US20110174819A1 - Tamper evident container - Google Patents
Tamper evident container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110174819A1 US20110174819A1 US13/006,885 US201113006885A US2011174819A1 US 20110174819 A1 US20110174819 A1 US 20110174819A1 US 201113006885 A US201113006885 A US 201113006885A US 2011174819 A1 US2011174819 A1 US 2011174819A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tab
- tamper evident
- container
- lid
- base
- 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
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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
- B65D43/0254—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the inside, or a part turned to the inside, of the mouth of the container
-
- 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
- B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
- B65D55/024—Closures in which a part has to be ruptured to gain access to the contents
-
- 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
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
- B65D2203/02—Labels
-
- 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
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0018—Upper closure of the 43-type
-
- 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
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0093—Membrane
-
- 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
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/10—Tearable part of the container
-
- 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
- B65D2401/00—Tamper-indicating means
- B65D2401/15—Tearable part of the closure
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- 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
- B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00481—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
- B65D2543/00509—Cup
-
- 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
- B65D2543/0062—Groove or hollow bead
-
- 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
- B65D2543/00675—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00685—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
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/00731—Groove or hollow bead
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to containers. More particularly, it relates to a tamper evident container.
- the containers can be fabricated of virtually any material such as paper, wood and plastic.
- the plastic devices can be fabricated any number of ways including, for example, injection molded, hermetic sealing techniques, and thermoforming. Thermoformed plastic containers are generally inexpensive and easy to produce.
- Containers are used to store many types of devices for later use and/or sale.
- Containers can incorporate, among other things, foodstuffs, medicine or the like.
- foodstuffs can incorporate, among other things, foodstuffs, medicine or the like.
- virtually any type of product can be stored in containers with lids.
- the tamper evident container includes a base and a lid configured to be mated with and close the base to form the container.
- a tamper evident tab is positioned on one of the lid or a side wall of the base and is configured such that a user must break the tamper evident tab and manually separate the lid from its sealed engagement with the base.
- thermoformed container any container manufactured in any known manner that is suitable for the storage of food products and or non-perishable goods
- FIG. 1 is a top view of the tamper evident container according to an implementation of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tamper evident container taken along line C-C of FIG. 1 , according to an implementation of the invention
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the section D highlights in FIG. 2 , according to an implementation of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an implementation of the tamper evident feature of the present invention positioned on the lid of the container;
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are plan views showing the engagement and operation of one implementation of the tamper evident feature of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are plan views showing an alternative embodiment of the engagement and operation of the tamper evident feature of the present invention.
- FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show plan views of various alternative implementations of the tamper evident feature of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 There is shown generally in FIGS. 1 and 2 a container 10 having a base 14 , a lid 12 , and the tamper evident tab 16 according to an implementation of the invention.
- FIG. 3 there is shown an enlarged cross-sectional area where the lid 12 mates with the base 14 .
- the lid 12 is designed with an outwardly extending peripheral flange 20 .
- the upper peripheral edge of the base 14 is designed with an upwardly projecting bead 22 extending about the perimeter of the same.
- the bead 22 is configured and dimensioned to render the outwardly extending flange 20 of the lid portion 12 inaccessible from the top or side when the container is closed.
- the lid 12 includes a shaped portion 18 that corresponds to a matching shaped portion of the base 24 .
- These shaped portions are configured to enable the lid 12 to “snap” into the base 14 and be frictionally secured therein while the outer edge of the flange 20 remains inaccessible to the consumer.
- FIG. 4 shows one example of the tamper evident tab 16 according to an implementation of the invention.
- the tab 16 is disposed on the lid 12 , and is manufactured or alternatively integrated into the lid such that a seam 30 and hinge section 32 are formed around the tab 16 .
- the seam 30 is preferably configured such that it is either perforated (i.e., perforations of any size can be used depending on the desired application for the container) or made of a thickness that is sufficiently thinner than the lid itself so as to be breakable.
- the tab 16 with seam 30 is configured for a one time depression which breaks the seam 30 and thereby indicates tampering with the container.
