US20060180587A1 - Tamper evident container and closure - Google Patents
Tamper evident container and closure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060180587A1 US20060180587A1 US11/351,974 US35197406A US2006180587A1 US 20060180587 A1 US20060180587 A1 US 20060180587A1 US 35197406 A US35197406 A US 35197406A US 2006180587 A1 US2006180587 A1 US 2006180587A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sidewall
- opening
- container according
- container
- closure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000013047 polymeric layer Substances 0.000 claims 3
- 239000012790 adhesive layer Substances 0.000 claims 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000014121 butter Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000015243 ice cream Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000155 melt Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
- B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
- B65D43/0256—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
- B65D43/0258—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container leaving friction on both the inside and the outside after removal of the tamper element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00037—Disc closures
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
- B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
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- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
- B65D2543/005—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container both cup and skirt
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- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
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- B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00648—Flange or lip
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
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- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
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- B65D2543/00685—Totality
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00796—Totality
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00805—Segments
Definitions
- This invention relates to containers formed of paperboard and closures therefor having a tamper evident feature.
- Paperboard containers having a rolled edge surrounding the container's opening find widespread use throughout industry for the packaging of bulk materials and foodstuffs, especially dairy related products such as butter, yogurt and ice cream.
- Paperboard as a material for containers provides various advantages as it is inexpensive, is easily formed into various shapes, can be conveniently imprinted to display colorful and attention getting advertising and trademark indicia and is compatible with various coatings and adhesives.
- Tamper evident closures for example, composite closures formed from a paperboard panel surrounded by a plastic skirt, typically use a tear-away strip formed along the bottom of the skirt. Normally the closure cooperates with the container and cannot be removed unless the tear-away strip is first removed from the skirt. The absence of the tear-away strip indicates that the container has been previously opened and provides evidence of possible tampering with the contents of the container.
- the closure when a tamper evident closure having a tear-away strip is placed on a container having a rolled edge, the closure can be easily removed without removing the tear-away strip. This is because the rolled edge is flexible and therefore easily deformed, and as the rolled edge is engaged by the strip, it simply unrolls, thereby allowing the removal of the closure and thwarting the tamper evident feature.
- the invention concerns a container for containing foodstuffs and the like.
- the container has a tamper evident feature and comprises a bottom and a sidewall surrounding the bottom.
- the sidewall defines a central space and has a free edge surrounding an opening positioned opposite to the bottom.
- a projection extends outwardly from the sidewall adjacent to the opening.
- the projection is formed by a first sidewall portion contiguous with the free edge that is reverse folded into overlying relation with a second sidewall portion adjacent to the free edge.
- the first and second sidewall portions are attached to one another thereby stiffening the sidewall surrounding the opening.
- the projection comprises a flange oriented at an acute angle relatively to the sidewall. In another embodiment, the projection comprises a rib attached to an outer surface of the sidewall.
- the invention also includes a closure for use with the container.
- the closure comprises a panel positionable overlying the opening.
- a channel forms a perimeter surrounding the panel.
- the channel has an inner leg, and an outer leg in spaced relation to the inner leg.
- the projection on the container is positionable between the inner and outer legs when the panel is positioned overlying the opening.
- a lip is positioned on the outer leg. The lip is separable from the outer leg and has a shoulder that projects toward the inner leg. The shoulder is engageable with the projection and prevents removal of the closure from the container.
- the closure is removable upon separation of the lip from the outer leg.
- the invention also includes a method of forming a container.
- the method comprises:
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container and closure according to the invention
- FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the container shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view illustrating the formation of the container shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of additional embodiments of the container and closure according to the invention.
- FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of a portion of the container and closure shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing another embodiment of a container and closure according to the invention.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 are a partial sectional views illustrating the formation of an embodiment of a container according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a container 10 and its closure 12 according to the invention.
- Container 10 has a bottom 14 and a sidewall 16 that surrounds a central space 18 .
- the container has an opening 20 providing access to the central space 18 .
- a projection 22 shown in detail in FIG. 2 , extends outwardly from the sidewall adjacent to the opening 20 .
- the projection comprises a flange 23 that is oriented at an acute angle 24 with respect to the sidewall 16 .
- the projection 22 is formed as shown in FIG. 3 , by reverse folding a first portion 26 of sidewall 16 into overlying relation with a second portion 28 of the sidewall and then attaching the first and second portions together.
- the first sidewall portion 26 is contiguous with a free edge 27 of the sidewall, and the second sidewall portion 28 is adjacent to the free edge.
- Attachment of the sidewall portions to one another is preferably accomplished by coating the sidewall portions with a polymer layer 29 , such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Heated jaws 30 of a forming machine (not shown) are then applied to compress the sidewall portions together and melt the polymer layer. The layer 29 cures and fuses the sidewall portions 26 and 28 to one another. By angling the contact faces of jaws 30 , the desired acute angle 24 between the flange 23 and the sidewall 16 that is characteristic of this profile may be set. Alternately, adhesive may also be used to attach the sidewall portions together and form the outwardly extending projection 22 .
- a polymer layer 29 such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
- the projecting flange 23 may be used on any shape container including rectangular containers 10 having rounded corners 11 as shown in FIG. 1 , or round containers 13 shown in FIG. 4 .
- the flange 23 may be substantially continuous around the entire opening 20 , or several flanges may be confined to discrete regions of the container, such as at the rounded corners 11 of the rectangular container 15 as shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 1 also shows a closure 12 according to the invention.
- Closure 12 is preferably a composite construction comprising a central panel 32 formed of paperboard surrounded by a channel 34 made of plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene.
- Channel 34 forms a perimeter of closure 12 .
- channel 34 comprises a downwardly oriented inner leg 36 and a downwardly oriented outer leg 38 positioned in spaced apart relation from the inner leg.
- closure 12 includes a lip 40 attached to the outer leg 38 .
- Lip 40 has a shoulder 42 that projects inwardly toward the inner leg 36 so as to engage the projection 22 and prevent removal of the closure from the container as long as it is present. Removal of the closure is prevented because the projection 22 is stiff in transverse shear, being attached sidewall portions forming a flange 23 that cannot “unroll” as would occur for a rolled edge, and because the flange is captured at an acute angle 24 between the legs 36 and 38 and the shoulder 42 .
- the projection 22 when formed as the flange 23 , thus acts as a barb retaining the closure to the container when tensile force is applied.
- the legs 36 and 38 do not permit the flange to rotate about its point of attachment 44 to the sidewall, the projection 22 jamming itself within the channel. 34 and effectively preventing removal of the closure 12 from the container. Removal of lip 40 , however, eliminates the shoulder 42 and permits the ready removal of the closure. Lip 40 is therefore preferably attached to outer skirt 38 by a weakened region 46 of reduced thickness to permit manual removal from the outer leg 38 when it is desired to open the container. Lip 40 , thus acts as a tamper evident feature, its absence indicating that the container 10 may have been opened.
- the flange 23 and lip 40 will be most effective if they extend completely and continuously around the container and the closure respectively. However, for containers having a rectangular cross section with rounded corners as shown in FIG. 5 , the flange 23 and lip 40 must at least be at the corner portions of the container to be effective.
- FIG. 7 Another container embodiment 48 is illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- a rib 50 extends outwardly from the sidewall 16 .
- Rib 50 engages lip 40 which, as previously described, is removably attached to outer leg 38 of closure 12 , the lip having an inwardly projecting shoulder 42 that provides the contact between the lip and the rib.
- the outer leg 38 engages the rib 50 and the inner leg 36 again engages the sidewall 16 of the container.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one method of forming rib 50 .
- the sidewall 16 around the opening 20 of container 48 is first rolled outwardly and back upon itself forming a rolled edge 52 surrounding the container's opening.
- heated jaws 54 of a forming machine (not shown) are applied to the rolled edge 52 to fold a first sidewall portion 56 into overlying relation with a second sidewall portion 58 to form the rib 50 .
- Jaws 54 also fold a third sidewall portion 60 contiguous with rib 50 into overlying relation with an outer surface 62 of sidewall 16 forming a particular profile shape.
- the sidewall 16 of container 10 is coated with a polymer layer 29 such as polypropylene or polyethylene which melts and fuses to seal the rolled rim into the rib 50 and the desired profile shape determined by the shape of the jaws.
- a polymer layer 29 such as polypropylene or polyethylene which melts and fuses to seal the rolled rim into the rib 50 and the desired profile shape determined by the shape of the jaws.
- Other profiles are also feasible for forming the projection depending upon the shape of the jaws and the initial manner of forming the edge, which could initially be angular, or rounded as shown. Fusing the rib stiffens the sidewall surrounding the opening of the container and prevents the closure from being removed without first removing the tamper evident lip.
- Containers having sealed profiled edges as disclosed allow paperboard containers to take advantage of tamper evident features on composite closures, providing increased security against tampering over rolled edges that are not sealed profiled edges.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A container and a closure for the container are disclosed. The container has a projection extending outwardly from a sidewall that surrounds a central space. The projection is received within a channel having inner and outer legs that form a perimeter of the closure. The projection engages an inwardly projecting shoulder formed by a lip attached to the outer channel leg. The lip is removable to allow removal of the closure from the container. The lip serves a tamper-evident function. The projection takes the form of a flange arranged at an acute angle or a rib formed of reverse folded sidewall portions. A method of forming the container is also disclosed. A first sidewall portion having a free edge is folded over and attached to a second sidewall portion adjacent the free edge.
Description
- This invention relates to containers formed of paperboard and closures therefor having a tamper evident feature.
- Paperboard containers having a rolled edge surrounding the container's opening find widespread use throughout industry for the packaging of bulk materials and foodstuffs, especially dairy related products such as butter, yogurt and ice cream. Paperboard as a material for containers provides various advantages as it is inexpensive, is easily formed into various shapes, can be conveniently imprinted to display colorful and attention getting advertising and trademark indicia and is compatible with various coatings and adhesives.
- While the rolled edge provides a convenient and simple rim that engages a closure and renders the container resealable after its initial opening, a distinct disadvantage of such an edge is its inability to cooperate effectively with a tamper evident closure. Tamper evident closures, for example, composite closures formed from a paperboard panel surrounded by a plastic skirt, typically use a tear-away strip formed along the bottom of the skirt. Normally the closure cooperates with the container and cannot be removed unless the tear-away strip is first removed from the skirt. The absence of the tear-away strip indicates that the container has been previously opened and provides evidence of possible tampering with the contents of the container.
- However, when a tamper evident closure having a tear-away strip is placed on a container having a rolled edge, the closure can be easily removed without removing the tear-away strip. This is because the rolled edge is flexible and therefore easily deformed, and as the rolled edge is engaged by the strip, it simply unrolls, thereby allowing the removal of the closure and thwarting the tamper evident feature.
- There is clearly a need for a paperboard container that cooperates with a tamper evident closure so that the advantages of both components may be realized.
- The invention concerns a container for containing foodstuffs and the like. The container has a tamper evident feature and comprises a bottom and a sidewall surrounding the bottom. The sidewall defines a central space and has a free edge surrounding an opening positioned opposite to the bottom. A projection extends outwardly from the sidewall adjacent to the opening. The projection is formed by a first sidewall portion contiguous with the free edge that is reverse folded into overlying relation with a second sidewall portion adjacent to the free edge. The first and second sidewall portions are attached to one another thereby stiffening the sidewall surrounding the opening.
- In one embodiment, the projection comprises a flange oriented at an acute angle relatively to the sidewall. In another embodiment, the projection comprises a rib attached to an outer surface of the sidewall.
- The invention also includes a closure for use with the container. The closure comprises a panel positionable overlying the opening. A channel forms a perimeter surrounding the panel. The channel has an inner leg, and an outer leg in spaced relation to the inner leg. The projection on the container is positionable between the inner and outer legs when the panel is positioned overlying the opening. A lip is positioned on the outer leg. The lip is separable from the outer leg and has a shoulder that projects toward the inner leg. The shoulder is engageable with the projection and prevents removal of the closure from the container. The closure is removable upon separation of the lip from the outer leg.
- The invention also includes a method of forming a container. The method comprises:
- (a) attaching a sidewall surrounding a bottom thereby defining a central space and an opening, the sidewall having a free edge surrounding the opening;
- (b) folding a first sidewall portion contiguous with the free edge into overlying relation with a second sidewall portion adjacent to the free edge;
- (c) attaching the first and second sidewall portions to one another; and
- (d) folding the first and second sidewall portions outwardly away from the opening.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a container and closure according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the container shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view illustrating the formation of the container shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of additional embodiments of the container and closure according to the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of a portion of the container and closure shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view showing another embodiment of a container and closure according to the invention; and -
FIGS. 8 and 9 are a partial sectional views illustrating the formation of an embodiment of a container according to the invention. -
FIG. 1 shows acontainer 10 and itsclosure 12 according to the invention.Container 10 has abottom 14 and asidewall 16 that surrounds acentral space 18. The container has an opening 20 providing access to thecentral space 18. Aprojection 22, shown in detail inFIG. 2 , extends outwardly from the sidewall adjacent to theopening 20. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the projection comprises aflange 23 that is oriented at anacute angle 24 with respect to thesidewall 16. Preferably, theprojection 22 is formed as shown inFIG. 3 , by reverse folding afirst portion 26 ofsidewall 16 into overlying relation with asecond portion 28 of the sidewall and then attaching the first and second portions together. Thefirst sidewall portion 26 is contiguous with afree edge 27 of the sidewall, and thesecond sidewall portion 28 is adjacent to the free edge. - Attachment of the sidewall portions to one another is preferably accomplished by coating the sidewall portions with a
polymer layer 29, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Heatedjaws 30 of a forming machine (not shown) are then applied to compress the sidewall portions together and melt the polymer layer. Thelayer 29 cures and fuses thesidewall portions jaws 30, the desiredacute angle 24 between theflange 23 and thesidewall 16 that is characteristic of this profile may be set. Alternately, adhesive may also be used to attach the sidewall portions together and form the outwardly extendingprojection 22. - The projecting
flange 23 may be used on any shape container includingrectangular containers 10 havingrounded corners 11 as shown inFIG. 1 , orround containers 13 shown inFIG. 4 . Theflange 23 may be substantially continuous around theentire opening 20, or several flanges may be confined to discrete regions of the container, such as at therounded corners 11 of therectangular container 15 as shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 1 also shows aclosure 12 according to the invention. Closure 12 is preferably a composite construction comprising acentral panel 32 formed of paperboard surrounded by achannel 34 made of plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Channel 34 forms a perimeter ofclosure 12. As best shown inFIG. 6 ,channel 34 comprises a downwardly orientedinner leg 36 and a downwardly orientedouter leg 38 positioned in spaced apart relation from the inner leg. Whenclosure 12 is positioned overlyingopening 20, theinner leg 36 engages thecontainer sidewall 16 and theouter skirt 38 engages theprojection 22, the projection being captured within thechannel 34 between the inner and outer legs. - As further shown in
FIG. 6 ,closure 12 includes alip 40 attached to theouter leg 38.Lip 40 has ashoulder 42 that projects inwardly toward theinner leg 36 so as to engage theprojection 22 and prevent removal of the closure from the container as long as it is present. Removal of the closure is prevented because theprojection 22 is stiff in transverse shear, being attached sidewall portions forming aflange 23 that cannot “unroll” as would occur for a rolled edge, and because the flange is captured at anacute angle 24 between thelegs shoulder 42. Theprojection 22, when formed as theflange 23, thus acts as a barb retaining the closure to the container when tensile force is applied. Thelegs attachment 44 to the sidewall, theprojection 22 jamming itself within the channel. 34 and effectively preventing removal of theclosure 12 from the container. Removal oflip 40, however, eliminates theshoulder 42 and permits the ready removal of the closure.Lip 40 is therefore preferably attached toouter skirt 38 by a weakenedregion 46 of reduced thickness to permit manual removal from theouter leg 38 when it is desired to open the container.Lip 40, thus acts as a tamper evident feature, its absence indicating that thecontainer 10 may have been opened. - For containers having a round cross section as shown in
FIG. 4 , theflange 23 andlip 40 will be most effective if they extend completely and continuously around the container and the closure respectively. However, for containers having a rectangular cross section with rounded corners as shown inFIG. 5 , theflange 23 andlip 40 must at least be at the corner portions of the container to be effective. - Another
container embodiment 48 is illustrated inFIG. 7 . Incontainer 48, arib 50 extends outwardly from thesidewall 16.Rib 50 engageslip 40 which, as previously described, is removably attached toouter leg 38 ofclosure 12, the lip having an inwardly projectingshoulder 42 that provides the contact between the lip and the rib. Theouter leg 38 engages therib 50 and theinner leg 36 again engages thesidewall 16 of the container. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one method of formingrib 50. As shown inFIG. 8 , thesidewall 16 around theopening 20 ofcontainer 48 is first rolled outwardly and back upon itself forming arolled edge 52 surrounding the container's opening. Next, as shown inFIG. 9 ,heated jaws 54 of a forming machine (not shown) are applied to the rollededge 52 to fold afirst sidewall portion 56 into overlying relation with asecond sidewall portion 58 to form therib 50.Jaws 54 also fold athird sidewall portion 60 contiguous withrib 50 into overlying relation with anouter surface 62 ofsidewall 16 forming a particular profile shape. Again, thesidewall 16 ofcontainer 10 is coated with apolymer layer 29 such as polypropylene or polyethylene which melts and fuses to seal the rolled rim into therib 50 and the desired profile shape determined by the shape of the jaws. Other profiles are also feasible for forming the projection depending upon the shape of the jaws and the initial manner of forming the edge, which could initially be angular, or rounded as shown. Fusing the rib stiffens the sidewall surrounding the opening of the container and prevents the closure from being removed without first removing the tamper evident lip. - Containers having sealed profiled edges as disclosed allow paperboard containers to take advantage of tamper evident features on composite closures, providing increased security against tampering over rolled edges that are not sealed profiled edges.
Claims (22)
1. A container comprising:
a bottom;
a sidewall surrounding said bottom and defining a central space, said sidewall having a free edge surrounding an opening positioned opposite to said bottom; and
a projection extending outwardly from said sidewall adjacent to said opening, said projection being formed by a first sidewall portion contiguous with said free edge reverse folded into overlying relation with a second sidewall portion adjacent to said free edge, said first and second sidewall portions being attached to one another.
2. A container according to claim 1 , wherein said projection comprises a flange oriented at an acute angle relatively to said sidewall.
3. A container according to claim 2 , wherein said sidewall defines a circular cross section.
4. A container according to claim 3 , wherein said flange extends entirely around said opening.
5. A container according to claim 2 , wherein said sidewall defines a substantially rectangular cross section having rounded corners.
6. A container according to claim 3 , wherein said flange extends entirely around said opening.
7. A container according to claim 5 , wherein a flange is positioned at each of said corners.
8. A container according to claim 1 , further comprising a polymeric layer positioned between said first and second sidewall portions, said polymeric layer being fusible so as to adhere said first and second sidewall portions to one another upon the application of heat and pressure to said sidewall portions.
9. A container according to claim 8 , wherein said polymeric layer is a material selected from the group consisting essentially of polypropylene, polyethylene, and combinations thereof.
10. A container according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive layer positioned between said first and second sidewall portions, said adhesive layer adhering said first and second sidewall portions to one another.
11. A container according to claim 1 , wherein said projection comprises a rib attached to an outer surface of said sidewall and facing outwardly therefrom.
12. A container according to claim 11 , wherein said rib comprises said first and second sidewall portions folded into overlying relation with and attached to one another, and a third portion of said sidewall contiguous with said rib folded outwardly at said opening into overlying relation with said outer surface of said sidewall.
13. A container according to claim 11 , wherein said sidewall defines a circular cross section.
14. A container according to claim 13 , wherein said flange extends entirely around said opening.
15. A container according to claim 11 , wherein said sidewall defines a substantially rectangular cross section having rounded corners.
16. A container according to claim 15 , wherein said flange extends entirely around said opening.
17. A container according to claim 15 , wherein a flange is positioned at each of said corners.
18. A container according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a closure adapted to close said opening, said closure comprising:
a panel positionable overlying said opening;
a channel forming a perimeter surrounding said panel, said channel having an inner leg and an outer leg in spaced relation to said inner leg, said projection being positionable between said inner and outer legs when said panel is positioned overlying said opening; and
a lip positioned on said outer leg, said lip being separable from said outer leg and having a shoulder projecting toward said inner leg, said shoulder being engageable with said projection and preventing removal of said closure from said container, said closure being removable upon separation of said lip from said outer leg.
19. A container according to claim 18 , wherein said panel is formed from paperboard and said channel and said lip are formed from a polymer attached to said panel.
20. A closure for a container having a sidewall surrounding an opening and a projection extending outwardly from said sidewall adjacent to said opening, said closure comprising:
a panel positionable overlying said opening;
a channel forming a perimeter surrounding said panel, said channel having an inner leg and an outer leg in spaced relation to said inner leg, said projection being positionable between said inner and outer legs when said panel is positioned overlying said opening; and
a lip positioned on said outer leg, said lip being separable from said outer leg and having a shoulder projecting toward said inner leg, said shoulder being engageable with said projection and preventing removal of said closure from said container, said closure being removable upon separation of said lip from said outer leg.
21. A container according to claim 20 , wherein said panel is formed from paperboard and said channel and said lip are formed from a polymer attached to said panel.
22. A method of forming a container, said method comprising:
attaching a sidewall surrounding a bottom thereby defining a central space and an opening, said sidewall having a free edge surrounding said opening;
folding a first sidewall portion contiguous with said free edge into overlying relation with a second sidewall portion adjacent to said free edge;
attaching said first and second sidewall portions to one another; and
folding said first and second sidewall portions outwardly away from said opening.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/351,974 US20060180587A1 (en) | 2005-02-14 | 2006-02-10 | Tamper evident container and closure |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US65261805P | 2005-02-14 | 2005-02-14 | |
US11/351,974 US20060180587A1 (en) | 2005-02-14 | 2006-02-10 | Tamper evident container and closure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060180587A1 true US20060180587A1 (en) | 2006-08-17 |
Family
ID=36814645
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/351,974 Abandoned US20060180587A1 (en) | 2005-02-14 | 2006-02-10 | Tamper evident container and closure |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060180587A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20080289797A1 (en) * | 2007-05-23 | 2008-11-27 | Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd. | Heat dissipation device having cap for protecting thermal interface material thereon |
US20100181323A1 (en) * | 2009-01-20 | 2010-07-22 | Anchor Packaging, Inc. | Food container having improved tamper evident features |
US20110038176A1 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2011-02-17 | Au Optronics Corporation | Back Plate of Backlight Module and Manufacturing Method Thereof |
CN102353020A (en) * | 2007-11-27 | 2012-02-15 | 友达光电股份有限公司 | Backlight module and back plate of backlight module |
US20140332546A1 (en) * | 2013-05-10 | 2014-11-13 | Les Connard | Concrete washout container with leakproof sealing lid |
US20150036381A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-02-05 | Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. | Backlight module and liquid crystal display including the same |
USD814882S1 (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2018-04-10 | Joseph Joseph Ltd. | Salad box |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DOUBLE "H" PLASTICS, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HELMS, CHARLES R.;REEL/FRAME:018482/0191 Effective date: 20061018 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |