WO2019094336A1

WO2019094336A1 - Reclosable, tamper-evident container assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2019094336A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/059228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kenneth Anthony LORITZ
Original assignee: Loritz Kenneth Anthony
Priority date: 2017-11-13
Filing date: 2018-11-05
Publication date: 2019-05-16

Abstract

A container assembly includes a polymer body that has a sidewall enclosing an internal cavity that is selectively accessible via an open, first end. A second end of the body is axially spaced along a longitudinal axis from the first end. A polymer lid is dimensioned for selective, closing engagement with the first end of the body. A removable, and at least partially transparent, seal layer is spaced axially inward from the first open end of the body and sealed to the body for retaining the associated contents in the body.

Description

RECLOSABLE, TAMPER-EVIDENT CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

Background

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of US provisional application Serial Number 62/585,321 , filed November 13, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to a container assembly, and more particularly to a polymer or plastic container assembly that addresses a wide variety of specific needs in an inexpensive, effective manner.

[0003] A need exists for an improved arrangement that addresses storage, access, and sealing requirements, as well as still other features and benefits.

Summary

[0004] This disclosure relates to a plastic or polymer container assembly that includes a polymer/plastic body and a selectively reclosable lid.

[0005] More particularly, the container assembly includes a polymer body that has a sidewa!l enclosing an internal cavity that is selectively accessible via an open, first end, and a second end axia!ly spaced along a longitudinal axis from the first end. A polymer lid is dimensioned for selective, closing engagement with the first end of the body. A removable seal layer is spaced axially inward from the first open end of the body and sealed to the body for retaining the associated contents in the body.

[0006] The seal layer is at least partially transparent to allow a user to view the associated container contents upon removal of the lid from engagement with the body.

[0007] An access region has a first surface area less than a second surface area of the entire seal layer.

[0008] The access region is defined at least in part by a score in the seal layer that delineates the access region from a remainder of the seal layer.

[0009] The score preferably has an arcuate configuration. [0010] The arcuate configuration spirals inwardly from adjacent a perimeter of the seal layer that is sealed to the shoulder.

[0011] The lid is at least partially opaque in one embodiment, the body is at least partially opaque in another embodiment, and in other embodiments, the lid and/or the body is completely opaque. In still another embodiment, an opaque sleeve is received inside the body to preclude viewing of the associated contents through the body sidewail.

[0012] The body includes a shoulder that is joined to a perimeter portion of the seal layer, the shoulder extending substantially radially inward from an interior of the sidewall at a location spaced longitudinally inward from the open, first end of the body whereby the seal layer is unaffected by opening and closing the lid on the body.

[0013] The seal layer is preferably fused and/or adhesively secured to the shoulder.

[0014] The shoulder is circumferentially continuous along an inner perimeter of the body sidewall.

[0015] The lid and body include cooperative lugs and thread lug portions for selectively opening and closing the lid on the body. More preferably, the lugs are circumferentially spaced about a perimeter of the lid and selectively engage thread lug portions similarly circumferentially spaced about a perimeter of the body.

[0016] The lid is flexible to allow selective deformation of the lid as the lid is pressed downwardly on to the body in order to open and close the lid on the body.

[0017] The second end of the body is a closed end, and more preferably the closed end is integrally formed with the sidewall of the body.

[0018] The closed end is flexible in one embodiment to enable manual deformation by a user toward the seal layer in order to urge the contents to pierce the layer and be accessible through the open, first end of the body.

[0019] in another embodiment, the second end is separately formed and seaiingly joined to the sidewall at the second end of the body. [0020] In another embodiment, the lid includes a hang tag extending outward from a periphery thereof,

[0021] One advantage is that the container assembly allows the lid to be opened, and allows a tamper evident feature as well as the contents of the container to be visually inspected while maintaining the contents hermetically sealed in the body. Further, the lid can be subsequently secured to the container body and the contents cannot be viewed through the closed container (e.g., a point-of-purchase/transport requirement in the cannabis industry).

[0022] Another benefit relates to integrating a structure for hanging into the container assembly to facilitate storage and display.

[0023] Yet another advantage relates to the ability to easily open the seal layer such as a foil seal or clear film.

[0024] Still another benefit is associated with the ease in manufacturing different sizes, types, and styles of container assemblies that include one or more of these useful features.

[0025] Still other benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from reading and understanding the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 is an exploded (disassembled) view of a first embodiment of a container assembly.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lid open relative to the body of the container assembly of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the lid closed on the body of the container assembly of Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of the closed container assembly of Figure 1. [0030] Figure 5 is an e!evational view of the body of the container assembly of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of the body of the container assembly of Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the body of the container assembly of Figure 1.

[0033] Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the body of the container assembly of Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 9 is a top plan view of the lid of the container assembly of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the container assembly.

[0036] Figure 11 is a top perspective view of a modified lid of the container assembly.

[0037] Figure 12 is a bottom perspective view of the modified lid of Figure 11.

[0038] Figure 13 is a top plan view of the modified lid of Figure 11.

[0039] Figure 14 is a bottom plan view of the modified lid of Figure 11.

[0040] Figure 15 is a top, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a container body.

[0041] Figure 16 is a bottom, perspective view of the container body of Figure 15.

[0042] Figure 17 is a body insert dimensioned for receipt in the container body of Figures 15 - 16.

[0043] Figure 18 is a top perspective view that illustrates receipt of the body insert in the alternative container body of Figures 15 - 16.

[0044] Figure 19 is a bottom perspective view of the assembly of Figure 18.

[0045] Figures 20 and 21 are perspective views of an alternative body insert. [0046] Figures 22 and 23 are top and bottom perspective views of the alternative body insert of Figures 20 - 21 received in the alternative container body of Figures 15 - 16.

Detailed Description

[0047] Figures 1 - 9 show a preferred arrangement of a container assembly 100 that incorporates some of the features of the present invention. Particularly, the container assembly 100 includes a body 110 and a (id 140. The body 110 is preferably formed of a polymer or plastic material, for example, as commonly used in the food industry. The body 110 has a sidewali 112 that partially forms an internal cavity 114 selectively accessible from an open, first end 16. Axialiy spaced from the first end 116 of the body 110 is a second end 118. As illustrated in Figures 1 - 9, the second end 118 is a closed end that is integrally formed with the sidewali 112. It will be appreciated, however, that the second end 118 may not be integrally formed with the sidewali 112 but couid be a separately manufactured component that is joined to the first end 116. In this manner, the sidewali 112 may be modified relative to the illustrated sidewali of Figures 1 - 9. For example, the sidewali 112 may have a different axial length and the second end 118 may also be modified relative to what is shown in Figures 1 - 9. By way of example only, and without limiting the present disclosure, the sidewali 112 and/or the second end 18 may be formed from the same polymer material as the remainder of the body (i.e., the first end 116), or be formed from a different polymer material, or the sidewali and/or the second end may be formed of a transparent polymer material while the first end is opaque for reasons which we described in greater detail below.

[0048] The first end 116 preferably has smooth inner and outer surfaces 116a, 116b, respectively. Axialiy spaced from a terminal edge of the first end 116 along the inner surface 116a is a shelf, shoulder, or transition surface 120. The shoulder 120 extends radially inward from the remainder of the inner surface 116a of the first end 116 and is continuous or circumferentiaily continuous about the inner perimeter of the sidewali 112. The shoulder 120 forms a transition between the first end 116 and the sidewali 112, and also serves as a part of a seal arrangement as will be described in connection with the second embodiment. A remainder of the sidewail 112 extends to the second end 118. Thus, together, the sidewall 112 and the second end 118 form the cavity 114 that is open at the first end 116 to receive container contents (not shown), e.g., edible products such as candy, chocolate, chewing gum, etc., although the particular contents stored therein should not be deemed limiting to the present disclosure.

[0049] Along the outer surface 116b, the sidewall 112 includes an outwardly extending shoulder 122 that extends radially outward from the sidewall at a predetermined dimension or axial location spaced from the terminal end of the first end 116. Shoulder 122 includes thread lugs portions 124 that are perhaps best illustrated in Figure 5. The thread lugs portions 124 are circumferentially spaced apart around the sidewall outer surface 116b and extend radially outward from the sidewall outer surface. Each thread lug portion 124 include a first tapered surface 126 that proceeds away from the first end 116 toward the second end and intersects with a notch or recess 128. The recess 128 is thus bounded on a first side by the tapered surface 1 6 and on the other side by a stop surface 130.

[0050] Lid 140 is dimensioned for receipt over the open, first end 116 of the container body 110. The lid is a polymer or plastic construction adapted for selective receipt on the first end 116 of the body 110 to a closed position that prevents access to the inner cavity 114. Alternatively, the lid 140 is selectively removed from the first end 116 of the body 110 to allow access to the inner cavity 114. The lid 140 includes an end wall 142 and a two-part sidewail 144 that extends substantially perpendicularly outward by a preselected dimension from the end wall. Typically the end wall 142 and sidewail 144 are made as a single component {e.g., molded), and the end wall is sufficiently thin to provide some flexibility whereas the sidewall has a slight taper to provide a friction, interference fit with the terminal end of the side wall 112 of the body 110. This interference fit between the body 110 and lid 140 serves as a seal interface, although typically not deemed to be a hermetic seal.

[0051] The two-part sidewall 144 includes a first portion 144a that proceeds at a slight taper (i.e., the first portion 144a increases in diameter as it proceeds outwardly from the end wall 142) and serves as the region of the lid 140 that forms the seal interface with the body 110 when the lid is closed thereon. A second portion 144b of the sidewall 144 does not have as pronounced a taper as the first portion 144a. The first portion 144a and the second portion 144b are preferably formed as a single component, e.g., integrally molded as a single component with distinct features of the first and second portions. Extending radially inward from an inner surface of the sidewall second portion 144b are a series of circumferentially spaced lugs 150 (Figure 4). The lugs 150 are dimensioned for operative engagement with the thread lug portions 124 on the body 110. Particularly, as the lid 140 is moved into closed relationship over the open end 116 of the container body 110, the lugs 150 are axiaily advanced through the circumferential gaps or spaces between the thread lug portions 124, The tapered, first portion 144a of the lid sidewall 144 engages the terminal end 116 of the container body 110. Additional downward force exerted on the lid 140, and rotation of the lid in a first direction, e.g. clockwise direction, relative to the body 110, engages the lugs 150 with the thread lug portions 124. Continued rotation in the first, clockwise direction advances the lugs 150 along the respective tapered surfaces 126 until the lugs are circumferentially aligned with the recesses 128. The interference fit between the lid and the body exerts a slight separating force between the body and lid so that the lugs seat in the respective recesses 128. The stop surfaces 130 prevent further rotation of the lid in a clockwise direction relative to the body. When the lugs are seated in the recesses 128, there is still a slight interference fit between the terminal end of the first end 116 of the container body 110 with the lid 140 to provide the desired interface seal. As is well known in the art, applying a downward force on the lid 140 urges the lugs 150 axiaily outward from the recesses 128 so that rotation in an opposite, second direction, e.g. counterclockwise rotation, of the lid relative to the body 110 separates the lid from the body.

[0052] A series of projections 146 are advantageously provided on the lid 140. The projections 146 facilitate manual gripping of the outer perimeter of the lid by a user so that the lid can be rotated relative to the body.

[0053] The container assembly can be used as shown and described in Figures 1 - 9 if no hermetic seal is required. On the other hand, a seal layer 160 (Figure 10) may be included as a part of the container assembly if a hermetic seal is required. The seal layer 160 is sealed along an outer peripheral region 162 on the one face (lower face) thereof to the inner, radially extending shoulder 120 of the body 110. For example, the seal 160 may be fusion bonded and/or adhesively secured at the interface between this peripheral region 162 and the shoulder 120 of the body 110.

[0054] The seal layer 160 can be an opaque material such as a foil seal of the type commonly used in the food and beverage industry, or alternatively a transparent seal such as illustrated in Figure 10. The transparent seal layer 160 has at least a portion of the surface made of a transparent material such as a clear plastic to advantageously allow a user to view the contents stored in the body cavity 114. Thus, the transparent seal layer 160 serves the same purpose of forming a hermetic seal as the conventional foil seal, with the advantage of allowing the user to view the contents, evaluate that the tamper proof seal is still intact, and confirm that the desired product is being purchased.

[0055] The contents are introduced into the body cavity 114 defined by the sidewall 112 and closed, second end 118 of the body 110. The transparent seal layer 160 is then secured about an outer perimeter 162 to the inner, radial shoulder 122 of the body 110 in order to hermetically seal the contents within the body. Thereafter, the lid 140 is positioned in operative, closed engagement with the body 110 through engagement between the lugs 50 of the lid 140 and the thread lug portions 124 of the body 110. As a result, the contents are hermetically sealed by the seal layer 160 located axially inward of the terminal edge of the open, first end 116 and the lid 140 received over the first end. Subsequent opening and closing of the lid 140 to the body 110 will have no impact on the sealing capabilities of the arrangement and allows a purchaser to selectively view the contents of the container assembly 100. Importantly, the lid 140 may be closed on the container body 110 and the contents are not viewed from the exterior, and likewise transported from the store without violating any regulations regarding an "open container".

[0056] The seal layer 160 preferably includes a region 164 to allow the user/consumer to access the contents seated in the container assembly 100. Access region 164 is preferably defined by a weakened area/thinned region/score 166 in the seal layer 160. The score 66 preferably has an arcuate conformation that generally tracks over a large circumferential portion adjacent the peripheral edge 162 of the seal layer 160 and then spirals inwardly from the peripheral edge to form a substantially closed circular region 168 having an approximate dimension of a user's fingertip. By pushing on the surface of the seal layer 160 within the circular region 168, the integrity of the seal layer 160 is breached along the score 166 in the area of the circular region so that the access region defined radially inward of the score 166 separates from the remainder of the seal layer sealed to the shoulder 120. With continued force imposed on the access region 164, the remainder of the seal layer 160 separates and travels along the score 166 so that ultimately the access region remains attached to the rest of the seal layer along only a minor portion thereof (e.g., along approximately 20% - 30% of the circumferential extent of the peripheral edge 162 of the seal layer). As a result, access to the contents stored in the container assembly is attained. After the score has been broken, the entire seal layer 160 may be removed from the container body 110 if desired.

[0057] It will also be appreciated that the seal layer 160 may be breached from either the first end 1 6 or the second end 118 of the container body 110. Particularly, and is illustrated in Figure 10, removal of the lid 140 allows the consumer to view the contents of the container assembly through a seal layer that is at least partially transparent while simultaneously, if desired, allowing the consumer to remove the seal layer via a force applied to an upper, first surface 160a of the seal layer 160. Alternatively, if the second end 118 of the body 110 is sufficiently thin and flexible, exerting a force upwardly on the second end will push the contents against a lower, second surface 160b of the seal layer 160 until the score is broken. The flexible nature of the body second end 118 will then return the second end to its original, undetected state while the contents of the container assembly 100 can then be reached or accessed by removing the lid 140, or if the lid has already been removed, via the open, first end 116 of the body 110. [0058] It is further contemplated that the body 110 may be formed of a material that is transparent over at least a portion thereof. If such an arrangement is manufactured, and there is a need to store the contents in a container that is opaque, a separate, opaque liner (not shown) may be provided to cover those portions of the sidewall 112 and body second end 118 that are transparent.

[0059] Another modification is shown in Figures 11 - 14. Here, the lid 140' has the same attributes structurally and functionally as previously noted with respect to lid 140. The lid 140' provides the additional beneficial feature of a hang tag structure 180, for example, that extends radially outward from a peripheral portion of the lid. The hang tag structure 180 may adopt a wide variety of configurations but is shown here as a simple, thin, substantially planar structure having an opening 182 that allows the lid 140' of the container assembly 100 to be assembled over an elongated support member {not shown) as is commonly used with point of purchase displays. This allows multiple container assemblies 100 to be stored on the elongated support member in a manner generally well known in the art.

[0060] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a container body 210 where like reference numerals in the 200 series refer to like components for ease of illustration and understanding, and new reference numerals in the 200 series refer to new components. The container body 210 has an open, second end 218 that receives an insert 290 (Figure 17, and is also shown assembled to the open-ended container body 210 in Figures 18 - 19). The insert 290 has a sidewall 292 that can either be the same length as sidewall 212 of the container body, or may have a much greater length and extend substantially axialiy outward from the opening 218. End wall 294 of the insert along with the sidewall 292 defines a modified interior cavity for the container body. Moreover, use of the insert allows for greater flexibility in manufacture of different types and different sizes of container assemblies as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Shoulder 296 of the insert cooperates and is preferably dimensioned for engagement with the internal shoulder 220 of the container body 210.

[0061] As further illustrated in Figures 20 - 23, the insert 390 may adopt a wide variety of configurations, i.e. multiple, segregated compartments 398. Again, for ease of iilustration and understanding, like reference numerals in the 300 series refer to like components, while new reference numerals in the 300 series refer to new components. Here, the insert 390 includes multiple compartments shown as individual, like-sized compartments 398. Of course the compartments need not be identical nor need the compartments be pie-shaped as is illustrated. The shoulder 396 still permits use of a seal layer thereon once the insert 390 has been secured to the container body 310.

[0062] This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. Other examples that occur to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the invention if they have structural elements that do not differ from the same concept, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container assembly for storing associated contents that require a sealed environment, the container assembly comprising:

a polymer body having a sidewall that encloses an internal cavity that is selectively accessible via an open, first end, and a second end axiaily spaced along a longitudinal axis from the first end;

a polymer lid dimensioned for selective, closing engagement with the first end of the body; and

a removable seal layer spaced axiaily inward from the first open end of the body and sealed to the body for retaining the associated contents in the body.

2. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the seal layer is at least partially transparent to allow a user to view the associated container contents upon removal of the lid from engagement with the body.

3. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the seal layer is transparent to allow a user to view the associated container contents without impacting the seal layer sealed to the body,

4. The container assembly of claim 3 further comprising an access region having a first surface area less than a second surface area of the entire seal layer.

5. The container assembly of claim 4 wherein the access region is defined at least in part by a score in the seal layer that delineates the access region from a remainder of the seal layer.

6. The container assembly of claim 5 wherein the score has an arcuate configuration.

7. The container assembly of claim 6 wherein the arcuate configuration spirals inwardly from adjacent a perimeter of the seal layer that is sealed to the shoulder.

8. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the lid is at least partially opaque.

9. The container assembly of claim 8 wherein the body is at least partially opaque.

10. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the lid and the body are entirely opaque.

11. The container assembly of claim 1 further comprising an opaque sleeve received inside the body to preclude viewing of the associated contents through the body sidewall.

12. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the body includes a shoulder that is joined to a perimeter portion of the seal layer extending substantially radially inward from an interior of the sidewall at a location spaced longitudinally inward from the open, first end of the body whereby the seal layer is unaffected by opening and closing the lid on the body.

13. The container assembly of claim 12 wherein the seal layer is at least one of fused and adhesively secured to the shoulder.

14. The container assembly of claim 13 wherein the shoulder is

circumferenttally continuous along an inner perimeter of the body sidewall.

15. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the lid and body include cooperative lugs and thread lug portions for selectively opening and closing the lid on the body.

16. The container assembly of claim 15 wherein the lugs are circumferentially spaced about a perimeter of the lid and selectively engage thread lug portions similarly circumferentially spaced about a perimeter of the body.

17. The container assembly of claim 15 wherein the lid is flexible to allow selective deformation of the lid as the lid is pressed downwardly on to the body in order to open and close the lid on the body.

18. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the second end of the body is a closed end.

19. The container assembly of claim 18 wherein the closed end is integrally formed with the sidewall of the body.

20. The container assembly of claim 18 wherein the closed end is flexible to enable manual deformation by a user toward the seal layer in order to urge the contents to pierce the layer and be accessible through the open, first end of the body.

21. The container assembly of claim 18 wherein the second end is separately formed and sealingly joined to the sidewall at the second end of the body.

22. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the lid includes a hang tag extending outward from a periphery thereof.

23. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein the lid has a diameter of approximately 86 mm to facilitate manipulation by aged users and deter manipulation by children.