- a membrane or film 40 can be secured to the underside of the lid 12 and positioned under the tab 16 such that when tab 16 is depressed into the interior of the container the membrane or film is broken, further indicating tampering with the container.
- the film or membrane could be positioned over the tab 16 such that the same must either be removed, or is also perforated such that it too is broken when the user engages the tab to break the same and open the container.
- the film or membrane can take the form of a sticker that is disposed over the tab 16 (See for example, FIGS. 6 a and 6 b )
- the tab 16 is shown in an oblong shape such that when a user depresses an area 34 opposing the hinge area 32 , the seam 30 breaks and the tab is depressed into the interior of the container. Once the seam 30 is broken, the user can insert their finger into the container and apply the appropriate upward force on the lid 12 to cause the same to be released from its closed/mated position within the base 14 .
- the lid and tab are designed and formed with a raised wall 42 along along the perimeter of the tab 16 such that the base of the raised wall 42 consists of the seam 30 with the respective breakable perforation configuration.
- tab 16 can be any shape (e.g., circular, semi-circular, oval, ellipse, square, rectangular, hexagon, octagon, etc.) without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention
- the tab 16 could be configured as a pull tab, where the user must pull on tab 16 to break the seam 30 , and then use the tab 16 to pull the lid 12 from the base 14 .
- FIGS. 5 a and 5 b demonstrate the exemplary implementation described above by showing the finger 50 depressing the tab 16 ( FIG. 5 a ) and lifting the lid 12 up from its seated closed position within the base 14 ( FIG. 5 b ).
- the base 14 can include a hold tab 33 on an edge or corner adjacent the tamper evident tab 16 so as to assist the user in holding the base 14 down while engaging tab 16 and pulling or pushing up on lid 12 to release the same from the base 14 .
- the tamper evident aspect of the container having tab 16 with seam 30 is a one time depression of the tab to break the seam. Subsequent use of tab 16 (with already broken seam 30 ) for separating the lid 12 from the base 14 is clearly understood as to not be a part of the tamper evident feature of the present invention.
- FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show an implementation where a sticker 60 is disposed on the lid 12 to provide information relating the product contained therein.
- the sticker 60 can include a portion 62 that is configured to overlay the tab 16 and includes, for example, performations 64 such that when the user presses the tab 16 in, the sticker perforations 64 and seam 30 are broken together, thus adding an additional level of tamper evident features to the container.
- the position of the tab 16 can be changed according to a preferred or desired application of the container.
- FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show various examples of the tab 16 positioned in several different locations on lid 12 , and also being shaped differently.
- FIG. 6 b shows an implementation where the tab 16 is integrated into a side of the base 14 , wherein the user can engage/depress the tab 16 into the container and push up on lid 12 to release the same from the base 14 .
- the base of the container 14 may include a wall or a formed compartment 55 (See FIG. 2 ) positioned from the bottom of the base to the top (without interfering with the lid closure mating with the base) such that any product contained within the base 14 cannot be accidentally or intentionally touched by the user's finger once tab 16 has been engaged to separate the lid from the base. In this manner, the evidence that the container 10 has been tampered with through the breaking of the seam 30 of tab 16 does not necessarily result in the goods contained within the container being tampered with.
- the wall or compartment 55 can be integrated into the lid 12 , such that the manufacturing of the base 14 does not have to change to accommodate the tamper evident tab 16 of the present invention.
- the compartment 55 would be integrally formed onto the underside of the lid 12 such that when tab 16 is depressed and the seam 30 is broken the user's finger stays within the compartment 55 and does not touch or otherwise come into contact with the goods in the base 14 .
- the base 14 of the container can include other features such as, for example, raised bottom portion to prevent the food product contained therein from sitting in any liquids.
- Other possible features could include drain holes for any such liquid, and textured exterior surfaces for aiding in the handling of the container at the retail level.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A tamper evident container includes a lid and a base such that the lid cannot be accessed or separated from the base by ordinary access from the top or side of the container. A tamper evident tab is included on either of the lid or base such that the user must depress the tab into the container and insert their finger to either pull or push the lid from its mating closure with the base.
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/295,838 filed on Jan. 18, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Technical Field
- The present invention relates to containers. More particularly, it relates to a tamper evident container.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- There are many types of containers known in the art. These vary from boxes to bags to cups with lids and the like.
- The containers can be fabricated of virtually any material such as paper, wood and plastic. The plastic devices can be fabricated any number of ways including, for example, injection molded, hermetic sealing techniques, and thermoforming. Thermoformed plastic containers are generally inexpensive and easy to produce.
- In the current day and age, containers are used to store many types of devices for later use and/or sale. Containers can incorporate, among other things, foodstuffs, medicine or the like. Of course, virtually any type of product can be stored in containers with lids.
- Unfortunately, in the current day and age it is also a frequent occurrence that containers are tampered with by persons who wish to tamper with the goods or products which are stored in the packages. These attacks on the products have various and sundry effects. For example, the contents of the package or container can be pilfered or contaminated. Pilferage can be a nuisance; contamination can be fatal.
- In taking steps to avoid this invasion of the container, many approaches in the nature of security and/or safety have been utilized. Some of these security attempts have been easily circumvented by the persistent person who wishes invade the container and/or its contents. Some of the security measures have been so cumbersome as to make the container virtually useless. Other security measures have been terribly expensive and indirectly driven up the price of the goods contained in the container.
- In addition, many of the security attempts have been unsuccessful in that it is not fully evident that the security of the container has been breached. One of the desirable features of security packaging is to have a package which is very secure so as to be considered “tamper proof”. Also important is the characteristic that any tampering with the package produces a “tamper evident” condition. With a “tamper evident” condition, a consumer can, with almost casual visual observation, detect that the container has been tampered with even though the “tamper proof” aspects thereof have not been breached.
- Consequently, it is highly desirable to produce a package which is relatively inexpensive, easy to produce and is substantially tamper proof and incorporates the characteristics that any tampering is evident to the consumer.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the tamper evident container includes a base and a lid configured to be mated with and close the base to form the container. A tamper evident tab is positioned on one of the lid or a side wall of the base and is configured such that a user must break the tamper evident tab and manually separate the lid from its sealed engagement with the base.
- Those of skill in the art will recognize that although the present invention is described in the exemplary context of a thermoformed container, the present principles are equally applicable to any container manufactured in any known manner that is suitable for the storage of food products and or non-perishable goods
- Other aspects and features of the present principles will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the present principles, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.
- In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:
-
FIG. 1 is a top view of the tamper evident container according to an implementation of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tamper evident container taken along line C-C ofFIG. 1 , according to an implementation of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the section D highlights inFIG. 2 , according to an implementation of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an implementation of the tamper evident feature of the present invention positioned on the lid of the container; -
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are plan views showing the engagement and operation of one implementation of the tamper evident feature of the present invention; -
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are plan views showing an alternative embodiment of the engagement and operation of the tamper evident feature of the present invention; and -
FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show plan views of various alternative implementations of the tamper evident feature of the present invention. - There is shown generally in
FIGS. 1 and 2 acontainer 10 having abase 14, alid 12, and the tamperevident tab 16 according to an implementation of the invention. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , according to one implementation of the invention, there is shown an enlarged cross-sectional area where thelid 12 mates with thebase 14. As shown, thelid 12 is designed with an outwardly extendingperipheral flange 20. The upper peripheral edge of thebase 14 is designed with an upwardly projectingbead 22 extending about the perimeter of the same. As can be seen inFIG. 3 , thebead 22 is configured and dimensioned to render the outwardly extendingflange 20 of thelid portion 12 inaccessible from the top or side when the container is closed. Thus, with this configuration of thebead 22 andflange 20, the access to the outer edge of theflange 20 oflid 12 is physically prevented, and as a result, a consumer or person with intention to tamper with the goods in the container, cannot simply separate thelid 12 from thebase 14 and access what inside thebase 14. - As is also shown, according to one implementation, the
lid 12 includes ashaped portion 18 that corresponds to a matching shaped portion of thebase 24. These shaped portions (shown in this example as semi-circular protrusion) are configured to enable thelid 12 to “snap” into thebase 14 and be frictionally secured therein while the outer edge of theflange 20 remains inaccessible to the consumer. Those of skill in the art with recognize that various different mating arrangements for the lid and base can be made without changing the scope or spirit of the invention. -
FIG. 4 shows one example of the tamperevident tab 16 according to an implementation of the invention. In this example, thetab 16 is disposed on thelid 12, and is manufactured or alternatively integrated into the lid such that aseam 30 andhinge section 32 are formed around thetab 16. Theseam 30 is preferably configured such that it is either perforated (i.e., perforations of any size can be used depending on the desired application for the container) or made of a thickness that is sufficiently thinner than the lid itself so as to be breakable. Thus, thetab 16 withseam 30 is configured for a one time depression which breaks theseam 30 and thereby indicates tampering with the container. - In alternative implementations, a membrane or
film 40 can be secured to the underside of thelid 12 and positioned under thetab 16 such that whentab 16 is depressed into the interior of the container the membrane or film is broken, further indicating tampering with the container. Alternatively, the film or membrane could be positioned over thetab 16 such that the same must either be removed, or is also perforated such that it too is broken when the user engages the tab to break the same and open the container. In alternative implementations, the film or membrane can take the form of a sticker that is disposed over the tab 16 (See for example,FIGS. 6 a and 6 b) - In the example of
FIG. 4 , thetab 16 is shown in an oblong shape such that when a user depresses anarea 34 opposing thehinge area 32, theseam 30 breaks and the tab is depressed into the interior of the container. Once theseam 30 is broken, the user can insert their finger into the container and apply the appropriate upward force on thelid 12 to cause the same to be released from its closed/mated position within thebase 14. In this implementation, the lid and tab are designed and formed with a raisedwall 42 along along the perimeter of thetab 16 such that the base of the raisedwall 42 consists of theseam 30 with the respective breakable perforation configuration. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the shape oftab 16 can be any shape (e.g., circular, semi-circular, oval, ellipse, square, rectangular, hexagon, octagon, etc.) without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention - In another implementation, the
tab 16 could be configured as a pull tab, where the user must pull ontab 16 to break theseam 30, and then use thetab 16 to pull thelid 12 from thebase 14. -
FIGS. 5 a and 5 b demonstrate the exemplary implementation described above by showing the finger 50 depressing the tab 16 (FIG. 5 a) and lifting thelid 12 up from its seated closed position within the base 14 (FIG. 5 b). - In one implementation, the
base 14 can include ahold tab 33 on an edge or corner adjacent the tamperevident tab 16 so as to assist the user in holding the base 14 down while engagingtab 16 and pulling or pushing up onlid 12 to release the same from thebase 14. - As mentioned above, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that once the
seam 30 is broken on thetab 16, it cannot be re-sealed, thus clearly identifying that the container has been tampered with, and possibly the goods contained in the same. Thus, the tamper evident aspect of thecontainer having tab 16 withseam 30 is a one time depression of the tab to break the seam. Subsequent use of tab 16 (with already broken seam 30) for separating thelid 12 from thebase 14 is clearly understood as to not be a part of the tamper evident feature of the present invention. -
FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show an implementation where asticker 60 is disposed on thelid 12 to provide information relating the product contained therein. Thesticker 60 can include aportion 62 that is configured to overlay thetab 16 and includes, for example, performations 64 such that when the user presses thetab 16 in, thesticker perforations 64 andseam 30 are broken together, thus adding an additional level of tamper evident features to the container. - According to other contemplated implementations, the position of the
tab 16 can be changed according to a preferred or desired application of the container.FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show various examples of thetab 16 positioned in several different locations onlid 12, and also being shaped differently.FIG. 6 b shows an implementation where thetab 16 is integrated into a side of thebase 14, wherein the user can engage/depress thetab 16 into the container and push up onlid 12 to release the same from thebase 14. - In another contemplated implementation, the base of the
container 14 may include a wall or a formed compartment 55 (SeeFIG. 2 ) positioned from the bottom of the base to the top (without interfering with the lid closure mating with the base) such that any product contained within thebase 14 cannot be accidentally or intentionally touched by the user's finger oncetab 16 has been engaged to separate the lid from the base. In this manner, the evidence that thecontainer 10 has been tampered with through the breaking of theseam 30 oftab 16 does not necessarily result in the goods contained within the container being tampered with. - In another contemplated embodiment, not shown, the wall or
compartment 55 can be integrated into thelid 12, such that the manufacturing of thebase 14 does not have to change to accommodate the tamperevident tab 16 of the present invention. In this embodiment, thecompartment 55 would be integrally formed onto the underside of thelid 12 such that whentab 16 is depressed and theseam 30 is broken the user's finger stays within thecompartment 55 and does not touch or otherwise come into contact with the goods in thebase 14. - In other implementations, the
base 14 of the container can include other features such as, for example, raised bottom portion to prevent the food product contained therein from sitting in any liquids. Other possible features could include drain holes for any such liquid, and textured exterior surfaces for aiding in the handling of the container at the retail level. - While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present principles, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the foam and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the same. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or implementation of the present principles may be incorporated in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or implementation as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
Claims (18)
1. A tamper evident container having a base and a lid, the lid being incapable of being separated from the base from a top or side of the container, the tamper evident container comprising:
a tamper evident tab positioned on one of the lid or a side wall of the base and configured such that a user must break the tamper evident tab and manually separate the lid from its sealed engagement with the base.
2. The tamper evident container according to claim 1 , wherein the tamper evident tab comprises:
a seam (30) that is capable of being broken; and
a hinge section (32) that is not capable of being broken and maintains said tab on the lid or side wall after the seam has been broken.
3. The tamper evident container according to claim 1 , further comprising a compartment (55) positioned under the tamper evident tab and operable to prevent exposure of goods in the container once the tamper evident tab has been broken
4. The tamper evident container according to claim 2 , wherein the tamper evident tab further comprises a raised wall (42) integrated into the lid or side wall around the tab such that a base of the raised wall consists of the seam (30).
5. The tamper evident contained according to claim 2 , further comprising a membrane (40) secured to the underside of the lid or side wall and positioned under the tab, said membrane breaking when the tab is depressed into the container.
6. The tamper evident contained according to claim 2 , further comprising a membrane (40) secured over the tab, said membrane being broken concurrently with the breaking of the tab when depressed into the container.
7. A tamper evident container comprising:
a base;
a lid configured to be mated with and enclose the base to form the container, the lid and base being configured such that the lid is incapable of being separated from the base by accessing the same from a top or side of the container; and
a tamper evident tab positioned on the lid and configured such that a user must break the tamper evident tab and lift the lid from its sealed engagement with the base.
8. The tamper evident container according to claim 7 , wherein the tamper evident tab comprises:
a seam (30) that is capable of being broken; and
a hinge section (32) that is not capable of being broken and maintains said tab on the lid after the seam has been broken.
9. The tamper evident container according to claim 7 , further comprising a compartment (55) positioned under the tamper evident tab and operable to prevent exposure of goods in the container to the tamper evident tab.
10. The tamper evident container according to claim 8 , wherein the tamper evident tab further comprises a raised wall (42) integrated into the lid around the tab such that a base of the raised wall consists of the seam (30).
11. The tamper evident contained according to claim 8 , further comprising a membrane (40) secured to the underside of the lid and positioned under the tab, said membrane breaking when the tab is depressed into the container.
12. The tamper evident contained according to claim 8 , further comprising a membrane (40) secured over the tab, said membrane being broken concurrently with the breaking of the tab when depressed into the container.
13. A tamper evident container comprising:
a base having a bottom and at least three side walls;
a lid configured to be mated with and enclose the base to form the container, the lid and a top edge of the at least three side walls being configured such that the lid is incapable of being separated from the base by accessing the same from a top or side of the container; and
a tamper evident tab positioned on a side wall of the base and configured such that a user must break the tamper evident tab and push the lid from its sealed engagement with the base.
14. The tamper evident container according to claim 13 , wherein the tamper evident tab comprises:
a seam (30) that is capable of being broken; and
a hinge section (32) that is not capable of being broken and maintains said tab on the side wall after the seam has been broken.
15. The tamper evident container according to claim 13 , further comprising a compartment (55) positioned under the tamper evident tab and operable to prevent exposure of goods in the container to the tamper evident tab.
16. The tamper evident container according to claim 14 , wherein the tamper evident tab further comprises a raised wall (42) integrated into the side wall around the tab such that a base of the raised wall consists of the seam (30).
17. The tamper evident container according to claim 14 , further comprising a membrane (40) secured to the underside of the side wall and positioned under the tab, said membrane breaking when the tab is depressed into the container.
18. The tamper evident container according to claim 14 , further comprising a membrane (40) secured over the tab, said membrane being broken concurrently with the breaking of the tab when depressed into the container.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/006,885 US20110174819A1 (en) | 2010-01-18 | 2011-01-14 | Tamper evident container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US29583810P | 2010-01-18 | 2010-01-18 | |
US13/006,885 US20110174819A1 (en) | 2010-01-18 | 2011-01-14 | Tamper evident container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110174819A1 true US20110174819A1 (en) | 2011-07-21 |
Family
ID=44276810
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/006,885 Abandoned US20110174819A1 (en) | 2010-01-18 | 2011-01-14 | Tamper evident container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20110174819A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
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USD742222S1 (en) | 2013-11-27 | 2015-11-03 | Scott P. Liu | Packaging device |
US20170137182A1 (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2017-05-18 | Vigourplastic Co., Ltd. | Container that prevents an illegal operation and can be easily identified after being illegally operated |
USD830765S1 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2018-10-16 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Lid for container |
USD833211S1 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2018-11-13 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Lid for container |
USD837588S1 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2019-01-08 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Lid for container |
US10421575B2 (en) * | 2015-07-15 | 2019-09-24 | Medinoxx Gmbh | Container and linkage consisting of a number of containers |
US10723523B2 (en) | 2017-01-10 | 2020-07-28 | Fabri-Kal Corporation | Tamper evident container having bonded tab |
US10759571B2 (en) * | 2017-01-11 | 2020-09-01 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Container for produce storage, packing and transport |
NL1043765B1 (en) * | 2020-08-19 | 2022-04-14 | Unipak Beheer B V | An article to package and distribute food safely, more durably and at lowered cost to consumers |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD742222S1 (en) | 2013-11-27 | 2015-11-03 | Scott P. Liu | Packaging device |
US10421575B2 (en) * | 2015-07-15 | 2019-09-24 | Medinoxx Gmbh | Container and linkage consisting of a number of containers |
US20170137182A1 (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2017-05-18 | Vigourplastic Co., Ltd. | Container that prevents an illegal operation and can be easily identified after being illegally operated |
US9932153B2 (en) * | 2015-11-18 | 2018-04-03 | Vigourplastic Co., Ltd. | Container that prevents an illegal operation and can be easily identified after being illegally operated |
USD830765S1 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2018-10-16 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Lid for container |
USD833211S1 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2018-11-13 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Lid for container |
USD837588S1 (en) * | 2016-03-04 | 2019-01-08 | Rubbermaid Incorporated | Lid for container |
US10723523B2 (en) | 2017-01-10 | 2020-07-28 | Fabri-Kal Corporation | Tamper evident container having bonded tab |
US10759571B2 (en) * | 2017-01-11 | 2020-09-01 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Container for produce storage, packing and transport |
NL1043765B1 (en) * | 2020-08-19 | 2022-04-14 | Unipak Beheer B V | An article to package and distribute food safely, more durably and at lowered cost to consumers |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COOL PAK, LLC, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MURPHY, JOHN;KELLY, NIALL;REEL/FRAME:025766/0647 Effective date: 20100827 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |