US20210292041A1 - Tamper-evident paperboard food container - Google Patents
Tamper-evident paperboard food container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210292041A1 US20210292041A1 US17/204,934 US202117204934A US2021292041A1 US 20210292041 A1 US20210292041 A1 US 20210292041A1 US 202117204934 A US202117204934 A US 202117204934A US 2021292041 A1 US2021292041 A1 US 2021292041A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- paperboard
- region
- closure
- corner
- paperboard container
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000011087 paperboard Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 47
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 25
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004831 Hot glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004820 Pressure-sensitive adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/20—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form
- B65D5/2052—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form characterised by integral closure-flaps
- B65D5/2076—Cooperating flaps glued together
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/20—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form
- B65D5/24—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form with adjacent sides interconnected by gusset folds
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/20—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form
- B65D5/24—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form with adjacent sides interconnected by gusset folds
- B65D5/244—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form with adjacent sides interconnected by gusset folds and the gussets folds connected to the outside of the container body
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/20—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form
- B65D5/24—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form with adjacent sides interconnected by gusset folds
- B65D5/247—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form with adjacent sides interconnected by gusset folds and being maintained in erected condition by integral mechanical locking means formed on, or coacting with, the gusset folds, e.g. locking tabs, tongue and slit
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/54—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing
- B65D5/545—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank
- B65D5/5455—Lines of weakness to facilitate opening of container or dividing it into separate parts by cutting or tearing for opening containers formed by erecting a "cross-like" blank the lines of weakness being provided in a closure hinged to an edge of the container body
Definitions
- This patent is directed to a paperboard food container, and, in particular, to a paperboard food container that provides a tamper-evident closure.
- plastic containers for food products that include a tamper-evident closure. That is, the container is manufactured in such a way that that if the container's closure is opened, it is apparent.
- the closure is not necessarily tamper-proof (i.e., the closure is resistant to all attempts to open the closure in an unauthorized manner), but the closure provides evidence that the closure has been sealed and then opened.
- One known plastic container that provides a tamper-evident closure has the following structures and operates in the following manner.
- the container has a rim with a lid joined by a web that extends from one edge of the rim.
- the web has a tear strip formed by two lines of weakness, such that the web may be divided into two sections if the tear strip is removed.
- the lid is pivoted about the edge until the lid received in and engages the container, at which point the lid cannot be removed from the container unless the tear strip is removed.
- Such a container is convenient and provides a tamper-evident closure, but plastic containers can cause issues relative to manufacture, storage and disposal. Consequently, there is a need for tamper-evident packaging that does not present the same commercial and environmental challenges as plastic containers.
- a substitute for such a tamper-evident package cannot represent significant disposal or waste issues of its own, nor must the structure or use of the substitute be more complicated, such that user adoption of the solution is jeopardized as a result.
- a paperboard food container includes a paperboard receptacle and a paperboard closure.
- the paperboard receptacle encloses, in an assembled state, a three-dimensional space in which a food product may be disposed and has an opening through which the food product enters the space.
- the paperboard closure is disposed across the opening, and includes first and second surfaces, one of the first and second surfaces having a tamper-evident region of weakness that may be irreversibly split to open the closure.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a paperboard food container with a tamper-evident closure
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the assembled paperboard food container with the closure in an open state or position
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the assembled paperboard food container with the closure in a closed state or position and sealed;
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of a corner of the paperboard food container in a pre-assembled state
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the corner of the paperboard food container of FIG. 4 in a partially assembled state
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the assembled paperboard food container with two of the corners in an assembled state and secured to a wall of the container.
- a paperboard container includes a paperboard receptacle and a paperboard closure.
- the receptacle encloses, in an assembled state, a three-dimensional space in which a food product may be disposed, and has an opening through which the food product enters the space.
- the closure is disposed across the opening and has a tamper-evident feature, such as a region of weakness that may be irreversibly split to open the closure.
