig. 3B) to provide a locking function. Thus, each connection (e.g., the front panel 205 to bottom panel 210 connection, the bottom panel 210 to back panel 215 connection, and the back panel 215 to top panel 220 connection) will have opposing hinges (e.g., female hinge 305 and male hinge 310) so that when the two panels (e.g., front panel 205 and bottom panel 210) are folded into the desired position, they can interlock. The

side panels

225 and 230 may be attached to the bottom panel 210 when the aforementioned panels are folded into the desired position.

One or more male members may be attached to the base plate 210 at a position perpendicular to the female hinge 305 and the male hinge 310. Rather, the

side plates

225 and 230 may have one or more corresponding female members at their respective bottom portions. The male and female members of the bottom panel 210 and the

side panels

225 and 230, respectively, may allow the bottom panel 210 to be connected to the

side panels

225 and 230.

FIG. 4 shows a plurality of unconnected

tri-bottle frames

400a and 400b of tamper evident case 100. The three-

vial frames

400a and 400b may each include a frame base 402, one or more attachment clips 404, one or more corner hanging bumpers 406, a frame 408, one or more bottom cups 410, a top cup holder 412, and one or more top cups 414. The frame 408 may provide support and/or connection for the frame base 402 and/or top cup holder 412 of the three

bottle frames

400a and 400 b. The frame 408 may have a curved shape. Also, the plurality of corner hanging bumpers 406 may be attached to the frame 408 at various locations (e.g., at the top and/or bottom portions). The corner suspension bumpers 406 may provide suspension to the tri-bottle frame 400a, for example, such that impact on bottles positioned within the tri-bottle frame 400a may be attenuated when the tri-bottle frame 400a is dropped and/or moved. The cage base 402 may include a plurality of bottom cups 410, each bottom cup 410 being connected to each other at a respective side. Each bottom cup 410 may provide a top surface for the bottom surface of a bottle to be placed. In addition, each bottom cup 410 may have an attachment clamp 404. The attachment clamp 404 on the three-vial frame 400a may be attached to the attachment clamp 404 on the three-vial frame 400b such that the

frame bodies

400a and 400b form one frame body. The top cup holder 412 may include a plurality of top cups 414, each top cup 414 being connected to each other at a respective side. Each of the plurality of top cups 414 may provide space for the neck of a bottle to be placed therein. Similar to the bottom cups 410 described above, each bottom cup 410 may have an attachment clamp 404 that provides attachment to another receptacle (e.g., three-vial frame 400a or three-vial frame 400 b).

As shown in fig. 5, three

bottle frames

400a and 400b each accommodate three bottles, and when they are connected by a connecting jig 404, a six-bottle frame is formed. Connecting the three-

vial frames

400a and 400b may require each frame body to face each other so that their respective connecting clamps 404 face each other for connection.

FIG. 6A shows a security cap 600 that can secure bottles within the three

bottle frame

400a or 400b of the tamper evident box 100. As shown, the safety cap 600 may have a circular shape with an inner circular cavity. The internal circular cavity may be sized and shaped such that the neck of a bottle (e.g., a wine bottle) may fit therein. The safety cover 600 may also have one or more snaps 605 at the side surface. The catch may comprise a male member to allow the safety cap 600 to be locked within the female member of the top cup 414. As shown in fig. 6B, when the safety cap 600 is attached to the top cup 414, it may secure and/or protect the bottles located within the three-bottle frame 400a or 400B from damage. The safety cap 600 may further include a safety release device 610 at a top edge of the safety cap 600. To remove a bottle from the tamper evident case 100, the safety release 610 may need to be torn away from the safety cap 600. Thus, the un-torn safety release 610 indicates that the bottles within the tamper evident case 100 are accessible.

Fig. 7A-B show another three-bottle frame 700a and two three-bottle frames 700a and 700B, respectively, connected together to form a six-bottle frame. The three-

vial frames

700a and 700b may include a frame base 702, one or more corner hanging bumpers 706, a plurality of rails 708, one or more bottom cups 710, a top cup holder 712, one or more top cups 714 (as shown in fig. 8), and a plurality of security covers 1000. The bottom cup 710 may be embedded within the frame base 702. In addition, each bottom cup 710 may provide a top surface for the bottom surface of a bottle to be placed on. Each rail 708 may provide support for the three vial frame 700 a. The frame base 702 can also include corner hanging bumpers 706 attached at one or more corners. Further, as shown in fig. 8 and 9, each rail 708 may be connected to a respective corner suspension bumper 706. The corner suspension bumper 706 may have an opening at the top sized to allow the rail 708 to fit therein. Further, as shown in fig. 2, as shown in fig. 9, the corner suspension bumper 706 may have a curved shape of approximately ninety degrees

In certain aspects, three-

vial frames

400a and 400b may be similar to three-vial frame 700 a. However, the shape of the three-bottle frame 700a and the manner of its connection to another frame body may be different. For example, the three-bottle frame 700a may have a rectangular shape. In addition, attachment clips 704 may be attached to opposing rails 708 on the

tri-bottle frames

700a and 700b, thereby providing a connection between the

tri-bottle frames

700a and 700 b. In addition, as described below, fig. 12 shows three

vial frames

700a and 700b prior to being connected by several connecting clamps 704 to corresponding guide rails 708 for forming a six vial frame.

Fig. 10A shows a detailed view of the safety cap 1000 for attachment to the top cup 714 of the three vial frame 700A. The safety cap 1000 may be substantially similar (e.g., in shape and/or size) to the safety cap 600 previously described. The safety cover 1000 may further include a safety release 1010 at a top edge of the safety cover 1000. To remove a bottle from tamper evident case 100, safety release 1010 may need to be peeled away from safety cap 1000. Thus, an unstripped safety release 1010 may indicate that the bottles within the tamper evident case 100 may be accessed. Similar to the safety cover 600, the safety cover 1000 may include one or more snaps at the side surface. The snap may comprise a male member to allow the safety cap 1000 to be locked within a female member of the top cup 714. As shown in fig. 10B, a plurality of safety caps 1000 may each be attached to a respective top cup 714. When the safety cap 1000 is attached to the top cup 714, it may secure and/or protect the bottles located within the three-bottle frame 700a from damage.

Fig. 11A-B show bottom and partial bottom views of the safety cap 1000 inserted into the top cup 714 of the three vial frame 700 a. As shown, the safety cap 1000 may have a circular shape and an inner circular cavity. The internal circular cavity may be sized such that the neck of a bottle (e.g., a wine bottle) may fit therein.

FIG. 12 shows two three-

bottle frames

700a and 700b of tamper-evident case 100 prior to being connected to form a six-bottle frame. Several attachment clamps 704 may be used to attach the three-vial frame 700a to the three-vial frame 700 b. When the three-bottle frame 700a is positioned facing the three-bottle frame 700b such that the respective rails 708 of each three-bottle frame are in contact at the side surfaces, a connection clamp 704 may be attached to each rail 708 to form a connection between the three-

bottle frames

700a and 700 b. A connection clamp 704 may be attached on each side of the

tri-bottle frames

700a and 700b at a top and/or bottom location of the rail 708.

FIG. 13A shows another three bottle frame 1300 that may be used with tamper evident case 100. In certain aspects, the three bottle frame 1300 may be substantially similar to the three

bottle frames

400a, 400b, 700a, and 700b described above. The three-bottle frame 1300 can include at least a frame base 1302, a plurality of corner hanging bumpers 1306, a plurality of rails 1308, a plurality of bottom cups 1310, a top cup holder 1312, and a plurality of top cups 1314. The guide rails 1308 may provide structural support for the frame 1300 a. The guide rails 1308 may have an "X" shape, which may further contribute to their structural support. Also, corner hanging bumpers 1306 can be attached to the rails 1308 and top cup holder 1312 or frame base 1302, respectively, at top and/or bottom side locations of the frame 1300 (as shown in fig. 13B). The corner suspension bumpers 1306 may create suspension bumpers that may bend under stress and/or pressure. In addition, corner hanging bumpers 1306 can snap onto the frame base 1302 and/or top cup holder 1312 to hold the rails 1308 in place (as shown in fig. 14). The corner suspension bumpers 1306 may be made of a flexible material such as rubber, PVC, and the like. Similar to the frame base 702, the frame base 1302 can include a plurality of bottom cups 1310. Each bottom cup 1310 may provide a top surface adapted to the bottom surface of a bottle to be placed thereon. Further, the top cup holder 1312 may include a plurality of top cups 1314.

Refer to fig. 15. FIG. 15 shows a six bottle frame 1500 that may be used within the tamper evident box 100. In many respects, the six bottle frame 1500 may be substantially similar to the three bottle frame 1300. For example, the following components of the six vial frame 1500 may correspond to and provide similar advantages to similarly named and numbered components of the three vial frame 1300: frame base 1502, rails 1508, bottom cup 1510, top cup holder 1512, and top cup 1514. The corner hanging bumpers 1506 may have a similar structure to the corner hanging bumpers 1306, however, the corner hanging bumpers 1506 may be wider such that they can be attached at top and/or bottom locations of the hexabottle frame 1500 (as shown in fig. 16). Also, multiple security covers 1000 may each be attached to a respective top cup 1514. It will be appreciated that the six bottle frame 1500 may be formed by joining two three bottle frames 1300 on a side perpendicular to the guide rails 1308.

Fig. 17 shows an exploded view of a three bottle frame 1700. Three-vial frame 1700 may be similar in some respects to six-vial frame 1500, three-vial frame 1300, attached three-

vial frames

700a and 700b, and attached three-

vial frames

400a and 400 b. The three vial frame 1700 can include a frame base 1702, a rail 1708, a bottom cup 1710, a top cup holder 1712, and a top cup 1714. The guide 1708 may have a cross shape such that it forms the appearance of two xs. Further, the guide rail 1708 may have a female member on each of the top and bottom sides. The top female member can connect with the male member of top cup holder 1712. Similarly, the bottom female member of rail 1708 may be connected with the male member of cage base 1702 (as shown in fig. 18). The frame base 1702 may also be different from the other bottom cups previously described, for example, the frame base 1702 may have raised portions along the longitudinal side edges. In addition, the raised portions may be separated by non-raised portions of frame base 1702. On the opposite longitudinal side of the cage base 1702 there may be one or more outwardly projecting portions on the opposite longitudinal side of the non-raised portion. The advantages of raised and non-raised portions are discussed in the description of FIG. 23 below.

Fig. 19 shows a rear view of a corner hanging bumper for attachment to a three bottle frame. As shown in fig. 20 and 22, one or more corner hanging bumpers 1900 may be attached to the three bottle frame 1700 at different locations (e.g., upper right and left corners, and lower right and lower left corners of the three bottle frame 1700). The corner hanging bumper 1900 may have a substantially square shape and may include a hole 1915 at each corner thereof. Further, the corner hanging bumper 1900 may include a male member 1905 and/or an L-shaped protrusion 1910. The advantages of these features will be described below with reference to fig. 21 and 22.

Fig. 21 shows a detailed view of the corner suspension bumper 1900 attached to the frame base 1702. More specifically, when the corner suspension bumper 1900 is attached to the top cup holder 1712, the male member 1905 of the corner suspension bumper 1900 may be inserted into the female member of the top cup holder 1712 to form one connection. Similarly, when the corner suspension bumper 1900 is attached to the cage base 1702, the male members 1905 of the corner suspension bumper 1900 may be inserted into the female members of the cage base 1702 to form a connection. In addition, when the corner hanging bumper 1900 is attached at the lower right or lower left corner of the three vial frame 1700, the bottom surface of the frame base 1702 can rest on top of the L-shaped protrusion 1910, thereby providing additional support. Alternatively, when the corner hanging bumper 1900 is attached at the upper right or left corner of the three bottle frame 1700, the bottom surface of the L-shaped protrusion 1910 can rest on the top surface of the top cup holder 1712, thereby providing additional support.

Fig. 23A-B show front perspective and detail views, respectively, of a three bottle frame 1700a connected to another three bottle frame 1700B to form a six bottle frame. As discussed above with reference to fig. 17, the frame base 1702 can have raised portions, non-raised portions and/or outwardly projecting portions along the side edges. When the two

frame bases

1702a and 1702b face each other in the longitudinal direction, the outwardly protruding portions of the frame base 1702b may interlock within the non-protruding portion of the frame base 1702 a. In turn, the outwardly protruding portions of the cage base 1702a can interlock within the non-protruding portions of the cage base 1702 b. As shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 24, three

vial frames

1700a and 1700b may be suitably joined when the

frame bases

1702a and 1702b interlock, thereby forming a six vial frame 2400.

Fig. 25 shows an exploded view of another three vial frame 2500. In certain aspects, the three bottle frame 2500 can be similar to the other three bottle frames disclosed above. The three vial frame 2500 may include a bottom 2502, which bottom 2502 may include

bottom cups

2510a, 2510b, and 2510c (as shown in fig. 28 and discussed below), upright panels 2508a and 2508b, which may include an attachment clamp 2504, a top 2512 (as shown in more detail in fig. 26), and a corner hanging bumper 2506 (as shown in fig. 31) on the lower and upper side portions, respectively. As shown in fig. 26 and 27A, the top 2512 may include rails that are transverse to the longitudinal direction. The rails may form female members 2512a and 2512 b. The two column plates 2508a and 2508b may be slid between each female member 2512a and 2512b from opposite ends of each female member (shown in fig. 30A) such that each side with an attachment clamp 2504 faces away from the other side with an attachment clamp 2504, and ultimately forms a connection between the column plates 2508a and 2508b and the top 2512.

Fig. 28 shows the bottom 2502 of the three-vial frame. As previously described, the base 2502 may include three

base cups

2510a, 2510b, and 2510 c. Between bottom cup 2510a and bottom cup 2510b, bottom 2502 may include a recess 2502 a. Similarly, between bottom cup 2510b and bottom cup 2510c, a recess 2502b may be provided. As shown in fig. 30B, two stud plates 2508a and 2508B can slide between recesses 2502a and/or 2502B from opposite ends to form a connection between the stud plates 2508a and 2508B and the base 2502.

Fig. 31 shows corner hanging bumpers 2506 prior to attachment to various locations of the three bottle frame 2500. As shown in fig. 32A, each corner hanging bumper 2506 may include a convex member at the bottom. Further, each corner suspension bumper 2506 may include at least two holes at the top. The corner suspension bumper 2506 may also have a diagonal corner (rounded corner) shape. As the name implies, the corner hanging bumpers 2506 may mitigate the impact received by bottles positioned within the three bottle frame 2500 when the three bottle frame 2500 is dropped and/or moved. In addition, fig. 33A shows various positions on the three bottle frame 2500 where corner hanging bumpers 2506 may be attached, for example, at each corner of the top portion 2512. Thus, four corner suspension bumpers 2506 may be attached to the top portion 2512. The connection between corner suspension cushion 2506 and top portion 2512 may be formed by inserting the male member of corner suspension cushion 2506 into the female member of top portion 2512. Likewise, corner hanging bumpers 2506 may be attached at each corner of the bottom 2502, such that four corner hanging bumpers 2506 are attached to the bottom 2502.

Fig. 33A also shows a top cover 2514. It will be appreciated that the top 2514 may be connected to the top 2512 when the three vial frame 2500 is assembled. More specifically, the top cap 2514 may be located inside the top portion 2512 such that an open portion along a side edge of the top cap 2514 may rest on a rail of the top portion 2512 and/or fit within a rail of the top portion 2512. Further, as shown in fig. 33B, the top cover 2514 may include another opening portion along its side edge to allow the male member of the corner hanging bumper 2506 to fit therein. The top cap 2514 may also include a safety cap 2514a, 2514b, and/or 2514 c. As described with respect to the safety cap 1000, the safety caps 2514a, 2514b, and/or 2514c may secure and/or protect the bottles located within the three bottle frame 2500 from damage. The safety caps 2514a, 2514b, and/or 2514c may have a circular shape and an internal circular cavity. The internal circular cavity may be sized such that the top of a bottle (e.g., a wine bottle) may fit therein.

Fig. 34 shows two three

bottle frames

2500a and 2500b placed side by side prior to connection. In addition, fig. 35B shows a detailed view of the pillar panel 2508B of the three bottle frame 2500a connecting the pillar panels 2508a of the three bottle frame 2500B such that the three bottle frames 2500a and 2500B are connected together to form a six bottle frame. Additionally, FIG. 36B shows three bottle frames 2500a and 2500B when connected together.

Fig. 37A shows a partially exploded view of a three bottle frame 3700. The three vial frame 3700 can include a bottom 3702 that can include a bottom clasp 3702a, a connecting clamp 3704 (as shown in more detail in fig. 42), a corner hanging bumper 3706 (as shown in more detail in fig. 39A-C), a frame 3708, a top cover 3710 (as shown in fig. 40) that can include a plurality of safety covers 3710 a. As shown in fig. 37B, the bottom 3702 can be secured to the frame 3708 by a bottom snap 3702 a. The base 3702 can include three cup-shaped structures to allow a bottle to fit securely within each cup-shaped structure. The corner suspension bumpers 3706 can have a concave and/or partially curved shape. Further, the corner suspension bumper 3706 can include

hooks

3706a and 3706 b. The

hooks

3706a and 3706b may be horizontally spaced apart and located near the bottom of the corner suspension bumper 3706. There may be a hole between the

hooks

3706a and 3706 b. As shown in fig. 39B and 39C, by providing a space between the hooks 3706a and 3706B around the frame 3708, the corner suspension bumper 3706 can be fixed to the frame 3708. The

hooks

3706a and 3706b may also secure the corner suspension bumpers 3706 to the bottom portion 3702 and/or the top portion 3708 of the frame. Fig. 40 illustrates various locations on a frame 3708 where a corner suspension bumper 3706 may be secured.

Fig. 41A-B show top cover 3710 attached to the top of frame 3708. The top cover 3710 may be inserted into the top opening of the frame 3708. In addition, the top cover 3710 may have female members along its side edges to provide an interlocking function with corresponding male members of the frame 3708. As shown, the top cap 3710 can include a safety cap 3710 a. Similar to other safety caps previously described herein (e.g., safety cap 1000). For example, the safety cap 3710a may have a cylindrical shape so that the top of the bottle fits securely therein.

Fig. 43B shows the joining of two three vial frames 3700a and 3700B to form a six vial frame. When placed side by side longitudinally, the three

bottle frames

3700a and 3700b may be connected to each other by a connecting jig 3704. A connecting clamp 3704 can be connected to the top and bottom of both sides of the

frames

3708a and 3708b to provide a connection between the

frames

3700a and 3700 b.

Fig. 44A shows an exploded view of the three vial frame 4400. The three bottle frame 4400 may be similar in some respects to the three bottle frame 1700, the six bottle frame 1500, the three bottle frame 1300, the connected three

bottle frames

700a and 700b, and the connected three

bottle frames

400a and 400 b. The three vial frame 4400 may include a frame base 4402, corner suspension bumpers (similar to the corner hangers 3706), guide rails 4408, a top 4412 and a top cover 4414 (as shown in fig. 45A and 45B).

The guide track 4408 may have male members on the top and bottom sides. The topside male member may be connected with the female member of topside 4412. Similarly, the bottom male member of the guide track 4408 can be coupled with the female member of the bottom cup 4402 (as shown in more detail in fig. 44B). In addition, the guide rails 4408 may provide structural support for the three bottle frame 4400.

The frame base 4402 may include a bottom cup 4410. Each bottom cup 4410 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a bottle (e.g., wine bottle) therein. The frame base 4402 may also include one or more sets of male connecting members 4404a adjacent to the female connecting members 4404b along the longest lengthwise side edges. As shown in more detail in fig. 50A and 50B, the male and female connection members 4404a and 4404B may enable attachment of a three bottle frame 4400A to another three bottle frame 4400B.

As shown in fig. 45A, 45B, and 46, the top cover 4414 may include a safety cover 4414 a. The safety cover 4414a may be similar to the safety cover 1000 as described above. Thus, the safety cover 4414a may have a circular shape as well as an internal circular cavity. The internal circular cavity may be sized so that the top of the bottle can fit therein. The safety cap 4414a may not be detachable from the top cover 4414. The top cover 4414 may include a plurality of snaps so that when the top cover 4414 is inserted into the top 4412 from above, the top cover 4414 may be secured to the lower portion of the top 4412. Further, the top cover 4414 may include a pull tab 4416 at the top of the top cover 4414 that separates along the perimeter of the top cover 4414 when the pull tab 4416 is pulled, thereby allowing the top of the top cover 4414 to be removed so that the bottles contained therein may be accessed.

Fig. 47A shows a corner suspension bumper 4406. The corner suspension bumper 4406 may have a curved shape to allow it to be attached to both vertical sides of the three bottle frame 4400. In addition, the corner suspension bumper 4406 may include

hook portions

4406a and 4406 b. The

hook portions

4406a and 4406b may be horizontally spaced apart and located near the bottom of the corner suspension bumper 4406. Further, the hook portions 4406a and 4406B may secure the corner suspension bumper 4406 to the bottom portion 4402 (shown in fig. 47B) and/or the top portion 4412 (shown in fig. 48).

Fig. 50A shows two three bottle frames 4400A and 4400b placed together to connect to form a six bottle frame. More specifically, the three bottle frame 4400a may be coupled to the three bottle frame 4400b when the three bottle frames are placed with their longest sides facing each other. When facing each other, the male coupling members 4404a of the three bottle frame 4400a can be inserted into the female coupling members 4404b of the three bottle frame 4400 b. In addition, the male coupling members 4404a of the three bottle frame 4400b may be inserted into the female coupling members 4404b of the three bottle frame 4400 a. When another is inserted, the three bottle frames 4400a and 4400B can be connected to form a six bottle frame (as shown in fig. 51B).

Fig. 52 shows another three bottle frame 5200. In certain aspects, the three bottle frame 5200 can be similar to the three bottle frame 4400, the three bottle frame 1700, the six bottle frame 1500, the three bottle frame 1300, the connected three

bottle frames

700a and 700b, and the connected three

bottle frames

400a and 400 b. The three vial frame 5200 may include a frame base 5202, a guide 5208, a bottom cup 5210, and a top 5212. The frame base 5202, guide 5208, bottom cup 5210 and top 5212 are not detachable from each other. The three vial frame 5200 may also include a connecting clamp 5204 (shown in more detail in fig. 55A and 55B), a corner hanging bumper 5206 (shown in more detail in fig. 53A), and a top cap 5214 (shown in fig. 54). Similar to the other bottom cups described in the present disclosure, each bottom cup 5210 can be sized and shaped to allow the bottom of a wine bottle to fit therein. The guide 5208 may provide support and/or add structure to the three vial frame 5200.

Fig. 53A shows the corner suspension cushion 5206. The corner suspension snubber 5206 may have two hook portions at the bottom that face each other horizontally and a hook portion at the top that is disposed vertically. As shown in fig. 53B, a guide 5208 can be attached to the corner suspension bumper 5206 in the space between each hook. Further, as shown in fig. 52, corner hanging bumpers 5206 may be attached at various locations of the three-vial frame 5200 (e.g., the bottom of the guide 5208 that meets the frame base 5202, the top of the guide 5202 that meets the top 5212).

Fig. 54 shows a plurality of connecting clamps 5204 for connecting three

bottle frames

5200a and 5200b to form a six bottle frame. The connecting clamp 5204 can be used to connect three

vial frames

5200a and 5200 b. Fig. 55A shows the connecting clamp 5204 in more detail. As shown, the connecting clamp 5204 may include

pieces

5204a, 5204b, 5204c and 5204d, all joined at a central portion of the connecting clamp 5204. Each of the

sheets

5204a, 5204b, 5204c and 5204d can include an aperture located in a central portion of the respective sheet. In addition, a portion of the guide 5208 may fit in the space between the sheets 5204a and 5204B and/or the space between the

sheets

5204c and 5204d to provide a connection such that the three bottle frames 5200a and 5200B form a six bottle frame (as shown in fig. 56B). The connecting clamp 5204 may be attached to the guide rail 5208 at the top and/or bottom of the guide rail 5208.

While certain embodiments of the invention have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

The present disclosure uses examples to disclose certain embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain embodiments of the invention is defined in the claims, and includes other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A tamper-evident container, comprising:

a housing, comprising:

four side plates;

a base plate;

a top plate; and

an inner bottle frame, comprising:

a plurality of guide rails;

a top cup holder inserted in the top; and

three bottom cups disposed on a top surface of the bottom.

2. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of corner hanging bumpers, wherein each said corner hanging bumper is configured to be connected with said inner bottle frame.

3. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of connection clamps, wherein each of the connection clamps is configured to connect the inner vial frame to a second inner vial frame.

4. The tamper-evident container of claim 1, wherein: the top surface includes a sealed hinge cover having a removable pull tab disposed about a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge of the sealed hinge cover.

5. The tamper-evident container of claim 4, wherein: the sealed hinge cover is transitionable from a closed position to an open position upon removal of the removable tab from the sealed hinge cover.

6. The tamper-evident container of claim 5, wherein: once removed from the sealed hinge lid, the removable tab cannot be replaced.

7. A tamper-evident container, comprising:

a housing, comprising:

four side plates;

a base plate;

a top plate; and

an inner bottle frame, comprising:

an outer frame;

a bottom connected to the outer frame at a lower portion;

a plurality of bottom cups disposed at a top surface of the bottom;

a top portion connected to the outer frame at an upper portion;

a top cup holder is inserted into the top;

8. The tamper-evident container of claim 7, wherein: each connection clamp is configured to connect to a respective second connection clamp of the second inner vial frame.

9. The tamper-evident container of claim 7, wherein: the top surface includes a sealed hinge cover having a removable pull tab disposed about a first edge, a second edge, and a third edge of the sealed hinge cover.

10. The tamper-evident container of claim 9, wherein: the sealed hinge cover is transitionable from a closed position to an open position upon removal of the removable tab from the sealed hinge cover.