US20100102074A1 - Tamper evident container with frangible hinge - Google Patents

Tamper evident container with frangible hinge Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100102074A1
US20100102074A1 US12/606,770 US60677009A US2010102074A1 US 20100102074 A1 US20100102074 A1 US 20100102074A1 US 60677009 A US60677009 A US 60677009A US 2010102074 A1 US2010102074 A1 US 2010102074A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
lid
base
container
hinge panel
peripheral portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/606,770
Inventor
Samir R. Parikh
Sajith Chenat
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Par Pak Ltd
Original Assignee
Par Pak Ltd
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 Par Pak Ltd filed Critical Par Pak Ltd
Priority to US12/606,770 priority Critical patent/US20100102074A1/en
Assigned to Par-Pak Ltd. reassignment Par-Pak Ltd. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHENAT, SAJITH, MR., PARIKH, SAMIR R., MR.
Publication of US20100102074A1 publication Critical patent/US20100102074A1/en
Assigned to POLARPAK INC. reassignment POLARPAK INC. AMALGAMATION OF POLARPAK INC. AND PAR-PAK LTD. INTO POLARPAK INC. Assignors: Par-Pak Ltd.
Priority to US14/093,006 priority patent/US9493277B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D41/00Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
    • B65D41/32Caps or cap-like covers with lines of weakness, tearing-strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices, e.g. to facilitate formation of pouring openings
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D43/00Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0235Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0237Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element
    • B65D43/0254Removable lids or covers with integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections before removal of the tamper element only on the inside, or a part turned to the inside, of the mouth of the container
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D43/00Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B65D43/162Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D43/00Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/14Non-removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/16Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement
    • B65D43/163Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately
    • B65D43/164Non-removable lids or covers hinged for upward or downward movement the container and the lid being made separately and connected by interfitting hinge elements integrally with the container and the lid formed respectively
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00101Shape of the outer periphery curved square-like or rectangular-like
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00222Hollow and made of one piece
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00259Materials used
    • B65D2543/00296Plastic
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00342Central part of the lid
    • B65D2543/00351Dome-like
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049Contact 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
    • B65D2543/00509Cup
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00611Profiles
    • B65D2543/0062Groove or hollow bead
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00601Snapping means on the container
    • B65D2543/00675Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00685Totality
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00722Profiles
    • B65D2543/00731Groove or hollow bead
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00592Snapping means
    • B65D2543/00712Snapping means on the lid
    • B65D2543/00787Periphery concerned
    • B65D2543/00796Totality
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D2543/00Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00824Means for facilitating removing of the closure
    • B65D2543/00833Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar
    • B65D2543/00842Integral tabs, tongues, handles or similar outside of the lid

Definitions

  • the specification relates to containers. More specifically, the specification relates to containers that are configured to provide a visual indication that the container has been previously opened.
  • Containers are used to store many types of items, such as foodstuffs, medicine, or numerous other types of materials.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,680 discloses a tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident features which includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, a hinge joining the outwardly extending peripheral flange with the base portion and an engagement mechanism for maintaining the peripheral flange adjacent to the upper peripheral edge when the container is closed.
  • the upper peripheral edge includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion that is configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed.
  • the hinge includes a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, for facilitating the disengagement of the engagement mechanism and removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.
  • United States Patent Application Publication 2006/0289549 discloses a food container formed from plastic and can be loaded with food and then closed by a clerk, and thereafter cannot be opened without tearing apart first sides of the base and lid.
  • the container is formed by a single sheet of plastic that forms a base and lid with second sides that are latched together and with adjacent first sides that are joined by a joint line in the plastic that is creased and that has slits.
  • the lid has a projecting lid tab and the base has a projecting base tab. A person grasps both tabs, and lifts only the lid tab to tear apart the first sides of the base and lid along the joint line. Thereafter, the lid can be easily closed and reopened on the base.
  • a container comprising a base having a base peripheral portion.
  • the container further comprises a lid having a lid peripheral portion.
  • the lid peripheral portion is mountable to the base peripheral portion to mount the lid to the base.
  • a hinge member pivotably joins the base to the lid.
  • the hinge member includes a base hinge panel joined to the base peripheral portion, and a lid hinge panel joined to the lid peripheral portion.
  • the base and lid hinge panels are pivotally joined together at a pivot region.
  • One of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel has a line of weakness extending at least partially thereacross. At least a portion of the line of weakness is spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region.
  • the one of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel is separable along the line of weakness into a grasping portion connected to one of the base and the lid, and a flap portion connected to the pivot region.
  • the lid hinge panel has the line of weakness extending at least partially thereacross, and the lid hinge panel is separable along the line of weakness into the grasping portion connected to the lid, and the flap portion connected to the pivot region.
  • the lid hinge panel seats on at least a portion of the base hinge panel.
  • the pivot region comprises a plurality of non-frangible pivot edges, including a lid pivot edge and a base pivot edge that are each spaced laterally apart from the respective lid and base, and which pivot edges are connected along a line about which the lid can pivot relative to the base.
  • the base and lid hinge panels have respective inner surfaces facing each other when the container is closed, and at least a portion of the inner surfaces are spaced apart to form a gap therebetween.
  • the line of weakness can overlie the gap.
  • the lid hinge panel can be separable into the grasping portion and the flap portion by displacement of at least a portion of the flap portion downwardly into the gap.
  • the base hinge panel can comprise a downwardly extending recess (or hollow) defining the gap.
  • the line of weakness defines a plurality of curves, and when the one of the lid hinge panel and the base hinge panel is separated into the grasping portion and the flap portion, the plurality of curves provide a plurality of grasping protrusions along the grasping portion.
  • the curves present an edge surface that can be gripped by a user, by inserting a finger into the gap underneath the curved edge, and urging the curved edge upward to separate the lid from the base.
  • the pivot region is biased to pivot the flap portion away from the grasping portion when the one of the lid hinge panel and the base hinge panel is separated into the grasping portion and the flap portion.
  • the lid peripheral portion defines a lid peripheral edge, and the lid peripheral edge is generally in accessible to a user when the lid is mounted to the base.
  • the base comprises a bottom panel, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom panel, and the base peripheral portion extends from the at least one sidewall.
  • the lid can comprise a covering portion and the lid peripheral portion can extend from the covering portion.
  • the base peripheral portion comprises at least one engagement surface extending from an upper portion of the at least one side wall to define an inwardly open recess.
  • a seating surface may be positioned above the recess, and a barrier wall may extend upwardly from an outer portion of the seating surface and extendi from a first position to a second position spaced perimetrically from the first position.
  • the base hinge panel may be provided between the first position and the second position and may be joined to and extend outwardly from the seating surface.
  • the lid peripheral portion may comprise a projection receivable in the recess, and a flange positioned above and outwardly of the projection.
  • the flange may be seatable on the seating surface, and may have a first portion having an outer edge in perimetrical registration with the barrier wall and a second portion extending between the first position and the second position when the projection is received in the recess.
  • the lid hinge panel may be provided between the first position and the second position and extends outwardly from the second portion.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective illustration of an example of a container, wherein the container is in an open configuration
  • FIG. 1B is an enlarged perspective illustration of the hinge member shown in FIG. 1A ;
  • FIG. 1C is a cross-section taken along line 1 C- 1 C in FIG. 1A ;
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective illustration of the container of FIG. 1A , wherein the container is in a closed and locked configuration;
  • FIG. 2B is a cross-section taken along line 2 B- 2 B in FIG. 2A ;
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective illustration of the container of FIG. 1A , wherein the container is in the process of being unlocked;
  • FIG. 3B is a cross-section taken along line 3 B- 3 B in FIG. 3A ;
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective illustration of the container of FIG. 1A , wherein the container is closed and unlocked;
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-section taken along line 4 B- 4 B in FIG. 4A ;
  • FIGS. 1A-4B an example of a container 100 is shown.
  • the container 100 has an initial configuration, shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C , in which it is generally open and may be filled.
  • the container 100 may be provided to a food preparation site in the initial configuration, such that it may be filled with food.
  • the container 100 further has a second configuration, shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , in which it is closed and locked. For example, after the container is filled at the food preparation site, it may be closed and locked, and provided to a distributor and/or seller in this configuration.
  • the container 100 further has a third configuration, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , in which it is closed and unlocked.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B show the container in the process of being unlocked.
  • the container 100 is generally configured such that after it has been unlocked for the first time, it provides visual evidence that it has been previously unlocked. Accordingly, the container 100 may be substantially tamper-resistant, tamper-evident, and/or tamper-proof. Further the container 100 is generally re-closeable, but not re-lockable, such that a user may re-close the container 100 as desired after it has been opened for the first time.
  • the container 100 comprises a base 102 and a lid 104 .
  • the base 102 generally defines a receptacle, which may receive various items to be stored in the container 100 .
  • the lid 104 generally serves to cover the base 102 .
  • the base has a base peripheral portion 116
  • the lid has a lid peripheral portion 118 .
  • the lid peripheral portion 118 is mountable to the base peripheral portion 116 to mount the lid 104 to the base 102 .
  • the base 102 comprises a bottom panel 106 , and a plurality of sidewalls 108 extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom panel 106 .
  • the base 102 is generally square, and comprises four sidewalls 108 a - 108 d extending upwardly from the bottom panel 106 .
  • the base may be another shape, and may comprise another number of sidewalls.
  • the bottom panel 106 may be generally circular, and a single rounded sidewall may extend upwardly therefrom.
  • the bottom panel and sidewalls may be substantially integral with each other, with out a clear delineation therebetween.
  • the base 102 may be generally hemi-spherical.
  • the peripheral portion 116 of the base, to which the peripheral portion of the lid 118 is mounted, extends from the upper portion of the sidewalls 108 .
  • the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102 defines a peripheral edge 121 of the base.
  • the lid 104 comprises a covering portion 110 , which generally serves to cover the receptacle 102 .
  • the covering portion 110 includes an upper panel 112 , and a skirt 114 extending downwardly from the upper panel 112 .
  • the lid 104 may comprise only the upper panel, and a skirt may not be provided.
  • the peripheral portion 118 of the lid 104 which mounts to the peripheral portion 116 of the base, extends outwardly from the skirt 114 .
  • the peripheral portion 118 of the lid 104 defines a peripheral edge 119 of the lid.
  • the container 100 is generally configured such that after it has been unlocked for the first time, it provides visual evidence that it has been previously unlocked. Accordingly, if an unauthorized user unlocks and opens the container, for example to tamper with the contents, and then closes the container, the container may not be relocked (i.e. cannot be returned to its original pre-opened state), and will provide visual evidence to the next user that the container has been previously unlocked.
  • a hinge member 120 is provided, which pivotably joins the base 102 to the lid 104 .
  • the container 100 is generally configured such that after the lid 104 is mounted to the base 102 for the first time as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B (i.e.
  • the lid 104 can generally not be removed from the base 102 without separating the hinge member 120 into two portions, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B . That is, when the lid 104 is mounted to the base 104 , the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 104 is concealed, as will be described further hereinbelow. Accordingly, a user may not grasp the peripheral edge 119 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102 . However, when the hinge member 120 is separated (i.e. when the container is unlocked), a grasping portion 122 of the hinge member 120 becomes accessible to a user, and the user may grasp the grasping portion 120 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102 . The separation of the hinge member 120 generates the visual evidence that the lid 104 has been removed.
  • the container may be configured such that when the lid 104 is mounted to the base 104 , the peripheral edge 121 of the base 102 is concealed, such that a user may not grasp the peripheral edge 121 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102 .
  • the hinge member 120 comprises a base hinge panel 124 a joined to the base peripheral portion 116 , and a lid hinge panel 124 b joined to the lid peripheral portion 118 .
  • the hinge panels 124 a, 124 b are pivotally joined together, to allow the lid 104 to pivot with respect to the base 102 .
  • each panel 124 a, 124 b may be of a variety of shapes.
  • each panel 124 a, 124 b has an inner surface 125 a, 125 b, and an outer surface, 127 a, 127 b.
  • each panel 124 a, 124 b is generally rectangular, and has, respectively, an inner edge 126 a, 126 b, first 128 a, 128 b, and second 130 a, 130 b opposed side edges, and an outer edge, 132 a, 132 b (shown in FIG. 1C ).
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b is joined to the lid peripheral portion 118 along its inner edge 126 b.
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b extends outwardly of the lid peripheral portion 118 .
  • the base hinge panel 124 a is joined to the base peripheral portion 116 along its inner edge 126 a, and along a portion of the first 128 a and second 130 a side edges. Accordingly, the base hinge panel 124 a extends partially outwardly of the base peripheral portion 116 .
  • the base hinge panel 124 a and the lid hinge panel 124 b are generally in vertical registration. That is, when the container 100 is in the closed and locked configuration, the lid hinge panel 124 b seats above the base hinge panel 124 a, and the inner surfaces 125 a, 125 b generally face each other and bear against each other.
  • each panel 124 a, 124 b comprises a tab portion 134 a, 134 b extending outwardly therefrom. That is, the outer edge 132 a, 132 b of each panel defines a plurality of edges: a first 136 a, 136 b lateral edge extending inwardly from the first 128 a, 128 b side edge, a second 138 a, 138 b lateral edge extending inwardly from second 130 a, 130 b side edge, a first 140 a, 140 b protruding edge extending outwardly from the first 136 a, 136 b lateral edge, a second protruding edge 142 a, 142 b extending outwardly from the second 138 a, 138 b lateral edge, and a central edge 144 a, 144 b extending between the first 140 , 14 b, and second 142 a, 142 b protruding edges, respectively (shown in FIG.
  • the panels 124 a, 124 b may be otherwise shaped, and may not extend outwardly or partially outwardly of the base peripheral portion 116 and lid peripheral portion 188 , respectively.
  • one or both of the panels 124 a, 124 b may be joined to the base peripheral portion 116 and lid peripheral portion 118 , respectively, along the inner edges 126 a, 126 b, and along the entirety of the side edges 128 a, 128 b, 130 a, 130 b.
  • one or both of the panels 124 a, 124 b may seat inwardly of the base peripheral portion 116 and lid peripheral portion 118 , respectively.
  • the hinge panels 124 a, 124 b are pivotally joined together, to allow the lid 104 to pivot with respect to the base 102 .
  • the lid hinge panel 124 a and the base hinge panel 124 b are joined together at a pivot region 146 .
  • the pivot region 146 comprises a plurality of surfaces 148 a - 148 k (shown in FIGS. 1 C and 2 B- 4 B), provided between the outer edge 132 a of the base hinge panel 124 a and the outer edge 132 b of the lid hinge panel 124 b.
  • the surfaces are joined together along a plurality of pivot edges 150 a - 150 j (shown in FIG. 1 C), which are generally weakened, although generally not frangible, such that the pivot region 146 may be bent along these edges 150 a - 150 j to pivot the lid 104 away from the base 102 when the container 100 is unlocked.
  • the pivot region 146 extends only partially along the outer edges 132 a, 132 b of the panels 124 a, 124 b. That is, the pivot region extends along the central edge 144 a, 144 b of each panel 124 a, 124 b.
  • the pivot region 146 may extend along the entirety of the outer edges 132 a, 132 b.
  • one of the base hinge panel 124 a and the lid hinge panel 124 b has a line of weakness 152 extending at least partially thereacross.
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b has the line of weakness 152 .
  • the line of weakness 152 extends only partially across the lid hinge panel 124 b.
  • the line of weakness 152 has a first portion 154 extending inwardly from the junction of the first lateral edge 136 b and the first protruding edge 140 b, a second portion 156 extending laterally across the panel 124 b, and a third portion 158 extending outwardly towards the junction of the second lateral edge 138 b and the second protruding edge 142 b.
  • the line of weakness may extend in another manner.
  • the line of weakness 152 may comprise only a single portion extending entirely across the panel 124 b, from the first side edge 128 b to the second side edge 130 b.
  • the base hinge panel 124 a may comprise the line of weakness.
  • the line of weakness 152 is spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region 146 .
  • ‘inwardly’ refers to a direction towards a central portion of the container.
  • each of the first 154 , second 156 , and third 158 portions of the line of weakness 152 are spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region 146 . That is, the first 140 b and second 142 b protruding edges are positioned between second 156 and third 158 portions of the line of weakness 152 and the pivot region 146 , respectively.
  • only one or only some portions of the line of weakness 152 may be spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region 146 .
  • the risk of accidental separation of the lid hinge panel 124 b along the line of weakness, for example during shipping, may be prevented, minimized, or reduced.
  • each portion of the line of weakness 152 is spaced from the pivot region 146 may vary.
  • the first 154 and third 158 portions of the line of weakness are spaced from the pivot region by about 0.5 cm
  • the second 156 portion of the line of weakness 152 is spaced from the pivot region by about 1 cm.
  • any of the portions may be spaced from the line of weakness by another amount, for example between about 0.1 cm and 2 cm.
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b is separable along the line of weakness 152 . That is, the line of weakness 152 generally defines a frangible portion of the lid hinge panel 124 b, which may be broken or torn.
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b is separable along the line of weakness 152 into a grasping portion 122 connected to the lid 104 , and a flap portion 160 connected to the pivot region 146 .
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b has been separated along the line of weakness 152 , the user may grasp the grasping portion 122 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102 . That is, in order to unlock the container 100 , the user may separate the lid hinge panel 124 b along the line of weakness 152 .
  • the separation of the lid hinge panel 124 b provides visual evidence that the container 100 has been previously opened.
  • the user may separate the lid hinge panel 124 b in a variety of ways.
  • at least a portion of the inner surface 125 a of the base hinge panel 124 a and at least a portion of the inner surface 125 b of the lid hinge panel 124 b are spaced apart to form a gap 162 therebetween, and at least a portion of the line of weakness 152 overlies the gap 162 .
  • the base hinge panel 124 a may comprise a downwardly extending recess 164 , which defines the gap 162 .
  • the second portion 156 of the line of weakness 152 overlies the gap.
  • a user may displace at least a portion of either the flap portion 160 or the grasping portion 122 downwardly into the gap, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B .
  • a user may apply pressure to the flap portion 160 to displace at least a portion of the flap portion into the gap 162 .
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b may break or sever at the line of weakness 152 .
  • the user may grasp the grasping portion to lift the lid 104 off of the base 102 .
  • the user may release the flap portion, and allow it to automatically pivot away from the grasping portion, as will be described further hereinbelow, and then grasp the grasping portion 122 to lift the lid 104 off of the base 102 .
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b may be separated in other ways.
  • a pull-tab may be provided on the flap 160 , which the user may grasp in order to pull the flap 160 upwardly and sever the lid hinge panel 124 b at the line of weakness.
  • the second portion 156 of the line of weakness 152 defines a plurality of curves.
  • the plurality of curves provide a plurality of grasping protrusions 167 along the grasping portion 122 (shown in FIG. 4A ).
  • the grasping protrusions 167 may aid a user in grasping the grasping portion 122 .
  • the line of weakness may not comprise any curves.
  • the second portion 156 may extend in a substantially straight manner.
  • the separation of the lid hinge panel 124 b provides visual evidence that the container 100 has been previously opened.
  • the hinge member 120 is configured such that the pivot portion 146 is biased to pivot the flap portion 160 away from the grasping portion 122 when the lid hinge panel 124 b has been separated into the grasping portion 122 and the flap portion 160 . That is, referring to FIG. 1C , the pivot surfaces 148 a - 148 k are configured such that in the absence of external forces, for example when the container is in the open configuration, the pivot surfaces 148 a - 148 k extend from each other at approximate right angles.
  • the pivot surfaces 148 a - 148 k are compressed towards each other, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 3B , and extend from each other at acute angles.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B when the lid hinge panel 124 b is separated along the line of weakness and the user releases the flap portion 160 , the pivot surfaces 148 a - 148 k, flex back to their original configuration, wherein they extend from each other at approximate right angles. This causes the flap portion 160 to pivot away from grasping portion 122 . The flap portion 160 therefore protrudes from the container 100 , and his provides an additional visual indication to the user that the container has previously been unlocked.
  • the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 104 is concealed. Accordingly, a user may not grasp the peripheral edge 119 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102 , and generally must separate the lid hinge panel 124 b in order to grasp the grasping portion 122 and lift the lid off of the receptacle.
  • the peripheral edge 19 of the lid may be concealed in a variety of ways, and the lid may be mounted to the receptacle in a variety of ways.
  • the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102 comprises at least one engagement surface 166 defining an inwardly open recess 168 .
  • the lid peripheral portion 118 comprises a projection 170 .
  • the projection 170 is snapably receivable in recess 168 , such that the lid 104 may be securely mounted to the receptacle 102 .
  • projection 170 and recess 168 may prevent lid 104 from falling off of receptacle 102 .
  • the inwardly open recess is defined by a first engagement surface 166 a extending outwardly from the upper portion of the sidewalls 108 , a second engagement surface 166 b extending upwardly from the first surface 166 a, and a third engagement 166 c surface extending inwardly and upwardly from the second surface 166 b.
  • the recess 168 is inwardly and upwardly open.
  • the recess 168 may otherwise configured.
  • the at least one engagement surface 166 may comprise a single rounded surface extending sequentially outwardly, upwardly, and inwardly from the upper portion of the at least one sidewall 108 .
  • the recess may be only inwardly open.
  • recess 168 extends around the entire periphery of the base 102 , and extends outwardly from the skirt 114 .
  • recess 168 may extend around only a portion of the periphery of the base 102 .
  • a plurality of recess portions may be provided, which may be located at various positions around the periphery of the base 102 .
  • the projection 170 is defined by a first outwardly extending surface 172 a, a second upwardly extending surface 172 b, and a third inwardly and upwardly extending surface 172 c.
  • projection 170 may be otherwise shaped, in order to mate with recess 168 .
  • recess 168 is rounded, projection 170 may also be rounded.
  • recess 168 extends around only a portion of the periphery of the base 102
  • projection 170 may extend around a corresponding portion of the lid 104 .
  • the base peripheral portion 118 further comprises a seating surface 174 positioned above the recess 168 .
  • the lid 104 comprises a flange 178 positioned outwardly of projection 170 .
  • Flange 178 has an outer edge, which defines the peripheral edge 119 of lid 102 .
  • Flange 178 is generally configured to seat on the seating surface 174 when the projection 170 is received in the recess 168 , or when the lid 14 is otherwise secured to the receptacle 12 .
  • the seating surface 174 is positioned indirectly above the recess 168 . That is, in the example shown, an intermediate surface 176 is positioned between recess 168 and seating surface 174 . In alternate examples, seating surface 174 may be positioned directly above recess 168 and extend directly from surface 166 .
  • seating surface 174 is positioned outwardly of recess 168 .
  • seating surface 174 and recess 168 may at least partially overlap.
  • flange 74 and projection 70 may at least partially overlap.
  • Seating surface 174 may be of a variety of configurations.
  • seating surface 174 comprises a generally planar surface defining a flange extending about the peripheral portion 116 of the base.
  • seating surface 174 may extend around only a portion of the receptacle or a plurality of seating surface portions may be provided, which may extend from various positions around the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102 .
  • Flange 178 may be of a variety of configurations.
  • the flange 178 comprises a generally flat outwardly extending surface which extends about the entire peripheral portion 116 of the lid 104 .
  • flange 178 may be otherwise configured.
  • flange 178 may extend about only a portion of the peripheral portion of the lid 104 , or a plurality of flange portions may be provided.
  • a barrier wall 180 is provided on the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102 , which extends upwardly from an outer portion of the seating surface 174 .
  • the barrier wall 180 extends about a portion of the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102 , from a first position 182 to a second position 184 .
  • the first position 182 and the second position 184 are spaced perimetrically apart, such that a gap region 186 is positioned therebetween.
  • the base hinge panel 124 a is provided between the first position 182 and the second position 184 , and extends outwardly from the seating surface 174 .
  • a first portion 188 of the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 102 is in perimetrical registration with the barrier wall 180 . Accordingly, the user may generally not access or grasp the first portion 188 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102 .
  • a second portion 190 of the peripheral edge 119 (i.e. the remainder of the peripheral edge 119 ) is at the gap region 186 , and extends between the first position 182 and the second position 184 .
  • the lid hinge panel 124 b extends outwardly from the second portion, and is provided between the first position 182 and the second position 184 . Accordingly, the user may generally not access or grasp the second portion 190 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102 .
  • the barrier wall 180 extends generally perpendicularly from the outer portion of the seating surface 174 . Accordingly, when the base 102 is viewed from above, along an axis extending perpendicularly to the seating surface 174 , the outer portion of the seating surface 174 is visible. In other examples, the barrier wall 180 may be at an angle ⁇ of less than 90° with respect to the outer portion of the seating surface 174 .
  • the barrier wall 180 is three-dimensional, having an inner wall portion 192 , an outer wall portion 194 , and a top wall portion 198 extending therebetween.
  • the barrier wall may comprise, for example, only inner wall portion 192 .
  • base peripheral portion 116 further comprises a lip 198 extending outwardly from the barrier wall 180 . The lip extends about the base peripheral portion 118 from the first position 182 to the second position 184 , and is integrally joined with the base hinge panel 124 a.
  • the container 100 may be provided in the open configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C . That is, the lid 104 may be pivotally mounted to base 102 by hinge member 120 . The container 100 may then be filled, for example with food. The container may then be closed and locked, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B . That is, lid 104 may be pivoted downwardly and force may be applied to mount the lid peripheral portion 118 to the base peripheral portion 116 . For example, force may be applied to snap projection 170 into recess 168 . In this closed and locked configuration, the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 104 is concealed.
  • a first portion 188 of the peripheral edge 119 is in perimetrical registration with the barrier wall, and therefore cannot be grasped
  • a second portion 190 of the peripheral edge 119 is concealed by the lid hinge panel 124 b, which extends integrally outwardly therefrom, and therefore cannot be grasped.
  • the container 100 may be shipped, stored, and sold in the closed and locked configuration. When a user purchases the container, the container may be inspected to see if it has been previously opened, for example to see if it has been tampered with. That is, the user may inspect the hinge member 120 to see if the lid hinge panel 124 b has been separated along the line of weakness 152 .
  • the container 100 may be purchased.
  • the user may separate the lid hinge panel 124 b along the line of weakness.
  • the user may apply pressure to the flap portion 160 to displace the flap portion 160 into gap 162 and sever the lid hinge panel 124 b along the line of weakness, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B .
  • the user may then release the flap portion 160 , and the flap portion 160 may automatically pivot away from the grasping portion 122 , as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B .
  • the user may then grasp the grasping portion 122 to lift the lid 104 off of the base 102 .
  • the user may place lid 104 back onto the base 102 , and apply pressure to snap the projection 170 into the recess 168 .
  • the container 100 may comprise instructions provided on the container for aiding the user in operating the container.
  • the container 100 comprises lettering 199 embossed on the hinge member, instructing a user how to operate the container 100 .

Abstract

A container includes a base having a base peripheral portion and a lid having a lid peripheral portion. The lid peripheral portion is mountable to the base peripheral portion to mount the lid to the base for closing the container. A frangible hinge member pivotably joins the base to the lid. The hinge member includes a base hinge panel joined to the base peripheral portion, and a lid hinge panel joined to the lid peripheral portion. The base and lid hinge panels are pivotally joined together at a pivot region. One of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel has a line of weakness extending at least partially thereacross. At least a portion of the line of weakness is spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region. The one of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel is separable along the line of weakness into a grasping portion connected to one of the base and the lid, and a flap portion connected to the pivot region.

Description

  • This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/108,968, filed Oct. 28, 2008, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIELD
  • The specification relates to containers. More specifically, the specification relates to containers that are configured to provide a visual indication that the container has been previously opened.
  • INTRODUCTION
  • The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art.
  • Containers are used to store many types of items, such as foodstuffs, medicine, or numerous other types of materials.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,680 (Boback et al.) discloses a tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident features which includes a cover portion defining a outwardly extending peripheral flange, a base portion defining an upper peripheral edge, a hinge joining the outwardly extending peripheral flange with the base portion and an engagement mechanism for maintaining the peripheral flange adjacent to the upper peripheral edge when the container is closed. The upper peripheral edge includes an upwardly projecting bead extending substantially about the perimeter of the base portion that is configured to render the outwardly extending flange of the cover portion relatively inaccessible when the container is closed. The hinge includes a frangible section, which upon severing, provides a projection that extends out beyond the upwardly projecting bead of the upper peripheral edge of the base portion, for facilitating the disengagement of the engagement mechanism and removal of the cover portion from the base portion to open the container.
  • United States Patent Application Publication 2006/0289549 (Vovan) discloses a food container formed from plastic and can be loaded with food and then closed by a clerk, and thereafter cannot be opened without tearing apart first sides of the base and lid. The container is formed by a single sheet of plastic that forms a base and lid with second sides that are latched together and with adjacent first sides that are joined by a joint line in the plastic that is creased and that has slits. At the joint line, the lid has a projecting lid tab and the base has a projecting base tab. A person grasps both tabs, and lifts only the lid tab to tear apart the first sides of the base and lid along the joint line. Thereafter, the lid can be easily closed and reopened on the base.
  • SUMMARY
  • The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to limit or define the claims.
  • According to one broad aspect, a container is provided. The container comprises a base having a base peripheral portion. The container further comprises a lid having a lid peripheral portion. The lid peripheral portion is mountable to the base peripheral portion to mount the lid to the base. A hinge member pivotably joins the base to the lid. The hinge member includes a base hinge panel joined to the base peripheral portion, and a lid hinge panel joined to the lid peripheral portion. The base and lid hinge panels are pivotally joined together at a pivot region. One of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel has a line of weakness extending at least partially thereacross. At least a portion of the line of weakness is spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region. The one of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel is separable along the line of weakness into a grasping portion connected to one of the base and the lid, and a flap portion connected to the pivot region.
  • In some examples, the lid hinge panel has the line of weakness extending at least partially thereacross, and the lid hinge panel is separable along the line of weakness into the grasping portion connected to the lid, and the flap portion connected to the pivot region.
  • In some examples, the lid hinge panel seats on at least a portion of the base hinge panel.
  • In some examples, the pivot region comprises a plurality of non-frangible pivot edges, including a lid pivot edge and a base pivot edge that are each spaced laterally apart from the respective lid and base, and which pivot edges are connected along a line about which the lid can pivot relative to the base.
  • In some examples, the base and lid hinge panels have respective inner surfaces facing each other when the container is closed, and at least a portion of the inner surfaces are spaced apart to form a gap therebetween. The line of weakness can overlie the gap. The lid hinge panel can be separable into the grasping portion and the flap portion by displacement of at least a portion of the flap portion downwardly into the gap. The base hinge panel can comprise a downwardly extending recess (or hollow) defining the gap.
  • In some examples, the line of weakness defines a plurality of curves, and when the one of the lid hinge panel and the base hinge panel is separated into the grasping portion and the flap portion, the plurality of curves provide a plurality of grasping protrusions along the grasping portion. The curves present an edge surface that can be gripped by a user, by inserting a finger into the gap underneath the curved edge, and urging the curved edge upward to separate the lid from the base.
  • In some examples, the pivot region is biased to pivot the flap portion away from the grasping portion when the one of the lid hinge panel and the base hinge panel is separated into the grasping portion and the flap portion.
  • In some examples, the lid peripheral portion defines a lid peripheral edge, and the lid peripheral edge is generally in accessible to a user when the lid is mounted to the base.
  • In some examples, the base comprises a bottom panel, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom panel, and the base peripheral portion extends from the at least one sidewall. Further, the lid can comprise a covering portion and the lid peripheral portion can extend from the covering portion.
  • In some examples, the base peripheral portion comprises at least one engagement surface extending from an upper portion of the at least one side wall to define an inwardly open recess. A seating surface may be positioned above the recess, and a barrier wall may extend upwardly from an outer portion of the seating surface and extendi from a first position to a second position spaced perimetrically from the first position. The base hinge panel may be provided between the first position and the second position and may be joined to and extend outwardly from the seating surface. The lid peripheral portion may comprise a projection receivable in the recess, and a flange positioned above and outwardly of the projection. The flange may be seatable on the seating surface, and may have a first portion having an outer edge in perimetrical registration with the barrier wall and a second portion extending between the first position and the second position when the projection is received in the recess. The lid hinge panel may be provided between the first position and the second position and extends outwardly from the second portion.
  • Other aspects and features of the present specification will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of the specific examples of the specification.
  • DRAWINGS
  • The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In the drawings:
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective illustration of an example of a container, wherein the container is in an open configuration;
  • FIG. 1B is an enlarged perspective illustration of the hinge member shown in FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 1C is a cross-section taken along line 1C-1C in FIG. 1A;
  • FIG. 2A is a perspective illustration of the container of FIG. 1A, wherein the container is in a closed and locked configuration;
  • FIG. 2B is a cross-section taken along line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective illustration of the container of FIG. 1A, wherein the container is in the process of being unlocked;
  • FIG. 3B is a cross-section taken along line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A;
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective illustration of the container of FIG. 1A, wherein the container is closed and unlocked;
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-section taken along line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A;
  • DESCRIPTION
  • Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
  • Referring to FIGS. 1A-4B, an example of a container 100 is shown. The container 100 has an initial configuration, shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, in which it is generally open and may be filled. The container 100 may be provided to a food preparation site in the initial configuration, such that it may be filled with food. The container 100 further has a second configuration, shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in which it is closed and locked. For example, after the container is filled at the food preparation site, it may be closed and locked, and provided to a distributor and/or seller in this configuration. The container 100 further has a third configuration, shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in which it is closed and unlocked. For example, after an end user such as a consumer purchases the container 100, they may unlock it, such that the container 100 may be then opened and the contents of the container 100 may be accessed. FIGS. 3A and 3B show the container in the process of being unlocked. As will be described further hereinbelow, the container 100 is generally configured such that after it has been unlocked for the first time, it provides visual evidence that it has been previously unlocked. Accordingly, the container 100 may be substantially tamper-resistant, tamper-evident, and/or tamper-proof. Further the container 100 is generally re-closeable, but not re-lockable, such that a user may re-close the container 100 as desired after it has been opened for the first time.
  • In the example shown, the container 100 comprises a base 102 and a lid 104. The base 102 generally defines a receptacle, which may receive various items to be stored in the container 100. The lid 104 generally serves to cover the base 102. Further, the base has a base peripheral portion 116, and the lid has a lid peripheral portion 118. The lid peripheral portion 118 is mountable to the base peripheral portion 116 to mount the lid 104 to the base 102.
  • In the example shown, the base 102 comprises a bottom panel 106, and a plurality of sidewalls 108 extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom panel 106. In the example shown, the base 102 is generally square, and comprises four sidewalls 108 a-108 d extending upwardly from the bottom panel 106. In alternate examples, the base may be another shape, and may comprise another number of sidewalls. For example the bottom panel 106 may be generally circular, and a single rounded sidewall may extend upwardly therefrom. In alternate examples, the bottom panel and sidewalls may be substantially integral with each other, with out a clear delineation therebetween. For example, the base 102 may be generally hemi-spherical. The peripheral portion 116 of the base, to which the peripheral portion of the lid 118 is mounted, extends from the upper portion of the sidewalls 108. The peripheral portion 116 of the base 102 defines a peripheral edge 121 of the base.
  • Further, in the example shown, the lid 104 comprises a covering portion 110, which generally serves to cover the receptacle 102. The covering portion 110 includes an upper panel 112, and a skirt 114 extending downwardly from the upper panel 112. In alternate examples, the lid 104 may comprise only the upper panel, and a skirt may not be provided. The peripheral portion 118 of the lid 104, which mounts to the peripheral portion 116 of the base, extends outwardly from the skirt 114. The peripheral portion 118 of the lid 104 defines a peripheral edge 119 of the lid.
  • The container 100 is generally configured such that after it has been unlocked for the first time, it provides visual evidence that it has been previously unlocked. Accordingly, if an unauthorized user unlocks and opens the container, for example to tamper with the contents, and then closes the container, the container may not be relocked (i.e. cannot be returned to its original pre-opened state), and will provide visual evidence to the next user that the container has been previously unlocked. In the example shown, a hinge member 120 is provided, which pivotably joins the base 102 to the lid 104. The container 100 is generally configured such that after the lid 104 is mounted to the base 102 for the first time as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B (i.e. after the container has been filled and placed in the closed and locked configuration), the lid 104 can generally not be removed from the base 102 without separating the hinge member 120 into two portions, as shown in FIGS. 3A to 4B. That is, when the lid 104 is mounted to the base 104, the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 104 is concealed, as will be described further hereinbelow. Accordingly, a user may not grasp the peripheral edge 119 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102. However, when the hinge member 120 is separated (i.e. when the container is unlocked), a grasping portion 122 of the hinge member 120 becomes accessible to a user, and the user may grasp the grasping portion 120 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102. The separation of the hinge member 120 generates the visual evidence that the lid 104 has been removed.
  • It will be appreciated that in alternate examples, the container may be configured such that when the lid 104 is mounted to the base 104, the peripheral edge 121 of the base 102 is concealed, such that a user may not grasp the peripheral edge 121 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102.
  • Referring to FIGS. 1A-4B, in the example shown, the hinge member 120 comprises a base hinge panel 124 a joined to the base peripheral portion 116, and a lid hinge panel 124 b joined to the lid peripheral portion 118. The hinge panels 124 a, 124 b are pivotally joined together, to allow the lid 104 to pivot with respect to the base 102.
  • The panels 124 a, 124 b may be of a variety of shapes. In the example shown, each panel 124 a, 124 b has an inner surface 125 a, 125 b, and an outer surface, 127 a, 127 b. Further, each panel 124 a, 124 b is generally rectangular, and has, respectively, an inner edge 126 a, 126 b, first 128 a, 128 b, and second 130 a, 130 b opposed side edges, and an outer edge, 132 a, 132 b (shown in FIG. 1C). In the example shown, the lid hinge panel 124 b is joined to the lid peripheral portion 118 along its inner edge 126 b. Accordingly, the lid hinge panel 124 b extends outwardly of the lid peripheral portion 118. Further, in the example shown, the base hinge panel 124 a is joined to the base peripheral portion 116 along its inner edge 126 a, and along a portion of the first 128 a and second 130 a side edges. Accordingly, the base hinge panel 124 a extends partially outwardly of the base peripheral portion 116. When the container 100 is in the closed and locked configuration (i.e. after it has been filled and closed for the first time), the base hinge panel 124 a and the lid hinge panel 124 b are generally in vertical registration. That is, when the container 100 is in the closed and locked configuration, the lid hinge panel 124 b seats above the base hinge panel 124 a, and the inner surfaces 125 a, 125 b generally face each other and bear against each other.
  • In the example shown, each panel 124 a, 124 b, comprises a tab portion 134 a, 134 b extending outwardly therefrom. That is, the outer edge 132 a, 132 b of each panel defines a plurality of edges: a first 136 a, 136 b lateral edge extending inwardly from the first 128 a, 128 b side edge, a second 138 a, 138 b lateral edge extending inwardly from second 130 a, 130 b side edge, a first 140 a, 140 b protruding edge extending outwardly from the first 136 a, 136 b lateral edge, a second protruding edge 142 a, 142 b extending outwardly from the second 138 a, 138 b lateral edge, and a central edge 144 a, 144 b extending between the first 140, 14 b, and second 142 a, 142 b protruding edges, respectively (shown in FIG. 1C).
  • In alternate examples, the panels 124 a, 124 b may be otherwise shaped, and may not extend outwardly or partially outwardly of the base peripheral portion 116 and lid peripheral portion 188, respectively. For example, one or both of the panels 124 a, 124 b may be joined to the base peripheral portion 116 and lid peripheral portion 118, respectively, along the inner edges 126 a, 126 b, and along the entirety of the side edges 128 a, 128 b, 130 a, 130 b. In such an example, one or both of the panels 124 a, 124 b may seat inwardly of the base peripheral portion 116 and lid peripheral portion 118, respectively.
  • As previously mentioned, the hinge panels 124 a, 124 b are pivotally joined together, to allow the lid 104 to pivot with respect to the base 102. In the example shown, the lid hinge panel 124 a and the base hinge panel 124 b are joined together at a pivot region 146. In the example shown, the pivot region 146 comprises a plurality of surfaces 148 a-148 k (shown in FIGS. 1C and 2B-4B), provided between the outer edge 132 a of the base hinge panel 124 a and the outer edge 132 b of the lid hinge panel 124 b. The surfaces are joined together along a plurality of pivot edges 150 a-150 j (shown in FIG. 1C), which are generally weakened, although generally not frangible, such that the pivot region 146 may be bent along these edges 150 a-150 j to pivot the lid 104 away from the base 102 when the container 100 is unlocked.
  • In the example shown, the pivot region 146 extends only partially along the outer edges 132 a, 132 b of the panels 124 a, 124 b. That is, the pivot region extends along the central edge 144 a, 144 b of each panel 124 a, 124 b. However, in alternate examples, for example wherein tab portions 134 a, 134 b are not provided, and the outer edges 132 a, 132 b comprise a single edge extending between the first 128 a, 128 b, and second 130 a, 130 b side edges, respectively, the pivot region 146 may extend along the entirety of the outer edges 132 a, 132 b.
  • Referring to FIGS. 1A-4B, one of the base hinge panel 124 a and the lid hinge panel 124 b has a line of weakness 152 extending at least partially thereacross. In the example shown, the lid hinge panel 124 b has the line of weakness 152. Further, in the example shown, the line of weakness 152 extends only partially across the lid hinge panel 124 b. That is, the line of weakness 152 has a first portion 154 extending inwardly from the junction of the first lateral edge 136 b and the first protruding edge 140 b, a second portion 156 extending laterally across the panel 124 b, and a third portion 158 extending outwardly towards the junction of the second lateral edge 138 b and the second protruding edge 142 b.
  • In alternate examples, the line of weakness may extend in another manner. For example, the line of weakness 152 may comprise only a single portion extending entirely across the panel 124 b, from the first side edge 128 b to the second side edge 130 b. Further, in alternate examples, the base hinge panel 124 a may comprise the line of weakness.
  • Referring to FIGS. 1A-4B, at least a portion of the line of weakness 152 is spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region 146. As used herein ‘inwardly’ refers to a direction towards a central portion of the container. In the example shown, each of the first 154, second 156, and third 158 portions of the line of weakness 152 are spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region 146. That is, the first 140 b and second 142 b protruding edges are positioned between second 156 and third 158 portions of the line of weakness 152 and the pivot region 146, respectively. In alternate examples, only one or only some portions of the line of weakness 152 may be spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region 146. By providing at least a portion of the line of weakness 152 spaced from and inwardly of the pivot region 146, the risk of accidental separation of the lid hinge panel 124 b along the line of weakness, for example during shipping, may be prevented, minimized, or reduced.
  • The amount that each portion of the line of weakness 152 is spaced from the pivot region 146 may vary. In the example shown, the first 154 and third 158 portions of the line of weakness are spaced from the pivot region by about 0.5 cm, and the second 156 portion of the line of weakness 152 is spaced from the pivot region by about 1 cm. In alternate examples, any of the portions may be spaced from the line of weakness by another amount, for example between about 0.1 cm and 2 cm.
  • Referring to FIGS. 3A-4B, the lid hinge panel 124 b is separable along the line of weakness 152. That is, the line of weakness 152 generally defines a frangible portion of the lid hinge panel 124 b, which may be broken or torn. The lid hinge panel 124 b is separable along the line of weakness 152 into a grasping portion 122 connected to the lid 104, and a flap portion 160 connected to the pivot region 146. When the lid hinge panel 124 b has been separated along the line of weakness 152, the user may grasp the grasping portion 122 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102. That is, in order to unlock the container 100, the user may separate the lid hinge panel 124 b along the line of weakness 152. The separation of the lid hinge panel 124 b provides visual evidence that the container 100 has been previously opened.
  • The user may separate the lid hinge panel 124 b in a variety of ways. In some examples, when the container is in the closed and locked configuration, at least a portion of the inner surface 125 a of the base hinge panel 124 a and at least a portion of the inner surface 125 b of the lid hinge panel 124 b are spaced apart to form a gap 162 therebetween, and at least a portion of the line of weakness 152 overlies the gap 162. For example, as shown, the base hinge panel 124 a may comprise a downwardly extending recess 164, which defines the gap 162. Further, in the example shown, the second portion 156 of the line of weakness 152 overlies the gap. In order to separate the lid hinge panel 124 b, a user may displace at least a portion of either the flap portion 160 or the grasping portion 122 downwardly into the gap, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. For example, a user may apply pressure to the flap portion 160 to displace at least a portion of the flap portion into the gap 162. As the flap portion 160 displaces, the lid hinge panel 124 b may break or sever at the line of weakness 152. While the flap 160 is still displaced downwardly, the user may grasp the grasping portion to lift the lid 104 off of the base 102. Alternately, the user may release the flap portion, and allow it to automatically pivot away from the grasping portion, as will be described further hereinbelow, and then grasp the grasping portion 122 to lift the lid 104 off of the base 102.
  • In alternate examples, the lid hinge panel 124 b may be separated in other ways. For example a pull-tab may be provided on the flap 160, which the user may grasp in order to pull the flap 160 upwardly and sever the lid hinge panel 124 b at the line of weakness.
  • In the example shown, the second portion 156 of the line of weakness 152 defines a plurality of curves. When the lid hinge panel 124 b is separated into the grasping portion 122 and the flap portion 160, the plurality of curves provide a plurality of grasping protrusions 167 along the grasping portion 122 (shown in FIG. 4A). The grasping protrusions 167 may aid a user in grasping the grasping portion 122.
  • In alternate examples, the line of weakness may not comprise any curves. For example, the second portion 156 may extend in a substantially straight manner.
  • As mentioned hereinabove, the separation of the lid hinge panel 124 b provides visual evidence that the container 100 has been previously opened. Furthermore, in the example shown, the hinge member 120 is configured such that the pivot portion 146 is biased to pivot the flap portion 160 away from the grasping portion 122 when the lid hinge panel 124 b has been separated into the grasping portion 122 and the flap portion 160. That is, referring to FIG. 1C, the pivot surfaces 148 a-148 k are configured such that in the absence of external forces, for example when the container is in the open configuration, the pivot surfaces 148 a-148 k extend from each other at approximate right angles. However, when the lid is mounted to the receptacle and the container is in the closed and locked configuration, the pivot surfaces 148 a-148 k are compressed towards each other, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 3B, and extend from each other at acute angles. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the lid hinge panel 124 b is separated along the line of weakness and the user releases the flap portion 160, the pivot surfaces 148 a-148 k, flex back to their original configuration, wherein they extend from each other at approximate right angles. This causes the flap portion 160 to pivot away from grasping portion 122. The flap portion 160 therefore protrudes from the container 100, and his provides an additional visual indication to the user that the container has previously been unlocked.
  • As mentioned hereinabove, in the example shown, when the lid 104 is mounted to the base 104, the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 104 is concealed. Accordingly, a user may not grasp the peripheral edge 119 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102, and generally must separate the lid hinge panel 124 b in order to grasp the grasping portion 122 and lift the lid off of the receptacle. The peripheral edge 19 of the lid may be concealed in a variety of ways, and the lid may be mounted to the receptacle in a variety of ways.
  • In the example shown, the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102 comprises at least one engagement surface 166 defining an inwardly open recess 168. Further, in the example shown, the lid peripheral portion 118 comprises a projection 170. The projection 170 is snapably receivable in recess 168, such that the lid 104 may be securely mounted to the receptacle 102. For example, if container 100 is inverted, projection 170 and recess 168 may prevent lid 104 from falling off of receptacle 102.
  • In the example shown, the inwardly open recess is defined by a first engagement surface 166 a extending outwardly from the upper portion of the sidewalls 108, a second engagement surface 166 b extending upwardly from the first surface 166 a, and a third engagement 166 c surface extending inwardly and upwardly from the second surface 166 b. Accordingly, the recess 168 is inwardly and upwardly open. In alternate examples, the recess 168 may otherwise configured. For example, the at least one engagement surface 166 may comprise a single rounded surface extending sequentially outwardly, upwardly, and inwardly from the upper portion of the at least one sidewall 108. Furthermore, the recess may be only inwardly open.
  • In the example shown, recess 168 extends around the entire periphery of the base 102, and extends outwardly from the skirt 114. However, in alternate examples, recess 168 may extend around only a portion of the periphery of the base 102. Furthermore, a plurality of recess portions may be provided, which may be located at various positions around the periphery of the base 102.
  • In the example shown, the projection 170 is defined by a first outwardly extending surface 172 a, a second upwardly extending surface 172 b, and a third inwardly and upwardly extending surface 172 c. In alternate examples, projection 170 may be otherwise shaped, in order to mate with recess 168. For example, if recess 168 is rounded, projection 170 may also be rounded. Furthermore, if recess 168 extends around only a portion of the periphery of the base 102, projection 170 may extend around a corresponding portion of the lid 104.
  • In the example shown, the base peripheral portion 118 further comprises a seating surface 174 positioned above the recess 168. Further, in the example shown, the lid 104 comprises a flange 178 positioned outwardly of projection 170. Flange 178 has an outer edge, which defines the peripheral edge 119 of lid 102. Flange 178 is generally configured to seat on the seating surface 174 when the projection 170 is received in the recess 168, or when the lid 14 is otherwise secured to the receptacle 12.
  • In the example shown, the seating surface 174 is positioned indirectly above the recess 168. That is, in the example shown, an intermediate surface 176 is positioned between recess 168 and seating surface 174. In alternate examples, seating surface 174 may be positioned directly above recess 168 and extend directly from surface 166.
  • In the example shown, seating surface 174 is positioned outwardly of recess 168. However, in some examples, seating surface 174 and recess 168 may at least partially overlap. Further, in some examples, flange 74 and projection 70 may at least partially overlap.
  • Seating surface 174 may be of a variety of configurations. In the example shown, seating surface 174 comprises a generally planar surface defining a flange extending about the peripheral portion 116 of the base. In other examples, seating surface 174 may extend around only a portion of the receptacle or a plurality of seating surface portions may be provided, which may extend from various positions around the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102.
  • Flange 178 may be of a variety of configurations. In the example shown, the flange 178 comprises a generally flat outwardly extending surface which extends about the entire peripheral portion 116 of the lid 104. In other examples, flange 178 may be otherwise configured. For example, flange 178 may extend about only a portion of the peripheral portion of the lid 104, or a plurality of flange portions may be provided.
  • In order to prevent a user from accessing the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 104 when the lid is mounted to the receptacle, a barrier wall 180 is provided on the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102, which extends upwardly from an outer portion of the seating surface 174. The barrier wall 180 extends about a portion of the peripheral portion 116 of the base 102, from a first position 182 to a second position 184. The first position 182 and the second position 184 are spaced perimetrically apart, such that a gap region 186 is positioned therebetween. The base hinge panel 124 a is provided between the first position 182 and the second position 184, and extends outwardly from the seating surface 174.
  • When the lid is mounted to the base, a first portion 188 of the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 102 is in perimetrical registration with the barrier wall 180. Accordingly, the user may generally not access or grasp the first portion 188 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102. A second portion 190 of the peripheral edge 119, (i.e. the remainder of the peripheral edge 119) is at the gap region 186, and extends between the first position 182 and the second position 184. The lid hinge panel 124 b extends outwardly from the second portion, and is provided between the first position 182 and the second position 184. Accordingly, the user may generally not access or grasp the second portion 190 to remove the lid 104 from the base 102.
  • In the example illustrated, the barrier wall 180 extends generally perpendicularly from the outer portion of the seating surface 174. Accordingly, when the base 102 is viewed from above, along an axis extending perpendicularly to the seating surface 174, the outer portion of the seating surface 174 is visible. In other examples, the barrier wall 180 may be at an angle θ of less than 90° with respect to the outer portion of the seating surface 174.
  • In the example shown, the barrier wall 180 is three-dimensional, having an inner wall portion 192, an outer wall portion 194, and a top wall portion 198 extending therebetween. In alternate examples, the barrier wall may comprise, for example, only inner wall portion 192. In the example shown, base peripheral portion 116 further comprises a lip 198 extending outwardly from the barrier wall 180. The lip extends about the base peripheral portion 118 from the first position 182 to the second position 184, and is integrally joined with the base hinge panel 124 a.
  • In use, the container 100 may be provided in the open configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C. That is, the lid 104 may be pivotally mounted to base 102 by hinge member 120. The container 100 may then be filled, for example with food. The container may then be closed and locked, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. That is, lid 104 may be pivoted downwardly and force may be applied to mount the lid peripheral portion 118 to the base peripheral portion 116. For example, force may be applied to snap projection 170 into recess 168. In this closed and locked configuration, the peripheral edge 119 of the lid 104 is concealed. That is, a first portion 188 of the peripheral edge 119 is in perimetrical registration with the barrier wall, and therefore cannot be grasped, and a second portion 190 of the peripheral edge 119 is concealed by the lid hinge panel 124 b, which extends integrally outwardly therefrom, and therefore cannot be grasped. The container 100 may be shipped, stored, and sold in the closed and locked configuration. When a user purchases the container, the container may be inspected to see if it has been previously opened, for example to see if it has been tampered with. That is, the user may inspect the hinge member 120 to see if the lid hinge panel 124 b has been separated along the line of weakness 152. If the lid hinge panel 124 b has not been separated along the line of weakness 152, the container 100 may be purchased. In order to unlock the container 100, the user may separate the lid hinge panel 124 b along the line of weakness. For example, the user may apply pressure to the flap portion 160 to displace the flap portion 160 into gap 162 and sever the lid hinge panel 124 b along the line of weakness, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3B. The user may then release the flap portion 160, and the flap portion 160 may automatically pivot away from the grasping portion 122, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. The user may then grasp the grasping portion 122 to lift the lid 104 off of the base 102. If the user wishes to re-close he container 100, the user may place lid 104 back onto the base 102, and apply pressure to snap the projection 170 into the recess 168.
  • In any of the above examples, the container 100 may comprise instructions provided on the container for aiding the user in operating the container. For example, as shown, the container 100 comprises lettering 199 embossed on the hinge member, instructing a user how to operate the container 100.
  • While the above description provides examples of one or more processes or apparatuses, it will be appreciated that other processes or apparatuses may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims (20)

1. A container comprising:
a) a base having a base peripheral portion defining a base peripheral edge;
b) a lid having a lid peripheral portion defining a lid peripheral edge, the lid peripheral portion mountable to the base peripheral portion to mount the lid to the base, and at least one of the base peripheral edge and lid peripheral edge being generally inaccessible to a user when the lid is mounted to the base to inhibit grasping thereof to separate the lid from the base;
c) a hinge member pivotably joining the base to the lid, the hinge member including:
i) a base hinge panel joined to the base peripheral portion, and a lid hinge panel joined to the lid peripheral portion,
ii) the base and lid hinge panels pivotally joined together at a pivot region;
iii) one of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel having a line of weakness extending at least partially thereacross, at least a portion of the line of weakness being spaced from and positioned inwardly of the pivot region;
iv) the one of the base hinge panel and the lid hinge panel being separable along the line of weakness into a grasping portion connected to one of the base and the lid, and a flap portion connected to the pivot region.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the line of weakness extends at least partially across the lid hinge panel, the lid hinge panel being separable along the line of weakness into the grasping portion and the flap portion, the grasping portion connected to the lid, and the flap portion connected to the pivot region.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid hinge panel bears against at least a portion of the base hinge panel when the lid is mounted to the base.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein the pivot region comprises a plurality of pivot surfaces joined together at a plurality of non-frangible pivot edges.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the base and lid hinge panels have respective inner surfaces facing each other when the container is closed, and at least a portion of the inner surfaces are spaced apart to form a gap therebetween.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the line of weakness overlies the gap.
7. The container of claim 6, wherein the lid hinge panel is separable into the grasping portion and the flap portion by displacement of at least a portion of the flap portion downwardly into the gap.
8. The container of claim 6, wherein the base hinge panel comprises a planar portion adjacent the lid hinge panel when the lid is mounted on the base, and wherein the gap comprises a hollow extending downwardly from the planar portion, away form the lid hinge panel.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the line of weakness defines a plurality of curves.
10. The container of claim 9, wherein the plurality of curves provide a plurality of grasping protrusions along the grasping portion when the one of the lid hinge panel and the base hinge panel is separated into the grasping portion and the flap portion.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the pivot region is biased to pivot the flap portion away from the grasping portion when the one of the lid hinge panel and the base hinge panel is separated into the grasping portion and the flap portion.
12. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid peripheral edge is generally inaccessible to a user when the lid is mounted to the base.
13. The container of claim 12, wherein the base comprises a bottom panel, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from a periphery of the bottom panel, and the base peripheral portion extends from the at least one sidewall.
14. The container of claim 13, wherein the lid comprises a covering portion and the lid peripheral portion extends from the covering portion.
15. The container of claim 14, wherein the base peripheral portion comprises at least one engagement surface extending from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall to define an inwardly open recess.
16. The container of claim 15, wherein the lid peripheral portion comprises a projection receivable in the recess.
17. The container of claim 16, wherein the base peripheral portion comprises a seating surface positioned above the recess.
18. The container of claim 17, wherein the lid peripheral portion comprises a flange positioned above and outwardly of the projection, the flange being seatable on the seating surface.
19. The container of claim 18, wherein the base peripheral portion comprises a barrier wall extending upwardly from an outer portion of the seating surface and extending from a first position to a second position spaced perimetrically from the first position.
20. The container of claim 19, wherein the flange has a first portion and having an outer edge in perimetrical registration with the barrier wall and a second portion extending between the first position and the second position when the projection is received in the recess.
US12/606,770 2008-10-28 2009-10-27 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge Abandoned US20100102074A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/606,770 US20100102074A1 (en) 2008-10-28 2009-10-27 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge
US14/093,006 US9493277B2 (en) 2008-10-28 2013-11-28 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10896808P 2008-10-28 2008-10-28
US12/606,770 US20100102074A1 (en) 2008-10-28 2009-10-27 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/093,006 Continuation US9493277B2 (en) 2008-10-28 2013-11-28 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100102074A1 true US20100102074A1 (en) 2010-04-29

Family

ID=41426777

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/606,770 Abandoned US20100102074A1 (en) 2008-10-28 2009-10-27 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge
US14/093,006 Active US9493277B2 (en) 2008-10-28 2013-11-28 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/093,006 Active US9493277B2 (en) 2008-10-28 2013-11-28 Tamper evident container with frangible hinge

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (2) US20100102074A1 (en)
CA (1) CA2683671C (en)
GB (1) GB2464819B (en)

Cited By (53)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8608008B2 (en) 2010-08-26 2013-12-17 Dart Container Corporation Tamper evident container
USD697795S1 (en) 2011-07-29 2014-01-21 Dart Container Corporation Container
TWI458610B (en) * 2013-12-06 2014-11-01
US20150060455A1 (en) * 2013-08-28 2015-03-05 Hsin-Hung Chou Tamper-evident food container
TWI480138B (en) * 2014-09-26 2015-04-11
US9016503B2 (en) 2011-01-18 2015-04-28 Easypak Llc Tamper-evident container with multi-action breakaway hinge
USD742736S1 (en) * 2014-09-09 2015-11-10 Direct Pack, Inc. Tray assembly
US9187209B1 (en) * 2013-07-05 2015-11-17 Highland Packaging Solutions, Inc. Tamper evident container having tear tab and hinged lid
USD744327S1 (en) * 2014-09-09 2015-12-01 Direct Pack, Inc. Tray assembly
US9278786B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2016-03-08 Smart-Tab, Llc Containers with tamper-evident features
WO2016128755A1 (en) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-18 Par-Pak Europe Limited Packaging for consumer products
US9475621B1 (en) 2015-09-29 2016-10-25 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container with trigger open mechanism
EP3100962A1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2016-12-07 Sabert Corporation Tamper-evident container and method
USD776974S1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2017-01-24 Sabert Corporation Container
US9580219B2 (en) * 2015-06-30 2017-02-28 Anchor Packaging Tamper evident plastic food container
US9624009B2 (en) 2010-08-26 2017-04-18 Dart Container Corporation Tamper evident container
US9656785B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2017-05-23 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container
USD795651S1 (en) 2015-06-30 2017-08-29 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container
US9796511B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2017-10-24 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container
USD814923S1 (en) * 2016-11-30 2018-04-10 Genpak, Llc Food container
US9944436B2 (en) 2015-12-14 2018-04-17 Sabert Corporation Tamper-evident container and method
USD826709S1 (en) * 2016-10-12 2018-08-28 Taishan Runcheng Plastics Co., Ltd Container
US20180305074A1 (en) * 2015-10-16 2018-10-25 Gr8 Engineering Limited Container with frangible weakened portion and manufacture thereof
US10220985B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2019-03-05 Genpak, Llc Tamper-evident container with a tabbed hinge
USD845754S1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2019-04-16 Direct Pack, Inc. Container
USD848258S1 (en) * 2016-10-12 2019-05-14 Taishan Runcheng Plastics Co., Ltd Lunch box
US10351310B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2019-07-16 Genpak, Llc Tamper-evident container with a bump near a tabbed hinge
US10384843B2 (en) 2017-01-31 2019-08-20 Smart-Tab, Llc Pull-tab tamper evident container
USD874263S1 (en) * 2017-09-13 2020-02-04 Gate Gourmet Switzerland Gmbh Tray for food
USD874296S1 (en) * 2017-09-13 2020-02-04 Gate Gourmet Switzerland Gmbh Tray for packing foods
US20200055641A1 (en) * 2018-08-17 2020-02-20 You Mao Shing Plastic Co., Ltd. Destructive packing container
US10669078B2 (en) 2015-12-14 2020-06-02 Sabert Corporation Tamper-evident container and method
USD886595S1 (en) * 2017-09-13 2020-06-09 Gate Gourmet Switzerland Gmbh Tray for food
USD896636S1 (en) * 2018-08-29 2020-09-22 Taishan Shilong Plastics Co., Ltd Container
USD897222S1 (en) * 2018-05-15 2020-09-29 Waddington North America, Inc. Container
US10870519B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2020-12-22 Lacerta Group, Inc Tamper evident containers
US10889413B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2021-01-12 Genpak, Llc Tamper-evident container with a tab extending beyond a hinge
US10894635B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2021-01-19 Genpak, Llc Tamper-evident container with a wide tab extending beyond a hinge
EP3771657A1 (en) 2019-07-30 2021-02-03 Groupe Guillin Packaging containers with secure closing
USD920100S1 (en) * 2019-04-16 2021-05-25 Pactiv LLC Tamper-evident feature for a container
US11077991B2 (en) * 2018-08-22 2021-08-03 Pinnpack Packaging, Llc Container having a tamper evidence tab
USD926564S1 (en) 2020-02-26 2021-08-03 Direct Pack, Inc. Container
USD937672S1 (en) * 2020-02-21 2021-12-07 Zume, Inc. Food container
USD938274S1 (en) * 2020-02-21 2021-12-14 Zume, Inc. Food container
US20220041343A1 (en) * 2020-08-07 2022-02-10 Portage Plastics Corporation Tamper Evident Package Or Container
US11279534B2 (en) 2019-04-16 2022-03-22 Pactiv LLC Tamper-evident plastic container
US11286091B2 (en) 2020-01-22 2022-03-29 Robert J. Borse Tamper evident container
USD948333S1 (en) * 2021-05-11 2022-04-12 Jinying ZHANG Food container
US11479389B2 (en) 2020-05-20 2022-10-25 Anchor Packaging, Llc Tamper evident plastic food container
US11479392B2 (en) 2020-05-20 2022-10-25 Anchor Packaging, Llc Tamper evident plastic food container
US20230234752A1 (en) * 2019-07-03 2023-07-27 Michael J. Perry Nested lid containers
USD997715S1 (en) * 2021-07-13 2023-09-05 ATL GA Packaging LLC Container
US11794966B2 (en) * 2021-12-06 2023-10-24 Tekni-Plex, Inc. Food container with tamper-proof hinged closure

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2497112B (en) * 2011-12-01 2016-07-06 Par-Pak Europe Ltd Manufacture of a package
US10723521B2 (en) * 2015-06-16 2020-07-28 Direct Pack, Inc. Container assembly
US11780654B2 (en) * 2018-03-26 2023-10-10 Plastifar S.A. Container with tearable lid
US10815710B2 (en) 2018-06-29 2020-10-27 Dynamic Closures Corporation Hinge assembly for folding closure
RU192251U1 (en) * 2019-07-02 2019-09-11 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "ПАКГРАД" POLYMER CAPACITY
GB2616737A (en) * 2020-12-22 2023-09-20 Polarpak Company Tamper resistant container

Citations (64)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1726103A (en) * 1924-04-05 1929-08-27 Thermokept Corp Hinge for cans and method of forming said hinges
US2798631A (en) * 1955-03-07 1957-07-09 Engel David Container
US2915214A (en) * 1956-10-05 1959-12-01 Frankel Morris Plastic containers
US3043354A (en) * 1960-07-15 1962-07-10 Edmund J Fitzgerald Molded plastic container
US3080087A (en) * 1961-04-07 1963-03-05 Union Carbide Corp Beverage case
US3097758A (en) * 1961-07-21 1963-07-16 Irvin J Gershen Pilfer proof cap for aerosol containers
US3164478A (en) * 1961-12-15 1965-01-05 Poster Packaging Inc Doughnut package
US3421654A (en) * 1967-02-14 1969-01-14 Schmalbach Lubeca Closing cover made of plastic
US3511433A (en) * 1968-03-13 1970-05-12 Sinclair Koppers Co Unitary foam sheet container
US3536251A (en) * 1967-07-13 1970-10-27 British Petroleum Co Containers
US3767110A (en) * 1971-12-22 1973-10-23 Dolco Packaging Corp Carton with hinge latch closure
US4433793A (en) * 1979-12-17 1984-02-28 A/S Haustrup Plastic Container having frangible opening means
US4535889A (en) * 1984-02-08 1985-08-20 The Stouffer Corporation Frozen food package and cover lid
US4576370A (en) * 1984-12-24 1986-03-18 Harris Graphics Corporation Method and apparatus for tipping closely incidental mail to magazines or the like
US4732293A (en) * 1986-11-05 1988-03-22 Landis Plastics, Inc. Tear strip closure for a container with a security ring
US4742935A (en) * 1986-07-14 1988-05-10 Sandherr Packungen Ag Packaging container
US4782977A (en) * 1987-12-16 1988-11-08 Evergreen Industries, Inc. Tamper resistant container
US4919286A (en) * 1988-05-27 1990-04-24 Robert Linkletter Assoc. Hinged closure and container
US4986438A (en) * 1990-04-03 1991-01-22 Placon Corporation Recloseable nesting tab container
US4997100A (en) * 1990-08-31 1991-03-05 Dudek Peter P Unitary biological specimen processing apparatus
US5027969A (en) * 1990-07-03 1991-07-02 Ipl Inc. Closure and container combination
US5040695A (en) * 1990-07-06 1991-08-20 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Tear off hinge
US5046659A (en) * 1990-11-13 1991-09-10 Mobil Oil Corporation Latching structure for food container
US5052574A (en) * 1990-02-16 1991-10-01 Cardinal Packaging Inc. Tamper-proof and tamper-evident container closure system
US5092479A (en) * 1989-12-14 1992-03-03 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Rigid one-piece merchandising container
US5114068A (en) * 1989-10-25 1992-05-19 Tetra Pak Holdings & Finance S.A. Apparatus for the separable attachment of two synthetic plastics parts and the use of the apparatus for a package to contain flowable contents
US5219087A (en) * 1989-05-31 1993-06-15 Akerlund & Rausing Licens Ab Tamperproof reclosing lid
US5287959A (en) * 1993-05-03 1994-02-22 Mobil Oil Corporation Domed container for baked goods or the like
US5311990A (en) * 1992-02-19 1994-05-17 Ethicon, Inc. Thermoformed blister package having quick disconnect locking cover mechanism
US5429833A (en) * 1993-07-02 1995-07-04 Redex Packaging Corporation Recloseable modified atmosphere clamshell package
US5507406A (en) * 1994-04-26 1996-04-16 Belford Patrick, Inc. Tamperproof/tamper evident container
US5573134A (en) * 1991-08-07 1996-11-12 Portola Packaging, Inc. Container with curled tamper-evident band to retain closure
US5584408A (en) * 1996-03-05 1996-12-17 Inline Plastics Corporation Latching structure for food container
US5758791A (en) * 1996-08-05 1998-06-02 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Latching mechanism for a plastic container
US5788105A (en) * 1995-10-30 1998-08-04 Plastofilm Industries, Inc. Tamper evident thermoformed package
US5842592A (en) * 1998-04-13 1998-12-01 Creative Packaging Corp. Tamper-evident snap on cap with tear lever
US5860530A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-01-19 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Container with a corner latch closure
US5897011A (en) * 1997-08-19 1999-04-27 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Clamshell container with tear-away lid
US5931291A (en) * 1997-08-08 1999-08-03 Alpha Enterprises, Inc. Multi-media shipping and storage container
US5931332A (en) * 1996-03-12 1999-08-03 Mygatt; Leonard T. Tamper-evident closure with pull-tab
US5938068A (en) * 1997-12-11 1999-08-17 Dart Container Container with removable cover
US5979687A (en) * 1998-07-10 1999-11-09 Tenneco Packaging Inc. High-strength container with interior button latch
US6145688A (en) * 1996-07-17 2000-11-14 Smith; James C. Closure device for containers
US6196408B1 (en) * 1996-03-04 2001-03-06 Sonoco Products Company Release strip for tubular containers and methods and apparatus of applying same
US6360909B1 (en) * 2000-02-18 2002-03-26 Sonoco Development, Inc. Container closure having a frangible seal
US20020134783A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-26 Arshinoff Stephen H. Lid with hinge for plastic pail
US20030034323A1 (en) * 2001-08-17 2003-02-20 Smith Kelly A. Tamper-evident closure
US20030052133A1 (en) * 2001-09-14 2003-03-20 Hayes Thomas J. Containers
US20030057209A1 (en) * 1999-12-22 2003-03-27 Fritz Seelhofer Two-component plastic closure and method for producing said closure as a one-component part
US6572909B1 (en) * 2000-05-03 2003-06-03 De Ster Corporation Container having single-cycle hinge and use thereof
US6609623B2 (en) * 2001-10-05 2003-08-26 Hsin-Hung Chou Storage box
US6651813B2 (en) * 2000-09-27 2003-11-25 Clearpac Limited Wallet
US6715632B2 (en) * 2001-02-16 2004-04-06 Plastiques M&R Inc. Lockable tray container
US20040200836A1 (en) * 2001-07-24 2004-10-14 Valentin Hierzer Snap-hinge closure with tamper-evident lid and method of making
US7073680B2 (en) * 2003-07-21 2006-07-11 Inline Plastics Corporation Tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident feature and method of forming the same
USD532000S1 (en) * 2005-06-13 2006-11-14 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Powerline communications device
US20060278652A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-14 Terry Vovan Tamper evident container with tear-apart parts
US20060289549A1 (en) * 2005-06-24 2006-12-28 Terry Vovan Edge-tearing tamper-evident container
US20060289541A1 (en) * 2006-07-10 2006-12-28 Peter Boback Tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident feature and method of forming the same
US7159733B2 (en) * 2000-07-14 2007-01-09 Really Useful Products Limited Tamper evident container-lid combination
US20070012710A1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2007-01-18 Pwp Industries Versatile tamper-evident food container
US20070138180A1 (en) * 2005-12-21 2007-06-21 Terry Vovan Enhanced tamper evident bowl with blocked tab
US20070138046A1 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-06-21 Pwp Industries Multi-compartment container system
US7658589B2 (en) * 2002-04-10 2010-02-09 Va Tech Hydro Gmbh Turbine with tube arrangement and method of preventing detachment of a fluid flow

Family Cites Families (56)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2765097A (en) 1954-07-27 1956-10-02 Franklin A Dobson Manhole cover
US3142409A (en) 1962-03-15 1964-07-28 Budd H Ross Container and cover
US3670922A (en) 1970-12-04 1972-06-20 Owens Illinois Inc Nestable cup
US3786982A (en) 1971-11-17 1974-01-22 Phillips Petroleum Co Thermoformed snap closures
US4030630A (en) 1975-06-18 1977-06-21 Penland Container, Inc. All plastic reclosable container closure
US4043482A (en) 1976-01-21 1977-08-23 In. Da. Te. Aktiengesellschaft Re-usable containers
US4113136A (en) 1977-06-06 1978-09-12 Abbott Joseph L Tamper proof container assembly
US4124141A (en) 1977-07-11 1978-11-07 Armentrout James L Sterile container
US4111329A (en) 1977-09-19 1978-09-05 John Edward Lampman Container with tamperproof and stackable lid
US4180179A (en) 1978-08-31 1979-12-25 The Continental Group, Inc. Beaded snaplock closure
FR2516052A1 (en) 1981-11-06 1983-05-13 Plastigord Plastiques Perigord BOX WITH SEALED CLOSURE FORMING CONTAINER FOR VARIOUS PRODUCTS
US4452382A (en) 1981-11-10 1984-06-05 Holdt J W Von Container closure
US4474305A (en) 1983-06-10 1984-10-02 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Tamper-evident container
DK149152C (en) 1983-07-28 1986-09-15 Jens Ove Nielsen SALES PACKAGING OF THE DUNK OR BATTERY TYPE, AND LOW AND SAFETY CLOSES
US4488658A (en) 1983-12-12 1984-12-18 Sealright Co, Inc. Tamper evident food package
US4602718A (en) 1985-05-31 1986-07-29 Sun Coast Plastics, Inc. Dual-operation tamper-evident band for closures
US4643329A (en) 1986-03-21 1987-02-17 Mobberley Laura P Tamper evident container
US4711364A (en) 1986-06-21 1987-12-08 Letica Corporation Tamper-evident container and closure
US4792054A (en) 1987-08-13 1988-12-20 Weatherchem Corporation Tamper-evident closure for dispensers
US4940158A (en) 1987-09-22 1990-07-10 American National Can Company Container and seam ring for container
GB8812837D0 (en) 1988-05-31 1988-07-06 Drg Uk Ltd Container with lid
US5129517A (en) 1988-11-03 1992-07-14 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Food package containing a reclosable means
GB2227481B (en) 1989-01-31 1993-01-27 Henry John Louw Container
US4942974A (en) 1989-06-09 1990-07-24 Sealright Company, Inc. Tamper evident container
US5085339A (en) 1990-10-01 1992-02-04 Polystar Packaging, Incorporated Reclosable container closure
BR9106028A (en) 1990-12-01 1993-01-19 Effem Gmbh CAN WITH PRESSURE COVER
US5161711A (en) 1991-03-28 1992-11-10 Dart Industries Inc. Closure assembly with separable seal
US5249694A (en) 1991-06-20 1993-10-05 Highland Plastics, Inc. Tear strip container
GB2257118A (en) 1991-06-24 1993-01-06 Autobar Vendabeka Ltd Tamper evident closure
US5170905A (en) 1991-07-17 1992-12-15 Cap Snap Co. Tamper-evident thin-walled container package
US5163575A (en) 1991-08-07 1992-11-17 Cup Snap Co. Container with curled tamper-evident band to retain closure
US5398836A (en) 1993-03-23 1995-03-21 Portola Packaging, Inc. Container with tamper-evident band having inward bent retainer projection to retain a lid and method of bending said projection
DE4138879C1 (en) 1991-11-27 1992-12-17 Jokey-Plastik Wipperfuerth Gmbh, 5272 Wipperfuerth, De
FR2691952B1 (en) 1992-06-05 1995-12-01 Mino Gaillard Sa WATERPROOF COMPOSITE PACKAGING.
US5307949A (en) 1992-12-21 1994-05-03 Von Holdt Jr John W Tear-away lid and container
USD352000S (en) 1993-08-06 1994-11-01 Mobil Oil Corporation Container with releasable lock
GB9323269D0 (en) 1993-11-11 1994-01-05 Ind Containers Ltd Tamper-evident container
FR2713602B1 (en) 1993-12-14 1996-03-01 Velay Sa Moulages Case for the transport of goods.
DE4418935C3 (en) 1994-05-31 1999-04-08 Spritzguswerk Kg Richard Rassb Device for securing containers of all types closed by a closure element against unauthorized opening
FR2727387A1 (en) 1994-11-29 1996-05-31 Monoplast Sa Security lid, esp. for plastics container
ES2110825T3 (en) 1995-07-03 1998-02-16 Groupe Guillin Sa HERMETIC AND INVIOLABLE BOX.
GB2346868B (en) * 1997-12-11 2002-12-18 Dart Container Container with removable cover
US6227369B1 (en) 1999-10-29 2001-05-08 Sony Corporation Clamshell package including both permanent and resealable fastening structure
US6257435B1 (en) 2000-01-12 2001-07-10 King Plastics, Inc. Tamper evident closure member
FR2811638B1 (en) 2000-07-13 2002-09-20 Tulipia INVIOLABILITY DEVICE FOR CONTAINER
FR2819496B1 (en) 2001-01-16 2003-04-04 Rg Plastiques PACKAGING FOR FOOD PRODUCTS, PARTICULARLY FOR CHEESES
GB0122044D0 (en) 2001-09-12 2001-10-31 Huhtamaki Uk Ltd Tamper-evident lid assembly
EP1425228A2 (en) 2001-09-12 2004-06-09 Huhtamaki (UK) Ltd. Tamper-evident lid assembly
UA85846C2 (en) 2003-07-21 2009-03-10 Інлайн Плестікс Корп. tamper-resistant container with tamper evident feature
US7246714B2 (en) * 2003-08-15 2007-07-24 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Single point hinge for a container
US20050161455A1 (en) 2004-01-26 2005-07-28 Stephen Studee Tamper resistant container
GB0404145D0 (en) 2004-02-25 2004-03-31 Pactiv Uk Ltd "Tamper Evident Container"
GB2412651B (en) * 2004-02-25 2006-06-21 Pactiv "Tamper evident container"
GB0404152D0 (en) 2004-02-25 2004-03-31 Pactiv Uk Ltd "Tamper evident container"
US20070045317A1 (en) 2005-08-31 2007-03-01 Rosender Adam K Tamper evident thermoformed containers
ITMI20070013A1 (en) 2007-01-05 2008-07-06 Sinesplast S R L CONTAINER WITH FULL LID AND CLOSURE SYSTEM THAT MAKES THE OPENING OR THE TAMPERING

Patent Citations (68)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1726103A (en) * 1924-04-05 1929-08-27 Thermokept Corp Hinge for cans and method of forming said hinges
US2798631A (en) * 1955-03-07 1957-07-09 Engel David Container
US2915214A (en) * 1956-10-05 1959-12-01 Frankel Morris Plastic containers
US3043354A (en) * 1960-07-15 1962-07-10 Edmund J Fitzgerald Molded plastic container
US3080087A (en) * 1961-04-07 1963-03-05 Union Carbide Corp Beverage case
US3097758A (en) * 1961-07-21 1963-07-16 Irvin J Gershen Pilfer proof cap for aerosol containers
US3164478A (en) * 1961-12-15 1965-01-05 Poster Packaging Inc Doughnut package
US3421654A (en) * 1967-02-14 1969-01-14 Schmalbach Lubeca Closing cover made of plastic
US3536251A (en) * 1967-07-13 1970-10-27 British Petroleum Co Containers
US3511433A (en) * 1968-03-13 1970-05-12 Sinclair Koppers Co Unitary foam sheet container
US3767110A (en) * 1971-12-22 1973-10-23 Dolco Packaging Corp Carton with hinge latch closure
US4433793A (en) * 1979-12-17 1984-02-28 A/S Haustrup Plastic Container having frangible opening means
US4535889A (en) * 1984-02-08 1985-08-20 The Stouffer Corporation Frozen food package and cover lid
US4576370A (en) * 1984-12-24 1986-03-18 Harris Graphics Corporation Method and apparatus for tipping closely incidental mail to magazines or the like
US4742935A (en) * 1986-07-14 1988-05-10 Sandherr Packungen Ag Packaging container
US4732293A (en) * 1986-11-05 1988-03-22 Landis Plastics, Inc. Tear strip closure for a container with a security ring
US4782977A (en) * 1987-12-16 1988-11-08 Evergreen Industries, Inc. Tamper resistant container
US4919286A (en) * 1988-05-27 1990-04-24 Robert Linkletter Assoc. Hinged closure and container
US5219087A (en) * 1989-05-31 1993-06-15 Akerlund & Rausing Licens Ab Tamperproof reclosing lid
US5114068A (en) * 1989-10-25 1992-05-19 Tetra Pak Holdings & Finance S.A. Apparatus for the separable attachment of two synthetic plastics parts and the use of the apparatus for a package to contain flowable contents
US5092479A (en) * 1989-12-14 1992-03-03 Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation Rigid one-piece merchandising container
US5052574A (en) * 1990-02-16 1991-10-01 Cardinal Packaging Inc. Tamper-proof and tamper-evident container closure system
US4986438A (en) * 1990-04-03 1991-01-22 Placon Corporation Recloseable nesting tab container
US5027969A (en) * 1990-07-03 1991-07-02 Ipl Inc. Closure and container combination
US5040695A (en) * 1990-07-06 1991-08-20 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Tear off hinge
US4997100A (en) * 1990-08-31 1991-03-05 Dudek Peter P Unitary biological specimen processing apparatus
US5046659A (en) * 1990-11-13 1991-09-10 Mobil Oil Corporation Latching structure for food container
US5046659B1 (en) * 1990-11-13 1994-02-22 Mobil Oil Corporation
US5573134A (en) * 1991-08-07 1996-11-12 Portola Packaging, Inc. Container with curled tamper-evident band to retain closure
US5311990A (en) * 1992-02-19 1994-05-17 Ethicon, Inc. Thermoformed blister package having quick disconnect locking cover mechanism
US5287959A (en) * 1993-05-03 1994-02-22 Mobil Oil Corporation Domed container for baked goods or the like
US5429833A (en) * 1993-07-02 1995-07-04 Redex Packaging Corporation Recloseable modified atmosphere clamshell package
US5507406A (en) * 1994-04-26 1996-04-16 Belford Patrick, Inc. Tamperproof/tamper evident container
US5788105A (en) * 1995-10-30 1998-08-04 Plastofilm Industries, Inc. Tamper evident thermoformed package
US6196408B1 (en) * 1996-03-04 2001-03-06 Sonoco Products Company Release strip for tubular containers and methods and apparatus of applying same
US5584408A (en) * 1996-03-05 1996-12-17 Inline Plastics Corporation Latching structure for food container
US5931332A (en) * 1996-03-12 1999-08-03 Mygatt; Leonard T. Tamper-evident closure with pull-tab
US6145688A (en) * 1996-07-17 2000-11-14 Smith; James C. Closure device for containers
US5758791A (en) * 1996-08-05 1998-06-02 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Latching mechanism for a plastic container
US5860530A (en) * 1997-06-30 1999-01-19 Tenneco Packaging Inc. Container with a corner latch closure
US5931291A (en) * 1997-08-08 1999-08-03 Alpha Enterprises, Inc. Multi-media shipping and storage container
US5897011A (en) * 1997-08-19 1999-04-27 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Clamshell container with tear-away lid
US5938068A (en) * 1997-12-11 1999-08-17 Dart Container Container with removable cover
US5842592A (en) * 1998-04-13 1998-12-01 Creative Packaging Corp. Tamper-evident snap on cap with tear lever
US5979687A (en) * 1998-07-10 1999-11-09 Tenneco Packaging Inc. High-strength container with interior button latch
US20030057209A1 (en) * 1999-12-22 2003-03-27 Fritz Seelhofer Two-component plastic closure and method for producing said closure as a one-component part
US6360909B1 (en) * 2000-02-18 2002-03-26 Sonoco Development, Inc. Container closure having a frangible seal
US6572909B1 (en) * 2000-05-03 2003-06-03 De Ster Corporation Container having single-cycle hinge and use thereof
US7159733B2 (en) * 2000-07-14 2007-01-09 Really Useful Products Limited Tamper evident container-lid combination
US6651813B2 (en) * 2000-09-27 2003-11-25 Clearpac Limited Wallet
US6715632B2 (en) * 2001-02-16 2004-04-06 Plastiques M&R Inc. Lockable tray container
US20020134783A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-26 Arshinoff Stephen H. Lid with hinge for plastic pail
US20040200836A1 (en) * 2001-07-24 2004-10-14 Valentin Hierzer Snap-hinge closure with tamper-evident lid and method of making
US20030034323A1 (en) * 2001-08-17 2003-02-20 Smith Kelly A. Tamper-evident closure
US20030052133A1 (en) * 2001-09-14 2003-03-20 Hayes Thomas J. Containers
US6609623B2 (en) * 2001-10-05 2003-08-26 Hsin-Hung Chou Storage box
US7658589B2 (en) * 2002-04-10 2010-02-09 Va Tech Hydro Gmbh Turbine with tube arrangement and method of preventing detachment of a fluid flow
US7073680B2 (en) * 2003-07-21 2006-07-11 Inline Plastics Corporation Tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident feature and method of forming the same
US20060278652A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-14 Terry Vovan Tamper evident container with tear-apart parts
US7631776B2 (en) * 2005-06-10 2009-12-15 Pwp Industries Tamper evident container with tear-apart parts
USD532000S1 (en) * 2005-06-13 2006-11-14 Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. Powerline communications device
US20060289549A1 (en) * 2005-06-24 2006-12-28 Terry Vovan Edge-tearing tamper-evident container
US20070012710A1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2007-01-18 Pwp Industries Versatile tamper-evident food container
US20070138046A1 (en) * 2005-12-19 2007-06-21 Pwp Industries Multi-compartment container system
US20070138180A1 (en) * 2005-12-21 2007-06-21 Terry Vovan Enhanced tamper evident bowl with blocked tab
US8028851B2 (en) * 2006-06-05 2011-10-04 Pwp Industries Enhanced tamper evident container with tear-apart parts
US20060289541A1 (en) * 2006-07-10 2006-12-28 Peter Boback Tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident feature and method of forming the same
US20080087669A2 (en) * 2006-07-10 2008-04-17 Inline Plastics Corp. Tamper-resistant container with tamper-evident feature and method of forming same

Cited By (68)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9365331B2 (en) 2010-08-26 2016-06-14 Dart Container Corporation Tamper evident container
US8939307B2 (en) 2010-08-26 2015-01-27 Dart Container Corporation Tamper evident container
US8608008B2 (en) 2010-08-26 2013-12-17 Dart Container Corporation Tamper evident container
US9624009B2 (en) 2010-08-26 2017-04-18 Dart Container Corporation Tamper evident container
US9409683B2 (en) 2010-08-26 2016-08-09 Dart Container Corporation Tamper evident container
US9016503B2 (en) 2011-01-18 2015-04-28 Easypak Llc Tamper-evident container with multi-action breakaway hinge
US9278786B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2016-03-08 Smart-Tab, Llc Containers with tamper-evident features
USD697795S1 (en) 2011-07-29 2014-01-21 Dart Container Corporation Container
US9187209B1 (en) * 2013-07-05 2015-11-17 Highland Packaging Solutions, Inc. Tamper evident container having tear tab and hinged lid
US20150060455A1 (en) * 2013-08-28 2015-03-05 Hsin-Hung Chou Tamper-evident food container
US9120595B2 (en) * 2013-08-28 2015-09-01 Hsin-Hung Chou Tamper-evident food container
TWI458610B (en) * 2013-12-06 2014-11-01
USD807737S1 (en) * 2014-09-09 2018-01-16 Direct Pack, Inc. Tray
USD742736S1 (en) * 2014-09-09 2015-11-10 Direct Pack, Inc. Tray assembly
USD744327S1 (en) * 2014-09-09 2015-12-01 Direct Pack, Inc. Tray assembly
TWI480138B (en) * 2014-09-26 2015-04-11
US10870519B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2020-12-22 Lacerta Group, Inc Tamper evident containers
WO2016128755A1 (en) * 2015-02-13 2016-08-18 Par-Pak Europe Limited Packaging for consumer products
US9981782B2 (en) * 2015-06-04 2018-05-29 Sabert Corporation Tamper-evident container and method
USD776974S1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2017-01-24 Sabert Corporation Container
US20160355303A1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2016-12-08 Sabert Corporation Tamper-Evident Container and Method
EP3100962A1 (en) * 2015-06-04 2016-12-07 Sabert Corporation Tamper-evident container and method
US10279963B2 (en) 2015-06-04 2019-05-07 Sabert Corporation Tamper-evident container and method
US10450112B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2019-10-22 Anchor Packaging, Llc Tamper evident plastic food container
US9656785B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2017-05-23 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container
USD795651S1 (en) 2015-06-30 2017-08-29 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container
US9796511B2 (en) 2015-06-30 2017-10-24 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container
US9580219B2 (en) * 2015-06-30 2017-02-28 Anchor Packaging Tamper evident plastic food container
US9926111B2 (en) 2015-09-29 2018-03-27 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container with trigger open mechanism
US9475621B1 (en) 2015-09-29 2016-10-25 Anchor Packaging, Inc. Tamper evident plastic food container with trigger open mechanism
US20180305074A1 (en) * 2015-10-16 2018-10-25 Gr8 Engineering Limited Container with frangible weakened portion and manufacture thereof
US10569930B2 (en) * 2015-10-16 2020-02-25 Gr8 Engineering Limited Container with frangible weakened portion and manufacture thereof
US10669078B2 (en) 2015-12-14 2020-06-02 Sabert Corporation Tamper-evident container and method
US9944436B2 (en) 2015-12-14 2018-04-17 Sabert Corporation Tamper-evident container and method
USD848258S1 (en) * 2016-10-12 2019-05-14 Taishan Runcheng Plastics Co., Ltd Lunch box
USD826709S1 (en) * 2016-10-12 2018-08-28 Taishan Runcheng Plastics Co., Ltd Container
US10351310B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2019-07-16 Genpak, Llc Tamper-evident container with a bump near a tabbed hinge
US10894635B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2021-01-19 Genpak, Llc Tamper-evident container with a wide tab extending beyond a hinge
US10889413B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2021-01-12 Genpak, Llc Tamper-evident container with a tab extending beyond a hinge
US10220985B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2019-03-05 Genpak, Llc Tamper-evident container with a tabbed hinge
USD814923S1 (en) * 2016-11-30 2018-04-10 Genpak, Llc Food container
USD845754S1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2019-04-16 Direct Pack, Inc. Container
US10384843B2 (en) 2017-01-31 2019-08-20 Smart-Tab, Llc Pull-tab tamper evident container
USD874263S1 (en) * 2017-09-13 2020-02-04 Gate Gourmet Switzerland Gmbh Tray for food
USD886595S1 (en) * 2017-09-13 2020-06-09 Gate Gourmet Switzerland Gmbh Tray for food
USD874296S1 (en) * 2017-09-13 2020-02-04 Gate Gourmet Switzerland Gmbh Tray for packing foods
USD897222S1 (en) * 2018-05-15 2020-09-29 Waddington North America, Inc. Container
US20200055641A1 (en) * 2018-08-17 2020-02-20 You Mao Shing Plastic Co., Ltd. Destructive packing container
US11077991B2 (en) * 2018-08-22 2021-08-03 Pinnpack Packaging, Llc Container having a tamper evidence tab
USD896636S1 (en) * 2018-08-29 2020-09-22 Taishan Shilong Plastics Co., Ltd Container
USD920100S1 (en) * 2019-04-16 2021-05-25 Pactiv LLC Tamper-evident feature for a container
USD961383S1 (en) * 2019-04-16 2022-08-23 Pactiv LLC Tab for a tamper-evident container
USD997724S1 (en) 2019-04-16 2023-09-05 Pactiv LLC Tamper-evident container
US20220411147A1 (en) * 2019-04-16 2022-12-29 Pactiv LLC Tamper-evident plastic container
US11279534B2 (en) 2019-04-16 2022-03-22 Pactiv LLC Tamper-evident plastic container
US20230234752A1 (en) * 2019-07-03 2023-07-27 Michael J. Perry Nested lid containers
EP3771657A1 (en) 2019-07-30 2021-02-03 Groupe Guillin Packaging containers with secure closing
FR3099469A1 (en) * 2019-07-30 2021-02-05 Groupe Guillin Secure closing packaging containers
US11286091B2 (en) 2020-01-22 2022-03-29 Robert J. Borse Tamper evident container
USD938274S1 (en) * 2020-02-21 2021-12-14 Zume, Inc. Food container
USD937672S1 (en) * 2020-02-21 2021-12-07 Zume, Inc. Food container
USD926564S1 (en) 2020-02-26 2021-08-03 Direct Pack, Inc. Container
US11479389B2 (en) 2020-05-20 2022-10-25 Anchor Packaging, Llc Tamper evident plastic food container
US11479392B2 (en) 2020-05-20 2022-10-25 Anchor Packaging, Llc Tamper evident plastic food container
US20220041343A1 (en) * 2020-08-07 2022-02-10 Portage Plastics Corporation Tamper Evident Package Or Container
USD948333S1 (en) * 2021-05-11 2022-04-12 Jinying ZHANG Food container
USD997715S1 (en) * 2021-07-13 2023-09-05 ATL GA Packaging LLC Container
US11794966B2 (en) * 2021-12-06 2023-10-24 Tekni-Plex, Inc. Food container with tamper-proof hinged closure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9493277B2 (en) 2016-11-15
GB0918831D0 (en) 2009-12-09
GB2464819B (en) 2012-10-24
GB2464819A (en) 2010-05-05
US20150175315A1 (en) 2015-06-25
CA2683671A1 (en) 2010-04-28
CA2683671C (en) 2019-06-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9493277B2 (en) Tamper evident container with frangible hinge
US8186531B2 (en) Tamper-evident container
US9944436B2 (en) Tamper-evident container and method
US7712626B2 (en) Edge-tearing tamper evident container
US8360262B2 (en) Integrated food packaging system having a cup, a container, and a cover
US8251242B2 (en) Tamper-evident container with extended band
US20150028033A1 (en) Tamper Evident Packaging
US9624009B2 (en) Tamper evident container
US20100072217A1 (en) Tamper evident container with frangible closure member
US20180057223A1 (en) Tamper evident plastic food container
US20100155289A1 (en) Resealable food container with lid having a tamper evident tear away band
US10279963B2 (en) Tamper-evident container and method
US20090090712A1 (en) Dip packaging system
US9580219B2 (en) Tamper evident plastic food container
US10836542B2 (en) Tamper evident food container with accordiated pull tab
US9994369B2 (en) Tamper evident and resistant container
US10669078B2 (en) Tamper-evident container and method
EP0242475A2 (en) Plastic bottle cap having a foil neck seal
CA3196760A1 (en) Tamper resistant container

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PAR-PAK LTD.,CANADA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:PARIKH, SAMIR R., MR.;CHENAT, SAJITH, MR.;REEL/FRAME:023789/0292

Effective date: 20100108

AS Assignment

Owner name: POLARPAK INC., CANADA

Free format text: AMALGAMATION OF POLARPAK INC. AND PAR-PAK LTD. INTO POLARPAK INC;ASSIGNOR:PAR-PAK LTD.;REEL/FRAME:030611/0484

Effective date: 20130607

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION