WO2019204697A1 - Récipient doté d'un élément cassant - Google Patents

Récipient doté d'un élément cassant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019204697A1
WO2019204697A1 PCT/US2019/028274 US2019028274W WO2019204697A1 WO 2019204697 A1 WO2019204697 A1 WO 2019204697A1 US 2019028274 W US2019028274 W US 2019028274W WO 2019204697 A1 WO2019204697 A1 WO 2019204697A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lid
base
tab
container assembly
peripheral
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2019/028274
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Samir R Parikh
Tajinder SINGH
Original Assignee
Waddington North America, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Waddington North America, Inc. filed Critical Waddington North America, Inc.
Publication of WO2019204697A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019204697A1/fr

Links

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
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0235—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0237—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
    • B65D43/0256—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container
    • B65D43/0258—Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth of the container leaving friction on both the inside and the outside after removal of the tamper element
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00101—Shape of the outer periphery curved square-like or rectangular-like
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
    • B65D2543/00351—Dome-like
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside 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
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00694—Segments
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00805—Segments
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00824—Means for facilitating removing of the closure
    • B65D2543/00833—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
    • B65D2543/00842—Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to containers having lids and bases, and more particularly to containers that are configured to provide a visual indication that the container has been previously opened.
  • Plastic containers for distributing food and other consumer goods are in common use. Such containers, when used for food, often serve to extend the shelf life of perishable products, resulting in savings to the food industry and fresher food for the consumer.
  • the present invention is a container having a tamper-evident feature wherein the container is easy to open and inexpensive to produce, and wherein the tamper-evident feature provides readily perceived evidence that the container has been opened after its original sealing.
  • the present invention can be used in connection with a variety of plastic food and consumer product containers.
  • the plastic used can be a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polystyrene, polypropylene and/or polyethylene, or another similar plastic material.
  • the container material can be, for example, from 0.010 to 0.050 inches thick. As such, embodiments of the container can be made by thermoforming a sheet of plastic in a mold.
  • the container of the present invention can be of various sizes and configurations, depending on the application of the container.
  • the container can be used for containing food, such as baked goods, fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, salads, eggs, and other food items.
  • the container can also be used to contain non-food retail products, such as batteries, compact disks, razors, electronics, hardware, tools and other products.
  • the present invention is directed to container assemblies, including lids, bases, and combinations thereof, having tamper-evident features, and methods of use thereof.
  • the tamper-evident feature of the present invention combines with a container feature that renders the peripheral edges of a lid and base combination extremely difficult to access and separate by any method other than by tearing apart the tamper-evident feature.
  • the container assembly has a tab feature on each of the lid and base that includes a blocking mechanism to render a first tab inaccessible, thereby requiring a user to rupture a section of the blocking mechanism to allow access to the first tab.
  • Said rupture of the blocking mechanism is irreversible, such that the rupture additionally provides to a user a clearly visual indication that the first tab has been accessed and the container assembly may have been previously opened. It will be realized by those skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention includes container assemblies that are of a variety of sizes, shapes, and configurations, according to specific applications and commercial needs, all of which successfully employ the fundamental concept of the invention.
  • a first general aspect of the present invention is a container assembly that includes a lid having a top surrounded by a peripheral lid flange, said peripheral lid flange having a lid tab extending therefrom, said lid tab comprising at least one frangible line, said lid tab being further joined to the top by a hinge joint and a base having a bottom surrounded by a peripheral base flange having a base tab extending therefrom.
  • said lid and base peripheral flanges correspond, said lid tab is positioned over said base tab and inhibits grasping access by a user to an edge portion of said base tab;, and said frangible line of said lid tab, upon severing thereof, enables said user to lift a portion of the lid tab and to thereby expose said edge portion of said base tab for grasping thereof, thereby allowing said lid and base to be separated.
  • said hinge joint comprises a depression or a projection on the lid tab, and can be a hinge channel joint or a hinge projection joint.
  • the hinge joint is a living hinge.
  • the lid and base peripheral flanges can include ribs, said ribs being configured to provide support to a seal between said lid and base peripheral flanges.
  • a shape of the container assembly can include corners, and the lid and base tabs can be located at one of the corners of the container assembly.
  • said lid peripheral flange can include a lid sealing channel that is circumscribed by a lid peripheral edge, and said base peripheral flange comprises a base sealing channel that is circumscribed by a base peripheral edge, said base sealing channel being fitted into said lid sealing channel when said lid and said base are secured together.
  • said lid peripheral flange can include at least one horizontal lid undercut, and said base peripheral flange comprises at least one horizontal base undercut, said lid and base undercuts nested together, wherein said lid undercut is inserted into said base undercut or vice versa, when said lid and said base are secured together.
  • at least one lid undercut and corresponding base undercut are located proximal to said lid and base tabs.
  • the hinge joint can be biased so as tension the lid tab away from the base tab.
  • said lid peripheral flange can include at least one lid half rib
  • said base peripheral flange comprises at least one base half rib
  • said lid and base half ribs being configured to correspond when said lid and said base are secured together, so as to provide a strengthened seal between the lid and base peripheral flanges and to provide added strength against deformation of the lid and base peripheral flanges due to twisting and/or warping thereof.
  • the container assembly can include a plurality of pairs of corresponding lid tabs and base tabs.
  • at least one of the lid and the base are structurally configures such that they can be manufactured by thermoforming of a sheet of plastic material.
  • each of the lid and the base is structurally configured such that it can be manufactured by thermoforming of a sheet of plastic material.
  • an outer edge of the lid tab can be configured to overlap an outer edge of the base tab.
  • the lid tab can include a lid tab outer rim that extends downward and overlaps an outer rim of the base tab when said lid and said base are secured together before a first separation thereof.
  • a second general aspect of the present invention is a method of opening a container assembly, wherein the container assembly comprises a lid having a top surrounded by a peripheral lid flange, said peripheral lid flange having a lid tab extending therefrom, said lid tab comprising at least one frangible line, said lid tab being further joined to the top by a hinge joint, and a base having a bottom surrounded by a peripheral base flange having a base tab extending therefrom, and wherein when said lid and said base are secured together before a first separation thereof, said lid and base peripheral flanges correspond, said lid tab is positioned over said base tab and inhibits grasping access by a user to an edge portion of said base tab, and said frangible line of said lid tab, upon severing thereof, enables said user to lift a portion of the lid tab and to thereby expose said edge portion of said base tab for grasping thereof, thereby allowing said lid and base to be separated.
  • the method includes lifting the lid tab, thereby separating the frangible line, grasping with a first hand the exposed edge portion of the base tab, grasping with a second hand a portion of the lid, and pulling the lid away from the base.
  • grasping with the second hand the portion of the lid and pulling the lid away from the base includes grasping with the second hand the lid tab and pulling the lid tab away from the base tab.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a container lid in an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1B is a perspective view of a container base that is compatible with the lid of Fig. 1A in an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tab area of the container assembly of Figs. 1 A and 1B;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container assembly of Figs. 1A and 1B showing the tab area in an accessed configuration
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the container assembly of Figs. 1A and 1B, showing a close up view of the tab area;
  • Fig. 5 A is a first side view of the accessed container assembly of Fig 3 showing the tab area after the frangible lines have been severed;
  • Fig. 5B is a second side view of the accessed container assembly of Fig 3 showing the tab area after the frangible lines have been severed;
  • Fig. 6A shows a perspective view of the lid of Fig. 1A, having a hinge projection joint on the tab and strengthening ribs located along each side;
  • Fig. 6B shows a perspective view of the base of Fig. 1B, having strengthening ribs located along each side;
  • FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the container assembly of Figs. 6A and 6B, having a hinge projection joint on the tab and slanted ribs located along each side;
  • Fig. 7B shows a side view of the container assembly of Fig. 7A, having slanted ribs located along each side;
  • FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of a container assembly in an embodiment that includes a single pair of unseparated tabs that are substantially flat;
  • Fig. 8B is a close-up view from above of the tabs of Fig. 8A;
  • Fig. 8C is a close-up view from below of the tabs of Fig. 8A;
  • Fig. 8D is a close-up view from below of the tab region of the container assembly of Fig. 8 A after the tabs have been separated and the lid has been removed from the base;
  • Fig. 8E is a close-up view from above of the tab region of the container assembly of Fig. 8D after the lid has been reattached to the base;
  • Fig. 9A is a top perspective view of a container assembly in an embodiment includes two pair of unseparated tabs at opposing corners of the container, all of which are substantially flat;
  • Fig. 9B is a close-up view from above of one of the pair of tabs of Fig. 9A;
  • Fig. 9C is a close-up view from above of the tab region of the container assembly of Fig. 9B after the tabs have been separated and the lid has been removed from the base;
  • Fig. 9D is a close-up view from above of the tab region of the container assembly of Fig. 9C after the lid has been reattached to the base;
  • Fig. 10A is a simplified cross-sectional drawings of a lid tab and a base tab shown before the frangible lie has been severed in an embodiment of the present invention where an outer edge of the lid tab extends downward beyond the outer edge of the base tab;
  • Fig. 10B is a simplified cross-sectional drawings of the embodiment of Fig. 10A shown after the frangible lie has been severed.
  • the present invention is a container having a tamper-evident feature wherein the container is easy to open and inexpensive to produce, and wherein the tamper-evident feature provides readily perceived evidence that the container has been opened after its original sealing.
  • Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a lid 102 in an embodiment of the invention.
  • the lid has a generally planar lid upper panel 112 extending to a plurality of lid sidewalls 110, said lid sidewalls extending downward from the lid upper panel to a lid peripheral flange 114 positioned at or near the bottom of the lid sidewalls.
  • Lid peripheral flange 114 extends outward from the lid sidewalls 110, and includes a lid sealing channel 120 that is circumscribed by a lid peripheral edge 116.
  • a lid tab 118 extends from the lid peripheral edge.
  • Indicia 106 can be embossed or printed on the lid to provide a user with directions for use or to give other information such as a provider or manufacturer.
  • Fig. 1B is a perspective view of a container base 104 that is compatible with the container lid 102 of Fig. 1A.
  • the container base has a generally planar base bottom panel 142 extending to a plurality of base sidewalls 140, said base sidewalls extending upward from the base bottom panel to form a cavity area or receptacle volume configured to receive and hold goods.
  • a base peripheral flange 144 extends from the top of base sidewalls 140 outwardly from the base 104.
  • Base peripheral flange 144 includes a base sealing channel 150 circumscribed by base peripheral edge 146.
  • a base tab 148 is attached to and extends outwardly from the base peripheral edge 146.
  • Figs. 2-3 are close up views of the lid tab area of the assembled container assembly 100, formed by attachment of the lid 102 of Fig. 1A to the base 104 of Fig. 1B in a sealed relationship.
  • the base sealing channel 150 (not visible) is fitted into corresponding lid sealing channel 120, while concurrently horizontal lid undercuts 127 fit with and into corresponding horizontal base undercuts 157 (not visible), to provide a tight seal around the periphery of container assembly 100.
  • lid peripheral edge 116 rests on and is configured to conceal or align with base peripheral edge 146, thereby making the base peripheral edge inaccessible for grasping by a user.
  • Exact alignment of the lid peripheral edge 116 and base peripheral edge 146 is not required, and there may be an overlap of between 1 and 4 mm between the peripheral edges that maintains the inaccessibility of either peripheral edge, thereby preventing a user from grasping a sufficient portion of either peripheral edge to allow opening of container assembly 100 without first manipulating either lid tab 118 or base tab 148.
  • lid undercut 127 and corresponding base undercut 157 are engineered as a set and to provide an interference fit with each other near a corner of the container assembly 100 when lid 102 is in a sealed configuration with base 104.
  • a set of undercuts can further be configured to provide additional strength to the seal of lid sealing channel 120 and base sealing channel 150 (Figs. 1A and 1B).
  • Container assembly 100 can consist of a single set of undercuts or a plurality of sets of undercuts as desired.
  • a set or sets of undercuts may be located near the corners of container assembly 100, and/or may be provided at any location along the seal that is provided by lid sealing channel 120 and base sealing channel 150, such as at the midpoint of a side of the container assembly.
  • lid tab 118 When the lid 102 is sealed to the base 104, lid tab 118 is configured to conceal base tab 148 (Fig. 1B), and lid tab barrier surface 134 is configured to block access to base tab peripheral edge 149 (Fig. 1B).
  • the tab locking undercut 136 of the lid tab 118 snaps under the base tab peripheral edge 149, providing an interference locking fit that maintains lift tab 118 and base tab 148 in an adjacent configuration wherein the lid tab 118 covers and conceals the base tab 148, thereby preventing a user from separating the tabs from each other while the container assembly 100 is in a sealed configuration.
  • the tab locking undercut 136 can be engineered as desired to provide a desired level of interference locking fit on the base tab peripheral edge 149, including adjusting the depth or the length of the tab locking undercut, as well as varying the number and location of tab locking undercuts.
  • Frangible lines 132 extend from lid tab peripheral edge 138 across lid tab 118 and lid tab barrier surface 134, terminating at the edge of or adjacent to hinge channel joint 130.
  • the frangible lines 132 in Fig. 2 comprise a line of perforations, but in other embodiments can be engineered in any form known or used in the industry, for example using perforations, thinning of the material, weakening of the material, and/or a combination of any of these methods and others.
  • the frangible lines 132 are generally parallel to each other and spaced laterally apart from each other so as to allow a sufficient section of lid tab 118 and lid tab barrier surface 134 to be displaced once the frangible lines are broken, thereby allowing a user to access and grasp an adequate portion of base tab 148.
  • Hinge channel joint 130 is located on lid tab 118 and comprises a hollow or indentation that descends below the plane 139 of the lid tab. Hinge channel joint 130 pushes against base tab 148, thereby providing a downward counter pressure against the upward pressure provided by tab locking undercut 136 as it pushes against base tab peripheral edge 149. The combination of opposing forces, provides a secure hold on base tab 148, securing the base tab in an inaccessible position beneath lid tab 118.
  • frangible lines 132 So as to access base tab 148, a user must first rupture frangible lines 132, preferably by grasping lid tab 118 at or near lid tab peripheral edge 138 and exerting an upward force on said lid tab, thereby causing the frangible lines to break. Once the frangible lines 132 are broken, a section of lid tab 118 and lid tab barrier surface 134 lying between the frangible lines operates as a flap, thereby allowing the user to lift the flap section of the lid tab 118 to access a portion of the base tab 148 that was previously inaccessible while the container assembly 100 was in a sealed configuration.
  • lid tab 148 grasps base tab 148 with the fingers of one hand and a portion of lid tab 118 with the other hand and applies opposing forces to the tabs so as to disengage the tab locking undercuts 136 from their hold on the base tab peripheral edge 149.
  • the user then continues to apply opposing forces to lid tab 118 and base tab 148 so as to next disengage the lid undercuts 127 from the base undercuts 157, and so as to resiliently deform the seal near the tab area formed by lid sealing channel 120 and base sealing channel 150, thereby enabling the user to pry the lid 102 from the base 104 and to access the contents of the container assembly 100.
  • a variant embodiment to the tab area of container assembly 100 replaces hinge channel joint 130 with hinge projection joint 231, the hinge projection joint comprising a raised ridge located on and above the plane 139 of lid tab 118.
  • hinge channel joint is provided with a biased portion configured to cause the flap of lid tab 118 to resist remaining planar once frangible lines 132 are broken, thereby providing a user with a visible means of detecting that the container has been accessed.
  • the bias of hinge channel joint may be provided by any known means in the industry, such as by creasing the plastic, or engineering a thinner or thicker line of material.
  • the lid sealing channel 120 and base sealing channel 150 comprise lid half rib 228 on the lid sealing channel and base half rib 258 on the base sealing channel.
  • Lid half rib 228 and base half rib 258 are configured to correspond when the lid 102 and base 104 are joined together, thereby forming a set of half ribs.
  • one lid half rib 228 is positioned at the mid-point of lid sealing channel 120 on each side of the lid 102, with a corresponding base half rib 258 positioned at the mid- point of base sealing channel 150 on each side of base 104.
  • a combined half rib set provides support and a strengthened seal along the length of the seal between the lid and base.
  • a plurality of sets of half ribs can be engineered on each side of the container as desired, or a set of half ribs can be lengthened, with either option being configured to provide additional strength against deformation of the lid and base seal due to twisting and warping.
  • Corresponding lid half rib 228 and base half rib 258 may be located at any location along the respective sealing channels, including adjacent to or at the corners.
  • the lid sealing channel 120 and base sealing channel 150 comprise lid slanted rib 329 on the lid sealing channel and base slanted rib 359 on the base sealing channel.
  • the lid slanted rib 329 and base slanted rib 359 are configured to correspond when the lid 102 and base 104 are joined together, forming a set of slanted ribs.
  • one lid slanted rib 329 is positioned at the mid-point of lid sealing channel 120 on each side of lid 102, with a corresponding base slanted rib 359 being positioned at the mid-point of base sealing channel 150 on each side of base 104.
  • a slanted rib set provides support and a strengthened seal along the length of the seal of the lid and base.
  • One or a plurality of sets of slanted ribs can be engineered on each side of the container as desired to provide additional strength against deformation of the lid and base seal due to twisting and warping.
  • Corresponding lid slanted rib 329 and base slanted rib 359 may be located at any location along the respective sealing channels, including adjacent to or at the corners.
  • the term“container assembly” is used broadly herein to refer to any container or packaging having a lid that attaches to a base, including but not limited to containers that comprise a separate lid and base, and containers having a lid and base that are hinged together.
  • Embodiments of the lid include flat lids with generally planar features, while other embodiments include a dome lid having a raised cross sectional profile. The size of the lid or base can also be easily increased or decreased to accommodate any types and amounts of goods.
  • the container assembly features such as the cavity, sealing channel, undercuts, ribs, and tabs can be presented or arranged in a variety of quantities, shapes, and/or configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • Embodiments include of shapes for the container assembly, the cavities, or both that are circular, elliptical, or polygonal.
  • the base can have one or a plurality of cavities, while the lid can be correspondingly engineered with barriers to enclose or isolate each cavity.
  • the exterior of the lid and/or base of the container assembly can include corresponding features such as ridges and depressions that aid in stacking of multiple containers.
  • the lid and/or base can include and employ de-nesting lugs to allow for easier or automated separation of a nested stack of empty lids and/or a nested stack of empty bases.
  • Embodiments of the invention include any number and configuration of corresponding undercuts and/or tabs, for example a single undercut, or alternately two, three, or four undercuts.
  • ETndercuts and/or tabs can be equidistantly spaced around the perimeter of the cavity, but alternately multiple undercuts and/or tabs can be grouped closely together and/or employed on only one or two sides of the container assembly.
  • some embodiments of the present invention are disposable, being constructed from materials such as paper, plastic, foam, bagasse, laminated materials, compostable materials, biodegradable materials, bioplastics, recycled materials, and/or plastic blends and compounds.
  • Containers with retaining features according to other embodiments of the invention are constructed from materials such as ceramic, glass, and/or metal which are not necessarily disposable.
  • the container and/or each of the lid and/or base can be disposable or alternately can be permanent ware, intended to be cleaned and re-used, or hybrid combinations thereof wherein, for example, a permanent base is paired with a disposable lid.
  • one or more parts of the container are manufactured by at least one of thermoforming, injection molding, compression molding, vacuum forming, pressure forming, hydro forming, and/or any other known method.
  • At least one of the lid and the base is thermoformed from a sheet of plastic material.
  • the container is thermoformed from a suitable grade of polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PETE.
  • the container or one or both of the lid and base, is of any desired color, and can be clear, frosted or transparent.
  • Fig. 8A is a perspective view from above of a container assembly 800 in an embodiment includes a single pair of unseparated tabs 802, 822 that are substantially flat, and wherein the tabs 802, 822 include tensioning buttons 804, 812 that provides tension between the lid tab 802 and the base tab 822 before the frangible line 132 has been severed, while keeping them separated after the frangible line 132 has been severed.
  • Fig. 8B is a close-up view from above of the lid and base tab region of Fig. 8A
  • Fig. 8C is a close-up view from below of the lid and base tab region of Fig. 8A.
  • the lid tab 802 in this embodiment extends outward and downward well beyond the base tab 822, making it nearly impossible to grasp the base tab 822 before the frangible line 132 is severed and the lid tab 802 is lifted away from the base tab 822.
  • the tensioning buttons 804, 812 are pressed against each other.
  • Fig. 8D is a perspective close-up view from below of the lid and base tab region of Fig. 8 A shown after the frangible line 132 has been severed, the lid tab 802 has been lifted away from the base tab 822, and the lid 806 has been removed from the base 808.
  • Fig. 8E is a perspective close-up view from above of the lid and base tab region of Fig. 8D shown after the lid 806 has been reattached to the base 808.
  • the hinge joint 810 between the lid tab 802 and the lid 806 in this embodiment is a living hinge.
  • the tensioning buttons 804, 812 prevents the lid tab 802 from resting flush against the base tab 822 after the frangible line 132 has been severed, thereby providing an easily discerned indication that the container 800 has been opened. As such, if the container 800 is not expected to have been previously opened, then the container 800 shows a clear sign of tampering.
  • Fig. 9A is a perspective view from above of a container assembly 900 in an embodiment includes two pair of unseparated tabs 902, 922 that are
  • lid and base tabs 902, 922 include tensioning buttons 904, 912 that provide tension between the lid tab 902 and the base tab 922 before the frangible line 132 has been severed, while keeping them separated after the frangible line 132 has been severed.
  • Fig. 9B is a close-up view from above of the lid and base tab region of Fig. 9A.
  • the tensioning buttons 904, 912 are pressed against each other.
  • Fig. 9C is a perspective close-up view from above of the lid and base tab region of Fig. 9A shown after the frangible line 132 has been severed, the lid tab 902 has been lifted away from the base tab 922, and the lid 906 has been removed from the base 908.
  • the lid tab 902 in this embodiment extends outward well beyond the base tab 922, making it nearly impossible to grasp the base tab 922 before the frangible line 132 is severed and the lid tab 902 is lifted away from the base tab 922.
  • Fig. 9D is a perspective close-up view from the side of the lid and base tab region of Fig. 9C shown after the lid 906 has been reattached to the base 908.
  • the hinge joint 910 between the lid tab 902 and the lid 906 in this embodiment is a living hinge. It can also be seen in the figure that the tensioning buttons 904, 912 prevents the lid tab 902 from resting flush against the base tab 922 after the frangible line 132 has been severed, thereby providing an easily discerned indication that the container 900 has been opened. As such, if the container 900 is not expected to have been previously opened, then the container 900 shows a clear sign of tampering.
  • Fig. 10A and 10B are simplified cross-sectional drawings of a lid tab 1000 and a base tab 1002 in an embodiment where an outer edge 1004 of the lid tab 1000 extends downward beyond the outer edge 1006 of the base tab 1002.
  • Fig. 10A shows the lid tab 1000 and base tab 1002 before the frangible line (not shown) has been severed
  • Fig. 10B shows the lid tab 1000 and base tab 1002 after the frangible line 132 (not shown) has been severed and the lid tab 1000 has been lifted away from base tab 1002, thereby exposing the outer edge 1006 of the base tab 1002 for access by a user.
  • this configuration further increases the difficulty of grasping the base tab and pulling it away from the lid tab 1000.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble couvercle de récipient et base comprenant un bord périphérique de couvercle qui bloque l'accès au bord périphérique de base. Une languette de couvercle fixée au bord périphérique du couvercle par une ligne cassante bloque en outre l'accès à une languette de base sous-jacente, rendant le récipient difficile à ouvrir sans séparer la ligne cassante et soulever la languette de couvercle à l'opposé de la languette de base. Dans des modes de réalisation, après que le couvercle est à nouveau fixé à la base, un enfoncement ou une saillie de charnière, ou un bouton de tension séparé, empêche la languette de couvercle de revenir à une relation adjacente avec la languette de base, fournissant ainsi une indication claire de l'ouverture et/ou de l'altération précédentes. Des nervures de renforcement le long d'un joint périphérique peuvent fournir un support contre la flexion autour de la périphérie du récipient. Un bord extérieur de la languette de couvercle peut s'étendre vers le bas au-delà du bord extérieur de la languette de base. Le récipient peut comprendre une pluralité de paires de languettes.
PCT/US2019/028274 2018-04-20 2019-04-19 Récipient doté d'un élément cassant WO2019204697A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201862660458P 2018-04-20 2018-04-20
US62/660,458 2018-04-20

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WO2019204697A1 true WO2019204697A1 (fr) 2019-10-24

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115667084A (zh) * 2020-05-20 2023-01-31 安佳包装有限责任公司 显窃启的塑料食品容器
US20230219716A1 (en) * 2018-05-28 2023-07-13 Roquette Freres Packaging comprising a plastic container with constant stacking pitch

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5046659A (en) * 1990-11-13 1991-09-10 Mobil Oil Corporation Latching structure for food container
US20100243654A1 (en) * 2002-03-11 2010-09-30 Jokey Plastik Gummersbach Gmbh Container with a cover indicating previous opening
US20120061412A1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2012-03-15 Terry Vovan Versatile Tamper-Evident Food Container
EP3190061A1 (fr) * 2016-01-08 2017-07-12 M.P.G. Manifattura Plastica S.p.A. Couvercle de récipient
US20180093800A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 Lindar Corporation Tamper evident container

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5046659A (en) * 1990-11-13 1991-09-10 Mobil Oil Corporation Latching structure for food container
US5046659B1 (fr) * 1990-11-13 1994-02-22 Mobil Oil Corporation
US20100243654A1 (en) * 2002-03-11 2010-09-30 Jokey Plastik Gummersbach Gmbh Container with a cover indicating previous opening
US20120061412A1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2012-03-15 Terry Vovan Versatile Tamper-Evident Food Container
EP3190061A1 (fr) * 2016-01-08 2017-07-12 M.P.G. Manifattura Plastica S.p.A. Couvercle de récipient
US20180093800A1 (en) * 2016-09-30 2018-04-05 Lindar Corporation Tamper evident container

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230219716A1 (en) * 2018-05-28 2023-07-13 Roquette Freres Packaging comprising a plastic container with constant stacking pitch
CN115667084A (zh) * 2020-05-20 2023-01-31 安佳包装有限责任公司 显窃启的塑料食品容器

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