- the closure includes first and second surfaces, and the first surface is secured to the second surface in a closed position or state, from which the closure may be opened only through the use of the tamper-evident feature.
- the paperboard container thus described may have many variants, relative to the shape and size of the receptacle, the nature of the adhesive (and release coating), and the nature of the tamper-evident region of weakness.
- the following is a discussion of exemplary embodiments of the container to further illustrate, but not limit, the features of the container.
- a blank 100 that may be formed into a paperboard container is provided.
- the blank 100 has walls or wall sections 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 that are joined at fold lines 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 to a floor or floor section 120 , and that each define a side wall of the paperboard container, as assembled.
- the adjacent walls 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 (e.g., 102 and 104 ) are joined by corners 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 (e.g., 122 ).
- the opposite wall sections 102 , 106 will face each other across the floor section 120 , and the opposite wall sections 104 , 108 will also face each other across the floor section 120 .
- the wall sections 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 and the floor 120 define, in an assembled state, a paperboard receptacle about a three-dimensional space (or volume) in which a product, such as a food product, may be disposed.
- the receptacle provides an appearance similar to that of a bowl-shaped container (compare FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIG. 6 ), although the receptacle could be deeper or shallower according to other embodiments.
- a closure flap 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 may be joined to each of the wall sections 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 .
- the flap 132 may be joined to the wall section 102 along a fold line 142
- the flap 134 may be joined to the wall section 104 along a fold line 144
- the flap 136 may be joined to the wall section 106 along a fold line 146
- the flap 138 may be joined to the wall section 108 along a fold line 148 .
- the closure flaps 132 , 134 , 136 , 138 may be folded over (compare FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to prevent access to the three-dimensional space or volume through an opening defined by the edges 142 , 144 , 146 , 148 when the container is assembled. The opening may be used to place the food into and remove food from the space (or volume).
- the flaps 132 , 136 may extend across the opening defined by the edges 142 , 144 , 146 , 148 and overlap each other at least at the distalmost regions of the flaps 132 , 136 . Compare FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the flaps 132 , 136 thus may define the paperboard closure referred to above, and in particular the flaps 132 , 136 each may define one of the first and second surfaces of the closure.
- flaps 134 , 138 may also participate in defining the closure as well (see FIG. 2 ), but according to certain embodiments, only the flaps 132 , 136 (or the flaps 134 , 138 , see below) may be used.
- the flaps 132 , 136 may each have a region 152 , 156 that is defined from a distalmost edge 162 , 166 of the flap 132 , 136 and that extends a distance from the distalmost edge 162 , 166 to a point between the edge 162 , 166 and the fold line 142 , 146 .
- the region 152 , 156 is thus adjacent the respective distalmost edge 162 , 166 .
- One of the flaps 132 may have an adhesive assembly 170 disposed in the region 152
- the other flap 136 may have a tamper-evident feature 172 disposed along a border of the region 156 .
- the closure may be reversed—the flap 132 may have the feature 172 and the flap 136 may have the adhesive assembly 170 .
- the adhesive assembly 170 it is possible according to certain embodiments for the adhesive assembly 170 to be disposed in the region 156 and the tamper-evident feature 172 to be disposed along a border of the region 156 , with the flaps 132 , 136 and the regions 152 , 156 overlapping to secure the closure, although in such an embodiment the adhesive assembly would be disposed on an outer surface of the flap 136 .
- the flaps 134 , 138 may be lengthened such that the flaps 134 , 138 overlap to define the closure, with one of the flaps 134 , 138 having the adhesive assembly 170 and the other of the flaps 134 , 138 having the tamper-evident feature 172 .
- the flaps 134 , 138 are not long enough to overlap when folded inward, but only partially occlude the opening.
- the adhesive assembly 170 includes a region of adhesive covered by a barrier in the form of a strip of material having a release coating applied to at least one surface which is disposed over the adhesive region (i.e., a release strip).
- the release strip may be removed from the adhesive before the flap 132 (and in particular the region 152 ) is attached to the flap 136 (and in particular the region 156 ) to secure the closure, i.e., to secure the first surface to the second surface. See FIG. 3 .
- the release strip may be discarded after it is removed from the region 152 .
- the flap 132 may be formed with a barrier in the form of a tab that extends from the distalmost edge 162 of the flap 132 , and which may be folded over to the remainder of the region 152 of the flap 132 .
- One of the tab and the region 152 has an adhesive disposed thereon, and the other of the tab and the region 152 has a release coating disposed thereon.
- the adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, such as the PRIMELT 3017 pressure-sensitive, hot melt adhesive manufactured and sold by Prime Blend of Wayne, Pa. (which may be used in the adhesive assembly 170 as well).
- the release coating may be a silicone release coating, such as the SUNSYS VALLOGO V011 silicone release coating manufactured and sold by Sun Chemical of Parsippany, N.J.
- the portion of the first surface having the adhesive disposed thereon (either the tab or the region 152 ) cannot be joined to the second surface (e.g., flap 136 ) to seal the closure.
- the portion of the first surface having the adhesive disposed thereon may be joined to the second surface (e.g., flap 136 ) to seal the closure.
- one of the first and second surfaces has a tamper-evident region of weakness (e.g., 172 ) that may be irreversibly split to open the closure.
- the second surface has a tamper-evident region of weakness formed by two parallel sets of perforations 174 arranged along the border of the region 156 , the perforations defining a tear strip therebetween.
- the sets of perforations need not extend from a first side 176 of the flap 136 to a second side 178 ; the sets may only extend part of the way from either of the sides 176 , 178 to the other, as illustrated.
- a reinforcement strip 180 may be applied to the region between the sets of perforations to limit the chance that the tear strip will only partially detach between the sides 174 , 176 .
- the tamper-evident region of weakness could have been formed by a single set of perforations disposed along the border of the region 156 , for example along or partially along a line.
- a reinforcement strip may be disposed between the perforations and either the edge 146 or the edge 166 to limit the chance that the tear will not continue along the series of perforations, but instead extend into the flap 136 .
- the flaps 132 , 136 are rectangular in nature, such that the edges 162 , 166 and the edges 142 , 146 are of equal (or nearly equal) dimension from left to right as illustrated in FIG. 1 . This need not be the case according to all embodiments.
- the regions 152 , 156 may be trapezoidal in shape, with a dimension from left to right that tapers to the edge 162 , 166 .
- the edge 162 have a dimension (length) that may be at least 85% of the length of the edge 142 .
- the edge 162 may have a length that may be at least 90% of the length of the edge 142 measured at its longest dimension.
- the edge 162 may have a length that is at least 75%, or a length that is at least 95%, 99% or 100% of the edge 142 . This is also true relative to the edges 166 , 146 .
- each of the wall sections 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 is joined to another of the wall sections 102 , 104 , 106 , 108 by a corner 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 .
- the corners 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 permit the receptacle to be formed from a single blank, while limiting the adhesive used and the potential that the corners will separate, permitting food disposed in the receptacle from exiting the receptacle except through the opening. While there are four corners 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 , one of the corners 122 will be discussed in detail relative to FIGS. 1 and 4-6 , the remarks being applicable to the other corners 124 , 126 , 128 as well.
- the corner 122 includes two corner sections or regions 200 , 202 each of which is joined along a fold line 204 , 206 to one of the wall sections 102 , 104 , and along a common fold line 208 to each other.
- the corner section 200 also includes a tab 212 that may be used to secure the corner 122 as assembled to an outer surface of the wall section 104 , which outer surface is on the opposite side of the wall section 104 visible in FIG. 1 .
- the tab 212 is separated from the corner section 202 by a cut 210 that extends through the paperboard of the blank 100 .
- the wall sections 102 , 104 are folded inwardly and inner surfaces of the corner sections 200 , 202 of the corner 122 are folded toward each other. See FIG. 4 .
- the inner surfaces of the corner sections 200 , 202 (visible in FIGS. 1 and 4 ) face each other and may even abut each other.
- an inner surface of the tab 212 (visible in FIGS. 1 and 5 ) does not face or abut the corner section 202 .
- the assembled corner 122 may then be folded about the line 206 such that the tab 212 and the outer surface of the corner section 202 faces the outer surface of the wall 104 . See FIG. 5 .
- the line 206 may be scored to facilitate the folding of the corner 122 about the line 206 .
- the tab 212 may then be secured to the outer surface of the wall 104 . See FIG. 6 .
- an adhesive may be disposed on the outer surface of the wall 104 , and the tab 212 may be secured to the wall 104 using the adhesive.
- the placement of the adhesive may be in the region 214 , as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 . With all of the corners 122 , 124 , 126 , 128 assembled, the paperboard receptacle will appear as a bowl or dish, as described above. See FIG. 6 , and compare with FIGS. 2 and 3 .
- the paperboard container as assembled, takes the shape of a generally rectangularly-shaped box with slides that slope outwardly from the floor or base, and in particular such a box with a flat closure, such as to permit the containers to be stacked on top of each other. See FIG. 6 . It will be recognized that according to other embodiments, the container may not have a flat closure that permits such stacking.
- the paperboard container just described may have several benefits, one or more of which may be present in an embodiment according to the present disclosure.
- the container may be designed to be substantially (e.g., 75%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%) biodegradable, limiting disposal issues.
- a container with a tamper-evident closure it may be determined if the container has been opened after the food product is disposed in the container and the closure sealed.
- the waste issues caused by providing, for example, a separate strip of material with a release coating applied thereto may be avoided.
- the simplicity of the use of the fold-over tab to conceal the adhesive aids the adoption of the container by end users.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/991137, filed Mar. 18, 2020, which application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
- This patent is directed to a paperboard food container, and, in particular, to a paperboard food container that provides a tamper-evident closure.
- It is known to provide plastic containers for food products that include a tamper-evident closure. That is, the container is manufactured in such a way that that if the container's closure is opened, it is apparent. As such, the closure is not necessarily tamper-proof (i.e., the closure is resistant to all attempts to open the closure in an unauthorized manner), but the closure provides evidence that the closure has been sealed and then opened.
- One known plastic container that provides a tamper-evident closure has the following structures and operates in the following manner. The container has a rim with a lid joined by a web that extends from one edge of the rim. The web has a tear strip formed by two lines of weakness, such that the web may be divided into two sections if the tear strip is removed. The lid is pivoted about the edge until the lid received in and engages the container, at which point the lid cannot be removed from the container unless the tear strip is removed.
- Such a container is convenient and provides a tamper-evident closure, but plastic containers can cause issues relative to manufacture, storage and disposal. Consequently, there is a need for tamper-evident packaging that does not present the same commercial and environmental challenges as plastic containers. On the other hand, a substitute for such a tamper-evident package cannot represent significant disposal or waste issues of its own, nor must the structure or use of the substitute be more complicated, such that user adoption of the solution is jeopardized as a result.
- According to an aspect, a paperboard food container includes a paperboard receptacle and a paperboard closure. The paperboard receptacle encloses, in an assembled state, a three-dimensional space in which a food product may be disposed and has an opening through which the food product enters the space. The paperboard closure is disposed across the opening, and includes first and second surfaces, one of the first and second surfaces having a tamper-evident region of weakness that may be irreversibly split to open the closure.
-
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a paperboard food container with a tamper-evident closure; -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the assembled paperboard food container with the closure in an open state or position; -
FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the assembled paperboard food container with the closure in a closed state or position and sealed; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of a corner of the paperboard food container in a pre-assembled state; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the corner of the paperboard food container ofFIG. 4 in a partially assembled state; and -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the assembled paperboard food container with two of the corners in an assembled state and secured to a wall of the container. - A paperboard container according to the disclosed embodiments includes a paperboard receptacle and a paperboard closure. The receptacle encloses, in an assembled state, a three-dimensional space in which a food product may be disposed, and has an opening through which the food product enters the space. The closure is disposed across the opening and has a tamper-evident feature, such as a region of weakness that may be irreversibly split to open the closure. The closure includes first and second surfaces, and the first surface is secured to the second surface in a closed position or state, from which the closure may be opened only through the use of the tamper-evident feature.
- It will be recognized that the paperboard container thus described may have many variants, relative to the shape and size of the receptacle, the nature of the adhesive (and release coating), and the nature of the tamper-evident region of weakness. The following is a discussion of exemplary embodiments of the container to further illustrate, but not limit, the features of the container.
- Referring first to
FIG. 1 , a blank 100 that may be formed into a paperboard container is provided. The blank 100 has walls orwall sections fold lines floor section 120, and that each define a side wall of the paperboard container, as assembled. Theadjacent walls corners corners opposite wall sections floor section 120, and theopposite wall sections floor section 120. - The
wall sections floor 120 define, in an assembled state, a paperboard receptacle about a three-dimensional space (or volume) in which a product, such as a food product, may be disposed. The receptacle provides an appearance similar to that of a bowl-shaped container (compareFIGS. 2 and 3 andFIG. 6 ), although the receptacle could be deeper or shallower according to other embodiments. - In addition, a
closure flap wall sections flap 132 may be joined to thewall section 102 along afold line 142, theflap 134 may be joined to thewall section 104 along afold line 144, theflap 136 may be joined to thewall section 106 along afold line 146, and theflap 138 may be joined to thewall section 108 along afold line 148. As assembled, theclosure flaps FIGS. 2 and 3 ) to prevent access to the three-dimensional space or volume through an opening defined by theedges - In particular, the
flaps edges flaps FIGS. 2 and 3 . Theflaps flaps - It will be recognized that the
other flaps FIG. 2 ), but according to certain embodiments, only theflaps 132, 136 (or theflaps - With reference to
FIGS. 1-3 , theflaps region distalmost edge flap distalmost edge edge fold line region distalmost edge flaps 132 may have anadhesive assembly 170 disposed in theregion 152, while theother flap 136 may have a tamper-evident feature 172 disposed along a border of theregion 156. When theflaps regions - It will be appreciated that while one embodiment of the closure is illustrated in which the
flap 132 has aregion 152 in which theadhesive assembly 170 is disposed, and theflap 136 has a tamper-evident feature 172 on the border of theregion 156, the arrangement may be reversed—theflap 132 may have thefeature 172 and theflap 136 may have theadhesive assembly 170. In fact, it is possible according to certain embodiments for theadhesive assembly 170 to be disposed in theregion 156 and the tamper-evident feature 172 to be disposed along a border of theregion 156, with theflaps regions flap 136. Further, it is possible that instead theflaps flaps flaps adhesive assembly 170 and the other of theflaps evident feature 172. In the presently illustrated embodiment, theflaps - As illustrated, the
adhesive assembly 170 includes a region of adhesive covered by a barrier in the form of a strip of material having a release coating applied to at least one surface which is disposed over the adhesive region (i.e., a release strip). The release strip may be removed from the adhesive before the flap 132 (and in particular the region 152) is attached to the flap 136 (and in particular the region 156) to secure the closure, i.e., to secure the first surface to the second surface. SeeFIG. 3 . The release strip may be discarded after it is removed from theregion 152. - According to another embodiment, the
flap 132 may be formed with a barrier in the form of a tab that extends from thedistalmost edge 162 of theflap 132, and which may be folded over to the remainder of theregion 152 of theflap 132. One of the tab and theregion 152 has an adhesive disposed thereon, and the other of the tab and theregion 152 has a release coating disposed thereon. The adhesive may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive, such as the PRIMELT 3017 pressure-sensitive, hot melt adhesive manufactured and sold by Prime Blend of Wayne, Pa. (which may be used in theadhesive assembly 170 as well). Further, the release coating may be a silicone release coating, such as the SUNSYS VALLOGO V011 silicone release coating manufactured and sold by Sun Chemical of Parsippany, N.J. - With the tab folded over the
region 152, the portion of the first surface having the adhesive disposed thereon (either the tab or the region 152) cannot be joined to the second surface (e.g., flap 136) to seal the closure. With the tab folded so that it does not overlap theregion 152, the portion of the first surface having the adhesive disposed thereon may be joined to the second surface (e.g., flap 136) to seal the closure. - According to the illustrated embodiments, one of the first and second surfaces (e.g., the flap 136) has a tamper-evident region of weakness (e.g., 172) that may be irreversibly split to open the closure. According to the illustrated embodiment, the second surface has a tamper-evident region of weakness formed by two parallel sets of
perforations 174 arranged along the border of theregion 156, the perforations defining a tear strip therebetween. The sets of perforations need not extend from afirst side 176 of theflap 136 to asecond side 178; the sets may only extend part of the way from either of thesides reinforcement strip 180 may be applied to the region between the sets of perforations to limit the chance that the tear strip will only partially detach between thesides - In the alternative, the tamper-evident region of weakness could have been formed by a single set of perforations disposed along the border of the
region 156, for example along or partially along a line. A reinforcement strip may be disposed between the perforations and either theedge 146 or theedge 166 to limit the chance that the tear will not continue along the series of perforations, but instead extend into theflap 136. - As illustrated, the
flaps edges edges FIG. 1 . This need not be the case according to all embodiments. For example, theregions edge - For example, the
edge 162 have a dimension (length) that may be at least 85% of the length of theedge 142. In fact, theedge 162 may have a length that may be at least 90% of the length of theedge 142 measured at its longest dimension. According to some embodiments, theedge 162 may have a length that is at least 75%, or a length that is at least 95%, 99% or 100% of theedge 142. This is also true relative to theedges - As mentioned previously, each of the
wall sections wall sections corner corners corners corners 122 will be discussed in detail relative toFIGS. 1 and 4-6 , the remarks being applicable to theother corners - The
corner 122 includes two corner sections orregions fold line wall sections common fold line 208 to each other. Thecorner section 200 also includes atab 212 that may be used to secure thecorner 122 as assembled to an outer surface of thewall section 104, which outer surface is on the opposite side of thewall section 104 visible inFIG. 1 . Thetab 212 is separated from thecorner section 202 by acut 210 that extends through the paperboard of the blank 100. - In assembly, the
wall sections corner sections corner 122 are folded toward each other. SeeFIG. 4 . As such, the inner surfaces of thecorner sections 200, 202 (visible inFIGS. 1 and 4 ) face each other and may even abut each other. With thecorner sections FIG. 5 ), an inner surface of the tab 212 (visible inFIGS. 1 and 5 ) does not face or abut thecorner section 202. The assembledcorner 122 may then be folded about theline 206 such that thetab 212 and the outer surface of thecorner section 202 faces the outer surface of thewall 104. SeeFIG. 5 . Theline 206 may be scored to facilitate the folding of thecorner 122 about theline 206. - The
tab 212 may then be secured to the outer surface of thewall 104. SeeFIG. 6 . For example, an adhesive may be disposed on the outer surface of thewall 104, and thetab 212 may be secured to thewall 104 using the adhesive. The placement of the adhesive may be in theregion 214, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 5 . With all of thecorners FIG. 6 , and compare withFIGS. 2 and 3 . - According to the exemplary embodiment, the paperboard container, as assembled, takes the shape of a generally rectangularly-shaped box with slides that slope outwardly from the floor or base, and in particular such a box with a flat closure, such as to permit the containers to be stacked on top of each other. See
FIG. 6 . It will be recognized that according to other embodiments, the container may not have a flat closure that permits such stacking. - It is believed that the paperboard container just described may have several benefits, one or more of which may be present in an embodiment according to the present disclosure. By providing a container made of paperboard, the container may be designed to be substantially (e.g., 75%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%) biodegradable, limiting disposal issues. By providing a container with a tamper-evident closure, it may be determined if the container has been opened after the food product is disposed in the container and the closure sealed. Further, in those embodiments that provide a structure that conceals the adhesive used to seal the closure using a joined section of the container, the waste issues caused by providing, for example, a separate strip of material with a release coating applied thereto may be avoided. At the same time, the simplicity of the use of the fold-over tab to conceal the adhesive aids the adoption of the container by end users.
- Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of different embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.
- It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).
Claims (10)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/204,934 US20210292041A1 (en) | 2020-03-18 | 2021-03-17 | Tamper-evident paperboard food container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202062991137P | 2020-03-18 | 2020-03-18 | |
US17/204,934 US20210292041A1 (en) | 2020-03-18 | 2021-03-17 | Tamper-evident paperboard food container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210292041A1 true US20210292041A1 (en) | 2021-09-23 |
Family
ID=77747539
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/204,934 Pending US20210292041A1 (en) | 2020-03-18 | 2021-03-17 | Tamper-evident paperboard food container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210292041A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD943412S1 (en) * | 2020-04-30 | 2022-02-15 | Inno-Pak, Llc | Tamper evident carton |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5839652A (en) * | 1994-07-18 | 1998-11-24 | Fold-Pak Europe Limited | Box for food products |
US9061789B2 (en) * | 2011-05-26 | 2015-06-23 | Embalajes Capse, S.L. | Storage and shipping box |
-
2021
- 2021-03-17 US US17/204,934 patent/US20210292041A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5839652A (en) * | 1994-07-18 | 1998-11-24 | Fold-Pak Europe Limited | Box for food products |
US9061789B2 (en) * | 2011-05-26 | 2015-06-23 | Embalajes Capse, S.L. | Storage and shipping box |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD943412S1 (en) * | 2020-04-30 | 2022-02-15 | Inno-Pak, Llc | Tamper evident carton |
US11760532B2 (en) | 2020-04-30 | 2023-09-19 | Inno-Pak, Llc | Tamper evident carton |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US4141449A (en) | Recloseable pilfer-proof container and blanks | |
US5518168A (en) | Tamper resistant collapsible container | |
US4570845A (en) | Carton closure releasable by deformation | |
JP2006509693A (en) | Carton for a diagonally cut sandwich | |
US10569927B2 (en) | Tamperproof food box | |
CN107000917B (en) | Blank for reclosable container | |
US20110180537A1 (en) | Box, in particular folding box | |
EA029613B1 (en) | Box having tamper-evident closure | |
JPH0632347A (en) | Package for housing long article | |
US20210292041A1 (en) | Tamper-evident paperboard food container | |
WO2001034480A1 (en) | Paperboard can with an integrated paperboard lid having a hinge on the lid | |
US20030234252A1 (en) | Secure packaging and mailing container | |
US11498732B2 (en) | Tamper evident container | |
JP5607377B2 (en) | Packaging case | |
EP0752370A2 (en) | Container for prepackaged products | |
US11628981B2 (en) | Tamper evident container | |
US20180273238A1 (en) | Dual lid shipping container | |
US9630741B2 (en) | Recloseable paperboard carton with thermoformed closure | |
US20230067459A1 (en) | Tamper evident container | |
JP6715544B2 (en) | Packaging box | |
US20200129376A1 (en) | Pharmaceutical packaging | |
JP6140515B2 (en) | Container packaging box | |
US20210053713A1 (en) | Tamper-evident paperboard food container | |
US4198900A (en) | Method of making a recloseable, pilfer-proof container | |
US7331465B2 (en) | Device with a hollow lid supporting contents |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CALUMET CARTON COMPANY, ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INWOOD, GINA;REEL/FRAME:055639/0214 Effective date: 20200825 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |