U.S. patent application number 10/765017 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for tamper resistant container.
Invention is credited to Studee, Stephen.
Application Number | 20050161455 10/765017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34795394 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050161455 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Studee, Stephen |
July 28, 2005 |
Tamper resistant container
Abstract
A container has a base including a tamper evident lock base
portion, and a cover including a tamper evident lock cover portion,
whereby the tamper evident lock base portion may be fastened to the
tamper evident lock cover portion to secure the cover to the
base.
Inventors: |
Studee, Stephen; (Cross
Plains, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER
150 EAST GILMAN STREET
P.O. BOX 1497
MADISON
WI
53701-1497
US
|
Family ID: |
34795394 |
Appl. No.: |
10/765017 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/266 ;
220/4.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/0012 20130101;
B65D 2543/00574 20130101; B65D 43/0281 20130101; B65D 81/262
20130101; B65D 2543/0049 20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101; B65D
2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/00361 20130101; B65D 2543/00546
20130101; B65D 2543/00314 20130101; B65D 43/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/266 ;
220/004.24 |
International
Class: |
B65D 041/32 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container, comprising: a base formed of thermoformed plastic,
the base including a floor; at least one base side wall integrally
formed with and extending upward from the floor; a base rim, the
base rim integrally formed with a top of the at least one base side
wall; and at least one tamper evident lock base portion integrally
formed with a portion of the base rim; and a cover formed of
thermoformed plastic, the cover including a ceiling; at least one
cover side wall integrally formed with and extending downward from
the ceiling; a cover rim, the cover rim integrally formed with a
bottom of the at least one cover side wall; and at least one tamper
evident lock cover portion integrally formed with a portion of the
cover rim; and wherein the tamper evident lock base portion and the
tamper evident lock cover portion are adapted to be fastened
together; whereby the cover may be secured to the base by fastening
the tamper evident lock base portion to the tamper evident lock
cover portion.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion is connected to the base by a fracture portion.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock cover
portion is connected to the cover by a fracture portion.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes an adhesive-bearing surface, whereby the tamper
evident lock base portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper
evident lock cover portion by pressing at least a portion of the
tamper evident lock cover portion against the adhesive-bearing
surface of the tamper evident lock base portion.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock cover
portion includes an adhesive-bearing surface, whereby the tamper
evident lock cover portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper
evident lock base portion by pressing at least a portion of the
tamper evident lock base portion against the adhesive-bearing
surface of the tamper evident lock cover portion.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes a surface comprising a first material; wherein the
tamper evident lock cover portion includes a surface comprising a
second material; and wherein the first material and the second
material adhere when pressed together; whereby the surface
comprising a first material of the tamper evident lock base portion
and the surface comprising a second material of the tamper evident
lock cover portion may be pressed together and fastened.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper evident lock cover
portion by engaging at least a portion of the tamper evident lock
cover portion with at least a portion of the tamper evident lock
base portion and subjecting the engaged portions to heat.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper evident lock cover
portion by engaging at least a portion of the tamper evident lock
cover portion with at least a portion of the tamper evident lock
base portion and subjecting the engaged portions to radio-frequency
energy.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper evident lock cover
portion by engaging at least a portion of the tamper evident lock
cover portion with at least a portion of the tamper evident lock
base portion and subjecting the engaged portions to microwave
energy.
10. The container of claim 1 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes a crushable dimple; wherein the tamper evident
lock cover portion includes a crushable dimple; and wherein the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock base portion and the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock cover portion are
adapted to be engaged by nesting one within the other; whereby the
tamper evident lock base portion may be fastened to the tamper
evident lock cover portion by engaging and crushing together the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock base portion and the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock cover portion.
11. The container of claim 10 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion is connected to the base by a fracture portion.
12. The container of claim 10 wherein the tamper evident lock cover
portion is connected to the cover by a fracture portion.
13. The container of claim 10 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes a tab having a first end connected to the portion
of the base rim and a second end, wherein the dimple of the tamper
evident lock base portion is located between the first end of the
tab and the second end of the tab.
14. The container of claim 13 wherein the first end of the tab of
the tamper evident lock base portion is connected to the portion of
the base rim by a fracture portion.
15. The container of claim 10 wherein the tamper evident lock cover
portion includes a tab having a first end connected to the portion
of the cover rim and a second end, wherein the dimple of the tamper
evident lock cover portion is located between the first end of the
tab and the second end of the tab.
16. The container of claim 15 wherein the first end of the tab of
the tamper evident lock cover portion is connected to the portion
of the cover rim by a fracture portion.
17. The container of claim 1 wherein the base side wall includes at
least one base sealing thread having a first engagement wall and
wherein the cover side wall includes at least one cover sealing
thread having a second engagement wall, whereby the first
engagement wall engages the second engagement wall when the cover
is fitted upon the base.
18. The container of claim 17 wherein the base sealing thread has a
forward limit wall and the cover sealing thread has a forward limit
wall, whereby the forward limit wall of the cover sealing thread
engages the forward limit wall of the base sealing thread when the
cover is fitted upon the base.
19. The container of claim 18 wherein the base sealing thread has a
reverse limit wall and the cover sealing thread has a reverse limit
wall, whereby the reverse limit wall of the cover sealing thread
engages the reverse limit wall of the base sealing thread when the
cover is fitted upon the base.
20. The container of claim 17 wherein the base sealing thread has a
reverse limit wall and the cover sealing thread has a reverse limit
wall, whereby the reverse limit wall of the cover sealing thread
engages the reverse limit wall of the base sealing thread when the
cover is fitted upon the base.
21. A container, comprising: a base formed of thermoformed plastic,
the base including a floor; at least one base side wall integrally
formed with and extending upward from the floor; a base rim, the
base rim integrally formed with a top of the at least one base side
wall; and at least one base sealing thread integrally formed with
and extending inward from a portion of the base side wall and
having a base sealing thread engagement wall; and a cover formed of
thermoformed plastic, the cover including a ceiling; at least one
cover side wall integrally formed with and extending downward from
the ceiling; a cover rim, the cover rim integrally formed with the
bottom of the at least one cover side wall; and at least one cover
sealing thread integrally formed with and extending inward from a
portion of the cover side wall and having a cover sealing thread
engagement wall; wherein the cover and the base are formed to be
placed in a first position in which the base rim engages with the
cover rim but the base sealing thread engagement wall does not
engage with the cover sealing thread engagement wall, and in a
second position in which the base rim engages with the cover rim
and the base sealing thread engagement wall engages with the cover
sealing thread engagement wall, whereby the cover can be placed on
the base in the first position and then moved to the second
position to fasten the cover to the base.
22. The container of claim 21 wherein the base sealing thread has a
forward limit wall and the cover sealing thread has a forward limit
wall, whereby the forward limit wall of the cover sealing thread
engages the forward limit wall of the base sealing thread when the
cover is moved to the second position upon the base.
23. The container of claim 22 wherein the base sealing thread has a
reverse limit wall and the cover sealing thread has a reverse limit
wall, whereby the reverse limit wall of the cover sealing thread
engages the reverse limit wall of the base sealing thread when the
cover is moved to the second position upon the base.
24. The container of claim 21 wherein the base sealing thread has a
reverse limit wall and the cover sealing thread has a reverse limit
wall, whereby the reverse limit wall of the cover sealing thread
engages the reverse limit wall of the base sealing thread when the
cover is moved to the second position upon the base.
25. The container of claim 21 wherein the base rim is circular and
the cover rim is circular, whereby the cover is moved to the second
position by rotating the cover relative to the base.
26. The container of claim 25 wherein the base sealing thread has a
forward limit wall and the cover sealing thread has a forward limit
wall, whereby the forward limit wall of the cover sealing thread
engages the forward limit wall of the base sealing thread when the
cover is moved to the second position upon the base.
27. The container of claim 26 wherein the base sealing thread has a
reverse limit wall and the cover sealing thread has a reverse limit
wall, whereby the reverse limit wall of the cover sealing thread
engages the reverse limit wall of the base sealing thread when the
cover is moved to the second position upon the base.
28. The container of claim 20 wherein the base includes a tamper
evident lock base portion integrally formed with a portion of the
base rim; wherein the cover includes a tamper evident lock cover
portion integrally formed with a portion of the cover rim; and
wherein the tamper evident lock base portion and the tamper evident
lock cover portion are adapted to be fastened together; whereby the
cover may be secured to the base by fastening the tamper evident
lock base portion to the tamper evident lock cover portion.
29. The container of claim 28 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes a crushable dimple; wherein the tamper evident
lock cover portion includes a crushable dimple; and wherein the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock base portion and the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock cover portion are
adapted to be engaged by nesting one within the other; whereby the
tamper evident lock base portion may be fastened to the tamper
evident lock cover portion by engaging and crushing together the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock base portion and the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock cover portion.
30. The container of claim 29 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion is connected to the base by a fracture portion.
31. The container of claim 29 wherein the tamper evident lock cover
portion is connected to the cover by a fracture portion.
32. The container of claim 28 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes an adhesive-bearing surface, whereby the tamper
evident lock base portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper
evident lock cover portion by pressing at least a portion of the
tamper evident lock cover portion against the adhesive-bearing
surface of the tamper evident lock base portion.
33. The container of claim 28 wherein the tamper evident lock cover
portion includes an adhesive-bearing surface, whereby the tamper
evident lock cover portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper
evident lock base portion by pressing at least a portion of the
tamper evident lock base portion against the adhesive-bearing
surface of the tamper evident lock cover portion.
34. The container of claim 28 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes a surface comprising a first material; wherein the
tamper evident lock cover portion includes a surface comprising a
second material; and wherein the first material and the second
material adhere when pressed together; whereby the surface
comprising a first material of the tamper evident lock base portion
and the surface comprising a second material of the tamper evident
lock cover portion may be pressed together and fastened.
35. A container, comprising: a base formed of thermoformed plastic,
the base including a floor; at least one base side wall integrally
formed with and extending upward from the floor; a base rim, the
base rim integrally formed with a top of the at least one base side
wall; and at least one base sealing slot integrally formed with and
extending outward from a portion of the base side wall and having a
base sealing slot engagement wall and an open end; and a cover
formed of thermoformed plastic, the cover including a ceiling; at
least one cover side wall integrally formed with and extending
downward from the ceiling; a cover rim, the cover rim integrally
formed with the bottom of the at least one cover side wall; and at
least one cover sealing ridge integrally formed with and extending
outward from a portion of the cover side wall and having a cover
sealing ridge engagement wall and an insertion end; wherein the
cover and the base are formed to be placed in a first position in
which the insertion end of the cover sealing ridge is adjacent to
the open end of the base sealing slot and the base sealing slot
engagement wall does not engage with the cover sealing ridge
engagement wall, and in a second position in which the cover
sealing ridge is inserted into the base sealing slot and the base
sealing slot engagement wall engages with the cover sealing ridge
engagement wall, whereby the cover and base can be placed in the
first position and then moved to the second position to fasten the
cover to the base.
36. The container of claim 35, wherein the base sealing slot has a
reverse limit wall and the cover sealing ridge has a reverse limit
wall, whereby movement of the cover and base back to the first
position is inhibited after the cover and base have been placed in
the second position from the first position.
37. The container of claim 36, wherein the base sealing slot has a
forward limit wall and the cover sealing ridge has a forward limit
wall.
38. The container of claim 35 wherein the base includes a tamper
evident lock base portion integrally formed with a portion of the
base rim; wherein the cover includes a tamper evident lock cover
portion integrally formed with a portion of the cover rim; and
wherein the tamper evident lock base portion and the tamper evident
lock cover portion are adapted to be fastened together; whereby the
cover may be secured to the base by fastening the tamper evident
lock base portion to the tamper evident lock cover portion.
39. The container of claim 38 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes a crushable dimple; wherein the tamper evident
lock cover portion includes a crushable dimple; and wherein the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock base portion and the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock cover portion are
adapted to be engaged by nesting one within the other; whereby the
tamper evident lock base portion may be fastened to the tamper
evident lock cover portion by engaging and crushing together the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock base portion and the
crushable dimple of the tamper evident lock cover portion.
40. The container of claim 39 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion is connected to the base by a fracture portion.
41. The container of claim 39 wherein the tamper evident lock cover
portion is connected to the cover by a fracture portion.
42. The container of claim 38 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes an adhesive-bearing surface, whereby the tamper
evident lock base portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper
evident lock cover portion by pressing at least a portion of the
tamper evident lock cover portion against the adhesive-bearing
surface of the tamper evident lock base portion.
43. The container of claim 38 wherein the tamper evident lock cover
portion includes an adhesive-bearing surface, whereby the tamper
evident lock cover portion is adapted to be fastened to the tamper
evident lock base portion by pressing at least a portion of the
tamper evident lock base portion against the adhesive-bearing
surface of the tamper evident lock cover portion.
44. The container of claim 38 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes a surface comprising a first material; wherein the
tamper evident lock cover portion includes a surface comprising a
second material; and wherein the first material and the second
material adhere when pressed together; whereby the surface
comprising a first material of the tamper evident lock base portion
and the surface comprising a second material of the tamper evident
lock cover portion may be pressed together and fastened.
45. The container of claim 38 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes at least one tensioning protrusion adapted to be
located between the tamper evident lock base portion and the tamper
evident cover portion when the tamper evident lock portion and the
tamper evident cover portion are fastened together.
46. The container of claim 38 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion includes a means for providing tension between the tamper
evident lock base portion and the tamper evident cover portion when
the tamper evident lock portion and the tamper evident cover
portion are fastened together.
47. A method of using a container, comprising: (a) providing a base
formed of thermoformed plastic, the base including a floor; at
least one base side wall integrally formed with and extending
upward from the floor; a base rim, the base rim integrally formed
with a top of the at least one base side wall; and at least one
tamper evident lock base portion integrally formed with a portion
of the base; (b) providing a cover formed of thermoformed plastic,
the cover including a ceiling; at least one cover side wall
integrally formed with and extending downward from the ceiling; a
cover rim, the cover rim integrally formed with the bottom of the
at least one cover side wall; and at least one tamper evident lock
cover portion integrally formed with a portion of the cover,
wherein the tamper evident lock base portion and the tamper evident
lock cover portion are adapted to be engaged and fastened together;
(c) placing the base on the cover whereby the rim of the base
engages the rim of the cover; (d) engaging together the tamper
evident lock base portion and the tamper evident lock cover
portion; and (e) fastening together the engaged tamper evident lock
base portion and tamper evident lock cover portion; thereby
securing the cover to the base and closing the container.
48. The method of claim 47 wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion is connected to the base by a base fracture portion,
wherein the tamper evident lock cover portion is connected to the
cover by a cover fracture portion, and further comprising the steps
of (f) breaking the base fracture portion and the cover fracture
portion; and (e) disengaging the rim of the cover from the rim of
the base thereby removing the cover from the base and opening the
container.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to
containers having features to inhibit tampering and provide a
visual indication when tampering has occurred.
[0002] The consumer products industry is constantly adapting
containers for consumable products, such as ready-to-eat food
items, in response to the increasingly sophisticated demands of
consumers. For example, consumers increasingly desire food products
that can be consumed at a time and location of the consumer's
choosing, while maintaining high standards of quality, for example
with respect to taste, aroma, wholesomeness, texture, temperature,
and appearance. In a variety of industries, including but not
limited to the food service industry, consumers demand packaging
that is easily transportable, and adapted to help maintain high
standards of quality appropriate for the products contained in the
packaging.
[0003] Products can be displayed for sale in a location directly
accessible to consumers, or in a location accessible only to store
service personnel. For example, products such as ready-to-eat foods
in containers (deli sandwiches, baked goods, box lunches, prepared
salads, etc.) may be directly accessible to consumers in an open
refrigerated display case, on shelves, or on a display table.
Alternatively, such products can be displayed behind glass at a
service counter staffed by deli clerks, where the products cannot
be directly accessed by consumers.
[0004] A number of benefits can be obtained by enabling direct
access by consumers to containers containing products such as
ready-to-eat foods. Direct access gives prospective purchasers
maximum exposure to the containers containing the products being
sold, increasing the likelihood of a purchase. Direct access allows
convenient inspection of the products by prospective purchasers,
increasing consumer choice and satisfaction. Direct access can also
reduce labor costs, for example the labor cost required to staff a
deli service counter, and may reduce the possibility of lost sales
when a prospective purchaser must wait too long for service.
[0005] While direct access by consumers may have a number of
benefits, as discussed above, there can also be problems associated
with direct access. Persons may sample portions of the product,
such as a ready-to-eat food product, without paying for the
product, leaving the partially consumed container on the shelf, to
be eventually discarded by the store or purchased by an unwary
consumer. Persons may deliberately tamper with or adulterate the
product in the container, for any number of reasons including
terrorism, extortion, or malice. Persons may "cherry-pick" portions
of the product. Persons may increase the contents of the
containers, with more of the original contents or with additional
items, as a form of shoplifting. Any of these problems could harm
consumers, and/or cause financial losses, liability, or unfavorable
publicity for the food service industry.
[0006] Thermoformed plastic containers are well known as containers
for the sale of products, including but not limited to ready-to-eat
foods. In the thermoforming or vacuum forming process for producing
plastic articles, a section of a sheet or web of thermoplastic is
heated to soften it, then the sheet is drawn into a mold by a
vacuum, to assume the form of the mold before the sheet cools and
hardens. Generally, multiple individual plastic parts can be formed
in this manner, such as the common "clamshell" plastic containers.
The plastic containers can be sized and shaped to hold a wide
variety of products. Additionally, the containers can be
decoratively embossed.
[0007] The thermoformed plastic containers generally include a base
and a cover that together form a chamber. A consumable product,
such as a ready-to-eat food, can be placed within the chamber
formed by the base and cover. The cover typically attaches to the
base using an interference fit to hold the cover onto the base.
Tabs can also be used to hold the cover on the base. However,
thermoformed plastic containers are often pliable and the
interference fit or tab connection can fail during storage or
transportation of the container. Failure of the interference fit or
tab connection can cause the container to open, thereby spilling or
damaging the contents of the container.
[0008] In containers of this type, it is often possible to remove
the cover from the base, access the contents of the container, and
then replace the cover leaving no evidence that the container has
been opened. As a result, a subsequent consumer of the product may
not know that a portion of the product has been removed, or that
the food product has been contaminated intentionally or
inadvertently.
[0009] Permanently sealed plastic packages can be difficult to
open, and may require a sharp object such as a knife or scissors to
open the package. Such permanently sealed packages may be
particularly inadequate when ready-to-eat food items are the items
placed within the container, since the consumer may desire to
consume the food item in a location where a knife or scissors is
unavailable. Further, in working to open the package, the package
may be turned in several directions allowing the food item to
disperse within the container and to spill the contents when the
package is finally opened.
[0010] For these reasons, it can be seen that consumers and sellers
of products prefer direct access by consumers to packaged products,
such as ready-to-eat food products, that are displayed for sale,
but that this direct access comes at some risk of various forms of
tampering with those packaged products. What is needed is a
container that includes features to inhibit and/or identify
tampering. Such a container would preferably also be easily
transportable, cost effective, easy to use by consumers and vendors
such as the food industry, resealable, and adapted to maintain the
qualities of the products placed in the container, such as taste,
appearance, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] A preferred embodiment of a container according to the
invention includes a base and cover formed of thermoformed plastic,
the base and cover each including a tamper evident lock portion
with a crushable dimple; wherein the crushable dimple of the base
tamper evident lock portion and the crushable dimple of the cover
tamper evident lock portion are adapted to be nested together and
crushed to form a sealed tamper evident lock.
[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a preferred
embodiment of a container according to the invention includes a
base and cover each formed of thermoformed plastic and having side
walls and rims, the base and cover each including one or more
sealing threads integrally formed with the side walls and having
engagement walls; wherein the cover and the base are formed to be
placed in a first position in which the base rim engages with the
cover rim but the base sealing thread engagement wall does not
engage with the cover sealing thread engagement wall, and in a
second position in which the base rim engages with the cover rim
and the base sealing thread engagement wall engages with the cover
sealing thread engagement wall, whereby the cover can be placed on
the base in the first position and then moved to the second
position to fasten the cover to the base.
[0013] An alternative embodiment of a container according to the
invention includes a base and cover formed of thermoformed plastic,
the base having a floor, side walls, a base rim, and at least one
base sealing slot with an engagement wall and an open end; the
cover having a ceiling, side walls, a cover rim, and at least one
cover sealing ridge with an engagement wall; wherein the cover
sealing ridge can be inserted into the base sealing slot so that
the base sealing slot engagement wall engages with the cover
sealing ridge engagement wall to fasten the cover to the base.
[0014] Further objects, features and advantages of the invention
will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the base of an exemplary
container according to the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base of FIG. 1, rotated
approximately 180 degrees;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above the cover of an
exemplary container according to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below the cover of FIG.
3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 3
positioned above the base of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 3 placed
on the base of FIG. 1 to form an exemplary container according to
the invention, wherein the rim of the cover engages the rim of the
base but the tamper evident lock base portion is not aligned with
the tamper evident lock cover portion;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 3 placed
on the base of FIG. 1 to form an exemplary container according to
the invention, wherein the tamper evident lock base portion and the
tamper evident lock cover portion are aligned but not engaged;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 3 placed
on the base of FIG. 1 to form an exemplary container according to
the invention, wherein the tamper evident lock base portion and the
tamper evident lock cover portion are engaged but not crushed
together;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 3 placed
on the base of FIG. 1 to form an exemplary container according to
the invention, wherein the tamper evident lock base portion and the
tamper evident lock cover portion are crushed together;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 3 placed
on the base of FIG. 1 to form an exemplary container according to
the invention, wherein the tamper evident lock has been separated
from the container;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above the base of another
exemplary container according to the invention;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view from below the base of FIG.
11;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above the cover of
another exemplary container according to the invention;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view from below the cover of FIG.
13;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 13
positioned to be engaged with the base of FIG. 11;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 13 placed
on the base of FIG. 11 to form another exemplary container
according to the invention, wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion and the tamper evident lock cover portion are engaged but
not crushed together;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 13 placed
on the base of FIG. 11 to form another exemplary container
according to the invention, wherein the tamper evident lock base
portion and the tamper evident lock cover portion are crushed
together;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cover of FIG. 13 placed
on the base of FIG. 11 to form another exemplary container
according to the invention, wherein the tamper evident lock has
been separated from the container; and
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative container
according to the invention having a base and a cover placed on the
base, wherein the tamper evident lock base portion and the tamper
evident lock cover portion are engaged but not crushed
together.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the base 22 of an exemplary
container 20 according to the invention. The base 22 includes a
floor 30, side walls 31 integrally formed with and extending upward
from the floor 30 to a side wall top 32, and a base rim 33. In the
exemplary base 22, the floor 30 and side walls are approximately
circular, with a base rim 33 that is also approximately circular,
although this is not necessary.
[0036] The base 22 is preferably made using thermoforming methods,
from a suitable thermoformable material. For example, a container
for ready-to-eat foods might be formed of a thermoformable plastic
such as oriented polystyrene (OPS), talc-filled polypropylene
(TFPP), polypropylene (PP), high impact polystyrene (HIPS),
polyethylene terepthalate (PET), amorphous PET (APET), crystalline
polyethylene (CPET) polystyrene copolymer blends, styrene block
copolymer blends, and the like. The material forming the base 22 is
not necessarily homogeneous, but may be, for example, a laminate,
co-extruded material, or multilayer material.
[0037] The base 22 includes a tamper evident lock base portion 40.
The tamper evident lock base portion 40 preferably includes a lock
base tab 41, a lock base fracture portion 42, and a lock base
crushable dimple 44, although this is not necessary and other types
of lock base portions can be used. The lock base crushable dimple
44 preferably includes a lock base dimple wall 46 and a lock base
dimple central portion 48.
[0038] In the exemplary tamper evident lock base portion 40, the
lock base dimple central portion 48 is approximately planar and
square with rounded corners, and surrounded by lock base dimple
walls 46, forming a crushable dimple 44 that is approximately
square with rounded corners. However, this is not necessary, and
other shapes and configurations can be used resulting in a
crushable dimple 44 having almost any three-dimensional shape such
as a pyramid or cube.
[0039] The floor 30 of the base 22 includes a base floor central
portion 60, which preferably includes a base floor recess 61. The
base floor recess may be formed to collect liquids, for example
salad dressing or juices from meat, to keep at least some
separation from those liquids and the food contained in the base 22
and thereby preserve the texture, freshness, and other qualities of
the food that might otherwise deteriorate from continuous contact
between the liquid and food.
[0040] The base 22 can include base wall embossments 62, for
example on the side walls 31. Such base wall embossments may be
provided, for example, to improve the rigidity of the base side
walls 31, to provide a condensation channel for moisture within the
container 20, to provide a gripping surface on the base, or for
decorative purposes.
[0041] The base 22 can include a base inner engagement surface 63,
which can be used to form a seal between the base 22 and a
complementary engagement surface on a cover. The base inner
engagement surface 63 includes a base inner engagement surface
ridge 64, which can mate with a complementary trough on an
engagement surface on a cover.
[0042] The base rim 33 of the base 22 can include a base rim inner
wall 65, a base rim top surface 66, and a base rim outer wall 67. A
base rim outer flange 68 may be integrally formed with the base rim
outer wall 67. The base 22 can include a base handle portion 80,
for example as an integrally formed portion of the base rim outer
flange 68. Such a base handle portion 80 can be used, for example,
as a grip when placing a cover on the base 22 or when removing a
cover from the base 22.
[0043] The base 22 can include a base indicia 81, for example as an
integrally formed portion of a base handle portion 80. Such a base
indicia 81 can be used, for example, to indicate the direction in
which the base 22 should be moved when removing a cover from the
base 22.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base 22 of FIG. 1,
rotated approximately 180 degrees. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 2,
the base 22 can include base sealing threads 90. Each base sealing
thread 90 can be formed, for example, to engage with a
complementary sealing thread on a cover when the cover is placed on
the base and rotated relative to the base to fasten the cover on
the base.
[0045] Each base sealing thread 90 can include a base sealing
thread engagement wall 91 formed to engage with a complementary
sealing thread engagement wall on a cover. The base sealing thread
engagement wall 91 can include a taper or inclination, whereby a
cover placed on the base may be drawn increasingly tightly onto the
base when the cover is rotated relative to the base.
[0046] The base sealing thread 90 can include a forward limit wall
92 to engage with a complementary forward limit wall on a cover, to
provide a forward limit to rotation as a cover is rotated relative
to the base to fasten the cover on the base. One or more base
sealing threads 90 can also include a reverse limit wall 93 to
engage with a complementary reverse limit wall on a cover, to
prevent inadvertent rotation of a cover that has been fastened on
the base 22. Each base sealing thread 90 can include a base sealing
thread top wall 94.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above the cover 24 of an
exemplary container according to the invention. The cover 24
includes a cover ceiling 34, cover side walls 35 integrally formed
with and extending downward from the ceiling 34 to a cover side
wall bottom 36, and a cover rim 37. Like the base 22, the cover 24
is preferably made using thermoforming methods from a suitable
thermoformable material.
[0048] The cover 24 includes a tamper evident lock cover portion
50. The tamper evident lock cover portion 50 preferably includes a
lock cover tab 51, a lock cover tab fracture portion 52, and a lock
cover crushable dimple 54, although this is not necessary and other
types of lock cover portions can be used. The lock cover crushable
dimple 54 preferably includes a lock cover dimple wall 56 and a
lock cover dimple central portion 58.
[0049] The ceiling 34 of the cover 24 includes a cover ceiling
central portion 70, which preferably includes a cover ceiling
protrusion 71. The cover ceiling protrusion 71 can be used, for
example, to provide a separation between the cover ceiling and food
placed within the container 20.
[0050] The cover 24 can include cover wall embossments 72, for
example on the cover side walls 35. Such cover wall embossments may
be provided, for example, to improve the rigidity of the cover side
walls 35, to provide a condensation channel for moisture within the
container 20, to provide a gripping surface for the cover 24, or
for decorative purposes.
[0051] The cover rim 37 of the cover 24 can include a cover rim
outer wall 76. A cover rim outer flange 77 may be integrally formed
with the cover rim outer wall 76.
[0052] The cover 24 can include at least one cover handle portion
83, for example as an integrally formed portion of the cover rim
outer flange 77. Such a cover handle portion 83 can be used, for
example, as a grip when placing the cover 24 on the base 22 or when
removing the cover 24 from the base 22.
[0053] The cover 24 can also include at least one cover indicia 84,
for example as an integrally formed portion of a cover handle
portion 83. Such a cover indicia 84 can be used, for example, to
indicate the direction in which the cover should be moved when
removing the cover 24 from the base 22.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below the cover 24 of FIG.
3. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, the cover rim 37 of the cover
24 can include a cover rim inner wall 73. The cover rim 37 can
include a cover rim inner engagement surface 74 that mates with a
complementary base inner engagement surface 63 on a base 22. The
inner engagement surface 74 can also include a cover rim inner
engagement surface trough 75 mates with a complementary base inner
engagement surface ridge 64 on a base inner engagement surface 63
of a base 22. The cover rim 37 can also have a cover rim outer wall
76.
[0055] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4, the cover 24 can include
cover sealing threads 95 that engage with complementary sealing
threads 90 on a base 22 when the cover 24 is placed on the base 22
and rotated relative to the base to fasten the cover on the base.
Each cover sealing thread 95 preferably includes a cover sealing
thread engagement wall 96 to engage with a complementary base
sealing thread engagement wall 91 on a base 22. The cover sealing
thread engagement wall 96 can include a taper or inclination,
whereby the cover 24 is tightened on the base 22 when the cover is
placed on the base and rotated relative to the base.
[0056] One or more of the cover sealing threads 95 can include a
forward limit wall 97 to engage with a complementary base forward
limit wall 92 on a base 22, providing a forward limit to rotation
when the cover 24 is rotated relative to the base 22 to fasten the
cover on the base. One or more of the cover sealing threads 95 can
include a reverse limit wall 98 to engage with a complementary base
sealing thread reverse limit wall 93 on a base 22, inhibiting
reverse rotation of the cover 24 after it has been fastened on the
base 22. Each cover sealing thread 95 can have a cover sealing
thread bottom wall 99.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cover 24 positioned
above the base 22, with the cover 24 rotated to position the cover
sealing threads 95 of the cover 24 above the gaps between the base
sealing threads 90 of the base 22.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cover 24 placed on the
base 22 so that the base rim 33 engages with the cover rim 37,
thereby forming a container 20 surrounding a chamber 26. In FIG. 6,
the cover 24 is in the same rotational position (relative to the
base 22) as is shown in FIG. 5. When the cover 24 and the base 22
are at the rotational position shown in FIG. 6, the base sealing
thread engagement walls 91 of the base sealing threads 90 do not
engage with the cover sealing thread engagement walls 96 of the
cover sealing threads 95.
[0059] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the cover 24 placed on the
base 22 so that the base rim 33 engages with the cover rim 37,
thereby forming a container 20 surrounding a chamber 26. In FIG. 7,
the cover 24 has been rotated relative to the base 22, in a
direction opposite the arrow shown on the cover indicia 84, from
the rotational position of FIG. 6 until the cover sealing thread
forward limit walls 97 of the cover sealing threads 95 engage the
base sealing thread forward limit walls 92 of the base sealing
threads 90.
[0060] At the rotational position shown in FIG. 7, the base sealing
thread engagement walls 91 of the base sealing threads 90 engage
the cover sealing thread engagement walls 96 of the cover sealing
threads 95, thereby fastening the cover 24 on the base 22. The base
sealing thread engagement walls 91 of the base sealing threads 90
preferably include a taper or inclination relative to the cover
sealing thread engagement walls 96, whereby rotating the cover 24
relative to the base 22 presses the rim 37 of the cover 24 against
the rim 33 of the base 22, to tightly seal the cover 24 on the base
22.
[0061] At the rotational position shown in FIG. 7, a base sealing
thread reverse limit wall 93 of a base sealing thread 90 can engage
the cover sealing thread reverse limit wall 98 of a cover sealing
thread 95. This can inhibit reverse rotation of the cover 24 (in
the direction of the arrow shown in the cover indicia 84) and
further secure the cover 24 to the base 22. Engagement of the base
sealing thread reverse limit wall 93 with the cover sealing thread
reverse limit wall 98 can also provide an audible or tactile
"click" to help provide confirmation that the container 20 has been
properly closed.
[0062] At the rotational position shown in FIG. 7, the tamper
evident lock base portion 40 of the base 22 can align with the
tamper evident lock cover portion 50 of the cover 24. In this
rotational position, the crushable dimple 44 of the tamper evident
lock base portion 40 is preferably positioned to nest with the
crushable dimple 54 of the tamper evident lock cover portion
50.
[0063] FIG. 8 is also a perspective view of the cover 24 placed on
the base 22 so that the base rim 33 engages with the cover rim 37,
thereby forming a container 20 surrounding a chamber 26. In FIG. 8,
the cover 24 is in the same rotational position shown in FIG. 7
(relative to the base 22), and the relative positions of the cover
24 and the base 22 are generally the same as in FIG. 7. However, in
FIG. 8, the crushable dimple 44 of the tamper evident lock base
portion 40 is nested together with the crushable dimple 54, of the
tamper evident lock cover portion 50 to form an unsealed tamper
evident lock 38.
[0064] FIG. 9 is also a perspective view of the cover 24 placed on
the base 22 so that the base rim 33 engages with the cover rim 37,
thereby forming a container 20 surrounding a chamber 26. In FIG. 9,
the cover 24 is in the same rotational position shown in FIGS. 7-8
(relative to the base 22), and the relative positions of the cover
24 and the base 22 are generally the same as in FIGS. 7-8. However,
in FIG. 9, the crushable dimple 44 of the tamper evident lock base
portion 40 and the crushable dimple 54 of the tamper evident lock
cover portion 50 are nested together and crushed to fasten them
together and thereby form a sealed tamper evident lock 39.
[0065] The tamper evident lock base portion 40 and the tamper
evident lock cover portion 50 are preferably adapted be fastened
together to form a sealed tamper evident lock 39 having greater
strength and durability than the fracture strengths of the lock
base fracture portion 42 and the lock cover fracture portion 52.
This can help ensure that the tamper evident lock base portion 40
and the tamper evident lock cover portion 50 cannot be separated
without also breaking the lock base fracture portion 42 and/or the
lock cover fracture portion 52. Adapting the lock base fracture
portion 42 and the lock cover fracture portion 52 to have
relatively low fracture strength can also help ensure that a
consumer can easily break the lock base fracture portion 42 and the
lock cover fracture portion 52 in order to remove the sealed tamper
evident lock 39 from the container and thereby open the
container.
[0066] A container according to the invention preferably includes
means for providing an appropriate amount of tension between the
tamper evident lock base portion 40 and the tamper evident lock
cover portion 50 when the two are fastened together (with the cover
placed on the base to form a closed container). The tension is
preferably in an amount sufficient to help ensure that a fracture
in the cover or base fracture portion results in a visible
separation along any broken fracture portion. The tension is
preferably not so great that excessive numbers of fractures occur
accidentally or in the absence of any actual tampering.
[0067] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 9, in the container 20 the
tamper evident lock base portion 40 and the tamper evident lock
cover portion 50 include tabs that are adapted to have different
lengths. This is one means of providing tension between the tamper
evident lock base portion 40 and the tamper evident lock cover
portion 50, but not the only such means. For example, the tamper
evident lock base portion 40 or the tamper evident lock cover
portion 50 could include an elastic or pliable portion, or a raised
protrusion, a pliable or elastic member or portion, or other convex
structure could be placed between the tamper evident lock base
portion 40 and the tamper evident lock cover portion 50 when the
two are fastened together.
[0068] In the container 20 of FIG. 9, the sealed tamper evident
lock 39 inhibits any reverse rotation of the cover 24 (in the
direction of the arrow shown in the cover indicia 84) relative to
the base 22, thereby securing the cover 24 to the base 22. Further,
the sealed tamper evident lock 39 cannot easily be separated into
its tamper evident lock base portion 40 and tamper evident lock
cover portion 50 (to allow the cover 24 to be removed from the base
22) without breaking or damaging the lock base fracture portion 42
and/or the lock cover fracture portion 52. Thus, either the seller
or a prospective purchaser of a product, such as ready-to-eat food,
placed in the chamber 26 of the container 20 can inspect the sealed
tamper evident lock 39, the lock base fracture portion 42, and the
lock cover fracture portion 52 for indications of tampering before
the product is sold or consumed.
[0069] FIG. 10 is also a perspective view of the cover 24 placed on
the base 22 so that the base rim 33 engages with the cover rim 37,
thereby forming a container 20 surrounding a chamber 26. In FIG.
10, the cover 24 is in the same rotational position shown in FIGS.
7-9 (relative to the base 22), and the relative positions of the
cover 24 and the base 22 are generally the same as in FIGS. 7-9.
However, in FIG. 10, the sealed tamper evident lock 39 has been
separated from the base 22 along the lock base fracture portion 42
and separated from the cover 24 along the lock cover fracture
portion 52.
[0070] After removal of the sealed tamper evident lock 39, the
cover 24 can be rotated (relative to the base 22) in the direction
indicated by. the cover indicia 84 back to the rotational position
shown in FIG. 6, disengaging the cover sealing threads 95 from the
base sealing threads 90 to allow the cover 24 to be removed from
the base 22, thereby opening the chamber 26 to provide access to
the product stored therein. Advantageously, the container 20 is
reclosable by rotating the cover back from the rotational position
shown in FIG. 6 to the rotations position shown in FIGS. 7-10,
thereby engaging the cover sealing threads 95 with the base sealing
threads 90 to refasten the cover 24 on the base 22.
[0071] When removing the cover 24 from the base 22 by rotating the
cover 24 in the direction indicated by the cover indicia 84 back to
the rotational position of FIG. 6, rotational force may be
necessary to overcome the inhibition of reverse rotation resulting
from the engagement of the cover reverse limit wall 98 with the
base reverse limit wall 93. The magnitude of the necessary
rotational force can be adjusted in a variety of ways. For example,
the shapes or heights of the cover reverse limit wall 98 or of the
base reverse limit wall 93 (or both) can be adjusted. The number of
base sealing threads 90 that include a base reverse limit wall 93
or the number of cover sealing threads 95 that include a cover
reverse limit wall 98 can be adjusted. The pliability or thickness
of the materials used to form the cover reverse limit wall 98 or
the base reverse limit wall 93 (or both) can also be adjusted.
[0072] FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above the base 122 of
another exemplary container 120 according to the invention. Like
the base 22 and the cover 24 of the container 20, the base 122 is
preferably made using thermoforming methods from a suitable
thermoformable material of the types discussed above.
[0073] The base 122 includes a floor 130 having a central portion
131. The floor 130 can include floor side edges 132 with base side
walls 133 integrally formed with and extending upward from the
floor side edges 132 of the base floor 130. The floor 130 can have
a floor front edge 135, with a base front end wall 137 integrally
formed with and extending upward from the floor front edge 135 of
the base floor 130. The floor 130 can include a base floor rear
edge 138.
[0074] The base 122 preferably includes a tamper evident lock base
portion 40. The tamper evident lock base portion 40 can include a
lock base tab 41 integrally formed with and connected to the base
floor rear edge 138 by a lock base tab fracture portion 42. The
tamper evident lock base portion 40 can include two lock base
crushable dimples 44, each lock base crushable dimple 44 having a
lock base dimple wall 46 and a lock base dimple central portion 48.
The tamper evident base portion 40 preferably also includes a
convex tensioning protrusion 49 extending upward from the tamper
evident lock base portion 40.
[0075] The tamper evident lock base portion 40 may include an
adhesive-bearing surface 47, comprising any adhesive of the types
known in the art, although this is not required. The
adhesive-bearing surface 47 may include only one component of an
adhesive, such as an epoxy resin, for use with a surface bearing a
complementary component, such as an expoxy hardener. The
adhesive-bearing surface 47 may be formed of a material that melts
or becomes adhesive when subjected to heat, radio frequency energy,
or microwave radiation, including the thermoplastic forming the
base itself.
[0076] Each base side wall 133 can include an integrally formed
base side sealing slot 150. Each base side sealing slot 150
preferably includes a base side sealing slot engagement wall 152
formed to engage with a complementary side sealing ridge engagement
wall on a cover. The base side sealing slot engagement wall
preferably includes a taper or inclination whereby a cover is
tightened on the base 122 when the cover is engaged with the base
122.
[0077] Each base side sealing slot 150 can include a base side
sealing slot forward limit wall 153 formed to engage with a
complementary side sealing ridge forward limit wall on a cover, to
provide a forward limit as the cover is engaged on the base 122 to
fasten the cover on the base 122.
[0078] Each base side sealing slot 150 can also include a base side
sealing slot reverse limit wall 154 formed to engage with a
complementary side sealing ridge reverse limit wall on a cover, to
inhibit removal of a cover that has been fastened on the base
122.
[0079] Each base side sealing slot 150 can have a base side sealing
slot open end 155 adjacent to the side portions of the base floor
rear edge 138. Each base side sealing slot 150 can have a base side
sealing slot bottom wall 156.
[0080] The base front end wall 137 can include an integrally formed
base front sealing slot 157. The base front sealing slot 157
preferably includes a base front sealing slot engagement wall 158
formed to engage with a complementary front sealing ridge
engagement wall on a cover.
[0081] FIG. 12 is a perspective view from below the base 122 of
FIG. 11, providing additional illustration of the structure of the
base 122.
[0082] FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above a cover 124 formed
to engage with the base 122 of FIGS. 11-12 to form another
exemplary container 120 according to the invention. Like the base
122 of container 120 and the base 22 and the cover 24 of the
container 20, the cover 124 is preferably made from a suitable
thermoformable material using thermoforming methods.
[0083] The cover 124 can include a cover chamber ceiling 140 having
a cover chamber ceiling central portion 141 and cover chamber walls
142 integrally formed with and extending downward from the cover
chamber ceiling 140.
[0084] Cover side flanges 143 can be integrally formed with and
extend outward from the side portions of the cover chamber walls
142. Cover side rims 144 can be integrally formed with and extend
upward and outward from the cover side flanges 143.
[0085] A cover front flange 146 can be integrally formed with and
extend outward from the front portion of the cover chamber walls
142. A cover front rim 147 can be integrally formed with and
extends upward and outward from the cover front flange 146. A cover
rear flange 148 can be integrally formed with and extend outward
from the rear portion of the cover chamber walls 142 to a cover
rear edge 149.
[0086] The cover 124 preferably includes a tamper evident lock
cover portion 50. The tamper evident lock cover portion 50 can
include a lock cover tab 51 integrally formed with and connected to
the cover rear edge 149 by a lock cover tab fracture portion 52.
Each tamper evident lock cover portion 50 preferably includes two
lock cover crushable dimples 54, each lock cover crushable dimple
54 having a lock cover dimple wall 56 and a lock cover dimple
central portion 58.
[0087] Each cover side rim 144 can include an integrally formed
cover side sealing ridge 160 that is formed to be inserted into a
complementary side sealing slot 150 to fasten the cover 124 on a
base 122. Each cover side sealing ridge 160 can include a cover
side sealing ridge engagement wall 162 formed to engage with a
complementary base side sealing slot engagement wall 152 when the
cover side sealing ridge 160 is inserted into a base side sealing
slot 150. The cover side sealing ridge engagement wall 162
preferably includes a taper or inclination whereby the cover 124 is
tightened on the base 122 when the cover 124 is engaged with the
base 122.
[0088] Each cover side sealing ridge 160 can include a forward
limit wall 163 formed to engage with a complementary forward limit
wall 153 on a base side sealing slot 150, to provide a forward
limit to insertion as the cover side sealing ridge 160 is inserted
into the base side sealing slot 150.
[0089] Each cover side sealing ridge 160 can include a reverse
limit wall 164 formed to engage with a complementary reverse limit
wall 154 on a base side sealing slot 150. The reverse limit wall
164 may be located near the cover side sealing ridge rear end 165,
but this is not required.
[0090] Engagement of the cover reverse limit wall 164 with the
complementary base reverse limit wall 154 can help to inhibit
withdrawal of the cover side sealing ridge 160 from the base side
sealing slot 150, and thereby inhibit removal of the cover 124 from
the base 122 after the cover 124 has been fastened on the base 122.
Engagement of the cover reverse limit wall 164 with the
complementary base reverse limit wall 154 can also provide an
audible or tactile "click" to help provide confirmation that the
container 120 has been properly closed.
[0091] The cover front rim 147 can include a cover front sealing
ridge 167 formed to be inserted into a complementary base front
sealing slot 157. The cover front sealing ridge 167 can have a
cover front sealing ridge engagement wall 168 formed to engage with
a complementary base front sealing slot engagement wall 158 when
the cover front sealing ridge 167 is inserted into the base front
sealing slot 157 as the cover 124 is fastened on the base 122.
[0092] FIG. 14 is a perspective view from below the cover 124 of
FIG. 13, providing additional illustration of the structure of the
cover 124. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 14, each cover side
sealing ridge 160 may have a cover side sealing ridge bottom wall
166.
[0093] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 14, tamper evident lock cover
portion 50 may include an adhesive-bearing surface 57, comprising
any adhesive of the types known in the art, although this is not
required. The adhesive-bearing surface 57 may include only one
component of an adhesive, such as an epoxy resin, for use with a
surface bearing a complementary component, such as an epoxy
hardener. The adhesive-bearing surface 57 may be formed of a
material that melts or becomes adhesive when subjected to heat,
radio frequency energy, or microwave radiation, including the
thermoplastic forming the cover itself.
[0094] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cover 124 of FIGS.
13-14 and the base 122 of FIGS. 11-12, where the cover 124 is
positioned to be fastened on the base 122 by inserting the cover
side sealing ridges 160 into the open ends 155 of the base side
sealing slots 150.
[0095] As perhaps best shown in FIG. 15, the convex tensioning
protrusion 49 is preferably adapted to be placed between the tamper
evident lock base portion 40 and the tamper evident lock cover
portion 50 when the two are fastened together, as a means of
providing tension between the tamper evident lock base portion 40
and the tamper evident lock cover portion 50. As previously
discussed, this tension can help create a visible separation along
the lock base fracture portion 42 and/or the lock cover fracture
portion in the event of any tampering.
[0096] Other means for providing tension between the lock base
portion 40 and the lock cover portion 50 can also be used, alone or
in combination. For example, an elastic portion or a difference in
lengths between the lock base portion 40 and the lock cover portion
50 could be used to provide this tension. Further, the convex
tensioning protrusion 49 could have a different shape, a tensioning
protrusion could be provided on the lock cover portion 50 instead
of or in addition to a tensioning protrusion on the lock base
portion 40, or multiple tensioning protrusions could be used.
[0097] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the cover 124 of FIGS.
13-14 fastened on the base 122 of FIGS. 11-12 to form another
exemplary container 120 having a chamber 126. When the base 122 and
cover 124 are positioned as in FIG. 16, the cover side sealing
ridges 160 have been fully inserted into the base side sealing
slots 150, whereby the forward limit walls 163 of the cover 124
engage the forward limit walls 153 of the base 122 to prevent any
further insertion.
[0098] In this position, the cover side sealing ridge engagement
walls 162 engage the base side sealing slot engagement walls 152,
sealing the cover side rim 144 to the base side wall 133. Also in
this position, the cover front sealing ridge 167 is inserted into
the base front sealing slot 157, engaging the cover front sealing
ridge engagement wall 168 with the base front sealing slot
engagement wall 158 and sealing the cover front rim 147 to the base
front end wall 137.
[0099] In FIG. 16, the reverse limit walls 164 of the cover 124 are
engaged with the reverse limit walls 154 of the base 122, thereby
inhibiting removal of the cover side sealing ridges 160 from the
base side sealing slots 150 and inhibiting removal of the cover 124
from the base 122.
[0100] When the base 122 and cover 124 are positioned as in FIG.
16, the tamper evident lock base portion 40 and the tamper evident
lock cover portion 50 can be aligned, and the lock base crushable
dimple 44 and the lock cover crushable dimple 54 can be nested, as
shown in FIG. 16, to form an unsealed tamper evident lock 38.
[0101] Like FIG. 16, FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the cover 124
of FIGS. 13-14 placed on the base 122 of FIGS. 11-12 to form
another exemplary container 120 having a chamber 126. In FIG. 17,
however, the lock base dimples 44 of the tamper evident lock base
portion 40 and the lock base dimples 54 of the tamper evident lock
cover portion 50 have been nested and crushed together to form a
sealed tamper evident lock 39.
[0102] In the container 120 of FIG. 17, the sealed tamper evident
lock 39 inhibits any removal of the cover side sealing ridges 160
from the base side sealing slots 150, thereby inhibiting removal of
the cover 124 from the base 122. Further, the sealed tamper evident
lock 39 cannot easily be separated into its tamper evident lock
base portion 40 and tamper evident lock cover portion 50 (to allow
the cover 24 to be removed from the base 22) without breaking or
damaging the lock base fracture portion 42 and/or the lock cover
fracture portion 52. Thus, either the seller or a prospective
purchaser of a product, such as ready-to-eat food, placed in the
chamber 126 of the container 120 can inspect the sealed tamper
evident lock 39, the lock base fracture portion 42, and the lock
cover fracture portion 52 for indications of tampering before the
product is sold or consumed.
[0103] FIG. 18 is also a perspective view of the cover 124 of FIGS.
13-14 placed on the base 122 of FIGS. 11-12 to form another
exemplary container 120 surrounding a chamber 126. In FIG. 18, the
relative positions of the cover 124 and the base 122 are generally
the same as in FIGS. 16-17. However, in FIG. 18, the sealed tamper
evident lock 39 has been separated from the base 122 along the lock
base fracture portion 42 and separated from the cover 124 along the
lock cover fracture portion 52.
[0104] After removal of the sealed tamper evident lock 39, the
cover side sealing ridges 160 may be withdrawn from the base side
sealing slots 150, to disengage the cover side sealing ridge
engagement walls 162 from the base side sealing slot engagement
walls 152 and allow the cover 124 to be removed from the base 122,
thereby opening the chamber 126 to provide access to the product
stored therein. Advantageously, the container 120 is reclosable by
sliding the cover 124 back onto the base 122 to thereby fasten the
cover on the base.
[0105] When withdrawing the cover side sealing ridges 160 from the
base side sealing slots 150, to place the cover 124 and base 122 in
the position shown in FIG. 15, some degree of force may be
necessary to overcome the engagement of the cover side sealing
ridge reverse limit wall 164 with the base side sealing slot
reverse limit wall 154. The magnitude of the necessary force can be
adjusted in a variety of ways. For example, the shapes or heights
of the cover side sealing ridge reverse limit wall 164 or of the
base side sealing slot reverse limit wall 154 (or both), or the
number of base side sealing slot reverse limit walls 154 and cover
side sealing ridge reverse limits walls 164 can be adjusted. The
pliability or thickness of the materials used to form the base side
sealing slot reverse limit walls 154 and the cover side sealing
ridge reverse limit walls 164 can also be adjusted.
[0106] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative container
according to the invention, indicated generally at 170. The
container 170 has a base 172, similar to the base 122 of container
120 of FIGS. 11-12 and 15-18. The container 170 has a cover 174,
similar to the cover 124 of container 120 of FIGS. 13-18. Like the
base 122 and cover 124 of container 120 and the base 22 and cover
24 of container 20. the base 172 and cover 174 of container 170 are
preferably made using thermoforming methods from a suitable
thermoformable material.
[0107] Like the container 120 of FIG. 16, the container 170 of FIG.
19 includes an unsealed tamper evident lock 38 having a lock base
portion and a lock cover portion that are engaged but not crushed
together. The lock base portion and lock cover portion of the
unsealed tamper evident lock 38 may be crushed together, and
thereby fastened together, to form a sealed tamper evident lock 39.
The container 170 includes fracture portions 176, which can be
broken to remove the tamper evident lock from the container 170.
After the tamper evident lock has been removed from the container
170, the cover 174 may be separated from the base 172 to open the
container 170.
[0108] There are various possibilities with regard to alternative
embodiments of a container according to the invention.
[0109] Although the tamper evident locks of the exemplary
containers disclosed herein may include crushable dimples that may
be crushed together and thereby permanently fastened together,
other types of sealable tamper evident locks may be used. For
example, instead of or in addition to crushable dimples, a tamper
evident lock base portion bearing an adhesive material and/or a
tamper evident lock cover portion bearing an adhesive material
could be used. Similarly, a tamper evident lock base portion
bearing or comprising a first material and/or a tamper evident lock
cover portion bearing or comprising a second material could be
used, where the first material and the second material adhere when
pressed or contacted together. A tamper evident container according
to the invention could include a tamper evident lock base portion
and a tamper evident lock cover portion that are adapted to be
placed together and then fastened together using heat,
radio-frequency radiation, microwave radiation, or the like.
[0110] The tamper evident lock base portion and cover portion can
also be located in different positions. For example, the tamper
evident lock base portion and/or the tamper evident lock cover
portion may be integrally formed and located on the base rim and
cover rim, respectively. The tamper evident lock base portion
and/or the tamper evident lock cover portion may be surrounded by
fracture portions on a portion of the base and/or cover instead of
being placed on tabs attached to the base and cover by fracture
portions.
[0111] Although the tamper evident locks of the exemplary
containers disclosed herein may include one or more crushable
dimples having a specific shape or configuration, other shapes and
configurations may be used. For example, a greater number of
crushable dimples may be used. The crushable dimples may also be
located in different positions, for example crushable dimples may
be integrally formed and located on the base rim and cover rim. The
crushable dimples may be surrounded by fracture portions on a
portion of the base and/or cover instead of being placed on tabs
attached to the base and cover by fracture portions.
[0112] Although the exemplary containers disclosed herein show
tamper evident locks having a lock cover portion with a crushable
dimple that nests within a crushable dimple of a lock base portion,
other configurations can be used. For example, the lock base
portion and lock cover portion dimples could be reversed, with the
dimple of the lock base portion nesting within the dimple of a lock
cover portion. Similarly, the lock base portion and lock cover
portion could each include multiple crushable dimples or portions
of dimples, for example with a first pair of dimples having a base
dimple nesting in a cover dimple and a second pair of dimples
having a cover dimple nesting in a base dimple.
[0113] Although the fracture portions in the exemplary containers
disclosed herein are formed as perforations, other methods can be
used to form the fracture portions. For example, narrowed portions
of a tab, scored lines, sections made of thinner material, or
sections made of alternate materials having lesser strength or
rigidity can be used to form fracture portions.
[0114] The cover and base of a container according to the invention
can have various design features that are conventional in
thermoformed containers, for example side walls that slope inward
from the base rim to the base floor to facilitate removal of the
formed part from the mold and nestable stacking of a plurality of
bases. Similarly, the cover may have side walls that slope outward
from the ceiling to the cover rim to facilitate removal of the
formed part from the mold and allow nestable stacking of a
plurality of covers.
[0115] A container according to the invention can include materials
having any color or combination of colors, and these materials can
be opaque, translucent, or transparent, depending on the
application.
[0116] A container according to the invention can include a base
formed from a material of one color with a cover formed from a
material of a different color. For example, the cover could be
formed of a transparent and clear material, while the base could be
formed of an opaque and black material. By forming the cover from
clear material, a consumer can view the container's contents
without opening the container and thereby allowing heat to escape
or contaminants to enter. By forming the base of opaque black
material, the consumer will not ordinarily view moisture or excess
fat that may have collected at the bottom of the container.
[0117] Although a base and container according to the invention
disclosed herein includes a base side sealing slot and a cover side
sealing ridge, other means can be used to seal the cover to the
base to form a container according to the invention. For example,
the positions of the slot and the ridge could be reversed, whereby
the base side wall could include a ridge and the cover side rim
could include a slot. Similarly, the base side walls and cover side
rims could each include a combination of slots and ridges,
configured in a complementary fashion to form an interference fit
between the base and the cover. Further, although a specific
configuration of base side sealing slots and cover side sealing
ridges are described, a variety of other structures can be used to
form a seal or interference fit between the cover and the base,
such as a plurality of spaced interference projections and troughs,
formed edges, overlapping edges, and the like.
[0118] Although the exemplary containers include specific patterns
of floor, ceiling, and wall embossments, these embossments can be
formed in any pattern desired. Such embossments can be formed to
extend into the container, or they can be formed to extend outward
from the container. Floor, ceiling, or side wall embossments can be
used for ornamental purposes, and they can also be used to
strengthen and increase the rigidity of the structures on which
they appear, thereby allowing these structures to be manufactured
using thinner material than could otherwise be used.
[0119] Floor recesses or protrusions in particular can provide a
number of benefits. For example, floor embossments can provide a
surface upon which food can be placed within the container. Floor
embossments extending upward from the floor can support the food
away from any drippings from sauce, condensation, or grease from
the food, and thereby help to maintain the freshness of the food.
Alternatively, floor recesses extending downward from the floor can
provide wells for collection of the fluids emitted from the food
product.
[0120] Either the base or the cover or both can include one or more
vents configured to allow steam to escape from a container
according to the invention. Excess steam built up in such a
container can saturate the food product stored within, rendering
the food product soggy. Accordingly, vents can be provided in a
suitable size and shape to allow excess moisture to escape while
preserving the temperature inside the container.
[0121] Either the base or the cover or both can include one or more
integrally formed dividing walls extending into the chamber. Such
dividing walls can be used, for example, to subdivide the container
into separate sections for separate foods or components of foods,
such as a pasta and a sauce, to prevent mixture of the contents of
the separate sections, for example if the container is turned on
its side or inverted.
[0122] The floor of the base may be a convex shape such that the
centermost point of the floor extends outward from the chamber,
thereby effectively increasing the volume of the container.
Alternatively, the floor may have a concave shape such that the
center point of the floor extends upward into the chamber, thereby
effectively decreasing the volume of the container. Forming the
floor in a concave or convex shape can have the advantage of
collecting fluid emitted from a food product, either along the
periphery of the floor (when the center portion of the floor
extends upward into the container) or at the center point of floor
(when the center portion of the floor extends downward from the
container). When fluid is collected in a center point of the floor,
a well can be placed at the center point to collect the fluid and
maintain the fluid separate from the food product placed within the
container. Forming the floor in a concave shape can also provide an
indentation for improved stackability of multiple containers
according to the invention, so that the cover of a first container
can nest into an indentation in the floor of the base of a second
container stacked on top of the first container.
[0123] It is understood that the invention is not confined to the
particular embodiments set forth herein as illustrative, but
embraces all such forms thereof as come within the scope of the
following claims.
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